Transcript of Fred Thompson on The Glenn Beck Program

Glenn Beck Program ^ | 12/11/2007

[Reagan Man]

Beck is a Rooty supporter, just like Hannity.

Not a total waste of time for Fred, but damn close.

[lesser_satan]

Beck is a Rooty supporter, just like Hannity.

Really? I figured he'd be in the tank for Mitt.

[RockinRight]

I disagree, I thought he answered them well in the format and time allocation given.

[Beagle8U]

“The only thing I can disagree with is the 15% jump in tax rate from making more than $50K as an individual and $100K as a family. Doesn’t seem very fair. But hey, that’s still less than I pay now. So, of course I’d support it.”

I think Fred’s plan increases the standard deductions to the point that its far better than anything we have now.

For both single and families.

[prairiebreeze]

You mean, similar to the effect your posts have on me?

[sand88]

All my hopes for the future of our Republic rest with Fred Thompson.

I strongly support Fred. I went to his site yesterday and donated more money. I feel Fred will surprise everyone. He clearly shows an serious understanding of the concept of limited government and a deep reverence of our Constitution. I pray enough real conservatives open their eyes to the RINOs and push them aside. Huck is by far the biggest fraud running on the GOP side. He should make any rational person repulsed by his far left record.

[SJackson]

I don’t see much confusion while reading the above. Made sense to me.

I agree. Fred has an odd delivery though. I would have expected an actor to excel at delivery, instead Fred seems to be stronger on content.

[Reagan Man]

This past spring-summer I had a cross town drive for several months and got to listen to Beck for the first time. He sured came off like an enthusiastic Giuliani backer.

[TLI]

I heard the interview this morning, and I sort of felt like on several questions, Thompson really didn’t seem to grasp what Glenn was asking.

I know Glenn can be sort of cryptic and leading in his questions, but in particular, Fred seemed to dodge most of Glenn’s questions regarding foreign and corporate erosion of our sovereignity, or simply didn’t understand the question.

Which ones? In reading the transcript Glen's questions were answered just as accurately as they were asked. What did you not understand?

[perfect_rovian_storm]

I don’t believe it works that way. I believe that only the income above the 10% cutoff point is charged at the higher rate.

[RockinRight]

Incorrect. Only the portion over $100,000 is 25%. So it would be $10,000.25, not $25,000.

[ArrogantBustard]

That makes a whole lot more sense.

[untrained skeptic]

I know Glenn can be sort of cryptic and leading in his questions, but in particular, Fred seemed to dodge most of Glenn’s questions regarding foreign and corporate erosion of our sovereignity, or simply didn’t understand the question.

You expect a small government, states rights conservative, to respond to accusations that our Federal government is allowing or encouraging erosion of our sovereignty?

Usually those telling conspiracy theories about evil corporations are trying to justify more government intrusion and control, not less.

The best way to maintain our independence through the federal government is a strong economy and a strong military, and Fred has addressed those points. The best way to have a strong economy is reduce taxes and reduce interference by our government.

[Beagle8U]

“Family brings home $100,001. Tax bill = $25,000.25; they keep $74,999.75.”

Not correct. The 25% only kicks in for the adjusted gross earnings over 100K. The first 100K is still taxed at 10%.

[kevkrom]

Family brings home precisely $100K. Tax bill = $10K; they keep $90K. Family brings home $100,001. Tax bill = $25,000.25; they keep $74,999.75.

I agree it came out confusing on the show... but reading the details on Fred's site, it's a two-tier progressive income tax -- the family in the scenario is taxed 10% on the first $100k (after standard deductions/exemptions), and then 25% on everything over that. It's not 25% on everything if they make over the threshold, it's just 25% on everything over the threshold.

[SJackson]

It's also not a flat tax. It's a very steep "progressive" tax...Family brings home precisely $100K. Tax bill = $10K; they keep $90K...Family brings home $100,001. Tax bill = $25,000.25; they keep $74,999.75

It's certainly a progressive rather than a flat tax, though flatter and without deductions, much like Reagan's changes.

Your example is wrong, there's no tax on the first $25,000 (standard deduction), 10% on the next $100m, 25% over that. Your example, taxes would be $7,500 10% of the $60m over the exemption, not $25m.

The plan was initially developed by the House of Representatives Republican Study Committee. And obviously it's only a portion of proposed reform, which includes lowered corporate rates, elimination of the AMT, 15% capital gains and repeal of the death tax, since the option of using the old system still exists.

[donnab]

Made sense to me too. One thing everyone has to remember is that the interview was 15 minutes long. Not a whole lot of substance to be gotten in that short of a time, especially when Glenn tends to ramble in his question asking. One would think by now Glenn would be more time conscious if he was actually looking for substance.

[SJackson]

Sorry, forgot the $3,500 personal exemptions.

Married couple at $100,000 pays $6,800, not $7,500; with two children $6,100