Another candidate question from the AP yields more comedy gold from Fred Update: Favorite gadgets named
posted at 10:15 am on December 18, 2007 by Bryan
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The AP has rolled out the answers to one more of its silly candidate questions, this one about who is the candidate’s favorite 20th century president (of the other party). Most of the answers don’t surprise. Clinton, Edwards, Obama and Richardson all cited Teddy Roosevelt (not for this quote, which Ron Paul would surely dub “fascist”) for his progressive, trust-busting policies. Hillary especially must salivate at the thought of swinging a stick at the oil companies. Edwards wants to “fight” pretty much every corporation in America. And Obama just liked the progressive name. Richardson liked TR because of handshakes and conservation. In that order. Really.
Most of the Republicans crossed the aisle the other way and picked Harry Truman. Rudy and Huckabee don’t say why; McCain and Romney admire his toughness.
Which brings us to teh Fred, recipient of Rep. Steve King’s endorsement yesterday.
Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson: “Martin Sheen.” The fellow actor played two Democratic presidents on TV, the fictional Josiah Bartlet in “The West Wing” and John Kennedy in a miniseries.
He must have chuckled to himself all the way through filling out this questionnaire, much as a mischievous 6th grader filling in joke answers to questions on a test that won’t count to his final grade (yeah, I used to do that all the time, all the way through college). As to naming Martin Sheen his favorite president, is it another sly slap at PEST-afflicted liberals who’ve spent the Bush years pining for their own president, to the extent that they manufactured not one but two fictitious ones? Or a sly slap at the press for puffing up Hollywood liberals who sleep on gratings to slam America’s homeless problem while they coddle dictators like Castro who imprison entire countries? Or is it another slap at the AP for asking frivolous questions?
By the way, the next question is about the candidates’ favorite gadgets. The possibilities…
Update: After his earlier comedic answers, Fred plays the gadget question straight. Which was probably wise, come to think of it. But Rudy…a CD player? Seriously?
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I guess it depends what your definition of “good” is. TRUE conservatives will not find much “good” about either Giuliani or Huckabee. And Romney doesn’t make me feel all good inside either, having made a habit of playing word games and switching positions based on polling.
There are only three “good” candidates in this race. Thompson, Tancredo, and Hunter. Only one of those has a shot at winning.
You haven’t decided to vote for the “next best thing.” You’ve already decided to vote for a liberal. There’s absolutely nothing you can say about Thompson for which your own candidate isn’t far worse. That’s what cracks me up about you people. I hear people say … “I’m voting for Giuliani because he’s tough on terror!” It’s absurd! Thompson is just as tough on terror as Giuliani, and he doesn’t have all the liberal baggage to go along with it. The you pull out these accusations of conflicting relationships or other matters, and again … there’s nothing there that Giuliani isn’t far worse.
Your arguments defeat your own logic.
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 2:00 PM
Please understand that my “choice” is not for Hillary. My choice is for Fred Thompson. My “choice” is for conservatives to stop selling out. Stop caving in. Stop voting for RINOS and then whining about it non-stop for the next eight years.
My decision to vote for Hillary (IF Republicans insist on nominating Giuliani or Huckabee) is simply because I believe the only way conservatives are going to understand the damage their lack of conviction is placing on the country, is to assist them in their belief that we need to vote for a left-wing candidate to win. It amazes me watching people scream that we are losing the country to the left, and then the same people go out and vote for a left leaning candidate.
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 2:09 PM
Yeah, normal American citizens, not terrorists.
You claimed it was obvious I wasn’t from a border state. Texas is certainly a border state, and if my friends are earning money spreading the English language to other countries, clearly we’ve yet to be taken over.
Also, just because there are a lot of hispanic people in this state, it doesn’t mean English is becoming a second language.
And how are they going to take back the country? Are these elected officials kicking out the gringos? Last I checked, I and a ton of white people are still here.
I said Japan, not China.
The point of that is that English is still the dominate language of the world. The maid and the kid at Burger King might have trouble speaking English and might make you use your hands to give instructions, but when it comes to successful people, you’ll still be able to carry on a decent English conversation with them.
You’re being overly dramatic.
And what, you think she only wants one term in office?
It should make you sick. But hey, that’s your bed to lie in, not mine.
Look, I’m not going to defend Huck, but there is no way Hillary will be better on the War on Terror than Rudy. If you truly believe that, you’re high.
Esthier on December 18, 2007 at 2:10 PM
Actually, Hillary is your second choice.
Esthier on December 18, 2007 at 2:12 PM
Changes positions based on polling? I know you love Hillary Gregor, but please don’t assign such traits to Romney, who has given specific instances and reasons for his conversions and stuck to them since.
Fred can’t run a campaign worth a crap. He squandered his lead and so far the only thing he’s shown is that he’s angry about it by snarking the media. On Glenn Beck’s show he basically admitted he has no clue what his media strategy is. Part of being a viable candidate is running a good campaign. Romney campaigns circles around Thompson. Thompson only has his website with his white papers, he has no ground force, he makes idiotic decisions at campaign events, and he holds less of them than the other candidates.
Fred can’t win. He came in expecting to be coronated, just like Hillary. When his kingpin status didn’t pan out he just fell, and fell, and fell. Who has lost the most points in the polls over the primary season? Fred Thompson. He started his campaign off on a blunder, then proceeded to make screwup after screwup. He’s too lazy to fight back (and no, that snark on Michael Moore hardly qualifies, Moore isn’t even worth acknoledging.) Fred made a big stink about Lincoln-Douglas debates. Huck challenged him but Fred wasn’t interested. Now that Fred is behind, he’s probably desperate for anyone to give him free air time.
Fred is shooting for third in early primary states. That’s not leadership, that’s setting yourself up for a 2012 run.
BKennedy on December 18, 2007 at 2:14 PM
Fred has a great sense of humor, a lot of patience with idiots, and a stern sense of conservative Republican platform.
BKennedy, if juveniles don’t get it, they should be too young to vote.
Fred got “all of the above” in Bryan’s three rhetorical questions.
So many days without mention of Fred’s progress on this sight. The sun shine is warm and all the more welcome this season.
maverick muse on December 18, 2007 at 2:17 PM
We’re talking about two different elections. Hillary is NOT my second choice. I have many choices in the primary who I would prefer over Giuliani, Huckabee, or Romney and NO … NONE of them are Ron Paul.
IF conservatives insist on nominating a liberal to represent our Party … I’ll simply vote for Hillary to give them the liberal government THEY apparenly want.
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 2:22 PM
Many choices?
What’s that leave, McCain? McCain’s been labeled a RINO since he campaigned the last time.
Esthier on December 18, 2007 at 2:27 PM
Fred would make a great President. As Martin Sheen’s replacement on a new season of The West Wing.
When I want a comedian in chief I’ll elect Fred Thompson, until then:
Describes everyone except Ron Paul (crank), Huckabee/Rudy (no platform) and McCain (no sense of humor).
Romney’s a CEO. Trust me, you need a sense of humor and patience with idiots for that job. Romney also has something Fred doesn’t: performance, especially under fire.
BKennedy on December 18, 2007 at 2:36 PM
Fred can’t win. He came in expecting to be coronated, just
like Hillary. When his kingpin status didn’t pan out he
just fell, and fell, and fell.
Why should Fred not be coronated? He is the best candidate with the best chance to win the general election. All his positions are basically sound and he doesn’t “flip flop”.
duff65 on December 18, 2007 at 2:56 PM
I was referencing history, not my opinion. Way back in September when Fred first announced on Leno he enjoyed poll numbers on par with Rudys. In the months before that he was even higher.
Then his campaign started.
Now he’s in the single digits.
The coronation didn’t happen, and Fred slid too far to get it back.
BKennedy on December 18, 2007 at 3:01 PM
I think it’s still too early to tell on that one.
Esthier on December 18, 2007 at 3:07 PM
Again, what do “other countries” have to do with the U.S.? All of Japan might be learning English, but I’m sure you’re aware that all of the U.S. is NOT. La Raza groups and their supporters in government are making sure that our schools are giving them the opportunity to NEVER have to learn the language.
Huh? Come on. I lived in Houston and San Antonio for a while. Are you the only person there who doesn’t feel Texas is becoming a Hispanic State?
The Census data doesn’t seem to paint a positive spin for the future of English as the most commonly spoken language in Texas:
If 27% of the Texas population is speaking Spanish NOW … what do you think the future holds as the children of those 1.2 million illegal immigrants continue multiplying like jackrabbits and are eventually given amnesty by the likes of Huckabee or Giuliani?
Maybe this will change your mind about where we’re headed:
Don’t forget that Giuliani put up a bright flashing banner and told all these illegals that they were the people he wanted in his city. And Huckabee called anti-amnesty groups xenophobes and bigots.
I realize that. But they all speak English in China too. But guess what their first language is. Just because they know how to speak English, doesn’t mean it’s their first language.
First off, again … it doesn’t matter if English is known throughout the world. It’s NOT the “dominant” language throughout the world as you claim. It’s the “second language” throughout the world and it’s quickly headed to being the “second language” in the U.S.
Secondly, you might not have a problem with having to give hand signals while shopping or ordering food at a restaurant IN THE UNITED STATES, but I’m pretty sure you’re one of the very few Americans who feel that way.
That’s a great point! And who is the GOP going to run against her next time around? Maybe they’ll think twice about running another fraud liberal cross dresser against her. You think?
Unless … we go ahead and nominate a liberal Republican like Giuliani or Huckabee and prove to all the experts that the country is truly “moving leftward.” Then who do you think the GOP is going to stick up there for you to choose from in 2012? A true conservative?
I’m just saying. Now is the time. Act now or forever hold your peace. Anyone voting for Huckabee or Giuliani has absolutely no right to come back and post whining comments about how the GOP is selling us out. It’s not a mystery that these guys are liberal.
I’d much rather be in that situation for four years, instead of the next twenty years watching the GOP go further left until we can’t even tell the difference. I’m fine with that decision if conservatives insist on nominating a liberal candidate. So be it.
You’re right. I don’t believe that. But I believe Giuliani will be a disaster for the GOP in every other area. He’s an open borders, one world government, amnesty loving, abortion supporting, gun grabber. I’ll be fine with Hillary over Rudy. Again, maybe next time around the GOP will think better of nominating such a fool.
Finally, I would think you’ve probably seen this, but just in case … here’s some information on what La Raza has in store for you in their plans.
Try getting Giuliani and Huckabee to put a stop to that.
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 3:31 PM
Please! You only embarrass yourself!
Romney has ALWAYS said whatever he believes his voters want him to say. It’s actually pathetic hearing Romney supporters actually use his liberal tendencies and try to slant them into a positive, as if going against what you really believe to get elected would be a positive characteristic.
Romney’s ACTIONS have always been liberal … up until the moment he started campaigning for the Presidency and then suddenly his WORDS changed.
The fact that he says that he was a conservative running in a liberal state and his actions were only to satisfy the voters only tells me that the man doesn’t stand and fight for what he believes in.
Fred does. I’ll take a guy who looks you in the eye and tells you what he believes.
Romney has always told us exactly what he thinks we want to hear. He’s no different than Hillary in that regard.
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 3:39 PM
Of you want to believe in fantasy land Gregor be my guest.
Fact: Mitt is hated by Massachusetts liberals. This is because he governed as conservatively as anyone could if elected in Massachusetts.
Therefore, according to Gregor logic, he must have governed like a liberal. According to this logic Huckabee is a conservative because he governed a right-of-center state.
Go back to telling us how great Hillary is Gregor. Your option is clearly designed as “Fred or Bust!” You aren’t really a conservative, you just love Fred for whatever reason, and wouldn’t be able to stand it if he isn’t crowned king.
You ignore Fred’s past transgressions. This is probably because he let Clinton slide. My analysis is you want a hopeless GOP candidate so the Hillary can win.
BKennedy on December 18, 2007 at 3:46 PM
LOL! Not a chance, although I would take him over Huckabee.
I’ve already listed my top three choices. Thompson, Tancredo, and Hunter. Hell, even Alan Keyes is better than the remaining candidates.
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 3:53 PM
Heh. Yeah, Huckabee proved there’s no coming back from single digits, right?
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 3:55 PM
Just imagining how many gyrations these people go through to answer one question can make one dizzy.
Fred’s answer worries me, more than makes me laugh. If he had said the Abe Lincoln in the sleeping pill commercial (the one with the beaver), he would have had my vote. “George Bush” would also get my vote. “George Washington” is also a vote getter.
Dems liking Teddy is an identity crisis.
Hening on December 18, 2007 at 3:56 PM
Huckabee was in the low digits before his strange, likely Satan-powered surge.
Fred started high on his four-servant throne, got too jolly and fell over the side.
It’s the difference between starting slow and surging up vs. starting big and dissapointing everyone.
BKennedy on December 18, 2007 at 4:10 PM
I think I finally have my candidate…and we have our primaries in a couple of weeks. Thanks, Hot Air!
ScoopPC11 on December 18, 2007 at 4:13 PM
Why? He’s even more of an amnesty supporter than Huck.
Esthier on December 18, 2007 at 4:16 PM
The answer was supposed to be someone from the opposite party.
Washington wasn’t president during the 19th century.
Esthier on December 18, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Here’s the actual RECORD of your Mr. Conservative Mitt Romney:
While claiming to be against raising taxes and costs for Americans … Romney raised fees for driver’s licenses, marriage licenses, and gun licenses.
Romney increased the state gasoline tax by 2 cents per gallon.
Romney also closed tax loopholes that cost businesses $181 million over the next two years.
According to the Tax Foundation, the state and local tax burden in Massachusetts increased from 10 percent to 10.6 percent of per capita income during Romney’s governorship.
Romney “reformed” health care requiring nearly all Massachusetts residents to buy health insurance coverage or else pay a huge income tax assessment.
In 2004 Romney was issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
These “actual actions” sound awfully familiar, don’t they? If I didn’t know better, I’d easily be convinced they were the actions of Hillary Clinton.
He did not seek re-election and filed papers to establish an exploratory presidential campaign committee the week before his last day.
He finished with an approval rating of 43%. Hardly suggesting that he was “hated by Massachusetts liberals and he would have most likely been re-elected had he ran.
Instead, he spent the last year altering his positions with the knowledge that he intended to be running for the GOP nomination.
Is the Romney campaign actually paying you for this nonsense, or is your blogging strictly voluntary, lol?
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 4:23 PM
On all the other issues, he’s better than Huckabee. But I’m speaking strictly over Huckabee. I wouldn’t vote for McCain in the general election either. I won’t vote for a RINO ever again.
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 4:27 PM
A: Harrison Ford (The Ass-Kicking President)
“Get the hell off my plane”
ericire12 on December 18, 2007 at 5:01 PM
Why Bartlett was the best Democratic President.
BohicaTwentyTwo on December 18, 2007 at 5:06 PM
THIS RIGHT HERE is why I will absolutely REFUSE to vote for any of these pathetic RINO BA$TARD$!!!!!!
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 5:36 PM
Sue, yes.
Besides having successfully shown his astute and wry wit, Fred nipped the consequential fall out before it could catch a first breath. The ulterior point to questioning Republican candidates which Demo Pres. they most admired was to give Demo candidates the necessary target to align themselves these next days in the heat of campaign battle.
Fred’s critics sound illogical while exuding their anal retentive air. Eat your greens.
maverick muse on December 18, 2007 at 6:07 PM
I like turtles.
saint kansas on December 18, 2007 at 6:23 PM
Pay no attention to BKennedy. He’s a one-trick pony.
Connie on December 18, 2007 at 6:26 PM
‘T-aint my fault Fred screwed his own campaign. Blame the Fred!
Also, should I or shouldn’t I notice that Hill and Fred have the same answer. Just another case of Fred letting the Clintons slide :-D
BKennedy on December 18, 2007 at 6:33 PM
To play up on Maverick muse take. Fred answer was not only funny and creative. He didn’t give his enemies any ammunition. In a debate someone will pull this silly question out and say “well you admired, blah blah”, but not with Fred’s answer. Poking fun and laughing at the press (it’s all in the timing) can’t hurt. People hate the press for their “in your face” and “gotcha” questions.
It showed in the last debate with the “show of hands” and it was shown here by Fred again. He is leading, where others follow…the question is, do we want a leader, or a someone who just looks like a leader?
right2bright on December 18, 2007 at 6:38 PM
Fred=ipod?
I-phone and he’dve won the election already.
It sad when your heroes have toenails of clay.
Iblis on December 18, 2007 at 6:41 PM
Nice try Gregor.
Now, how about Fred’s ACTUAL record:
Was a strong supporter and nearly authored McCain-Feingold.
Was more than willing to let Clinton slide for perjury.
Funnelled over $150,000 to his son for services never rendered out of PAC money. Just over $75,000 went to actual causes.
Lobbied for terrorists.
Defended asbestos companies.
Accomplished nothing for conservative causes in his 8 years in the Senate.
BKennedy on December 18, 2007 at 6:42 PM
Its Gotta be Fred.
If The Huckster is the republican Jimmy Carter like Coulter said (which I agree with), Romney is the republican John Kerry IMO.
GO FRED GO!
NickTx on December 18, 2007 at 6:42 PM
Really? How so? Fees going to the government are nothing more than “usage taxes.” Would you like to explain the difference between a “usage tax” and a “government imposed fee?”
And raising fees is standard operating procedure for liberals who want to take more money from you while claiming their not raising taxes.
Awww … the old “but this tax was a good tax and he did you a favor by not raising it MORE” line. Yeah, we’ve seen that one before.
Errrr … YES. Take away the loophole and your tax goes up. Is that a tough concept to grasp for you?
Again with the the old “but this tax was a good tax and he did you a favor by not raising it MORE” line. We get it. He was looking out for our own good.
I’m glad you aren’t denying that one.
Now you’re just being silly. It’s okay. When you don’t have an answer … crack a joke. It works for
liberalsGiuliani and Romney.Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 6:52 PM
I know you play fast and loose with your facts, but lets try to get them straight.
Romney had absolutely NOTHING to do with it.
Stop lying.
Gregor on December 18, 2007 at 6:59 PM
Fred’s record?
Nothing, Gregor?
Nothing to say?
That’s what I thought.
BKennedy on December 18, 2007 at 7:05 PM
The MSM seems to think that interviewing serious candidates for a serious office is no different than interviewing Paris Hilton.
People are shooting at us, trying to invade our country and take our money from us, and we are trying to pick a leader who can handle these very real, very tough problems. These questions are lame and demeaning to the office.
I think the candidates should reject these questions, ask Security to confiscate the questioner’s press credentials, and invite the questioner to go get a parent or a responsible adult to take over his microphone.
landlines on December 18, 2007 at 7:10 PM
Well said.
Ochlan on December 18, 2007 at 7:26 PM
Fred’s favorite gadget: BOOMSTICK.
http://www.scrappleface.com/?p=2825
mad saint jack on December 18, 2007 at 7:36 PM
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
Stupid questions from a stupid press.
Buzzy on December 18, 2007 at 7:37 PM
Nah. She’s trying to prove she’s tough. Hers has a kick starter.
Kowboy on December 18, 2007 at 9:06 PM
Fred Thompson is on Hannity right now. Skeletor(Colmes) is asking the ussual lefty stuff and FT is gettin er done.
sonnyspats1 on December 18, 2007 at 9:09 PM
Indeed. Fred just spoke truth to power re: Hillary. Got a muted “wow” out of SH.
And, he give AC a tender bitch slap.
The more Fred gets out there, the better he looks. Especially after NOT being in the spotlight all summer/fall.
yo on December 18, 2007 at 9:20 PM
It could be worse–at least he didn’t say 8-track player.
ReubenJCogburn on December 18, 2007 at 9:34 PM
That’s right. Obviously. I’m always at a loss for words, lol.
I already commented on your embarrassing and hypocritical arguments about Fred’s record. You simply ignored it and I’m not wasting my time reposting them. You’re welcome to re-read the thread if you would like to refresh your memory.
Good luck to you in the election.
Gregor on December 19, 2007 at 12:15 AM
Isn’t Mitt’s sons driving around the country in Dad’s RV, living off of dad? RV and gas and wages for several kids, should come to a few hundred thou. in a year.
Which, btw, I think is just fine, just like any dad should take care of his kids. His father helped him, Fred helps his son, that is the way it should be.
I just don’t get this, Fred helped his son. Kennedy never helped his kids? Reagan never helped his? Bush never gave his son a head start, pull a few strings, open a few doors?
Now Mitt with the Bechtel and Big Dig, that was a financial fiasco. The only thing helping Mitt is that the Dems were just as much at fault, so they all kept their mouth shut. Of course, Bechtel (one of Mitts buddies and supporters) got bonuses for overcharging and killing a women. But, Hay, it’s all politics, what’s a few million to your favorite contributer?
BTW, taxes have to be voted on, fees can be imposed. It is mandatory in this society to have an automobile, so if you increase fees on autos, you are in essence taxing working people. Taxes are deductible, often fees are not, so the impact is much greater on the person paying, and the income much greater to the government.
right2bright on December 19, 2007 at 12:38 AM
Rudy’s gadget= Cellphone
mad saint jack on December 19, 2007 at 1:15 AM
It’s official. I’m now a Fred Thompson supporter.
hadsil on December 19, 2007 at 2:04 AM
Now we’re talking!
Fred 2008!
msipes on December 19, 2007 at 2:18 AM
Eh what? Is this a common phrase? Does he mean (after Obama just said “BlackBerry”), that it’s not his black berry but his cracker berry? Or does he mean he’s just addicted? Or does he mean he’s addicted to a coca derivative, but not really, but wants us to remember that the guy who just went before him did use to take cocaine? (”And yes, by the way Mrs. Clinton, I’m free to run for V.P.”)
Once again, gotta remind us that you’re hip: that you pardoned Keith Richards and know how to play some stone-cold bass in your local parish’s Stryper cover-band.
Tzetzes on December 19, 2007 at 2:31 AM
Oh, perhaps it is a common phrase:
http://www.crackberry.com
Who knew? But still, one does wonder about the Obama-cocaine-notgonnamentionit thing.
Tzetzes on December 19, 2007 at 2:50 AM
ankle bracelet=Kerik’s favorite gadget
saved on December 19, 2007 at 5:31 AM
Washington wasn’t president during the 19th century.
Hening on December 19, 2007 at 7:55 AM
Sorry, I missed that detail……
and having just woken up, hit the submit too early on the last one…….
Hening on December 19, 2007 at 7:56 AM
right2bright on December 19, 2007 at 12:38 AM
Bechtel and its involvement in the Big Dig fiasco predated the Romney Administration by years. Romney’s involvement is a feather in his cap, not an indictment. He’s the guy who finally brought some accountability to the project despite the Dem legislature opposing him at every turn, including pushing Matt Amorello out of the picture.
I’m not a Mitt guy, but them’s the facts.
Pablo on December 19, 2007 at 8:05 AM
If Hillary were half the man Fred! is, she’d have said “Testicle Lockbox.”
saint kansas on December 19, 2007 at 8:32 AM
INARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Although……..
VikingGoneWild on December 19, 2007 at 8:50 AM
And uses valve grinding compound as a lubricant.
Texas Nick 77 on December 20, 2007 at 6:04 AM
Bill’s favorite new gadget was the DNA test.
Mojave Mark on December 23, 2007 at 6:48 PM
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