Fred Thompson for president?

Posted: Friday, March 09, 2007 3:04 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Republicans

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell
Former Majority Leader Howard Baker (R) confirms he has been calling GOP friends to drum up support for his old Watergate committee protégé Fred Thompson -- to run for president. Thompson, one of John McCain's original supporters in 2000, has not disavowed the effort.

Baker says Thompson has told him the drawback is that he has two small children -- but Baker will continue trying to build support for Thompson until the former senator tells him to stop. Which he hasn't. Baker told me: "I called him up -- and said I'm going to plant the seed that you ought to run for president. He told me that he has two small children at home. But I'm going to keep sending up balloons until he tells me not to, and he hasn't."

Why would Baker -- a former McCain supporter -- try to launch Thompson -- another former McCain supporter? Are they dissatisfied with McCain's candidacy? Baker wouldn't bite: "The reason to do it is Fred's a capable person and a longtime friend who would be a good president."

Baker added that McCain called him about his endorsement, but Baker told him he's not ready to endorse anyone yet. Baker has known McCain since the Arizona senator was a returned POW and Navy aide assigned to the Senate. But Baker's wife, former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, is supporting McCain, an old friend.

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Comments

Drama, drama, drama.

MM (Sent Friday, March 09, 2007 3:33 PM)

I could go for that over any of the rest, but I might be bias. At least he can speak English. Fred Thompson & Condi in 08 both southerners. heheheh Pelle031 (2:31 PM) : hehehehe Pelle031 (2:31 PM) : PH would have to find a new fill in DLunatic (2:34 PM) : I could go for that over any of the rest, but I might be bias. At least he can speak English. Fred Thompson & Condi in 08 both Southerners! Wonder how hard it would be for Condi to get her twang back. Obama and Hillary managed and they ain't from "down here"

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, March 09, 2007 3:34 PM)

What? Is he going to return to "Law and Order?"

Desmond (Sent Friday, March 09, 2007 3:43 PM)

He has the required military experience; he played an admiral in two movies ("The Hunt for Red October" and "Flight of the Intruder").

Scott in South Texas (Sent Friday, March 09, 2007 4:04 PM)

Dave, you should have voted for Harold Ford.If I could have, I certainly would have.

Desmond (Sent Friday, March 09, 2007 5:50 PM)

Since all politicians are actors, and bad ones at that, fred will fit right in.

mikeeg,abdn,wa (Sent Friday, March 09, 2007 6:02 PM)

Dave - Condi Rice would get MAULED running for president. Why would you want her to, after the way she screwed the pooch as NSA?

Lee Steele MV CA (Sent Friday, March 09, 2007 6:08 PM)

Poor Fred. Maybe he is running out of TV gigs. It seems that the GOP has trouble picking someone who has lived in the real world, and instead they pick actors like Reagan, Bush, and now Thompson. They think that life is a soap opera and may the best actor win. Rather disgusting for grownups.

Jim Dwyer (Sent Saturday, March 10, 2007 11:09 AM)

As much as I disagree with Fred Thompson's politics, he has shown himself to have more integrity thn most Republican politicians. He gave up his seat in the Senate because he saw where the Republicans were headed and he didn't want to be a part of it. Other tha the fact he's a Die Hard conservative, and a fair-to-middling actor, I think he would be up to the job.

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR (Sent Saturday, March 10, 2007 1:42 PM)

Mr. Thompson was a big supporter and donor to Mr. Libby's trial.

Desmond (Sent Saturday, March 10, 2007 5:07 PM)

There are better ways to spend your best years, Fred. The U.S. Presidency is not the Crown Jewel. Like the Crocodile Hunter you will probably find your death in Politics tackling the very Beast you have no fear of,..Washington, which will kill you. 98% of REAL America wants a President alike you. The Monolithic Liberal Controlled Infrastrured Media will Tar and Feather you because you represent everything they're against,....anything good for America, someone with decency, and your a WHITE GUY. I like ya!!

Poco Marajeta (Sent Saturday, March 10, 2007 10:21 PM)

Fred is as good or better than any republican in the current field. My problem will come at the enevitable moment that he drops to his knees and pledges his loyalty to the Right Wing Christian extremists that form the modern day American Papacy. Their stated goal of the establishment of a Christian theocracy in America is in direct opposition to the Constitution and as such should make them the enemy of any official whose oath of office includes the obligation to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Gary, Schear, Bozeman, Montana (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 12:20 PM)

"The Monolithic Liberal Controlled Infrastrured Media " - the one that marched us off to Bush's criminal and stupid war without a backward glance? That sure was "good for America," and at least a moral as a brothel. THAT "The Monolithic Liberal Controlled Infrastrured Media "?

Loco? Marajeta (Sent Sunday, March 11, 2007 2:00 PM)

FRED THOMPSON IS JUST THE RIGHT MAN AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME WE NEED HIM AND HIS VALUES TO KEEP THIS COUNTRY ON THE RIGHT TRACK. WE THE PEOPLE NEED THE QUALITYS THAT FRED THOMPSON BRINGS TO THE FIELD. JUST LOOK ABOVE THIS ENTRY AND SEE THE DEMS CRY.

JOHN KIEPER INDIANAPOLIS,IN (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 8:43 AM)

I think he is the type of man most americans could stand and would feel good about President. After all good Presidents really bring a feeling to the people and if he has decent advisors they can bring good policy. Look at what was just said about Gerald Ford. He brought dignity, reason and a sense of morality and the proper male maturity to the office. I would like to See either a Fred Thompson- Ron Paul ticket for 08 or to accomadate his concerns a Ron Paul- Fred Thompson ticket. That would give him the White house experience and time for the small children to get bigger and than be ready after they are in office eight years(Yeah) he would run for president.

Catherine Rohwedder (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 9:13 AM)

How Fred Thompson ever won a US Senate seat is beyond me, talk about scandle, how about the late night drunken limo rides around Nashville with Lori Morgan? Remember: Keep them boobs covered up honey, the conservatives don't like it when you show them off! (from Lori's book). Starting to sound like the GPO is now the party of the Multiple wife syndrome. Bad, lawyer, bad actor, bad senator - disaster of a president!

Melba Isom, White Bluff, TN (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 10:28 AM)

Just what the country and the world needs... another bad actor making it to the White House to be a bad President. He should stick to being on "Law & Order" and leave politics alone. Let's get someone who REALLY IS qualified to be President (I don't see anyone on the GOP side, as they are all such hypocrites). Fred Thompson is just as much of a buffoon as is Giuliani. Reagan put on an act when he was not in another world (Alzheimer's). Thompson may not have that horrid disease, but he has a lot of skeletons in his closet, the least of which is his womanizing (thanks, Melba, I had almost forgotten that bit of news). If you're a fan of idiocy in the White House (59 million people allegedly were in 2004), then you'll be slobbering over Thompson.

Nick, Ohio (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 11:47 AM)

Just what we need. Another blow-hard thespian in The White House. Thompson is just another Clinton hater/liberal hater/Democrat hater, "do-it-quick-then-run-like-hell-to-the-nearest-microphone-and-blame-it-all-on-the-Democrats," neo-CANT/republiCANT who will continue the non-accountable behavior of the current occupant in The White House. No thanks Fred, stick to acting. By the way, I see the "Free Scooter Libby" thing didn't work out so good for you. See ya' at the sentencing.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 4:04 PM)

Ha ha ha ha........I didnt see your post originally Nick. But I started mine the same way you started yours. So I'm not the only one who's thinking that way, and its a great comfort to know! Melba, thats some intreesting information to know about Mr Thompson and his gal-pal. Because he was one of the republiCANT jerks on the Senate's judiciary comittee 13 years ago, who LAMBASTED The Clintons on Whitewater in spite of the fact that they were never indicted for ANYTHING regarding it. Oh yeah, and to listen to him tell the story, I. Lewis Libby is national hero. Give us, and yourself a break Fatso Freddy. Stick to the periodic appearances on Law and Order (which sucks these days by the way). At least you can't do any harm to the country on a TV series. (Unless you're a republican who watches "Murphy Brown" that is.)

J Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 4:18 PM)

"FRED THOMPSON IS JUST THE RIGHT MAN AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME WE NEED HIM AND HIS VALUES TO KEEP THIS COUNTRY ON THE RIGHT TRACK." Just like your last, truly inspired, choice, John. Better to drive off a cliff and take the country with you if it makes the "DEMS CRY"?

Lee Steele MV CA (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 4:20 PM)

Murphy Brown? Ah yes, Dan Quayle.

Desmond (Sent Monday, March 12, 2007 5:39 PM)

AS A CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A GOOD CANDIDATE TO COME ALONG THOMPSON FITS THAT SPOT.

JIM SARBER, OKLA. CITY,OK (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 11:59 AM)

To correct the record, Fred Thompson gave up his seat because he doesn't believe that career politicians are good for the country - not because he didn't like where the Republican party was going. When both he and Bill Frist ran for the first time, they each stated this and they both were good to their word. Get your facts straight Robert Catalano of Salem, Oregon. But you're right in one regard, he does have more integrity than most. We'd be lucky to have him as President.

Alicia, TN (Sent Tuesday, March 13, 2007 7:35 PM)

FRED THOMPSON FOR PRESIDENT! He's got my Vote! About time, a breath of fresh air in the Republican Party. John Oleinecka Grove City, Ohio 43123

John Oleinecka (Sent Wednesday, March 14, 2007 8:48 AM)

Mr. Dwyer. I agree. Mr. Thompson would probably make as good a president as Regan. Both being actors. Lets hope he's just as good. He single handedly toppeled the Eastern Block, and was one of the greatest Presidents the US has ever known. Yes I think Mr. Thompson would fit right in.

Robin Walker (Sent Wednesday, March 14, 2007 6:34 PM)

Fred Thompson may like his women, and what guy doesn't, unless they're gay...then they like other guys. Big @%$#%$# deal! One thing he is, is honest. Honesty will cause pain in the near term, but in the long run, it is best. He brings a unifying force to the Republican Party. He was never a career politician like 95% of the trash (Dems and Repubs). The John McCains, Nancy Pelosis, and Hillary Clintons of the Washington had better beware.

Mike Hyde, Denver, CO (Sent Thursday, March 15, 2007 10:08 AM)

Fred Thompson is exactly who we need as President. Someone at least somewhere around the middle, not so far to either side that they can't even see the other side. So what if he is an actor? It's just a job. Would you rather an actor for President, or a lawyer?

Tim Closson, Gulf Shores, Al (Sent Thursday, March 15, 2007 3:16 PM)

FRED THOMPSON WOULD MAKE A GREAT PRESIDENT. hE IS A CONSERVATIVE IN THE MOLD OF REAGAN AND ISN'T AFRAID TO TELL IT LIKE IT IS. THE LAST ACTOR TURNED PRESIDENT DID QUITE WELL. SIGN ME UP FOR HIS CAMPAIGN

TONY WILLS (Sent Thursday, March 15, 2007 11:39 PM)

Thompson is a GREAT CHOICE! Go to some of the online petitions if you support him and sign on to get him to run! http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/thompsonforpresident/

Wooddale, IL. (Sent Friday, March 16, 2007 2:54 AM)

If FRed will defend the boarder against illigal imigration he has my vote and gratitude.

Robert Tx. (Sent Friday, March 16, 2007 10:14 AM)

Fred Thompson appears to be "real" and I will support him if he Runs.

Tom W Thorndale TX (Sent Friday, March 16, 2007 5:23 PM)

What made Reagan effective is that he had a vision for America and was able to articulate it to the average person, and his principles were not a product of the polls. I think Thompson has the same potential. If he runs, I will still call myself a Republican!

Andy Ewing (Sent Saturday, March 17, 2007 10:06 PM)

RUN!FRED! RUN! PLEASE! A prefect ticket: Fred Thompson & Zell Miller

Dennis Berkeley Springs, WV (Sent Sunday, March 18, 2007 7:31 PM)

Tim, You said "would you rather have a lawyer or an actor for President?" Well, Fred is both. I like the fact that he hasn't been groomed for politics like so many have been these days. Maybe he'll have a better sense of what the typical American is going through.....I can dream can't I?

Nancy, Royse City, TX (Sent Tuesday, March 20, 2007 11:04 PM)

I would not only vote for Fred Thompson for President, but I would send money to support his candidacy. I stopped sending money to the Republican Party when they let the Democrats run over them and did not get the job done!!

Pam Avance, Meridian, Texas (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 12:58 PM)

We need a person like Fred Thompson in the White House, he is the closest a Ronald Reagan that we will likely ever see. Reagan is one of the greatest Presidents that this country has ever had, and Fred Thompson is capable of fixing the mess that Republicans and Democrats alike have created. Run Fred you have my vote!

Lancer LaBar, White Earth, North Dakota (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 2:31 PM)

We need him, he would be a very good President, much better than any democrat (cry baby's) have to offer.

David Monk, Jr., Beaumont, Texas (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 5:17 PM)

I would not blame Fred Thompson for not getting in the Preidential race, even though this country needs him more than anything I can think of. He was a great Senator without being pure politician. He makes a decision and stands his ground. I would & will suppot him right now if he does anounce. Also, if he is, he needs to do it soon.

Tom Bosse Needville, Texas (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 5:28 PM)

Fred Thompson for President? YOU BET !!!! I wouldn't blame him if he didn't run, but I also think he would be the best candidate and would back financially and every other way. I also stop sending republicans money because they did not fulfill their promise to the American people while they were in the majority. Fred has got enough gumption to make a decision and fight for it. If him or his read this, believe me, there are a lot more that think like myself.

Tom Bosse Needville, Texas (Sent Wednesday, March 21, 2007 5:36 PM)

We need Fred Thompson for president. He is the only one with a moderate conservative point of view which will keep the economy stable and moving forward and still address the needs of the American people. He is a true American with the needs of our country in mind instead of self serving needs as the Bush administration has done with lies and corruption. If he needs help with his campain I offer my 100% support and will committ all of my available time and resources to help. If somebody would please contact me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You

Gary D. Lintemuth, Lansing, MI 48911 (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:25 AM)

Speaking as a conservative Democrat, I sincerely hope that Fred Thompson enters the race. Democrat or Republican, I most of all hate wish-washy candidates who have POSITIONED or GROOMED themselves for years to run for President. Thompson is the opposite of that, and would likely be the only Republican that I've voted for since Ronald Reagan.

Brian McBride, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:12 AM)

I love FRED! The only problem I see is the new "First Lady" would definalty need a makeover! Too bad she is so young and beautiful! If she vould look more like Hillary or Laura she might fly! I would still vote for him though and as far as his womanizing, the difference between Fred and Clinton is he wasn't married at the time!!!

Cindy Srader, Shoreacres, TX (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:58 AM)

I never knew who Fred Thompson was until I had lunch with an old friend. I didn't even want to talk on politics because of the total mix-mash of incredible losers running for the office of president for 2008. After some study, I agree with my friend, I am going to try and get on this man’s band wagon, even start a grass-roots movement in Minnesota. I especially like what Fred said in a speech in California: “After two years in Washington, I often long for the realism and sincerity of Hollywood.” Need anyone say more?

Mel Foss, Norwood/Young America, Minnesota (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:32 PM)

A Fred Thompson/Duncan Hunter ticket is exactly what America needs if we are to avoid the take over by the globalists by 2015 as sited as by the CFR as their goal.

Larry McClintick (Sent Friday, March 23, 2007 12:51 PM)

I believe Fred Thompson is absolutely the best choice for '08. He's an amazing man with better credentials than any other candidate. www.grassrootsvoter.com

Chester, Crossville, TN (Sent Saturday, March 24, 2007 8:09 PM)

Those of you lining up for Fred Thompson because he "looks and sounds" like they think a president should, a word of caution. Let's really listen closely to the policies and programs he's advocating. No matter how much you like him now, you will find anyone prolonging our Iraq mistake will get so mired down in it that he will be unable to govern effectively. Look at history and also look at areas of need for our country for the future (health care, energy independence, our standing in the world, etc.)

Bert (Sent Monday, April 02, 2007 12:24 PM)

Fred Thompson as President? Why not... the field of current presidential wanna-be's is totally lame. Not one person on either side of the ticket can inspire anything other than feelings of "politics as usual" in the hearts of Americans. Even if Fred does a lousy job, at least he's a likeable guy who seems to get respect from everyone regardless of their veiwpoint. That's more than can be said of any of the other current presidential candidates.

Brad Beall, Monongahela PA (Sent Tuesday, April 03, 2007 11:49 AM)

Our nation is so lacking in honest, dependable conservative leadership that the possibility of Fred Thompson sacrificing himself for a presidential bid is most encouraging. If you know of a better man, please push him into the field and help restore our great nation to some sanity before we are goners.

ANN PITTS, WILMINGTON, NC (Sent Tuesday, April 03, 2007 1:49 PM)

Go Fred!!! I voted for him in TN and would vote for him over and over....He's a great candidate and one I would actually send $ to. What you see is what you get with Fred....I've already signed the petition and everyone else should too! I actually consider myself more Libertarian, but I would vote for Fred again in a heartbeat!

Joanna Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, April 03, 2007 2:31 PM)

www.grassrootsvoter.com Fred Thompson has a natural grassroots army run by everyday people and uncomparable to any other political machine. Should he decide to go for it, he CAN win the presidency. Find out why we believe this and why we, and so many other everyday American citizens have already committed to work tirelessly for Fred. Join more than 6,900 of us in the most important grassroots campaign ever! www.grassrootsvoter.com

CWG, Crossville, TN (Sent Thursday, April 05, 2007 10:30 PM)

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