Posted on 09/07/2007 11:23:06 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Des Moines, Iowa - Fred Thompson hit the campaign trail Thursday, telling supporters he's the Republican running for president who can best sell a traditional-values, limited-government and strong-defense message to mainstream America.
A few hundred supporters gathered at the Polk County Convention complex. With the exception of a few shout-outs and applause, their reaction wasn't as overwhelming as it was warm and approving.
In his speech - the first since announcing he'd seek the GOP nomination for president - Thomp son said that "the American people have opened up a door of opportunity" for him, and he promised to campaign on "the same common-sense, conservative beliefs" he held when he served in the Senate.
"I am not here today because I had a lifelong ambition to hold the office of the presidency, nor do I think that I have all the answers for the problems that face this country," Thompson said. "I am a man who loves his country, who is concerned about her future and knows that in the next year it's going to require strong leadership."
In the few hours since his announcement, Thompson has found support for his candidacy.
Since its official launch Wednesday night, Thompson's campaign has raised more than $300,000 in Internet contributions as 110,000 people watched a video of his announcement.
Many in the audience Thursday said they had committed to Thompson before hearing him speak. And while some insisted that it was his record as a senator that sold them, others said they were wooed by his persona as a television actor or by what they saw as his similarities to President Reagan, who also had been an actor.
"I kind of fell in love with Mr. Thompson on the TV screen," said Caleb Christine, 26, a factory worker and Army reservist who served in Iraq. "I'm a definite 'Law & Order' fan."
Christine said he first became curious about Thomp son as a political figure when Thompson helped John Roberts, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, win Senate confirmation.
"So all of my knowledge is pretty recent about him. But once I started reading more about him and studying more about him, I really just fell in love with the politics he's got, how confident he is and how straightforward he is with the public," he said.
Thompson indicated his support for continuing the war, saying, "If we show weakness and division, we will pay a heavy price for it in the future."
He spoke of how imperative it was to secure the nation's borders against illegal immigrants. He promised to nominate only the sort of federal judges who would strictly interpret the Constitution. He declared, "We still get our basic rights from God and not government."
“...my offense was toward the musical group and frankly anyone who can’t see that is either looking for an argument or...well, you can figure out the alternatives. If only more FReepers were as sensitive about northerners, who no one seems to mind bashing, as if we’re all vile scum, and didn’t get so worked up about imagined insults. I loathe the regionalism around here—I’m an American, always have been, no ethnic or regional hyphenate—and wish those who rightly berate hyphenate-Americans would see themselves as something more than “southerners” as a means of distinguishing themselves from northerners, who never describe themselves that way in my experience (we’re Americans).”
“HUGE AGENDA”
“I’ve ducked nothing. You’re just as ignorant AS a duck. So waddle off, “Natalie” (cute handle—hate the war much?).”
So lets recap. You say that Reagan Dems and Thompson Dems would have totally different mindsets, but when asked why you just duck out of the thread.
Is there any reason why you can not or will not elaborate on this?
Because right now you’re just not coming off very politely at all.
I don't care. I explained myself twice. If you don't understand, really, what's the point?
I also explained WHY I "ducked out". Your attempt to draw me back in is the height of rudeness.
Have a great weekend.
“I don’t care. I explained myself twice.”
No, you didn’t.
_Why_ do they have different mindsets?
“Just because” doesn’t cut it.
You are a great American. ;o)
Thank you!
Someone I've never met doesn't like my answer on a message board.
I'll live.
“I’ll live.”
That’s more punishment then I could ever dish out to anyone.
Height of rudeness?
You’ve proved yourself to be an ass.
Thank you so much, JK.
I will forever be in your debt.
“Because right now you’re just not coming off very politely at all.”
Wonder who said that...
Bye.
Spoken like a lady--just as before.
You really need to think about your life, lady. Just please, stop doing it on my time.
Your tagline says it all about you.
Still have no friends?
I have plenty of friends.
How about you?
LOL at your tagline!
I have more of a life than I want. ;o)
Again...how about you?
I am at work watching the floor before wakeups--what's your excuse?
Forget it, I don't care about you. Have a good weekend.
LOL!
You continued it when I was done.
Face it...you like me. lol
New Tagline.
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