OK, lots of people have taken pot shots at Jeri Thompson, calling her, among other things, a trophy wife. The standard reply to this rather sexist accusation is that, no, Jeri Thompson is no bimbo, in fact, she's a lawyer. Dozens of stories have run in major news outlets propagating this claim. Fox, the AP, the Chicago Tribune, London's The Independent, The National Review, the USA Today, even (gasp!) some writers at this very blog. It seems that everybody in the media was eager to defend Jeri's credentials as a smart, competent woman by stating that she practiced law.
The problem? Jeri Thompson isn't a lawyer. Where does this revelation come to us from? Well, the Washington Post got it straight from Thompson campaign spokeswoman Linda Rozett. Money quote:
"Jeri Thompson does not have a law degree."As Nixguy pointed out earlier, Fred himself also chose this day to clear up the confusion by chatting with the National Review's Byron York. Funny that. Especially after all the ink that has been spilled assuring the public that Mrs. Thompson is a practicing lawyer. Guess it just slipped Fred's and Jeri's mind to correct the record until now.
Reader Comments ( Page 3 of 4)
31. I agree the only candidate I see as president would be Hillary Clinton. Fred Thompson is a likeable guy but don't think of him as presidential material.
If Al Gore ran, he would be tops on my list. But, I think Hillary would do an excellent job as president. She is smart, she is articulate, she is healthy, she understands womens issues, and she understands world issues. She would bring out country back to where it was 8 years ago. Out of debt and respected by other countries.
Barbara at 2:59PM on Aug 7th 2007
32. I think there is something to be said about country that will support a man who practices the very religious belief that want to do away with "stupid Americans", and a woman who, along with her husband, brought nothing but shame and disgrace to this country. Who cares what Jeri Thompson's occupation is, she's not running. Fred is the man for the job!
Marie at 3:14PM on Aug 7th 2007
33. I have said before, and I will say again, a 65 year old man with a 65 year old wife thinks like a 65 year old. A 65 year old man with a 40 year old wife and two younger children thinks like a 30 to 45 year old parent. He has a better chance to understand the trials of life. He has a closer connection to those of us who do the work, have the jobs, and pay the taxes. He has grown children, so he can understand the trouble of sending his adult child to fight and die in war. He has, at least, a better chance of understanding the pain and suffering that families experience when one member is forced by work (of any type) to spend hours, days, weeks, months, and even years away from their loved ones. I am a soldier, a father, a husband, a brother, a son, and a friend. I most likely will not get to vote for the President (they never got our absentee ballots to us in any of the last three elections, why should this one be different). This man may be capable of understanding what I am experiencing. Can anyone name another candidate that can?
pnutstd at 3:34PM on Aug 7th 2007
34. Excuse me, "Muslins?" If you can't use our language correctly don't post your errors for all to see.
More importantly, get used to having Fred in the oval office.
Ted
Ted at 3:44PM on Aug 7th 2007
35. Let's see...we've had a Republican congress since 1995 (until this year), a Republican White House since 2000 and a Republican chosen Supreme Court since 2005. That's worked out pretty well so far, heh?
It's been rather funny watching all the current candidates that were staunch Bush supporters for six years running from the sinking White House as quickly as possible.
Hutch at 3:39PM on Aug 7th 2007
36. I agree with Alma. Fred Thompson would be a superior president and I am none too keen on any of the rest of them running. Jeri is over 18 so Mr Thompson has done nothing wrong being married to someone younger. Who the heck cares what if any career she has? It isn't any of our businees. That has nothing to do with how the country is run If that is the ugliest thing the Democrats can drag up about this man they must be desperate. As a life long Republican, I can only hope Fred gets the nomination.
nonny2t at 3:47PM on Aug 7th 2007
37. Fred and Jeri or Bill and Hillary? What a contrast! A one time great senator and an intellent wife or a playboy and wife who lets him play. A very smart politician or an opportuntist. A person with firm convictions or a "give you what you want person."
Dr Gerald Holloway at 3:52PM on Aug 7th 2007
38. Amazing how the tabloids have turned ones eyes off the real subject matter and onto the controversy of propaganda. how shallow minded one must be not to recognize all this as a prop to take away the issues each candidate stands on and believes in and replace them with gossip. Do any of you REALLY know where Mr Thompson stands on imigration, Al queta, foreign policies? How about some trivia, JFK- BAy of Pigs which was the initial driving force that started the VIet nam era, LBJ- took social security out of a separated governemt fund and into the general fund of the US gov. Everyone screamed at Bush for trying to simply put it back into its original state of being. Bottom line, if you tell the lie long enough someone will listen. If your more interested in Thompsons wife than the issues he stands on then by all means, Please don't vote. otherwise, get with the program, pay attention to the issues of the candidates and not the glory of the tabloid gossip.
Ric Herndon at 4:10PM on Aug 7th 2007
39. # 24 Bob - Here is a news flash for you..the Republicans have adulterers too..Newt: three wives and affairs. Giulaini: three wives and affairs..Thompson is also rumored to have multiple affairs. I am tired of the Republican party claiming the moral high ground on "family values" it is a joke!!
Remember: The GOP picked this fight years ago with Reagan and Bush 41 screaming about values...afraid not all of your precious Republicans are monks, Bob...
Bill Clinton an adulterer? You betcha..and he was wrong...but he never claimed to be holier than thou either..that is YOUR party
David S. at 5:40PM on Aug 7th 2007
40. I believe a woman for president would be wonderful, but Hilary is NOT that woman! My 1st choice for president in 2008 would be Mitt Romney, a man who believes and practices good marriage vows - 1 wife for life. I am not a Morman so that is not my reason for my choice. I feel it is impossible to separate morality in your daily life from morality in politcal life. Let's have sme one who practices what he or she practices.
Maxine at 5:59PM on Aug 7th 2007
41. I'm with Janice Brown. Securityfirst and foremost. It really don't matter who you vote for, if you vote, you are simply voting for the 38000 paid lobbyist living in DC.
dwright at 6:11PM on Aug 7th 2007
42. If you read through these comments you realize that there are issues with both political parties. Have you ever noticed that Congress get's low ratings in the polls, but everyone seems to think that the Congressmen from their state are doing a good job. We are out of touch. My solution, vote 'em all out. If we could replace all the political lifers, then maybe we can get some accountability back in the system. Just a thought. As for the presidential race, I would say Thompson is the best bet. Mainly because he is probably less likely to be beholden to the party or lobbyists, so he has the opportunity to do what is right.
Jeff at 7:31AM on Aug 8th 2007
43. As an Independent, I would not support Fred Thompson. If he avoids all the debates, what would we know about him. He is a known highly paid corporate lobbyist and he defends this, but hasn't explained why.
rokum2001 at 11:41PM on Aug 7th 2007
44. Unlike some folks who have posted here, I actually DO look at the spouse somewhat in making my decision. True, most of my decision is based off of the individual running for office, but in the case of the President, the First Lady does play an important role. I wasn't particularly fond of John Kerry, but one of the many nails in his coffin was his very wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry. She seemed very snobby and rude and not the sort we'd want to deal with diplomatic affairs or charity events or whatever. Sure she's rich, but she's witch with a capital "B"! I don't know much about Jeri Thompson, but I do know she hasn't struck a nerve yet, so I'd still consider Old Fred as a possibility!
Observer at 1:02AM on Aug 8th 2007
45. Fred a "real man"? The only real man running for president in 2008 in either party is ... a woman!
holywoodog at 7:22AM on Aug 8th 2007