Thompson delays filing as campaign ramps up

The Politico ^

[Sub-Driver]

Thompson delays filing as campaign ramps up

By: Mike Allen Jul 14, 2007 02:36 PM EST Fred Thompson Democrats say Thompson's 'testing the waters' is becoming a charade aimed at ducking financial disclosure. Photo by AP

He has collected millions of dollars. Aides go to work every day in a secret suite of offices in McLean, Va. He has policy briefings. He is preparing for nationally televised Republican debates. He just named a communications director and a political director.

But yet, Fred Thompson still says he’s not sure he’s going to run for president.

The “Law & Order” actor and former U.S. senator from Tennessee is delaying his formal entry into the race in part because his current status makes him less of a target and lets other candidates continue to get chewed up. “We’re in no hurry,” one close adviser said mischievously.

But there’s another big reason. If he were to formalize his candidacy beyond its current “testing the waters” status, Friends of Fred Thompson Inc. would have to reveal its contributions and expenses this week.

Thompson’s aides say they will not file such a report, and the Democratic National Committee plans to argue aggressively in coming days that he should. Democratic aides argue that Thompson could be violating campaign finance laws by “ducking” a full filing.

Filing as a candidate also triggers other legal requirements, including personal financial disclosure.

[mnehring]

But yet, Fred Thompson still says he’s not sure he’s going to run for president.

Actually, Fred said he is keeping his powder dry.
Ever hear of 'don't fire until you see the white's of their eyes.

[xcamel]

Ankle biters...

[Freee-dame]

Democratic aides argue that Thompson could be violating campaign finance laws by “ducking” a full filing

Everything that a Republican does will be attacked by Dems. They love the words "may" and "could." It allows them to make up any scenario that they want and then get the DBM to publicize it.

[kinoxi]

Decisiveness is a requirement in this terror environment.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

Just. Do. It.

[Cowboy Bob]

Fred Thompson Democrats say Thompson's 'testing the waters' is becoming a charade aimed at ducking financial disclosure.

I guess "Fred Thompson Democrats" are nothing like "Reagan Democrats?" :0(

[GregB]

Run Fred Run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
www.iamwithfred.com

[Sender]

Fred told Hannity on the radio that he would announce “within the time frame you mentioned” when Hannity asked about a decision in the next month.

[southernnorthcarolina]

Let the others complain. It’s half a year before the first caucuses and primaries, and almost 16 months before Election Day.

Seems to me it’s a case of the other candidates starting with undue haste, rather than Fred being slow.

[Taking Congress back in 2010]

Wasn’t he originally going to announce on the 4th of July?

[Petronski]

That was an unfounded rumor.

[doc1019]

I’m beginning to believe that Fred is scared he might actually win!

[Always Right]

If this were the case, why didn’t Hillary have to start filing 6 years ago? She played the charade game for a long time.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

As far as I know it is not illegal to drag your feet in deciding whether or not to make an official run for president. The liberals are the ones who went all regulation crazy. Too bad for them that they didn't think of delaying their official entries.

Okay so Fred is to blame for some of those rules. Still, if he hasn't decided he hasn't decided.

[Sonny M]

I like Fred, and I am backing him, but lets call a spade a spade, he has made a mockery of the campaign laws (which I kind of like) and pretty much exposed these laws as being a bogus sham.

There is not a thing any other candidate or party can do, but watch as he pretty much makes his own rules while embarrasing the current campaign laws.

[Roccus]

Specious argument. Once he files, he must disclose everything contributed anyway.

[mtbopfuyn]

Seems to me it’s a case of the other candidates starting with undue haste, rather than Fred being slow.

Yep. Frankly, I'm already bored with the '08 race.

[Reagan Man]

Fred`s still making news and pissing off Democrats.

Good for him.

Run Fred run.

[panzer_grey]

From a strategy standpoint......why bother?

He is doing fine as an "undeclared" candidate.

[maine-iac7]

Seems to me it’s a case of the other candidates starting with undue haste, rather than Fred being slow. <./i>

Got that right!

Good grief, congressmen only serve two years to begin with - and spend most of that time campaigning. They should have their pay docked for every hour they're out campaigning instead of that they were 'hired' to do.

THAT's what needs to be disclosed - how much time campaigning versus doing their job - we have a right to see THOSE figures

[Quix]

HERE’S A GOOD POLL TO FREEP AT READER’S DIGEST

HTTP://WWW.RD.COM/ELECTION

You rate the candidates on 9 Presidential traits.

Let’s sock it to em.

[Gritty]

[BfloGuy]

Decisiveness is a requirement in this terror environment.

Very true. Thompson is showing decisiveness by not caving in to calls to declare before the time is right.

Next slam?

[vetsvette]

So, he’s playing the game better than the Breck Girl or the Communist With Fat Legs — tough!

[kinoxi]

Next slam? WTF are you talking about?

[Iam1ru1-2]

"Everything that a Republican does will be attacked by Dems. They love the words "may" and "could." It allows them to make up any scenario that they want and then get the DBM to publicize it."

But a demonrat prez can lie under oath at a grand jury trial, and the demonrats say...."So what?" He can even redfine words like.....IS with impunity, without criticism from the Drive-By-Media. Nay, with absolute approval by the DBM. Or how about a fake papers about the current president by the then reigning king of DBM Dan Blather? The DBM response? Nothing fishy here.....move along.

[stylin19a]

there’s no there, there. he really doesn’t need to make a decision before October.
When he finally files, he has to disclose retroactively to 06/04/07.

[richardtavor]

this ass is full of horse sh*t. Some people just need to stfu. NONSTORY, who cares what this diseased person pontificates.

[Clara Lou]

But yet, Fred Thompson still says he’s not sure he’s going to run for president.
A lie. So much for Politico.

[huckfillary]

What’s the problem here? If he intends to run, which he does, he’ll announce at a time which he considers most advantageous. He’s not going to announce at the time we want him to. If there’s a method to his madness, it’s to show everyone, friend and foe alike, that he’s his own man, and he’ll announce when he’s damn good and ready. He’s a pro, and he’s playing in the big leagues, which none of us has ever done. Let’s face it, we Freepers are all armchair politicians without the benefit of the inside information to which he is privy. He’s playing his cards as best as he knows how, and I trust his wisdom and ability in this matter of which most of us have only minimal insight.

So my advice to all of you, as much as I respect every Freeper, just chill !! Fred Thompson will announce when he’s ready, will take the nomination in a walk, and will crush the Clintonistas without breaking a sweat.

Huckfillary

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Decisiveness is a requirement in this terror environment.

The people who are whining about Fred not officially entering the race aren't going to support him anyway.

Those that are behind Fred knows EXACTLY what he's doing: Running an unprecedented political campaign.

You are, indeed, witnessing the future of presidential campaigning.

[Theresawithanh]

Fred has done nothing of the sort! While I would like him to declare, he is violating no rules, except the rule that you should have declared your candidacy immediately after the results for election 2006 were in the books. As a previous poster has said, we're a little less than 7 months out from the first primary, and 16 months out from the general election.

[kinoxi]

I’m witnessing something. Time will tell.

[Politicalmom]

Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

WARNING: If you want to join, please be aware that this ping list is EXTREMELY active.

[GBA]

FDT is showing himself to be the kind of man who does things his way and on his schedule. He said he doesn't like campaigning in a traditional way and he's not being traditional so far. (I loved that Michael Moore slap down!)He said that campaigns starting way too early and he's taking his time in announcing one way or the other.

In the mean time, everyone is shooting at him with all they have, building his name recognition even more. Other candidates are doing all they can to get the slightest bit of recognition, but Fred doesn't have to spend a dime. What's not to like? I hope he runs!

[kinoxi]

You’re responding as if I have attacked the guy.

[Natty Bumppo@frontier.net]

Decisiveness is a requirement in this terror environment

Operational Deception (OPDEC), Psychological Operations (PSYOPS), and Operational Security (OPSEC) are far more important. ;-)

[GregB]

It’s been kind of like preseason!!!!

[DesScorp]

“Decisiveness is a requirement in this terror environment.”

True, but patience, strategy, and cunning are essential as well. And Fred seems to have that.

[Gideon T. Reader]

“Decisiveness is a requirement in this terror environment.”

And so is the intelligent and feather touch use of strategy, tactics and guile.
Repeated blows of a sledge hammer have their place but cleverness and charm are valuable tools as well, when properly utilized.

[upsdriver]

“Next slam? WTF are you talking about?”

You must not have gotten the memo. Anything short of slobbering wet kisses for Thompson will be considered a slam. :)

[kinoxi]

You sound like something out of Sun Tzu’s phraseology. I just want to know where this guy concretely stands.

[RepublitarianRoger]

Oh, those mischievous close advisors, always up to no good.

[kinoxi]

Yeah, I’ll be sure to include extra drool next time ;)

[cpanter]

The decision was made several months ago to run so I guess he has the needed requirement for the terror environment. The only negative about the whole thing is the spin treatment the media is giving it. Kinda like your post I guess. He’ll officially announce soon just as he promised. I don’t see the big deal really.

[upsdriver]

LOL!! There you go! Now you’re getting with the program!

[SergeiRachmaninov]

I’m beginning to believe that Fred is scared he might actually win!

I think we are all seeing how unpleasant and unfortunate it is for a careless, unserious, and unprepared man to run for the WH like it was student body president.

You might wake up there like in a bad dream.

[SoldierDad]

Seems to me it’s a case of the other candidates starting with undue haste, rather than Fred being slow.

Exactly right!!! This campaign cycle started much earlier than in prior Presidential elections as a way for the dims to be able to constantly hammer republicans over the war in Iraq. Fred Thompson's doing the right thing by waiting.

[kinoxi]

If he’s running, he’s running. If he’s not, he’s not. His ‘deferment strategy’ doesn’t play well with me so far.