Posted on 09/01/2008 1:06:41 PM PDT by Zman
The Weekly Standard
Fred Thompson in 2012? Laying the groundwork for another presidential run. by Stephen F. Hayes 08/29/2008 3:00:00 AM
IF FRED THOMPSON was the latest entrant in the 2008 Republican primary process, he may well be the earliest in 2012. Not that he will admit it.
Over the course of the past two years, there has been much talk that the Republican party lacks a strong conservative leader. In May 2007, Thompson offered himself up and, on the issues, made a plausible case that he could be the guy. But his late entry to the presidential race, together with his refusal to do the things that successful Republican candidates have done for years, meant that he disappeared from the presidential scene almost as quickly as he'd arrived.
In an interview Thursday, Thompson acknowledged the mistakes of his campaign and conceded that his refusal to play the game the way it's been played for years cost him. "I've gone my own way--sometimes to my own detriment," Thompson says. "I discounted and underestimated the rulebook--Mitt and the Huck were raising money, forming PACs..." he says, his voice trailing off.
Consider those lessons learned. After a break following his withdrawal from the race last winter, Thompson has quietly begun doing exactly the kind of things he did not do enough of last time: solidifying relationships with grassroots conservatives, campaigning for Republicans in local races, and raising money.
Now, in conjunction with the Republican National Convention next week in Minnesota, he is launching FredPac, a political action committee devoted to electing conservatives committed to "first principles." And he is working on a book that sounds a lot like the kind of book a would-be presidential candidate might write. "I'm going to be talking about my views," he said in an interview Thursday. "And it is going to be partly autobiographical--kind of an only-in-America story."
So what's the bottom line? "Where does all of that lead me--in terms of my country, my family, where we need to go?" he asks. Then he answers his own question. "Some of it will depend, of course, on who wins the election."
It's certainly quacking, but is it a duck? Thompson downplayed any suggestion that these moves portend another run for the presidency. "It doesn't have anything to do with my own ambition," he says.
Fair enough. It is, of course, possible to do all of these things and ultimately decide not to run for president. But as Thompson can attest, these are the kinds of steps one must take in order to run and have a chance to win.
Thompson says the PAC will support candidates who are "consistent" and "conservative" on the issues that matter most to him: judges, taxes, trade, and entitlement. "In some ways it will be a traditional PAC," he says, "but it will also be focused on the causes which will endure."
These efforts are not intended as an implicit criticism of John McCain. Thompson, who spent Monday campaigning on behalf of McCain in North Carolina, considers himself a strong supporter of his friend and former rival. Thompson said that while he would strongly prefer that McCain choose a running mate who opposes abortion--"I'd want to see the candidate be pro-life"--he would actively support a ticket that included Joe Lieberman.
Thompson says that the 2008 election will be a contest between a liberal in Barack Obama who is making attractive promises that he cannot keep and a Republican in John McCain who is willing to make difficult decisions on issues that Washington has chosen to neglect. "I don't know what we'd look like after four or eight years of Barack Obama expanding government," he says. "People have to ask the question: Who is this guy?"
Thompson will be speaking at the convention on Tuesday night. If McCain were to win in November, Thompson would almost certainly be one of the names on his short list for Attorney General and perhaps even Director of National Intelligence.
"I'm going to stay involved in the causes and people that I believe in," says Thompson.
"There are many ways to serve, and a real hunger for substance," Thompson spokesman Kevin Kellems said.
Quack.
Stephen F. Hayes is a senior writer at THE WEEKLY STANDARD.
There are some new kids in town, and none too soon. Fred isn’t going to run again.
Somehow, I doubt that is what he’s doing. More likely he’s setting this up for the stated purposes of electing conservatives to the House, Senate, etc.
I don’t think Fred is so short-sighted that he couldn’t see he has no chance for 2012. I’d also place Hunter, Tancredo, Romney, Giuliani, Schmuckabee and the others in that category. More than likely, they’re all going to be so far out of the picture by then as to not have a prayer. There is a whole new generation of GOP leaders warming up right now, starting with Jindal and Palin.
Fred would be doing a great service to be behind the new generation, as a mentor on Federalism and the law, and so on. Not to mention creating a better stronger organization behind them in terms of financial and media support.
Mitt just stated on Fox that he is not interested in a Cabinet post. Said that his dad did that, and wasnt what he wants, having to deal with a bureaucracy that constantly undercuts what you want to do.
Will his nap be over by then?
Not sure why everyone thinks MCCain will hang it up after 4, not likely unless health a real issue!
I’d like to see Santorum come back in 2010 and take out that Rino Spector - then run for VP with Palin in either 2016 or 2012.. Between Palin and Santorum, this country might actually survive and flourish.
No.
It’s not that it’s never too early. It really is too late.
I supported Fred this go-round, but not again. He never seemed to have his heart in it.
We need to see new faces, fresh ideas, and a hearty commitment to Conservatism.
Sarah Palin may be a good step in that direction.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Pat Toomey decides to run again for Senator Spector’s seat, whether Rick Santorum also decides to do this or not. If not, then Toomey will possibly run for Pennsylvania Governor, and I doubt that Santorum wants to run for Pennsylvania Governor.
I was Mitt head.. However, if runs in 2012 against Palin, I’m supporting Palin..
No - he barely woke up this time around. I liked what he said, when he could be roused to say it, but I don’t think he has any fire in his belly.
Like someone said Fred has his chance and showed contempt towards all of us by being lackluster.
He said his PAC would assist conservatives of principle and then admitted he could support a Joe Liberman on the ticket.
I agree. I went to 2 rallies for Thompson, had the signs and buttons and gave the guy money. For all of the folks who say they wanted a conservative, he just didn't catch on. And for prez in 2012? I don't think so.
Palin/Jindal 2012
I don't believe Fred is gearing up to run for President in 2012. I think he's doing exactly what I'd hope he would do - he's taking a more active role in speaking out about consevative ideas and lending financial as well as personal support to conservative candidates and causes. Go FRed!
Thanks for the effort Fred, but real change requires young minds.
FNC just said that FRed has been re-scheduled to speak tonight at 9PM.
As we now know, he's completely disqualified because he got a girl pregnant before they were married.
He can serve no public office ever again as a Republican.
We must keep the party pure as the wind driven snow. No sinners, or parents of sinners allowed.
End of story.
So did the great Ronald Reagan.
Darn. He did, didn't he.
Can we go back and unelect him? Erase him form the history books?
We can't let anyone know that any Republican, or their kids has ever sinned. The purge must be complete!
Onward Christian solders!!!
You do realize it’s the people you consider the “purists” of the party who have been the most understanding and compassionate to Gov. Palin, don’t you?
You left out Duncan Hunter as SecDef.
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