Posted on 05/04/2007 2:11:37 PM PDT by Josh Painter
Former Sen. Fred Thompson's potential presidential bid gets kicked up a notch Friday when the "Law & Order" actor delivers a high-profile speech in the heart of Ronald Reagan country just one day after 10 Republicans held their first presidential debate...
"He is speaking to a special group and he has a special message for them," said Thompson spokesman Mark Corallo of the former senator's Friday speech to the Lincoln Club of Orange County.
"It's sort of the granddaddy of the Republican activist groups. They are the ones who launched Ronald Reagan in 1968. He wants to talk about where we are and where we could be," Corallo added.
Even though Thompson's top backer on Capitol Hill does not expect him to get into the presidential race until the early summer, the former senator is expected to use his Friday speech to cast himself as a potentially formidable candidate.
Thompson may touch on issues including entitlement reform, government competence, federalism and nuclear proliferation...
Thompson's supporters see him as someone whose opposition to abortion rights and other conservative social positions will make him more acceptable to GOP primary voters than the party's current front-runner, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani...
According to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, only 53 percent of Republicans said they are satisfied with their current candidates.
"I do believe that if we don't nominate someone like him, I'm afraid we will lose the presidential campaign of 2008," said Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., Thompson's top cheerleader on Capitol Hill.
"Giuliani could do it," said Wamp, referring to winning the general election. "But I don't believe he could win our nomination. I think very few people can do both, win the nomination and then reach out to the center, without changing as people."
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
“I will enforce the immigration laws, secure the ports & borders, fine employers who hire illegals, deport all illegal aliens and WIN the WOT!”
Are you listening Senator?
“Ready 4 Freddy”
Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference
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If Fred throw in his hat I will volunteer to help, RFR!!!
On another FDT thread earlier today, it was claimed he may announce late this month or in June. Apparently his contract for Law & Order is up after the last season episode on May 18th (? exact date), and he then has an HBO appearance in a film around the 29th. Once these are over he'll be clear to announce without the laws governing 'equal time' applying.
I downloaded his interview with Don & Roma here on Chicago's WLS Talk Radio, off of one of our FR threads. Great interview, showing his sense of humor. When Don introduced him as an movie and television actor, former attorney, and U S Senator, Fred responded with "what you're saying is I can't hold a job".
Ha! so what he's saying is he's not a Democrat.
Hey, that's a great take on his comeback. I wish I could watch his speech tonight on CSPAN, but it's way too late for me. I'll check the I-net tomorrow to see if video is posted.
Too late for me as well but CSPAN rebroadcasts it's programing. I'd rather watch it on the tele than my computer.
I don’t think the movie is a factor. HBO says they will show the movie whether he runs or not. It will be multiple showings over several weeks, and they say he is heavily costumed for his small part.
That's good to know. Maybe the announcement will come sooner, rather than later; especially with the showing last night of the two 'front runners'.
...and they say he is heavily costumed for his small part.
I'd guess! Like maybe a wig, beard and somehow making him appear a lot shorter? U S Grant was not a tall man, and he had a head of hair. FDT's hairline looks like mine (only he has a little more on top than I do). What I don't get is, the Wounded Knee massacre (which the movie is about, I understand) occurred in 1890. Grant wasn't president in 1890, Benjamin Harrison was. Go figure.
Go ahead and declare, Fred. I’ve got a check with your name on it.
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