Fred Thompson is expected to announce his foray into presidential politics next month. David Broder reports on some of what Fred's agenda will be; national security, sane fiscal management, lower taxes and the absurd costs of entitlement programs. All red meat for the conservative base. There's more to come when he finally declares.
Thompson knows how D.C. works and he knows that he can build some bridges across the aisle and make things happen if given the opportunity:
"Nobody in Congress or on either side in the presidential race wants to deal with it," Thompson said. "So we just rock along and try to maintain the status quo. Republicans say keep the tax cuts; Democrats say keep the entitlements. And we become a less unified country in the process, with a tax code that has become an unholy mess, and all we do is tinker around the edges."
Thompson readily concedes that he does not know "where all those chips are going to fall" when he starts challenging members of various interest groups to look beyond their individual agendas and weigh the sacrifices that could ensure a better future for their children.
Washington needs to be shaken up and the American people know quite well this is true as Congress now has one of the lowest approval ratings ever recorded. (Nancy Pelosi has surely led them...right into the tank).
Thompson can freely attack the House and Senate--and by extension Senators Obama, Clinton and McCain -- with impunity while also coming off as critical of the President on his liberal spending policies. It's a win-win for Fred. One wonders what direction the Clinton machine will hit Thompson from should they win the nomination, but it won't be easy as Thompson has the likability factor working for him and it will take a lot to erode that.
The moment Fred jumps in, the race narrows down to Rudy Giuliani and Fred, with McCain and Romney falling by the wayside. The real former NYC DA and the one who played him on TV. That's an interesting choice when juxtaposed with the choices on the Democratic side.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 2)
1. I doubt that Romney would fall to the wayside once Thompson gets in the race. Mitt has some really great economic policies(the best on the field), and is well aware of that.
Guy in a Suit at 2:02PM on Aug 16th 2007
2. Anyone who can read people realize The Romney Folks, are candy actors looking like the perfect folks. They have spent enough money to retire in heaven forever, so it must be "Lookie Me" they are after, both He and Ann. The country comes second to "Lookie Me" with them. Ann upstages him and blossoms whereever she can. Talk about a co-presidency or maybe a forever wonderful first lady libber.
Fred has been looked at aplenty. He does not need that.
He has been watching abuse of power and "little people be damned" politics all of his adult life. He knows all the Congressional players by their first name and there never has been a goal he has ever missed.
Give me a man with a great wife like Jeri and I know he is a hoss. Fred is a team of hosses.
Walk away from the Romney candy dish and go with a man, a real man.
Rudy is no slouch but he does not have the "every- body's fella" image. Rudy might take care of his folks around the eastern seaboard and forget the rest of us folks. Fred loves us all.
Don Jones
MyManFred.com
Don Jones at 2:58PM on Aug 16th 2007
3. I think before y'all jump on the Mitt-Express to Wishful Thinkin' Land, you should dig a little deeper into the mess he left in the "Commonwealth" of Massachusetts. What a wonderful job he did there! And let's not talk about his disingenuous, flip-floping brand of politics...Don't be fooled by the camera-friendly looks.
Fred Thompson has stuck to his guns on the key issues in the true right GOP fashion. Straight-shooting is what this country needs to get us back on track.
Let's go with the man who can get us there...Vote for Fred!
Harbinger at 4:10PM on Aug 16th 2007
4. So, Romney is leading in the two first primary states (by a lot) and he's going to fall by the wayside? Really? Fred is too lazy to even campaign! I predict Fred will get a bounce when he announces and then implode in the first debate he participates in. I challenge anyone to show me a speach from Thompson (as a politician, not an actor) that is any good. Everything I've seen from him has been painful to watch. His style may play in the south but will go nowhere with voters elsewhere in the country.
D
Deaconblue at 4:53PM on Aug 16th 2007
5. It will be hard to unite the country from the right or left. But at least Fred Thompson seems willing to try.
Steve Bonomo at 6:30PM on Aug 16th 2007
6. A team of Hosses? That is funny as hell.
Hitch him up for a one way trip to the glue factory..
Manfred at 7:34PM on Aug 16th 2007
7. Regardless of what you think about the current administration, the burden for payment of the bill will be borne by the next several generations. Regardless of whom gets elected, he/she will either inherit the problem and try to do something to mitigate it, or will ignore it and carry us and our children deeper into the hole. Calm, thoughtful foresight, and a long-term plan is the only way out of this mess. If you would vote for Ronald Reagan now, your only choice at the moment is Fred Thompson. If you would vote for Richard M. Nixon now, your only choice is Hillary Rodham Clinton. If you would vote for Jimmy Carter now, your only choice is Barak Obama.
Bruce at 8:34PM on Aug 16th 2007
8. Hey Bruce....what if I voted for Adlei Stevenson...what do I do now??? Ron Paul??
Manfred at 12:38AM on Aug 17th 2007
9. Fred's message of Federalism will resonate with the public... drawing a sharp line between what the states should be doing vs. what happens federally... and when it comes to security... he knows Border Security is National Security... you can't have one without the other... and when he gets the nomination... he'll steamroll over Hillary... who as recently as today is still running against George W. Bush! Somebody should tell her he's not running in anymore elections. He won them all and gets to go have a library now. As far as Fred is concerned... the worst his critics can say about him is he's an empty suit (what ever that's supposed to mean), his wife is young and beautiful, and he had a successful acting career. Oh yes... don't forget the Ron Paul CFR Talking points... but since everybody and their mother is a member of the CFR I don't think that will hurt him much. Go Fred - Beat Hillary...
http://www.fredstates.com
FRedStates.com at 3:32AM on Aug 17th 2007
10. The fact is, Fred Thompson is the only one out there worth voting for. Holding back has been the smartest thing he could do. The rest of the "bunch" have been busy making fools out of themselves. As for me, my vote is with Fred!
Ann von Fossen at 1:31PM on Aug 17th 2007
11. hey manfred-your glue factory comment says a ton about you,and not in a positive way.could you be a hosses a**!
william jenkis at 2:47PM on Aug 17th 2007
12. I have a difficult time voting for either party, because they BOTH suck!!! When the Republicans are in office, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. However, when the Democrats get in office, EVERYBODY gets poorer!! The only saving grace why I am voting Democratic this year is the fact that the Republicans want to control our lives. They want to force their religious extreme beliefs on us. Case and point. Abortion. Their reasoning is "We don't believe in it, so we don't do it. And since we don't do it, we'll be DAMN if we let you do it." They are worse than the TALIBAN!
bigdaddyle at 4:37PM on Aug 17th 2007
13. Is Fred Thompson the Republican savior? Is he the new Ronald Reagan? The similarties are obvious. Both are outstanding speakers and both are Hollywood actors. Fred Thompson also has the same likability factor as Reagan. He like Reagan also looks very presidential. Sorry but John Edwards just does not look like a President. He looks like a lawyer. I mean come on does Mrs. Edwards look or act like a first lady. At least Thompson's wife is hot.
The first offerings of Fred's campaign stands are impressive. He might just be the moderate who is able to work with both parties to solve problems. Raise taxes and cut spending. Ummmmmm..... Wow, it sounds so crazy it might just work. He won't make many friends on either side with that strategy.
Winning the next election is more about not screwing up than in what you offer. Right now Hillary has screwed up the least. Edwards, his wife and Obama lead the pack with Rudy's family following close behind.
Fred has a good message, has the experience in Congress, looks the part, and is an outstanding speaker but will that be enough? Who knows, six months ago, I thought McCain was a shoe in. Three months ago I thought Obama would beat Hillary. A month ago I thought Rudy would be the right's nomination and win the general election against Hillary because he would win New York. Now with Fred Thompson getting in to the mix, I'm not sure. Maybe Gore will jump in and shake the left and Hillary's future as well.
The important think to remember is Fred's wife, SHE'S HOT. That might be enough to swwwwwwwwinnnnnnng my vote.
Clay at 4:37PM on Aug 17th 2007
14. I know people don't want to discuss it, but what about Thompson's health? He was campaigning in IOWA today and he looked terrible. He has obviously lost a lot of weight and just does not look healthy. I know he has (had) some type of lymphoma, which is serious. Especially if he has the kind that has no real cure. A man in his mid-60's with any kind of chronic (and potentially fatal) illness is of concern.
Thompson will have to explain it if he is to jump into the race.
David S. at 9:24PM on Aug 17th 2007
15. you know its bad enough you guys are pushing someone who isn't even a candidate but to ignore one of the most positive and smart candidate is just wrong. for godsakes this guy is an actor. wat the hell more do i need to say??? what message has fred thompson preeched? he hasn't even been in a single debate??? wow u guys are desperate.
you guys want tax cuts from republican? well u wont get it unless u vote for Ron Paul. at least he wants to get rid of the IRS, who cannot show any written law stating that we have to pay them each year. there is no one else that has ever suggested to get rid of IRS.
This is a true candidate and one that should be looked at. please vote wisely. check out ur candidates before they buy u out. Vote RON PAUL 2008.
kenisthaman2005 at 10:39PM on Aug 17th 2007