After testing the waters for months, Former Tennessee Senator, Fred Thompson, finally dove into the 2008 race for the GOP Presidential Nomination. It’s perhaps the worst-kept secret of this poltical season, but he finally made the announcement on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – to be aired after I go to bed.
GOP opponents and some pundits believe that making the announcement in such a pop culture setting is demeaning – especially in light of tonight’s GOP debate (which many think he should have joined). I’ll admit that I would have preferred to see him make the announcement on the steps of some building in his hometown of Lawrenceberg, TN, but I’m just glad he’s finally making it. I’m also not sure that he would be wise to join the debate on the day of his announcement. But that would bring up the question of his timing. Oh well. Now, at least, we can finally have a discussion about the GOP candidates with all parties involved.
FYI – a whole series of articles preceded his announcement in the press today. Check them out (not all maybe flattering). The line-up is complete, and the race is on.
Thompson Joins Debate For 30 Secs
NOTE: I am not endorsing anyone yet. Really.
steveflesher
Philip
Mel Maguire
Mark Ciavola
Comments
Thompson couldn’t ask for better publicity than to hold the announcement until after the debate.
Look, everyone’s talking about it.
How many of the others had such fanfare?
Now that Fred has his had in the ring, all I know is his record on abortion. Beyond that who is Fred Thompson???
About the appearance on the Tonight Show, it seems Fred is trying to fuse Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton in terms of public persona.
Good question, Dave.
I share in the enthusiasm of Fred Thompson because he seems like an exciting guy.
But I tell you, I am really impressed with Duncan Hunter. The sad thing is we haven’t paid the attention to Hunter like we should have been. After last night though, I have a feeling more will.
If we are going to support Thompson, I just want to make sure that we aren’t just supporting him because we were so unhappy with the remaining “frontrunners” — I want it to be because he truly is the best man for the job.
We’ll see now that he’s finally entered!
I really have not endorsed Fred yet although I am enthusiastic about his campaign. I can honestly say that I am not just a Fred fan because of the bandwagon thing.
I lived in Tennessee for a little while during his Senate tenure, so I am very familiar with Fred the Senator. I guess that is why I was so pleased to see him run.
Philip, first and foremost, he demands some attention just for his self-imposed term limits while in Tennessee.
He needs to play that card during the debates, campaigning, etc., because it goes to him keeping his word.
I am keeping all options open, just as I think most conservatives are (except, eLeader Steve – just joking!) until they have researched all the candidates. I think the Reps are undecided, but I am thinking they are feeling out the candidates, but at the same time they are totally against the Queen Hillary mainstream media wagon.