Should Fred’s supporters abandon him tomorrow for … Huckabee?
posted at 8:30 pm on January 18, 2008 by Allahpundit
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T-minus 24 hours and counting until, in all likelihood, his political career’s over. I can’t resist one last poke at the Fredhead beehive for old time’s sake.
The argument comes from Patrick Ruffini: Since Huckabee probably doesn’t have the money or organization to run the table on Super Ultra Mega Tuesday but McCain does, shouldn’t South Carolina’s Romney, Giuliani, and Thompson supporters defect tomorrow and vote for Huck to blunt Mac’s momentum heading into Florida? That’s an easy yes in the first two cases but in Fred’s case it would mean the end. Has the time come to take Ol’ Yeller out back? Ruffini says … yes:
If you’re a Romney or a Rudy guy, this is a relative no-brainer. This will be tougher for FredHeads, since their guy has made a stand in the state. But with less than 24 hours to go, and Fred running no better than a weak third, it is probably time to face facts. It’s too bad, because conservatives deserve Fred Thompson as a choice, but it just doesn’t seem to be happening.
John Tabin at Reason likewise fears the Reaper:
Alas, Thompson has hardly taken the race by storm. Glenn Reynolds wrote last month that he might have joined Volokh et al. in endorsing Thompson if he hadn’t observed how poorly Thompson’s campaign is run behind the scenes. That poorly run campaign has yielded poor results. Thompson’s low-key affect and introverted personality made him ill-suited to the hands-on retail politicking that Iowans expect, and he edged out John McCain for third place in the Iowa caucuses by just three tenths of a percentage point despite spending much more time than McCain stumping in the Hawkeye State (McCain focused on New Hampshire, where he won). He made almost no effort in the New Hampshire and Michigan primaries, where he got less than 2 percent and less than 4 percent of the vote, respectively…
Perhaps something will change the dynamics of the race in the remaining hours before South Carolina Republicans go to the polls tomorrow, and Thompson will catch a break. But at the moment, his prospects don’t appear to give fans of smaller government any reason to abandon the pessimism that has by now become all too familiar.
Re: how poorly run Fred’s campaign is/was, be sure to see this Mark Steyn item at the Corner if you missed it last night. Has the time come, ‘Heads? If the polls hold and Fred finishes fourth with less than half of McCain’s vote, Romney’s going to be your guy anyway come Sunday morning. Why not vote strategically tomorrow?
I offer you this to remember the man by. Meanwhile, here’s the state of conservatism in 2008: A RINO touting the kind words of another RINO in, of all places, South Carolina. Between them they’ve got 50% of the vote. Good lord.
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It’s the wine talking. View posts are Coyote Ugly – you always regret them in the morning…
pullingmyhairout on January 18, 2008 at 9:48 PM
People defining clear conservatism as a Fredalanche of talk and a paucity of action.
Tom Tancredo is a clear conservative. Fred Thompson is a bench warmer.
BKennedy on January 18, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Actually, the final polls before the primary showed Hillary winning. As Dan Riehl pointed out, that just didn’t fit the media’s narrative. Links can be provided, if you wish.
Giuliani, last I checked.
Ok. How about this one: I’m a Floridian Giuliani supporter, and I don’t know anyone that supports Rudy that’s “gung-ho”. As Big S said, many of us are used to getting screwed, so we’re prepared for the exit. I already have a second candidate lined up.
amerpundit on January 18, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Believing that everyone’s principles are equally valid is called “multiculturism”, which is destroying America.
Igor R. on January 18, 2008 at 9:48 PM
“conservatives deserve Fred Thompson as a choice, but it just doesn’t seem to be happening.”
maybe because folks are playing chess instead of actually supporting him?
…just askin’
Claire on January 18, 2008 at 9:49 PM
The Republicans have become as faithless and pandering as the Democraps. That is why Romney will get the nomination and get a royal butt-whuppin’ in November.
All the big-shot “pundits” are yammering about “electability” and trashing the candidates — Tancredo, Hunter, and now Thompson — who don’t have the slick campaigns like the Hildebeeest’s.
When we have another President Clinton — or Osama Obama — in November, you can thank MM, AP and all the other folks who traded substance for flash.
Politics is not a game, people. It will determine how we live our lives for the next four (or eight) years. With a Dem in office (or Mutt) we are in deep doo-doo.
MrScribbler on January 18, 2008 at 9:49 PM
You are missing the point. SC will be the first state in which Independents cannot vote only Republicans can vote in the Primary tomorrow. That is what Fred is counting on.
azcop on January 18, 2008 at 9:49 PM
It is your fault that you use generalizations of another section of the country, because you live in a section of the country full of liberals with that same bigotry, and you’ve bought into it hook, line, and sinker.
It is entirely your fault what you type. Accept responsibility, or admit that your refusal to do so is just like a liberal.
MadisonConservative on January 18, 2008 at 9:49 PM
You have arrived. I was wondering when you’d poke your head in. :)
pullingmyhairout on January 18, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Only Fred is playing chess. Everyone else is playing checkers.
Igor R. on January 18, 2008 at 9:51 PM
A lot of us had second candidates lined up. Tancredo and Hunter were two of them. One dropped out, one might as well.
MadisonConservative on January 18, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Funny, my post seems to have disappeared. Why, AP?
I had simply observed that it was easier to be snide than to be constructive, and asked you what you’d contributed towards getting a conservative elected in the SC primary. I seem to recall that your posts about Fred have been uniformly dismissive and hostile ever since he entered the race.
OK, then. What result in SC, exactly, WILL please you?
bofh on January 18, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Unfortunately this Hunter won’t hunt.
Igor R. on January 18, 2008 at 9:52 PM
AP, you ever heard of Celtic pride?
The miracle at the meadowlands?
You play your game to the end of the game, bub.
If SC is lame enough to kill the only elephant in the herd, so be it. Last time I was in the country to vote for a primary, Bob freaking Dole had it wrapped up by Texas. I hate our primary system. This time, I’ll write in Fred if I have to here; he has my vote and my money.
TexasDan on January 18, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Slublog on January 18, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Not in the south. 2-4inches closes entire cities down.
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 9:52 PM
In an idealistic sense, I really like Thompson. Idealism isn’t going to secure the liberties and freedoms of Americans though is it? At this point I’ll vote for the first person that has a reasonably conservative agenda, and isn’t just a faux-candidate being paraded in front of me by the media. Sadly, that really doesn’t leave me many choices.
blankminde on January 18, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Guiliani still has cash on hand, and I think his strategy is garbage too, but Rudians don’t spam every Fred with RUDY IS THE CLEAR CONSERVATIVE CHOICE! NO MORE RINOS! RUDY CAN DO NO WRONG! EVERYONE WHO ISN’T BEHIND RUDY ISN’T A REAL CONSERVATIVE! ONLY PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT RUDY ARE CONSERVATIVES, EVERYONE ELSE IS A HERETIC RINO WHO DOESN’T MATTER! RUDY’S FAILURES ARE ALL THE MSM’S FAULT! GO RUDY 08, ITS AN F’ING RUDILANCHE!
Maybe if the Fredheads weren’t such insufferable little elitists they wouldn’t be ridiculed so much.
BKennedy on January 18, 2008 at 9:40 PM
Rudy is no conservative they couldn’t say that and be truthful.
Rudy is perceived as being conservative because he gets results
All men including Fred do wrong ( I never read that anywhere)
Because that would be bullsh|t
Well as a Fred head I can say that and be truthful
No it was Fred’s fault for not kissing there little primadona ass’s like the others do. And That is just one of Fred best qualities.
You should feel free to support your candidate. Me and the 1st amendment guarantee you that right.
Fredalanche!© ◄ Donate!
couldn’t resist
TheSitRep on January 18, 2008 at 9:53 PM
I’m not saying you don’t/didn’t. But my point is we’re not going to be shocked if/when Rudy’s exit comes. “Gung-ho” isn’t the word to describe most Rudy supporters.
amerpundit on January 18, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Ummm no I dont “got it”. Thats not what we are saying.
Thats perfectly fine. Most Fredheads I know support Fred for one main reason.
When we have a candidate that runs on a solid, accross the board conservative message, WE WIN IN LANDSLIDES. Not just with Reagan, but the first time we did it in congress we won there too with Newt and the Contract with America.
broker1 on January 18, 2008 at 9:55 PM
And ain’t it amazing, BKennedy? He managed to say that all without any of your hyperbolic capitalization that you perceive as a result of your seething hatred. Startling, isn’t it? Don’t worry, I know you’ll pretend it was all bolded and somehow increased to a 72 size font.
MadisonConservative on January 18, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Isn’t it interesting that Texas doesn’t count for a hell of beans in the primary? I wonder why that is…?
pullingmyhairout on January 18, 2008 at 9:55 PM
I accept responsibility for Fred being a hick. I’ll say it all day long. Fred is a hick.
You what is just like a liberal? Slapping labels on people because they don’t swoon over St. Fred the Thompson.
David Limbaugh just finished crying a river over the mean, nasty MSM treating Fred so mean. Fredheads repeatedly scapegoat the dinosaur media for all of Fred’s problems. Fredheads refuse to blame their annointed candidate for their own failures. They are just like Clinton fallguys, willing to attack anyone and fall on their swords in order to keep pretending Fred is pure as the driven snow and a competent campaigner.
They’ll gloss over McCain-Feingold, accusing McCain of being an evil backstabber while Fred gets a pass because he was too stupid/hopeful to understand what it was about. They’ll gloss over the fact there’s no Thompson immigration bill, no Thompson pro-life bill, no Thompson 2nd-amendment bill, or basically anything that shows positive rather than compulsory support for conservatism.
Please, Fredheads have no room to talk over who acts like a liberal. In fact, reflexively calling other people liberals is the trait I most enjoy bringing out of Fredheads. They fall for it hook, line, and sinker every time.
BKennedy on January 18, 2008 at 9:55 PM
We’re also prepared for that. You also don’t have the incredible anti-Rudy movement this board seems to have for Fred.
MadisonConservative on January 18, 2008 at 9:56 PM
Yeah, when I lived in Texas, a half-inch of sleet was enough to close schools for the day. Here in New England, it takes a foot or so of snow.
It will be interesting to see how the bad weather affects turnout tomorrow.
Slublog on January 18, 2008 at 9:56 PM
Super Tuesday will be known as “Goodbye Rudy Tuesday”.
Igor R. on January 18, 2008 at 9:57 PM
You boys missed BK’s sarcasm.
TexasDan on January 18, 2008 at 9:57 PM
BKennedy on January 18, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Ice is different than snow. we get alot of ice. yuo can’t drive in ice no matter what you do. I have driven in 3 4 feet of snow, during blizzards all my life. I moved down here we got an ice storm and I refuse to drive on ice. Everyone refuses to drive on ice thus entire states shutdown for days when we get a little snow or ice. We have no snowplows, no salt trucks. etc. When it snows the state shuts down until the snow melts. It’s like a holiday, work is canceled, schools are canceled. etc
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Boy AP, you love getting everyone so hot and bothered about this don’t you? You’ve been ridiculously antagonizing to “Fredheads” since the beginning and frankly it turns me off from Hot Air, a site which I came to every other hour because of my enthusiasm for it. That enthusiasm is gone, thanks to that antagonism. Being smug about this party’s direction-less future is nothing to be haughty about. The RINOs are at the gate and we’ve just lifted the latch. Why don’t you ask Perry at Samizdata what it’s like living in a country that may be our future if we continue heading in a Lefty direction. I’m sure he’ll give you a great response.
CTDeLude on January 18, 2008 at 9:58 PM
No, slapping labels on people because of where they live, which is exactly what you did, specifying the location when doing so, is just like a liberal. You’re a complete hypocrite and a borderline liar by spinning the way you are.
Nobody here has slapped a label on someone not voting for Fred. You and others have slapped labels on people BECAUSE they are voting for Fred. Get over yourself, you hypocritical bigot(both of those have neither to do with who you vote for).
MadisonConservative on January 18, 2008 at 9:58 PM
I knew there was a reason I liked you.
pullingmyhairout on January 18, 2008 at 9:58 PM
I forgot to mention reflexively blaming AP, Bryan, and Michelle for being closet liberals by not drinking deep from the Fred Kool-Aid.
BKennedy on January 18, 2008 at 10:00 PM
You, all that above of mine being said, I do notice that no matter what happens we most certainly be a party divided. One look at this place a month ago in comments compared to now is almost night and day. We’re at each other throats. Will it die down once Fred is gone? Will it grow?
CTDeLude on January 18, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Jim Geraghety/NRO
Word from one of the Thompson Associates…
Whatever decision is made after South Carolina, the deciding factor on whether to continue and fight on or call it a race won’t be money, the Associate says.
Fundraising for the past several weeks has been solid, and they have enough to continue past South Carolina, although this Associate didn’t know how many states they could afford to run ads in on Super Duper Tuesday.
This Associate acknowledges that the polls haven’t uniformly shown Thompson bumping up dramatically, but he feels the campaign has a good organization in South Carolina, that has been in place and working hard for a while.
Perhaps the most optimistic note from the Associate was that the Thompson campaign now has a clear rationale – he’s the candidate of consistent conservative principle; by contrast, any of the other four would leave a large chunk of the conservative base disappointed, grumbling, or even outraged.
Igor R. on January 18, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I’ll “ditto” that…
JetBoy on January 18, 2008 at 10:02 PM
That actually should say yet.
CTDeLude on January 18, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Yep that sux. but it wont matter if McShamnesty gets elected.
We will just be the northern most state of Mexico and probably hosting the PRI convention.
TheSitRep on January 18, 2008 at 10:02 PM
“If you operate on the assumption that those people voting in a primary are more politically engaged, more active, and dedicated to the Republican party and the conservative movement — the notion that Huckabee is conservative, the notion that he is somebody who can win the nomination, the notion that he is somebody who can win the presidency — all of those have been greatly diminished as voters get to know him.”
Igor R. on January 18, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Such as? You’re always the first to sling insults at me, I just call people’s behavior idiotic and they take it personal.
Fortunately, none of this will matter because Fred will be dead in the water within the next 24 hours.
BKennedy on January 18, 2008 at 10:02 PM
When Rudy was the frontrunner I constantly heard people around here saying they would vote 3rd party or stay home. I criticize Fred, but I’d still vote for him if the time comes.
amerpundit on January 18, 2008 at 10:03 PM
FIFY
macblanegirl on January 18, 2008 at 10:03 PM
That was high-larry-us!
TheSitRep on January 18, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Fred or dead.
Igor R. on January 18, 2008 at 10:04 PM
You need some reading comprehension? Nowhere did I say they were closet liberals. So please, keep misquoting. It just shows how empty you criticism of the candidates are.
CTDeLude on January 18, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Thanks man.
Igor R. on January 18, 2008 at 10:04 PM
In Corpus Christi, at the Selena Auditorium, rest assured.
pullingmyhairout on January 18, 2008 at 10:04 PM
It wasn’t retarded, it was straight out of the left-wing class envy playbook. And the same media that praised Clinton’s economy to the skies while screaming “Recession any minute now!” for the last five years will let him get away with it.
Huckabee is crying out for a good fisking, but nobody has that much spare time – we’re all employed.
Laura on January 18, 2008 at 10:05 PM
It’s primary season. We take a break from hunting liberals every so often to let them re-populate. Soon, we’ll be back to normal.
TexasDan on January 18, 2008 at 10:05 PM
[moans to self]
See this is why I should’ve blogged my thoughts about Fred way back in August. I really don’t mean to be self-gratuitous here, but I saw this coming after the last straw which was the: I’m-thinking-about-announcing-next-week-when-I’ll-be-announcing
-the-date-that-I’ll-probably-be-entering-the-race(that-is-if-I-can-
pull-myself-out-of-the-chair, schtick.
Fred was done right then and there. DONE… GOOSE. COOKED. FORK. STUCK.
You’re dealing with a persona that was liked by many via TV movie sound bites.
He lost their attention at that last falter.
I do want to celebrate the good ‘ole times by saying that you Fredheads have been… should I say.. subdued tonight and as such I want to believe that you are seeing it for what it is… a horse race.
If your favorite horse doesn’t win in this round, you will choose the best horse available for the next round and call it a good day, and not blame anybody but Fred for his inaction, and then, gently ever so gently, put him out to pasture where he can whinny at the mares and live out his usefulness.
Mcguyver on January 18, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Hey I think Rudy is a great guy and would make a great head of Homeland sec.
But I wouldn’t hire that Huckabee for dog catcher.
TheSitRep on January 18, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Boy, unable to respond to any questions and its back to the same old Mass. mantra.
In the face of irresponsible rhetoric, always fall back on the ole “I try and rile them up and they fall for it HA!!!one!11″
Well you sir truely have done Townhall a disservice. If this is the feces that they support over there, I will not be going over any longer.
I will from now on just be glossing right over any posts you make here. Good luck.
broker1 on January 18, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Could a committed Romney voter really pull the lever for Mr. “you cultists think Jesus and Satan are brothers” out of some shallow too clever by half political gambit?
Could a committed Giuliani voter go for the stereotypical Bible-thumping hick?
I would think most Giuliani voters would prefer McCain to the Huckster, right? I mean, if a voter was going to bother to go to the polls anyway just to play a political game, that is.
funky chicken on January 18, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I think Texas Parks and Wildlife needs to do a “liberal survey” near Austin. I’ll bet they’ll give out unlimited tags.
pullingmyhairout on January 18, 2008 at 10:08 PM
I have a bit of trouble trusting unnamed sources “with” the Thompson campaign. Unnamed sources close to the campaign also claimed he was dropping out after Iowa/New Hampshire.
amerpundit on January 18, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Mcguyver on January 18, 2008 at 10:05 PM
sadly, if the horse doesn’t win I hold no interest in the rest of the races. they all suck. Every one last of them.
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Let’s hope so. I understand we are a party of many ideas and that it is indeed a “big tent” but there’s nothing to say there aren’t winds that won’t dig up the tent poles.
I’m just glad that, in the end, those who oppose each other in this party aren’t liberals thus enabling the ability to reconcile. You can always have a beer at the bar at the end of the day with the GOP. Never been able to do that with those from the other side as much as I may have wanted to.
CTDeLude on January 18, 2008 at 10:10 PM
OK, thanks for playing, night-night.
see-dubya on January 18, 2008 at 10:10 PM
You’re sure of that? That we’ll just roll over and sell out our principles?
The only winning move…is not to play.
doubleplusundead on January 18, 2008 at 10:10 PM
By calling people’s behavior idiotic, you’re shocked that they take it personally?
Are you really that spaced out?
You showed yourself as a bigot by buying into generalization of people below the Mason-Dixon line as “hicks”(which makes you a bigot), and you refuse to admit it(which makes you a borderline liar). You then have the audacity to refer to people who support Fred Thompson as elitists(which makes you a hypocrite).
You may consider them insulting, but they are nonetheless true.
MadisonConservative on January 18, 2008 at 10:10 PM
doubleplusundead on January 18, 2008 at 10:10 PM
ditto
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Ha. Yup, Even though I’m exiled in Maine, I’m originally from Texas. And I have the decorative birth certificate to prove it.
Slublog on January 18, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Group hug?
JetBoy on January 18, 2008 at 10:12 PM
I think Fred is going to surprize the hell out of a lot of folks in the MSM.
Fred is the classic example of the OLD BULL.
If he don’t do better than expected in SC then I am a monkeys uncle.
But we shall see. I just have some hope in the American people.
TheSitRep on January 18, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Slu, that’s so cooool! Thanks for the link.
TexasDan on January 18, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Again – idealism. If your candidate doesn’t get the nomination that always sucks. Its like playing a forced hand. What will suck a lot more is Obama or Hillary being in office to make ANY decisions regarding who sits on the supreme court. If I’ve got to vote for Huck and then park my arse at the border to ward off the droves as they come, so be it. It would beat 30+ years of the judicial branch serving our country up on a platter to whatever scheme happens to be in court that day.
blankminde on January 18, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Bummer, mine looks like sh\t and just says Cherokee County.
TheSitRep on January 18, 2008 at 10:13 PM
I am curious, when is Rudy going to withdraw. I am in Florida and I see no sign of support for Rudy anywhere. NYorkers aren’t very well thought of around these parts.
Crist is Florida’s Schwarzenegger and every Republican I talk to knows it. We were bamboozled into supporting him “because he could win”. And what did we get for it, nothing but a liberal glow-bull warming nut. Not again.
tarpon on January 18, 2008 at 10:14 PM
No problem, but $60? Geez. They were only $30 when I got one.
I blame Austin.
And Jessica Simpson (Yoko Romo).
Slublog on January 18, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Maine??? I can’t even imagine… It’s too cold in Maine and the only thing ya’ll have up there that’s worth a darn is maple syrup. Come home.
pullingmyhairout on January 18, 2008 at 10:15 PM
JetBoy on January 18, 2008 at 10:12 PM
It is not social cons vs fiscal cons vs national security cons. It Rino’s vs conservatives. I do not like nor agree with Rino positions. They are Democrates in all but name except they usally have money (see Bush). Let them or me walk and find greener pastures. I am sick of the Rino’s destroying this country because of their me too crap.
But the coming crash of the market next week will wake everyone up. Including Bush, Clinton and Paulson. hopefully Ben too. The spend and tax and spend and borrow is going to come face to face with reality.
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 10:17 PM
I’m still planning on a big celbration tomorrow night. Fred’s gonna finish ahead of where the pols say he is, and that’s gonna get him some juice. It may not be “shock the world” day, but he’s gonna do better than what people think. It’s South Carolina, for crying out loud. They still talk about the war of northern aggression there. If God himself came and told them to vote for the former governer of MA, he’d still only get less than half the vote. Fred’s the closest thing to a native son in this race, and the only southerner.
C’mon SC. Do the right thing.
TexasDan on January 18, 2008 at 10:18 PM
The primary characteristics of a hick is a tendency for inward-looking preferences combined with startling stupidity and hatred for others.
The primary characterics of an elitist is a tendency for inward-looking preferences combined with astounding arrogance and condescencion for others.
Neither of these definitions makes any issue of location. Southern hick in Fred’s case only means his in-group is southerners and his out-group is northerners.
Fred is a textbook hick. He’s from the south, only cares about the south, is only viable in the south, is willing to attack the north to gain votes in the south, and runs his campaign with all the political knowhow and competence of a headless chicken. He’s a hick.
BKennedy on January 18, 2008 at 10:18 PM
I’ll be voting for Fred. I don’t really care much what the Fred-bashers think. I care about what I think of the candidates. This “strategic-vote” nonsense is just a way to ensure we get the lowest common denominator. If that happens, it won’t be because I failed to vote my convictions.
Many complained when candidates started campaigning with almost two years until the general election to go. But now, anyone who didn’t campaign that long is accused of jumping in with “too-little, too-late”.
Many complain when candidates sling mud, use push-polling, and otherwise resort to campaign dirty-tricks. But now, anyone who isn’t “in-your-face” 24/7 with attacks on members of their own party (and whom they respect), just because there are differences in their platforms, is “being lazy”.
Many complain that the wrong type of person is drawn to high office. The kind who is looking for the power that success brings to them. But now, when someone campaigns because they truly believe it is their duty, in spite of their own reluctance to suffer the juvenile nonsense we have allowed to become commonplace in politics, they are accused of not having “fire-in-the-belly”.
Nobody is evil in their own mind. There aren’t any candidates running that secretly think, “Wow, if I can only win this thing, I can be another Hitler!!” I don’t dislike a candidate because I disagree with their reasoning. I respect most beliefs that are rational and sincerely held. I do dislike candidates that lie, pander, and cheat. I won’t vote for them under any circumstance. Period. Even if they are the only Republican running. Even if they are the only candidate running.
Voting for someone just because of some convoluted scenario (put forth by someone certainly not smarter than myself) thinks it’s “strategically-sound”… well, it’s just not going to happen.
Those of you who like Fred, I urge you to vote for him. If you like someone else, vote your conscience. Don’t vote for or against someone because some loudmouth says they are or are not “electable”. Anyone is electable under the right circumstances. When someone can win an election after their death, you can’t rule out any results until the votes have been counted.
Stashiu3 on January 18, 2008 at 10:19 PM
What will suck a lot more is Obama or Hillary being in office to make ANY decisions regarding who sits on the supreme court
blankminde on January 18, 2008 at 10:13 PM
and the choice would be different with a Rudy, McCain or Huck how? at least Mitt is such a beta male like bush that if we scream loud enough he will change his mind.
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Dude, the irony you provide is amazing. Absolutely mind-boggling.
MadisonConservative on January 18, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Right on.
If any of the current Defecrat candidates win the Gen X generation (which I’m a part of), the retiring Baby Boomers and the iPod generation will find out what the Misery Index is all about. If so, hopefully, (with some changes in the House and Senate starting in 2010) we might get some Conservatives back in office. Heck, if a Zell Miller Democrat came along I’d vote for him, However, I think Fred is the most Conservative candidate in the field. To me, it’s no longer a party issue; it’s a Conservative (strong defense, small government, low taxes, get the darn government out of my life) vs. a Communist / a Socialist / a Britain / France / Europe / Canada, PC issue.
The worst liberals in the US are liberal, country club Republicans. Oh, and starry eyed God and Government Republicans.
I’m buying more guns with my $800 rebate.
BowHuntingTexas on January 18, 2008 at 10:21 PM
MadisonConservative on January 18, 2008 at 10:20 PM
point to you..
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 10:21 PM
TexasDan on January 18, 2008 at 10:21 PM
You are way off base and out of line.
pullingmyhairout on January 18, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I find this all a refreshing change from the “he’s a slick washington lawyer” crap.
TexasDan on January 18, 2008 at 10:22 PM
When has Fred Thompson ever “attacked” the North?
You’re a piece of work, I tell ya…
JetBoy on January 18, 2008 at 10:22 PM
<Cartman>
Thats what *I* said…
</Cartman>
bofh on January 18, 2008 at 10:23 PM
BowHuntingTexas on January 18, 2008 at 10:21 PM
a government strong enough to provide for your wants and needs is a government strong enough to take your life, liberity and happiness and flush it down the drain..
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Despite them being excellent Dem candidates, I really don’t see them putting any pro-choice, pro-gun control, pro-make up the law as you go judges into the Supreme Court. Are they likely to sell out their constituency during their presumptive presidency? Sure. I just don’t think they’d go there. I could be wrong, but short of attempting to subvert our election system I don’t see how to make a difference there. To each their own.
blankminde on January 18, 2008 at 10:24 PM
OK, I knew I recognized Ruffini’s name. He was pro-Bush “compassionate” immigration reform. Here he is attacking “Tancredoites” in Aug. 2007:
Conservative Hostility to Immigration in an Increasingly Diverse Nation. I disagreed with the Senate immigration deal. I think you can do a guest worker program without a pathway to citizenship (they are coming here to work, not vote). I think you can build the fence as a security measure without alienating the Latino vote, provided you communicate a basic openness towards the Latino community that President Bush projected masterfully in the 2000 campaign.
The problem is it’s too late. The time to do a deal on immigration that defused these tensions was three years ago, not now. The Administration went way out on a limb for extreme regularization, hoping to lead the party there, when they should have gone for achievable objectives that also gave serious conservatives like Duncan Hunter what they really wanted (basic enforcement). Instead, we now have the Tancredoites baying for mass deportation and buying into groups that are not only anti-illegal immigration, but anti-population and anti-growth, funded by radical environmentalists like John Tanton. And we have exposed an entire generation of Latino voters to this message, erasing whatever hard-earned gains we might have achieved. There was an enforcement-first road that could have worked, but it was not taken.
funky chicken on January 18, 2008 at 10:24 PM
A Democratic plant to make Republicans look bad?
When Fred Thompson accused Mike Huckabee that he was following the model of the Democratic Party he was right. He might also have been right to accuse Huckabee of being a Democratic plant.
MB4 on January 18, 2008 at 10:25 PM
blankminde on January 18, 2008 at 10:24 PM
think second term…again see bush for examples.
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Just because Conservatives are above busing in voters from other states doesn’t mean Fred won’t do well but if he’s really not good at building and organizing a political machine that might be a to date lackluster performance clue.
Speakup on January 18, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Yep, those Romney supporters sure are sweet. It really makes me want to support their guy.
funky chicken on January 18, 2008 at 10:26 PM
I’ve read this thread, and everyone EXCEPT BKennedy had something worthwhile to contribute.
This “person” is nothing more than a destructive troll.
I’m calling for a ban.
Vote?
wccawa on January 18, 2008 at 10:26 PM
BKennedy
Roger. got it, I read ya lima charlie
Heavy on the Kennedy I see.
You Sir, are an Anti-Redneckite!
TheSitRep on January 18, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Then we are in agreement. As I stated above …
issue.
BowHuntingTexas on January 18, 2008 at 10:29 PM
I vote no, only because I know Allah never responds to these types of calls for bans.
Have faith, my friend. At the rate he’s going, he’ll earn his ban of his own accord.
MadisonConservative on January 18, 2008 at 10:29 PM
wccawa on January 18, 2008 at 10:26 PM
free speech is free speech. the arguements of Bk is enough to throw support to Fred. those that lack clear useful dialog hurt their case more then harm your case. The battle of debate is what transforms people into conservatives. I will never vote to ban any type of speech, vulgar offensive, lacking substance has it may be.
unseen on January 18, 2008 at 10:30 PM
You’re most welcome.
Polls? Do you really want to talk about the accuracy of polls when so many are still on the fence? Indeed, you might want to ponder if Rush could sway a few voters to go Thompson’s way. Stranger things have happened.
DannoJyd on January 18, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I’m calling for a ban. Vote?
== wccawa on January 18, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Ban Ban Bannity Ban.
Oh, I see, now…BKennedy, not TKennedy… In that case,
Ban Ban Bannity Ban!
That is unless there is some redeeming quality to keep him around to make fun of, of course.
http://www.fred08.com
redneck hippie on January 18, 2008 at 10:31 PM
meh…Sometimes you just have to slow down and gawk at the car wreck…That’s our BKennedy, HA’s own car wreck.
JetBoy on January 18, 2008 at 10:32 PM
The point is, he contributes nothing. He is a weasel. A snake. A sociopath.
He clogs up threads, throwing what is relatively interesting and thought-provoking trains of thought into chaos.
I would like to know the threshold for Hot Air. Is there a formula? If you take a crap on a thread and generate, what, 100, 200, 300? angry statements that have nothing to do with the topic at hand, it’s still ok?
Geez, guys. A little housekeeping is in order. WTF?
wccawa on January 18, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Granted but.
Sorry fellas, I will never support a movement that denies a fellow American his rights respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
By denying one their right to speak denies everyone else their right to hear it even if it is offensive.
TheSitRep on January 18, 2008 at 10:34 PM
I guess no matter how it plays out we’re likely to lose. Somehow Republicans became the liberals (while the liberals became something much stranger) and now there are a whole lot of people that are looking for answers. Frankly, I don’t think this primary is going to end well for us. A lot of people will choose to just sit this one out and see what comes around in 4 years. Me? I’ll be in Iran most likely…
blankminde on January 18, 2008 at 10:34 PM
BKennedy came up with the following. What have you done to keep your keep lately?
Look at McCain
He’s such a pain
backstabbin’ the base
is his favorite game
He acts real tough and he fought in war
but we’ve heard all of that rhetoric before
Wish he fought for borders as much as talked smack
wish he cared about America as much as Iraq.
Hear the dirge
he claims the surge
but McCain
we must purge.
BKennedy on January 18, 2008 at 8:40 PM
MB4 on January 18, 2008 at 10:34 PM
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