First thoughts

Posted: Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:15 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Nice Timing: Whether or not you think Fred Thompson has been wise to wait this long to dive into the ’08 pool, you have to admit his folks picked a good time to leak the news about his upcoming “testing the waters” committee. With Congress on its Memorial Day recess, Thompson dominates today’s newspaper headlines and the TV morning shows. Want evidence? Just check out today’s “OH-EIGHT (R)” section.

*** L.A.’s Real Star: Speaking of what’s in the news, our California spies tell us that Clinton's endorsement event yesterday with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was overshadowed in the local media (i.e. TV) by Kobe Bryant -- whose "I want to be traded, no, wait, I don't want to be traded" led the local news. Check out today's Los Angeles Times; Kobe trumps Clinton there, too.

*** The Beginning Of A Beautiful Rivalry: Campaigning in California yesterday, Giuliani attacked Clinton on taxes. And today in New York, per the Daily News, he picks up an endorsement from Bill Clinton’s former FBI director Louis Freeh, who long ago dropped all pretences of being a Clinton loyalist. Also, look for Rudy to play up his electability now that Thompson is in the race, particularly when Rudy's campaigning (and raising money) in the so-called "blue" states. Primary? What primary?

*** An Uptick For Gore? A new Quinnipiac poll of Pennsylvania voters is out, and it has Giuliani leading both Clinton and Obama in general election match-ups. The only Democrat Giuliani trails? Al Gore. This is the first time we've seen evidence anywhere that Gore runs better than either Clinton or Obama against the leading Republican. Is this the start of a trend? A result of Gore’s book tour? We'll let you know.

*** On The Trail: Elsewhere today, Biden, still in Iowa, attends a breakfast with Benton County Democrats; Clinton speaks to Silicon Valley leaders in California; Edwards holds a press conference to unveil his plan to fight rising gas prices and then attends a low-dollar fundraiser in San Jose, CA; McCain raises money in Mississippi; Obama, fresh off announcing his health-care plan, holds a health-care rally in Reno, NV; and Romney campaigns throughout Iowa.

Countdown to GA-10 Special Election: 18 days
Countdown to CA-37 Special Election: 25 days
Countdown to the Ames Straw Poll: 71 days
Countdown to MA-05 Special Election: 95 days
Countdown to LA GOV election: 141 days
Countdown to Election Day 2007: 158 days
Countdown to LA GOV run-off (if necessary): 169 days
Countdown to Iowa: 227 days
Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 249 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 522 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 599 days

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Comments

I'm already getting campaign fatigue. Watching the election day countdown is kinda like my kid announcing every mile marker on the highway.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:26 AM)

I am with you Paul!

H P Boston (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:35 AM)

I think it's a great time for Fred Thompson to announce his candidacy. Especially since he heads up the trust fund to pay for I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's defense. Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald just filed paperwork with the courts in reference to Libby's sentencing, that conclusively proves Valerie Plame was a covert CIA operative. So in effect, that means GOP Presidential "Candidate" Fred Thompson supports those who seek to undermine our Intelligence resources in the wake of 911. How UN-American! Yes, this is EXCELLENT timimg for Thompson to announce his candidacy. Excellent timing indeed.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:39 AM)

Rumor has it that Biden is balking at wearing the Mandatory Headgear, required by contestants in the "Great Iowa Wrestle-Off". He evidently is worried that the headgear will damage his delicate hair transplants.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:48 AM)

Thompson is an excellent leader. He can be a NY District Attorney (Law & Order), a military man (Hunt for Red October), the head of the FBI training program (FEDS) or he could simply be in charge of a major airport (Die Hard 2). Oh! I forgot! He can also run NASCAR, or whatever racing organization he ran in Days of Thunder. Personally, I don't think he should quit his day job.

Carrie, NW Iowa (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:57 AM)

the more fools that run the more fodder or late nite comdians.

mikeeg,abdnwa (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 10:09 AM)

"GONZO GATE" IT'S FOR REAL.MUCH MORE TO FOLLOW, JUST FOLLOW THE E-MAILS.

JOHNNY JUSTICE ANYWHERE USA (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 10:19 AM)

It looks like Fred Thompson's chief campaign tactic is going to be the systematic disenfranchisement of likely Democratic voters. He's talking to Tim Griffin, the Rove henchman who was at the forefront of the caging lists that resulted from sending mail to black servicemen overseas and then knocking them off the voter rolls. This is a big part of the Justice Dept. scandal. Fred Thompson: Continuing the great Republican tradition of "If you can't win on the issues, steal it."

JJ in NJ (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 10:37 AM)

Already we got Wolfe Blitzer and Chris Matthews describing Fred Thompson as tall, handsome and Reagonesque. What a joke! The latter two are laughable. The repubs must be REALLY desperate. And doesn't the man have cancer-or does that not matter? They are really drooling over this guy.

Susan, Miami (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:03 AM)

"Already we got Wolfe Blitzer and Chris Matthews describing Fred Thompson as tall, handsome..." Well that does it! Chris Matthews and I have never found the same men attractive, so I am sure I'm not going to like Fred Thompson (and I seem to be the only one on this blog who doesn't know anything about the guy.) Frankly, the only Republican politician I would call handsome is Chuck Hagel. I like his eyes.

Amy B Portland, ME. (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:13 AM)

Off the radar. President Bush was in New Jersey yesterday to raise money for the Republican State Legislature. He raised $675,000. He said in a speech,"I know many people are deeply concerned about Iraq, and so am I. you see the carnage on your TV screens, and you wonder whether or not success is possible. I want to remind you that there has been pretty startling progress." Also he said," No matter what the opinions of people in Washington may be, when we've got our troops in harm's way, they need all our support. This is hard work, but it is necassary work for the security of our country."

Desmond (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:17 AM)

Tall and Handsome!!! WOLFE and Chris should run not walk to the nearest EYE DOCTOR. Maybe they are confused, so many ugly white guys running who the heck can they be talking about?

HOT DAM (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:21 AM)

Gore is getting enough attention from the media that he will be able to hang out on the sidelines and still be okay to run if it comes down to that. I hope the Dems don't get so desperate that Gore is their only hope, but the next few months should tell if it will be necessary. I get the feeling that despite his tongue in cheek denials, he would run if it starts looking like America could fall into the hands of another Republican. I realize that America has bounced back from a lot of crap, but another fool like Bush in the White House and nobody living today would still be around if and when America came back around. Criminals like that are how empires go back to dust.

JIrby, Colorado (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:27 AM)

Carrie: First of all Thompson was a Senator for one term and he didnt run again. Obama is a Senator not even one term yet. Hilliary is a Senator from a blue state. So whats the problem? As a matter of speaking only 1 Senator has won the presidency in the last 60 yrs (Kennedy). Normally its Governors or someone else. All Senators do is talk. They do not balance budgets, etc. JJ: You need to stop spreading all out lies! That man did not send black servicemen any letter. I didnt get one at the time. Fred Thompson is going to be a force and he will get every Republican that hasnt voted in 20yrs to vote. Matter of fact Clinton will do that.

Pussycat Doll idol, Texas (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:27 AM)

PUSSYCAT....JJ is not spreading anything! He did not say Thompson...Tim Griffin was the henchman. Is that the man you mean? Got that. Thompson is a joke and will be slapped back so fast his head will spin. He has so much garbage in his background , also the man is ill. oh yea and old. May the Force be with you.

H P Boston (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:43 AM)

I read somewhere that CLinton's people are watching Gore's weight. If he starts getting slimmer, that means he is getting ready to run LOL. What nonsense. If he does run, I hope he has the stones to win his own state(he lost that to Bush in 2000). They seem to know all about him more then the rest of the country does. I have to laugh sometimes at women who will vote for a guy with a hot body and great hair more then voting for someone that can make a difference in their lives. In that case, Edwards should win hands down. However, this not a beauty contest. This is a vote to see who will lead the country over the next four years. If Thompson runs, he should win the midwest and south, unless Hillary improves her southern drawl and shows up at more BBQ's and hayrides.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:47 AM)

I can't decide which is the most joyful occasion - hearing that Fred Thompson is going to run or getting a birthday card from my insurance agent.

JIrby, Colorado (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:59 AM)

*** CAN ANYONE TELL US IF THE IRAQI PARLEMENT IS STILL GOING FORWARD WITH THEIR "2" MONTH RECESS/VACATION THIS SUMMER???????????

JOHNNY JUSTICE ANYWHERE USA (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 12:22 PM)

Pussycat - Have a sense of humor, dear. It's on me. The point I was making is that Thompson has spent most of his life portraying leaders rather than actually being a leader.

Carrie, NW Iowa (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 12:35 PM)

Jerry you really really disgust me. Some of us women actually do care about homeland and foreign issues and vote on a candidate's platform over their looks. I voted for Kerry in 2004 because of how he answered his questions in the debates. I've never liked Bush...well because he has this "cocky" "all about me me me" attitude and look at what he has done for this country? Made us the laughing stock of the world. I want a candidate that will place our troops lives before their own interests, protect the men AND WOMEN of our country, and give a level playing field to each wage class of America. Doesn't look like the republicans are doing any of that for me right now. That is why I'm a democrat all the way. Besides the fact that I am a woman, pro-choice, college graduate, and self-sufficient (yeah I'm the breadwinner of my relationship)...I simply side more with the democrats than the republicans.

Michelle, NJ (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 1:02 PM)

You tell 'em JJ. Unsuspecting citizens are being robbed! For more on this go to: http://s5.gladiatus.com/game/c.php?uid=21030

Shack (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 1:08 PM)

I have heard the "rumor" of black servicemen overseas being taken off the voter rolls, but I have yet to see anything in the line of actual evidence of such a thing. Knowing several members of our armed services and talking quite regularly with them they don't know of a single instance of such a thing, nor do they know any other servicemen who do. Sounds like a big, fat liberal lie to me. More crying because they still can't accept the defeat of Gore or Kerry. If those were the best candidates they had to offer, what did they expect? Hillary will be destroyed in the general election so she is definitely going to be the nominee. The left sure knows how to pick a loser. With all the jabs at Fred Thompson here, one would smell a little fear. If he gets in, look out. Telegenic, he really knows how to communicate, and man can he play to the cameras. A far better actor than Hillary, and we all know that most voters don't really research the candidates, it comes down to sound bites and campaign ads. Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, good-bye!

Rip 'n' Tear, Right Here (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 1:17 PM)

"Freddy's Dead" Curtis Mayfield from Superfly

Acid Boy, AZ (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 1:22 PM)

Carrie, Thompson didn't just play a lawyer on TV, he is one. He is immediately recognizable by most Americans, and likeable because of the roles he has played. How many votes do you think that will get him alone? In our TV obsessed nation, quite a few I'd think. He shouldn't be so easily dismissed. I'll bet there are candidates on both sides who are really hoping he doesn't get in the race. But he will. Can you say President Thompson?

Red November, Subterranea (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 1:23 PM)

Hmm, wondering about jerry from corpus christi's remark - that women vote for hot bodies and good hair. Having a hard time remembering a candidate (anyone since JFK?) that fills that bill. I have a harder time with people who vote for an ignorant "good old boy" because he seems just like them and professes to be a good Christian - then proves with every action he takes that he doesn't understand the word Christian! But - he's still a good old boy, so that's alright. We need intelligent, diplomatic, free thinking people in government if we are ever to get out of the mess Bush's administration has put us in. Gore happens to be all of that and oh yeah, he did win in 2000!

Chris, northeast Tennessee (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 1:40 PM)

To me Thompson might be the Republican version of Wes Clark (minus the military creds of course). There are some people and commentators on the right that are downright salivating over Fred running. I must say that even though I agree with him on most issues I'm not sure why some people are crowning him the "savior of the Republican party" or the "Reagan conservative we've all been looking for". My opinion is that he could fizzle out by Labor Day and almost be a non-presence by primary time. That is what reminds me of Wes Clark.

Ryan, Michigan (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 2:16 PM)

Red - Yes, I am aware of that. I just don't happen to think that name recognition (or face recognition, in this case - he's not famous enough that mainstream America would immediately be able to recall his name) is the best way to choose a president. And let's be honest - there will be plenty of people who will vote for him because "Wow, that was an awesome movie!"

Carrie, NW Iowa (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 2:26 PM)

I love how First Read cites it's prior reporting on Fred Thompson as proof of Thompson's media savvy. "Fred is awesome and got everyone to report on him--just look at our own report about it!" Seriously, you guys-- that's 100% lame and proof of your willingness to bye into pure, empty hype about a man who has never accomplished anything of unique substance (besides Law & Order).

Joe Justice (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 2:31 PM)

And lets not forget he has a serous illness folks. He has Cancer-nothing to take lightly.

F StLouis (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 2:56 PM)

Bush is a much better actor than Fred Thompson! He fooled half of you. You voted the idiot back in.

Ollie frenchburg ky (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 3:00 PM)

Ryan--Thopson does have military experience....don't you remember "Hunt for Red October"...heck, he was an admiral.

Al, KS (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 3:11 PM)

and he was a damn good admiral at that or at least he acted like one but if elected who will be his writers?

jus askin (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 4:02 PM)

I just have to comment on the hilarity of the wingnuts who can whip themselves into a froth about "liberal Hollywood" shrieking like 12 year olds at a Hillary Duff concert whenever a Hollywood actor winks at them. Pure comedy...

John Doe, The Peanut Gallery (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 6:23 PM)

Michelle, My belle. Where were you when all the soccor moms were voting for bill Clinton because he just looked so fine! A leval playing field for each wage class? WEll, this is a case of another college student who spent too much time listening to their liberal college professors talking bad about people who make money. As I have always said behind every rich powerful woman is a whipped husband. You sound like you stand on top of the kitchen table and announce to your husband what the day's chores will be. If John Kerry had shown himself to be just as much man as you do a woman, he probably would have won. Instead he stayed behind his wife and everyone looked him and thought" no, not on my watch". John Kerry reported for duty, he just forgot where his duties were. I don't care what a woman does with her body, If i can't tell my wife what to do with her body, why should any woman be told what to do with her body? Michelle, your New Jersey style brand of liberalism may go well in a state where the taxes are driving the middle class out of the state, but it doesn't wash in the rest of the country. Anytime I can help you with your re-education the real world, please let me know!

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 1:48 AM)

Carrie, but he has juice because he has juice. He is a force in this nomination race because everyone treats him like one. And... though he's not quite a household name as an actor, he does have strong communication skills and is comfortable in front of a camera. That gives him an ability to make others comfortable with him - same ability that Reagan and Clinton had. The field better be looking over there shoulders, especially if some of the big GOP donors start jumping in Thompson's direction (that will be the true first test of how serious a candidate he is).

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 8:19 AM)

Jerry! YOU are married?You are sooo anti-woman. Oh God help your wife! Oh NOOO Im starting to get a picture of... Yaaaaaa HOW GROSSSSS!!!!!

Susan, Miami (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 8:39 AM)

Susan/Michelle - a word about Jerry/corpus and his ilk: some persons on these and other blogs, get their jollies by posting inflammatory statements and, then, sitting back and grinning over the resulting riots. They are free to do so but I choose to ignore them. If they say something of merit, I will respond in kind as a recognition to inspire such behavior in the future. Otherwise I leave them to their masturbatory pleasures. I have better things to do with my time. (ps: usually those who state such vitriol especially with regard to women and others such as homosexuals are trying to hide latent tendencies. (smile))

Independent, Texas (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 8:57 AM)

Independent, Texas, Why you ah mah kind of man! No really, very funny and I was wondering the same thing about Jerry but wasn't sure.

Susan, Miami (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 9:13 AM)

Very true. And Jerry, I actually don't boss my boyfriend around at all. He does what he wants and I do what I want. He goes to bed at 1am and I can't even keep my eyes open past 11pm anymore! I go to bed alone and he cuddles me in the middle of the night when he comes into the bed. I'm lucky I found a man who is literally man enough to enjoy a strong woman. I'm happy I finally found a man like that. Not too many of them are around in NJ. NJ men (mostly guido's) like their skinny little italian princesses. I'm happy with my life. And actually for the record, I went to a republican dominated school. Most of the school voted for Bush and hey I was a rebel. I worked for Planned Parenthood and I voted democrats all the way.

Michelle, NJ (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 9:27 AM)

Michelle - way too much information!!!

Independent, Texas (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 9:41 AM)

LOL. Sorry Independent!

Michelle, NJ (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 10:09 AM)

That's what I like about the libs, throw me a bone and I'll shred the rest of the meat off of it. No, Independent, you are a little off on your study of me. Since I read everything, and I do read everything, my wife and I could not get over about how the liberal press was making John Edwards out to be this god of women. Pretty much like Joe Biden and his opinion of Obama. Michelle, that was pretty good, naturally being married and the bread winner in my house, my wife tells me sometimes that I should have been living in the 50's. And after watching the Sopranos and living in the summer of 1973 in South Amboy New Jersey and living in the house of a reputed mobster, I can understand your thing about New Jersy men. I have nothing against gay people, I have several friends who are either gay or Bi. I just have a thing about stupid gay people.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 12:23 PM)

Jerry, I'm confused...what was pretty good? Oh and btw...I'm actually putting my boyfriend through college so that I'm not killing myself being the breadwinner of my relationship when we get married. It's tough out there nowadays to live on one income. He's dedicated and showing me that he wants his degree so I'm going to fund him. I want to be able to depend on him when I'm on maternity leave for our children. After that...back to work for me and back to school for my masters and CPA.

Michelle, NJ (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 12:54 PM)

Good for you Michelle!

Sidney, Pa (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 1:46 PM)

Jerry, Jerry, Jerry... I'm gonna violate my own rules and actually respond to this because it sounds like your having fun. If you had just left the word "liberal" off your comments, this would have been a real delight to read. :) BTW - more comments on the other thread re the bill of rights discussion. Looking forward to your responses.

Independent, Texas (Sent Friday, June 01, 2007 3:48 PM)

caging lists - greg palast - read armed madhouse & the best democracy money can buy. gregpalast.com
wake up sheeple. pathetic, you get the government/media you deserve.

algie (Sent Tuesday, June 19, 2007 3:12 AM)

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