Many of us are so disappointed with the way Fred Thompson’s campaign has been run to this point that we only focus on that, forgetting why we were so enthusiastic about him to begin with. His campaign and his supporters have not helped, choosing to run a negative campaign, focusing on the faults of others instead of highlighting his strengths. That is a mistake and the results speak for themselves.
Let’s remember why we liked Fred to begin with. I’ll help the bumbling campaign, no charge. Perhaps they can right the ship and get conservatives enthused about their candidate.
First, why not focus on his story? It’s a great story and if I were running his campaign, I would have used the 30 seconds of free air time during the recent CNN/YouTube debate to highlight it instead of running a hit piece against two opponents. People need to know his story.
Fred’s is the classic American success story. Born dirt poor, he was the first in his family to go to college. He got his high school sweetheart pregnant, did the manly thing by marrying her and supporting her, working afternoons to finish high school, dropping out of football while his buddies continued on. Isn’t that exactly the type of role model we need in today’s society? I think yes. It would have been awesome to have Americans see that during the debate.
Second, his record. Solidly conservative. Solidly pro-life, don’t let the negative ads of other candidates convince you otherwise. Solidly pro-states rights. Solidly against gun control laws. Highlight it. Feature it. Spread the message.
Third, his detailed policy releases. No other candidate has released such in-depth policy positions. Be it taxes, entitlements, budget reform, national security, education or immigration, Fred’s got a position that is defined, realistic, well thought out and, most importantly, solidly conservative. Spread the news. Tell people about Fred, not about what is wrong with other candidates.
Simply reading about him again has brought my hope back for his campaign. He is a solid conservative, has a great story to tell. He’s witty, funny, charming and damn smart when you listen to him speak.
The problem is no one is listening to him because his own campaign and his own supporters are suppressing that message. Stop it. Start talking him up. Now.
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thud!
Great post BigJ……. I didn’t know any of this about his youth.
AW, that is exactly my point. Negative campaigning has a purpose but when people don’t know a candidate, using negative ads works against them.
I posted this along time ago - but better late than never
BigJ well posted sir!
Until “my gut” tells me different I still say GO Fred GO!!!!!!!
It appears even his supporters don’t like positive information about him.
When I saw your title I immediately thought of this song. No need to thank me for the ear worm ; - )
Fred has the chance to run the type of campaign the grass roots could get behind. If he would focus on his policy ideas, create a simple set of goals, and talk about what he will do, he regain the excitement his pre-run had.
Thompson is the most conservative and constitutionally correct candidate out there. If he cannot convey that message, it won’t matter that he is far more philosophically grounded than George Bush.
Dude, do you know what you’ve just done???!!!
What texpat has done is simply made a mistake. Thats all. When it comes to the Constitution Thompson is #2 which is better than #3. I like Faux Freddie and if I am forced to vote for him I will.
#10 I assume you are voting for #1 in the primary. Glad to see you are willing to support Fred, though.
#9 hamous
Yes.
DJ, he said constitutionally CORRECT, a far cry from being constitutionally annoying.
Hey, Hey, Hey, good morning America, thanks for the positive post, Fred needs you on his staff.
Sorry, but Freddie reminds me too much of this drunk uncle of my mother’s. He seems a bit nicer than my great-uncle, but just as grumpy and no more inspiring as a leader. As a candidate I suspect Fred should have looked more at Colin Powell approach: not enough fire in the belly, don’t run. As Powell knew, just because people think they want you to run doesn’t mean they will reward you with support if you do run. You still have to earn it, and Thompson has yet to do that.
#11
Freddie was in my trust column the other day.
#13
I submit that in America today being Consitutionally correct is annoying.
A few things concern me about Thompson…first, he’s a member of CFR, secondly, he doesn’t look all that healthy, he’s not too enthusiastic as well…and the elites seem to be quietly pushing him forward. Just the kind of image they need to capture the concervative vote….poor Southern boy does well, makes it to the top….sorry…I’m not convinced.
Duncan Hunter would make a great President!
Fred Thompson’s 30 second commercial during the debate was “spot on”. Romney and Huckabee are both saying that they are conservative but the fact is that they are not. Right now the conservative base of the party is split among four “apparent” conservative candidates - Thompson, McCain, Romney and Huckabee. The question is, who will be the “conservative” to emerge to challenge Rudy? Conservatives who do support McCain, Romney and Huckabee don’t realize that there is a more conservative candidate - Fred Thompson. In that regard, the 30 second commercial was perfect.
Here is what Rush Limbaugh said following the debate: “”There was one candidate who did not display any moderateness or liberalism or have any of his past forays into those areas displayed, and that candidate was Fred Thompson. Now, this is not an endorsement. You know, I don’t endorse during primaries. I just point out…”
Rush should also point out that McCain-Feingold was once known as McCain-Feingold-Thompson. I’m not saying, I’m just saying…
Thank you, bigj! You’re far more objective and open minded than I’d been giving you credit for. And not just because you said something nice about “my guy” in the race, but because you really do see the big picture.
Sure, Fred’s far from perfect…and there are certainly others in the race that could carry the conservative banner in admirable fashion. But I fear that they have baggage that the Dims would use to rip them to shreds in the general campaign. Fred may have baggage that we haven’t seen yet, but so far, he appears most electable.
You’re right… he really needs help getting his story out. You really ought to go to his website and post your thoughts.
I dunno kludge, wouldn’t that be:
BigJolly - doing the job Fredheads won’t do.
Fred has already indicated in a Fox news interview with Sean Hannity that he thought part of McCain Feingold went too far. He has indicated he is still concerned about the large amounts of money that some special interest groups funnel into elections and that he thinks that is a problem.
Would you be happy if there were NO laws about election spending?
Would you let the Chinese government funnel money to election groups in this country, to assist them with their election advertising and promotion?
barneyrl, Somehow I think the Chinese aren’t having a real problem getting money to their favorite candidates.
barney - Fred is on my short list of candidates I’ll support. That is one thing that troubles me, though.
As far as laws on campaign donations, sure there need to be laws. But there should be no limits on donations, just full and instant public disclosure of who is donating to whom.
#23 well said! The chinese have been funneling money for what, 12 years now, to a certain candidate and her spouse.
Thanks BJ for your succint article on Fred. Not to overlook he was chosen to shepherd Alito and Roberts through the Senatorial minefield to confirmation to SCOTUS. Obviously he did a good job.
Correction succinct.
I am very disappointed in the progress Fred has made in the run for president. I was all for him, but now I am wondering if he is a looser. Get it in gear Fred and put some heat on your competitors.
“What’s up with that?”
“What do you mean, ‘what’s up with that?’,
["you juvenile jerk"]
http://lonestartimes.com/?s=Fred+Thompson
verses
http://lonestartimes.com/?s=Huckabee
/comments off!
Everytime I see Fred during an interview he seems like he is rambling on and doesn’t know what he is talking about. He doesn’t support the republican platform for abortion and is pro choice. Appears to be lazy and no desire for the presidency, just what America needs.
#31, Umm what have you been reading and where have you been reading it? Fred has been and is steadfastly pro life. His position papers (see his web site) are more detailed and comprehensive than any of the other candidates. You might not like what’s in them, but you know where he stands.
#32, I heard it in is own words on meet the press two weeks ago, he stated he did not support the republican platform on abortion and it was up to the states. He personally is against it, but stated others have the right to make their own decisions about abortions. Sounds pro choice to me.