Fred Thompson announces candidacy for president

[lily]

It's official (http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/05/thompson.announces/index.html?eref=rss_topstories)

Fred Thompson announces candidacy for president


(CNN) -- After spending months testing the waters for a presidential run,
Sen. Fred Thompson has made his candidacy official.


Fred Thompson joins the race for the GOP nomination only four months before
the first voting.


"I am running for president of the United States," he said during a taping
of NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," drawing applause and cheers from
the audience.

Thompson will also talk about his decision to join the race for the
Republican presidential nomination in a webcast scheduled to go online early
Thursday.

A five-day campaign tour will follow Thompson's announcement, sources said
last week.

Thompson will stump in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida. Then
it's on to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee -- his hometown -- for a "homecoming" on
September 15, the sources said.

Political observers say Thompson may be late entering the race. The first
voting is only four months away and the others have been in Iowa, New
Hampshire, South Carolina and beyond for months. See Thompson's new
presidential campaign buses »

"Expectations are sky high, which means he better perform flawlessly out of
the box or a lot of people are going to start grumbling that he's not the
great savior we thought he was," said Republican pollster Whit Ayres.

Thompson created a fundraising committee that allowed him to begin raising
money for a possible presidential campaign on June 1. He's angling for a
conservative base that hasn't coalesced around one candidate.

During his speeches this summer, he has promised his commitment to outlaw
abortion is more than lip service.

"I don't think as the president you can do anything halfway," Thompson said
in August.

On Iraq, he's in no rush to talk about bringing troops home. "Right now we
need to make every effort to make sure that we don't get run out of there
with our tails between our legs," Thompson said.

Thompson's announcement came as Wednesday's GOP debate got under way in New
Hampshire, which he skipped despite pressure to take part.

Last week, the New Hampshire Union-Leader said the state would consider a
no-show as a snub.

"If Thompson waits until after the debate to make his announcement, it will
appear to some as if he timed the announcement just to avoid the New
Hampshire debate," the newspaper said.

"That would give his foes the chance to say he is either not serious about
running for the nomination or is too unprepared to be considered a credible
candidate."

Thompson is a former federal prosecutor. He made his mark as Republican
counsel on the Senate Watergate committee, and served eight years in the
Senate from Tennessee.

But bring up his name, and one word trumps all others. "Actor. He is known
as an actor," Ayres said.


One of Thompson's most recognized roles has been as District Attorney Arthur
Branch in NBC's "Law & Order."

"Sen. Thompson is not that well known. In many ways it is a vessel into whom
many Republicans have poured their hopes and dreams. We will see whether
those hopes and dreams get realized," Ayres said


During his speeches this summer, he has promised his commitment to outlaw
abortion is more than lip service.

Boy..........I wish him luck with that campaign promise!!

[BoogyMan]

I wonder why it took him so long to announce? This troubles me as it makes me wonder what is going on in the background. I like Thompson, but the delay seems odd in light of the rush into candidacy.

I wonder if he wanted to let the others tear each other to pieces and then come into the fray unscathed. Who knows.

[AnnEsthesia]

He did not want to have to participate in the early debates. Why let yourself get muddy when you can just wait and enter late?

[Scorpion]

He did not want to have to participate in the early debates. Why let yourself get muddy when you can just wait and enter late?


Very true.

[lily]

To me it just shows that he doesn't have the passion. Oh, I don't doubt that he wants to be president, he just doesn't want to do the work that campaigning requires.

[preservanation]

I am very disappointed he hes not added more than a sniping comment to this very important campaign.

[bobbylien]

Isn't it obvious? He has relatively no background or the experience to keep the voters interests for very long. His trophy wife doesn't help much with the conservatives either, except the white trash conservative crowd. He has to avoid the spotlight for as long as he possibly can.

[heyjude]

His trophy wife is no help with many women either. Women don't think men are amusing when they marry women young enough to be their granddaughters. That is an insult to all middle-aged women. Like it or not, some of us are really prejudiced against men who do that. I am.

[lily]

You're right about that jude. I think more women will be bothered by this than they are the sencond and third wives of the other candidates. It does sort of take the buffer off some that Rudy's wife is also young.......but not this young!

[BoogyMan]

His trophy wife is no help with many women either. Women don't think men are amusing when they marry women young enough to be their granddaughters. That is an insult to all middle-aged women. Like it or not, some of us are really prejudiced against men who do that. I am.


How is his wife an insult? I just don't get this one. If the guy married a much younger woman whose business is it other than his? I do, however, have a problem with ALL candidates who seem to go through marriages like exercise shoes.

[Stoner]

I do, however, have a problem with ALL candidates who seem to go through marriages like exercise shoes.


I've been known to go through women like Michael Moore goes through plates at a buffet.

[Stoner]

Here's the video of it from Leno.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3966534298528812723&q=fred+thompson+announces&total=21&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2

[nevadamedic]

He's a bloody Liberal disguised as a Republican.

[nevadamedic]

He did not want to have to participate in the early debates. Why let yourself get muddy when you can just wait and enter late?


Yup, he wanted the blood on someone else's hands.

[Stoner]

No way, dude. He is Republican all the way. Closest thing we've ever seen to Reagan.

He definitly has my vote. I think he is going to be the front-runner.

[nevadamedic]

To me it just shows that he doesn't have the passion. Oh, I don't doubt that he wants to be president, he just doesn't want to do the work that campaigning requires.


He wants it for the power. Here you have candidates like Tancredo, Giuliani, McCain and Romney saying for a couple years that they will run, then Thompson is playing this game of I will announce in June then July 4th then August now September and he finally does it.

He could also be doing it to get around certain campaign finance laws. People can only donate a certain amount to the campaign but if he has an exploritory committee they can donate to that too and he can merge the two.

[Stoner]

He could also be doing it to get around certain campaign finance laws. People can only donate a certain amount to the campaign but if he has an exploritory committee they can donate to that too and he can merge the two.


That's quite a conspiracy theory, Nevada. Here's a more likely scenario that you would have heard if you would have watched the video.

Thompson said that in the past candidates usually never announced until after Labor Day. However recently more and more candidates have been announcing and running earlier and earlier every year.

See Nevada, logic always trumps bias conspiracy theories.

[Elrathin]

I think he is going to be the front-runner.


I doubt it, he lost a lot of supporters when he kept saying he would make a decision and held off. Time will tell, but I think his late coming into the race is going to be his downfall.

[Deadshot]

What about experience? Senator from 1994-2003 with no major legislation presented. At least Bush ran Texas, Clinton ran Arkansas and Reagan California.

Then look at the other Dems and Reps out there. DECADES in politics and holding political office. Like 'em or don't but be it Romney or Rudy or Hillary or Obama at least these people have been running for, and winning, offices to learn how government works.

Fred just doesn't have the experience. I think by Christmas his campaign will have faltered horribly, crushing the hopes of many Republicans and further destroying the part for '08.

[Stoner]

I think his late coming into the race is going to be his downfall.


That seems to be the talking point most libs have been taught by moveon.org and Kos. Unfortunatley it's a pretty laughable quote. Thompson actually had a great retort for this.

JAY LENO: A lot of the pundits say, "Oh, well, you waited too long."


FRED THOMPSON: No, I don't think so. Of course, we'll find out, but I don't think people are going to say, you know, "That guy would make a very good President, but he just didn't get in soon enough." (Laughter.) Communications being what they are nowadays, if you can't get your message out in a few months, you're probably not ever going to get it out. Most people don't start paying attention to these elections until they get a little closer. They treat politicians kind of like the dentist ‑‑ they don't have anything to do with them until they have to, until the election is near. (Laughter.)



Libs are scared out of their minds with Thompson. They'll deny it of course but you can already see by comments from our lib posters on here.

[Deadshot]

Libs are scared out of their minds with Thompson. They'll deny it of course but you can already see by comments from our lib posters on here.


We'll see. Since he's started late he's at a disadvantage, that's what GOP pundits say. But the more in the field the merrier. I love a fractured, and undecided oppenent.

[Stoner]

Since he's started late he's at a disadvantage,

He didn't start late. We already covered this. Try and keep up.

[Deadshot]

Since he's started late he's at a disadvantage,

He didn't start late. We already covered this. Try and keep up.


No Stoner, he did start late. You and his campaign can claim otherwise, but instead of debating the issues with the other GOP candidates, he was on Leno.

He didn't show up to training camp, bad move for a rook.

[Stoner]

Go back and re-read, DS. I'm not going to read for you. You have to take the initiative and do it yourself.

Come on, son, you can do it.

[AnnEsthesia]

Yep, when everyone has been campaigning for a long time and then you (and only you) enter at the last moment... nah... you aren't late, they were just early starters. Yea, that's it! They were early! You were on time!

[Stoner]

you aren't late, they were just early starters. Yea, that's it! They were early! You were on time!


That's the most sense I've seen you make to date.

JAY LENO: Well, that's very exciting. Now, it took a long time to decide this.

FRED THOMPSON: Not really. We started ‑‑ we mentioned it the first time in March. A lot of people have been, of course, running for some time. Everybody kind of changed the rules. Usually you don't announce until after Labor Day, but they started running a lot earlier, spending millions of dollars and so forth, and everyone said that you couldn't run this year without raising a hundred million dollars and starting much earlier. I don't believe that. I wasn't in the room when they made the rules; so I had to kind of follow my own lead. So we started around the kitchen table in late March talking about it, thinking about it, thinking about what kind of world and what kind of country our kids were going to grow up in and how many people have a chance to do something about it. And I decided that it was time for me to step up. So I did. (Applause.)

[AnnEsthesia]

Ok, so show me facts that support what he said. Just because he said it does not mean it is true...

Actually, I do not care if it is true or not. Since when does historical fact (true or not) make a difference. Everyone else in the field has been campaigning and announced months ago. He just did not want to have to participate in the NH debate.

[Stoner]

Funny, Bill Clinton announced his candidacy for POTUS on Oct. 3rd.

He just did not want to have to participate in the NH debate.


Interesting conspiracy theory. Unfortunately there's no proof nor facts supporting your theory.

[AnnEsthesia]

Ah yes, the 'Clinton did it too' argument. lol

And if he wanted to participate in the debate, he would have done so. Instead, he waited to announce his candidacy the night of the debate. You think it was... what? A coincidence?

[Stoner]

I'm still waiting for Anne to back up her conspiracy theory with proof. Show me evidence that Thompson purposely waited to announce just so he could miss a debate in New Hampshire.

And I'll be waiting here a long time I'm sure.

Bottom line...Anne and the other neolibs have a lot of crazy and kooky conspiracy theories. However in the end you'll see they (and her in this thread) will offer up ZERO proof or evidence.

I've decided to start a meter to keep track of how many posts Anne responds with no proof or evidence about her Thompson conspiracy theory.

Number of posts Anne has not provided proof since making an accusation (post #27) - 1

[AnnEsthesia]

You mean beyond the fact that he timed his announcement so that he did not have to attend the event? He could have announced earlier in the week and gone to the debate.

[Stoner]

You mean beyond the fact that he timed his announcement so that he did not have to attend the event? He could have announced earlier in the week and gone to the debate.


Your post still lacks proof or evidence.

Number of posts Anne has not provided proof since making an accusation (post #27) - 2

[AnnEsthesia]

Prove that he did not do that, Stoner. Prove that he did not intentionally miss the debate. I await your link that says that he had a memory lapse and forgot when it was, but really meant to attend. Or maybe his plane was delayed? Or perhaps he wanted to announce on Tuesday and got the dates mixed up?

No, he wanted to announce while the others were debating to bring the spotlight on himself. He did not want to have to go and sling mud. It was a POLITICAL CAMPAIGN move.

[Stoner]

Again, more talking-point rambling but no evidence or proof.

Number of posts Anne has not provided evidence or proof since making an accusation (post #27) - 3

[ViolaLee]

If school usually starts in September, but the School decides the first day will be in August this year, the kid who waits till September to go to school is late.

[AnnEsthesia]

Stoner, you have not proven that was not part of his strategy.

[Stoner]

If school usually starts in September, but the School decides the first day will be in August this year, the kid who waits till September to go to school is late.


The only problem with your analogy is no one decided to change the unofficial "announce" date from after Labor Day. That's when it's always been. It just so happens that some candidates have been declaring earlier and earlier each election in order to raise more money.

So Thompson choosing to stick to tradition and not follow every fad makes your argument a huge apples and oranges comparison.

Stoner, you have not proven that was not part of his strategy.

It's the job of the one believing the conspiracy theory to prove his/her point with evidence and proof. Not the other way around. Nice try to try and mirror it back but that won't work here. This isn't Kos.

Number of posts Anne has not provided evidence or proof since making an accusation (post #27) - 4

[AnnEsthesia]

It is not an accusation, Stoner. It is an observation. Now stop being an ass and prove that what I and most of the country see as him dodging having to show for the debate is false.

[Scorpion]

I do, however, have a problem with ALL candidates who seem to go through marriages like exercise shoes.


I've been known to go through women like Michael Moore goes through plates at a buffet.


Funny that you draw an analogy between yourself and Michael Moore, the communist dump truck.

[ViolaLee]

If school usually starts in September, but the School decides the first day will be in August this year, the kid who waits till September to go to school is late.


The only problem with your analogy is no one decided to change the unofficial "announce" date from after Labor Day. That's when it's always been. It just so happens that some candidates have been declaring earlier and earlier each election in order to raise more money.

So Thompson choosing to stick to tradition and not follow every fad makes your argument a huge apples and oranges comparison.

But Thompson's been raising money all along, so that doesn't make sense. All the other candidates have been debating all this time and he's been teasing.

[Elrathin]

That seems to be the talking point most libs have been taught by moveon.org and Kos. Unfortunatley it's a pretty laughable quote. Thompson actually had a great retort for this.



LOL Sorry but even some of your republican buddies are thinking the same thing. Hardly a lib talking point. But hey if you want to split your party, go ahead I don't mind. We'll let you RepubliCONS fight over your candidates and the dems will ride up for the win.

We'll be sure and get you a tissue box at the end, or will you pull a CWN and claim it was all a conspiracy. :lmao:

[Churchel]

http://www.democracyforums.com/showthread.php?tid=1988&pid=20146#pid20146

Now if he selects the running mate that I suggest he will win.

[Deadshot]

The next debate will say a lot about Thompson. Can he get through it and win? If he can then he's viable, if he can't...

Each sides debates and meetings will be getting more and more cut throat. SOMEONE must begin to stand out or the Primaries could produce the slaughter that big donors and high profile candidates don't want to see.

Just as the Dems will target each other with Obama, Edwards and Co. going after Hillary, the Reps will begin to target each other so as to thin the herd. It will be there, in those debates and campaigning up to the first primaries that Thompson will need to prove his mettle.

Problem is that McCain, Rudy and Romney have already been battle tested over the last few months. Thompson hasn't had to say much or put up with much scrutiny. Personally, I don't think he can hack it. But we'll see.

[lily]

The only problem with your analogy is no one decided to change the unofficial "announce" date from after Labor Day. That's when it's always been. It just so happens that some candidates have been declaring earlier and earlier each election in order to raise more money.

So Thompson choosing to stick to tradition and not follow every fad makes your argument a huge apples and oranges comparison.

Stoner........that may have been in the past and it probably will be in the future......but you see this year is different. Since 1954 this is the first year that an incombant hasn't been running......this year the rules change. Now, I don't know if his reasons were laziness, indecicivness, trying to get around the camapaign money or what, but it's not going to look good and bringing it up isn't "liberal talking points".........it's not only news, but it's a darn good discusstion.

[Stoner]

Number of posts Anne has not provided evidence or proof since making an accusation (post #27) - 5

[AnnEsthesia]

Number of times Stoner has used juvenile tactics instead of debating (5).

[Deadshot]

Number of posts Anne has not provided evidence or proof since making an accusation (post #27) - 5


Nothing to debate. GOP pundits as well as liberal ones have stated that he's got in late. But frankly if you want to claim victory on the "He got in late/No he didn't" then fine, you're welcome to it. But Thompson has a limited time to get the job done now.

Rudy, Mitt and John have had a series of debates to hash out their positions and have had to deal with campaign problems as well as $$$ problems. Thompson will have to run a perfect campaign. No $$$ problems, no little gaffes, no screw ups with his staff, nothing...gotta be perfect.

It's going to be difficult not to make a mistake or get into a pissing contest and lose between now and December.

We'll see, but declaring him the winner of the GOP candidacy after less then 48 hours after his official announcement is simply naive in the extreme.

[lily]

I may get blasted for this, but in the back of my mind and while watching the video, I got the impression that Thompson somehow thinks he's owed this and it's just going to be handed to him.

[Buck Laser]

Libs are scared out of their minds with Thompson. They'll deny it of course but you can already see by comments from our lib posters on here.

Name one that's scared. :madlaugh:

[AnnEsthesia]

I may get blasted for this, but in the back of my mind and while watching the video, I got the impression that Thompson somehow thinks he's owed this and it's just going to be handed to him.


Maybe he thinks he is trying out for a new role? :)

[ViolaLee]

The last thing we need is another old man actor.

And jeeeeze, this guy was scooter libby's fundraising chief. I mean, come on!!! More of the same, just another neocon.

[ECW]

He's the guy that will take up George Walker Bush's mantle and run with it. If you like Bush, you'll love this guy. At least, verbally, he isn't a stumblebum the way the Crawford Clown is.

[Stoner]

Still waiting for you to provide some proof or evidence, Anne. You've made 7 posts since you posted your conspiracy theory. Did you find something yet? Figured after 7 posts you would have found something.

Everyone is seeing that not only Anne but almost every other lib poster out there is notorious for making accusations but can never back them up.

I'm going to keep on Anne until I see some evidence or proof from her.

Number of posts Anne has not provided evidence or proof since making an accusation (post #27) - 7

[AnnEsthesia]

LOL! I made an observation, not an accusation. Perhaps you should put the bong down and let your mind clear so you can understand the words on the screen.

Now cut the crap, even my 6 year old acts more mature than you are right now.

Number of times Stoner has acted less mature than my 6 year old and has resorted to schoolyard tactics rather than debating (7).

[Stoner]

8 posts and you still can't provide proof or evidence?

It's ok, Anne. We've all seen you exposed. See what happens when you keep pressing a lib? They fall apart.

Now if you want to admit in front of everyone that your conspiracy theory is your opinion and not fact I'll drop it. But if you want to insist it's fact I'm going to keep exposing the number of times you continue to dodge evidence and proof.

Number of posts Anne has not provided evidence or proof since making an accusation (post #27) - 8

[AnnEsthesia]

lol

You have proven nothing. Even your fellow Reps have condemned him for announcing instead of going to the debate.

Number of times Stoner has shown less maturity than a 6 year old: (8)