'Meet the Press' transcript for Nov. 4, 2007. Fred Thompson, Tom Brokaw

MSNBC ^ | Nov. 4, 2007 | Tim Russert

[FocusNexus]

MR. TIM RUSSERT: Our issues this Sunday: Our Meet the Candidates 2008 series continues, an exclusive interview with Republican Fred Thompson. You've seen him as an actor on the big screen and small screen. He's been a lawyer and a lobbyist, and he was United States senator from Tennessee for eight years. And this morning he tells us why he should be the Republican nominee for president in 2008.

Then we'll be joined by former NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw. The author of "The Greatest Generation" has a new book about another generation, "Boom! Voices of the Sixties."

But first, this Tuesday marks the 60th anniversary of MEET THE PRESS, the longest running program in the history of television. We'll mark that milestone throughout this month with important and timely interviews, as well as a look back at the 60 years of MEET THE PRESS. Next week, joining us live for an exclusive interview, Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama.

And today with us in his first Sunday morning interview since becoming a candidate, Republican presidential hopeful former Senator Fred Thompson.

Welcome.

FMR. SEN. FRED THOMPSON (R-TN): Thank you.

[acoulterfan]

Not one word about illegal immigration, drivers licenses for illegals, sanctuary cities or securing the border as promised.

They were more concerned about his health!

[WFTR]

I didn't see the interview, but from the transcript, I think he did well. His answer on abortion will hurt him a little with the most vocal pro-lifers, but he may end up winning some of the moderate votes that otherwise would have gone to Giuliani. His answer on gun control will help him with the Second Amendment voters. He's still not my first choice, but Thompson supporters should be pleased today.

Bill

[Blue Highway]

He did well I thought after reading the transcript, but I can see the MSM making a huge deal over the guy in his campaign that had charges of cocaine smuggling 25+ years ago. They are not going to let that one go unnoticed, mark my words.

[SuziQ]

I can see the MSM making a huge deal over the guy in his campaign that had charges of cocaine smuggling 25+ years ago. They are not going to let that one go unnoticed, mark my words.

I don't think they're going to want to go there, since Roger Clinton had his own problems with cocaine, and Her Heinous's brothers have been involved in some shady dealings. They are a LOT closer to the Dem candidate than some guy who allows Fred to use his airplane from time to time.

[ml/nj]

Not that I watch these shows anymore, but this must have been the lowest rated MTP ever. The NBC affiliate in NYC showed the NYC Marathon today.

ML/NJ

[CHUCKfromCAL]

After reading the transcript I realized that Russert and Brokaw had no problems asking Thompson hard questions.

Compare these questions with the questions the Democrat presidential candidates usually get. Look at the whining from Hillary and her staff after just one or two hard questions during the Democrat Debate.

I am really tired of the double standard of the drive by media.

[Freee-dame]

As you know, we’ve lost 3,834 kids

I am very offended at Tim calling our service men and women "kids". I thought that I heard him say this.

[at bay]

run fred run!

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

What do you expect?

They’re all CFR.