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 6 of 6)
76. GOD NO, NOT ANOTHER ACTOR..PLEEEEZE
BETTE HANSEN at 12:44PM on Mar 23rd 2007
77. Ladies and gentleman.......The president of the United States FRED THOMPSON. Gor for it Fred.
Bob Horn at 2:11PM on Mar 23rd 2007
78. With all respect due someone who appears oblivious to what's going on around him, I must inform him that Mr Libby was not convicted of outing V. Plame, but of LYING about it. Duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Larry at 7:54AM on Mar 23rd 2007
79. Well, I liked Fred but Law and Order got to me with the shots at the president. Right or wrong he is our president and due respect. No one seems to remember that word. I'm done with that show. Libby....U-Hoo he lied and should be punished like everyone else. I think he was a scape goat for the VP and Carl but still he lied. Now if I did that would I get a pardon?? Think people, THINK! What's happening here??
Gaylopenn1 at 5:42PM on Mar 26th 2007
80. The whole leak to the papers was Bush's idea,passed on to Cheney and then told to Libby who was told to leak it to the press. Libby is just the fall guy for Bush and Cheney. Yes he should get a pardon. Maybe he did lie but who told him to? Hummmmmmmmmmm bet i know.
sharon nieft at 5:18PM on Mar 26th 2007
81. Shaking people down for funds for Libby will endear him to the Isreali lobby. Back when he was in the Senate did his duaghter not OD in the place they lived on Cocaine? Not too damn smart was it.
John at 8:44PM on Mar 27th 2007
82. Libby will be pardoned when bush leaves office. This was all planned out, for Libby taking the heat. There's a nice sum of money, stashed in an off shore account in Libby's name.
This administration has been a joke since the start. The few republican American's left are still Brain Dead. If bush admitted to every wrong doing, you would still forgive him. bush and the rest, laugh at you every day, being so lame and blind.
David Rosenberg at 12:08PM on Mar 28th 2007
83. Cheney & Rove should have been tried right along with Libby and been awarded with a harsher sentence since they are the real criminals
Stan Gizewski at 1:31PM on Jun 5th 2007
84. Just a reminder why you shouldn't vote for Fred, he dated the country singer Lorrie Morgan in the 80's also during a time that she was going through serious drug issues, dumped Fred because she said "It was very hard being politically correct for me all the time," gee, I wonder what she meant by that.
djpaustin at 5:05PM on Jun 5th 2007
85. Well I'm sure glad Mr Thompson is ready to show his real colors this early.
We the people of America have lost control of our Goverment and possibly our freedom before their done. Can't you see people all see how this works they split us with lies, both sides. Then tyey tell us that it's for our own good and we should be happy the look out for us. Does anyone in Washington work for the people or do they just spend time the to get richer?
Do you see their kids fighting in these usless wars all around the world? No these wars only help make the rich richer. War is big money for those with money.
Rember no matter who wins the same people still are in control. Sure you set and tell each other my side isn't stealing less then your side. But what they do we would all be locked up for. And I mean both sides. Rember as the Blacks said in the 60's don't trust the man.
Steven at 8:15PM on Jun 5th 2007