Thompson Makes a Pitch(Ex-senator and actor considers joining race for presidency.)

Orange County Register ^ | JEFF OVERLEY and MARTIN WISCKOL

[kellynla]

NEWPORT BEACH - Fred D. Thompson, a former senator and lobbyist known best for his television acting roles, went prime-time Friday, telling 400 members of a venerable GOP business group that a host of challenges face the country and will require sacrifice to overcome.

The appearance before the Lincoln Club of Orange County was Thompson's first major speech since saying he would mull a bid for the Oval Office. In the address at Newport Beach's Balboa Bay Club, he laced discussion of entitlement reform, Iraq, nuclear proliferation, trade policy and immigration with a call for optimism.

"The problems we have should not depress us at all," he cautioned. "We are able to control them."

He warned against an isolationist foreign policy and called for spreading democracy by promoting free markets and the rule of law.

[kellynla]

“Ready 4 Freddy”

[Racehorse]

Tired of being “Ready 4 Freddy.”

Jump the broom, Fred, get er done!

[Mojave]

Jump the broom, Fred, get er done!

I think Fred is waiting for Giluiani to finish hanging himself.

[Iowamerican]

Enough foreplay Fred. My checkbook is open and ready to give.

I want Phresident Thompson.

[Valin]

Initial Reports Of And Reaction To The Senator Fred Thompson Speech To The Orange County (CA) Lincoln Club
Initial reports and reaction to the speech of former Senator Fred Thompson to the Orange County (CA) Lincoln Club come from the Orange County (CA) Register, the Brody File, and The Hotline.

http://race42008.com/2007/05/05/initial-reports-of-and-reaction-to-the-senator-fred-thompson-speech-to-the-orange-county-ca-lincoln-club/

I agree with the general consensus in these reports - that the speech was solid but unspectacular. It could have been more focused and impassioned, especially given the recent high expectations for Senator Thompson as a potential 2008 presidential candidate.

As a substantive matter, I would only add that the Senator Thompson positive reference to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was a natural - given the California venue and their shared background as politicians and actors - but a bit more homework perhaps should have been done given how unpopular Arnold has become among Golden State Republicans, as he increasingly governs like and appeases Democrats (who run both bodies of the state legislature); I would imagine that the audience (which I am personally familiar with) was probably a bit uncomfortable with this part of the speech.

As a procedural matter, I think the commentary that Senator Thompson needed to be somewhat restrained given his lack of a formal candidacy makes sense. But as Speaker Newt Gingrich has shown recently, remarks focused on specific policy problems and solutions can still inspire while avoiding most of the political quicksand, which is what Senator Thompson will need to do until he is ready to declare himself a candidate.

[kellynla]

What many folks don’t know is that Fred Thompson HATES to campaign; he will wait as long as possible to “throw his hat in the ring.” But run he will. And he will be the next POTUS. You can take that to the bank. Of course I am a little biased since we are fellow University of Memphis alumni.
GO TIGERS! ;-]

[sergeantdave]

“...called for spreading democracy by promoting free markets and the rule of law.”

A good start would be dismantling the federal fascist bureaucratic state in this country, with the exception of that part involved in national security. Where does Thompson stand on ridding us of this Marxist monster?

How in blazes we allow an unelected bureaucracy the power to write law, enforce that law and judge that law in administrative courts is beyond my comprehension. This illegal set-up is deleterious and damaging to a democratic representative republic.

An unaccountable bureaucracy writing and enforcing law was a primary trait in totalitarian states such as soviet Russia and fascist Germany. It’s also SOP in the UN under its Marxist soft law model.

[taxcontrol]

Fred, as soon as you announce I will send $100. Multiply that by all the conservatives that will support you, big donations and small, and you will have an overnight war chest.

[Biblebelter]

I was somewhat disappointed in his delivery of the speech more than any of its substance. I am rooting for him because he seems to be far and away a better choice than any of the other candidates in either party. I think he spoke way too fast. There are enough fast talking politicians in this race. If he is an actor who can take directions, then he needs to have a slowed down relaxed delivery like that other actor who became President. As for motivation, he needs to believe it is his destiny to become President, and when he makes an appearance he should be able to communicate that he has no self-doubts about his ability to lead the free world. Reagan was an actor who was very much himself. In terms of style, he was confident without being arrogant, he was relaxed and relaxed those he spoke to. Thompson needs to slow down and relax, believe it is his destiny to become President, not worry, and enjoy the ride. There are people who are very hungry for confident leadership rather than political tap dancers like Mitt and Rudy. I do not expect him to be another Reagan, but as a fellow actor he needs to go school on what Reagan was able to communicate beyond sheer substance and ideology.

[kellynla]

Were you there?

[Biblebelter]

No, it was on C-Span live.

[WVNan]

Gee, I didn't know Fred was a Memphis State grad. Kool. But Kelly, there is this nagging little voice inside that keeps saying "careful, Fred may not be right for this job." I can't put my finger on what it is. I read his speech and found it unconvincing. Maybe the delivery was good. It's sort of the reverse with Bush. When you read his speeches they are stunning in content, but he is ridiculed as a dumb clod because of his delivery. So, I guess it comes down to which is more important, content or delivery.

I'm taking a hard look at Romney and Thompson over the next few months before making up my mind. I predicted that Romney would be the next president a long time ago. He has his faults too, but my sense is that he can overcome them. Nobody is going to be perfect, so I will vote for the man that has the most qualifications for the job.

[WVNan]

The man WHO has the most qualifications. Sheesh.

[kellynla]

Unless Fred is caught in bed with a live boy or a dead girl;
he will be the next POTUS.

And you can take that to the bank!

Semper Fi,
Kelly

[Aria]

i thought he seemed slightly nervous as first - he flubbed a word or two: “i’ll never remember” when he meant I’ll ALWAYS remember..or I’ll never FORGET.

This was his first, I think, speech as a national candidate. I think the style will improve I hope. The important part is he has the substance of it down - because that’s who he is.

[montag813]

Is there video of this speech?

[kellynla]

Is there video of this speech?

C-SPAM is rebroadcasting the speech tomorrow 6:30PM ET

[stopem]

Good morning Nan!
Exellent post!

[Politicalmom]

PING!

Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

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