Fred update: Will not endorse, not interested in VP; Update: D’Amato dumps Fred for McCain?
posted at 11:14 am on January 22, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Geraghty’s got it. He’s down to single digits in Florida, he’s not campaigning and won’t be at the debate, and his website isn’t running any big front-page fundraising pitches despite having barely had enough money to air one last commercial in South Carolina. As my ol’ granddaddy used to say, the storm ain’t here yet but you can tell which way the wind’s blowing. Which doesn’t really make sense, but it sounds good and that’s what matters.
If he drops out, doubtless he’ll be on Fox News every week making the case for conservatism and how the frontrunners fail to advance it. A Hillary-McCain match-up would be a cottage industry for him, assuming he’s willing to take off the gloves against Maverick. Which, given his alleged refusal to endorse, he may be. Like Geraghty says, if you can’t be Reagan then be Goldwater and prepare the field for Reagans yet to come.
Here’s a little candy for the ‘Heads as we wait for the major announcement that’s allegedly coming today. At this desperate hour not even invocations of Reagan will do; for this, we go right to the top.
Update: Senator Pothole heads for the lifeboats.
Update: Patrick Ishmael reminds us that D’Amato’s been here before.
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Into the Wilderness!
Vizzini on January 22, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Fred is one lazy cow!
froghat on January 22, 2008 at 11:19 AM
A Thompson endorsement of McVain would have put him on my “Never Vote For” list.
The GOP needs to strip delegates from states allowing crossover voting.
Valiant on January 22, 2008 at 11:19 AM
He doesn’t need to endorse McCain. He just needs to stay in to pull an extra percent or two of very conservative voters in Florida. It’s more than any endorsement would accomplish anyway.
Big S on January 22, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Have you never been outside before a storm comes? It makes perfect sense. It can be very sunny, when all of a sudden the wind changes direction, the air is a bit sweeter, and it’s a bit cooler. The storm isn’t there yet, but you know it’s coming…why…because you can tell which way the wind is blowing. All in good fun AP.
Weight of Glory on January 22, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Ha! I knew he wasn’t interested in being VP.
Suck it, “Campaign Carl” and Fox News!
Hollowpoint on January 22, 2008 at 11:20 AM
liquidflorian on January 22, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I guess I’ll convert to being a MittHead.
That is not to be confused with MeatHead, an overweight, talentless, alleged actor/producer, political hack.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 22, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Goldwater movement becane the Reagan movement becomes the Thompson movement!
BTW, I do not think Fred is going to drop out, and that will surprise a whole lot of people.
ConservativePartyNow on January 22, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Mega Dittos!
$10 to Fred in your name, scoffer.
RushBaby on January 22, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Fred: If you were not willing to attack McCain it is better that you got out. Let this be a lesson for all future conservative candidates, playing nice will not win you the nomination even against the worst RINOs.
Bill C on January 22, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Dibs on the red pick-up!
profitsbeard on January 22, 2008 at 11:24 AM
This is from the party that believes in ’states’ rights’? Every contest is different. Why not just propose doing away with the electoral college (that our brilliant forefathers created for a specific and important reason) and just go with the national popular vote on one day.
Are independents ‘crossover’? South Carolina allows ‘crossover’ but you have to vote in the general with the same party that you voted for in the primary. I really think you are for big government with more control valiant. I happen to like the idea that independents can vote for whomever they like.
ThackerAgency on January 22, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Good son.
Ailing mother.
Lazy cow…..NOT!
Fred has said he has always been thinking of his family. I can understand if he withdraws.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 22, 2008 at 11:27 AM
As soon as Fred quits I am officially a JindalHead.
Bill C on January 22, 2008 at 11:27 AM
For What It’s Worth, Louisiana Caucuses This Evening
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Word is that he’s not attending the Florida debate- not something he’d do if he were still in it to win. Sure looks like he’s dropping out to me- a decision I’d agree with.
Hollowpoint on January 22, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Hitlery has said she wants to do that. If/when she gets elected/crowned, you can bet it’ll happen.
jdawg on January 22, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Caucuses are dumb! Why do they even have them? No one even pays attention to them
froghat on January 22, 2008 at 11:29 AM
If Fred gets out it’ll be sickening when Chrissy Olberman takes credit for it.
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/01/19/video-msnbc-hosts-mock-teh-fred/
Speakup on January 22, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Fred took way too long getting in so let’s hope he does not take too long getting out.
Both things are giving rise to the two-headed McHuck monster.
EJDolbow on January 22, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Just glad he won’t be endorsing McVain. Had he done that, it would have told me I had been backing the wrong horse in this race. At least this way, I can feel like I backed a good horse, even though it won’t be the winning horse.
As he should. If he does, he will serve the conservative movement well. He might not serve the GOP well, but then again, it’s not altogether clear that the GOP is a conservative party anymore, something that would be confirmed by McVain or Huck at the top of the ticket.
thirteen28 on January 22, 2008 at 11:31 AM
So, will Fred go back to Law and Order?
froghat on January 22, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Fred definately runs on his own time.
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 11:32 AM
When he drops out, he will endorse his friend, McCain.
huckfan on January 22, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I would have voted for Fred if he received the nomination, but it wasn’t until this blurb that it came clear that Fred and his followers are all about The Fred. Fred wants to win or not be part of the effort, and his followers will stay home if he’s not the candidate. Cartman would approve (”Screw you guys, I’m going home”).
Fred and his followers who claim they will not vote will hopefully refrain from finger pointing in the future since they have shown that they are part of the problem if a Democrat wins. The presidential election and future of this country is not about one, egocentric person be they Liberal or Conservative.
Hening on January 22, 2008 at 11:34 AM
As well he should. Newt used to handle this for us, but these days he spends all his airtime talking about bridging the partisan divide, and giving HRC credit for running a great campaign. I guess selling his book and promoting himself have taken place of espousing conservative ideology and promoting Republican candidates. To think – we were all hoping he’d get in, a few months ago!
Of course, Fred hasn’t dropped out yet, and probably won’t. With AL, GA, TN, TX coming up, he stand to pick up some more votes in the coming days and weeks. Until I hear otherwise from Fred, he’s still in it.
fourstringfuror on January 22, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Another hypothesis would be that Fred likes McCain, but realizes that FredHeads generally do not. If McCain wins, he could offer VP to Fred, and it could look like rival factions uniting, as opposed to two guys who like each other in the first plcae.
Karl on January 22, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Well on the bright side, if he drops out I won’t have to waste time following political news and I can do like the rest of the nation and get up to date on my Britney done bad and the rest of the Hollywood gossip.
It will be fun to watch the situation in Iraq after whichever Dem gets elected. Our guys and girls got about a year to get it done and then no doubt Al Queda will walk back in the door and decend the country into pure anarchy, without any US troop presence. Not that you will notice of course because if you think the downturn in the last couple of days in the market was bad let McCain, Hillary or Obama win the election.
Anyway without Fred it just won’t be the same.
Just A Grunt on January 22, 2008 at 11:36 AM
And you’re a moron. Difference? Fred can stop being lazy.
Technically, that was the Southern Democrats. However, the conservative movement took a lot of cues from them.
MadisonConservative on January 22, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I see no proof. Where and when did this myth originate? Have you heard this from Thompson? From McCain? It’s all speculation, as far as I can tell.
fourstringfuror on January 22, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I am very thankful that Fred is not endorsing McVain. that would have really pissed me off because it was Fred’s reluctance to go after McVain that cost him the most.
Bill C on January 22, 2008 at 11:37 AM
This makes more sense, and Allah’s got it right, I think. You can truly tell which way the wind is blowin’ … toward Mitt.
Jaibones on January 22, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I don’t thin that is Fred’s reasoning for not endorsing. I think this campaign has been about him trying to get to the Presidency on the shoulders of “true conservatism”. I don’t think he sees any other candidate that fits his very high ideals. For Fred, it is either Fred or no-one. At least that is how I read him. I might be wrong here, but I would not be surprised at all if he doesn’t endorse anyone until the nomination.
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 11:39 AM
MadisonConservative, it’s funny how easy it is to get you all stirred up. You have the temper of John McCain. lolol
froghat on January 22, 2008 at 11:39 AM
What if Fred threw a curve ball and endorsed Ron Paul?
froghat on January 22, 2008 at 11:40 AM
You know, folks; he just might (gasp!) be attending to the personal business of his ill grandmother.
I don’t think he’ll formally drop out for awhile yet; if he doesn’t, I’ll lay odds he’ll still be picking up a few delegastes here or there out of disgust with the others. Not enough to be a factor, but enough to beat all the rest over their heads on their philosophical shortcomings (which are significant).
michaelo on January 22, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Yeah, the states rights issue did cross my mind. However, the RNC is not “government.”
The way the first few contests are set up means we will not have a conservative nominee in the GOP.
This is all OT with respect to Fred because he ran one of the most incompetent campaigns ever.
Valiant on January 22, 2008 at 11:41 AM
What motivates his reluctance?
JiangxiDad on January 22, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I am in the Fred or no one camp. I won’t be persuaaded again to compromise my principles just for the sake of electing somebody with an (R) behnid their name. The boogey man of a Democrat president just doesn’t sway me this time because all that is left on the Republican side is Dem Lite so what difference does it make? You are going to elect a Democrat either way.
Just A Grunt on January 22, 2008 at 11:42 AM
:) Grandmother. LOL
JiangxiDad on January 22, 2008 at 11:43 AM
If he’s not going to be in the debate Fred should officially drop out before Florida votes
windansea on January 22, 2008 at 11:43 AM
What if you had an IQ higher than room temperature?
Hollowpoint on January 22, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Let’s hope Fred stays there with you then.
JiangxiDad on January 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM
It is not tht we will stay home if Fred is not the candidate, it is that Mccain and Huckabee are not conservatives and have actively worked promoting democrats. I have held my nose and voted in previous elections,seeing the GOP go farther and farther left. I can’t do that anymore. If Mitt or Rudy get the nod, I will vote for them. Mccain and Huck, never!
conservativegrandma on January 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I’d argue that Rudy get’s that distinction, though not by much.
Hollowpoint on January 22, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Fred will be out when he decides to be. End of story. All the speculation, and admittedly, I am guilty of it too, is just that: speculation. I don’t think he’s dropping out, not just yet, I’m going to wait and see. He was going to skip FL regardless, so I don’t think that has as much bearing on the situation as people think. Perhaps his big announcement is that he will be in until ST, and that he will rely on those faithful to conservative principles to guide him instead of throwing cash at television and radio ads. Maybe there’s some campaign changes. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
Maybe we should just all wait to see what he has to say and then decide. I still stand by my assertion that if everyone who wanted to vote for him would have voted for him instead of waiting to see what everyone else was doing, he’d be booming. It’s like everyone in class cheating off of of the stupid kid at test time and then wondering why everyone failed, then getting mad about having to retake the test. Unfortunately, there are no retakes here.
LickyLicky on January 22, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I am not in the restaurant business, but they tell me the first impressions are the only ones, and no matter what you do later to correct mistakes, it is very hard to change first impressions.
Fred wanted it both ways…..family and campaign. I supported him because of his ideas, but he turned away a lot of good talent and refused to delegate and sell his ideas like there was no tomorrow. Poor first impressions.
People will not flock to you just because you hang out your shingle.
Starlink on January 22, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Conservatives. The Republicans can’t win without us and all this time the MSM was telling you it was the Evangelical vote. Let’s see who is right!
Just A Grunt on January 22, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Hey Allah… you leave MY MAN GEORGE out of this current mess. He has his hands full already, what with Jeffy and Madison ganging up on him, and the French threatening to overthrow him.
You want contemporary inspiration, you should have linked to THIS…..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan
Always Right on January 22, 2008 at 11:48 AM
THAT would be interesting!
Though if Fred dumps I will throw over to Mitt.
HotAirExpert on January 22, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Well…crap.
someguy on January 22, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Will someone please put ol’ yeller down, and for good? How a lazy, pro-choice, career lobbyist, open borders votin’, terrorist lawyer ever became the standard barer of true conservatism is an embarrassment to conservatism — or at least to the idgits that think of him as the standard barer.
tommylotto on January 22, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Other than the few candidates that never got off the ground, nobody should quit before Super Tuesday. If a candidate does quit this early, I have to doubt their stomach for the no.1 job, and it’s probably a good thing they quit and never darken our door again.
Fred seems like he has backbone, so I’ll be surprised if he bails this early.
If he gathers no momentum on Super Tuesday, then will be the time to seriously reconsider his candidacy.
LimeyGeek on January 22, 2008 at 11:52 AM
I’m holding out to see what happens in FL, but if Rudy loses FL by one vote, he earns the crown as the worst candidate in history. If he wins FL, he is a genius and will be delegate leader on 2/6.
tommylotto on January 22, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I think he would be wasting an opportunity if he did that.
LimeyGeek on January 22, 2008 at 11:55 AM
You confuse stirred up with taking a couple seconds to reprimand you for being a cretin.
What WILL you do if he does? I can see you, shivering at the keyboard, anticipating the cold emptiness of having no Fredheads to unload your barrister’s frustration on.
Oh no no no. See, when Fred did it, it was called “waiting in the weeds” and labeled as lazy and incompetent. When Rudy does it, getting less than Fred in almost every primary, it’s “Florida Focus” and it’s that Noo Yawk cunning at work.
Yeah. I know.
MadisonConservative on January 22, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Not going to a debate a week and a half before Super Tuesday means he’s out.
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Both are right. Each of the remaining candidates has some flaw that causes a significant faction of the Republican party to sit it out on principle. Fear of the Dem candidate winning will bring some of these holdouts out to reluctantly vote when the general election day actually arrives, but I believe for the first time that enough of the people threatening to stay home (pro-lifers who won’t vote for Rudy, strong borders people who won’t vote for McCain, anti-Mormon bigots who won’t vote for Romney, and fiscal conservatives who won’t vote for Huckabee, among others) will actually do it, thereby rendering this election pretty much unwinnable for the Republicans this time around. The coalition is as weak as I’ve ever seen it.
Personally, I’m already researching rising stars in the conservative movement to see whom we can draft to run in 2012 if disaster does strike and the Dems win the White House in 2008. We need to find the “next Reagan” NOW because he or she needs to be ready to hit the ground running as early as 2010!
aero on January 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM
You know what Fred’s big problem is? All those people that say “I’d love to vote for him, but he’s not going to get the nomination…blah, blah, blah…” Well, he isn’t going to get the nomination if no one votes for him.
Listening to the Mike Chruch show, he just made the same point…
liquidflorian on January 22, 2008 at 11:58 AM
I’ll be glad when Fred is gone so I don’t have to hear the phrase “fire in the belly” anymore.
froghat on January 22, 2008 at 12:01 PM
I think you’re right. I think he was testing the conservative winds in the nation and found them lacking. I also don’t see him doing play by play punditry on TV if he drops out. He’ll ride off into the sunset, a little wiser as to the value system of voters.
a capella on January 22, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Bingo. Apathy is the only thing that kills a campaign. Don’t tell me money is a factor as long as Huckabee continues getting 1st and 2nd.
MadisonConservative on January 22, 2008 at 12:03 PM
When I talk to people around here about the election. No one talks about Fred.
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM
SECOND LOOK AT BOBBY JINDAL!
a capella on January 22, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Well after giving us a lesson in exactly how not to run a campaign, I suppose it is inevitable. I’d like to see him replace Newt on Fox, that seems to be most productive result of this campaign.
I’m glad it looks as he is not going to endorse though; keep your reputation Fred.
Spirit of 1776 on January 22, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Imagine that? HotAir.com is wrong yet again on guesstimating what Fred Thompson will do in the “Near Future”. so what exactly is it that they’re trying to accomplish with all of the posts about “Fred Dropping Out”?
maybe HotAir.com has already decided who they’re endorsing?
Kaptain Amerika on January 22, 2008 at 12:09 PM
You know what Fred’s big problem is? All those people that say “I’d love to vote for him, but he’s not going to get the nomination…blah, blah, blah…” Well, he isn’t going to
Been saying it for over a month now, as soon as that became the excuse. I wonder how many people who say they want a real conservative REALLY want a real conservative. I’m all for personal responsibility, and I live that way everyday. Just got into it with hubby two weeks ago over a friend who can afford meds but doesn’t want to spend the money. Should she be on disability? She can be, she would qualify with the loose standards set nowadays, but she shouldn’t. But how many people look at the possibility of actual personal responsibility and cringe?
I’m in until Fred’s out.
LickyLicky on January 22, 2008 at 12:09 PM
messed that quote up…
LickyLicky on January 22, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Have we officially heard this? or is it simply a rumor that some people love?
Lord Nazh on January 22, 2008 at 12:10 PM
He’s on my list to research and watch. He’s a rookie executive, but he has great potential. A lot of eyes will be on him in the next couple of years. Keep your fingers crossed for measurable success in Louisiana!
aero on January 22, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I’m disappointed that he isn’t interested in VP.
Conservatism needs all the champions it can get, in as many positions of power that it can get.
Despite his lackluster campaigning, I think he’d have made a good VP.
It’s tough to swallow one’s pride and play second fiddle, but I’d hope his desire to improve the country would come first.
His call, not mine. So it goes.
Hawkins1701 on January 22, 2008 at 12:19 PM
We are hearing it from a number of sources, one of which is at Fox.
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Still with Fred!
Actually voted for Fred yesterday with AZ mail in ballot.
Go Fred!
AZCON on January 22, 2008 at 12:23 PM
So…he holds grudges and settles old scores at the expense of better Republican values.
No wonder he’s endorsing McCain.
MadisonConservative on January 22, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Goodnight Fred. D’Amato is but the first to jump ship, and he’ll be followed.
Vizzini on January 22, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Yep
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 12:34 PM
You mean you found his name among that huge list of people I never heard of? I swear if must be the easiest thing in the world to get on the AZ ballot.
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 12:35 PM
MadCon. Being a conservative, or even a Republican in NY, is about as lonely and difficult as being a conservative or republican in Madison. There is no Republican/Conservative Noo Yawk cunning, as there are no ordinary conservatives/republicans here.
You may be referring to the likes of those on the editorial board of the WSJ, or the folks at NRO, but I don’t think those people have any historical ties to NY, and they aren’t writing for a local audience in any case.
I only mention this because I don’t sense any local Republican or Conservative presence at all, let alone a gameplan. When two Dems want the same office here, one becomes a Republican. I just don’t see how NY figures in the Rep. world much.
As for Rudy, I think he would more likely have been the next President if he had run in the Democrat party against Hillary and maintained his centrist/leftist social positions. I think that was his fatal error.
JiangxiDad on January 22, 2008 at 12:38 PM
IMHO, misplaced friendship.
Bill C on January 22, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I think you are right, and that is one of the consequences of being a Senator. I also think it is one of several reasons why long-term Senators make poor candidates for executive. The Senate requires the development of consensus and compromise. This can blur principle and leadership qualities.
JiangxiDad on January 22, 2008 at 12:45 PM
There are lots of Republicans here in upstate New York…but the liberal transplants are ever encroaching and imposing.
Buttercup on January 22, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Time travel?
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 12:48 PM
NM, that was in Dec. Looks like D’Amato is just going back to where he was.
bnelson44 on January 22, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I’ll clue you in: There is always a boatload of conservatives in liberal paradises. You just have to know how to find them, and how to do it inconspicuously. Hell, I’m becoming an active part of the Madison stage scene. You don’t do that without being able to cloak your views with proper logic. Amazing the minds I’ve been able to bring around to my side.
Don’t lose faith, my friend. A lot of Americans may be complacent and dependent, but there is in so many of them a will to succeed and make something of themselves. When that spark comes to the surface, you have a conservative. Keep an eye out for them.
MadisonConservative on January 22, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Well, if we still have a country in 2012 perhaps he’ll be there to help pick up the pieces.
Browncoatone on January 22, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Please tell me you’re kidding.
Vizzini on January 22, 2008 at 12:58 PM
nice.
JiangxiDad on January 22, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Washington DC needs an enema.
(Is that too crude to post here?)
EJDolbow on January 22, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Gotta do it the proper way:
MadisonConservative on January 22, 2008 at 1:20 PM
The Washingtonian elites and their shills come here for their enema.
That’s why we have our work cut out for ourselves.
Mcguyver on January 22, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Rich Galen just commented on FNC that there had been NO talks between FT and McCain re: VP or endorsement.
loaner on January 22, 2008 at 1:25 PM
He’s leaving the way he entered, with much speculation and slowing.
michele on January 22, 2008 at 1:26 PM
If Fred is going to stick it out, then why not attend th FL debates for at least the free airtime. It can’t cost that much to fly from TN to FL.
AverageJoe on January 22, 2008 at 1:29 PM
“Well, if we still have a country in 2012 perhaps he’ll be there to help pick up the pieces.”
I know not everyone was around 30 years ago, but, if Carter in the White House with a Dem congress didn’t destroy this Country, I doubt the any one of the Dems running today will be able to.
ChrisM on January 22, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Fred recognizes that the role of VP isn’t worth “a warm bucket of spit.”
I suggest he stays in through Super Tuesday.
And after that day, I suggest he will have more delegates than either McCain or the Huckster.
SunSword on January 22, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Sly grin. Brutal.
JiangxiDad on January 22, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Still has my vote. Hope he considers a VP slot or at least another run in 4 years.
William Amos on January 22, 2008 at 1:38 PM
I wish he wouldn’t skip the Florida debate, even if he’s gonna drop out. He helps to push things to the right. With Huckabroke and McVain pushing to the left, and Mitt not running on his business exeperience yet, Rudy! becomes the rightmost candidate. How’d that happen?
Iblis on January 22, 2008 at 1:39 PM
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