A conference call with Fred Thompson
posted at 3:25 pm on January 10, 2008 by Bryan
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
Be jealous, Fred Heads. I was just on a call with the man himself. I couldn’t get a question in edgewise with all the other bloggers who were on the call, but the sense I got from Fred is that he expects to use tonight’s debate to change the race in South Carolina. So expect the same Fred we saw last weekend, but more of him. He did seem eager to mix it up with the other candidates, describing the race for the GOP nomination as a race to decide the direction of the party and whether it will remain conservative or move in a more “populist” direction.
The best question came near the end, when RealClearPolitics’ Tom Bevan asked Thompson whether his current standing in the polls were the result of a late start. After observing that being in early hasn’t helped either Giuliani or Romney very much, he declined to speculate. The evidence I know of, both direct and observational, suggests that the problem hasn’t been a late start but a lack of organization and opportunistic acceptance of offered support once he did get started. It’s also debatable whether starting early hasn’t helped Romney, since he was a mostly unknown figure a year ago and now leads the delegate count. But starting early doesn’t seem to have helped Giuliani. I would add that those organization issues seem to be corrected now.
If there was a theme to the conference call, it was that Fred will be Fred and let the voters decide if that’s enough. But it’s probably stretching it to find a theme. Here’s Dan Riehl’s take on the conference call.
Fred will be on Hannity later this afternoon at 3:15 Eastern before heading out for tonight’s debate. South Carolina is a natural state for Thompson to do well in and even win.
Of course, we’ll have an open thread and debate highlights tonight.
Update: I forgot to mention something that Dan reminds me of — Fred has a big conservative endorsement announcement coming tomorrow. Speculate away!
Update: I thought that had to be Frank asking about Bruce Lee. By the way, Jim Geraghty has a transcript of the call. Ed Morrissey was also on the call.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
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
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »
Zombie Reagan.
Frozen Tex on January 10, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Fred Thompson needs to fire his base up like Ron Paul does. Fred is boring
froghat on January 10, 2008 at 4:25 PM
I would love an NRA or Rush endorsement.
And BTW, I got to listen in on the call because Frank put the call on speaker. So really, I guess Fred Thompson was in our livingroom.
sarahk on January 10, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Zombie Reagan.
Frozen Tex on January 10, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Zombie Reagan!
geckomon on January 10, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Yes, but unhinged antisemitic conspiracy theories wouldn’t work on us.
:-p
Laura on January 10, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Endure it thru to the end if you can.
geckomon on January 10, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Ballotman must have a strong showing and bypass all the controvery involving Stormfront’s newspapers.
In the meantime, Dynamic Duo Maverick and Manic Minister will probably be gunning for him instead of Mr. Clean this time. Was Rudy Tooty even invited?
BKennedy on January 10, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Frank already endorsed Fred, so is tomorrow’s “big, big conservative endorsement” that of SarahK?
After listening to the segment on Hannity’s show just now, I am more confident that it is an NRA endorsement. I do not think that the guy calling to ask about Fred’s promises to veto “any infringement on our 2nd amendment rights” was held to the end of the show by coincidence. I also noticed that Fred’s voice got deeper, louder and firmer when he gave his very strong response. He is trying to rally up the 2A crowd in SC before tomorrow’s NRA endorsement. I expect lots of talk about 2A issues during tonight’s debate, too.
steadyrock on January 10, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Fred Thompson by Dana Carvey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x58VvNs1XnU&feature=related
lol now that is funny!
froghat on January 10, 2008 at 4:32 PM
GO FRED!!! The only true conservative running.
oldernslower on January 10, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Well, I’ve been saying Ollie North, but dare we dream teh big dream?
John Bolton? I would weep.
Editor on January 10, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Newt or NRA – that’s my guess. I’d like to learn NRA, since I think that would pull in more votes, but the NRA usually holds out for a winner. We shall see.
ApartforHaShem on January 10, 2008 at 4:37 PM
If it is an NRA endorcement, I wish he would announce it during the debate tonight for max exposure. Not only would it be a great endorcement, it would completely scoop the media and make it the soundbite all the media would play for the next week or so.
P. James Moriarty on January 10, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Big endorsement tomorrow? Well here goes some more money into the red truck’s gas tank, then… hope this is good.
IU_Conservative on January 10, 2008 at 4:39 PM
He has the nerve and he has the blood and there never was a hoss like the TENNESSEE STUD
alycan1 on January 10, 2008 at 4:42 PM
anyone that thinks that all of Ron Paul’s support comes from real republicans is living in lala land… they’re all libertarian and democrat cross overs or libertarians in republican clothes…
Kaptain Amerika on January 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Just saw this on Foxness.com
Rudy pulls Michigan staff
http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/01/10/rudy-pulls-michigan-staff/
Rudy Giuliani has pulled all of it’s staffers out of Michigan as he goes all-in in Florida, campaign aides tell Fox. The Wolverine State’s Jan. 15 primary is turning into three-man battle between Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney and John McCain.
Giuliani was competitive in Michigan until the early summer according to the polls, but has campaigned very little in the state and now lingers in fourth place.
froghat on January 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
sweeet idea… I would like it if it were Rush or the NRA and maybe even Bush.
Kaptain Amerika on January 10, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Wow. Carvey’s lost his knack. The Perot wasn’t nearly as good as it used to be, Will Ferrell does Bush much better, and if he hadn’t told me that imitation was Fred Thompson, I’d never have guessed it was him.
MadisonConservative on January 10, 2008 at 4:45 PM
John Bolton? I would weep.
Editor on January 10, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Bingo anyone?
jerrytbg on January 10, 2008 at 4:45 PM
In truth, it was a ham-handed, amateurish, piss-poor impression of Thompson that really wasn’t funny at all. Carvey should stick to G.H.W. Bush and the Church Lady and leave character impressions to the impressionists.
Unfortunately, YouTube no longer carries the video clip of the segment on SNL starring Darrell Hammond as Fred Thompson. A consummate impressionist, Hammond nailed Thompson’s deep voice, Southern drawl, facial expressions, body languiage – all of it. And yes, it was hysterically funny.
NemoParticularis on January 10, 2008 at 4:47 PM
That is really funny.
RobTN on January 10, 2008 at 4:47 PM
That would make it a winning endorsement — he can still vote because his felony convictions were overturned on a technicality. Wasn’t Fred’s jet buddy a convicted felon? Pretty comfortable with crminals for a Law and Order type — or was all that just acting?
tommylotto on January 10, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Nelsa on January 10, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Aren’t you a lawyer?
MadisonConservative on January 10, 2008 at 4:52 PM
That’s pretty funny coming from a RINO Rudy supporter.
Hollowpoint on January 10, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Man I am pouting. I didn’t get an invite. Shucks I never get to sit at the big peoples table.
/
Just A Grunt on January 10, 2008 at 4:58 PM
There was an article today at the politico about Fred “woo’ing” gun owners…
me thinks its the NRA, and that would make quite a difference…
stlpatriot on January 10, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Guessing endorsement is Oliver North. Is that big enough?
kerrhome on January 10, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Grasping much?
geckomon on January 10, 2008 at 5:02 PM
that’s what I’ve heard, oliver north — which is nice.
jimmer on January 10, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Mary Matlin talkin up Fred on Gibson’s show atm
stlpatriot on January 10, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Is Newt in Huckabee’s Corner?
bnelson44 on January 10, 2008 at 5:06 PM
I thought See-Dub was as far onto the Fred train as he gets in the primaries, but it would be cool to get the memos.
steveegg on January 10, 2008 at 5:06 PM
That might be just the endorsement he needs. Wow, that’d be something.
OneGyT on January 10, 2008 at 5:06 PM
I think it’s gonna be someone that matters, a la Newt Gingrich or Rush Limbaugh
ballz2wallz on January 10, 2008 at 5:07 PM
As long as Mitt is in the race, Rush will not endorse Fred.
bnelson44 on January 10, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Actually, it reads more like an Algore.
(I have a funny feeling that Fred dated your “girlfriends” in grade school. Your opinion of Fred is slighting)
geckomon on January 10, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Any major endorsement such as the NRA, John Bolton(which would have the added benefit of smacking Huckabee in the face), or Rush would be huge for Fred.
Remember, in 2000 Rush came out and endorsed Bush before South Carolina to help derail McCain. Could this be the second coming???
azcop on January 10, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Well, he is going to meet is 540K goal. at 11:50AM he was at $434.996 and now he sits at $492.463. Yesterday during the same time frame he brought in 12K. Today he brought in almost 60K during that same 4 hours.
Fred!
RobertInAustin on January 10, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Right Wing Nut House has announced another Blog Burst. Time to raise more money for Fred!
Nyog_of_the_Bog on January 10, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Fred08.com has video up from Myrtle Beach where one of his staff actually mentions “Oliver North is here with us”. Sounds like a good bet to me.
jadams on January 10, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Fred mentioned “countin’ on South Carolina gun owners puttin’ him over the top” so here’s hopin’ the NRA!!!
Ex-tex on January 10, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Rush thinks there are 2 conservatives in the race: Mitt and Fred. He won’t endorse one and not the other.
bnelson44 on January 10, 2008 at 5:18 PM
It is a republican fund raising dinner and Oli gave a speech (last minute replacement for Sean). So Oli is there with all the Republicans, not just Fred.
bnelson44 on January 10, 2008 at 5:20 PM
but a lack of organization and opportunistic acceptance of offered support once he did get started
Bryan, I said this on Michelle’s site too. She referenced a comment from another blog for that story. That commenter never sourced or substantiated those claims about the Delaware problems. Who was this seasoned GOP campaigner who was snubbed?
If this is true information, then let’s get to the heart of it and take it up directly with Thompson’s campaign. There could very well be organizational problems with the campaign, but let’s have concrete evidence before using rumors from a commenter as credible source.
ConservativeBelle on January 10, 2008 at 5:22 PM
I think an NRA endorsement would have a much greater impact than Rush. And I say this as a devoted Rush fan who is not a member of the NRA. I also think it’s smart for Rush to stay out of the direct primary fight. And it’s already pretty clear how he feels, isn’t it? The NRA endorsement would be HUGE in SC. I just hope we end up with anyone but Huckabee…even McLame.
Security Mom on January 10, 2008 at 5:23 PM
Darth…who is married to Lynn…who is supporting Fred.
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Here we go again. Are we electing a president or a game show host?
Wink Martindale 08
edgehead on January 10, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Maybe Mitt will endorse the only conservative candidate…Fred!
Good analysis, looks like leaving the door opened something good crawled in.
right2bright on January 10, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:24 PM
In this climate…I’m not certain that would be helpful.
jerrytbg on January 10, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Why is it that this post doesnt show up on HotAirs home page for me?
broker1 on January 10, 2008 at 5:26 PM
edgehead on January 10, 2008 at 5:25 PM
kool!!!lol
jerrytbg on January 10, 2008 at 5:27 PM
SC is full of military families. They like Darth. The Quaker-like peacenik Christians can’t are permanently lost to Huck.
The surge is working, just wait till the Dems are hit with that fact. Darth will be an asset with those to whom Obama isn’t the god of change.
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:30 PM
understood, however, I’m thinking long term. like say… sometime early next month.
jerrytbg on January 10, 2008 at 5:33 PM
He needs to think short term. First place in SC = nomination. Weak third = out. Anything in between: 5-10% chance for nomination. Calls for a short-term strategy.
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:38 PM
He’s going to endorse Edwards- they agree on their #1 selling point: The Hair.
Hollowpoint on January 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
::crosses fingers with cautious optimism for Fred.::
PolitiNOOB on January 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Question is whether it is big nationally or regionally. Other than the NRA I can’t think of another nationally. Since Rush will keep to his word that he won’t in the primaries but he’s the next biggest, I suppose. Did he get Sanford or someone else in SC, maybe DeMint?
I’ll tell you whom I’d like Fred to get the endorsement of — Bobby Jindal — but it’s probably better if he stay out of it until the general after he gives his Convention speech.
Dusty on January 10, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Ain’t gonna be DeMint
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2007/01/demint_will_bac.html
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:44 PM
I was at the doctor today and we were discussing Fred. The doc likes Fred but was lamenting his apparent lack of energy. AND he commented that he thought Fred might have Lyme Disease. I am taking a year long course of antibiotics after a positive test a month ago. Who knows but I hope Fred shines tonight!!
texasgirl on January 10, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Goooooooo Fred! I actually don’t think, by the way, that getting in early helped Giuliani or Romney all that much. I suppose one could make the argument for Romney, as you did, but to think of the amount of money the guy has spent, even though he leads the delegate counts, he’s still just a steady second-placer and hasn’t generated a lot of the “mania” like Huck or McCain seems to have. You’d think he’d have more to show. Also, he might not have been that well-known but I do recall him making headlines for his work in Massachusetts and fighting battles as a “red stater in the bluest of blue states.” As for Giuliani……um, yeah. Clearly hasn’t helped him. But what’s weird is that there seemed to be such an anticipation for Fred to jump in the race and a lot of build up to his announcement that he was a candidate, with people rooting for him, and that just seemed to fizzle away almost immediately after he jumped in. Bizzare, no? Oh well. Go Freddy!
mattyj86 on January 10, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Just to add to my previous comment. I got to think it is some southern state notable to, again, counter Huck and solidify Fred’s efforts in his core states. And I’ll bet another notable evangelical.
Dusty on January 10, 2008 at 5:46 PM
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:38 PM
have some faith. My reasoning is that… who ever this endorsment IS IS going to have the desired impact. I’ll take it one step further….with infighting taking place now…Fred is going strike like a hot iron and brand them for who and what they really are. wait and see. Gads…I hope I’m right.. He’s our only real….enough said for now.
jerrytbg on January 10, 2008 at 5:47 PM
I’ll take that as a compliment. Thanks!
steadyrock on January 10, 2008 at 5:47 PM
There are just so many great hairdressers around.
Didn’t Mitt and Edwards co-sponsor that S5198, the hairdressers bill of rights?
Talk about an entitlement program…cut the barbers right out, trimmed their federal budget, spiked any chance of defeating it. Meanwhile they weaved in the “right to spray” in public places act.
Talk about McCain and Kennedy…what about Mitt and Edwards and their bills.
right2bright on January 10, 2008 at 5:48 PM
[Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:44 PM]
Thanks. It’s hard to keep up with who has committed already. I’m glad to see he is with Romney if he’s not with Fred.
Dusty on January 10, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Communication skills? We don’t need no stinkin’ comminucation skills!
~Dan Quayle.
BKennedy on January 10, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Mitt Romney picks up an endorsement from the NutRoots…
LagunaDave on January 10, 2008 at 5:59 PM
It’s not a matter of faith. My post is right under Fred’s on Karen Hanretty’s blog back in April.
http://pundits.thehill.com/2007/04/30/fred-thompson-%e2%80%94-readying-a-stump-speech/
Fred has to make his own luck. He can if he choses to. He has to chose to do what’s necessary.
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Fred was just over $400k this morning and he just went over $500k (of $540k he has requested)…of course my second (albeit small) contribution helped. You know instead of just taking tons of money in and spending tons of money (like other candiddates!); I like the higher level of transparency Fred has of telling the people whats needed and encouraging them to make it happen. Sort of how I ran my division in the Military. Of course I think as President he’ll use the bully pulpit and his personal influence when necessary, but why not just tell the people how great they are. Then, stand on the side and let them show you how its done! Go America, Go Fred!
RedLizard64 on January 10, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Just broke 500K
Pulled in 10K in just one hour. Only brought in 26K in 8 hours yesterday.
Go Fred!
RobertInAustin on January 10, 2008 at 6:03 PM
and zombie John Wayne comes and kicks Chuck butt
Mojack420 on January 10, 2008 at 6:06 PM
I think the NRA is going to endorse Fred…
spacekicker on January 10, 2008 at 6:17 PM
Pat Toomey and Dick Armey is what I heard. How much do these help?
I wish it would be the NRA
ReaganConservative3 on January 10, 2008 at 6:21 PM
ConservativeBelle on January 10, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Yes.
maverick muse on January 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM
No wonder you root for Rudy. You don’t dis a conservative icon as a felon.
Sultry Beauty on January 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Nice piece. As you so aptly put it, he does have a deep understanding of the enemy we face, (f and d) and I believe he is the only one that can do what needs to be done.. the others…it’s embarrassing, they have so much baggage… I’m sure Fred has some also but….negligible by comparison and he’s true to his convictions.
jerrytbg on January 10, 2008 at 6:31 PM
When you say “Fire Up” at a Paul rally, it has different meaning.
You see WRong Paul Rallys are B.Y.O.B.
[Bring your own Bong]
Most of Pauls supporters are just potheads .
TheSitRep on January 10, 2008 at 6:34 PM
I hope it comes down to Fred vs Anybody in a finale. The fewer people on the stage, the more he’ll shine.
…IF he makes it that far…
Mojave Mark on January 10, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Fred Thompson 62% 75
Mitt Romney 29.8% 36
Mike Huckabee 5.8% 7
Rudy Giuliani 1.7% 2
John McCain. 0.8% 1
This is where the poll stands for Hot Air Bloggers.
That my friends, is a Fredalanche!©
TheSitRep on January 10, 2008 at 6:37 PM
Or its the same blogosphere bias we’ve seen on Michelle’s poll a week ago. And again, you left out Paul, and it wouldn’t it be a shame if the Stormfront’s Paulbots SPAMmed your poll.
BKennedy on January 10, 2008 at 6:39 PM
Rick Santorum is ripping McCain on Mark Levin right now!!!! Great stuff!
azcop on January 10, 2008 at 6:39 PM
What about the nazi midget?
omnipotent on January 10, 2008 at 6:41 PM
Like Richardson bowing out, Mitt would have future opportunity. Meanwhile, we want the real conservative.
FRED!
maverick muse on January 10, 2008 at 6:42 PM
TheSitRep on January 10, 2008 at 6:37 PM
Now, that “IS” embarrassing…
jerrytbg on January 10, 2008 at 6:43 PM
After the news that Fred’s campaign blew a good opportunity to get organized in Delaware and his lackluster attitude overall, I have re-set my choice for the GOP nominee back to none of the above. None of them, including Fred, are worth any real attention or dollars.
Zorro on January 10, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Did Jeri speak too? If not, I’ll be very impressed because it seems as if someone has lit a fire under Fred’s ass. He probably read my comments and is bothered that I am so tough on him. I am well know in the ’shere ya know. Someone said I was on a HA headline the other day.
Fear the csdeven!
hahaha
csdeven on January 10, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Well, I resisted the urge to comment on “the process” ever since then in order not to assist his numerous vicious enemies. But what I was trying to say now was that he does need to think through whether the central part of his strategy is flawed. Remember, Rumsfeld who was a dedicated American could not pacify Iraq, but when he was gone and the Petraeus’ strategy was allowed to work things changed in a few months. There is still time, but he has to chose to change.
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 7:11 PM
test
texasgirl on January 10, 2008 at 7:14 PM
Speculation on endorsement in no particular order:
1) Strom Thurmond, Jr.
2) Zell Miller
3) Gov. Mark Sanford
4) Laura Ingraham
5) Michelle Malkin/HotAir
6) George H.W. Boosh
SouthernGent on January 10, 2008 at 7:17 PM
Freds style has been to let the fight come to him. Well, he’s gone through a few debates and played it pretty low-key, giving them all enough rope to hang themselves with. Time to grab it, give it a good yank and watch them all turn blue.
P. James Moriarty on January 10, 2008 at 7:18 PM
Igor R. on January 10, 2008 at 7:11 PM
Agreed… and we just might see the begining of that this eve….however.. this might have been part of the strat all along ….. up until now… money… lib states…MSM hates him the most because…what ever it is …we’ll know tonite and/or tomorrow.
jerrytbg on January 10, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Why do I suspect if the topic was Oliver North endorsing any other candidate you not only wouldn’t have criticized: you wouldn’t even have commented?
tom on January 10, 2008 at 7:30 PM
I know it aint NAMBLA.
TheSitRep on January 10, 2008 at 7:31 PM
Because he wouldn’t have. Particularly if it were Rudy or Mitt.
MadisonConservative on January 10, 2008 at 7:31 PM
The North American Marlon Brando Look Alikes?
MadisonConservative on January 10, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »