Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Citizens For Thompson now online

Check here for my Fred Thompson Newsblog

Citizens For Thompson

I'll put links in from here to there.

Read More...

Monday, June 4, 2007

Fredipedia Online at FredThompsFAQ.com

Just a quick plug for a new website - Ladies and Gentlemen: The Fredipedia! (visit there - there are tons of links in addition to the ones I cite below)

Fredipedia v2.37
Major Buzz:
Tom McClintock: Could This Be The One...
Bob Novak: Without a campaign, Fred Thompson gains support
Cato Institute: Is Fred Thompson a Small-Government Conservative?
St. Petersburg Times: Lots of Florida Buzz for Fred Thompson
AP: Romney speech overshadowed by possible Thompson candidacy

Richmond Buzz:
WaPo: Thompson Generates Buzz in Richmond
NY Times: Thompson Makes Strong Pitch to Conservative Republicans
Richmond Times Dispatch: Crowd cheers ex-Tenn. senator
Mason Conservative: RPV Gala

Paper Filing Buzz:
USA TODAY: Fred says he's running; tells how he will do it
The Politico: Fred Thompson Running For President
National Review Online: It will be July, but it won't be on the 4th
Rasmussen: Polls Show Thompson Competitive as He Prepares to Enter White House Race
The Tennessean: Thompson says he plans to run, wants to be 2008's outsider
The RealClearPolitics Blog: 'The Fred has Landed'
Captain's Quarters: Fred Takes The First Step
NY Times: Fred Thompson move sends ripples through Republican party
Washington Post: Fred's In; Who's Hurt?
Weekly Standard: Fred will raise cash and form exploratory committee

Courtesy of FAQMaster Sturm at the Fred Thompson FAQ website

Be sure to pay a visit - feedback is needed on what should be added and what is missing from the site.

Read More...

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Rep Blackburn jumps from Romney to Thompson

Two things here: First she would not have bailed on Romney's campaign as a senior part of it unless she knew something for sure was going on with Fred Thompson's candidacy. And second, it shows there is still room to change your mind on endorsements. Hey Sen Allard, care to rethink your backing of Romney? You gave your endorsement too soon and too cheaply. Take a chance to fix that.

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee co-chair of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's presidential campaign and a national co-chair of Women for Romney, on Friday endorsed former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson.

"Our nation faces challenging times that require vision and leadership. I know Fred Thompson is the right leader for these times," it said. "I sincerely hope that Fred Thompson will choose to seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States. He has my wholehearted support and I encourage my fellow Tennesseans and Americans to stand with us."

[The Rest of the Story]

Blackburn's press secretary did not respond to requests for further comment except to say by email that Blackburn was out of the country on with a congressional delegation to Copenhagen, Berlin, Brussels and London to study global warming. Blackburn's district includes parts of eastern Shelby County.

Romney spokesman Gail Gitcho said Blackburn called Romney to tell him of her decision to back Thompson "should he decide to run," and said the campaign wishes her well.

Courtesy of Bartholomew Sullivan of the Memphis Commercial Appeal

Or, Sen Allard, you can continue to be the water boy for Owens and the Country Club Repubs who destroyed our Republican majority here. And to any other people Owens shoehorned in - guys, you're welcome to jump once Fred declares.

Read More...

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Another campaign hire - and a possible date!

Some are saying July 4 is the date - after the June 30 reporting period close.

Fred Thompson has inked former Federal Elections Commission Chairman Michael Toner to serve as the lead lawyer for his increasingly likely campaign for the GOP presidential nomination.

[The Rest of the Story]

Toner spent five years at the FEC and served as chairman of the body in 2006. He left earlier this year to joining Bryan Cave LLP. Immediately prior to joining the FEC, Toner served as chief counsel at the Republican National Committee. He was also general counsel to George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign.

Courtesy of Chris Cillizza (again!), Washington Post

Team is coming together.

Read More...

Monday, May 21, 2007

CO State Sen Dave Schultheis and others - No Amnesty!

Joined by state Senators Ted Harvey and Mike Kopp and Assistant House Minority leader David Balmer and Representative Kent Lambert. Good to see our State politicians are getting mobilized on this! I wonder if any of them might be interested in talking about Fred Thompson, who shares their position? Give me an email Dave & company!

"We adamantly oppose the new Senate bill authored by Senators Kennedy, Salazar and Kyl," the letter states. "We oppose any federal legislation that would legalize continued presence for people now present in the U.S. Illegally."

The letter also predicts, "Border security will again be relegated to a false promise while amnesty for millions goes forward."

[The Rest of the Story]

Schultheis and other key Colorado lawmakers, including state Senators Ted Harvey and Mike Kopp and Assistant House Minority leader David Balmer and Representative Kent Lambert, wrote President Bush a letter (see attached) urging him to reconsider his position.

Courtesy of Sen Schultheis

Nice to see Colorado Republicans finally waking up.

Read More...

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Fred Thompson campaigns at NRA Annual Meeting

No, not the National RIFLE association - but the National Restaurant Association. Good words there, well received. Read below the fold for a warning on the Post-Iraq world and China as well.

CHICAGO - The immigration reform bill worked out late last week by Senate Republicans and Democrats will likely fail, former senator and possible presidential candidate Fred Thompson said here Sunday.

Thompson, speaking at the National Restaurant Association annual show, said the bill will not win the support of the American people because they don't trust senators' promises to block illegal immigrants from crossing the Mexican border into the U.S.

"Nobody believes them. It goes to the bigger issue of the lack of credibility our government has these days," said Thompson, who was greeted with shouts and applause from the 2,300 convention attendees who filled a ballroom at the McCormick Place convention center.

[The Rest of the Story]


Thompson also was harshly critical of China, saying the military and economic threat the country poses is among the critical issues - along with untamed growth in entitlement spending - that are not being dealt with while the U.S. is fixated on the war in Iraq. "I call it 'The Day After Iraq,' " Thompson said. "It's not a pretty picture."

He said China is "making deals with every bloodthirsty dictator they can" to feed its growing economy's need for energy. Thompson made the meatier comments during the question-and-answer session with audience members, which followed a 45-minute tale of his path from Tennessee lawyer to Watergate prosecutor, to actor and Republican senator.

The crowd of restaurant professionals ate it up, giving Thompson a standing ovation as he entered and another when his remarks ended. Kevin Mundy, who works for a Maryland restaurant company, said he thought Thompson was "being real." "It's just what the country is looking for - somebody who is going to cut through the political jargon and get to the point," Mundy said. Rebecca Eastham, a hotel management teacher at Oklahoma State University, found Thompson "genuine and down home."

The crowd even cheered when Thompson admitted to a questioner that he didn't know much about Indian gaming and "wasn't going to soft-shoe" on the issue. Among the loudest ovations came when the possibility of Thompson running for president was mentioned. Current speculation has Thompson making a decision in mid-June, a timetable that he did not dispute when one of his questioners suggested it. The idea that it was too late to get into the race that now has 10 Republican candidates is "baloney," he said. But he conceded that, to have a chance a candidate, he must enter the race "in a decent time."

Courtesy of Bill Theobald of the Gannett News Service (in the Lafayette IN Courier and Journal)

Good of him to point out that there is a world once we are done with Iraq and we need to start paying attention to it.

Read More...

Fred Thompson - Apperance on Leno, June 12

Speculation is: will he announce on Leno? ADDENDUM: Looks liek the Press is getting wind of this. Here's an actual article to link to in place of the email rumor I got.

Will former Senator Fred Thompson pull a "Schwarzenegger" and announce his presidential quest during his upcoming appearance on NBC's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno"? Hollywood is abuzz with talk that Thompson will do just that when he joins Leno on June 12.

[The Rest of the Story]

So far, the former Senator from Tennessee and star of TV's "Law & Order" has played hard to get, and won't say if he will throw his hat in the ring for the GOP nomination. Another source, close to Thompson, explicitly denies the Senator will make any announcement when he appears on Leno's show.

But, if Thompson changes his mind at the last minute and does use the Tonight Show as his political jump pad, it won't be the first time this has happened. Back in 2003, after heatedly denying he would ever run for governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger did an abrupt about-face and stunned Leno his audience with his gubernatorial announcement. The late night kick-off was great for Schwarzenegger and Leno – who wrangled his best "Tonight" show Wednesday ratings in four years.

Courtesy of Newsmax(Originally in an email from a friend)

Personally, I don't believe it will be there that he announces - but I do bet he drops some BIG hints.

Read More...

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Fred Thompson: Out at Law & Order, in at the White House?

This was one of the last entanglements he had in terms of contracts to be fulfilled.

Fred Thompson will not return to NBC's "Law & Order" next season. Does this clear the way for a potential White House run? Conservatives certainly hope so as few are satisfied with their choices so far. However, NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly claimed no insider knowledge of Thompson's political plans, but his statement indicated the seriousness of Thompson's presidential musings. The former Tennessee senator has been making speaking appearances and blogging on issues in recent weeks as he considers a candidacy, reports the Associated Press.


[The Rest of the Story]

"It's pretty clear that Fred is going to be leaving the cast of the show no matter what," Reilly said at a news conference on NBC's fall schedule. He later left the door slightly ajar by saying it was "highly unlikely" Thompson would be back. Thompson certainly wouldn't return to prime-time network television if he chooses to run, he said.

Courtesy of Michael Amsterdam at the National Ledger

Looks like he is casting off the mooring ropes and getting ready to set sail...

Read More...

Monday, May 14, 2007

Working on something...

A couple of other Fredheads and I are working on a Fred Thompson online thing, so that has slowed down my news and commentary here. Stay tuned - you'll see it announced here!

Read More...

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Site Update

Sorry for the lack of activity - I had some personal business that overrode all this (a family friend came back from Iraq, unplanned, minus some parts - before you ask, not life threatening but it will change things, even though active duty is an option once all the skin grafts and physical/occupational therapy are done). Things should be getting back to normal - and there is a backlog of news that I'll be looking at and posting bit of over the day or so to catch up. Check back often!

Read More...

Friday, May 4, 2007

Fred Thompson on CSPAN 5/4 9:30 PM MDT

Set the Tivo!

Thompson Campaign Event
Lincoln Club of Orange County (CA)
Newport Beach, California (United States)
ID: 197918 - 05/04/2007 - 1:00 - No Sale
Thompson, Fred U.S. Senator (1994-2003), R-TN

Former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) gives his first major address since announcing he will explore a possible run for president. The Lincoln Club of Orange County’s 45th Annual Dinner was held at the The Balboa Bay Club and Resort.

Courtesy of CSPAN

I have to laugh - its titled "Thompson Campaign Event", even though he isn't declared yet. Great use of the press.

Read More...

Friday, April 27, 2007

Support Strong In Texas For Fred Thompson

More good news from Texas. Looks like Legislators are stepping up to take the Republican Party back from the power brokers. Bravo to Texas and Missouri! Ok Colorado, what are you waiting for? Readers, call your Colorado Republican Legislative Leaders and let them know who you want to see them endorse - Fred Thompson! (see the article below for the phone numbers)


The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee announced that 54 of 81 Texas State House Republicans and several Republican Texas State senators "have joined the growing effort to encourage former United States Senator Fred Thompson to seek the presidency."

Texas Land Commissioner and Draft Committee leadership team member Jerry Patterson said he has spoken with each Legislator and "found an increasingly strong desire to see Thompson become a candidate. ... In Texas, the momentum in the race for president is clearly with Fred Thompson. If he enters this campaign, we can put him in the lead within 30 days,” said Patterson

[The Rest of the Story]

State Representative Robert Talton who serves from Harris County, Texas said, “People recognize Thompson’s leadership, his integrity and his remarkable ability to touch Americans from all walks of life. We need him in this race and we need him in the White House.”

The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee’s leadership team includes Texas Rail Road Commissioner Victor Carrillo and Republican National Committeewoman Denise McNamara from Texas.

Courtesy of Chatanoogan Blog

Denise McNamara is working wonders down there - Go Denise!


Read More...

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Fred Thompson - Blogger?

Looks that way, or as close as a mainstream presidential campaigner can be to blogging, at least for a while.

Former senator, commentator and actor Fred Thompson will provide regular opinion and analysis on ABCRADIO.com. New reports will be available Monday-Friday on the website. The Fred Thompson Report will discuss issues and events that affect all Americans. Audio versions of many of the commentaries will also be made available on ABCRADIO.com.

As part of ABC Radio's commitment to deliver content in formats that leverage new communications technologies, The Fred Thompson Report gives readers and listeners another avenue to engage in discussions about current events and important issues of the day. "The Internet allows -- as never before -- a real dialogue among the American people. There has never been a more important time in recent history to be informed as a nation, and my hope is that my commentary will contribute to that discussion," said Thompson. "I'm looking forward to using the medium to its fullest."

[The Rest of the Story]

"There is a clear demand to hear from Senator Thompson. It's obvious that listeners, if not America, seek his leadership on issues that matter. Radio has already provided an excellent platform to inform and educate listeners seeking his opinion -- The Fred Thompson Report is another extension to deliver his respected opinion," said John McConnell, Senior Vice President, Programming, ABC Radio Networks.

Courtesy of ABC News Radio Press Release

Fred Thompson Blogging? Whoda Thunk It?


Read More...

Thursday, April 19, 2007

"Presidential" Fred Thompson Dazzles Congress

More positive coverage of the DC get together

Fred Thompson took the stage and gave a virtuoso performance Wednesday during a private meeting with House Republicans — leaving many star-struck and gushing about the prospect of the former Tennessee Republican senator running for president.

His audience of 53 included five members of the House leadership.

[The Rest of the Story]


"As he talked to us, he spoke as though he were a president, and it was very impressive to us," said Rep. Steve Buyer of Indiana. "I think he will do an excellent job as president."

Several House members who spoke to the media after the meeting talked of grass-roots support among Republicans in their home districts for a Thompson candidacy.

"When he makes that announcement, he will have a groundswell of support unlike any other candidate we have seen in many, many years," said Jeff Miller, R-Fla.

Others mentioned Thompson's personal charisma, the sense that he was talking from his heart and shooting straight.

"We are looking for somebody who is going to go out there and say, 'You look me in the eye and I'll tell the truth,' " said Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., "This is the time for Fred Thompson."

Courtesy of Bill Theobald, Tennessean Washington Bureau

Not much to add. The locals love him - and now apparently Congressional Republicans do too.


Read More...

RCP: Rep Wamp says "Fred's Going For It"

Hoping Congressman Wamp (R-TN) is right...


Rep. Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.), described by ABC News as "Fred Thompson's top cheerleader on Capitol Hill," after Thompson's visit with GOP lawmakers today said that Thompson's entry into the race is "a matter of when -- not if."

[The Rest of the Story]

Among the many questions that Thompson faced from the members of Congress he met with were ones about his divorce and his faith. Wamp told ABC News that Thompson said that he is in "excellent standing with everyone important in his life, including his first wife . . . and the man upstairs."

Multiple House Republicans who attended the hour-long Q&A session with Thompson gushed over him as someone who "checks all the boxes" in a way that the current crop of leading Republican contenders do not.


Courtesy of Blade Dvorak at Real Clear Politics


As they caution at RCP _ Wamp is a big supporter, so his objectivity may wane a bit at times. Still, good to see him getting in touchwiththe contgress - and drawing this many in for a meet-n-ggreet


Read More...

House GOP Gush Over Actor Fred Thompson

One of the first stories about the April 18 meetings


WASHINGTON (AP) - The welcome for Fred Thompson wasn't just warm, it was effusive. The former Tennessee senator and actor is still weighing whether to run for the GOP presidential nomination but House Republicans who met with him Wednesday gushed over the prospects of Thompson candidacy.

They called him presidential, a leader, a proven conservative, an exciting prospect and "a breath of fresh air."



[The Rest of the Story]


"He was called presidential, and he was. He was told he was electable, and he is," Wamp said.

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga., said: "there was a breath of fresh air in the room today," while Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind., added: "he spoke as though he was a president." Rep. David Davis, R-Tenn., said people are looking for a candidate with a proven conservative voting record and "Fred Thompson's the man."

Even those congressmen who wouldn't yet commit offered praise.

"Very impressive," said Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Fla. "He has the charisma and the fortitude to lead our nation at what is a very difficult time." And Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., called Thompson a straight shooter, and said: "I'm looking for somebody that can excite America again."


Courtesy of Liz Sidoti at Breitbart


Actually a bit of a weak article - good photo of Fred there.


Read More...

Saturday, April 14, 2007

What people who worked for Fred say about him

Interesting stuff from people who know the man.

“The Fred Thompson I know first ran for the Senate out of a sense of duty and obligation. ..."
- Kelvin Moxley (worked for Fred, 1995-2002)

“He is a principled man who possesses the ability to cross over party lines and has the thoughtfulness and vision to honor, preserve and defend our civil liberties. ...”
- Mandy Thomas (worked for Fred, 1994-1999)

“... Fred should run because he is a trustworthy civic servant, a reliable and steady presence, and a strong leader. ...”
- David Sanders (worked for Fred, 2000)

Courtesy of Thompson Truckers Blog

ThompsonTruckers: Great job finding and talking to those folks! Folks visit the page and read the whole of the quotes - what I gave you was just a little sample.

Read More...

Friday, April 13, 2007

Colorado GOP, do we have it?
"Show Me State" Shows Us! (AoTD4/13)

This is a great endorsement in a key swing state - once again Missouri, the "Show Me" state, shows us how its done! Look for more endorsements coming on April 18 when Fred Thompson visits with Congress. OK Colorado Republicans, do you have what it takes to step up and sound off for Fred Thompson, and reclaim the title of "Reagan Republicans" in Colorado? (read more at my ending comments)


MISSOURI HOUSE MEMBERS SUPPORT THOMPSON PRESIDENTIAL BID

56 Republican House Members Sign Bearden’s “Draft Thompson for President” Petition

Today State Representative Carl Bearden (R-St. Charles), Speaker Pro Tem of the Missouri House of Representatives, announced the 56 of his fellow Missouri House Republicans have declared support for Fred Thompson’s potential presidential candidacy by signing the Missouri “Draft Thompson for President” petition. A full 63% of the House Republican Caucus signed on.

“The signatures of these Representatives and other Missourians from across the state represent the broad support and surging momentum in our state for Fred,” Speaker Pro Tem Bearden said. “What we are seeing is the beginning of a grassroots campaign that can carry Fred Thompson to the Republican nomination and all the way to the White House.”

[The Rest of the Story]

Rep. Bearden indicated that Thompson supporters were swayed by the former U.S. Senator’s consistent conservative record, his plainspoken values, and his charisma that resonates with citizens from all walks of life.

“I support the draft petition because Fred Thompson possesses all the qualities that make a great President,” Rep. Walt Bivins (R-St. Louis) said.

Rep. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) said, “Fred Thompson is the kind of conservative Republican that will win big in rural Missouri.”

“Fred Thompson’s campaign would bring the excitement and energy needed for Republicans to keep the White House in 2008,” Rep. David Day (R-Dixon) added.

Speaker Pro Tem Bearden said that in addition to his fellow House members, Missourians from across the state have bombarded him with emails urging and supporting a Thompson run. He also noted that Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder declared his strong support for Thompson this week.

Courtesy of St Louis Today


Is there any fight left in the GOP in Colorado? Or are we going to kiss the ring of Focus Groups and Fat Cats, and then let the same rudderless Country Club bunch, who gave things away over the last 8 years, put it over on us rank and file party members again? It is time to step up and bypass the out of touch "elites" who keep bringing us "more of the same" - the same bunch that lost a Senate seat, 2 Republican leaning congressional districts, both sides of the state legislature and the governor's seat. They have already bought into "more of the same" endorsing flip-flopping multi-millionaire "Multiple Choice Mitt" Romney - one of their own. Let them know the grass roots want out of this rut. Fred Thompson, with his authenticity, honesty, integrity, down-home appeal, and ability to communicate conservative ideals to non-conservatives shows that he is the candidate we need for Colorado and the Nation. Fred Thompson will have the coat tails we can ride up and out of the rut in Colorado. Time to step up and sound off, or else be resigned to being in the minority for a long time. I'm game - are any of our legislators gutsy enough?

(Comments are open, lets hear what you have to say)

Read More...

Fred Thompson, Man Alone

Authenticity. Some dont have it - but Fred has it aplenty as shown in actions that speak volumes. All the other candidates have an entourage - their sycophants, advisers, their people who play "Bundini Brown" hanger-on to the "Muhammad Ali" of the candidate. But not Fred Thompson. He came in alone. No wonks or advisers needed. This is very impressive and indicative of the character and strength Fred Thompson will bring to the Presidency.

One final footnote on Fred Thompson. It's a little thing, but it struck me and my executive producer Gary Schreier as we greeted him this week: He came alone.

Alone — no handlers, no enablers, no key people, no any people.

Just Fred, by himself.

Nope. No briefcase guy. Or cell phone dude. No policy wonk or statement checker. No people at all.

[The Rest of the Story]

And Gary and I are thinking, hey this guy is tracking sometimes second in GOP polls for president.

For president! Of the United States!!

And we're looking for his entourage, his hangers-on, you know, the guy who holds his briefcase.

Another, his cell phone, still another his coat.

Someone who polices his words, advises him on statements to the press.

Nope. No briefcase guy. Or cell phone dude. No policy wonk or statement checker.

No people at all.

Get this: I had more people than he had people.

Which tells you something about Fred, I guess: The image things that seem to matter to others don't much matter to Fred.

Surely, I'm thinking to myself, this will all change if he runs for president. Even the loserest of candidates has loser lemmings. Lots of them!

But I wonder: Maybe Fred would be the guy who puts less stock in handlers and more in himself.

He'd be different, that's for sure. His people weren't saying that — Fred was. Before he shook my hand after our interview and walked out of this building... alone.

Courtesy of Neal Cavuto, Fox News

This is what is winning Fred so many people across the spectrum - what you see is what you get, and he does not need advisory boards to tell him what his opinion is. Authenticity, genuineness, strong core beliefs. And its something that no amount of campaign moneycan buy.

Read More...

MSNBC Notes Fred's Schedule is picking up

Heh. All they had to do was read here.

After disclosing Wednesday that he has lymphatic cancer, former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, perhaps best known for his TV role as District Attorney Arthur Branch on NBC's "Law and Order," is accelerating his schedule of public appearances. Advisors say this reflects his growing seriousness about entering the race for the White House.

[The Rest of the Story]

On Friday morning Thompson is scheduled to attend the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington. He will be there with his wife Jeri at the Washington Hilton's ballroom event. President Bush will be there to make remarks.

Next Wednesday some 40-50 GOP House members will meet privately with Thompson at the Capitol Hill Club to urge him to enter the race.

On May 4th, Thompson heads to Los Angeles where he is slated to address the influential Orange County Lincoln Club. The club is one of the biggest GOP organizations in the nation and says it is, "The largest and most active political club in the United States."

Courtesy of Joel Seidman (Producer) NBC News

I think I may put a calendar up her eonce I can figure out ow to get the widget going.

Read More...


All copyrights remain those of the respective authors, including commenters. I am not responsible for what commenters write here. Excerpts of articles are under Fair Use Doctrine.

This site has no affiliation nor relationship with any organization, nor any affiliation or relationship to Fred Thompson, and is not authorized by any candidate nor by any candidate's committee.

In plain English: This is my site, and I'm not working on behalf of, at the direction on, bought by or beholden to anyone or anything other than my judgement and conscience. (c) 2007