Posted on 08/25/2007 10:07:54 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Will Fred run? That seems to be the question of the hour as former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson continues to toy with the idea of running for the White House in 2008. Thompson needs to get off the fence and either declare his candidacy or get out of the way so the serious candidates can run.
What’s the hurry? Well, for Thompson, making his decision soon would give him the opportunity to make up for lost time. Most of the candidates in the Republican field have been running for months. They have a huge head start in getting their names out there and in locking up available funds. Making his decision public would give him a chance to get aggressive about fundraising. It would give him a chance to be competitive.
For voters, a decision by Thompson would give them a chance to become reacquainted with the former senator and his politics. Many people know Thompson from his roles in movies like "The Hunt for Red October" and TV shows like "Law and Order."
But it’s been five years since Thompson left the Senate. In the world of Washington politics, that’s an eternity.
Predictably, the Republican Thompson is anti-abortion. But what is his stance on the Iraq war, and how would he conduct it if elected president?
Thompson points out correctly that there is a looming fiscal crisis in this nation, but what specifically would he do to address it? What would he do to address the health care crisis in this country?
These are the kinds of issues Thompson needs to be addressing and giving specific answers on. He needs to make up his mind soon so voters can have a better idea of their choices in 2008. And he needs to make up his mind so voters can get to know him and what his positions are on the important issues.
Thompson has been toying with the idea of a presidential run for five months now. He has managed to raise the hopes of Republicans everywhere. It’s time to end the flirtation and make up his mind about his political future.
It’s time to either get in the race or get out of the way.
Saw him on CSPAN tonight....liked what he said and the way he said it....I think he is a serious candidate for me.
Go Fred Go!
Oh, I don't know about that. Fred came in second in a straw poll the other day and he wasn't even on the ballot. The voter had to write in his name.
************************88EXCERPT*********************************
by Robert Novak
Posted: 08/25/2007
Fred Thompson's decision to announce his presidential candidacy with a video was suggested by Newt Gingrich, who is considered a possible contender himself.
Former House Speaker Gingrich has indicated he will run only if Thompson does not or his late-starting campaign crashes and burns. Actor-politician Thompson plans to follow the model of Democrat Hillary Clinton by launching his campaign with a video, followed by a fly-around to several cities.
If I had a nickel for every "expert" that told Fred what he "needs" to do, I could bankroll my own presidential campaign.
The only thing Fred "needs" to do is ignore the "experts".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls5ull3AKOY
There are quite a few videos that will give you a good idea of the character of the man and how he happens to come by that character, and his standing on the issues.
Hunter and Fred on a ticket together would be excellent. Although I’m a little worried about them being painted by the Dems and MSM as “right-wing boogie men.” Much like they tried to do up here to Harper during the last election.
I think Hunter would work well as a VP candidate this cycle, give the Rs a viable VP to run for Prez in the next cycle.
That's a bit worrisome. We cannot afford another "Bob Dole".
There is a difference. Bob Dole is a liberal.
It is a really good video. The man knows what he believes and is comfortable articulating those beliefs. He is sincere, the real deal, the genuine article.
When the only thing people can find wrong with a man is that he doesn’t do well in the polls; it says more about them than it does him. :)
When I hear Hunter suggested as a VP for one of the other candidates, I find myself somewhere between a half- laugh and doing the RCA Victor dog head-tilt. Wouldn’t that be rather like suggesting Luciano Pavarotti follow Justin Timberlake around on tour just in case Justin isn’t unable to perform? heh :)
Interesting you should point that out. I like Duncan, but he just doesn't stand out, and never has. Blaming your fellow conservatives for that is a bit like blaming Mitt for the weather.
Promoting Duncan was Duncan's job, and he should have started it several years ago.
Now he seems to be talking about nothing except a fence, that's all you hear from him via the news, so that's all anyone out there hears. That's a great issue, but not the only one. It paints him as a bit too harsh and focused for the general public.
Sorry he just isn't going to make it even if you could convince everyone on this site to support him.
Actually quite the opposite, Duncan is a great guy, but he is also a politician, and as one is responsible for promoting himself, something he has not been very good at on the national stage. He needed to be doing that 15 years ago if he wanted a national shot. Either that or some form of major recognition past his district.
As it is his is not the only conservative in the race, just the one that fits certain peoples definition, just like very other candidate.
Oh, and I think Hunter would be quite happy with a role in any administration if it suited him.
You’re right; we cannot afford another “Bob Dole”.
You know, folks keep saying this, but many Republicans haven't even begun paying attention, and of those who are, many have said they haven't given money to anyone yet, because the ones they see running haven't lit their fire. Leaves a lot of open space for Fred Thompson, it seems to me.
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