Thompson Withdraws

2008-01-23T07:48:00.001-05:00

I'm not ashamed to admit I'm a bit crestfallen today. Yes, of course I knew it was coming but one of the reasons I was so excited about Thompson was because I was so apathetic about the rest.

Here's the official statement:

"Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people. -posted by Fred"

What's a girl to do? Do I try to get excited about someone else, or do I just wait and see who the nominee will be. I'm a Republican in Pennsylvania...so my vote never really does count. Now, that being said, I have never missed voting in an election since the day I turned 18. BUT, our primaries aren't until after Super Tuesday so the nominee is normally pretty clear by then and I'm a red living in a blue state so my general election vote is lost also. It sucks.

I'm 90% sure that my vote will go to McCain. I know many of you won't be happy with that, but (obviously) I have really thought this through and I don;t see another alternative (for me at least). I know some people think "character" shouldn't matter. I think "character" should be everything --and by that I mean if I believe that someone's heart and intentions are genuine. McCain has heart. He loves this country. He served this country with distinction.

...And he may try to mend his foibles by appointing Fred as his VP?

Thompson's Campaign Struggling...

2008-01-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

We needed the South Carolina win. The Conservatives there opted to listen to talking heads rather than research the facts and for that I may never forgive them. On top of the third place disappointment in S.C., Senator Thompson's mother is quite ill and the campaign is not saying what the future holds...

I don't normally reprint entire articles verbatim, but this piece in The National Ledger, by JB Williams, may just be the most succinct recap and explanation of the events to date thus far... I agree with every word.

"Fred Thompson was drafted by the conservative base of the Republican Party for two very simple reasons. One, the Republican National Committee offered no other viable conservative choice and two, only a true traditional conservative can challenge today's Democratic Socialists. Thompson was not planning on running for an office he never aspired to hold. He was asked to put his personal life on hold, and answer the call to serve his fellow conservatives in desperate need of real conservative leadership.

Thompson didn’t enter the race late. The other eight eager beavers entered the race a year early, throwing the nomination process into a confusing tailspin and the nation into unwanted perpetual campaign mode. Those who claim Thompson’s late entry cost him the nomination need to answer why the early “front-runner” Rudy Giuliani, is in worse shape than Thompson in the polls?

No conservative including Thompson, had any chance of winning in Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan or Nevada, all heavily liberal, which delivered three different winners in four primaries. So Thompson bet his farm on South Carolina, where conservative candidates normally do best.

But Thompson finished a distant 3rd instead of 1st or even 2nd, after pundits had been painting Thompson as “lazy” – “no fire” – “slow” and “disinterested” since the day he announced his campaign. And now, Thompson’s campaign is in real trouble coming out of South Carolina a distant 3rd.

But, every Republican emerges from South Carolina in trouble. John McCain thinks he emerged from South Carolina a victor. But what did he win? McCain won South Carolina the same way he won New Hampshire, with Independent votes, not Republican votes. So what did he win and how can he turn that into a national victory in November?

The answer is - he can’t turn it into a national victory in November, no matter how much he tells himself he can. He’s simply running on ego, ignoring an overtly obvious reality.

NO Republican can win in November without the support of the Republican base of the party. And none of the new front-runners, McCain, Romney, or Huckabee will enter November with the base of their party intact. Thompson is the only Republican candidate who can bring all Republicans into the voting booth in November, yet too many Republicans choose to ignore this reality." (source)

(Photo Courtesy of: Fred Thompson on flickr)

Confession of a Political Blogger

2008-01-11T10:06:00.001-05:00

Last night's GOP debate in South Carolina was the first one I've watched in its entirety. I know, I know... I have a political site and I should have watched all of them, but I've been pacing myself so I don't lose all interest in this election.

I'm glad I watched though and I hope TonyR did too. He has called Thompson a "corpse"...but that was certainly dispelled last night. Thompson was on fire. He made the Huckster look silly (well, Huck kinda did that on his own by wearing a suit that was obviously left over from the pre-Nutra System days).

What sets Thompson apart is that he doesn't sound like a pre-programmed politician (Romney, Giulinani). He comes across like a wise grandpa that's imparting his amassed wisdom. It's a sin the gen pop doesn't know just how versed he is in foreign affairs and international relations.

IMO FDT was the hands down winner last night. Huckabee's "gates of Hell" line was good (I'll give him that), but Thompson really rose to the occasion and finally let everyone see what a select few of us already knew: He is the clear choice.

All the candidates evoked Reagan last night, but Human Events ("Reagan's paper of record") is only endorsing one of them: Fred Thompson...

"We begin by recalling the profound words of Ronald Reagan at the Conservative Political Action Conference Feb. 15, 1975: “A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency or simply to swell its numbers.” We believed that then, and we believe it now. The issue for us -- and for the conservative community -- boils down to which of the candidates is most representative of the fundamental conservative principles we believe in. The answer is Fred Thompson." (source)

Ticket to the Next Dance

2008-01-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

...third place in Iowa is good. Winning or losing Iowa isn't indicative of who the nominee will be. Sorry Huckster...

Russ, former Blonde Sagacity contributor (he inherited his father's cattle farm and has more pressing responsibility these days), was given two minutes to speak on behalf of Thompson at his county caucus in Iowa last night. Here is his speech:

"Hello, my name is Russ [from Winterset], and I’ve come here tonight to vote for Fred Thompson. Here is why I think Fred Thompson is the best candidate for President.

Fred Thompson has demonstrated consistent conservative principles. He was a conservative yesterday, he’s a conservative today, and, God willing, he’ll be a conservative President next January. He has laid out more specific issue and policy stances than all the other Republican candidates combined. He has released the most rational immigration plan out there, with an emphasis on border enforcement first, a plan to increase our armed forces to a “million man army”, a detailed plan to save social security, and a comprehensive reform of our tax structure.

Fred Thompson believes that America deserves a strong leader who believes in the greatness of our country. He’ll look out for America’s interests, and I think he’s the best man to have facing down our enemies. And mark my words; Fred Thompson walks the walk like he talks the talk.

Fred Thompson has demonstrated a consistent pro-life record. He realizes that there’s no way that a president from either party is going to get 66 Senators and 37 State Legislatures to support ANY Constitutional Amendment at this time. Having a well meaning Constitutional Amendment as your ONLY option is tantamount to sitting on your hands & doing nothing; but Fred Thompson’s plan to appoint justices who believe in the principles of our founding fathers will return power to the states, where public opinion can still be heard over the sound of interest groups opening their checkbooks. The National Right to Life Committee and seven of their state chapters believe in Fred Thompson, and they’ve given him their endorsement.

Fred Thompson stands for what Republicans believe in: lower taxes, limited government, the defense of the unborn, a secure border, the right to keep & bear arms, an immigration policy that respects the rule of law, and an unwavering commitment to the national security of the United States of America. At every point of his life, Fred Thompson has risen to the challenge and answered America’s call. He’s ready to answer the call to service again, and he can win in November against the Democratic nominee. With your help, he can win tonight in Iowa. Thank you for coming out tonight to caucus, and I’ll be available later to answer any questions you might have."

Fred IS INDEED staying in the race and coming in third (a head of big players like McCain & Giuliani), after getting into the race so late, is nothing to be ashamed of! Go Fred!

Why the Left And the Right Should Be For FDT

2007-12-28T07:59:00.000-05:00

We made fun of Kerry relentlessly for 'flip-flopping', but all politicians have done it. Reagan did, Hillary has, Giuliani and Romney have. It's the nature of the beast --that's why politicians are deemed slimy. It's really not their fault though. You need money to win and effect change and you need to adopt the positions of the big groups to get that money. A pro-life Dem would be forfeiting NOW, NARAL and Planned Parenthood's cash flow. An Anti-gun Republican would flounder without the NRA's support.

BUT, if a candidate comes along that TRULY believes in the sanctity of the Constitution...their personal views become less significant. This is why I don't understand why Fred Thompson isn't getting support from ALL Americans. Even if he doesn't personally condone abortion, gay marriage (or any number of hot button issues) it won't matter. He doesn't believe it's Constitutional for the federal government (or the Supreme Court) to hand down decisions like that. He is a firm believer in State's Rights. How refreshing. A Presidential candidate that would adhere to the wishes of the founding fathers regardless of his personal convictions.

The left rarely complains about judicial activism because in the past it's always seemed to work in their favor, but what if the tide changed? All Americans should be concerned about 9 or 12 making binding legal decisions for all of us. America is not an oligarchy. A President that believes in the nomination of strict Constructionist judges should be a a requirement of all IMO.

GO HERE to sign up and make phone calls for Fred in Iowa! Help spread the message that astute political bloggers already know...FDT should be the nominee!!!

Huckabee's Quandry

2007-12-06T09:24:00.001-05:00

I can't tell you how many emails I get with "on background" "dirt" on all the GOP candidates. I have only looked into a few of the stories because I'm not interested in the time Giulinani dressed like a chick or Romney farted at a press conference or any of the other little nitpicky things that get floated during primaries.

However, that being said, this new Huckabee debacle that's emerging has the sustenance I feel is post-worthy...(and yes, if it were Fred I will still post it):

"But critics -- including the prosecutor in the case and the victim of the 1984 rape -- say Huckabee wrongly went to bat for a man who should have been kept in prison. Dumond sexually assaulted and killed another woman after he was released from the Arkansas facility, and has since died in prison.

"I am deeply sorry, and I mean, awfully, just horrified [at] what happened,'' Huckabee told reporters. "And there is not a single person that will ever bring those women back to their families.''

The Huffington Post, an online newspaper, escalated the matter Tuesday with the disclosure of several letters from women who said they had been raped or threatened with rape by Dumond. The women -- whose names are blacked out in the Huffington Post story -- asked then-Governor Huckabee to do what he could to keep Dumond behind bars..." (source)

I have always said here that judges and lawyers should be held accountable when they let a guilty person go free and the commit another crime -so why should a Governor be any different? Huckabee stepped in to help free this man and now a woman is dead. No amount of "sorry"s can bring her back. As you all know, Huckabee's not my guy, but if this were my guy...I'd be re-thinking.

The You Tube Debate

2007-12-04T22:03:00.001-05:00

Did anyone watch the CNN-YouTube Debate last night? I'm wondering how involved people are --or how fed up people are already...

Anyway, the snitty little exchange between Romney was quite amusing. Romney accused Giuliani of making NYC a sanctuary city and Giuliani turned it back around and claimed MA had 6 sanctuary cities and that the governor's home was a "sanctuary mansion" that employed illegals. (That was a pretty good one...)

McCain said Ron Paul's brand of isolationism is what caused WWII --this is what allowed Hitler to come to power. he said that he just spent time with the troops and their message is "let us win!" Paul CLAIMS he gets the most of his money from "active duty personnel." I'd like to see the paperwork on that claim.

You all know I'm a Thompson girl, but I do really like Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo...and I'd love to buy McCain a beer or two. I swear it's not the Mormon thing, but handsome or not something about Romney rubs me the wrong way...he makes me think of that line from Sixteen Candles about the "oily variety bohunk". Something bothers me about Giuliani too. Neither of them seem sincere to me. Paul's a bit of a loon IMO, but at least he seems like he's passionate and believes what he's saying. Being perfectly candid, I'm going to be pretty upset if either Romney or Giuliani get the nomination...

You can watch some excerpts HERE if you missed it.

I think this is one of the most effective ads I've seen to date. Not an attack ad -just using the candidates own views and stands. I think I can see Romney wincing from here:

H/T: jay at Stop the ACLU

Will the Real Giuliani Please Stand Up...

2007-10-16T20:48:00.001-05:00

NOW:
Rudy said, "I think that George Soros and MoveOn.org is kind of a new low in vicious, politics of personal destruction…Every campaign I’ve ever seen from them has been about personally destroying the Republican."

THEN:
But in 1996, speaking to the Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge in 1996, Rudy said this:

"...I believe the anti-immigration movement in America is one of our most serious public problems. And Washington is only making the problem worse.
Today I am also announcing that my office will be working with a coalition of well-known individuals and organizations who oppose the anti-immigration forces now being seen in Washington and elsewhere.

George Soros, international financier and founder of the "Emma Lazarus Fund," which assists legal immigrants..." (source)

Interesting. Giuliani appointed Soros to combat those that would seek immigration limitations...

NOW:
Rudy said, "I gave my blood for the Republicans in New York."

THEN:
But, back in 1996 he told Charlie Rose:

"Well, I'm a Republican mayor, but I"m really not. I'm the mayor of New York City. I ran as a Republican, I ran as a Liberal — which really confuses all kinds of people — and I ran as an Independent, as part of the Independent Party, which actually is now the party that's supporting Ross Perot. So I ran a fusion candidacy, like my predecessor Fiorello LaGuardia. So I'm not the most partisan of Republicans."
(source1, source2, source3)

Thompson says:
“I am the consistent conservative,” Mr. Thompson said to several dozen people at a gathering of the New York Conservative Party with former Senator Alfonse M. D’Amato at his side. “I was a conservative yesterday. I am a conservative today, and I will be a conservative tomorrow.”

It is not the time for Republicans who think the best way to beat Democrats is to become more like them." (source)

Guest Post by DrTony

2007-10-05T08:38:00.001-05:00

Conventional wisdom is hardening around the proposition that Fred Dalton Thompson is too lazy, ill-prepared, tired, old, lackluster, inexperienced, inconsistent and bald to make a successful run for President.

Of course, conventional wisdom rarely gets anything right. When it does, it's only by accident.

In this case conventional wisdom is not just wrong but comically so. Thompson will win the Republican nomination for two reasons. First, he's a very impressive candidate. Second, there's no realistic alternative. He will win the general election for the same two reasons. (oh, boy!)

FDT, Moveon.org and Teri Schiavo

2007-09-17T07:40:00.000-05:00

(H/T: Stop the ACLU)

Both Stop the ACLU and Michelle Malkin want FDT to "take a stand" on the Terri Schiavo. When asked about it he said "he had no opinion and couldn’t remember the details." I am ONLY GUESSING here, but I would assume from his other (hands-off) government views that he would agree with me and say that Congress had no business involving themselves with this case. The right keeps talking about the "sanctity of marriage" and Teri was indeed married, and (like him or not) her husband did what he said she wanted...and what most people I know would have wanted. Let's ask Fred about the border, Iraq, Iran, China, Darfur, and a difinitive statement against socialized medicine and leave Teri to finally rest in peace.

Help Rename the "FredCast"

2007-09-12T08:05:00.000-05:00

Apparently FDT has to change the name of his "FredCast" because someone is already using it...a guy named David. :) So he's asking his supporters to come up with a new & improved name to headline his video and audio communications.

The top ten finalists will get an autographed campaign poster and the winner will get bragging rights that their idea was used in a Presidential campaign (I imagine they'll get a poster too...)

Contest Announcement

Go HERE to enter your submission.

You can win if you don't try... ;)

FDT Bus In South Carolina 9/10/07!

2007-09-09T21:25:00.000-05:00

Monday, September 10
South Carolina Fredheads

Greenville, SC
Greenville Marriot
One Parkway East
Greenville, SC 29615
8:50 am – Doors Open

Columbia, SC
Doc’s Barbeque & Southern Buffet
1601 Shop Road
Columbia, SC 29201
12:50 pm - Doors Open

Check Here to see when Fred will be in your state!

It's Official, He's In!

2007-09-06T09:14:00.000-05:00

Watch the Announcement:

"...After months of hints, and false starts, screen star and Republican ex-senator Fred Thompson Thursday launched his run for president, promising to stop "another Clinton" from seizing the White House.

"My friends, I come to you today to tell you that I intend to run for President," Thompson, who already runs second to Republican front-runner Rudolph Giuliani in national polls, said in a video webcast.

"I feel deeply that I am doing it for the right reasons. I love my country and I am concerned about its future."

The craggy ex-senator with a plain-spoken manner and folksy southern charm is wooing core conservatives unhappy with their 2008 field, who fear Democrat Hillary Clinton may follow her husband Bill to the presidency..." (source)

Go Join Friends of Fred and stop Billary '08! ;)

...I guess I have to change the name of the blog now.

Latest Newsweek: FDT Cover and Article

2007-09-04T10:46:00.001-05:00

There is a huge article about Fred Thompson in the newest issue of Newsweek.

"...Like most political attacks—aimed at defining an opponent before he can define himself—the claim that Thompson has spent a lifetime skating by on his God-given talents is a little too easy, and more than a little wrong. Thompson has doubtless had his share of lucky breaks; throughout his life, he's shown an enviable knack for being in the right place at the right time. But in his long, meandering career—as a young Tennessee prosecutor who won 14 of 15 bank-robbery cases, a twice-elected senator and Washington lobbyist and an accidental actor who stars in one of the most popular shows on television—Thompson has never lost a job, or a campaign, because of a lack of effort. "If I had to pick one thing that qualifies him to be president," says Baker, "it's this: he approaches things calmly, deliberately—and he doesn't shoot from the hip."

If anything, Thompson has so far used his laid-back style to his advantage. In a GOP field crowded with accomplished strivers who will seemingly do or say anything to get noticed, he has stood out for his practiced indifference to presidential gamesmanship. His reticence may strike his doubters and detractors as a weakness. But for many voters put off by the other candidates, Thompson's stately but somewhat detached approach to the campaign is reminiscent of another actor turned president. "You're the next Ronald Reagan!" a man tells Thompson at the fair. Thompson, not quite convincingly, downplays the comparison. "No, no, don't say that," he protests. "I have a lot to live up to." (Read the full article here)

It's Official

2007-08-31T07:38:00.000-05:00

"...Actor and former senator Fred D. Thompson confirmed yesterday that he is running for president, ending a political flirtation he has been conducting since March and thrusting himself into the thick of the battle for the Republican nomination.

In a conference call with elected officials and party leaders backing his bid, Thompson campaign manager Bill Lacy said Thompson has finished "testing the waters" and will file papers making his candidacy official next Thursday. Thompson will announce his decision on that day in a webcast, with the campaign encouraging supporters nationwide to attend house parties on that day as the former lawmaker from Tennessee begins a trek through the early-voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida..." (source)

Closing the Gap

2007-08-30T07:01:00.000-05:00

Thompson is expected to officially declare his Oval Office intentions shortly after Labor Day. I'm glad he's taken this time to get his house in order before jumping into the fray...

A new Rasmussen Poll "finds Obama with a lead over as-yet-undeclared candidate Fred Thompson, 45-41. That number, however, continues to get closer. Obama held a seven-point lead over Thompson two weeks ago, and in March that lead was in double digits." (source)

"Thompson is currently viewed favorably by 40% of voters nationwide, unfavorably by 38%. That latter figure is the highest level of unfavorable yet measured for the movie star turned politicians turned TV star. Favorable opinions of Thompson have declined a bit from their peak at 48% in late June.
Giuliani is now viewed unfavorably by 42%
Barack Obama is now viewed unfavorably by 43%" (source)

Ben Stone is "With Fred"

2007-08-27T07:46:00.000-05:00

All fellow Law & Order fans will remember ADA Ben Stone:

"...ORIGINAL "Law & Order" star Michael Moriarty is endorsing Fred Thompson for president, according to reports.

The actor who played Ben Stone, the first assistant DA, on the hit series is saying that he's voting for fellow "L&O" star Thompson because Thompson is against abortion.

"I will personally vote for Mr. Fred Thompson and help his campaign as best I can," the actor told a North Carolina newspaper over the weekend.

"I don't believe his entrance into this campaign ever carried enough pro-life commitment to do the job that has to be done," Moriarty says, referring to his belief that Roe v. Wade should be overturned.

But no other candidate was sufficiently anti-abortion to appeal to him, the actor said." (source)

I wonder how many other Hollywood conservatives FDT can drag from the closet throughout this campaign...?

My Meez

2007-08-25T11:16:00.000-05:00

FDT's Iowa Speech

2007-08-21T20:02:00.000-05:00

Part I:

Part II: "We're Dealing with folks that want to bring us down, that want to bring Western civilization to our knees and we have to be tougher and stronger than they are..."

Things You Shouldn't Miss...

2007-08-17T08:54:00.000-05:00

There is a great piece over at Newsbusters about the French Press Agency's portrayal of FDT.

A new AP article outlines some of FDt's positions --after a few paragraphs of passive-aggressive digs of course. Here's a snippet:

"Centralized government is not the solution to all of our problems and, with too much power, such centralization has a way of compounding our problems," Thompson wrote in a recent column on his Web site. "This was among the great insights of 1787," when the Constitution was adopted, "and it is just as vital in 2007."

"How we draw the line between federal and state roles in this century, and how we stay true to the principles of federalism for the purpose of protecting economic and individual freedom, are questions we must answer."

The NY Post has a great article that stands out among all the "Has Fred Blown it by Waiting Too Long" pieces out there (could journalists get any more unoriginal?).

Tommy Thompson is out. Not that he had a chance, but there was a "name confusion" concern.

It's looking likely FDT's formal announcement will come around September 5th. To anyone annoyed with the "delay", just remember there a lot of things that need to be tied up...things like ABC and Law & Order reruns. Things other candidates can and have called "free/unequal time". You don't think that it's a coincidence renewed talk of the Fairness Doctrine came about as Fred mulled the prospect o entering the race...?

(Baseball Cap available at: The Official Fred thompson Store)

I'm With Fred Gets a Makeover

2007-08-05T22:26:00.000-05:00

While Fred Thompson's official site was getting all gussied up with a new look and some new interactive features...

A whole lotta "right-of-center bloggers" were voting on their MOST and LEAST desired 2008 Republican nominees.

The winner of the "Most Desired" category? Fred Dalton Thompson with 86.5 of the votes (a full 16.5 lead over the next in line, McCain)

When all positives and negatives were averaged out, FDT led with 80.5% of the votes. The runner up was Duncan Hunter with 51.5%.

The LEAST desirable? Need I even say? Ron Paul with a whopping 87%.

You can Go over to Right Wing News and see all the results and what Bloggers were involved in the poll.

Then you can go take a peek at Thompson's new-and-improved site. (Keep checking back today...the makeover may still be underway).

FDT's "Failed" Fundraising...

2007-08-02T07:20:00.000-05:00

Have you seen all the stories out there about the failure in fundraising for June? Like this one from the Houston Chronicle:

Thompson's fundraising falls short of goal

"Republican Fred Thompson on Tuesday reported raising nearly $3.5 million in one month for his expected presidential bid, lagging behind his backers' original $5 million goal.

The Law & Order actor and former Tennessee senator filed documents with the Internal Revenue Service that provided the first glimpse of the all-but-certain White House hopeful's financial situation.

Thompson spent only $625,745 of the $3.46 million he raised in June, the first month of his preliminary campaign committee, the report showed. Still, the total fell short of the $5 million target his backers initially set in a one-month "testing the waters" of a presidential bid." (source)

I guess it wouldn't be newsworthy if the journalists actually put the stories in context. Thompson raised almost TEN TIMES what Giuliani and McCain rose in their exploratory months. Romney actually rose more than Thompson, but he also loaned his campaign $850,000. There are also campaign rules and limits as to what can be raised for an exploratory campaign. A potential candidate can't raise "what could reasonably be expected to be used for exploratory activities" (according to the FEC).

Combine those two tidbits with the simple fact that the Thompson campaign has not sent out ANY direct mailings or made any telephone calls.

Makes the $3.46 million a bit more of an accomplishment now doesn't it...

(T-shirt available at American Method)

Newt Supporting FDT's Run?

2007-07-22T21:15:00.000-05:00

"Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Friday that a White House bid by fellow Southerner Fred Thompson would make him less likely to join the race.

"If Fred Thompson runs and he does well, then I think that makes it easier for me to not run," Gingrich said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "On the other hand, just given what you've seen with (John) McCain the last few months, how can you predict?"

In a related development, Rich Galen, a former top aide to Gingrich, will become a top adviser to Thompson, the former Republican Tennessee senator who is likely to officially enter the presidential race in September." (source)

I know this isn't good news for all the "Draft Newt" folks out there, but be honest people...the whole cheating on the wife while she had cancer and having an affair while going after Clinton for his is WAY too much of a liability. One that many Repubs couldn't get over. I like Newt and I think most everything that comes out of his mouth is extremely intelligent and succinct, but he's better of helping FDT than running himself.

Jealous They Didn't Think of It...

2007-07-18T07:34:00.000-05:00

Everyone was so anxious to declare their candidacy for the '08 race thinking this would give them more time to create name/face recognition and get their "message" (or not) out there. What it gave them was a public that is becoming bored before the games even formally begin. FDT didn't play that way. He foresaw the political fatigue of the American public and now, much like the fabled tortoise, will win the race.

The Dems are hopping mad about it though:

"Democrats point to an FEC regulation saying the “testing the waters” exemption does not apply to funds received for activities indicating that the individual has decided to become a candidate, refers to himself as a candidate, or is raising “funding in excess of what could reasonably be expected to be used for exploratory activities.”

Karen Finney, the DNC communications director, said: “There is an inherent hypocrisy given that Thompson campaigned as a reformer, called for broader disclosure and railed on the campaign finance problems of Democrats.”

A Thompson adviser said he is fully obeying the law. “We’re doing what we supposed to be doing, which is raising enough to build a team,” the adviser said.

Another Thompson official said: “When you’re trying to determine whether you can be a viable candidate for president, you’re talking about a nationwide fundraising effort. The FEC rules recognize that the ability to raise money is an important factor in determining whether a person is a viable candidate for president, just like traveling the country and collecting endorsements. They’re all activities to gauge your potential political strength.” (source)

Fax machine, phones and emails were abuzz at the DNC making sure everyone in the left'o'sphere (led by the Kos Kids) got this manufactured (and really quite boring) story out there.

I have no doubt the announcement will be made at the most prudent time for FDT, not the DNC, Hillary or Kos. He has hired stellar people that know what they’re doing and I’m glad to see a man that knows how to pace himself...

(Photo Credit: Washington Post)

Prepare For What's to Come...

2007-07-16T10:34:00.000-05:00

The Tennessean.com has an article detailing the negative stories that have already been printed about FDT and what we can expect to follow an official announcement from Fred:

What has already been rumor mill fodder:

• Questioned whether there is any substance behind Thompson's actor persona.

• Reported that an abortion-rights organization hired Thompson to lobby for it.

• Called Jeri Thompson a "trophy wife" and questioned whether her relative youth and beauty would hurt his campaign.

And here is what's to come:

Senate record is slim

Clients are questionable/Lobbying raises issue

He's a Beltway insider

All this is good news to me. It means the candidates think the former Senator has a viable shot at the Oval Office or they wouldn't be wasting resources on trashing him.

Go Vote for FDT

2007-07-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

The Fox Nashville station has a poll running asking:

"If Hillary Clinton and Fred Thompson win their parties' nominations, for whom would you vote for president? ">

As of now FDT is winning 88% to Hillary's 12%.

Go vote for Fred.

More FDT Merchandise

2007-07-05T10:07:00.000-05:00

Fred Sites are cropping up in the blogosphere everyday and I am doing my best to make sure I have all of them listed here for your convenience. Make sure you check the blogroll for daily additions, which is great for networking with like-minded people.

Here is a new one that has lots of lower-key designs for the succinct Fred Fan:
The Fred Fan Shop

And their blog(s):
Fred Fan Blog & Squidoo

The pictured messenger bad is one of their "Vintage Fred fan" designs, and of course I am a vintage Fred fan! ;)

Best "Campaign" News Yet...

2007-07-02T08:27:00.000-05:00

I had no idea until yesterday that FDT had recruited my very favorite political advisor...Mary Matalin. This is great news...

"Thompson's bid gained early credibility when he was able to enlist some respected conservative veterans from past campaigns, including former Bush White House aide Mary Matalin, former Reagan aide Ken Khachigian of California and former California political strategist Ken Rietz.

Khachigian said he signed on because Thompson brings more to the campaign. “It puts someone in the picture with: A) high name ID and visibility; and B) eight years of experience in the Senate; and C) exceptional communicating skills, certainly in the television age; and D) a more convincing conservative alternative to the other top-tier candidates.”

Khachigian reported that “my phone has been ringing from people who want to get on board.” A multitude of the callers, he said, “had stayed on the sidelines and weren't prepared to jump in with any of the other candidates.”
Many of them were conservatives, the bloc of voters considered the biggest prize for any candidate able to rouse them. More than any recent election, they are very much up for grabs, said David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union." (source)

FDT Marathon on TNT

2007-06-29T09:16:00.000-05:00

I just saw an ad on TNT that's bound to make "Fairness Doctrine" folks cry in their Cheerios. It went something like this:

Fred Thompson's face on the screen. You may be wondering what Fred Thompson would be like as the President, and now you can see how he handles his courtroom. Tomorrow on TNT watch the Fred Thompson Law & Order marathon all day.

You couldn't buy better publicity (unless of course Ann Coulter mentions you in a column), but the best part is no one can utter a word of disapproval. Thompson hasn't declared. Marathon away!

Lovin' the Polls These Days...

2007-06-27T07:46:00.000-05:00

As of 6/26/07:
Fred Dalton Thompson 27%
Rudy Giuliani 23%

"...Thompson, preparing to formally announce his candidacy, leads the pack in the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey with 27% support. That gives him a four-point advantage over former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani who is currently preferred by 23% of Likely Primary Voters. A week ago, it was Thompson 28% and Giuliani 27%. Two weeks ago, they were tied at 24%. Prior to that time, Giuliani had been on top in every weekly Rasmussen Reports poll for five months

Thompson leads Giuliani by 13 percentage points among conservative primary voters while Giuliani leads among moderates.

Among Republicans, 74% now have a favorable opinion of Giuliani. That’s down from 82% in late May. Twenty-three percent (23%) of Republican voters have an unfavorable opinion of the former Mayor. Thompson’s numbers among the GOP faithful have been moving in the opposite direction. Sixty-six percent (66%) of GOP voters have a favorable opinion of the actor while just 18% have an unfavorable view.

Among those with more strongly held opinions, Thompson currently has an edge --21% of Republicans have a Very Favorable opinion of him while 14% have a Very Unfavorable opinion. For Giuliani, those numbers are 18% Very Favorable opinion and 19% Very Unfavorable..." (Read the whole article at Rasmussen Reports)

Ex-Girlfriends "Still Adore Him"

2007-06-26T09:32:00.000-05:00

As I've posted about before, I can't think of better endorsements than those of your ex-wife and ex-girlfriends. We knew Thompson's first wife, Sarah Knestrick, has said she would campaign for him and that his ex-girlfriend, country singer Lorrie Morgan, was endorsing him...but now another ex has come forward to say he'd be a great President:

"...Many of his old girlfriends still adore him and hope he wins.

"I think he has a great chance of capturing the women's vote. He's majestic. He's a soft, safe place to be and that could be Fred's ticket. Women love a soft place to lay and a strong pair of hands to hold us," ex-girlfriend country music singer Lorrie Morgan told the Sunday Times.

Another old flame, Republican fund-raiser Georgette Mosbacher, said he would defeat Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton because of his appeal to "traditional women who will like the Southern gentleman in him," according to The Times.

There's an old country music song with the line, "All my ex's live in Texas, and that's why I hang my hat in Tennessee," but it obviously does not apply to Thompson.

He remains on excellent terms with his first wife and Thompson has said she intends to campaign for him, the Times reported..." (source)

Blogger-in-Chief

2007-06-25T09:04:00.000-05:00

Yet another thing to love about this guy, he gets it...

"...The guy actually likes blogging. Before he decided he was going to take the plunge on a presidential race, he cruised the blogs. It attracted him," said Roger Simon, co-founder of the Pajamas Media Web site, where Thompson frequently wins a weekly Republican straw poll.

Thompson has promised to keep the Web commentaries coming even after he formally kicks off his campaign. He praises the blogosphere as part of "a true information revolution."

"That's why so much of my effort has been focused on talking to Americans through this medium," he wrote on Pajamas Media. "By empowering individuals and building communities, the Internet provides a way of going around the inside-the-beltway crowd to reach people in numbers unheard of not that long ago." (source)

FDT in Nashville, TN

2007-06-22T07:10:00.000-05:00

"People have been asking about the next "Rally". It looks like this is it and Fred will be there.

Come greet Fred Thompson and show him we are proud to see him moving towards the White House!"

Tuesday, June 26, 2007
9:15AM
Mercury Air Center, Nashville International Airport
635 Hangar Lane, Nashville TN 37217

Donuts & Coffee provided, along with the chance to meet Fred!

Directions:
From I-40
take Donelson Pike, Exit 216, toward the Airport (south)
Then right onto Hangar Lane - then stay to the right at the fork
Mercury Air Center, Nashville International Airport
635 Hangar Lane, Nashville TN 37217

(H/T: Elect Fred Thompson)
(Trucker Cap available at Cafe Press)

Winds of Change...

2007-06-20T07:06:00.000-05:00

"There’s change at the top in the race for the Republican Presidential nomination.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson earning support from 28% of Likely Republican Primary Voters. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani attracts support from 27%. While Thompson’s one-point edge is statistically insignificant, it is the first time all year that anybody but Giuliani has been on top in Rasmussen Reports polling. A week ago, Thompson and Giuliani were tied at 24%." (source)

It looks like the Kos Kids want Obama... I'll take an FDT VS. Obama race in a heartbeat!

FDT & Obama Lead the South

2007-06-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

"Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama and Republican Fred Thompson were the frontrunners in South Carolina's first-in-the-South 2008 presidential primary, according to a poll Sunday.
The survey by the Mason-Dixon polling firm found that African-American support had pushed Obama ahead of US Senator Hillary Clinton, giving him the support of 34 percent of likely voters against 25 percent for Clinton.

Former US Senator John Edwards of North Carolina was third at 12 percent, while 24 percent of respondents were undecided.

Blacks in South Carolina, who could make up more than half of the party's primary voters, favored Obama over Clinton 41 percent to 18 percent, with about one-third of black voters in the state undecided.

In South Carolina's Republican nomination contest, Thompson -- a popular television actor and former Tennessee senator who has not yet formally entered the presidential race -- polled 25 percent. Former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani was second with 21 percent.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney was third with 11 percent, followed by US Senator John McCain at seven percent. Twenty-eight percent of likely Republican voters were undecided.

South Carolina's Democratic primary is tentatively scheduled for January 29, while the Republican contest has been set for February 2." (source)

A popular online gambling site has placed Thomspon's adds at 20 to 1 and NY's Alfonse D'Amato (the Poker Players Alliance chairman) has endorsed Thompson...

The Left is Assembling Their Anti-FDT Talking Points

2007-06-15T07:15:00.000-05:00

This from Lone Star Times:

"According to the much viewed The Politico website, there is a clear outline of how to hurt Thompson. Some arguments to expect:

– Lobbyist: Thompson made nearly $1.3 million over about two decades of lobbying both before and after his eight-year Senate stint . . ..
…
Some of Thompson’s clients could prove tricky to explain, from a British reinsurance company facing billions of dollars in asbestos claims to deposed Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
…
– Trial lawyer: Before Thompson won his Senate seat, published reports said his private law practice handled personal injury cases and defended people accused of white-collar crimes. And in the Senate, he opposed some legislation intended to rein in escalating jury verdicts and attorneys’ fees.
…
– Campaign finance reformer: Thompson was among the leading Republican backers of the sweeping package of campaign finance reforms commonly known as McCain-Feingold.
…
– Centrist senator: Though the influential American Conservative Union scored Thompson’s Senate career voting record at 86 percent, some of the votes on which he strayed from the GOP fold could prove problematic for ardent partisans.

For instance, he backed a 1998 bill that would have established a temporary farm worker program and a 1996 bill to increase the minimum wage. And he voted against one of the two impeachment charges brought against President Clinton in 1999.
…
– Abortion-rights supporter: Every time Thompson got the chance in the Senate, he voted with those who oppose abortion rights. But the social conservatives for whom abortion is a litmus test scrutinize every bit of a politician’s record — and Thompson’s provides some fodder for opponents to question the depth of his opposition to abortion rights.

On candidate surveys in 1994 and 1996, he answered that he favored abortion always being legal in the first trimester of pregnancy and opposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution “protecting the sanctity of human life.” (Read the entire post)

Fredheads! FDT on Leno

2007-06-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

Link: sevenload.com

(H/T: Fredheads USA --now merged with Fred2008)

Frontrunner Fred?!

2007-06-13T07:57:00.000-05:00

The latest Rasmussen poll had Fred Dalton Thompson TIED with Rudy for the top slot among Republican voters... and he hasn't even officially declared!

I'd say all our hard work is paying off folks!

"But clearly the “Thompson epiphany” as some top conservatives are calling it, springs less of love for the Law & Order Republican, and more out of a sense of desperation among base voters who see the former Tennessee senator as the lesser of four evils. “We know that the Ronald Reagan white knight is not going to come flying down the street on his golden horse,” Bill Donohue of the Catholic League told me recently. All Republicans are hoping for at this point, he says, is a “serious-minded person, who’s pro life, not flip flopping, and shows presidential leadership skills. Thompson apparently fits the bill.” (source)

That is from a Rolling Stone article that is a bit of a passive-aggressive piece about Thompson. Calling him "Hollywood Fred", referring to him as only "the actor" and even calling him a "Lazy man's McCain". I guess it's better than their last article that called him a "pro-choice skirt chaser."

This is a man whose ex-girlfriend and ex-wife are willing to campaign for -- that says A LOT IMO.

Are You a FredHead?

2007-06-11T10:11:00.000-05:00

From The Jawa Report:

Do you have recurring dreams of Fred Thompson taking the Presidential oath of office in January, 2009?

Are your three children (including both your daughters) named "Fred Dalton Thompson"?

Have you lobbied Congress to change the law so you can donate even more money to the Friends of Fred Thompson Exploratory Committee?

Do you stay up late at night thinking up ingenious (and mostly legal) new ways to support Fred Thompson?

If any of the above describes you, you are experiencing "Thompson Elative Compulsion Syndrome." By all accounts, this condition is highly contagious and spreading like a wildfire across the United States. Other known side effects are insomnia and an elevated heart rate.

Fortunately, there is no known cure, but there is now a support group.

We are the "FredHeads," a support group/political movement for all FredHeads everywhere.

As you've no doubt experienced, FredHeads are very big on talking about Fred Dalton Thompson. We love to talk about Fred.

That said, we think it's time for a little less talk and a little more action.

If you agree, just click here, and let's get moving:

The Thompson Effect

2007-06-11T08:01:00.000-05:00

"Fred Thompson’s expected entry into the tight Republican presidential race is drawing crucial strength from conservatives and older men, vaulting him into the thick of the nomination fight, an Associated Press-Ipsos poll says.

The survey shows the top Democratic contender, Hillary Rodham Clinton, has twice the support from women as her nearest rival, Barack Obama, but dwindling strength among men. Her margin over the Illinois senator has eroded slightly since the last AP-Ipsos poll, in March.

Thompson, who has sandwiched an acting career around a largely anonymous eight years as Tennessee senator, has not formally entered the race. But he already has impressed many people. One in four of his supporters cites his strong character, more than any other GOP candidate.

“He can be kind of Reaganesque in his engaging with people,” said Ronald Coppinger, 47, a carpenter from Indianapolis, describing a plainspoken style like the late President Reagan’s. “I think that’s important.”

That has helped place Thompson firmly in the top tier among GOP contenders in the AP-Ipsos poll released Saturday. It shows former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani with 27 percent; Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., at 19 percent; Thompson essentially even with McCain at 17 percent; and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney at 10 percent..." (source)

(T-shirt available at Cafe Press)

FDT on Hannity & Colmes 6/07

2007-06-08T08:35:00.000-05:00

Also read this Townhall article about FDT moving to SECOND place in two different polls without "officially" entering the race:

"Now the critical question is whether Fred Thompson can take the political capital he's already gained by simply saying he's ready to run, and turn it into an overtaking of Giuliani and the other contenders in a Republican slugfest.

The Thompson campaign is a textbook example of how political rumor can become political reality. Few candidates ever enjoy the opportunity of truly being "drafted" into a presidential campaign." (source)

And check out this great new bumper sticker on Cafe Press:

Guest Defense of FDT by Severian77

2007-06-07T08:36:00.000-05:00

Found at "Irregular Times":

Fred Thompson Burns Freedoms Not Flags
(Filed under Election 2008, Republicans, Liberty, Legislation, 2008 Reasons,
Fred Thompson): by jclifford

"When considering how you’ll vote in the 2008 presidential election, keep in
mind the the ideological flights of fanaticism indulged in by some of the
candidates. As an example, take Fred Thompson.

Sure, Fred Thompson hasn’t done much for the American public lately, but once upon a time he was a United States Senator. And what did Senator Thompson do with the power that was granted to him by the people of Tennessee?

Fred Thompson demonstrated his true priorities when, on December 12, 1995, Fred Thompson showed his true character by voting in favor of S. J. Res. 31, which would have established an Amendment to the United States Constitution that would have allowed some forms of political speech to be outlawed. It would have made flag burning a crime.

Fred Thompson would rather burn American freedoms than allow anyone to burn American flags. Progressives see the issue the other way around. We’d rather see people burning flags than burning our freedoms."

READER RESPONSE:

Burning flags is arson and a danger to the public. Only idiots light nylon flags on fire while in a crowd. Let us all fight for our freedom to set our friends and neighbors on fire. Let’s fight for our freedom to burn the flag and against the freedom to own a gun, even though BOTH those rights seem to be enshrined in the constitution. Let’s fight only selectively for those bits and pieces of American law that suit us and ignore any laws that don’t feel good to us, whether statutory or constitutional. And let’s call our selective obedience to the laws of the land “progressive”.

-Severian77

Finally, The Actual Official Fred Site!

2007-06-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm With Fred.com

"I’m one of tens of thousands of Americans encouraging former Sen. Fred Thompson to run for President. I’d like you to join with me and Fred and all our friends in changing the political landscape in 2008. Senator Thompson recently announced that he was taking some preliminary steps toward entering the Presidential race, and to show my support I signed on as a "Friend of Fred Thompson." I’m writing to ask you to consider doing the same.

Senator Thompson has been a prosecutor, a Senator, and yes, he’s had a couple of movie roles. More importantly, he’s exactly what we need right now – a consistent conservative who can unite our nation and help lead us in fixing our problems, not exploiting them for political purposes.

He’s plain-spoken and means what he says. On the immigration bill, for example, Fred calls it like he sees it:
"No matter how much lipstick Washington tries to slap onto this legislative pig, it’s not going to win any beauty contests. … We should scrap this "comprehensive" immigration bill until the government can show the American people that we have secured the borders -- or at least made great headway."

On folks in Washington who want to raise our taxes:

"They only want to target the rich. They’re off target again, just like they were with the alternative minimum tax. Remember, that was supposed to just target the rich. A word of advice to anyone in the middle class – don’t stand anywhere near that target."

On leadership:

"We're going to have to be more focused, we're going to have be smarter and we're going to have to be more determined and we're going to have to be more together as a nation than we've ever been before."

Fred has said he wants to do things differently. He wants to focus on returning to our founding principles of self-governance, free markets and the rule of law. Those are ideas we’re all invested in – focused on building a stronger, more competitive and innovative America that remains a beacon for the world today … and for the next generation.

I’ve done my part to encourage Fred to run, and I want you to join me. Visit ImWithFred.com to sign up. If we can get enough people to sign on with us and support us, we can change America...together.

Thanks for your interest. I hope you’ll join me and become a Friend of Fred."

Oregon Fredheads, Please Stand Up

2007-06-05T07:54:00.000-05:00

A while back I asked if there were any Ohio groups/blogs out there for Fred and got a great response, but now there have been a few requests that I do the same for Oregon.

There is an Oregon for Fred Thompson blog, but it hasn't been updated since 5/15 and there is no contact info for the site author.

If anyone knows of Oregon initiatives for Thompson, please comment here or email me and I will pass the information to the interested parties.

Thanks!

FDT Defends Conservative Policies

2007-06-04T08:33:00.000-05:00

"Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson delivered a plain-spoken defense of Republican foreign and domestic policies Saturday night in his first speech since taking steps last week to enter the 2008 presidential race.

"I look at congressional Democrats, and I see the only debate going on in Congress is what our surrender date will be," Thompson told about 400 GOP activists attending the state Republican Party's annual Commonwealth Gala dinner.

"I see Democratic leaders talking about how many seats this war is going to win them," he said. "This is what passes as policy in today's Congress."

"We've got to convince our friends around the world that this is a battle between the forces of civilization and the forces of evil."

"We're a little bit down right now, but we shouldn't be," he said.

"We're going to cut some new ground over the next year or so," he said. "I think we're ready to say to the American people that we're ready to form a new coalition, that we're ready to turn the cynicism around." (source)

**More on this speech can be found at Philly.com

FDT Keynote Speaker Tonight in Richmond

2007-06-02T07:29:00.000-05:00

Those lucky enough to be attending tonight's 2007 Republican Party of Virginia Gala will have the pleasure of hearing the recently announced keynote speaker: Fred Thompson.

For those in the area... It wouldn't hurt to call the RPV and see if tickets were still available:

Contact RPV at (804)780-0111

The gala starts at 6pm.

FDT Groups Are Forming

2007-06-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago when you typed Fred Thompson into Meetup.com there were "0 results found"... but I checked again last night and three FDT groups have been started.

So far the following cities have started organizing:

NYC Thompson for President Group

The St. Lois Thompson Group (This is the bggest one thus far)
They currently have an event planned:
Tuesday, Jun 5, 2007, 7:00 PM 20070606T000000Z
Ozzie's Restaurant & Sports Bar
645 Westport Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63146
314-434-1000

Texans for Thompson
They have an "Inaugural" Meetup scheduled for June 22nd. Sign up here

I hope these groups start popping up in every city!

Meetup.com also has FDT Message Boards!

And sorry I missed this one: FredHeads USA. (They have a 6/8/07 dinner in Southlake, TX)

(Photo credit: Thompson Rally)

Appropriate

2007-05-31T06:56:00.000-05:00

"Screen star and former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) is going to run for president, a source who will be associated with his campaign told me Wednesday.

Thompson will soon file papers and will be "official" within six weeks--that's roughly the 4th of July." (source)

Independence from the current nominees is at hand!

And It Finally Begins...

2007-05-30T06:55:00.000-05:00

"Former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson hasn't formally announced he'll run for the Republican presidential nomination -- but today he did begin raising money for a prospective bid, USA TODAY Washington bureau chief Susan Page writes. She continues:

In a conference call with about 100 people -- many of whom have urged him to jump in the race -- Thompson asked for their help in raising funds for a testing-the-waters committee, which is likely to be formed next week. That money could be used for a campaign when and if he's ready to run.

Even before launching a campaign, Thompson finished third in the latest USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, at 13% support among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. In the survey, taken May 4-6, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani led with 34%; Arizona Sen. John McCain was second at 20%. No other GOP candidate got above 10%." (source)

Next week! The best part is, I was speaking to an organzier of the Philadelphia Young Democrats the other day --and they aren't taking him seriously at all. "That actor?!" was her reposponse as to what she thought of him. Another misunderestimated candidate on the horizon?

FDT Hit Piece: Populist Nominees

2007-05-29T06:51:00.000-05:00

Remember the posts last week about Breck Boy? The 269 million and the soon-to-be-coming 50 million in pirate's booty? The charging over $50K for a poverty speech and the never-ending storied about being a mill worker's son? Well keep Silky Pony in mind as you read this hit piece on Fred Thompson...

"POPULIST POSEUR FRED THOMPSON

Thompson is hardly the only Republican to have ridden phony populism to elective office.

Liberals, who go positively batty over such acts of political fraud, have no shortage of theories.

My colleague Jonathan Chait, who largely blames the press for enabling this scam: Republicans, according to him, realized long ago that political reporters are much more interested in making vague characterological pronouncements than reporting on matters of policy, or even relating biographical details. The GOP has exploited this quirk by placing character at the center of its campaign strategy, surrounding its candidates with the right atmospherics and mounting personal attacks on their opponents. Democrats, by contrast, believed themselves to be on the right side of most issues, and so they never invested much in these efforts..." (If you can stomach it, Read the entire article)

Is this a joke? The GOP has the copyright on the populist candidate? I really thought that second sentence was going to say "Liberals, who go positively batty over such acts of political fraud, have no shortage of their own poseurs." But when I continued and realized the author wasn't even going to acknowledge the amount of money in the corner of the limousine liberals who are still putting on hickish accents to "relate" to the people...well, let's just say I shouldn't have been surprised. But I am! Good Lord... That would be like me admonishing the left'o'sphere for using unflattering pictures of people on the right.

(Cross-posted on Blonde Sagacity)

Memorial Day 2007

2007-05-28T12:46:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day Post at Blonde Sagacity

Jumping the Romney Ship for FDT

2007-05-26T10:16:00.000-05:00

And so it begins... We'll see how many politicians regret their hasty endorsements before all candidates declared.

"...Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn of 10nessee has swung her support in the presidential race from Mitt Romney to Fred Thompson.

Blackburn, of Brentwood, had served as a senior adviser to the Romney campaign and as national co-chairwoman of Women for Romney.

But she cited her long association with Thompson, a fellow Tennessee Republican, as the reason for supporting him.

Blackburn, who represents parts of West and Middle Tennessee, said she has known Thompson for 30 years and once lived two doors away from him.

A spokeswoman for Romney said Blackburn had called the campaign before announcing her support of Thompson. The spokeswoman said the switch is understandable." (source)

FDT Featured in Time Magazine

2007-05-25T08:26:00.000-05:00

On the strength of that visibility and image, Thompson, 64, has vaulted in public-opinion polls to within striking distance of the leading Republican candidates. In the latest Time poll, he's at 10%, matching Mitt Romney. But Thompson is under no illusion that winning the White House would be easy, despite (or perhaps because of) his frequent acknowledgment that "certain doors have opened to me from time to time in my life."

That is not to say Thompson hasn't had to overcome many personal hardships — a marriage while in high school after conceiving a child with his teenage girlfriend, a subsequent divorce, a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 2 1/2 years ago and, perhaps most traumatic, the sudden death of his daughter Betsy in 2002 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. He is now married to a Republican political strategist and has two small children.

Born in Alabama and raised in Tennessee, Thompson, the son of a used-car salesman, had no family ties to big-time politics or Hollywood, but his charisma — and luck — eventually helped him succeed in both.

The single most compelling feature of a Thompson candidacy would be his magnetism.
Thompson is most often compared to Ronald Reagan, and the comparison is apt." (source)

The article has a few passive-aggressive moments (saying he isn't thought of as an intellectual, etc.), but there is no such thing as bad publicity at this stage...

Ex-Girlfriend Endorsement -Now That's Saying A Lot!

2007-05-24T08:28:00.000-05:00

"...Lorrie Morgan says her former boyfriend, Fred Thompson, would make a great president. Lorrie, who dated Fred for a couple of years in the mid-'90s, told Ralph Emery on his RFD-TV show "Live" that she definitely thinks Fred is presidential material.

"I always thought it," she said. "I used to beg him to run for president. I used to say, 'If you were in the White House, I would be so safe-feeling. I could go to sleep at night and know that everything was taken care of up there.'"

Lorrie said that even then Fred had presidential aspirations and that the two of them talked about a possible run.

"Fred is an extremely smart man, but yet when you talk to him you feel you're on his level," she said. "He would listen to what I had to say about him running, but Fred didn't really need my advice about anything. I think that Fred Thompson is one of the best people I've ever met in my life, honestly."

Lorrie said she blames herself for the end of the relationship. "It was very hard being politically correct for me all the time," she said. "I don't think it ever bothered Fred, but it bothered me." (source)

Missouri State Rep. Starts FDT Site

2007-05-22T06:50:00.000-05:00

Current Speaker Pro Tem of the Missouri House of Representatives, Carl Bearden, has started a Thompson Blog. This is great news. The more "big guns" we add, the better our chances are in '08.

Representative Bearden is hoping to make this a very interactive site and is excited about FDT supporters getting involved by commenting there with all of the questions, concerns and thoughts on a successful FDT candidacy. The idea of opening up the site to a "wide array of authors" is also on the table.

Here is a snippet of Speaker Bearden's Blog Introduction:

"...The last six years have seen ever increasing divisiveness in our country as career politicians dig into their ideological trenches and lambaste one another over the War and other heated topics. Some in the party seem to think that we should soften our conservative values and elect a moderate to liberal candidate. Now is not the time to hide from our values, it is the time to elect a leader who will champion them and remind America why conservatism doesn’t have to be confrontational. Senator Thompson is the next Great Communicator, able to do just that..." (Read the entire welcome)

So, go welcome Fred Thompson-N-Mo to the cause!

Site Name Change on the Horizon...?

2007-05-21T08:33:00.000-05:00

"...Perhaps the most interesting release we received last night on the immigration bill was from Fred Thompson’s office. Said the candidate-in-waiting: “We should scrap this bill and the whole debate until we can convince the American people that we have secured the borders or at least have made great headway.” The simple act of sending the release signals a likelihood that Thompson is already acting like a candidate. There are now all sorts of organizational rumors floating around (from an exploratory announcement being imminent to key hires coming on board). The Thompson-for-president campaign is no longer months away -- instead think weeks, maybe days..." (source)

And this as "NBC president, Kevin Reilly, told the press Monday that "it's pretty clear that Fred is going to be leaving the cast of the show no matter what." (source)

How soon until Draft Thompson '08 will become Elect Thompson '08...?

Draft Thompson Montages & Pics...

2007-05-18T08:28:00.000-05:00

Now normally I wouldn't post this (as with all the other FDT montages popping up on YouTube) because they are all done to country songs. I know lots of people dig it, but country music is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I love the effort and idea behind these videos, but the reality of having to listen is really more than I can bear. I'm a North-Eastern Yankee, so what's a gal to do...

But, I am linking it because I've noticed that the very first (and terrible) Draft Thompson '08 picture that I made late one night in 2005 is cropping up everywhere on YouTube and MySpace (it's in this too). People, I've made tons of other ones since that sleepless night. Better ones I hope... LOL

Now who is going to make the metal/hard rock call to arms for FDT?

FDT Rally in Texas!

2007-05-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

Calling all Lonestar FredHeads!

This Saturday!!! May 19th, 2007

Lake Somerville State Park (Birch Creek unit -Pavilion 2)

Schedule:
10:00 - Gates open
11:00 - 12:30 Draft Fred Picnic & Meeting
12:30 - 9:00 Park opens

Discussion Outline:

Select area coordinators for North, South, Central, Gulf and West

What are our goals?

What strategies can help us best achieve our goals for the primary election?

How will goals/strategies change after Fred wins primary election?

Activities for areas - picnics, home-meeting, swarming (come to find out), etc

Get all the details at ThompsonRally.com

Fred Thompson Responds to Michael Moore

2007-05-15T15:51:00.000-05:00

Michael Moore wrote a letter to Senator Fred Thompson challenging him to a debate for smoking cigars --You can read Moore's letter here:

"...Like American Idol, we could even have the country vote to determine which one of us wins the debate. Though in the spirit of full disclosure, I feel obligated to forewarn you that I was the winner of the 1971-72 Detroit Free Press Debate Award for the state of Michigan..." Isn't he witty!?

FDT has now released a video response. I *heart* him.

(From Breibart.com --H/T Rickvid)

*Cross-posted at Blonde Sagacity*

UPDATE (5/16/07):

Moore's response to FDT's videogram:

"Why would a potential presidential candidate provide photographic evidence of himself committing a felony? Someone should tell him that 'Law & Order' isn't just a TV show, it's real life. I hope the federal government will take the proper and necessary actions against him for violating the law."

Could Fred sue him for slander/libel now...?

Dick Wolf's Thoughts on Thompson '08

2007-05-15T06:44:00.000-05:00

"...All this has made the Hollywood Democrats a bit envious -- Ronald Reagan, George Murphy, Arnold Schwarzenegger and now Thompson? It seems Republican celebs -- what few there are -- have all the luck.

"There's an irony in this whole thing," said Hollywood publicist Howard Bragman. "Democratic politicians love to come here and raise millions of dollars from the entertainment industry. Yet it's the Republicans -- by virtue of Reagan, Arnold and Fred -- who have figured out how to play candidate."

In many ways, Thompson is a politician who learned how to be an actor by simply playing himself. A big man with a deep baritone Dixie drawl, he exudes authority. Pro Second Amendment, he looks like a guy who could manage a crisis. And, according to television producer Dick Wolf, who cast Thompson in "Law and Order," he probably could.

"Look, I've met every president since Nixon," said Wolf, an independent who supported Bill Clinton. "When they focus their attention on you, it's like a light goes on. They have this unique ability to make you feel like you're the only one in the room.

"I don't know if it's a gift or a trick, but Fred's got it."

Wolf finds Thompson's potential candidacy interesting. He's even had conversations with him about it.

"We talked about it in the abstract," Wolf recalled. "I said, 'You should run.' He said, 'Really, why?' I said, 'Because I don't think there's anyone out there who can appeal to the base.' "

Wolf said he could easily see Thompson running and winning.

"When Fred Thompson walks in a room, people want to salute," Wolf said. "But beyond that, he's a remarkable consensus builder. He can see both sides of an issue.

"The character he plays in 'Law and Order,' as all successful characters are, is not too far from the mettle of the man." (source)

No Global Litmus Test for FDT

2007-05-14T07:59:00.000-05:00

"...In the meantime, let's be realistic about the world we live in. Mexican leaders apparently have an economic policy based on exporting their own citizens, while complaining about US immigration policies that are far less exclusionary than their own. The French jail perfectly nice people for politically incorrect comments, but scold us for holding terrorists at Guantanamo.

Russia, though, takes the cake. Here is a government apparently run by ex-KGB agents who have no problem blackmailing whole countries by turning the crank on their oil pipelines. They're not doing anything shady, they say. They can’t help it if their opponents are so notoriously accident-prone. Criticize these guys and you might accidentally drink a cup of tea laced with a few million dollars worth of deadly, and extremely rare, radioactive poison. Oppose the Russian leadership, and you could trip and fall off a tall building or stumble into the path of a bullet.

The hundreds of demonstrators the Kremlin has had beaten and arrested in the last few weeks alone, we are told, were not pro-democracy activists but common criminals -- like world chess champion Garry Kasparov. Demonstrating without a permit is a serious crime and, luckily for the Kremlin, it turns out that pro-government youth groups seem always to have permits for rallies at the exact times and places that anti-government protesters gather.

Another group that seems to be having trouble with permits is the media. Newspapers and television stations that aren't smart enough to know that America is the enemy and that things are great in Russia can't seem to get their paperwork in order. It’s some sort of IQ test, I guess.

President Vladimir Putin, though, shows no sign that he feels defensive about his remarkable string of luck. He knows who's really to blame for "meddling" in Russian "internal affairs." It's the United States.

He's lambasting us for wielding too much power. One example of this excessive power is the missile defense radar system we want to install in Poland and the Czech Republic -- to give the free world early warning of a missile attack by terrorists or a rogue nation like Iran. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence that the Russians have been supplying Iran with both nuclear and missile technology while using their UN veto to block sanctions that would force Tehran to back down. Regardless, we're clearly at fault, he says, for putting a defense system close to Mother Russia.

So I wouldn't worry too much about the criticisms we receive. We make mistakes and at times the "carping" may even be on target, but it seems to me that we ought to look at a lot of the complaints as a badge of honor." -Fred Dalton Thompson, 4/30/07

(source)

IMAO "Fred Facts" Tees!

2007-05-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

IMAO's "Fred Thompson Facts" post circulated ALL over the blogosphere. People are still linking to it and sending it via email. Now you can have it in t-shirt form! (The original post can be found here).

You can purchase the t-shirt in the IMAO Cafe Press store. Just imagine the conversations at the deli counter...!

Frank J. has made the "Fred Thompson facts" an ongoing feature (why aren't they on the blogroll?!) --and this is my absolute favorite to date:

"Fred Thompson has on multiple occasions solved problems like Maria." (source)

...An actual spit coffee on the monitor moment.

(Disclaimer: Once again I must reiterate that I have NO financial interest in ANY of the products linked on this site -I link to them to promote the candidacy of FDT and support his supporters)

Is Ohio For Fred?

2007-05-09T06:35:00.000-05:00

I have gotten quite a few emails asking if certain states have FDT groups/blogs going --and the one I am getting the most inquiries after is OHIO. If anyone knows of any Ohio-based Draft Thompson sites, organizations or grassroots groups...please leave the information in the comments here. Or any other states that I might have missed.

Thanks!

A Plan to Sabotage Fred Thompson?

2007-05-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

"...Ronald Reagan became president even though he worked with chimps in B movies.

Arnold Schwarzenegger played a murderous robot, and that didn't keep him from becoming governor.

So can "Law & Order" actor and former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) become the first presidential candidate with this credit? Thompson played a white supremacist, spewing anti-Semitic comments and fondling an autographed copy of "Mein Kampf" on a television drama 19 years ago.

His colleagues say that he was just an actor putting everything he had into playing the role of a charismatic racist, named Knox Pooley, in three episodes of CBS' hit show "Wiseguy" in 1988. "Do you call Tom Cruise a killer because he played one in a movie?" asked show creator and writer Stephen J. Cannell.

But in the age of YouTube, this performance could raise an intriguing political question: How does a performer eyeing a presidential run deal with a video history that can be downloaded, taken out of context, chopped into embarrassing pieces and then distributed endlessly though cyberspace? Some conservative political blogs are already considering the problem..." (Read the whole article)

The article goes on to say that Fred's good acting may work against him when he runs... That opponents could play clips of this "Wiseguy" character and pass the words off as his own and not a character.

..Maybe this has an upside though. Maybe the Hollywood Super-Libs would have to stand up in his defense. How many have them have played scurrilous characters? And would they want the scripts of murderers, rapists and pedophiles added to their own actual gaffes?

They discussed this over at Wizbang also. They took it as a smear piece:

"...This whole topic is just stupid. Does Ms. Daunt truly think that the American people would buy into the idiotic idea that the lines that Fred recited from the TV movie 19 years ago and that she quoted in her piece were a true reflection of his personal character? If this is the best the media has to offer, Fred should have nothing to worry about."

I do happen to think the American people would buy it if they saw it on enough MySpace sites... How long has the "Tommy Hilfiger doesn't want Black people wearing his clothes" rumor persisted? This is a country that believes if they see it "on TV", or hear it from Bill in the next cubicle-- it's true...

(Cross-posted at Blonde Sagacity)

FDT's Lincoln Club Speech

2007-05-06T19:24:00.000-05:00

"My friends we have entered a new era. We are going to be tested in many ways, possibly under attack and for a long time. It's time to take stock and be honest with ourselves. We're going to have to do a lot of things better. Here's what we need to do and here's why. I know that, now that you're being called upon, you will do whatever is necessary for the sake of our country and for future generations. You always have." -Fred Thompson, Lincoln Club of Orange County, May 4, 2007.

You can find the text of the entire speeech at the Tennessean.

"In a wide-ranging speech, Thompson covered topics including immigration, social security reform, tax policy and much more, showing his thoughtfulness on such topics and carrying a message that was generally well-received by the more than 400 Lincoln Club members and special guests in attendance." (source)

(H/T: American Orthodox Patriot)

Sean Hannity's Fred Thompson Interview

2007-05-03T07:43:00.000-05:00

Part I:

Part II:

(H/T: Mark -Thanks!)

FDT on H&C

2007-05-02T07:56:00.000-05:00

“As far as the Democrats, they are adhering to the extent they can to the most left wing element of their base,’’ Thompson said in an interview shown on the Fox News Channel’s Hannity and Colmes last night. “You know, Moveon.org and those folks are running the Democratic party.

“And they're taking extremist positions and doing extremist things,’’ Thompson said. “(Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid is doing things that I think the American people are going to reject. They're as near to investing in defeat of their own country than anything I've ever seen, and I don't think the American people will forgive them for that. So, they're going through that exercise, and let's just let them go, let's just give them a little rope and see what they do.’’ -Fred Dalton Thompson, Hannity & Colmes 5/1/07 (source)

If anyone has video of last night's interview with Sean Hannity...I'd love to post it here...

Was there any doubt that he's planning to run?!

PI's Looking for Dirt on FDT

2007-05-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

"...Former Tennessee U.S. Senator Fred Thompson is drawing nationwide attention for his ongoing flirtation with running for president. He is also drawing a little unwanted attention here in Nashville of a very different kind.Nashville law circles were abuzz last week about professional snoops – either private investigators or opposition research political types - combing public records in Metro buildings looking for potential dirt on Thompson. Property records seemed to be at the top of their list. The word trickled up to Republican Party sources, who insist it is Thompson’s potential GOP primary opponents looking for ammo to use should the television star make the race.Thompson running is a lock, according to GOP sources in the state who know him well..." (source)

"Not that we needed any more proof, but this signifies two things: First, rival campaigns are nervous about him. Second, he's getting in. When the dirt digging begins it isn't just about preparation. This is a strong signal that someone somehwere knows that Thompson is pretty much a sure bet to enter the 2008 race. When he does, the big three better be ready. Thompson may kick one of them to the curb." -David Brody (source)

All the Bloggers, And All of Reagan's Men...

2007-04-30T08:29:00.000-05:00

...decided to put the country together again.

"...Ronald Reagan's closest allies are throwing their weight behind the White House bid by the late president's fellow actor, Fred Thompson.

The film star and former Republican senator from Tennessee will this week use a speech in the heart of Reagan country, in southern California, to woo party bigwigs in what insiders say is the next step in his coming out as a candidate.

A key figure in the Reagan inner circle has now given his seal of approval to Mr Thompson, best known as a star of the television crime drama Law and Order.

As deputy chief of staff, Michael Deaver was a key member of the "troika" of aides who kept the Reagan White House on track. With the chief of staff James Baker and special assistant Ed Meese, he was the master of image and presentation.

Mr Deaver sees the same raw material in Mr Thompson as was perceived in Ronald Reagan, describing him as someone "that could really make a difference". He added: "He is very popular in his party. He could change this whole thing and turn this primary system upside down.

"As Ronald Reagan used to say, after he stole a line from Al Jolson, 'Stay tuned, you ain't seen nothing yet'." (source)

(FDT t-shirt available at the "Official Thompson Store" --which now looks like it's fully up and running)

Draft Thompson Rally is TOMORROW!

2007-04-27T19:15:00.000-05:00

...You can read about the rally success HERE...

Saturday, April 28
3:30 central
Dogwood Park Cookeville, TN

I wish I could go!!! Alas, I had plans that could not be changed, but I will be there in spirit.

The schedule:

Friday Night (4/27) at 8 central, we'll have Pano's Pizza by the Garden Inn pool for the Fred Fans who have already arrived.

Saturday Morning
8 to 11 central, Steve Gill will broadcast live from TOOT'S on Willow Avenue. Come have some coffee and Big-O Doughnuts with Steve.

Enjoy Cookeville!
Lots of great shops and places to eat.
Many are a short walk from Dogwood Park.

Saturday Afternoon
12 to 2 central: Live Blues!
Behind Crazy Kent's Electronics
It's 2 blocks from Dogwood Park on East 1st beside the Chamber of Commerce.
Tony Drake is a young blues artist you will have to see and hear to believe!

Stop by East 1st Coffee House for some refreshment (with zip if you like). Its 1 block from Dogwood Park on East 1st.

2:00 central:
Rally Setup -Glad to have your help.

3:30 central: Let's Draft Fred!
The music starts at Dogwood Park
Lancaster Garden Ambush Band
--that's great bluegrass!
Sign the BIG letter to Fred, Get some gear, Great speakers, More great music.

Get more info here

FDT on ABC

2007-04-26T05:55:00.000-05:00

"Former senator, commentator and actor Fred Thompson will provide regular opinion and analysis on ABCRADIO.com. New reports will be available Monday-Friday on the website. The Fred Thompson Report will discuss issues and events that affect all Americans. Audio versions of many of the commentaries will also be made available on ABCRADIO.com.

As part of ABC Radio's commitment to deliver content in formats that leverage new communications technologies, The Fred Thompson Report gives readers and listeners another avenue to engage in discussions about current events and important issues of the day.

"The Internet allows -- as never before -- a real dialogue among the American people. There has never been a more important time in recent history to be informed as a nation, and my hope is that my commentary will contribute to that discussion," said Thompson. "I'm looking forward to using the medium to its fullest."

There is a clear demand to hear from Senator Thompson. It's obvious that listeners, if not America, seek his leadership on issues that matter. Radio has already provided an excellent platform to inform and educate listeners seeking his opinion -- The Fred Thompson Report is another extension to deliver his respected opinion," said John McConnell, Senior Vice President, Programming, ABC Radio Networks." (Read the entire article)

The other candidates are paying to get their word out there, while Senator Thompson is being paid for his.

(*Pictured: Fred Thompson t-shirt -and stickers- available at American Method)

Draft Thompson Video

2007-04-23T08:31:00.000-05:00

(H/T: Colorado For Thompson)

Go Vote for Fred...

2007-04-20T06:59:00.000-05:00

...on HorseRace.com --you don't have to register--and it looks like the lefty sites got the jump on getting the word out. Right now FDT only has 6% of the votes...

(Bumper Sticker available at: RightWingStuff)

Where Will Fred Get the Money?

2007-04-18T07:28:00.000-05:00

Is it worth $100 to get a true Conservative in the White House? Read about J.B. Williams' plan from the The Chattanoogan.com:

"...Imagine for a moment that the national committee (RNC) does not have the $892 million dollars that they raised during the 2004 Presidential election. That instead, this money remained in the grasp and control of individual conservatives to be used to promote a specific candidate instead of a national committee operating at odds with those constituents.

Imagine that these conservatives did their own homework and based upon the historical track records of the candidates available, chose a truly conservative Republican candidate that would otherwise be sidelined and ignored by the national committee.

Imagine that those same conservatives took just half of the money raised in 2004, some $450 million dollars and placed it all behind one truly conservative Republican leader who had a proven track record of standing firmly on the principles at the core of the once conservative Republican Party. A billion dollars for a single political campaign season is obscene to begin with… There’s the first clue of just how screwed up we have allowed it all to become.

Impossible? How hard is it? It takes only 4.5 million conservatives willing to invest $100 a piece, or 2.25 million willing to invest $200 a piece, or 1 million willing to invest $450 a piece. Doable? You bet! How much is saving your nation worth?

...93% of the conservative base of the Republican Party seems united. Not behind any of the committee anointed, press supported, partisan temporary RNC front-runners, but rather behind a candidate not yet officially in the race. A candidate being drafted by the people, of the people, for the people…. The people do still have the power…!" (Read the entire article)

Jay Leno Talks About Thompson '08:

Some FDT Quotes

2007-04-17T06:43:00.000-05:00

"Cyberspace is the battlefield of tomorrow... Instead of confronting us head-to-head on the traditional battlefield, adversaries will confront the U.S. at its point of least resistance - our information infrastructure." -Fred D. Thompson

"Every foreign policy of every major nation involves reason, common sense, carrots and sticks. You can't have all carrots and no sticks." -Fred D. Thompson

"Hopefully, we can build bridges, but we also have to draw lines." -Fred D. Thompson

"That should be an example for us: You can't buy peace by just wishing it and avoiding the challenges that other nations present to you." -Fred D. Thompson

"While we believe there are fruitful opportunities to update and improve old rules, we do not want to set up a review process that could create a litigation morass." -Fred D. Thompson

"You can't substitute promise after promise with known violators of prior promises at the expense of protecting ourselves or setting an example." -Fred D. Thompson

(source)

*Pictured FDT magnets and buttons available at Cafe Press*

The Base Hath Spoken

2007-04-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

The new poll done by NewsMax.com solidifies what we all knew...

Here are the poll questions and results:

1) What is your overall opinion of Fred Thompson?

Favorable: 94 percent
Unfavorable: 2 percent
No Opinion: 4 percent

2) Is Fred Thompson your candidate for president in 2008?

Yes: 77 percent
No: 23 percent

3) In the following field, who is your 2008 candidate?

John McCain: 1.66 percent
Condi Rice: 2.64 percent
Mike Huckabee: .99 percent
Miss Romney: 4.14 percent
Rudy Giuliani: 7.53 percent
Fred Thompson: 62.54 percent
Tom Tancredo: 2.78 percent
Ron Paul: 1.25 percent
Newt Gingrich: 12.25 percent
Duncan Hunter: 1.23 percent
Sam Brownback: .97 percent
Other: 1.99 percent

4) In a Republican primary of the following, who would you vote for?

Rudy Giuliani: 7 percent
John McCain: 2 percent
Newt Gingrich: 13 percent
Fred Thompson: 78 percent

5) If the 2008 President race was between Fred Thompson & Hillary Clinton, who would you vote for?

Fred Thompson: 98.7 percent
Hillary Clinton: 1.3 percent

There's also a good article about FDT (by Stephen F. Hayes) over at The Weekly Standard.

Fred Thompson's Cancer Disclosure

2007-04-12T06:40:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how many panicked emails I received yesterday about Fred Thompson's announcement that he is in remission from lymphoma.

"...Thompson was diagnosed with indolent lymphoma about two-and-a-half years ago, but he told Fox News the cancer is treatable.

"I have had no illness from it, or even any symptoms," he said. "My life expectancy should not be affected. I am in remission, and it is very treatable with drugs if treatment is needed in the future – and with no debilitating side effects." (source)

Don't fret people. He was diagnosed in 2004. The fact that he's disclosing now only solidifies the notion that he is indeed planning to run. He's disseminating information he feels could be used against him and gauging the public reaction. He’s vetting himself. He's going to run.

And yes, if this was his wife making this announcement I'd be the first to say that he shouldn't pursue this horrible, thankless job.

(BTW: A new Bloomberg poll has Thompson --that would be FRED and not TOMMY-- usurping Mccain's 3rd place position...without declaring. -H/T: Jim)

FDT Inspiring Voters

2007-04-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

This Article from the national Ledger is a must-read.

"...Republican talk show hosts and RNC leaders alike, who spent much of the first quarter pimping their favorite liberal Republican buddies, are now shaking off the shock that listeners aren’t following and they are starting to look for ways to claim Fred was all their idea from the start. If Fred keeps climbing in the polls without even entering the race, he might sit it out until he’s in the lead before even announcing he’s in the race. Why wouldn’t he?

Both sides of the aisle are trying to figure out a way to derail the campaign that seems to have a full head of steam, despite the fact that the campaign doesn’t even really exist. It’s like watching Abbott and Costello goes to Washington. No matter how it turns out, it sure is entertaining reality TV.

The experts say that Fred is too late already, a year before the primaries, if you can imagine. He can’t catch up with those already out in front on the campaign fund raising trail. Are they not paying any attention at all to what is happening here?..." (Read the entire article)

There's another good article over at WND: "A Man Named Fred".

And the upcoming Thompson Rally in TN is really gaining momentum... ("Frontier, the local telephone company, is providing Wi-Fi free for the rally. This will enable the news media, bloggers and others to use their laptops at the event!")

Hollywood Could Play a Major Role in 2008

2007-04-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

Many articles, such as this one from the WSJ, are harping on the “major hurdle” FDT will have trying to raise adequate money "this late in the game".

Maybe money isn't the concern we think it is...Maybe Fred knows that his declaration of intent will force undercover Hollywood conservatives to end their silence. We know that they're out there. This election may include a Hollywood fund-raising bash of Clinton/Obama proportions thrown in honor of a Republican for the first time ever... We know that Arnie, Kelsey Grammar, David Zucker, Dennis Miller, Danny Aiello, Patricia Heaton, Adam Sandler, Ben Stein, Drew Carey and '24' creator Joel Surnow are all conservatives --I'd love to see Thompson coax the rest of them out of hiding to balance out the Susan Sarandons and Sean Penns of the industry. Thompson in the race just makes the possibilities that much more interesting... Maybe enough to get as many Americans to vote as Iraqis did...?

The ultimate race (for me anyway) would be Thompson VS Gore. A political blogger's dream come true...

(Cross-Posted at Blonde Sagacity)

As If There Weren't Enough Reasons to Love Fred...

2007-04-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

Not only has he written a spot on piece about the nuances surrounding what just went down with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad...he did it on a blog! A man that knows where to pay his respects.

President-Elect Fred Thompson via Redstate.org:

"...A lot of folks are happy. The problem, as I see it, is that Ahmadinejad seems to be the happiest.

And why shouldn't he be? He has shown the world that his forces can kidnap British citizens, subject them to brutal psychological tactics to coerce phony confessions, finagle the release of a high-ranking Iranian terror coordinator in Iraq, utterly trash the Geneva conventions and suffer absolutely no consequences.

Some in the West seem part of Iran's propaganda war; claiming that the release of the hostages was a victory that proves the Iranian dictatorship can be reasoned with. To misrepresent unpunished piracy as a victory is as Orwellian as the congressional mandate banning use of the term "the global war on terror." What are we — Reuters?

If we retreat precipitously, the price for that betrayal will be paid first in blood and freedom by the Iranian people, the Kurds, the Afghanis, the secular Lebanese, the moderates in Pakistan and the Iraqis themselves. And America's word may never be trusted again...." (This is just a teaser, read the entire post)

And to the people that keep saying he has no chance of winning --feel free to keep your head in the sand, that's how we won in 2004.

(Cross-posted at Blonde Sagacity)

Saturday FDT Tidbits

2007-04-07T15:00:00.000-05:00

The "Draft Fred '08 Blogroll" is growing everyday. I have been making every effort to keep on top of the emails and checking for new links in technorati, BUT if I should happen to miss your link...please don't hesitate to let me know you want your site added (via email or in the comments here)

Check periodically for new "Draft Thompson" buttons in the sidebar -I make them when the spirit hits...

The pictured shirt is another new addition to the burgeoning collection at Cafe Press.

It's Looking Hopeful...

2007-04-06T09:02:00.000-05:00

"Fred Thompson, the “Law & Order” actor and former senator from Tennessee, has moved beyond pondering a bid for the White House and begun assembling the nucleus of a campaign should he decide to run, according to people involved in the effort.

Thompson has not yet decided to seek the Republican presidential nomination. But “he is getting more serious every day,” said an adviser familiar with Thompson's plans.

The Sleuth column at WashingtonPost.com reported a recent lunch Thompson had with Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Ed Gillespie, and Thompson recently lunched at a Washington hotel with former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.).

Thompson also has met with other big Republican players, including some who work for other presidential campaigns, sources said." (source)

(Reglan Tee available at Cafe Press: Fred08)

Show Your Support: FDT Rally in TN

2007-04-05T08:52:00.000-05:00

More information will be posted as it becomes available:

Draft Fred Thompson Rally

Location: Performance Pavilion in beautiful Dogwood Park - Cookeville, TN
Time: Saturday April 28 -- 3:30 to 5:30
Sponsored by: Putnam County Republican Party
Confirmed Guest: Congressman Zack Wamp

For more information and/or to confirm your attendance:
RepublicanHub@gmail.com

In polling news...FDT is tied in a Thompson/Clinton race --without declaring or her massive war chest.

Bill Frist recently posted this on his blog: "I’ve talked to Fred on a regular basis over the last two weeks and can tell you that he is strongly considering running for president."

FDT & the MSM Spin

2007-04-04T06:19:00.000-05:00

GALLUP: Most Voters Can't Identify Fred Thompson
"A new Gallup poll reveals that former Sen. Fred Thompson would face an uphill battle in a race for president. Right now, according to Gallup, 58% of adults know nothing about him.

Four percent correctly identified him with the TV show "Law and Order"-- the same number who expressed a wish that he run for president. Another 11% identified him, correctly, as an "actor." Just 1% said he was a "conservative/true conservative" and another 1% know that he was or is a "politician." (source)

Now, if the MSM wasn't biased they would have pointed out that IF the poll is accurate and 58% of adults can't identify Thompson...the fact that he's polling THIRD amongst Republicans without campaigning or even announcing-- that is some pretty amazing stuff.

The Mysterious Appeal of Fred Thompson
Actor, Senator, presidential candidate... but what G.O.P. gap is he filling?
"The buzz has been meticulously cultivated. In addition to the yeoman press work done by his surrogates, Mr. Thompson has now hired former Justice Department spokesman Mark Corallo to handle national press. And his planned return to Washington later this month is being plotted with the precision of a military campaign. One advisor says there will likely be an official announcement of some kind within the next two months, if not sooner.

“[Thompson]’s not new at this game,” said Republican consultant Rich Galen. “He just wiggled his nose like that lady on Bewitched, and people swooned. They’re still swooning." (source)

IF it's true that this was all a well-orchestrated plan by FDT...well then I guess that dispels all the other negative stories that have said how lazy he was.

FDT Made the Cartoons...

2007-04-03T08:43:00.000-05:00

By now I'm sure you've all read the Novak piece on Thompson... I found this particularly interesting:

"...More important than the polling data is his backing within the political community. Buyer's remorse is expressed by several House members who had endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Romney..." (source)

I was wondering if some of the top politicos that jumped the gun and endorsed someone before all the candidates were declared were beginning to regret their impetuousness...

(Cartoon H/T: Coloradoans For Thompson)

Thompson and Thompson

2007-04-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

This morning I find myself a little aggravated that Tommy Thompson, former secretary of health and human services, has announced that he will run for President.

His polling data is horrible (his 2% to FDT's 12%), but I fear that he will steal some of our Thompson's name recognition.

Some people may not know that is how JFK won his first election. His father, Joe Kennedy, paid someone with the same name as the frontrunner to enter the race...the confusion split the votes and JFK won.

Run Fred Run

2007-04-01T17:52:00.000-05:00

My favorite "Fred" item of the day:

This bumper sticker can be purchased at the Right Wing Swag Store on Cafe Press.

(FYI: I have no creative/financial interest or gain in any of the FDT merchandise listed...I look around purely to bring things to your attention that you may be interested in, but may not have come across...)

And, it seems James Dobson has "clarified" his statement about Thompson's state of faith.

There's No Such Thing As Bad Publicity...

2007-03-30T09:03:00.000-05:00

A new post on Wonkette's site calls Thompson a "tevee" actor and dwindles his filmography to "Country Bear Jamboree", calls him ugly, mocks his wife, says he "acts scary" --and all in two short paragraphs.

What it says to me is that we are on the right track...

"Hey everybody, an actor is going to be president again! Country Bear Jamboree star Fred Thompson hasn’t declared, but his “political consultant” young wife has decided he’s just the man to get GOP nomination.

Why Fred? Because he is on a teevee show that’s always playing on every television all through the day and night. Also, Americans hunger for a president who not only acts scary, but also looks scary — it’s an LBJ thing. And being a Hollywood actor with a new trophy wife is sort of “traditional family values” compared to Giuliani and McCain, who are probably getting high and divorced again at a gay opera right now.

New polls show Thompson would tie with Hillary if she’s the nominee (meaning the Supreme Court would make him president), but would lose to Barry Hussein Obama. Of course, they’re all current or former senators, so none of them will ever be president." (source)

Has any other undeclared candidate ever gotten this much ink...?

James Dobson: Evangelical Psychic?

2007-03-29T08:37:00.000-05:00

"...Focus on the Family founder James Dobson has dealt a potentially devastating blow to Fred Thompson’s presidential aspirations, saying the former senator is not a Christian.

"Everyone knows he’s conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for,” Dobson – considered the most politically powerful evangelical figure in the U.S. – said in a phone call to Dan Gilgoff, senior editor at U.S. News & World Report.

"[But] I don’t think he’s a Christian. At least that’s my impression.”

Thompson’s spokesman Mark Corallo took issue with the statement.

"Thompson is indeed a Christian,” he said. "He was baptized into the Church of Christ." (source)

If Dobson had spoken with Thompson and the former Senator had disclosed that he wasn't a Christian...well, then that would be one thing. But who is he to presume what someone's faith is? None of his positions are contrary to "God's law"...so what prompted this proclamation? It's not like he's lobbying to let off murderers and voraciously pro-choice...

I guess he realized how un-Christian this statement was...as there was some backpedaling shortly after...

"Focus on Family spokesman Gary Schneeberger sought to clarify Dobson’s statement, telling Gilgoff that while Dobson didn’t believe Thompson belonged to a non-Christian faith, he "has never known Thompson to be a committed Christian – someone who openly talks about his faith.

"We use that word – Christian – to refer to people who are evangelical Christians. Dobson wasn’t expressing a personal opinion about his reaction to a Thompson candidacy.” (source)

This is pretty cool, in the past I've never liked a candidate enough to get annoyed and defensive over criticisms...

(Cross-posted at Blonde Sagacity)

Fred Merchandise to Spread the Word...

2007-03-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

Pajamas Media finally added FDT to their straw poll (go vote!) and he's tearing it up...Last I checked he had over 42% of the vote. And the left thought Dean's movement was revolutionary --Thompson hasn't even said he would run. I am so excited...this feels like real democracy doesn't it!?

There is no way for us to judge if this excitement is making it's way out of cyberspace... The only way to do that is to spread the word to the luddites...and what better way than to wear your feelings on your sleeve (or your chest as the case may be)

There is a site dedicated to jump-starting the Thompson movement out in the real world by waving shipping costs for their Thompson '08 t-shirts:

Fred Thompson '08 t-shirts
(This link will remain in the sidebar under FDT Merchandise - I am trying to make sure to get all the new sites that are popping up daily in the sidebar as soon as I find them...)

More Polling News Out...

2007-03-27T07:01:00.000-05:00

"The latest USA Today/Gallup poll, conducted Friday through Sunday, on the presidential race is out, and it's a humdinger. It's hard to say what the headline even is. Here are a few tries, though:

* Romney's support drops to within the margin of error of not existing (that's 3% support in a poll where the margin of error is 3%).

* Giuliani's support drops 13 percentage points since the last USA Today/Gallup poll, March 2-4 (that's gotta hurt).

* Fred Thompson (not running, by the way) is now the No. 3 in the GOP field, at 12%.

Ultimately, however, I'll go with the headline I've chosen above: "Thompson Takes Bites Out of Giuliani, Romney." While the usual caveats apply about the ridiculous earliness of all of these polls — and, now, the fact that voters know precisely zero about Fred Thompson past what they know of him from "Law & Order" — this is a clear data point on the question of just who is hurt by a Thompson candidacy.

And that is, as I predicted, Mitt Romney (who dropped from 8% to 3% when Thompson was added to the poll), and as I did not in any way predict, Rudy Giuliani, who, again, lost 13 percentage points." (source)

This may explain why Romney's people are getting a little snippy about Thompson... Shame on you "Evangelical's for Mitt", it isn't very Christian to make things up --look at the voting record because that's what counts.

FDT: Is Neocon Globalist a Bad Thing?

2007-03-26T09:21:00.000-05:00

You may have seen the one "negative" article about Senator Thompson that seems to have circulated to tons of MSM sites (since when are they all so anxious to pick up a piece written by a conservative --it was even on Wonkette?) by Basil Harrington: Fred Thompson: Neocon Globalist.

The last line of the article: "Let's pray that the more real conservatives learn about Fred Thompson, the more unacceptable he will appear. I, for one, should he receive the nomination, will vote Constitution Party."

First, before people let this article upset them...let's look at the fact that this author is pushing for Ron Paul. Ron Paul, who is writing OpEds for anti-war.com and who was against the war in Iraq even when everyone thought there were WMD...and, once again, wrote about it at anti-war.com.

This writer is also someone that is involved with the Conservative Exodus Project which seems to be an isolationist movement that doesn't understand this war against Islamofascists isn't about Democracy in Iraq, but about the preservation of Western ideals...

FDT: Polling Higher Than Declared Frontrunners

2007-03-25T14:40:00.000-05:00

Beating Rudy:

"Many Georgia counties held their Republican conventions on Saturday. From Gwinnett, state Sen. David Shafer of Duluth posted this on his blog:

”But the most interesting news came from the presidential straw poll, which had been tacked on to the end of the officer ballot, almost as an afterthought. The delegates were given a choice of a dozen or so candidates. None of the Presidential campaigns were represented at the convention.

The national frontrunner, Rudy Giuliani, placed third, right behind Georgia’s own Newt Gingrich, who finished second. But the winner was former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee, who received more votes than all the other candidates combined.

Fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh place went to Romney, McCain, Huckabee and Brownback, in that order." (source)

The American Research Group also has a new poll suggesting a FDT vs. Rudy upset.

And better yet, beating Hillary:

"...The first Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey involving Thompson shows the former Senator from Tennessee essentially tied with the Democratic frontrunner, Senator Hillary Clinton. It’s Thompson 44% Clinton 43%... (source)

So with all this encouraging news coming out, isn't it good to know that Jeri, his wife, is behind us!

"Close friends of Fred Thompson say his wife Jeri is urging him to take the plunge later this year and run for the Republican presidential nomination." (source)

FDT All Over the WWW

2007-03-24T09:41:00.000-05:00

Senator Fred Thompson (or maybe I should say his supporters) are staking out his space on two of the hottest 'new' mediums online...

FDT on YouTube

-and-

FDT on MySpace

I still haven't found a single article that has any reaction from Dick Wolfe or Law & Order co-stars... I'd especially love to know what Bush-hater Vincent D’Onofrio has to say about the fervor over Thompson.

More Nuclear Powers in the Middle East...?

2007-03-23T08:09:00.000-05:00

Fred Thompson was on Laura Ingraham's show on Wednesday...I came into the interview late and missed something important...

Here is the audio (Thanks to Fred '08):

In case you can't listen I'll relay something Senator Thompson said that I found to be of great importance when asked about the war in Iraq: [paraphrased]

["We are doing the only thing I think we can do. We need to give this government, that is moving faster than ours did, a chance to stand up and be a democracy. Osama bin Laden and others in the region called us "paper tigers" and said we can't stand up and don't have the will to wage the war. We've waited too long to do this...

War is nothing but a series of mistakes and you do the best you can from where you are and I would hope all Americans could join in that. I understand the disillusionment and the unpopularity of what's happening...

I am chairing right now, at the request of the Secretary of State, an International Security Advisory Board and I got a briefing a little while back that led me to conclude that three or four more countries in that region, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt anyway, are on the cusp of deciding whether to go nuclear themselves...to developing a nuclear weapons program themselves. They are waiting to see what's going to happen in Iran. Waiting to see whether Iran takes over a chunk of Iraq. That's just one of the things that will be the consequence of that place exploding there and that's something we can't have that if there's anything we can do to avoid it and I think we've got a chance."] -Senator Fred Thompson, 3/21/07

Aside from all the other doomsday "cut and run" scenarios we've discussed...now we have to add three more nuclear Muslim counties to the list... This is the first I am hearing of this and it's huge in my opinion...

(Cross-posted at Blonde Sagacity)

FNS: Dems Don't Realize What Happened...

2007-03-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

"Last Sunday was a bad day for Democrats, and they hardly noticed.
Why? Democrats avoid Fox News. (Hardcore Democrats don't even like for their candidates to debate on that network.)

So they missed the "bad news" in former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson's Sunday morning interview with Fox's Chris Wallace. Thompson told Fox that he is considering a run for the presidency. He did not make a formal announcement, but I am betting that he is going to be the answer to the Republicans' dilemma.

...But right now, of all the Republican possibilities, he is the Democrats' worst nightmare." (Read the entire article)

(Pictured: Buttons and other really nice (and classy) FDT gear now available at the Official Thompson Store)