Fred withdraws from GOP race

HMT-MI — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:42:06 GMT

What will he do with all those delegate votes he has won?Pretty sure there will be a mad scramble for them

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:42:25 GMT

The real Republican rankings recognized his weakness since October of '07... http://truthalert.net/Republican%20Presidential%20Candidate%20Rankings.htm

Fred withdraws from GOP race

pat huntington ny — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:42:59 GMT

Why did it take him this long to realize he was never going to win in the first place? He was a gas bag bafoon and a failed candidate from the start. He had nothing to add to the debate. He had no real experience or accomplishments to talk about. He was a total bore. Now, he and his trophy wife can go back to the trailer and eat chicken fried steak together with a side of dirt.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

M. Boley — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:45:45 GMT

Good. He shouldn't have been in there in the first place.

Now... the fun begins. With the Hard Right's man now OUT who are they gonna cheer for? Certainly not McCain and Huck - according to talk radio they are libs and voting for them would be the same as voting for Hillary or Barack... can't have that. Nosiree-bob. Giuliani? Nope... doesn't really have much of a chance and he really blew it by ignoring the first contests and only setting his sights on Florida - sorry, can't win the election by doing that, bambino. Next...

Which leaves Mitt. Good-ol' flip-floppin' Mitt.

Be prepared to lose, righties, be prepared.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:48:06 GMT

Barcalounger Fred reclines into the sunset. Fade-out and cut.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Terrence, Atlanta, Ga — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:49:33 GMT

Thompson accomplished what he wanted, sabotaged Mike Huckabee, and helped his friend John McCain. He used his supporters, pretended to be the only conservative in the race, but never attacked John McCain on amnesty or any of his other bad bills. If I were a Thompson supporter, I would vote for Huckabee as payback.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Shadow, Hamden, CT — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:49:58 GMT

Mike Huckabee is praying right now and taking the first jet to Florida.

In all seriousness, this does give Huck an opening in Florida, because many of Thompson's voters may find him to be the only other acceptable social conservative in the field. You combine their percentages in Florida and it's enough to win; is really it unthinkable that social conservatives in the panhandle and elsewhere could make up 26% of the vote?

I'm not suggesting Huckabee will win Florida (I have no idea who will), but Thompson's dropping out has to make Florida more of a four way race than a three way race.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

DCortez, Houston, Texas — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:50:28 GMT

Wonder who had Fred in their pocket...

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Gary, Franklin, WI — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:50:36 GMT

Time for bed, Fred!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:52:24 GMT

Fred Thompson is a good man, if he had gotten in earlier, he would have a great chance.

If Mitt Romney wins this, Fred Thompson would be a great candidate as his VP...

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Larry the Albuquerque cable guy — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:52:50 GMT

Thank God.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Bruce White Sugar Grove IL — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:52:57 GMT

Did Fred just wake up?

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Mike — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:54:17 GMT

Good luck to Senator Thompson. He was fun to have around and had some really good ideas. Hopefully he will endorse a conservative candidate, if any at all.

To all Fred supporters, I hope you find a candidate with whom you feel you can entrust the fate of our country.

Good luck to all - and let's try for once to lay off the bashing of Fred or the others - let's just all support our favorite candidates and hope for a great election season!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Terrence — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:55:09 GMT

Now who does the National Right To Life Support?

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Flat-earther, Georgia — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:59:36 GMT

We lose our entertainer. No loss to the USA. Actualy, it is a gain for the USA. Disappointment in Georgia.

There are a few more incompetents that need to withdraw.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Darren, Washington, DC — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:01:15 GMT

About time! It's hard to believe someone who goes out of his way to split the social conservative vote cares about anything other than himself and a position within a McCain presidency.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Fred Supporter, Pensacola, Florida — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:07:22 GMT

Sorry to see ya go Fred! Please publicly support John Mccain for President!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

clay, idaho — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:10:35 GMT

Its about time. Now Paul needs to follow suit, if for no other reason than to get his annoying supporters off every blog in the entire world. Personally, my scrolldown finger is getting tired!

Keep fighting Mitt! The more people get to know you, the more they like you!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Roy Seay, Bentonville, AR — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:12:52 GMT

Ode to Fred Thompson
Here stands Fred the Great,
who joined the campaign too late
A conservative message for the Right,
and a promise to govern with might.
With an excellent plan to secure the border,
Fred was definitely pro “Law and Order.”
He gave the race quiet a jolt,
Fred would have gotten my vote.
But he now leaves the race in defeat,
So Sam, get out of his seat.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

James Brown, Nashville, Tn. — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:12:55 GMT

FRED WHO ? OH ! YOU MEAN ONE OF THE REPUBLICAN OLD FARTS IS LEAVING THE RACE. GO FIGURE !

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Bill, Albany, NY — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:13:48 GMT

Thompson has family illnesses that he needs to address, so I hope we can all wish him and his family well and move on like decent human beings.

Just my two cents.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Bunny, Winston-Salem, NC — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:14:13 GMT

Damn.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

russ Wells, Maine — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:16:11 GMT

good luck to Fred i hope he wasnt running to be a spoiler.....Seems to me that there are a few who will be making phone calls...Whats in it for him.....He got into late and may of had a chance when everone else did...Whatever i just hope we dont wind up with politcs as usual...We will see when he makes his commitment to another canadate..Im sure it wont be Huck......Good luck Fred.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:16:17 GMT

He was a gas bag bafoon and a failed candidate from the start.
pat huntington ny (Sent Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:42 PM)

Ahh Pat, don't worry....
Bill Clinton is still around......

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Melissa, USA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:17:03 GMT

A true conservative, Fred Thompson will be missed. According to the latest Rasmussen poll Romney is leading in Florida. It looks like the Fred Heads are migrating away from the RINOS (Republicans In Name Only). Huckabee and McCain would both hope to benefit from his departure, but the Fred Heads are smarter than that.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

ERSELA WILLIAMS, TUPOLO, MS. — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:19:31 GMT

SMILE FRED IT'S OVER !

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Radio Rick, Taxconsin USA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:19:41 GMT

Finally, the actor-ese will subside. I often wondered how many of those soundbites he used were taken from those TV shows he's done over the years.
What really had me wondering was the Reason Mag article about F.T. having been the Libertarian candidate, now there's only 1 remaining (u know who).

Fred withdraws from GOP race

RON has the silver Mitt! — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:20:13 GMT

Ron Paul has the money Fred only has his honey. heh heh heh lollollolll

Fred withdraws from GOP race

William Gemmell, Columbia TN — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:20:18 GMT

Thompson is easily the most conservative of the candidates except maybe Ron Paul. It has become apparent however, that a conservative is not what the electorate is looking for.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Nancy Sinatra — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:20:32 GMT

FRED TO ENDORSE OBAMA, STAY TUNED.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

William Gemmell, Columbia TN — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:22:24 GMT

Thompson is easily the most conservative of the candidates except maybe Ron Paul. It has become apparent however, that a conservative is not what the electorate is looking for.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Joe Einloth — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:22:36 GMT

Oh? Was he running?

Fred withdraws from GOP race

DA ARK — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:24:09 GMT

HE WAS ONLY IN THE RACE TO GET VOTES FROM HUCKABEE WHERE MCCAIN COULD PREVAIL DIRTY OLD MAN LOOK AT TROPHY WIFE PROVES IT PLUS FOX NEWS AGAINST AND RUNNING DOWN HUCKABEE POOR GUY DID GREAT BUT NO MONEY AND THESE 2 CHEATS AFTER HIM

Fred withdraws from GOP race

John Alexander — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:24:23 GMT

The second coming of Ronald Reagan is going. The hard edge of the repubs are withering on the vine , maybe the moderate fical conservatives can now take back the party and invite more americans to join again in the GOP. If not, the party will have a hard time developing a larger voting block.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:25:07 GMT

at least he is not a racist like Ron Paul......

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Dolly OKC — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:27:21 GMT

Sorry to see Fred go. He had my vote. Kinda liked his laid back style. Speak softly and carry a big stick. Now I see no one I would vote for. Dont care for any of the others.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Daniel, NY — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:31:07 GMT

This analysis explains that Thompson's withdrawal should most help Mitt Romney -- though McCain could limit the damage once Thompson endorses him. Link: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/01/south-carolina-claimed-victim-fred.html

Fred withdraws from GOP race

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:40:03 GMT

What's the difference?

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Tuck Carlson — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:41:52 GMT

"Fred reminds me alot of Ronald Reagan", said Chris Matthews.
Fred is dead.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Sharon Walker — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:44:58 GMT

Dear Friends:
Mr. Thompson you have served this nation well and admirably in more ways than many have. Thank you for your service and the very best to you and your family in what ever your indeverors our. Your respect and pride of this nation was seen in your fortitude and smile. Those who come forth in this type of challenge, who make sound investment, work hard, and know your choice of investment whether it be time, money or product is carefully chosen not just manipulation or for your personal gain.

God Bless you and your family.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

JK.,NV — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:48:15 GMT

I hope Fred will be a VP For McCain.Now if we could only get Ron Paul to Quit...

Fred withdraws from GOP race

--NSMsnbc — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:48:54 GMT

**I hope F. Thompson is able to rest and take a break now that he has left the rat race.

HMT-MI: Are his delegates up for sale? I mean, if he endorses somebody, will his delegates head their way? To me, that doesn't seem fair. People voted for him, not who he might endorsed. Why should their vote get a second chance, especially when it may not go to who they support? I'm just curious, because I humbly admit that I do not know, and I would appreciate your knowledge.

I wish him and his family good health ...

Fred withdraws from GOP race

JB, Lake Placid, Fl — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:49:09 GMT

Fred and Romney were in it together. Fred only existed to take votes from Huckabee. I wouldn't be surprised now if Romney asks Thompson to be his VP.

Hang in there Huck and Mccain!!!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Michael, FL — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:49:18 GMT

I hope he endorses john mccain for president.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

BubbaDownSouth — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:55:27 GMT

If Republicans had wanted to vote for a conservative for President, Fred would have won the Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina primaries. Now, we are hearing Huckabee is running out of money. He will be gone after the Florida primary. Republicans are looking at traditional Republicans, which means McCain will be the winner after Feb 5th. Guiliani, Paul and Romney will concede after Feb 5th. Most Republicans see McCain as a "not like Buah" Republican.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

paulf, Brooklyn, NY — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:59:33 GMT

i think i recall mary matalin on MTP saying fred would surprise us all with his success. i guess it's mary's turn with egg on her face!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

fredhorn leghorn — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:00:59 GMT

Too bad, I'll really miss that Tennessee hillbilly bluster & the rambling basso profundo looking around for a point to make. You & the trophy wife can now sit back, open up a cold one & watch President Obama take the oath of office. :D

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Mark, Columbus, OH — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:02:34 GMT

If Thompson had stayed in the race, Huckabee probably would have sent Chuck Norris over to kick his lazy butt from one end of Florida to the other. LOL

BTW, has anyone figured out what Thompson was talking about in his speech after the SC primary ??? It's as if he put all his campaign slogans and talking points into one incoherent mess of a speech.

Buh-bye, Fred. And Rudy ... you're next ! LOL

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Steve of MV — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:05:58 GMT

That Fred Thompson’s candidacy did not prosper is a great disappointment to me and, I assume, other true conservatives. Compared to the others in the GOP field, he was the real conservative. The others seem to be Johnny-come-latelies, at least as to some important conservative positions.

The country and the party may well have benefited from Thompson’s effort in that other candidates have moved in a conservative direction, perhaps in part to capture votes that otherwise would have gone to him.

I appreciate Thompson’s staying with it this long, and not bowing out without giving his candidacy a full chance. I also appreciate his leaving now, while the semi-conservatives still have a chance.

Thompson’s pro-life position reflected American principles in their most traditional and compassionate sense. The principles he espoused–Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility, Free Markets, Limited Government, Federalism, Protecting our Country, Traditional American Values, the Rule of Law, Conserving Our Nation’s Resources (as defined at fred08.com) are the principles that made this country good and great. They are still necessary to the maintenance of our country’s goodness and greatness. We deemphasize or neglect them at our peril.

One thing I really liked about Thompson was that he, unlike most if not all of the other presidential candidates, understands the centrality of the principal of the rule of law to the American system of free government. As he said in a book published eight years ago (“The Rule of Law in the Wake of Clinton”), “The importance of the rule of law cannot be overstated. In our country the rule of law is the foundation for every institution. In many countries the chief drawback to the formation of a prosperous and civil society is the absence of the rule of law.”

Thompson’s “Border Security and Immigration Reform Plan” (on his campaign web site), with its equal treatment of all immigrants and no-amnesty policies, reflects a true belief in the rule of law, and is an excellent program for reducing immigration lawlessness and restoring the rule of law in our country.

Thompson seemed more concerned with real, workable policies, even if painful, than the meaningless slogans that are propelling some of the other candidacies. If the voters had put in the thinking time that their country deserves, I suspect that Thompson would have done much better.

The conventional wisdom seems to make “fire in the belly”–driving ambition–a requirement. Thompson seemed to be running on the basis of his patriotism rather than ambition. At times in our history we have had some pretty good presidents whose ambition and personal desire for glory ranked well below their love of country. I hope the pundits will let us go back to the attitude of that era. Politics is, of course, necessary for both becoming and being president. But maybe someone who is not the best politician would make the best president.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Robert, Denver, CO — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:06:15 GMT

A true stealth candidate. FT never broke a sweat and didn't seem to be running even though he says he was...I admire his schedule.

How will we know when he's not running for President? By checking his pulse or would it be better to hold a mirror to his nose and see if it fogs up from his breath?

And most important, does Fred's wife know about this?

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Dan G., Pensacola, FL — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:12:06 GMT

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Dennis Brewer, Azle, Texas — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:13:36 GMT

Would all the non-conservatives please stop telling us how McCain is our candidate. The only good thing he's done is back the president in the fight against terrorists. He's a lib/media hack who let the Mexican hordes pursue their reconcista, allows the libs to tax us into oblivion and and their ACLU judges to open our courts to Muslim terrorist sympathizers. I too hope that Romney will see the light and select Fred as his running mate. He has the best policy initiatives.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:15:38 GMT

I wonder why Thompson ever started to run, if he did. He waited so long and was going on the Guiliani idea of skipping the first states to wait for bigger ones later on. That doesn't work with someone who really doesn't work all that hard.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

a Democrat from Georgia — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:18:56 GMT

Is there no compassion left in the world? Good luck Fred...God bless you!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Dan Campbell. Phoenix Arizona — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:19:18 GMT

Thanks for helping to all of the Fred Thompson supporters. Please turn your conservative and Christian views to Governor Mike Huckabee. He is the best choice for our President!!!

We support him 100%

Dan Campbell
Sgt., USMC

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Dennis Brewer, Azle, Texas — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:20:10 GMT

Earth to fredhorn, Mark and Robert,
Fred has more brains in one cheek (on the backside since you probably need a lot of things spelled out for ya) than the three of you excrements combined.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Lee in CA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:31:56 GMT

Wow. Only saw that coming from the very start.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Dennis Brewer, Azle, Texas — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:32:26 GMT

Hey Boley,
You're backing the dims led by the floppin-est mackeral couple this side of a hot sidewalk with their two whippin boys along for the ride. You gotta a lot of nerve. Its good though that you listen to conservative radio. You might actually learn something one day.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Jessica Weeks — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:39:48 GMT

###News Alert### Fred to endorse Jeb Bush.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Dennis Brewer — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:44:27 GMT

Yes the hard right will have to "suffer" with a Romney candidate while one must assume the hard left just can't seem to figure out which one of their empty suits can fill their BJ void.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Joseph, Grand Rapids, MI — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:48:39 GMT

Thompson was a good man. Romney is the one who can lead this country in the future. Romney is the real deal and everyone is starting to get nervous! Romney has the most delegates, and he continues to raise in the polls nationally. Romney and Thompson 2008!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Chris L, Edison NJ — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:56:19 GMT

There goes the one true conservative. Now look who the Republicans have to pick from. Huckabee with that ridiculous tax plan; Paul who needs some form of therapy; Romney, who right now is probably picturing himself as president with his father and Dr. King at his side; McCain whose immigration policy is a slap in the face to the GOP and lastly Guiliani (who needs to say more)

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Joel Brown, San Diego, CA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:03:06 GMT

Why Fred dropped out:

Quote "I think the economy is doing real good!"

Quote "Ugguh huhhh Hmmmnn, now let me get this straight, if we quit spending money in Iraq, we would have more money to spend on domestic problems, Ugghh Huuuh"

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Dave, Tn — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:10:25 GMT

Oh well I guess I'm stuck voting for Hillary and all the night time comedy shows. Good luck Fred and best wishes to your mother.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

GsonJagnath — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:10:35 GMT

Fred "the Loser" thompson played his role to perfection. He has split enough conservative votes from Huckabee to help his pal Mccain win in SC. Mccain claiming momentum is a shame. Donot write off Huck yet. He will teach a lesson to the people who think they can steal/buy an election.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Leahsez, Pismo Beach CA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:14:54 GMT

He never really looked like he had a chance to me, but I did like where he stood on immigration, I looks to me like he was leaning toward McCain, but their positions are so opposite I can't figure out why he supports McCain. Unless it's just to get a VP position offer. Honestly I am a little scarred of McCain-I'ts not all about foreign policy anymore, we don't need another head honcho so focused on the war and terrorism that they aren't watching our economy doing a nosedive. McCain makes me feel like I drank too much coffee.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Opa2 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:20:32 GMT

He made that rambling speech Saturday night when it was too soon to concede and far too early to claim victory. (that never came)I was wondering than if this was his swan song. In all fairness, I think McCain benefitted from Fred being in the race in SC. Had he withdrawn a week earlier, Huckelberry would have made a better showing in SC and maybe would have won.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

HMT-MI — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:27:23 GMT

I have no idea where and how his delegate votes will go---that is why I asked.I don not know if they sell the names or just turn them over---that is why I asked.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Mike NH — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:40:01 GMT

good night sweet prince! GAG!!!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:51:57 GMT

Horray! Good riddance to that embarrassment to Reagan. Now, Reagan can stop turning over in his grave in disgrace. RIP Reagan!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

lfr — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:03:42 GMT

Now Thompson can sit back and wait for McCain to make him his running mate. He's played interference for McCain (against Romney) and now expects a payback if McCain's the nominee.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

erik — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:27:09 GMT

so he wastes a good chunk of south carolina's vote that should have went to mike huckabee and quits. i hate politics sometimes

Fred withdraws from GOP race

PollM, Dallas TX — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:45:05 GMT

"I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people."

Who's most likely to benefit among the Republican Candidates from Fred Thompson's exit?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1610

.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

MittRox, FL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:04:03 GMT

Sad, one more Conservative out of the race - now we're just down to one - Romney.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

RedCoat, FL — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:06:03 GMT

"I believe my party has gone astray. I think the Democratic Party is a fine party, and I have no problems with it, in their views and their philosophy."

-- John McCain

Fred withdraws from GOP race

David Powell, Ocean City NJ — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:51:41 GMT

Sad he didn't get more traction. I guess he didn't get as big a boom coming in after the build up as Arnold S. did in CA's governor race. He'd be a good President. As for the people on here who only throw third grade insults, ewll you've got lots of class, all of it third.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Leah, Pismo Beach CA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:55:17 GMT

THEY AREN'T SELLING THE NAMES!!! They shouldn't be selling anything-but we know how that works-at some point He will throw his support to another candidate and then the delgates he had can either follow his lead or choose at the convention another candidate-hopefully it won't be McCain-don't know why he likes him, they stand so different on immigration, taxes,etc. The only thing i can see them voiceing together is something like "MCCAIN AND THOMPSON SHARE 104 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE BETWEEN THEM!!!"

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Ghost of Presidents Past — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:08:28 GMT

Jamie, SLC - take heart that there are no murdered Jesuit nuns or priests where RR now resides.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

One Case? — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:27:53 GMT

Just another has been and a want to be, A Washington self serving paper hanger shall not be the next President, I'll bet a case of tall necks on that!! Look out for the Independent, its time for them to throw in the hat???

HRC is a ringer. Watch her fall!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

sickofignorace MN — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:41:28 GMT

Freddie thought that when he got in the race that people would just give him the job, cause gee whiz, his wife wanted to live in that purty white house. He didn't know that he would actually have to WORK to get the job. When he found out there was work involved, he couldn't find the exit fast enough. Good riddance.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

The Edge, Macon, GA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 05:24:55 GMT

I keep hearing and reading "true conservative". Will someone give me the 'true' definition of this terminology? I realize many people who identify themselves as conservatives see the world in only black and white, so please give me the final definitive say on this in 'black'.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

M. Boley — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:15:17 GMT

Hey Dennis, I listen to conservative radio just to hear how screwed up your side really is. Poor Rush... he's even alluding to the possibility of not even voting if McCain or Huck wins the nomination. Now that's a brilliant strategy!

Hey, if he orders his comatose 'dittoheads' to do just that then we 'libs' will never be able to say that El Rushbo didn't do us any favors. LOL...

Fred withdraws from GOP race

M. Boley — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:19:29 GMT

I hope Thompson endorses McCain. What a dig that would be since he has been touted as the 'true conservative' by the talking-head squad and by endorsing McCain he will have broken an unwritten rule. They all hate McCain. The endorsement will give that sorry Mark Levin a coronary... hope he has it on the air!

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Ivory Dayton, OH — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:19:16 GMT

Thank you God another Republican bites the dust. Let's pray that we don't have to look at that wrinkled face again it's enough to make a Shar-Pei wince. Let's catch some Z's Fred & set yourself down in the rocking chair & watch yourself some Law & Order. Forget all this nonsense about saving the Repub's, only God can make order out of this mess George Dub has made. You guys may have to suck it up if it is still a U.S. of America tomorrow it looks like it about to topple. Hey Dick Cheney is it "Happy Haliburton" time yet? yes the party over time to go home to the foreclosure and no heating oil in the mansion & my two bedroom cottage.

Fred withdraws from GOP race

Steve of MV — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:51:33 GMT

*** I keep hearing and reading "true conservative". Will someone give me the 'true' definition of this terminology? I realize many people who identify themselves as conservatives see the world in only black and white, so please give me the final definitive say on this in 'black'. --The Edge, Macon, GA ***

I doubt there is an agreed-upon definition of conservatism. But it is not difficult to find the prevailing themes. The commenters’ references to Fred Thompson as the “true conservative” suggest that the other (top-tier) presidential candidates are not conservative at heart (having recently come to conservative positions) or are not conservatives as to certain crucial issues (e.g., McCain’s support for lawbreaker-rewarding legalization/amnesty is subversive to the bedrock American principle of the rule of law).

The list of principles found on Thompson’s web site (fred08.com)--Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility, Free Markets, Limited Government, Federalism, Protecting our Country, Traditional American Values, The Rule of Law, Conserving Our Nation’s Resources--as those principles are defined there, is an excellent summary of conservative principles.

The principles of the Declaration of Independence are central to conservative thought. Lincoln biographer Stephen B. Oates (“With Malice Toward None: The Life of Abraham Lincoln,” New York: Mentor, 1977, p. 198) said: “Lincoln himself resisted being categorized as anything but a Republican. If he often called the Republicans a ‘conservative’ party, he meant that in a historical sense--that they held the same ground as the Founding Fathers when it came to slavery and the inalienable rights of all men to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” I think that, similarly, a “conservative” might fairly be defined today primarily as one who maintains the same ground as the Founders respecting man’s inalienable rights and the principles of government and civilized society.

John Courtney Murray said the framers of the American Constitution believed that “the freedom toward which the American people are fundamentally oriented is a freedom under God, a freedom that knows itself to be bound by the imperatives of the moral law.” (Robert P. Hunt and Kenneth L. Grasso, eds., “John Courtney Murray and the American Civil Conversation,” Grand Rapids: William B. Erdmans Publishing Company, 1992, p. 267.) The Founders’ political philosophy is best summarized by the motto adopted by the State of South Dakota: “Under God the People Rule.”

Here is the conservative concept of government in the broad sense (David W. Hall, “Savior or Servant?: Putting Government in Its Place,” Oak Ridge: The Kuyper Institute, 1996, pp. 365-366): “The family, the church, and the state are the three primary and God-ordained governmental units....The family is primarily responsible for the care of children, the aged, one another, the inculcation of morals, and the erection of an estate for posterity....Similarly, the church has certain tasks which are her unique domain (i.e., to proclaim true doctrine, to administer the sacraments, to take measures for the spread of the gospel, and to discipline the morals of her members)....Likewise, the state has a unique calling–e.g., to punish evil, to tax in order to support lawful activities, to wage protective warfare, and to provide for the common good.... To each of these governing units belongs unique territory. Each sphere may only adopt a supportive posture toward the others; they may serve other spheres, but never subvert.”

A conservative would seek to know--and to see preserved, or implemented--God’s all-wise definitions of church, state, and family. A conservative would not concede that man is free to ignore the constitutive elements of these divinely-created institutions. A conservative would not concede that man is entitled to overrule God as to any aspect of any of these institutions’ true meaning and structure.

You will usually find conservatives to be opposed to abortion, in defense of the right to life; opposed to judicial activism, in defense of the Constitution and democracy; supportive of strong measures against crime, in defense of the rule of law; pro-enforcement on illegal immigration, in defense of the rule of law and American sovereignty; opposed to the redefiniton of marriage, in defense of the institutions of marriage and family; supportive of capital punishment, in defense of innocent life; opposed to reverse discrimination/racial preferences, in defense of the equality; opposed to burdensome taxation and regulation, in defense of economic opportunity; supportive of military strength, in defense of peace and freedom; and opposed to hedonism, in defense of traditional American Judeo-Christian values. (A conservative would, like George Washington (First Annual Message, January 8, 1790), stress the importance to “the security of a free constitution” of teaching the people “to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness–cherishing the first, avoiding the last.”)

A conservative would endorse the statement of Daniel Webster in his August 1826 eulogy on Adams and Jefferson (“A Selection of Eulogies, Pronounced in the Several States, in Honor of Those Illustrious Patriots and Statesman, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson,” Hartford: D. F. Robinson & Co. and Norton & Russell, 1826, p. 233): “If we cherish the virtues and principles of our fathers, Heaven will assist us to carry on the work of human liberty and human happiness.”