US News is reporting today on Fred Thompson's public advocacy for Scooter Libby:
In a move that suggests he's not worried that backing convicted perjurer Lewis "Scooter" Libby will hurt his presidential chances, former Sen. Fred Thompson is planning to host several fundraisers to help the former Cheney aide pay his legal fees.That's one way to put it. You might also say that Fred Thompson isn't actually running for president although he is the focus of an intense draft movement. One might also note that many many Republicans are in favor of a pardon and that this position actually helps Thompson's chances if he were running.
But it's also clear that Fred Thompson is closely connected to Libby and considers the whole thing a travesty from top to bottom. and has gone on record for a pardon of Libby. So whether or not he runs for president is clearly incidental. The previous AP report makes it clear that no decision will come sooner than this summer in any case.
What I wonder is that if Fred Thompson, with his newfound popularity and threat to enter the race, can move the other GOP candidates toward his position on a pardon for Libby. Giuliani is reportedly cool to the idea of a pardon and McCain has stayed mum.
Reader Comments ( Page 5 of 6)
61. In answer to Dee's diatribe about Clinton not being in jail for lying about a sexual affair, I would like to remind Dee that Clinton was Impeached for it.Thats punishment enough! Does Dee remember all of these hypocritical Conservative bastards running before the TV cameras for their 15 minutes of fame postulating; "it isn't about his sexual escapade, it is about his lying about it". Making Dee understand is an impossibility, because like most of these hypocritical Conservatives, Dee lacks the mental capability to think things out, she or he is like all the like minded conservatives are; "all talk, but no walk" Get a life Dee! or go back to school and learn how to write! Joe B.
Joe Beltran at 10:31PM on Mar 15th 2007
62. Fred Thompson obviously needs a "Law and Order" script to sound smart because he certainly can't do it on his own.
jensenro at 6:38PM on Mar 16th 2007
63. What's all fuss?
Wasn't Bill Clinton and his gang let off the hook?
IF the Liberal's can't run with the BIG dog's, they better stay the hell on the porch!
Charlotte at 2:59PM on Mar 16th 2007
64. Here we go again, beating those dead horses with a 20 foot long pole. What in the hell is wrong with people today? Politicians can all be painted with the same brush. They all speak out of both sides of their mouth at the same time and you can always tell when a politician is lying, when you see the mouth move. First it was Pes. Geo. H.W. Bush, now it is Pres. Bill Clinton, and Pres. Geo. W. Bush. Including in this is Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, ad nauseau/infiniti. It is all about GREED, MONEY, POWER and not necessarily in that order. So, there are two sides of each fence. Why don't all you kibitzers, drop your pants/undies and hang it out and say "Screw the world" and be done with it. Remember it takes at least two to have an argument and the one who yells the loudest does not necessarily win. Also, two can keep a secret as long as one is dead. Watch out Libby!!!! All you people remind me of kids arguing over who got the most candy or the large piece.
Yes, in my opinion, Libby is the scapegoat for Pres. Geo. W. Bush, VP Cheney, Karl Rove, et al.
Also, Pres. Geo. W. Bush will, if one or more of the above are not "ridden out of town on a rail". will grant Libby a full pardon just prior to leaving office in 2008. He owes!!!! Remember that the bigger they are the harder they fall.
Yes to whom ever asked. I do believe in the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the 4th of July.
Wayne at 2:43AM on Mar 17th 2007
65. if we back up a bit and remember that besides the power that comes, private citizens who server at the pleasure of the president do so at a cost to their private and financial lives. we ether say they are doing a good jog or we are trying to throw them in jail. the price soon is going to be a lesser qualified applicant who is going to rake in as much as possible in as short of time possible.
patrick boole at 2:50PM on Mar 16th 2007
66.
If Mr. Libby does have to go to jail FOR lying. YES, Mr. Clinton should be beside him! Punish enough? Why not ask Mr. Clinton, if he's thankful he was impeached, instead of, looking between bar's.
Charlotte at 2:57PM on Mar 16th 2007
67. Look, Scooter Libby was convicted on four out of five counts. He's GUILTY. Fred Thompson comes in and says he should be pardoned. Did anyone asked his wife what she thought? Hey, Fred, where have you been? This is not the movies, get in the real world and stop pandering to the loony right-wing. This administration is scandal ridden from top to bottom. 08 can't come too soon. My advice to Fred is to think about 2012. Jerry
Jerry at 3:06PM on Mar 16th 2007
68. All lies are not the same?
Please! Mr. Clinton may not have caused the death of anyone; over his "personal affair", while in the White House. But it can be easily assumed, that he caused his daughter, (not including the American people and his WIFE) alot of pain!!
Charlotte at 3:17PM on Mar 16th 2007
69. You have got to be kidding, Libby, Rove, Armitage are just a few involved in this travesty. Libby quite probably is a "fall guy" not unlike many others before him (i.e. Oliver North). This is a continuation of the citizens of this country handcuffed to have an administration that cannot be trust to guide, protect and lookout for the better interest of a nation. This is top to bottom an abyss of the self indulging abuse of power and insider accessability. No wonder terrorism is such a threat!!!
Grady at 6:26PM on Mar 16th 2007
70. Scooter Libby is pretty clearly a fall guy for the real culprit, Cheney. Perhaps it is time to go to the center of the issue, and consider the consistent lying of our President and Vice President. Just think for a moment..Bush can't run again, but he has had considerable experience with vice. Let us imagine the Cheney will run for the top job, with Bush his choice as VP. Scary, isn't it.
Tom Edgar at 4:42PM on Mar 16th 2007
71. Charlotte, a lie is a lie is a lie. Clinton lied, Bush lied, they all lie. What are you trying to say that lieing is like being just a little bit pregnant. Either you are or your aren't. Ever hear the story bout te two gays who lived to gether? One day one of them went out for awhile. He came back, had forgotten and left his house key inside. He calls out to his companion to open the door. His companion answers: "I can't, I'm busy". The one on the outside answers back in his very femine tone of voice: "Well, if you are busy, how can ou say you are?". There is a message there for you. Who is doing what to whom in our government?
Wayne at 2:57AM on Mar 17th 2007
72. Scooter is going to need pocket money at Camp Fed ??!!?? Don't they have rules about this in prison ??!!?? Isn't his new boyfriend supposed to pick up The Tab for sundries ??!!??
But just who started all this silly nonsense about Thompson running for prez ??!!?? Don't Be Silly !! No one would ever vore for a B Grade Actor - - -
Oh !! Wait A Sec !! They Did !! On second thought , "Been There , Done That , Seen It ( and it wasn't pretty !! ) !!!!!
Brian Napier at 9:36PM on Mar 19th 2007
73. I think this is a disgraces for all those who want to help a criminals who would put a human being life in danger because of their ego’s, It goes to all those who was involved in this case. I do not understand why so many rushes to save someone who jeopardized someone family, friend, and worker can quickly get support and help they need. For instance, Rove who should be fired in my opinion, but President Bush rushes to support and save him. What about the peoples, who still suffer before and after the effects of Katrina, He left them there to suffers and I must say as an American I have lost faith in everything that we stand for. I may not know much since I am still young but judging by how thing are now. I can only predicts what will happen to the future of all American, It hurts me to know that the someone who suffers from heart wrenching pain, From the Soldier, and to anyone who lost something or someone they care for, why isn’t their life important as Libby, Rove, or any President Bush’s friends.
American did not vote Bush in the white house so he could protect and serve to those who he considers friends. American votes him in to protect and serve all under the nations.
JML84 at 11:28AM on Apr 17th 2007
74. THE LEFT ALWAYS SEEMS TO FORGET THIER SKELETONS? IF LIBBY GET JAIL TIME SANDY BURGLER WHO STOLE CLASSIFIED MATERIAL TO HIDE EEVIDENCE OF YOUR PRICE CHARMING SLICK WILLIES INCOMPETENCE THEN SANDY SHOULD ALSO GET JAIL. STILL WAITING ON HIS TAKING A LIE DETECTOR HE PROMISED??/ GET OVER IT
BAT at 4:42PM on Mar 22nd 2007
75. ONE CROOK TAKING CARE OF ANOTHER ONE.
BETTE HANSEN at 7:01PM on Mar 22nd 2007