Audio: Fred Thompson rips Iran for whining about “300″; Update: Heart-ache — Fred botches date of Iranian hostage crisis
posted at 12:53 pm on March 19, 2007 by Allahpundit
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The commentary itself is fairly banal. But delivered in those mellow, reassuring, cracker-barrel tones? That’s the wisdom of the ages you’re hearing there, pal.
Speaking of whining Iranians, check out what state media is doing to Ahmadinejad’s speeches. Looks like there really is something to those rumors about the leadership being unhappy with his rhetorical excesses.
Update: I missed it in my first listen, but our commenters are right. Not only does Thompson give the date of the battle of Thermopylae as 480 A.D., he refers to Iranians storming our embassy in, um, 1971. Which brings us to our quote of the day:
If I remember my history correctly, that’s exactly what happened.
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Did he say “stormed our embassy in 1971″?
Wineaholic on March 19, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Thompson/Gingrich in 08!!!
Romeo13 on March 19, 2007 at 12:57 PM
So, where do these Thompson bytes come from? I know he occasionally does the Paul Harvey thing, but this doesn’t sound like that… does he have his own “Fred Thompson minute” or something?
DaveS on March 19, 2007 at 1:03 PM
Man – what could be better than this?
For any ‘ringer’ (right-winger) who doesn’t see this as the perfect ticket for ‘08 there is no hope for them.
Then we could do Gingrich/? in ‘16.
OBX Pete on March 19, 2007 at 1:08 PM
Hollywood protesting against Al Qaieda is a righty dream.
Ouabam on March 19, 2007 at 1:10 PM
Get’s my vote.
tormod on March 19, 2007 at 1:12 PM
It sure sounded like it. There were embassy incursions prior to the big one where the Iranian authorities chased them away. Still I think he meant to say 79. Please watch that Fred. Especially in a prepared address.
Buck Turgidson on March 19, 2007 at 1:16 PM
Yeah, he also said that Thermopylae went down in 480 A.D.
Kid from Brooklyn on March 19, 2007 at 1:19 PM
Newt would kill the ticket. Sorry, hes just not electable.
triple on March 19, 2007 at 1:21 PM
I like this guy :-D
Defector01 on March 19, 2007 at 1:22 PM
I call conflict of interest. Fred Thompson is a direct descendent of Leonidas and acted as senior advisor on the film.
saint kansas on March 19, 2007 at 1:24 PM
IMHO, Newt will never settle for 2nd chair.
Thompson/Steele if Obama looks like the Dem nominee. Thompson/Rice if Hillary gets it.
BacaDog on March 19, 2007 at 1:24 PM
Hell, I’d vote for Fred T. just to watch Chris Matthews’ head explode.
Kid from Brooklyn on March 19, 2007 at 1:25 PM
No “protests” necessary. Just tell the truth like 300 or United 93 or Blackhawk down etc.
Buck Turgidson on March 19, 2007 at 1:26 PM
he totally said 1971. I think he’s just making it as he goes along.
“Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?! NO!”
amish on March 19, 2007 at 1:27 PM
THOMPSON LIED!!!
Enrique on March 19, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Other than the two historical gaffs, that was Reagan territory folks.
“The average Rooskie, son, don’t take a dump without a plan.”
He’s not a Don Perignon, that’s for sure, but he is a nice smooth sour mash. He’s gonna be the kingmaker this go around, I think.
spmat on March 19, 2007 at 1:36 PM
Actually, they tried to storm the embassy in ‘71, but Fred Thompson happened to be looking in that general direction, so they aborted the mission.
The Monster on March 19, 2007 at 1:38 PM
I think he’s doing Paul Harvey’s show all week…..
TBinSTL on March 19, 2007 at 1:38 PM
Actually, they tried to storm the embassy in ‘71, but Fred Thompson happened to be looking in that general direction, so they aborted the mission.
maybe he was doing Paul Harveys “Rest of the Story” bit.
amish on March 19, 2007 at 1:40 PM
“Fake but accurate”, meet The Other Shoe.
Kid from Brooklyn on March 19, 2007 at 2:03 PM
We could have a Separated-At-Birth ticket for 2008: Fred Thompson/Kelsey Grammer.
Grammer is a conservative, forthcoming about his problems with alcohol and drugs in his past, and he has a personal connection to the 9/11 attacks: his friends, “Cheers” and “Frasier” producer David Angell and his wife, Lynn, were aboard American Airlines Flight 11.
Not that those are stellar qualifications to be VP, but Obama thinks two years in the Senate qualifies him to be President.
Gottafang on March 19, 2007 at 2:03 PM
B.C. – A.D. – whatever.
The man knows Angie Harmon’s phone number. That’s way more important.
Besides, I give him credit for saying A.D. … rather than the new age politically correct “C.E.”
Professor Blather on March 19, 2007 at 2:04 PM
When it comes to dates, my personal policy is to get close enough.
Esthier on March 19, 2007 at 2:10 PM
I caught this on the abbreviated Paul Harvey newscast this morning and wasn’t sure if I heard it right. Maybe he corrected himself as far as the dates go during the later full-length version later in the day.
He’s been sitting in from time to time for a while now, usually does a very nice job.
Readymade on March 19, 2007 at 2:16 PM
If you take a close look at what’s out there, we could do a lot worse than Fred Thompson. This is at least a man who has character and a forceful way with words.
I would vote for him in a New York minute.
hillbillyjim on March 19, 2007 at 2:17 PM
If he could get Mariska Hargitay to campaign for him, well, that would be the deal-sealer. Wow.
hillbillyjim on March 19, 2007 at 2:19 PM
Senate calls for his impeachment :)
P.S. Nancy Pelosi couldn’t remember the House’s bill withdrawal dates and that’s en temps…but, heh, liberals are soooo smart and riiiight all the time.
P.P.S. No excuse for Mr. T to get the dates wrong.
Entelechy on March 19, 2007 at 2:21 PM
Fred could tell me Leonidas agreed to be his running mate and I’d believe him.
Thompson/Steele 08!
Limerick on March 19, 2007 at 2:23 PM
I can see why a lot of folks like this guy. Have to say I don’t detect that old fire in the belly thing with him though.
honora on March 19, 2007 at 2:26 PM
Thompson lied! 300 Spartans died!
Really, who cares if he got the dates right as long as he’s at least referring to actual events. If you were an astronomer, you’d say he got those dates with an extreme level of accuracy.
frankj on March 19, 2007 at 2:28 PM
Sweet.
nailinmyeye on March 19, 2007 at 2:31 PM
Look for J-Ho to recommend strong gains with FRDT in ‘08.
ScottMcC on March 19, 2007 at 2:51 PM
I’d vote for that ticket in a heartbeat.
What made Reagan successful was his affability and his humor. Liberals hated that Reagan was well liked and his popularity scared off a lot of opposition. Thompson has those qualities.
Bill C on March 19, 2007 at 2:53 PM
I think a Thompson/Gingrich ticket would be problematic, due to Newt’s high negatives. I think Thompson’s conservatism carries him well enough.
However, a Thompson/Steele ticket would be dynamic and incredibly strategic.
Thompson definitely has gravitas, and bears many traits akin to Chuck Norris!
Darksean on March 19, 2007 at 3:33 PM
Sweet!
PinkyBigglesworth on March 19, 2007 at 3:34 PM
is Iran STILL whining about 300? Dammit, they’re friggin’ crybabies, and we’re suppossed to be afraid of *them*? It’s ok for them to talk about nukin’ Isreal, just don’t make a movie showin’ the pre-islamic Persians as the bad guys.
I saw 300, it kicked ass in so many ways. Anybody who enjoyed that movie might wanna read “Warrior Queen”, a true story about the Queen of a pagan tribe in Briton who gets all the warring tribes together to fight the Romans.
Tony737 on March 19, 2007 at 3:39 PM
Another voter here for Thompson/Steele. Since a number of the electorate is uninformed, a likable, articulate, strong minded individual is certainly a plus. And both of these men have those qualities.
Rose on March 19, 2007 at 3:40 PM
Let us list the things that are better:
Thompson/Watts
Thompson/Steele
Thompson/Sancredo
Need I continue?
Tim Burton on March 19, 2007 at 4:14 PM
You’re right, we should have made a movie about Muslims at the Gates of Vienna. Or I know, Charles “The Hammer” Martel’s stand at Tours!
Heck, I’d love a “fictional” Reverse-24 where Bauer steals Muslim nukes and sets them on in Mecca….
Tim Burton on March 19, 2007 at 4:16 PM
Gates of Vienna would be a great movie, Tim!
So would a film about the Battle of Salamis. That’d be another one that would piss off islamic terrorists and their one world govt leftist allies
“Today’s supporters of the U.N. would find themselves without friends in Ancient Greece.”
-Victor Davis Hanson, in “What If?”.
Tony737 on March 19, 2007 at 4:22 PM
See the left knows this little fact:
You don’t have to be right if you make things up.
Tim Burton on March 19, 2007 at 4:25 PM
I forth the motion
- The Cat
P.S. The State Department and what was happening with Iran in 1971
MirCat on March 19, 2007 at 4:49 PM
TURK 182…
52Ranger on March 19, 2007 at 4:58 PM
Tim, how about a movie showing how Alexander conquered Tyre? And not directed by Oliver Stone! His Alexander movie sucked … LITERALLY!
Tony737 on March 19, 2007 at 5:06 PM
In just listening to his statement, I may not know whether I want to elect him President at the moment, but I’d sure as hell want him doing voiceover on ANYTHING I’d be lucky enough to get produced.
52Ranger on March 19, 2007 at 5:07 PM
Fred ROCKS!
Dave R. on March 19, 2007 at 5:45 PM
Fred is getting active in the commentary business. I’ve heard more from him in the past two weeks than I have in years, all of it sterling. I hope this is a sign that he is definitely going to run. The poll numbers for the Republican nomination should become quite volatile if this happens. Thompson/Steele sounds tough to beat and effective leaders, as well.
liberty on March 19, 2007 at 7:15 PM
I’m pretty sure this was from one of his substitutions for Paul Harvey, wheteher or not he prepares the dialog or not I have no clue. It could have been his own error, but I’m guessing it was written for him by someone else. I really don’t care who his vp nominee would be, this man would get my vote. Please run Mr. Thompson, our country needs someone like yourself to keep this country on the right course.
NeverSubmit on March 19, 2007 at 8:08 PM
“Do you mind if I dance with your (historical) dates?”
Buck Turgidson on March 19, 2007 at 9:58 PM
You guys need to quit saying “Thompson/Steele”…
Every time I read it, I have myself a “high pleasure moment.”
This is the PERFECT ticket.
Gingrich? I like the man…but as it is stated over and over and over on these threads, he can’t win. Let’s not even go there.
Thompson/Steele ‘08!!
tickleddragon on March 19, 2007 at 11:03 PM
I heard this clip after the Bill Bennett show this morning, and that last line made me wince. Is he really saying that he can only wish that we were as effective as Iran thinks we are in controlling Hollywood? We don’t want to be controlling Hollywood the way Iran thinks we would–in their political calculus that means imprisonment, torture, etc. I wished he had said, “If only the ninnies in Hollywood had half the sense it would take to pay half the attention to the concerns of their government, country, and culture, as Iran thinks they do.” The problem is Hollywood–government control is not the answer. I’m not trying to nit-pick, and I would love to hear him everyday instead of Paul Harvey, but why give lefties free talking points?
smellthecoffee on March 19, 2007 at 11:14 PM
smellthecoffee, I believe he meant wishing us to be effective in forcing Iran into submission (with the nuclear plants et all).
Entelechy on March 19, 2007 at 11:50 PM
Entelechy, I listened to it again, and I can hear the interpretation you suggested. There’s something I can’t put my finger on about the way those last sentences are structured that pushes my ear the other way, but given that it is Fred Thompson talking, you’re right, I’m sure that’s what he meant. Thanks for the clarification.
smellthecoffee on March 20, 2007 at 12:08 AM
We’ve now had a movie about Esther who became wife and queen to King Artaxerses (a Persian).
If you really want to piss of the Iranian mullahs/powers-that-be, make a movie about the book of Ezra in which King Cyrus (another Persian) orders that Ezra go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
Ha ha ha!!!
urbancenturion on March 20, 2007 at 1:11 AM
Buck,
Neither film can be considered truth, outside of the notion that those things happened. What was on film for “The 300″ was accurate in that some Greeks fought some Persians at Thermopylae. I’d make a list, but I’m sure some obsessed historian already has, and I can think of 3 key elements off the top of my head that were utterly wrong but put there for dramatic purposes. That being said, a rip roaring action flick that I will buy on DVD.
United 93 suffers from the same problem, but for a different reason. As heartless as this may sound, no one survived to tell the tale, so outside of a few phone calls and a flight recorder, we don’t know what happened on that plane. It’s an important film, but not “truth”.
One can only hope that Fred’s problem with numbers is only in relation to dates. Hate to see a budget off by a factor of 8.
Krydor on March 20, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Hi Krydor, I take it as a given that in Hollywood “truth” is a relative term. Oliver Stones’ JFK for example was “truthful” in that it followed Garrison’s book fairly closely. It was untruthful in the sense that the Tommy Lee Jones character was not behind a conspiracy. My point was that Hollywood can make better movies when it wants to. G’day.
Buck Turgidson on March 20, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Fred Thompson and Tom Tancredo for 2008
ScottyDog on March 20, 2007 at 1:01 PM
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