Looks like Grampa Fred Thompson will announce...

[jefferson_dem]

Fred Dalton Thompson is planning to enter the presidential race over the Fourth of July holiday, announcing that week that he has already raised several million dollars and is being backed by insiders from the past three Republican administrations, Thompson advisers told The Politico.

Thompson, the "Law and Order" star and former U.S. senator from Tennessee, has been publicly coy, even as people close to him have been furiously preparing for a late entry into the wide-open contest. But the advisers said Thompson dropped all pretenses on Tuesday afternoon during a conference call with more than 100 potential donors, each of whom was urged to raise about $50,000.

Thompson's formal announcement is planned for Nashville. Organizers say the red pickup truck that was a hallmark of Thompson's first Senate race will begin showing up in Iowa and New Hampshire as an emblem of what they consider his folksy, populist appeal.

<SNIP>

A member of Thompson's inner circle, who insisted on anonymity, said the former senator will offer himself as a consistent conservative who can unite all elements of the Republican Party. "The public is increasingly cynical and disenchanted with government," this adviser said. "Competence is at the heart of what people want from government, and they need to have a sense that government can do the things they care the most about. They want a reason to continue Republican governance. Thompson can be seen as the adult with a firm hand on the tiller."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0507/4243.html

[YOY]

1. "Thompson can be seen as the adult with a firm hand on the tiller."

OOOOOH! A Folksy quip! I can't wait to see what else Thompson will dredge up to 'xplain the sit'ation to us simple folk!

[shain from kane]

2. From land-locked Tennessee. Don't go down with the ship.

[moosen]

75. what's a tiller?

I'm not folksy enough for Mr. Hollywood.

[BootinUp]

77. def:

–noun Nautical.
a bar or lever fitted to the head of a rudder, for turning the rudder in steering.

[Virginia Dare]

3. Ex-girlfriend Lorrie Morgan endorses him...

I always thought it," she said. "I used to beg him to run for president. I used to say, 'If you were in the White House, I would be so safe-feeling. I could go to sleep at night and know that everything was taken care of up there.'"

Lorrie said that even then Fred had presidential aspirations and that the two of them talked about a possible run.


Wow, that's some pillow talk!! :9

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,,GAC_26063_5551334,00.html

[shain from kane]

32. "Fred is an extremely generous man. He wined and dined me and bought me presents --- furs,

earrings, Chanel shoes with real high heels."

Fred knows how to please the ladies.

[Warpy]

4. I'm just nasty enough to want to see how they package

his little Britney Spears lookalike trophy wife, if they manage to get her out of slutwear and into tweeds.

Yes, it's shallow. It's also going to be fun to watch.

[Clark2008]

8. Won't matter.

She's a plus with the demographic we need - white male swing voters in the South and mid-West.

I wish you guys could just come down here for a day and listen to local talk radio, read the local newspaper, read a few local blogs and you'll see just where I'm coming from.

Not being locked in a blue bubble has its advantages when one looks over the entire political landscape.

I'll say it again: Thompson scares the shit out of me because he has the most chance to win.

[onenote]

84. Finally, someone who gets it!

Some DUers think that it would be helpful for Democrats to run around making fun of THompson's wife, calling her a fake-boob, classless, trophy wife.

Not sure how they think this will help Democrats. First, it makes us look like petty hypocrites. We speak out against judging people by their appearance, way they talk, dress, etc. But apparently not consistently.

But more importantly, as you point out, the constituency Fred is shooting for doesn't have a problem with Jeri Kehn's appearance. Go check out some right wing blogs. They think she's hot. And if any of the base don't like her looks, they don't need Democrats making fun of her to decide she's not their cup of tea. I see no gain for Democrats from the suggested strategy.

Finally, Thompson's wife is not an empty-headed bimbo. She may well be the real brains behind his campaign. ANd if she has written or done anything that warrants a spotlight, we should shine it on her with all the force we can muster. But running around belittling her appearance? What next, we start attacking Romney for being Mormon? Because the repubs would do that to one of our candidates? Thanks, but I'll pass on the idea that in order to beat them we have to become them.

[CrispyQ]

86. I agree -- I think he has a really good shot at it. --nt

[blm]

9. It won't matter - corruption overwhelmingly beat out 'values' as an issue in 2006

exit polls, and Thompson will be PACKAGED as the antidote because he once took on the corruption in his own party - no matter that he won't lift a finger in 2009 to expose Bush2's crimes of office - but people will elect him anyway.

GOPs will take that to the bank while the Democratic leadership still treats its anti-corruption warriors like crap on the bottom of the party's shows.

[still_one]

5. an anti-choice, anti-stem cell, ultra right wing conservative. so what's new?

[Brassballs]

60. But in a folksy, grandfatherly costume! The sheeple will follow....

[Clark2008]

6. Shit - there goes the ball game, particularly if we nominate

a woman, a black man or a metrosexual.

Damn - we've just lost the swing-vote Bubbas (and, mock if you want, but we NEED this group of white males in the Heartland in order to win).

Thompson scares the shit out of me.

[still_one]

11. After 6 years of what we have put up with, if the Democrats don't expose his record

for what it is, and that he REALLY ISN'T the jerk portrayed on law and order, then we have an even worse problem


http://www.issues2000.org/Senate/Fred_Thompson.htm

[jefferson_dem]

28. Fred may not turn out to be "all that" after all...

He sucks on the stump --
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/06/AR2007050600914_pf.html

Here's his "not too impressive" list of sponsored bills during his stint as US Senator --
·Naming A Post Office: Naming the United States Post Office and Courthouse in Cookeville, Tennessee as the “L. Clure Morton United States Post Office Courthouse”.
·Continuing A Commerce Department Housekeeping Program: A bill to extend a quarterly financial report program administered by the Secretary of Commerce.
·More Housekeeping: The “Reports Consolidation Act Of 2000″ allowing agencies to print multiple required reports as one.
·Changing The Bureaucratic Structure Of The TVA: A bill changing the way the inspector general at the Tennessee Valley Authority operates.
·Providing A Visa Exception For A Single Family: A bill to provide permanent visa exceptions for a single family for humanitarian reasons.

And then there are those rumors about...(that which shall go unmentioned for now)...

[blm]

7. Bad news, imo. Exit polls said most voters concerned with corruption issues and

Independent voters will FLOCK to Thompson - Thompson will be touted as the man exposing the corruption in his own party.

And you know damn well that is EXACTLY how it will be played, especially as too many Democrats are busy PRETENDING corruption doesn't matter. Democratic leaders need to start LISTENING to those who have been screaming loudly for YEARS that corruption matters.

>>>
He was responsible for Baker's asking one of the questions that is said to have led directly to the downfall of President Richard Nixon—"What did the President know, and when did he know it?" Also, Thompson's voice has become immortalized in recordings of the Watergate proceedings, asking the key question, "Mr. Butterfield, are you aware of the installation of any listening devices in the Oval Office of the President?
>>>

[Clark2008]

10. Thank you , blm.

You're one of the few here who "get it" when it comes to Thompson.

I don't understand why Dems on this board don't listen to us Dems who live in areas that aren't staunchly blue when we try to explain how formidable Thompson is. We're not trying to burst any bubbles - we're trying to explain how hard it will be to beat this guy.

[still_one]

12. If this country votes for a person because of the character he portrays on TV

then we deserve exactly what we get.

http://www.issues2000.org/Senate/Fred_Thompson.htm

[slackmaster]

16. I get a different result every time I take one of those "VoteMatch" quizzes

This time I got matched best with John Kerry. Last time it was Dennis Kucinich.

Oops, just noticed it matches you with 2004 candidates. :-)

[Clark2008]

18. I don't think that plays much into it, though.

Other than some name recognition outside of the South, I mean.

Here's something I found for the board: it's a local talk show host and her blog. She and her husband are the epitome of fundie nuts and this is their tribute to the "great" Fred Thompson:

http://terryfrank.net/?s=thompson&submit=GO

Now, this isn't everyone in the South - or even a huge contingency. This is just a sample of what we can expect from the right, particularly the Fundies.

[slackmaster]

21. If the next cover of Time magazine says "Here Comes Fred Thompson!"

Then we are fooked.

For those who don't remember, Jimmy Carter's relatively late entry as a dark horse in the 1976 Presidential race was kicked into high gear partly by a Time magazine cover picturing him and the caption "Here Comes Jimmy Carter!"

[Clark2008]

25. Most certainly.

And, sadly, I expect to see that - or something like it.

He's "The One" the fundies, moderate conservatives and swing voters have been waiting for.

*shakes head*

I feel do disillusioned now.

[still_one]

26. I hope your aviator, clark runs, heard him speak a couple months ago

an amazing man. A Clark/Gore ticket would be amazing

[AX10]

55. So Charlie Daniels supports him. I can't wait to see...

Lorretta Lynn come out in her blue opry dress and "sing" for him. :puke:

[blm]

35. If corpmedia wasn't stacked against us we'd have no problem - but we didn't take care

of THAT issue the last 10 years it has been the obvious factor in perception, either.

[BootinUp]

54. I said he was trouble the first time

his name was mentioned in the press. But I won't go so far as to predict a win, he has a lot of work to do, or I mean his sycophant boosters have a a lot of work to do.

[mitchtv]

57. Paul Tsongas was in remission too

and died soon after

[slackmaster]

34. It's sort of a Monty Hall strategy

You're a contestant on Let's Make A Deal. You have in your hand an all expense-paid trip to Fresno, $200 in cash, and a set of lawn darts. You know there is an unclaimed brand new Buick (the Grand Prize), a goat, and a bag of shit. Your parents had a Buick when you were a kid. It was your father's pride and joy.

Monty says you can keep what you have now, or trade it for what's behind Door #1.

[TwilightGardener]

52. Thompson IS kinda corrupt. I've heard, from Freeperville of all places, that

he got into the Senate with some "financial help" from organized crime family whom he knew from his lawyer/lobbyist days. Might be rumor, might not be. And don't forget the PAC he oh-so-quietly closed. And the S&L thing doesn't make him smell like a rose, either. Maybe nothing illegal, but certainly not noble or seemly.

[blm]

59. That isn't 10% as bad as Harken-Bin Laden deal, but corpmedia dug in and sold Bushboy

as a straight-talking, cowboy church-goer who you'd LOVE to have beers with.

[TwilightGardener]

65. I agree--it only has legs if it's pursued anyway. Although I think there

will be more scrutiny this time around--the press knows it was AWOL on Chimpy, and now seems to be waking up. I expect--or at least hope for--a more critical analysis. Even some conservative columnists have been putting Fred down, which is surprising. (Novak and George Will, for two)

[slackmaster]

13. The race just got a lot more interesting IMO

The GOP offerings to this point consisted only of Rudy McRomney and a handful of unelectable right-wing Christian extremists. Fred Thompson's entry will shake them up for sure. What it will do to us, who knows?

FT should get that truck painted BTW.

[ShortnFiery]

14. Thompson is ONLY being propped up by the M$M! (Tweezer specifically) When he jumps in ...

this dried up old coot will politically go over like the proverbial "turd in the punchbowl."

Gawd, watching this B- rated actor SINK is going to be bad-fun! :P

[Brassballs]

62. Don't underestimate FT's allure to ladies....

He attracts quite a few very attractive ones. About
short and ugly, may be not.

[MadHound]

15. Well, the Dems can kiss it all goodbye

Especially if they put up the same ol' same ol' corporate controlled candidate. And if they fail to end the war by election day, well they can kiss their majorities goodbye also.

The Dems have had their moment in which to shine, end the war, and retain and gain on their victories of '06. Instead they're pissing it all away in order to play it safe.

And here comes Thompson, who will eat all of the top running Dems for lunch. About the only hope that the Dems have is to put up Kucinich, pull the left back in, and make a clear statement with him that they are indeed the party of the people.

But Hillary, Obama and Edwards will go down like wheat before the blade.

[Clark2008]

20. You got it.

Right, unfortunately, on the nose.

Sigh. :(

[slackmaster]

22. I often disagree with MadHound's politics but he's got this one right

I'm afraid.

[MadHound]

31. Thanks for the compliment,

We may disagree on some things, but both of us know when an ill wind is blowing. If Thompson gets in, it will be Reagan redux.

[still_one]

24. So I guess you are implying that Thompson will pull us out of Iraq

funny he voted for the war, is against a woman's right to choose, is for privitizing social security,

[MadHound]

30. Where do you get that idea?

I'm saying nothing of the kind. What I am saying is that Thompson has the credentials, campaign and charisma to eat the Dems for lunch, especially if we put up a candidate like Hillary or Edwards. Hell, even another poster on another thread is comparing the man to Reagan, and this from a Democrat!

The man already has exposure, he has name recognition, something that most other candidates lack, on both sides. He has the folksy charisma to charm people, and the political record to bring the entire conservative movement together behind him, along with a majority of moderates.

Meanwhile, if the Dems fail to end the war, the anti-war lefts are going to be either voting third party or staying at home. Meanwhile, if the Dems put up another corporate candidate, they will lose even more disillusioned votes. Like I said, they need to prove that they are the party of the people, and are doing what the people want. The only way to do this is to end the war now, and put up a people's candidate in the form of Kucinich.

But nominate one of these corporate candidate front runners, well you can kiss it goodbye.

If Thompson jumps in, our best hope might very well be that his cancer comes out of remission.

[still_one]

37. I was being scarcastic. The 2006 election WAS ABOUT IRAQ

Unless thompson changes his position, the republicans are putting up another pro-war republican

The Democrats cannot end the war because it is essentially 50/50 in the Senate. The anti-war lefts will be voting Democratic, not because they are happy, but because they know it is guarenteed that the war WILL continue with the republicans.

What I am saying now is not scarcasm, but if the American people are as shallow as you portray them, after the disaster of the last 6 years, then we will get what we deserve

Personally, I hope Gore or Clark jumps into the race, and the fact thompson jumped in might make it more probable

If that doesn't happen, in my view Obama or Richardson is our best chance.

[MadHound]

38. "but if the American people are as shallow as you portray them,

After the disaster of the last 6 years, then we will get what we deserve."

Same words I've been speaking for over thirty five years now, but it has just gotten worse and worse. Nixon, Reagan, Bush I and II. Yep, we're getting what we deserve alright, and sadly keep coming back for more.

Yes, I'm a deeply cynical individual, hard not to be when even my deepest cynicism is routinely surpassed by events going on everyday.

[still_one]

39. I hear you, and mostly agree with you. We should have never won both houses in 2006

yes, many Democrats in Congress let us ALL down, but unless Thompson takes a different position on Iraq than his fellow republicans, the Democrats are still the best chance for getting us out of Iraq

[silvermachine]

40. I think you're giving him...

...a little too much credit. I mean, he is not God-like. What he is, is an arrogant pro-war blowhard who thinks he is above everyone else. I'm not buying it. I agree with what you said about the Dems and the war, but I hardly think that someone like Thompson with his pro Iraq war views is going to set the nation alight either. Flash in the pan more than anything else. And when his thin skin gets pricked, he'll show himself to be the ill-tempered boor that he is, rather than Reagan redux.

[Virginia Dare]

45. Fuck it, I may as well just throw it all in and be happy with the

Repubs then..thanks for the uplifting message..:eyes:

[zulchzulu]

64. ROFL!

Uncle Fred would get zapped like a fat bloody mosquito by Obama in an election. People have had it with actor politicians...I'd wager money on an Obama-Fred Thompson matchup...

Kucinich? Are you smoking crack again? Of course, you must like him because he voted for the flag desecration amendment...right?

:rofl:

[Le Taz Hot]

17. Is the fact that he is a

"Grampa" (sic) significant? Am I missing something here?

[jefferson_dem]

19. Not particularly. He just strikes me as an old codger "Grampa" type.

You know how Repukes are always looking for a "daddy figure" in a candidate. A "grampa figure" may suit them even better.

[katmondoo]

23. God! He is scary looking

Imagine looking at him for 4 years.

[Le Taz Hot]

27. So, tell me,

at what age does one become a "codger?" I'm intrigued.

[jefferson_dem]

29. I don't think it's as much an age thing as an image thing.

Sorry, did i offend?

[Le Taz Hot]

33. Not me personally.

I wear all the labels proudly ("old broad," "codger," "old hag," etc.). But others might get offended. Just my little attempt at raising awareness.

[jefferson_dem]

36. Point well taken. Thanks.

I do think that if this comes down to someone like Obama (please please) and Thompson, the "generational" image contrast will be stark.

[mitchtv]

58. Looks like Lymphoma to me

they better pick a good VP

[TwilightGardener]

41. He looks like the Swamp Thing. In an "American Idol" country, he's ultimately doomed.

[jefferson_dem]

69. Who you calling swamp thing?

:puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke:

[TwilightGardener]

81. Crikey! My eyes!

[Forkboy]

83. Separated at birth?

:)

[Elidor]

42. But, but, but-

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3191161

Sorry, I was having a flashback.

[BlueStater]

43. Some of the posts here are pathetic

The ones crying about our impending doom at the hands of this clown.

Look, this country just spent six years being runned by perhaps the most incompetent and corrupt president ever. How is this old fossil, who basically supports everything the Chimp does, going to come across as breath of fresh air? I think after Bush, people want more than just some dumbass actor.

If the Democrats lose in '08, it'll be because of their own screw-ups and not because of this fat gasbag.

[silvermachine]

44. Thank you...

...best post in this thread.

[BlueStater]

46. Your welcome :)

I'm not going to underestimate him anymore than I would underestimate any of the other GOP candidates. But if you think this lazy bastard is just going to be able to bullshit his way into the White House without me and millions of others having a say in it you've got another thing coming.

[blm]

47. Did newsmedia decide to act as proper news organizations when some of us weren't

looking?

[MadHound]

49. LOL, if I had a dime for everytime I've heard the same sentiment expressed about Reagan

I'd be a rich man by now.

That's it, go ahead and underestimate the man, that's what he's counting on. Meanwhile he continues to up dollars and support in a stealth campaign, hardly brought up for analysis, much less serious consideration.

Gee, did we learn nothing from the Reagan campaign? Nothing from the Clinton campaign? Geez.

Fine, dismiss those who try and warn you about this. And when Thompson promptly hands Hillary her ass next fall, try not to wince when we say "told you so".

[silvermachine]

51. No one is dismissing Thompson...

...I'm simply not ready to throw up my hands and start shreiking "All is lost, all is lost!" There is no reason for it.

[BlueStater]

56. Thompson is not Ronald Reagan

Aside from them both being actors and Fred being close to the same age as Reagan was in 1980, the comparison ends there.

Reagan had far more name recognition than Thompson. He did, after all, serve two terms as governor of the biggest state in the union (and had already ran for president twice before then, almost winning the nomination the second time). When he ran for president, he also hadn't been an actor for nearly 20 years as opposed to Fred who keeps switching back and forth between being a politician and an actor.

Thompson was a mediocre, lazy senator with no notable accomplishments. Color me unimpressed.

No one is underestimating him but we're not shaking in our boots over him either.

[Brassballs]

66. are you calling a Watergate prosecutor, with 3 times the experience

as senator Obama in the senate, and a popular actor as a
nobody? I envy your optimism but am aghast at your lack of
realism.

[BlueStater]

70. My lack of realism?

Fred's viewpoints (supporting the Iraq war, not believing in global warming, etc.) are rejected by the majority of Americans. I think after living under Bush, people want more than just some phony opportunist like Fred shoveling them bullshit behind a cheesy accent.

A recent poll I saw showed most people had no idea who he was. I think you're overestimating him.

[Brassballs]

78. Let's hope you are right...just be wary of underestimating actors n/t

[mitchtv]

74. Popular?

Sorry, popular ensemble show maybe.

[Brassballs]

79. I seldom watch fiction TV, but my wife is a fan of his show

altho she is not very much into politics,
I would'nt be surprised if she votes for him in GE.

[mitchtv]

82. with that profile it'd be no suprise

who do you like Brownback?

[blm]

71. Most voters said corruption was a top issue in 2006. Thompson will APPEAR to be a top

choice as someone who APPEARED to take on the corruption of Nixon. He was just doing his job for the BFEE, imo, who wanted Nixon out sooner than later, but the whole point is PERCEPTION will be with Thompson on this issue.

GOPs will run with the guy who APPEARS to be an anti-corruption candidate while Democrats spent the last few years ATTACKING and UNDERMINING the REAL top anti-corruption lawmaker in DC.

[AX10]

53. I agree 100%! It is absurd to think that all is lost...

the Democrats did not make this mess, the GOP did. Enter Wes Clark, and Thompson will piss in his Depends.

[BootinUp]

67. Its not so complicated

Some of us think we know what kind of candidate the red state / middle America average joe can identify with or look up to. Granted its opinion, just like the one you posted.

What was your opinion of Georgey porgey's chances in 2000? He essentially fought Gore to a statistical draw in the state that counted. He wasn't any more appealing then vs. now imho.

Let me add on edit that I consider him a major threat not a lock by any means. I am just rating his chances at the nom and stating that he would start off positioned well early in a GE.

[BlueStater]

68. I wasn't following politics back then

But I had heard that Gore made a lot of mistakes during his campaign. He should not have distanced himself from Clinton for one thing. His performance during the debates also didn't meet expectations.

I'm not underestimating Fred but I'm baffled by what the big deal is. Having a scowling, old geezer and mediocre senator running the country doesn't appeal to me at all.

[mitchtv]

73. Convinced me, Bluestater

The media ,hopefully, will do their job. Watching Tweety lately is like listening to some of these posters you refer to. No mention of him paying his son from Pac money,his cancer,and his S&L contacts. Wasn't he the guy who said he was going to prove that Clinton was selling military secrets to the Chinese?. His wife should be fun also.

[Eurobabe]

48. oh puhlease, who wants to look at his ugly mug for 8 years

when they can look at Der Mittenführer?

:sarcasm:

[TwilightGardener]

50. When the Republican chips are down, no ugly-ass geezer is going to beat Mittens.

Mittens got it going ON! For a plastic Ken doll.

[bigdarryl]

61. Fred Thompson is a JOKE the rethugs are looking for a Reagan and he isn't it the man..

was a boring ASS senator. he's going nowhere

[zulchzulu]

63. Kentucky Fried RonOLD Raygun...

Bring it, Freddie...

[BlueIris]

72. OMG, plllleeeeeeaaaaaZzzzzze make the "Grampa Fred" moniker stick.

Please.

[moosen]

76. Let's hope Thompson and Mutt Romney fight to the death in the primaries

Bleed the money supply

[Brassballs]

80. My guess it will be Thompson/Romney ticket for the repugs in

the general election 2008. Romney will figure Fred
will barely last through 1 term and he can then move up.

[BrotherBuzz]

85. I'm curious, has Fred Thompson attended Bohemian Grove encampments?

Inquiring minds want to know.