Video: Fred Thompson, true conservative
posted at 2:14 pm on November 27, 2007 by Allahpundit
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Two new ads. I like the second half of the first clip — he really is the most stalwart conservative among the big four, a point he should be hammering at every turn. The first half and the second clip in its entirety are devoted to pushing his background as a crusading attorney fighting for what’s right, a noble and notable credential although it’s not obvious to me why it does him much good. Is it his way of showing Rudy’s not the only prosecutor in the race with some big wins to his credit? Of tying himself to his TV persona? He should stick to the “true conservative” stuff and start hitting the fact that while Rudy and Mitt are throwing punches and Huckabee’s chattering about faith, he’s rolling out one policy proposal after another. A skilled director could caricature the others easily and play it for laughs. Fred must have some friends in Hollywood. How about David Zucker?
The Fredheads will know who Marie Ragghianti is but others may not. Starring Fred Thompson as himself…
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Just as an aside, here’s an interesting candidate rating matrix at msnbc.com where you can rate the candidates from both parties and see which one you most closely agree with.
flipflop on November 27, 2007 at 2:22 PM
Nice. I think a lot of people who want to support Fred have been disappointed by his lack of enthusiasm. Maybe these ads are an indication that Fred is going to show up?
Ordinary1 on November 27, 2007 at 2:22 PM
They’re decent ads, I think he has to talk up his accomplishments, and I also agree, as for this,
I absolutely agree, he should do this, or something to that effect.
Bad Candy on November 27, 2007 at 2:24 PM
Huckabee seems to be an open-border politician. As he gets bigger in the polls, his oppenents can wail away on that point.
gmoonster on November 27, 2007 at 2:28 PM
I see the Paulbots hit the MSNBC thing hard… check out the All Users Ratings tab. I guess the blimp idea is a winner.
Wineaholic on November 27, 2007 at 2:28 PM
I agree that Fred! REALLY needs to talk up his conservative credentials.
Most voters (not us folks) don’t really have a clue who most of the candidates are and what they stand for (McCain and possibly Rudy as exceptions).
Fred! needs to sell himself to the average American voter.
I also think that second add will help him with female voters (he came to a defenseless womans aid.)
Go Fred!
omnipotent on November 27, 2007 at 2:32 PM
Fred was quite the long hair back then, eh?
Kini on November 27, 2007 at 2:35 PM
Mitt Romney cannot be trusted; McCain is weak on immigration; Guiliani isn’t a social conservative; And Hucklebee is weak on immigration and fiscal spending.
Fred Thompson is the only true conservative running.
msipes on November 27, 2007 at 2:35 PM
Heh heh, yea, he kind of had a Gene Simmons look going for awhile…
doriangrey on November 27, 2007 at 2:37 PM
Meh – too little, too late. I am sorely disappointed with his run.
At least a steer tries hard when around cows. Fred didn’t even break a sweat…
Dr. Gecko on November 27, 2007 at 2:40 PM
Yeah, I noticed that when my brother e-mailed me the link the other night. Needless to say, I wasn’t surprised.
flipflop on November 27, 2007 at 2:46 PM
I clicked until I dropped last night and they still managed to take all of Fred’s websites down again. I’m exhausted, frankly.
Connie on November 27, 2007 at 2:49 PM
Awesome. He’s still in the Cracker Barrel at the beginning, but it looks like he’s finished his biscuits and coffee and is now ready to take it national instead of small-town.
High praise indeed from the big A.
see-dubya on November 27, 2007 at 2:49 PM
Is it? Rudy and Huck are both liberal, albeit in different ways, and Mitt sometimes sounds like he’s doing a grotesque parody of a social conservative. Who’s left except Captain Amnesty?
Allahpundit on November 27, 2007 at 2:51 PM
It’s smart using the older pics. He does have that little “candleface” problem goin’ on.
eeyore on November 27, 2007 at 2:53 PM
Interesting that while Fred is comming out with all these policy statements, none of the other candidates are attacking them, just sticking with the old talking points. Maybe they don’t want to point out that they haven’t come up with there own policy ideas, that they haven’t detailed anything tothe extent that Fred has? Hmmmm??
Crickets in the background…….
P. James Moriarty on November 27, 2007 at 2:57 PM
telling him sitting next to howard baker. mentorship, baby.
he’s moderate in a lot of things but hardcore where it counts.
friend of mccain though, and a lawyer born in alabama.
still…compared to the rest…Go Fred!
JazzBass on November 27, 2007 at 2:57 PM
But on the positive side Rudy was the best mayor of New York City….Evar…
doriangrey on November 27, 2007 at 2:59 PM
Any praise of a sitting politician from the Big A is high praise.
Who’s Captain Amnesty? McCain?
The MSNBC link was interesting. I discovered I didn’t like what they say Romney says about health care. Any RomPoms know if that’s accurate.
see-dubya on November 27, 2007 at 3:11 PM
I’ll be 58 next week. A good share of my friends are getting a bit saggy here and there. One thing I’ve noticed in recent years is that because generations have been separated from each other, there seems to be less tolerance for aging.
Connie on November 27, 2007 at 3:12 PM
I agree, the the media have basically ignored his policy statements. I think it makes the others look so weak and uninformed (or not able to decide which way the “wind blows”). Four detailed policies in four weeks…and none from any other candidate, Repub or Dem.
You can talk all you want, you can put out all of the detailed papers you want, but if the media doesn’t report it, does it matter?
Fred needs to talk up his leadership in these policy papers.
right2bright on November 27, 2007 at 3:15 PM
The strange thing about this upcoming election is the quality of the candidates. The republicans have five with reasonable credentials even though I prefer Fred. The democrats have only one with reasonable credentials (Bill Richardson) and he isn’t even top tier. The top tier Dems are just two empty suits and and empty skirt. When this is all over welcome to President Thompson or at least one of the other republicans.
duff65 on November 27, 2007 at 3:19 PM
As I said in the other thread, if Thompson feels he is being slighted by the mainstream media, why doesn’t he focus on alternative media? It may not have the same level of reach, but it will create buzz/momentum about his candidacy. Look at the coverage Ron Paul gets as a result of his web outreach.
Thompson should sit for interviews with National Review, Hot Air, Glenn Beck, Instapundit, Captain Ed – he’s done a Pajamas Media spot that was decent. Those sorts of venues are perfect to discuss specific policies.
Slublog on November 27, 2007 at 3:21 PM
Love that 70’s hair, Fred.
ConBlog_NH on November 27, 2007 at 3:21 PM
This just popped up (for me, anyway). Worth a read.
Fred Thompson and the Limits of Power
Connie on November 27, 2007 at 3:26 PM
Hey Fred!, come on here and do an interview with Michelle for Hot Air!
Screw Fox News.
omnipotent on November 27, 2007 at 3:28 PM
Fred just did an interview with Mark Levin.
Connie on November 27, 2007 at 3:33 PM
I did see that. He needs to do many, many more. If I were his communications director, I’d probably set him up with at least one of those a day.
Slublog on November 27, 2007 at 3:35 PM
Hey Fred!, come on here and do an interview with Michelle for Hot Air!
I think that is a great idea. Michelle has a lot more readers than most people believe. It would give him a several point bump in the polls.
duff65 on November 27, 2007 at 3:36 PM
I gotta say that if I voted for candidates based on their haircuts in the 70’s, Fred would be my last choice.
Bill C on November 27, 2007 at 3:45 PM
These are good ads, and his tax proposals sound good, but he has to work his butt off at this point to catch up with the rest of the field.
Someone suggested that Huckabee should run as Rudy’s VP. How about Fred running as Mitt’s VP and adding a little Southern flavor to the ticket.
Buy Danish on November 27, 2007 at 3:47 PM
Fred’s policy statements are so strong that the rest of the field of candidates have to ignore him. It is too bad that the other candidates can’t come up with their own policy statements.
What they will do, is watch for the reaction from the voters, take what they want from Fred’s policies, add a little to their own, and claim it.
Such is the fate of a leader, the others (Rudy, McCain, Mitt), just talk, we should be looking for something bolder then a talker…but then if you print you will be held accountable.
So Fred is willing to be held accountable, and he takes bold action…and the others talk.
right2bright on November 27, 2007 at 4:03 PM
Yup. I was excited when he first indicated he would get into the race and before, still think he’s the best candidate and I still want to vote for him. But if he can’t find some way to get more traction with the MSM, and soon, he’s done.
P. James Moriarty on November 27, 2007 at 4:07 PM
Fred has said he is not interested in the VP job. He is too old for it, I guess. After getting to know the Huckster he has moved from my number one VP pick down to dead last. I think all of the candidates VP pick should be Duncan Hunter. I can’t think of any candidate that hails from west of the Rockies. Besides, Hunter has a sterling conservative and personal record.
Bill C on November 27, 2007 at 4:10 PM
From your finger tips to Fred’s ears. I just don’t know why he hasn’t done this. The Glenn and Helen show would be perfect for him.
Bill C on November 27, 2007 at 4:12 PM
Wait, I just noticed there are no Fred haters on this thread.
Wow! That has to be a record.
Bill C on November 27, 2007 at 4:13 PM
FINALLY some quality ads.
If he keeps rolling this kinda stuff out he’s very likely to get the nomination.
AlexB on November 27, 2007 at 4:13 PM
I think BKennedy got shot down on the Mitt. =)
msipes on November 27, 2007 at 4:14 PM
I think he took the [too harsh] commenter criticism from the other post to heart.
AlexB on November 27, 2007 at 4:17 PM
Maybe Ann Coulter could suggest something outrageous for him to say.
NellE on November 27, 2007 at 4:18 PM
By the way, for those interested, Fred will appear on Larry King on Friday.
Connie on November 27, 2007 at 4:39 PM
Like what? I heart Mitt? /sarc
Connie on November 27, 2007 at 4:41 PM
But what are Fred’s religious views?!
/sarc.
If Fred is too old to be VP how is it that he is young enough to be Prez? As for Hunter, I like him a lot too but California is not a “red state” which could rule him out.
Buy Danish on November 27, 2007 at 4:41 PM
I really like Dick Chaney but we need a younger V.P. so he can run for president when the time comes. I vote for Steele. But there are others out there who would be good. Hunter of course would be an excellent choice.
Rose on November 27, 2007 at 4:44 PM
I wonder if Fred still smokes the pipe?
With the disco hair he looked like a badass Ward Churchill/ Bob Dobbs chimera.
see-dubya on November 27, 2007 at 4:47 PM
Regarding the MSNBC matrix, I am not sure the overall results are due to Paul supporters. Next to my highest rated canidate, Paul was right up there except for the war in Iraq. Maybe he really is the most palatable across the board with the Dhimmis and the Republicans cancelling each other’s candidates.
brtex on November 27, 2007 at 4:48 PM
Steele is also a good choice, but Maryland is a purple state.
Buy Danish on November 27, 2007 at 4:50 PM
Thought the first ad was more empty platitudes. The second ad however is a very strong one. Seeing that ad reminded me of the movie starring Sissy Spacek.
I’m not a Fred Thompson guy, but that second ad is a winner.
asc85 on November 27, 2007 at 5:30 PM
If I find out he is following a living “prophet”, then he is out. The last thing we need is some guy that puts the leaders of his religion above the constitution or duties of the President, or allows some “seer” of God telling him what to do.
right2bright on November 27, 2007 at 5:35 PM
Just heard Fred on Hannity’s radio show. I don’t care about the so called ‘lack of enthusiasm’ claims of some. He’s right on target with his message and his proposals make solid sense.
He’s still my first pick over our other choices. By a long shot.
techno_barbarian on November 27, 2007 at 5:36 PM
Thanks for the link.
I rated them by this “matrix”:
Trancredo
Romney
Thompson
Paul
Hunter
McCain
Huckabee
Giulinia
I would have thought that I would have rated Hunter higher.
MB4 on November 27, 2007 at 6:13 PM
You got that in reverse. All Fred ever does is talk. Every single candidate has a policy paper on every single issue.
Fred has never led anything. He lives his life based on what the teleprompter tells him.
Well actually I lied, Fred did lead the charge on McCain Feingold.
BKennedy on November 27, 2007 at 6:23 PM
Thanks for the link!
omnipotent on November 27, 2007 at 6:37 PM
Look at the four policy statements…in detail, looks like he does more than talk. Don’t listen, read.
http://www.fred08.com/Principles/PrinciplesSummary.aspx?View=WhitePapers
Border Security
Education
Tax Relief
Social Security
Armed Forces
No other candidate has put forth such details. These white papers are leading the rest of the candidates, and they are adopting his ideas…that is what happens to leaders, others follow and pick up the crumbs.
right2bright on November 27, 2007 at 8:59 PM
Here is a clip of Thompson talking to Hannity!
http://www.blogsforfredthompson.com/fred-thompson-sean-hannitys-radio-show-11-27-07
Gatordoug on November 27, 2007 at 10:52 PM
Who said that the vice-presidency was worth a bucket of piss? The only reason most take the VP job is to have a stepping stone to the Presidency. Cheney was the exception in that he wielded real power and he had no ambitions beyond his job.
Hunter should be selected because he would make a great President but he needs to be on a national stage for awhile. I think all the candidates, except Fred, need to shore up the conservative base; some might disagree. Hunter is their man.
Bill C on November 28, 2007 at 1:20 AM
Fred is authentic folks. That fact will resonate well with Americans. We loved that about Reagan, peace be upon him, and we’ll love that about Fred.
Go Fred!
Mojave Mark on November 28, 2007 at 1:37 AM
That was “stylish” back then. Remember, it was the 70’s.
http://www.threadbared.com/70s/index.html
Texas Nick 77 on November 28, 2007 at 5:59 AM
Ouch. Good zinger AP.
Texas Nick 77 on November 28, 2007 at 6:03 AM
I agree there. I’d prefer a Fred/Duncan ticket, with my second choice Mitt/Duncan. I’m afraid of any other combo.
Texas Nick 77 on November 28, 2007 at 6:53 AM
Am almost perfect thread here… only one Fred bashing comment, the rest were pretty much polite discussion.
AP, if you were deleting the troll messages, you did an excellent job.
Texas Nick 77 on November 28, 2007 at 7:01 AM
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