Video: “We are going to be getting in if we get in”
posted at 5:07 pm on August 17, 2007 by Allahpundit
He’s still jerking us around a tiny bit on his announcement but he has to for legal reasons, I think. The meat here is his support for amendments to overturn Roe v. Wade and ban full faith and credit for gay marriage. Good, solid federalist positions insofar as they’d leave both issues with the individual states for decisionmaking and good politics insofar as both are sufficiently unlikely that he’ll never have to act on his position. Promise ‘em the moon, Fred!
Update: “We’re making progress. We know what we’re doing.” Meanwhile, Mitt gains from his Ames straw poll win — at McCain’s expense.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Errr … the vid, AP … it’s off-topic.
laelaps on August 17, 2007 at 5:11 PM
Errr … the vid, AP … it’s off-topic.
laelaps on August 17, 2007 at 5:11 PM
I just thought that it was Thompson, looking kind of effeminate. Whew!
OhEssYouCowboys on August 17, 2007 at 5:12 PM
Yep, fixed. Sorry.
Allahpundit on August 17, 2007 at 5:13 PM
Good God, Fred looks old. He looks almost as old as my dad.
Every night when his young wife goes to bed she must truly feel old age creeping upon her.
MB4 on August 17, 2007 at 5:14 PM
OK, now my post doesn’t make any sense.
[Video note - prior to it being changed, the video was of Jerry Rivera]
Heavy sigh.
:O|
OhEssYouCowboys on August 17, 2007 at 5:15 PM
This is difficult to do because it is a delineation of a policy in positive terms (I propose to do…) that expresses a negative concept (reduce Federal level involvement). This idea, however, needs to be the kind of national realignment we all seek; at least in my opinion. Whether Fred is able to pull this off, time will tell; I would hope, though, that all the Republican candidates have this goal. We shouldn’t look to repubs at the federal level to come up with conservative forms of federal solutions. There needs to be greater discussion on what the role of the feds is in relation to specific issues facing America. Fred might be able to move the debate in that direction.
Weight of Glory on August 17, 2007 at 5:19 PM
Oh, that’s baaaaaad. :)
Tennman on August 17, 2007 at 5:21 PM
Oh, that’s baaaaaad. :)
Tennman on August 17, 2007 at 5:21 PM
If I don’t annoy at least ten people a day I feel like I am a failure. :smile:
MB4 on August 17, 2007 at 5:22 PM
You know what MB4… I had the exact same thought. He looks really old here. Is it just us or does he look quite a bit older and more worn out then he did a few months ago sitting at his desk dissing Michael Moore? Is he too old? I see the toll the Presidency has taken on President Bush and I wonder if Fred Thompson is too old. I see pictures of Bush from the begining of his Presidency prior to 9/11 and he looks young, healthy, fit and energetic. I see him now and he looks much older and more tired. What will this job do to Fred Thompson? Am I wrong to think this way?
Zetterson on August 17, 2007 at 5:25 PM
Back in June……I thought we got a fighting chance with Fred!..looked like Con might get CPR….but every day since it isn’t Fred! who has taken the wind out of our sails, it is the inept RNC. That is where our ire needs to be going….to the clowns running the party into the also ran catagory.
Limerick on August 17, 2007 at 5:28 PM
Respectfully, and I do mean that, I think that it is. But not “wrong” in a moral sense, rather wrong in terms of assumptions. The primary assumption being that a younger candidate is any further from death. Your conclusion, however, is not uncommon, and he will face that criticism if he runs. He needs to think ahead to that and have a clear, short, humorous answer waiting.
Weight of Glory on August 17, 2007 at 5:29 PM
Wow, this is great! Sounds like under the “full faith and credit” clause, I could open up a can of whoop ass on a commie
progressive down here in Texas, andcommiesprogressives all over the country would be eating dirt for dinner?Or would that be asking too much from a reversal of roe v wade?
Keith_Z on August 17, 2007 at 5:30 PM
Hey, the matrix redacted my whoop ass!
Keith_Z on August 17, 2007 at 5:30 PM
To me, it looks like he’s lost weight in preparation for his run, and it’s not flattering.
Big S on August 17, 2007 at 5:31 PM
I’m not comparing him to the man, but they said Reagan was too old.
Kowboy on August 17, 2007 at 5:32 PM
Maybe he should have a slack-jaw, that’ll get him elected.
OhEssYouCowboys on August 17, 2007 at 5:34 PM
I think he’s lost weight, too.
amerpundit on August 17, 2007 at 5:35 PM
I’m not comparing him to the man, but they said Reagan was too old.
Kowboy on August 17, 2007 at 5:32 PM
Reagan looked young for his age; Fred looks old for his age. Reagan looked healthy; Fred looks unhealthy.
MB4 on August 17, 2007 at 5:35 PM
As his physician, I’d advise him to line up a bulk buy on botox.
Keith_Z on August 17, 2007 at 5:37 PM
Reagan didn’t look old. Remember those pictures of him swinging an axe, fixing stuff around the ranch, and horseback riding? He was fit for his age.
amerpundit on August 17, 2007 at 5:38 PM
I could really care less what a politician says he wants to do. anyone ever hear fred say how he is going to do anything. the only thing I know for sure he can do is funnel special interest money, one of the most important things we need to stop in the federal government.
As Liz Sidoti put in her recent article: “On most public policy issues, the former Tennessee senator and “Law & Order” actor has offered few, if any, specifics. Even on the dominant issue of the 2008 campaign _ the war in Iraq _ Thompson has carefully stopped short of wading into what he would do about the conflict should he inherit it, although he has generally backed President Bush.”
yea, I know AP thinks it is over for him but Duncan Hunter is not going away. hes consistant and been consistant for his entire career in public service. Duncan Hunter is from the mold of Reagan and has has the gravitas needed to lead America through this current war while securing our borders and the record to back it up.
CaptainObvious on August 17, 2007 at 5:41 PM
I’m a lot less enthusiastic about Fred than I was when he first announced. The reports of his “laziness” seem to ring true, given his all-summer procrastination, and it’s hard enough to judge whether a candidate will pick a flip and stay with it once in office, let alone hope that overt laziness can be overcome by election.
Keith_Z on August 17, 2007 at 5:42 PM
Fred should have a “reality show” on the Bravomosexual channel. They’ll fix him up, in no time.
If looks were supposed to matter, then Raquel Welch would’ve won the ’68 election. If America is this superficial, we’re in worse trouble than I thought … and that’s really, really bad.
OhEssYouCowboys on August 17, 2007 at 5:42 PM
Bunch of nannies…….who ya gonna call? Fred!’s too old. Rudy!’s too RINO. Mitt!’s too Mormon. Tanc! is too divisive.
Let’s get some Golden Chalice water and drop it on Ronnie.
Bunch of freaking nannies.
Limerick on August 17, 2007 at 5:46 PM
OhEssYouCowboys on August 17, 2007 at 5:42 PM
Of course it matters. See Kennedy v. Nixon, first televised debate.
That being said, it isn’t Fred’s looks that are gonna sink him.
JackStraw on August 17, 2007 at 5:46 PM
I ain’t sayin’ nuttun’ till he gets in.
TheSitRep on August 17, 2007 at 5:49 PM
Frankly, I think Fred would be cast perfectly as Dick Cheney when the movie comes out.
JiangxiDad on August 17, 2007 at 5:51 PM
TheSitRep on August 17, 2007 at 5:49 PM
I’m with you on that..
jdawg on August 17, 2007 at 5:51 PM
JackStraw on August 17, 2007 at 5:46 PM
Of course it matters. See Kennedy v. Nixon, first televised debate.
Please note that I said “supposed to matter.” And that is exactly the type of crap that I was referring to. A bunch of imbeciles who put appearance over substance. Which is why this country will, in the end, be ruined.
OhEssYouCowboys on August 17, 2007 at 5:55 PM
Hmm. Though it is true that death can arrive unpredictably regardless of one’s age, their are other elements of old age that I’m worried about. A basic energy level and stamina are amongst the top of the list. In other words, I’m not just worried about him croaking on the job, I’m more worried about how it will effect his job performance. Its no secret that the job of President of United States is a tough and greuling one. One of the pieces of advice I received upon leaving college was to work hard while I’m young and have energy to do so, that way I won’t be stuck having to do it when I’m old and shorter on energy. That is what I meant when I asked, is he too old?
Zetterson on August 17, 2007 at 5:57 PM
will
HAS, in the end,beBEEN ruined.JiangxiDad on August 17, 2007 at 5:58 PM
Which is one of the many reasons why this country has in the end been ruined.
JiangxiDad on August 17, 2007 at 5:59 PM
I see there was 18.9 percent or 174 idgit votes on the Illinois straw poll
clghitis on August 17, 2007 at 6:00 PM
Yes. When you need an afternoon nap, you’re best for giving advice to those who stay up. That’s the Mullahs-Ahmadinejad model.
JiangxiDad on August 17, 2007 at 6:01 PM
It’s mattered since the begining. Go back and read some of the stuff written at the time about Washington and his appearance. Look how Lincoln was pilloried for his looks and dress.
There is nothing new here. The Republic will survive Fred’s new found bad looks. Hell, a big reason he has the popularity he does now is based on his “rugged good looks as a hard charging DA”.
The mirror giveth and the mirror taketh away.
JackStraw on August 17, 2007 at 6:03 PM
I wonder what is happening with freds? cancer? As far as I am concerned, his health does matter. But even if he is healthy, he is the least qualified candidate or non-candidate and it will be his lobbying and lying that will sink him.
I am not entirely convinced he is serious about running. $3.4 million is a lot to waste on a campaign when he already knows how to funnel campaign cash to his family.
csdeven on August 17, 2007 at 6:05 PM
Fair enough.
Weight of Glory on August 17, 2007 at 6:10 PM
Fred just needs to keep Jeri in the frame. We won’t even notice his wrinkles. Maybe some John Kerry style botox or orange tanning might help.
Mojave Mark on August 17, 2007 at 6:10 PM
all time low cs……just sayin
Limerick on August 17, 2007 at 6:13 PM
I get that ur often the whipping boy here, but not sure why yet.
At the risk of getting everyone PO’d, what’s up with that $3.4 million?
JiangxiDad on August 17, 2007 at 6:17 PM
Lordy, he looks terrible.
Labamigo on August 17, 2007 at 6:19 PM
This comes accross as harsh but I wonder if this has played a role in his reluctance to enter? Probably not. I hope not. But I think its a fair question.
Zetterson on August 17, 2007 at 6:22 PM
My goodness. The comments on his looks are hilarious.
I say, bad lighting, just bags under the eyes.
Looks better than Hillary with make-up, or Edwards with a hair job. And Obama just looks like a child. Okay, I’ll stop there…
Get over the looks of the candidates, people. wow.
bridgetown on August 17, 2007 at 6:24 PM
Physician….
JackStraw on August 17, 2007 at 6:27 PM
Fred needs to have work done on his eyes if he runs. When I see him next week, I’m going to say that, though he’s probably heard it many times before.
Webutante on August 17, 2007 at 7:09 PM
He’s making McCain look spry…
…game over. He can’t survive 1 term, much less 2.
Romney/Rudi 2008
DANEgerus on August 17, 2007 at 8:00 PM
Could be used to invest in the cryogenic technology the way this picture came out!
Bradky on August 17, 2007 at 8:01 PM
I’m still a Fred! head. I like what he says. I just wish he’d make the bloody announcement.
Mooseman on August 17, 2007 at 8:34 PM
Reagan announced that he would run for president at the New York Hilton on November 13, 1979. Some of you really need to chill out.
I think the Gipper did just fine waiting till November. When the Phred announces in September he’ll still have Reagan, peace be upon him, beat by a couple of months. Let’s keep life in perspective here, remember, we’re the pundit freaks and majorly out of balance with the vast majority of the citizenry when it comes to politics.
Mojave Mark on August 17, 2007 at 8:58 PM
Hey Zetterson, go to NRO. K-Lo has a link about how Fred! was campaigning around the Iowa state fair…in a golf cart! Heh. Maybe you’re right. He could be just too tired.
Weight of Glory on August 17, 2007 at 9:05 PM
Hi, my name is Fred Thompson, and I’m like that cartoon cat that smacks you over the head with a frying pan and then runs behind a line just past the limit of your chain.
Why should we support this old, tired man again?
BKennedy on August 17, 2007 at 9:24 PM
Sorry, but freds? health IS an issue. The guy has cancer and if it’s back, we all deserve to know it. I’d hope he would do the right thing if that is the case.
csdeven on August 17, 2007 at 11:52 PM
In other news, Justice Stevens is a young and spry 87, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg (74) isn’t known for taking naps on the job. Freddy, in all likelihood, will have to nominate someone. However, considering he’s so damn lazy he’ll probably just leave the hard decisions to his successor, in all likelihood a Democrat.
BKennedy on August 18, 2007 at 12:07 AM
Those idgets are just railing against that which they do not understand. I have been anti-fred? since early May and have called almost every move fred? has made. His supporters, the loony ones anyway, are angry at me because I don’t share in their delusion. Some of them actually have told me that fred? doesn’t act on his TV show. He just shows up on set and acts naturally!!! Yeah, I know. That is crazy talk.
The $3.4 mil is what fred? has raised for his non-campaign so far.
In 2002, fred? waited until the last minute before announcing he would not run for the senate. (he had ALWAYS promised he would NOT run again) All the while he was still taking donations. He took those campaign donations and created a PAC. He put his son in charge of the PAC. They did very little to help conservative causes and raised no money. His son was paid the lions share of the money and basically did nothing commensurate with the amount he was paid. fred? funneled the money that people gave to re-elect him, to his son.
Considering what fred? has done in the past, and the near 100% track record I have figuring this clown out, I see no reason not to see it as a possibility that fred? will purposely scuttle his own campaign, start another PAC and start funneling that $3.4 mil to his family. Now it may very well be that fred? will have to return the contributions. I don’t know how the CFR works in that case. Considering freddie boy helped draft McCain/Feingold, he would know better than I.
It’s vitriolic comments like this that raise the ire of the fred?heads.
csdeven on August 18, 2007 at 12:09 AM
That pic just strengthens my suspicion that fred? is purposely trying to scuttle his campaign. What kind of dope goes out in public like that?
csdeven on August 18, 2007 at 12:12 AM
Here’s another example….
fred? said: “We are going to be getting in if we get in”
Oh really fred? If MY candidate said something this stupid that insults the intelligence of those that support him, I’d be screaming!
Yet, I haven’t seen one single criticism of fred? from his groupies.
Interesting, ain’t it? lol
csdeven on August 18, 2007 at 12:16 AM
Ingredients for a Fred Thompson campaign:
100 gallons of misdirection
3 gallons of old hat shreds
1 teaspoon of truth
10 gallons of law and order theme song
999 Mirrors
999 Smoke Bombs
Recipe:
First, add in your teaspoon of truth. Then drown it in your misdirection, old hat shreds, and law and order theme songs. Toss the mixture onto the general electorate and employ your smoke and mirrors to make you seem as omnipresent as you’ve made yourself out to be.
BKennedy on August 18, 2007 at 12:30 AM
Bwahahahahaha!!!
His tired down home folksy colloquialisms are getting old too. I guess we can include those in your 3 gallons of old hat shreds.
“don’t run up the white flag”
“keep yer powder dry”
Jeeze! What an empty suit!
csdeven on August 18, 2007 at 12:34 AM
I’m voting for Fred
I don’t care if he is or looks 102 years old.
I like what he says. I like what he writes. I like how he thinks.
You’ll need to run me over with a union garbage truck before I’ll vote for anyone from North of St. Louis.
AZCON on August 18, 2007 at 1:53 AM
“Inept RNC?” Are you kidding? But we have a
full-timePART-TIME,strong conservativeRINO,Reagan Conservative, SHAM-ESTY-Loving Chairman of the Republican National Party???ColtsFan on August 18, 2007 at 1:53 AM
I’m not sure a FlipFlop Mitt (you know, the lifelong hunter and gun owner who had an “epiphany” over abortion right when he decided to run) cultist should really be bringing up “misdirection”, “smoke and mirrors” and questioning the honesty of any given candidate. You might want to steer clear of that line of attack there, Junior.
Hollowpoint on August 18, 2007 at 3:31 AM
Ah, since Fred’s age (he’s 65) is now fair game for attack by the FlipFlop Mitt cultists, perhaps Mitt’s religion should be one too then? If you want to decend into mud-slinging low blows, just let me know- believe it or not I’ve been pretty restrained so far.
Hollowpoint on August 18, 2007 at 3:41 AM
I don’t know what’s the brewhaha. Rudy already has the nomination sewed up. I guess they are angling to be his running mate. But I think McCain has the inside track.
tommylotto on August 18, 2007 at 3:50 AM
Please, please, Fred. Don’t split the GOP even more. Stay out. You may get some pockets of conservative support, but you cannot beat the Hillary machine and you know it. Stay out and save us the pain of even more GOP internal bleeding.
Halley on August 18, 2007 at 4:27 AM
Cut & pasted from another Fred post that’s been bumped into The Vault:
Yep, I’m aware of the war going on. I get reminded of it frequently… wearing body armour and helmet every day, being lulabye’d to sleep by the sound of mortars and small arms fire, and hearing the occassional IED going off outside our blast walls. But I’m willing to commit to winnning here. No dhiminicrat that is in the race seems to say that.
And as I said in the other post, I will support any Republican who gets the nomination. I am content to wait and see which one that will be, even though, at the moment, I am hoping Fred is the one. He will make his choice as to when, or if, he announces. And he does have a few months before the first real primary is held.
Texas Nick 77 on August 18, 2007 at 5:48 AM
Bring it on tough guy. All you can do is lie and mis-represent Mitts! qualifications. And even if you do get something right, freddie boy is no more to the right than Mitt! is. So, with all things being equal (except for your slavish devotion to giving the 2nd amendment more weight than other rights) Mitt! trumps fred? in spades with his long history of executive experience and accomplishments.
csdeven on August 18, 2007 at 8:10 AM
Here I go, talkin’ to myself again, but I saw Fred on FNS last night, and MAN, has that guy lost weight! HE LOOKS GREAT!!
Now, the newsie said something about him taking a lot of breaks in the VIP tent, but that could be just trying to cool off so he didn’t sweat in the picutures being taken. I’d do the same thing if I were him.
ANYWAY, Fred *looks* 100% better than he did at the beginning of summer. Maybe he’s not so “lazy” after all??
Keith_Z on August 18, 2007 at 8:30 AM
Thompson/Huckabee 2008!
kiakjones on August 18, 2007 at 9:40 AM
Tancredo-Hunter 2008!
Fred looks like his heart isn’t in it.
profitsbeard on August 18, 2007 at 10:11 AM
No Hollowpoint, by “old, tired man” I mean completely lacking in original substance and any energy or passion whatsoever. Only Hollowpoint would take such a sleight at a personal level. I mean, McCain is older than Fred and he has a lot more vitality and energy. McCain may be elderly but he’s not tired. Thompson isn’t really even old enough to be considered elderly, he’s just old and tired.
BKennedy on August 18, 2007 at 7:26 PM
{{Texas Nick 77}}
RushBaby on August 18, 2007 at 9:11 PM