Alexander Bolton has an article in today’s edition of The Hill revealing what appears to be the beginnings of a White House run by former Tennessee Senator and actor Fred Thompson:
Former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker (R-Tenn.) is contacting powerbrokers in the Republican Party to build support for a 2008 presidential campaign by his one-time prot?g?, former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.).
Baker, who Wednesday made a visit to the Senate, was asked by several Republicans about his involvement on Thompson?s behalf.
?He said, ?I am making a few calls and I think it?s a great idea,?? said one Senate Republican who heard Baker discuss his efforts to advance Thompson?s prospects.
One Republican who discussed a possible bid with Thompson described his interest and Baker?s queries as ?a friendly exploration.?
Jonathan Singer points out the significance of this early probing for one John McCain:
[T]he fact that Thompson is so clearly testing the waters, particularly when one of his closest allies from his Senate days, John McCain, is trying to establish himself as the candidate of the Republican elite, is quite telling. And it may be that Thompson has the potential to usurp that role McCain is so desperately seeking through his blatant pandering to conservatives within the GOP. According to Ken Herman of Cox Newspapers, former Senate Majority Leader, 1976 GOP vice presidential nominee and 1996 GOP presidential nominee Bob Dole seems to be holding out for a candidate that is not yet in the race. While Dole could have been talking about Gingrich, with whom he had a somewhat frosty relationship when the two were leaders in Congress; or Chuck Hagel, with whom I am not certain he has much of a connection as the two did not serve on Capitol Hill; or even his wife, who made a quickly aborted run for the party’s presidential nomination in 2000, it’s quite conceivable that Dole was signaling potential support for a Thompson candidacy
It has been quite clear for some time that the Republican leadership is not thrilled with the idea of John McCain as their nominee, and the two major alternatives — Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani — leave much to be desired for their own reasons. Fred Thompson may be just what they’re looking for.
This could be the most brilliant move made by the Republican Party since the nomination of Abraham Lincoln. Fred Thompson comes across as a sage individual who thinks like most Americans (those who do think), and in acting out his role as Arthur Branch went far beond his scriptwriters in projecting a MAN, and one who revealed compassion, but who was always working toward what was right, and actions by his offices always within his fairness doctrine. He presents a fatherly image to many of us, a grandfatherly image to many more,and most importantly, capable of giving advise and taking actions which were not wishywashy and would be the same tomorrow as they are today! This is a grassroots candidate who is already showing enormous support from the silent majority, Let’s get on this man’s bandwagon–he is a WINNER!
[...] I stated on Friday, it is clear that there are many in the GOP who are unhappy with the current crop of candidates. [...]
Fred Thompson is about doing the right thing for America as a man who is committed to the value of human life and the traditions of our forefathers. He espouses the principles and the qualities of statesmanship which are in short supply today. He has nothing to hide from or dodge in regard to his past. Equally important, he has rational ideas for the future that are anchored in the constitutional foundations of our nation. If you are looking for a wise leader who is committed to fairness and justice and finds no reason for America to apologize for the benefits it has brought to the world – pray that God will raise him up to enter the race for president in 2008 and then proceed on to victory.
Many of us would jump at the chance to support and work for Fred Thompson.
There are some who might bring up Fred Thompson’s private life, which is just that – PRIVATE. The front runner of the GOP has had questions about his PRIVATE life, and is yet the front runner. We have had former President’s who were adulterer’s, liars, and mental pygmies like Carter. No one raised the issue, so let us start now with Fred Thompson. He is my choice and I will support him as will I think most Southerners. A good choice of a running mate would be Zell Miller of Georgia. With both Thompson and Miller, what you see is what you got. There is no political correctness of which I am sick. Many of our existing problems can be attributed to political correctness.
PUSH FOR FRED THOMPSON ………A GREAT CHOICE
I had given up , because I could not believe that the people currently running was all the republicans had. I also heard today that Ron Paul has announced. A Thompson- Paul ticket or Paul- Thompson ticket sounds good to me. Dick Army could be in the cabinet too.
I’m all over this idea! I just heard Rush talking about it. If conservative talk radio and Fox News gets behind this, it could be a done deal.
Thompson could be the next Ronald Reagan!
OK–Now where do we go to climb on Fred Thompson’s bandwagon–and to whom do we speak?
Fred Thompson is the answer to the question “Ronnie, where are you now?”
dp
I’ve said all along that we need a man like Senator Thompson. The 08 election has just became alive for me when I heard about his consideration for a run. Where can I send money ?. Also lets refer to him as the senator and not as the actor, don’t let the left media down grade this man.
Lets Roll.
Where do I send a donation to the Fred Thompson for President fund?
Be Afraid, Be very Afraid. This guy is an professional actor! Just look at what George was able to do with just personality and a lack of personal ethics. This guy is a pro and he is good. Very convincing. I can just here the Anna Nicole crowd praiseing his sincerity. They will turn out in droves just for the chance to sport one of his bumper stickers. He is the only hope for the Republican party in 2008. People vote based on popularity not quality. This guy is a popular actor, doesn’t matter what he stands for, he looks ands sounds like a President. Well, he can’t screw things up any more than George, can he?
Thank God! How Do I get Involved! I was so bummed out about the 2008 Election until I saw Sen Thompson on Fox. Great Senator from my State!I had the prvilidge of working on his senatorial campagin. He’s a Class Act and VERY electable.
Nice try, Bobby.
Regan was a professional actor as well.
Your point?
I’ll vote for him! I also support George W. Bush and I support our troops! I AM a beleiver in Jesus Christ and will pray for God’s will for the next president.
The very mention of the possibility of Fred Thompson as a Republician Candidate is the most exciting event thus far on the “Right” side of U.S. political happens. He is the first candidate who can unite the party and has a very good chance to be elected in race that is being written off as a sure loss by so many.
J. Childress
FRED THOMPSON IS THE MAN I WILL SUPPORT AND VOTE FOR. AN HONORABLE MAN WITH NO DIRTY BAGGAGE HANGING ON HIM.
WE NEED A WEB SITE TO LET OTHERS KNOW HE IS IN THE RUNNING!!!
ROBERT TEMPLE
FRED THOMPSON IS OUR MAN AND WE WOULD LIKE TO BECOME INVOLVED MORE IN PROMOTING HIS POSITION IN THE RANKS OF REPUBLICAN CANDICATES.
HE IS A GOOD MAN AND WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A WEB SITE WHERE OTHERS CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT SEN. THOMPSON.
THANK YOU
ROBERT TEMPLE
I hope he runs in 2008. I would support him all the way 100%
Michael Holloway
Thank goodness. I sure hope he runs, the rest of the group leaves much to be desired.
Hooray! Fred in ‘08! Now there’s a candidate I can get behind…. finally.
I hope Fred Runs. You talk about Power and Integrity!!!!
Communication is everything. I am convinced that if President Bush had the communication skills of Ronald Reagan or Fred Thompson, his popularity would still be above 50%, the Iraq war would be winding down, the House & Senate would still be Republican and Hillary would still be a wannabe for another four years. I support President Bush but it’s getting painful to do so. For the first time, I am excited about the 2008 Presidential race. FRED THOMPSON FOR PRESIDENT!.
Have called Tennessee to work on the campaign if he decides
to run. Would suggest others out of state do the same.
Just waiting for a address to send contribution. I am
a registered democrat, and can’t beleive the field they
have put forth. Will work 24/7 for Sen. Thompson if he
would decide to run, and if need be change parties!!
Thompson has the voting credentials to win the support of the right wing of the Republican Party. I have my doubts as to whether he would have enough universal popular support should he win the nomination.
http://libertas01.wordpress.com/2007/03/13/fred-thompsons-presidential-plans-are-out-of-order/
Run Fred run!! I have never ever given money to support anyone to run for President, but if you get in the race, I’ll support your run with more than just my one vote. The wallet will open!! We need a true conservative in the race who can win. The current list of GOP candidates is depressing. You can change that instantly by getting into the race. You will be the next President if you go for it. So….Go for it Fred!
He is filling in for Paul Harvey for the rest of this week on his national news and commentary. You should give him a listen? He is a gifted speaker who has the “gravitas” and good grasp of conservative philosophy necessary to serve our country. He is a candidate that I could support. Too many of the other Republicans are far from that. We need to remain the party of pro-life, pro-American culture, pro-limited government, pro-smaller government, and pro-limited taxes. Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness! Run Mr. Thompson!
YES, my wife and I have been saying this way back when Fred Thompson was our Senator! He was a “get it done Senator”. My wife called his office for a problem with State of Tennessee paperwork and got the red tape cut right away! My wife asked the person on the phone,”when is your boss Fred Thompson going to run for President?” She said not this time. We were disappointed that he left and went back to TV but if that is what he wanted, so be it. Now if he wants to run as president SO BE IT! We will support him from Chattanooga!
No, Fred Thompson is NOT a professional actor! He’s a professional prosecutor who got his first job in acting when they made a movie about one of his cases and nobody was impressive enough to play him!
He was co-chief counsel of the Senate Watergate committee, and the man who came up with the question Howard Baker asked:
“What did the President know, and when did he know it?” He himself was the first to ask Alexander Butterfield whether President Nixon was recording his conversations in the Oval Office. After leaving his job with the Watergate committee, he brought a case which brought down a corrupt governor of Tennessee who was selling pardons. As chair of the Senate Government Affairs Committee, he led the investigation into that scandal back in the mid-’Nineties about the Chinese government contributing to Democratic candidates.
Yeah, he’s an actor. He usually plays himself. He’s playing himself now as D.A. Arthur Branch on “Law and Order.” He’s a matter of art imitating life- and he’s exactly what we need.
“Gravitas” is exactly the right word. And as for November, Thompson would be the strongest opponent to Hillary or Obama Or John Edwards we could run- substance vs. pure fluff.
I have no doubt that in such a race, Americans would opt for the grown-up.
Here’s an Iowan who’ll be working for Fred Thompson between now and the caucuses!
He is very concise about the issues he cares about. No political answers, I like this and I think the people will. He also may be able to reach people that don’t normally vote because of who he is. He may be able to rile up some of the “asleep conservatives” in this country.
I would vote for Fred Thompson in a heartbeat. He is a winner. He stands for everything good about America.
If you need ballot qualifying petitions signed in California, count me in!
Finally!! there might be a chance, a real conservative to run rather than the so called republicans oh I mean republicrats. Run Fred run!!!!!!!!!!!
OK, I will admit that Thompson is the best bet for the Republic party. He is consistant in his conservative positions. His presentation is Presidential. That will bring in all the mindless conservative followers who can’t see below the surface. He is obviously conected to the military/industrial complex. quote from his Fox interview…”I’ve been involved in national security issues and things of that nature since I’ve been out of the Senate.” What, as an actor? Scary. So we can expect if he is elected that the deficit will grow as we pump more money into weapons R & D. I think that there are enough people who are fed up with the Poltically Correct and Religiously Offended forcing their values on the rest of us that it will be a close election but no cigar for Fred. Unless of course the will of the people is disregarded as it was in the election of 8 years ago.
ronnie reagan of the 21st century! he def has my vote.
We conservatives in the GOP will finally have a candidate! I was beginning to think the Democrats were the only ones to have candidates in the 2008 election – in both parties.
My checkbook and support is standing by. Run Fred Run!
I can pray to the almighty that the honorable Mr. Fred runs…damn we need a man of his integrity now more than ever! Come on Fred, do America proud and run! You’ll have my support and vote!!!
There will always be folks, such as Mr. Scarlatti, that will find nothing of interest, nor any acceptable candidate, when it comes to the conservative view. That’s fine. The right of individual thinking, without fear of harm, is guaranteed him because of those in uniform and people like Sen. Thompson. I am proud to jump “mindlessly” on the Senator’s bandwagon, just as I did when I joined the Marine Corps in 1970. The chance Sen. Thompson may join the 2008 race, fanally has made me excited about this election. I look forward to seeing you at the polls, Mr. Scarlatti. Keep the faith! Semper Fi…
fred thompson for president,john bolton as running mate…this would be sweet victory
I have never once in my life been willing to donate a minute of my time to a presidential candidate. President Bush never once excited me, he was simply what I had to choose since my other options were Gore or Kerry. Senator Thompson has a check coming from my wallet and me looking for way to get involved and volunteer for his campaign. I can only pray he runs because I don’t know if I can hold my nose and vote for any of the current pack.
Here’s hoping a good man gets in the race!
Since Paul Harvey doesn’t want to run, Fred Thompson will do.
Finally a candidate whom seems to have the qualities of a real person. I have more to learn about this fellow, but what I’ve heard so far makes me hope he enters the circus.
Fred Thompson is the one person we need leading our country. America needs to convince him to run and give him our support. I am a recently retired veteran who is painfully aware of our nation?s situation in the world and know that we need to ensure our nations security both at home and abroad. Only Fred’s common sense and leadership will get us though this troubling time, he has my full support all the way to the white house.
I will give till it hurts to his campaigne…I quit giving to the RNC because I just don’t like the RINO’s and frankly GWB has disappointed me in the immigration arena as well as others. Fred is the chioce I wanted to see years ago and now it looks like it may come true…worth every penny I can muster and send, get others to send and contribute time and anything else necessary. Go President Thompson!!!!
What breath of fresh air for the Republican party. Mr. thompson would have my vote and MY SUPPORT both in time and $$$.
This is what the moderates and the more conservatives need. Can anyone say Reagan Democrat?
I love this man!!! Fred Thompson is so refreshing and genuine, listening to truth that has been buried so far underground, no one seems to know what TRUTH is anymore. He answers questions (all questions) with a period that prevents misunderstandings of how he feels about issues. If he is unsure at the time, he says so, period! Every time I hear about Fred Thompson possibly running for President, I can feel my blood rushing through my veins with excitement. It is about time a real live American, not just a politician, has stepped up to the plate and I hope for all of our sakes, Fred Thompson decides to become our leader. Where can I go to show my support verbally and financially? Zell Miller on same ticket? What a treat that would be. I am low to middle income, but I will send him everything that I can!!!!! It’s about time we had some homegrown honesty not full of (you know what). These United States of America need men like Fred Thompson And Zell Miller however, I would vote for him no matter who ran with him. I can’t say enough about him without writing a book. Sincerely and with much HOPE, Lana Leveque LPN/LVN
A man of integrity! May God use this man to restore our nation!
Dear Jesus, Please give us a President Thompson for Christmas.
Fred Thompson is credible, personable, able and electable. I am ready and willing to volunteer.
THOMPSON 2008
I am a 20 year old college kid who is willing to take the fall semester of 08 to campaign for Thompson. I am that excited about him running! He is the only candidate I could support 100%, and I believe he has the intellect, speaking skills, and integrity that would win in 08. Thompson is right for America, he would demolish anyone in a debate, he doesn’t play politically correct!