The Discerning Texan
-- Edmund Burke
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Fred Hits the ground Running
If you like what you see here (and even the center-left leaners over at The Politico was impressed), here is where you can go to do something about it.
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson, Republican
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
UPDATED Fred Jumps In...
I am looking forward to helping a true conservative win this race, and right now I think that Fred Thompson is the most bona fide conservative in the race who has a chance to win. There are aspects of many of the other candiadates that I like, but for the things that really matter--the War against militant Islamism, Tax Reform, Federalism, Illegal Immigration and Border Protection, Second Amendment Rights, and Constructionist Judges who won't legislate from the bench--Fred is the best in the field, so far as I can see.
One slight caveat: I cannot sit here and pretend that a man with the intellect and communications skills of Newt Gingrich would not be a temptation for me, were he to jump in; the ability to communicate a strong stirring message cannot be over-emphasized, and that is the only real unknown for me about Fred--whereas Newt is almost Reaganesque in his ability to inspire. But at the moment Gingrich is he is not in, and Fred Thompson is--and I am acting on that basis.
It is going to be an interesting month, indeed.
UPDATE: Great appearance on the Tonight Show. Fred has already proved the pundits wrong: it was a master move not getting into that shouting match with Space Cadet Paul. I'm pumped.
Also check out this nice Thompson profile in the Washington Post. A pleasant surprise.
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson, Newt Gingrich
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Best Audio of the Week: Gingrich on the choice between an American Golden Age or the Decline and Fall of America
This was a very, very good decision. Gingrich's optimism here is contagious and his vision of not only where we can go, but of how we get there is about the most inspiring, yet intellectually honest thing I have heard in quite some time. And his consequences for continuing down the road we are on are equally straightforward and stark. Check it out here; this will be the best 45 minutes you spend all week. (it can also be downloaded to your iPod or other PDA device.)
And as I said yesterday: if Gingrich is now backing Fred Thompson, that alone is one hell of a good reason to get out there and campaign for Fred.
Labels: American Culture, American History, Economics, Fred Thompson, Newt Gingrich
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Is Fred being advised by Gingrich??
Fred Thompson's decision to announce his presidential candidacy with a video was suggested by Newt Gingrich, who is considered a possible contender himself.Former House Speaker Gingrich has indicated he will run only if Thompson does not or his late-starting campaign crashes and burns. Actor-politician Thompson plans to follow the model of Democrat Hillary Clinton by launching his campaign with a video, followed by a fly-around to several cities.
Gingrich has expressed contempt for becoming one of many announced Republican candidates at crowded debates. Thompson has decided to be one of many at the Sept. 27 debate at Baltimore's Morgan State University.
This would be a huge win/win for conservatives looking for a candidate. Thompson is a candidate with far fewer negatives than Gingrich, but who would benefit greatly from the former Speaker's intellect and ideas; and he would also benefit by Gingrich not diluting his potential base by entering the race himself. Alternatively, if Thompson wins, Gingrich could figure prominently in a Thompson Administration--as either his running mate or as a Senior Cabinet member.
As I see it our country needs both men to help lead us in this time of extreme national peril; and if Gingrich were to throw his complete support behind Thompson, it will be that much easier for people like me to get 100% behind the campaign. Stay tuned...
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson, Newt Gingrich, Republican
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Fred strikes a chord--Again...
When I was working in television, I spent quite a bit of time in New York City. There are lots of things about the place I like, but New York gun laws don’t fall in that category.
Anybody who knows me knows I’ve always cared deeply about the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. So I’ve always felt sort of relieved when I flew back home to where that particular civil liberty gets as much respect as the rest of the Bill of Rights.
Unfortunately, New York is trying, again, to force its ways on the rest of us, this time through the courts. First, they went after U.S. gun manufacturers, seeking through a lawsuit not only money but injunctive control over the entire industry. An act of congress in 2005 blocked, but did not end, that effort.
Now, the same activist federal judge from Brooklyn who provided Mayor Giuliani’s administration with the legal ruling it sought to sue gun makers, has done it again. Last week, he created a bizarre justification to allow New York City to sue out-of-state gun stores that sold guns that somehow ended up in criminal hands in the Big Apple.
The lawsuit has been a lesson in out-of-control government from the get-go. Mayor Bloomberg sent private investigators to make “straw” purchases – illegally buying guns for somebody else. According to the ATF, NY’s illegal “stings” interfered with ongoing investigations of real gun traffickers.
Obviously, New York won’t get much cash out of the few dozen shops being sued in Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia; so the purpose can only be political. Some of those sued have already buckled under the financial strain of legal defense and agreed to live by New York City rules.
Ironically, all of this comes at a time of historically low violent crime rates and historically high gun ownership rates nationally. States where it is legal to carry guns are also at an all-time high, up to 40 from 10 in 1987 by NRA reckoning.
While this attack by New York City on the Second Amendment reinforces the importance of appointing judges who apply the law as written, there is another important legal point. Federalism, though usually seen as a protection of the states from the federal government, actually grew out of the need to protect states from other states that interfered in free commerce beyond their borders – as New York is doing today. In this case, we need Federalism to protect states from a big bully in New York City.
Labels: Fred Thompson, Judicial Activism, Right to Bear Arms
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
An (unintended) Endorsement for Fred Thompson...
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson, Right to Bear Arms
Friday, July 27, 2007
Fred! Discusses the Race (video)
I have a link on the top right of my site page to contribute to who I think has a very good chance to be the next President of the United States--at a time when we sorely need him. This is going to be a "give until it hurts" election across the board; I cannot think when there has been a more momentous choice with such serious ramifications in my lifetime. I figure if Republicans were to lose the White House and Congress, I'm going to have to part with a lot more money (in taxes) anyway--I would rather do all I can to prevent that now, and also to prevent the inevitable recession and the job losses that would inevitably follow the Socialists taking over. If there was ever a year to give to Republicans in general, it would be for this next election cycle.
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Truther loses it in front of Fred; CNN spins it as Conservative questioning Thompson
Labels: 9/11 Truthers, CNN, Fred Thompson, Media Bias, Nutroots
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Is Newt Gingrich going to back Fred?
For all these reasons, when I saw this tantalizing story in The Politico today, my heart raced. Because a Thompson candidacy with Gingrich behind it becomes even more formidable:
Newt Gingrich's long, slow striptease over whether he will seek the presidency in 2008 looks like it might come to an unexpected conclusion: a date with Fred Thompson.If Gingrich does back Thompson, the prospect of a Gingrich role in a Thompson Administration would be another enticing reason to support Thompson: Gingrich is so intelligent he could excel in virtually any role, from White House chief of staff to Vice President to Secretary of State or Defense.... even Communications Director or Press Secretary: Gingrich is so articulate that he would instantly make Communicating the President's message to the electorate a big area of improvement over the current Administration.
Publicly, Gingrich has been sending signals making clear that a presidential candidacy for him is becoming less likely. Privately, he and some of his closest advisers have been meeting with -- and, in at least one prominent case, going to work for -- the lobbyist-actor and former Tennessee senator.
"I've always said it was unlikely I would run," Gingrich said in an interview last Friday with The Associated Press. And, he added, if Thompson "runs and does well, then I think that makes it easier for me not to run."
The same day that Gingrich made his comments, his former communications director, Rich Galen, disclosed that he had signed on as an adviser to Thompson's campaign in waiting. In an interview, Galen termed the coincidence "an unfortunate confluence of events," denying that there was any link.
But that was not the only evidence of a possible Thompson-Gingrich alliance in 2008. Gingrich and his wife, Calista, had dinner with Thompson and his wife, Jeri, at the former senator's home in McLean, Va., on July 16, according to two Republican sources close to both men. A Thompson aide would say only that "a good policy discussion" was had over the meal.
If a Gingrich endorsement of Thompson happens, it probably won't be until at least October. For one thing, Thompson isn't likely to formally announce his candidacy until after Labor Day. But Gingrich has also said repeatedly that he would hold off any decision until after he marks the 13th anniversary of the Contract With America -- the manifesto that spurred the GOP takeover of the House in 1994 -- by holding an online policy seminar in late September.
Stay tuned--this could be a very interesting fall campaign.
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson, Newt Gingrich, Republican
Friday, July 20, 2007
Is Rudy going soft on Iraq support?
More reasons why we need Fred Thompson to step up (and maybe Newt as a Cheney-like "active" VP?).
Labels: Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani
Sunday, July 15, 2007
UPDATED Estrich: Jeri Thompson's youth will "turn off" Old Lonely Women voters
It means that Ms. Estrich has reached a new low, even for her. Which is pretty telling, considering that this icon of feminism has very little at all to say about Hillary Clinton riding her husband's coattails all the way to a gift-wrapped Senate seat and Presidential run, despite the fact that their marriage is a complete sham, and knowing fell well that without the old blue-skirt chaser, Hillary would still be chasing ambulances for some mid-level law firm somewhere. So, Susan, please tell us: has this "model of womanhood" suddenly become the feminist ideal?? If not, then how about zipping it (no, I'm not talking about Bill Clinton now...) when it comes to the candidates' wives? You should be so lucky as Jeri Thompson; unlike Hillary, at least Jeri had made a name and career for herself before she married Fred. Seems to me that this is more in line with what used to be known as "feminism." But what do I know? I'm just one of those "older men" Estrich seems to despise so much...All of this should support the view that Jeri Thompson’s assets are irrelevant to her husband’s prospects. But I don’t buy it for a moment — at least not among women of a certain age, both married and single, who are liable to play a decisive role in this campaign, particularly if Hillary Clinton is the Democratic candidate.
The reaction I hear from every woman I know, those who have gotten sick to their stomachs over seeing middle-aged men cavorting with girls barely beyond their teen years, is a giant “yuck.”
What does it say about a man who’s busy having babies only two years after being diagnosed with lymphoma? What does it say that he’d rather be with someone who wasn’t even alive when JFK was shot, or at least was too young to remember where she was?
What does it say that he doesn’t care that she doesn’t remember the songs and the history and the fears we grew up with? [Who’s “we”? — ed.] Where does it leave those of us who do?
Dateless is where. And maybe voting no.
I can’t help it. It makes me like Fred Thompson less. And I can’t believe I’m the only one.
Susan Estrich, serious political commentator.
She knows how old Jeri Thompson is, incidentally; she mentions it earlier in the piece. By setting the date ranges as she has (pretty widely too, as women who were too young to remember the Kennedy assassination would be in their mid 40s now at a minimum) she’s emphasizing that this isn’t really about the Thompsons as much as it is symbolic revenge for every member of the First Wives’ Club who’s been wronged. Obama’s wife wasn’t alive when JFK was shot either but since she’s not cutting into any sexagenarian action you won’t hear any complaints about her. Also, as the hit pieces on Jeri start to pick up, keep an eye out for how many of them conveniently omit the fact that she didn’t “steal” Fred from his first wife by any means. They didn’t meet until 1996; Fred and the first Mrs. Thompson divorced in 1985. The Times, to its credit, at least mentioned that fact. It’ll gradually become unmentionable as the campaign wears on.
Exit question: What on earth is that lymphoma remark supposed to mean?
This sort of story also shows just how afraid of Fred Thompson the Left really is--terrified is really a better word. Bob Beckel was quoted in The American Spectator as saying that Thompson is the only potential GOP candidate "who scares me"; meanwhile Clinton aide Lanny Davis wrote in The Hill newspaper: "I hope he isn't the GOP nominee because he would be very difficult to beat, " and then goes on to address Thompson directly: "An awful lot of Democrats and independents would share with me their high level of respect for you, as well as their concern that you may be the most difficult Republican to beat in November 2008."
Exactly. So let the sliming begin--even before Thompson officially declares he's in the race! Susan Estrich should be ashamed of herself for such a transparent and intellectually vacant appeal to cheap emotionality. What a role model for Women everywhere...
UPDATE: Here is another example of the media's "Get Fred" mindset.
UPDATE: Don Surber offers his .02 on Hillary Clinton, "feminist":
Margery Eagan took a look on Saturday the Clintonian soap opera and decided, “Clinton spectacle one giant step back for feminism.” I found myself completely agreeing with Eagan, who wrote:
Bill and Hill is now morphing into Hill and Bill, for obvious reasons. The road show came to New Hampshire yesterday. Bill stared at Hill adoringly, rapt, like Nancy Reagan in drag, for God’s sake, except Nancy actually felt it.
Does it get more humiliating? Did Elizabeth Dole drag Bob all across America? Did Kerry Healey? Have you ever even seen Attorney General Martha Coakley’s husband?
“It’s a bad commentary on women candidates that she can’t stand on her own,” says GOP strategist Holly Robichaud.
Hillary is an embarrassment. Her voice is wrong. She is stiffer than an overdose of Viagra. She is as sincere as a Paris Hilton anti-DUI ad.
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Feminist Left, Fred Thompson
Monday, July 09, 2007
LA Times posts FALSE Fred Hit Piece, then changes story
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
UPDATED Fred! Surges to top of Rasmussen Poll
Rasmussen's latest polling shows that enthusiasm continues to build for a Fred Thompson candidacy. In fact, Fred pushed his way to the top of the poll, dislodging Rudy Giuliani from the top spot for the first time:
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson earning support from 28% of Likely Republican Primary Voters. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani attracts support from 27%. While Thompson’s one-point edge is statistically insignificant, it is the first time all year that anybody but Giuliani has been on top in Rasmussen Reports polling. A week ago, Thompson and Giuliani were tied at 24%.
UPDATE: Fred was weighing in on the issues today in London, check out the video here. (h/t Glenn Reynolds).
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson, Republican
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Why Fred! Makes Sense
Thompson is overflowing with good strong principles and integrity--like our current President--but also a demeanor that is comforting and fatherly; definitely closer to a Reagan/Roosevelt in that respect than it is to President Bush. In other words, someone who isn't going to piss off a good segment of the American People at any one time by siding with the elitists on issues unpopular for the very people who voted for him (with the exception of the Rabid Left Nutroots).
But don't just listen to me... (And, I hope Robison will forgive me for quoting him so liberally)--but just consider for a moment:
Fred Thompson is a small town guy who made it from the agricultural communes of south-central Tennessee to Capitol Hill and our TV sets. And while we admire the accomplishments of this distinguished lawyer, Senator and actor, we admire the man even more for seeming to remain grounded to his roots.You owe it to yourself to give the man a look. Thompson's new You Tube site is a good place to learn more about Fred via video conversations, and to explore why he just might be exactly the tonic this divided country needs right now.
Faced with a media establishment that has heightened its opposition to presenting news that makes Republicans look good, Fred Thompson has that rare and invaluable quality of speaking directly to ordinary Americans, saying what needs to be said.
He has ties to Hollywood but is not of Hollywood, which adds legitimacy to his insider knowledge of our media based culture. He is giving voice to that which vexes many of us, that liberal politicians and media elitists increase the risk to this country by downplaying the tyrannical and terrorist enemy in order to win political power. Pointing this out is a talent that has long failed President Bush.
Can anybody imagine President Bush saying what Fred Thompson did a few days ago?"I listen to the Democratic congressional leaders and I hear them talking about how many (House and Senate) seats they're going to pick up because of this war.... I listened to one of their presidential candidates talk about that this is a phony war, the war on terror. This is what passes for policy today in the Democratic Party."Can anybody imagine President Bush telling Michael Moore so publicly that the political system he admires in Cuba is nothing but a brutal tyranny? Thompson talked about Castro's abysmal treatment of Cuban journalists, a direct shot at the hypocrisy of the "video-journalist" Moore. The fact that Moore had no memorable response says it all; Thompson scored a direct hit and everybody knew it.
Many of us who loathe Michael Moore cheered silently. Thompson has slyly asserted himself as the easy going but tough guy of the right who also happens to be media savvy, more John Wayne than Reagan. And oddly enough in American politics, it all strikes many of us as genuine.
Many of us have not sat idly while major American news misrepresents everything from our war efforts to a make-believe plot to out a "covert" CIA agent. Again and again this administration has failed to support those who support it by defending itself. Instead it gives up and accommodates its opponents.
In the war of ideas, this White House long ago cut and run. Why didn't Powell, a former team member, identify Armitage as the leaker and stop the entire Plame non-scandal before it got started? Didn't President Bush have the same information? Why did they let this lie go unchallenged day after day?
[..]
Do we really need a big idea for immigration or do we need to just enforce the laws we have? Many of the economic policies of the President have had spectacular success and just need some one to protect them against a socialist onslaught.
Fred Thompson doesn't need big ideas; he only has to have the courage to reap the ones that President Bush planted in rugged, arid, cold ground and which he failed to protect from a biased media culture.
If you decide you want to help, here is how to get started. Let's win this thing.
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Fred! has a Blog!
Meanwhile, Glenn Reynolds has Peter Robinson's recent interview with Thompson. And he was looking pretty good on Leno last night too...
It is not only refreshing to hear straight answers--sans the spin and doublespeak--from a candidate on issues I care about; it is also great that his answers to those questions make so much common sense.
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson, Republican
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Fred! tied with Rudy in latest poll
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson, Republican
Thursday, June 07, 2007
BREAKING: Fred Thompson looks Adoringly at Younger Wife; Left has Canyption Fit
Is the left's problem with this that there is such a stark contrast between this and the Clintons--whose marriage of "political Queen-making" convenience is such a joke and obvious sham? You do the math...
Labels: Feminist Left, Fred Thompson, Media Bias, Nutroots, PC
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Who is Scarborough Kidding?
Labels: 2008 Presidential Race, Fred Thompson, Media Bias
