One of the really delightful things about watching Fred Thompson's campaign is seeing his candid opinions. They aren't at all what you'd expect in the heat of a presidential campaign. Here's the perfect example of Fred's honesty from his appearance on FNS:
WALLACE: But, Senator, and you do point out that you have a considerable edge in foreign policy experience over Romney and Huckabee and Giuliani, but if voters are really looking at that, doesn't John McCain have an edge over you?When's the last time you saw competitors for a presidential nomination talk in such respectful tones? I don't remember the last time. If there's anything that's an automatic disqualifier for me, it's a candidate's lack of candor. If they aren't consistent, if they're evasive, then I won't give them a second look.He's been at the center of every national security debate in this country for more than a decade.
THOMPSON: I can't argue with that. John has vast experience. He served on the Armed Services Committee for longer than I served in the Senate, no question about that. I was able to serve in some areas that John did not serve in, but his overall service has been longer and he's been involved for a long time.
I think that we have to have someone of experience in that area, and someone with sound conservative principles, and someone who has been there consistently for a long period of time.
John and I have some honest disagreements with regard to some domestic issues. We've looked at things a little differently over the years on some important things, so that has to be figured into the mix also. But if you're strictly talking about national security, you certainly cannot avoid the fact that John McCain has vast experience.
You can't argue that McCain or Thompson haven't been candid. The only thing you can do is say that you disagree with McCain on the issues.
Another thing that's clear from this interview is Fred's respect for Mitt Romney isn't the same as Fred's respect for McCain:
WALLACE: Let me ask you about the other person who's leading you in the polls. Do you think Mitt Romney is prepared to be president and has a consistent record as a conservative?What's great about that answer is that Fred briefly explained his differences with Romney, then turned it around to state his qualifications for being a great president. He took a quick, though veiled, jab at Mitt's flip-flops before taking the time to essentially say "I'm the right guy for this job."THOMPSON: Well, that's two different questions. Clearly, as far as the conservative issue is concerned, he's changed his mind and he's changed his position on a lot of different things. Most of them have to do with basic conservative principles.
He went out of his way to point out that he was not to be affiliated with Reagan-Bush in times past, and now he quotes president Reagan at the drop of a hat. So he's changed his basic philosophy with regard to a lot of things like taxes and the original immigration proposal, and I could go on and on as far as that's concerned.
Difficult to pin Mitt down as to exactly what he does fundamentally believe and which of those beliefs he would stick with through thick and thin in the future when the strong winds are blowing.
Now, as far as...it's not for me to judge a person's fitness. It's just objectively clear that Mitt does not have any foreign relation experience and doesn't have any experience with dealing with matters of national security.
He's got vast experience in the business community, been very successful, and I'm sure he's been a good manager. So all of us have things to bring to the table.
And I point out my background. I've had an opportunity to help cut taxes and pass welfare reform, balance the budget, fight for conservative judges. I had a 100 percent pro-life voting record. I was on the Intelligence Committee. I chaired an important committee dealing with some of these problems.
I was the Republican floor manager for the homeland security bill, which I like to think has had something to do with the fact we haven't been attacked again since September 11th. That's my background.
After I left the Senate, Condoleezza Rice asked me to chair an advisory board to her, to advise her on international security matters. So I do understand the nature of the world we live in and the challenges we face.
It's interesting that Fred didn't break Reagan's Eleventh Commnadment. That's the type of coolheadedness that we need as president.
Fred! seems like the best, but he doesn't seem so get his message out. Hopefully a good finish in Iowa will help that.
Posted by: Jim at December 30, 2007 02:45 PM
I don't think that Thompson will get the nomination, but I do think he will support Mitt Romney as the best candidate to run this country.
Posted by: Indi at December 31, 2007 02:53 PM
Fred has some great new videos and radio ads that deserve a look.Go Fred Fred08.com
Posted by: maggie in indy at January 1, 2008 11:35 PM
Fred has some great new videos and radio ads that deserve a look.Go Fred Fred08.com
Posted by: maggie in indy at January 1, 2008 11:35 PM
Excellent comments, Mr. Gross. Thank you! Senator Thompson's "character" shines through so often, which is one of the reasons I fully support him.
Posted by: Linda D in Nevada at January 3, 2008 12:11 PM
