Fred's in -- finally

Posted: Thursday, August 30, 2007 4:14 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell and Lauren Appelbaum
After three months of "testing the waters" and testing the patience of some Republican supporters, Fred Dalton Thompson will seek his party's nomination.

This afternoon in a conference call with invited supporters and participants, Thompson political director Randy Enwright explained the next steps for the "Friends of Fred Thompson Committee."

Taking a page from the Hillary Clinton playbook, the formal announcement will debut on a webcast on Thursday, September 6. It will be followed by a swing through key states: Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. And it will conclude with a "Welcome Home" in Lawrenceburg, TN on the 15th.

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Comments

FRED IS A GIANT LAZY LOSER

HA HA HA HA HA

THE GOP IS SO DESPERATE

Brett (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:15 PM)

If it takes this idiot that long to decide whether or not to run, do you really want this person as president? The there are his medieval social positions. Do we really want a procastinating reactionary from the 14th Century as our president? You have it with Fred.

Dave, AZ (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:16 PM)

I'm still not clear on what Fred has to offer that the others don't...what am I missing?

Grandma, Sandia Park, NM (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:18 PM)

Fred Thompson, more than any other candidate, promises to be the perfect 'puppet' for the very rich and powerful. In everything, professional and political, he has clearly demonstrated he is adept at following a script written by others, accepting what they give and, unlike George W., he would even do it with poise. Hopefully he won't make it all the way, as that would likely provide just a whole lot 'more of the same'.

REG; Chandler, AZ (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:23 PM)

EDWARDS 08!

David, Chattanooga, Tn (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:23 PM)

You lost my vote with your comment on the possiblity of having Roe vs. Wade overturned. Women baby boomers and many others are the ones who fought, demonstrated, and won to have this initiative in the first place. They still vote; and it won't be for you. Roe vs. Wade is a medical issue not a political one!

Beth, Palm Desert, CA (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:28 PM)

Oh boy, another Watergate figure. Maybe Nixon taught him how not to lie....doubtful.

justsaynotofred (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:28 PM)

Federalism not socialism.

Power to the states not big brother (or sister).

Stick to talking the issues not the other candidates.

President Thompson. Hoorah.

RH Oregon (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:39 PM)

the only prayer the republican party has is some combination of guiliani/thompson or thompson/romney

Ben Mansfield, Saint Peters, Mo (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:41 PM)

I've actually convinced 4 people to switch party affiliation just with the thought of Hillary running this country. I can't guarantee they are going to vote for Fred, as I am, but at least they know that Hillary is not the answer. If the dems want any shot at this (even considering how unpopular bush/repubs are lately) they had better find a better horse to run. President Hillary Clinton....makes the hair stand up on your neck dosen't it. How would anyone believe she could stand up to a terrorist organization or enemy nation when she couldn't even stand up to her cheating husband?

Mike Paulsen, Clearwater, FL (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:42 PM)

I agree with Doubtful in Orange, CA. There is no one to vote for on either side. About the only reason to vote for Fred Thompson is that he's better than any of the other Republican candidates and anything's better than a Democrat. Even Bush!

Kaelinda (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:55 PM)

Fred Thompson is a true neo-conservative, war mongering, fascist-like republican. I am a Democrat, and Hillary is polling better against Fred Thompson then she is against Rudy Guliani, even though she is also doing very well against Rudy Guliani in the most recent polls. I hope that Fred Thompson wins the republican nomination, as he most likely will, because this helps the Democrats. Way to go Fred, and VOTE DEMOCRAT IN 2008!

Dan Des Moines, Iowa (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:56 PM)

He is just a more polished version of George Bush. He is just as intellectually weak and will bow down and kiss the butts of the religious nut jobs. We have been under the power of bigoted southern politicians for almost 7 years with Bush, DeLay, Lott, Frist, etc. .. we don't need another actor pretending to be President. If this is all the Republicans have to offer they really don't deserve to lead the country.

afmca (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 7:01 PM)

loose dentures--a ittle glue will fix that right up----lets see Jerri in court for retail problems or some thingabout money---then she gets out of debt by marrying rich freddy.I have stars in my eyes just visualizing the first couple of america.What will rudys ho do with her diamond tiara if jerri wins?I thought nobody could look worse walking across the white house yard than the Bushes and the cheneys but it could actually happen---that is somme scary thought.

HMT-MI (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 7:30 PM)

Fred Who? As I read some of the comments in support of Fred I am beginning to understand the depths of the Republican's fear and panic. They don't discuss the issues because they have no agenda. Rather they pray for a messiah to extricate from the morass that the conservatives have created. They'll learn quickly enough that he's no messiah and that his message will not bring cheer to their lost souls.

Stephennnn Portland, OR (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 7:33 PM)

Anybody but Cliton would be ok

ple, el monte, ca (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 7:35 PM)

fee fi foe fum

dda, el monte, ca (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 7:36 PM)

Fred is a man that looks presidential,acts presidential and talks presidential.he will restore decency,respect,and honor to the Office of the President of the United States of America.GOD bless you Fred.

roy whatcom county wash. (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 7:40 PM)

What are Mr. Thompson's accomplishments?? I have seen Repub comments asking about Demos candidates accomplishments, insinuating they are inexperienced?? What kind if experience does this 'actor' and lobbyist have??

The Edge, Macon GA (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 7:56 PM)

Fred is exactly what this country needs. Let the people see what you stand for Fred. Show the world what a real leader looks like. Show the world that we are not a nation of left wing lunatics, gay activists and ACLU lawyers.

Shane, Lakebay, WA (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:09 PM)

Check out how sleazy Thompson is based on this excellent analysis posted by AdamB on Dailykos:

"It's an interesting date he's chosen -- one day after a big GOP debate in New Hampshire, so why, you might wonder, would he skip it?

Follow the math and the regulatory hopscotch:

From the date of the formal announcement, Thompson has 15 days to declare his candidacy officially with the Federal Election Commision. Takes us to September 21, 2007.
From that date, Thompson has 10 more days for his official campaign committee to register with the FEC. Takes us to October 1, 2007.
And what's so special about October 1? It's the start of a new FEC reporting quarter.
By delaying the filing of his organizational papers until books have closed on the third quarter of 2007, Thompson arguably will not have to file any disclosure reports with the FEC until January 31, 2008, after the Republican primaries/caucuses in WY, IA, NH, NV, FL and Lord knows who else at this point.

Got that? Frederick of Hollywood's shadow campaign can raise millions and spend millions without having to disclose to the public a single contribution raised or disbursement made over a six-month span -- and while his opponents have been consistently doing so -- delaying disclosure until after at least five Republican primaries have been held. And it's deliberate, too, just like his (failed) coy attempts to walk the tightrope on "testing the waters" activity."
Truly disgusting and typical GOP crap. Maybe, just maybe, the traditional media will not let Thompson get away with this. I can still dream, can't I?

Bob, Denver (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:13 PM)

Van, your 5:42 post was short and to the point. As the two old guys in The Muppet Christmas movie said, "I liked it.".

Mel, Illinois (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:33 PM)

This should've come out a lot earlier. Fred has most certialny lost much of his momentum with desperate GOP voters and bankrollers.

http://political-buzz.com/

paul (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:35 PM)

Fred Thompson as president?
You're joking, right?
He isn't actually anything like what you repubs think.

Franklin Thomas (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:37 PM)

Different suit, same tired Republican right wing conservative views. No different than any of the other GOP candidates except maybe more right wing than some. Nothing new here. He's an actor, good at saying his lines but far closer to Bush and his policies than he'll ever admit.

R.Merrell (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:07 PM)

Bush = all hat, no cattle

Thompson - no hat, either

Ish (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:16 PM)

Fred means no change, which is what the country is crying out for. We need to stay away from electing ring-wing nutters that are only out for themselves and their buddies.
Let’s elect a candidate that will look out OUR best interests!

Andrew Board, Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:19 PM)

Oooh, tempting. . . but my vote is still going for Martin Sheen. Now _he_ looks presidential!

wellstone revenge brigade (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:34 PM)

Fred should stick with TV. That's what he does best. He only has a few short sentences to memorize, look into the camera and he's through. Not in the least like being a REALPERSON.Especially a president person.
He is also mercurial. Did he not lobby for abortion at one time? He bears close observation. I for one will volunteer to lobby for him to return to L&O.

Marge Griffin Hollow Rock, TN (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:45 PM)

I, for one, am happy to see Fred finally get into the race. I am not sure if I like him or Rudy but either one would be better than anyone the Socialists are running so run Fred, run

Someone, Somewhere, USA (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 9:53 PM)

I'm still holding out for a run by "Dash Rip-Rock". I mean, what else does this country need right now more than a 'double-nought' spy (or was that 'Beef Jerky'?), or a "Bubba Gumnp", or some other actor to lead us forever onward in the pursuit of important, national 'stuff'? ?

Buzz (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:26 PM)

Buzz (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:31 PM)

As a wise (NOT!) man once said; "bring him on"!
(BTY folks, just what is THIS man's 'creds' again, on foreign policies??)

Buzz (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:34 PM)

From Back to the Future: No wonder your president is an actor, he has to look good on television!

Lawrence, Columbia, SC (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:35 PM)

Patty Parrish--do you know of any house parties for Fred in the Winston area?

Bunny, Winson-Salem, NC (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:35 PM)

Oh hey, isn't Fred from Hollyweird? Oh, sorry, isn't he then part of the cultural elite since he works in Hollywood? Oh wait, my bad, Fred works closely with gays and women that have had abortions. How can you be conservative when you help financially support folks you'd just as soon as see imprisoned for, well, being themselves? And, hmn, didn't the last Hollywood icon we had as president, didn't he begin the process of dismantling the middle-class? Didn't he also consider ketchup a vegetable? And didn't his wife consult an astrologer for all her major decisions? Is this then the lineage that conservatives are seeking in the White House? If so, then Go Fred Go! And take Charton Heston with you!

D Nielsen, Portland, Oregon (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:37 PM)

I don't recall Hillary ever giving the big announcement.
she announced her intentions to do an exploratory which was the big news all weekend but, she never followed up.

diane (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 10:55 PM)

Something for the Conservatives to suck on. It seems that today in order to be a good Christian Conservative Republican you have to be under indictment or gay-maybe both.

Don B, Oak Harbor, WA (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:13 PM)

Fred Thompson should make Jack Daniels commercials and call it a day.

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:14 PM)

Finally my man is runnin'. Go Fred go! I'm with Fred.

Dems keep your Barrack Hussein Osama and your Clinton Part Duex for yourselves!

Fred you got my vote, maybe you can convince the sleezy Senator Craig to switch parties - one that would accept his behavior ie,,, Barney Frank etc.

Now the H8ers will definitely come out.

Mick Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:18 PM)

America will not vote for this old fart.

Juanito, Washington, DC (Sent Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:55 PM)

Horay! Another candidate with the same views and Rudy McRomney... but he's a TELEVISION star, so that makes him smarter! Why do all these "college educated" people keep thinking they can run the country when there are plenty of actors, models, and athletes who are obviously more qualified for the job?

Jeff Thompson (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 12:32 AM)

Ok...now let's get Newt in the race!

William Fletcher (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 1:55 AM)

Fred is lame. Another white boring pin on the bowling lane for Hilary. The Publicans really need to find someone with some substance or the white house will be blue for 8 years.

Bill Clintonian, Bountiful, Utah (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 1:57 AM)

Let's see, a former Federal Prosecutor with a REAL "rags-to-riches" story; a man who actually PRACTICED law rather than just a suit at a firm (and as a Federal Prosecutor, no less. A former student of Sen. Howard Baker who, during the Watergate hearings, asked the question about the White House Tapes.

Add to that, a man who took down a corrupt governor (OF HIS OWN PARTY in Tennesseee), served 2 terms in the US Senate and has done research work in Iran and North Korea.

Compare that to a (barely) two term senator from NY and former First lady who has been ten the target of several investigationsa less than one full term Senator who has suggested we invade a nuclear armed country or a washed-up trial attorney.

Wow, what a choice!

Yevgeni Andre'ich Stepanov, Pleasanton, CA (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 1:58 AM)

Yay, Freddie! You go little momma. Nobody will remember your name in six months.

JIrby, Colorado (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 2:12 AM)

Fidel was right. Fred is already lost in the shuffle.

Rev. Dewey Leon Everts Jr.cm. (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 2:52 AM)

About the only thing going for him is his hottie wife!

Anonymous (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 3:26 AM)

In like Sin... or is that Flynn?

josh dosh, anycity, anystate (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 3:37 AM)

It is with great relief and refreshing optimism that Senator Fred Dalton Thompson has set a date for officially announcing his decision to run for POTUS!!!
He has all the support he will need to succeed...this Nation needs a leader who knows our "Rule of Law" and also who remembers he works for "We The People". All of you critics out there, for ONCE put the mud on your cracked faces, and not sling it on other people WHO REALLY CARE ABOUT US-AMERICA AND HER PEOPLE!!!

Joyce Vaughan Byars (Sent Friday, August 31, 2007 4:18 AM)

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