2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

What the Media is Saying About Fred Thompson's Debate Performance

What the Media is Saying About Fred Thompson's Debate Performance
"Fred Thompson was solid"

"Fred is solid.  He just is....he has clearly given a great deal of thought to very big issues."  (Mark Levin, 1/6)

"Fred's having a good night."  (National Review Online, 1/6)

"Fred Thompson was solid" (National Review Online, 1/6)

"Fred is ever steady and ever conservative. It is hard to see why movement conservatives would not consider him seriously if Romney loses on Tuesday." (American Spectator, 1/6)

"On Social Security reform, Thompson sounds like a grown-up." (National Review Online, 1/6)

"Rudy is here...but he almost seems overshadowed by Fred (!) out of the gates." (Politico, 1/6)

"Fred Thompson talks as if he's polished off a tall glass of truth serum before he sat behind the desk tonight." (National Review Online, 1/6)

"...It appears that he just took Huckabee to school on the legal rules regarding captured al-Qaeda at Guantanamo Bay." (National Review Online, 1/6)

"It seems like between tonight and last night, Fred Thompson has found a style he's at home with, that works well for him..." (National Review Online, 1/6)

"Fred slides the knife in gently when he turns to Romney: 'Wasn't that Ted Kennedy at the bill signing for your health care plan?'" (National Review Online, 1/6)

"Then he explains to Huckabee that bringing Gitmo prisoners here would give them Habeus Corpus rights that they don't currently have. It's another Arthur Branch moment that works quite well for him." (National Review Online, 1/6)

"Thompson comes out and says the obvious - that all the talk of "change" is a reaction to Iowa, and that change is an inherent part of any election. 'I think what is more important is leadership.'" (National Review Online, 1/6)

"Fred knows how to do it. When he hits Romney on foreign policy, it doesn't sound snippy and bitter like McCain has done it this weekend." (National Review Online, 1/6)

"You've got to love his role as the grumpy conservative truth-squader for everyone. If only he could sit in on the Democratic debates too." (Rich Lowry, 1/6)

What the Media is Saying About Fred Thompson's Debate Performance

What the Media is Saying About Fred Thompson's Debate Performance

George Stephanopoulos: "I think Fred Thompson had a terrific night."

"I think Fred Thompson had a terrific night." (George Stephanopoulos, ABC)

"Fred Thompson won the debate." (The Atlantic)

"[Fred Thompson] came to play tonight." (ABC)

"[Thompson] and McCain sound like the adults on stage." (The Atlantic)

"Fred Thompson talking some serious substance too -- man, maybe I underestimated him." (ABC)

"Every answer was thoughtful and well-crafted; his tone matched the tone of the question; he wisely refrained from interjecting in the back and forth squabbling. He very deftly reminded viewers that he served on key Senate national security panels and is bringing his experience to bear." (The Atlantic)

"Still, it summed up what is likeable about Thompson - direct, clear, and logical." (National Review)

"Thompson is excelling on policy and style." (The Atlantic)

"Fred Thompson does get bonus points ... for intellectually honesty." (ABC)

"Fred Thompson does a great job of making the free market case for health care, in contrast to Romney's statism." (American Spectator)

"I think even the most ardent Romney supporters would agree that he didn't handle the question on his MA health-care plan all that well.  There was a bit of a deer-in-the-headlights look when Thompson challenged him on the plan." (NBC)

"[Romney] was backed into a corner on mandates in health care by Fred Thompson." (The Atlantic)

"How could [Mitt] have let Fred Thompson best him on a debate over healthcare? (ABC)

Fred Thompson Mason City Iowa Photos

Excerpts Of Thompson's Video Address To The People Of Iowa

Excerpts of Thompson's Video Address to the People of Iowa

McLean, VA - The Thompson campaign today released the following excerpts of Fred Thompson's 17-minute video address to the people of Iowa:

Hello, I'm Fred Thompson.

In the closing days of this historic contest here in Iowa, I wanted to take a few moments to talk quietly with you about the stakes in this election and the critical issues you will soon decide.

Because there is no frontrunner here in Iowa and because yours will be the first votes cast in this crucial election year, your decision will be one the entire country closely watches and learns from.

When you go to your local caucus on January 3rd and fill out your paper ballot - and, by the way, it's just that easy - how you vote will go a long way towards deciding who will lead us as president through dangerous years ahead.

That the years ahead will be dangerous needs no elaboration from me. Most Americans know the forces of terrorism will not rest until a mushroom cloud hangs over one of our cities. The recent tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Bhutto in Pakistan again demonstrates the terrorists' will to power and their relentless cruelty.

Along with threats to our national security, we have great domestic challenges before us - the economy, taxes, protecting our borders, and protecting the right to life. 

So, I want to talk to you now about the threats and dangers that we face as a people -- but also about the hope and opportunity I see out there...

Now there are many good men running for our party's nomination.  Each of them loves our country.   Each of them has something interesting and useful to offer.   But the fact of the matter is that the Republican Party is a conservative party.   That's the philosophy that's shaped us.  That's the philosophy that has won us elections.  And that's the philosophy we must champion if we are to win again in 2008.      

And on that score, among each of the men seeking our party's nomination, my record stands out.  I entered public life as a conservative.    I served in the Senate as a strong, consistent conservative with a 100% pro life voting record.  And I have the same philosophy today that I had back then.  What you see is what you get.  I dance to no man's tune.  And no one has ever accused me of changing my position on anything for the sake of political expediency.  That's why when someone here in Iowa said conservatives were looking for a horse to ride in 2008, I responded, "Saddle me up."   And in the battle of ideas, we can't afford a Republican leader who doesn't have a core philosophy that grounds him.   I know who I am.  I know what I believe.  And I am ready to lead... ;

And I would ask people to think one thing before they caucus: When our worst enemy is sitting across from us at the negotiating table, and they're thinking about what they can do to harm the United States of America, and what they might could get away with, who do you want sitting on our side of the table representing you, working to keep you safe? That's probably the person you ought to elect as President.   

I've been tested. And I believe our country's best days are ahead of us if we take on the responsibility of leadership.  The American people are waiting for us to step up, protect our values, our principles and our country.  Together we can do something great for America.    I welcome that challenge...

You know, when I'm asked which of the current group of Democratic candidates I prefer to run against, I always say it really doesn't matter. Because these days all those candidates, all the Democratic leaders, are one and the same.   They're all NEA, Move On.org , ACLU, Michael Moore Democrats.   They've allowed these radicals to take control of their party and dictate their course.   

So this election is important not just to enact our conservative principles.   This election is important to salvage the once-great political party from the grip of extremism and shake it back to its senses.  It's time to give not just Republicans but independents and, yes, good Democrats a chance to call a halt to the leftward lurch of the once proud party of working people.

Thompson Launches Closing TV Ad in Iowa, "Substance"

Thompson Launches Closing TV Ad in Iowa, "Substance"

McLean, VA -Senator Fred Thompson today launched a new 30-second television ad, titled "Substance," which will begin airing today in Iowa. 

Below is the script for the new ad.

Substance (30 seconds)

Fred Thompson: I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message.

Announcer:  The Wall Street Journal says Fred Thompson's tax cut plan "leads the GOP field."

A leading economic group calls it a plan "conservatives can rally around."

The conservative National Review says only Thompson has outlined "specific, conservative policies" on immigration. 

Investor's Daily says Thompson's national security plan features a "Reaganesque rebuilding of our military."

And the National Right to Life Committee endorsed him because they know he can win.

Fred Thompson.  The clear conservative choice.

Fred Thompson Receives the Endorsement of Bill Salier

Fred Thompson Receives the Endorsement of Bill Salier

Mclean, VA - Today the Fred Thompson campaign announced the endorsement of Bill Salier, a staunch pro-life, small government conservative who made an impressive showing as candidate for U.S. Senate in 2002. Salier recently served as Iowa State Chairman of Congressman Tom Tancredo's Presidential Campaign.

"I am honored to endorse Senator Fred Thompson for President," said Bill Salier.  "Senator Thompson has been a consistently strong advocate in securing our borders and enforcing the rule of law.  He has the leadership and experience we need guiding this nation and serving the people of Iowa."

A former Marine who completed his tour of duty in Somalia, Bill Salier took the Iowa political scene by surprise when the then-unknown family farmer and former Marine ran a true grassroots campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2002. Salier garnered 42 percent of the vote in the Republican primary against then-Congressman Greg Ganske.  Most recently, Bill served as the Iowa State Chairman of Tom Tancredo's Presidential Campaign.  A graduate of Iowa State University, Bill and his wife Karla operate the family farm near Nora Springs, Iowa.

"I am very pleased to have the support of Bill Salier," said Senator Thompson.  "A native Iowan and veteran of the Marine Corps, Bill is a true conservative leader in Iowa who understands the increasing challenges facing this nation.  We share the same conservative principles and I look forward to working with him as we spread our message of consistent conservatism to the great people of Iowa."

Thompson Campaign Announces Nevada Leadership

Thompson Campaign Announces Nevada Leadership

Mclean, VA - Today the Fred Thompson campaign announced its State Co-Chairs and statewide leadership in Nevada.  State Senator Bob Beers and State Senator Barbara Cegayske will serve as Nevada Co-Chairs.    

"I am honored to serve as State Co-Chair of Senator Thompson's Nevada campaign," said State Senator Beers.   "A strong consistent conservative, Fred Thompson understands the importance of lower taxes and smaller government in ensuring our long term prosperity." 

"Fred Thompson has the leadership and conservative principles we need in the White House as we face increasing domestic and global challenges over the next few years," said Barbara Cegavske.   "I look forward to spreading his conservative message throughout my home state of Nevada."

"We are proud to have this strong statewide organization in place in Nevada," said Randy Enwright, National Political Director.  "We look forward to running a strong campaign in this key early state and this leadership team will serve as a great asset."

Fred Thompson's Nevada Leadership Team includes:

State Senator Bob Beers, Co-Chair
State Senator Barbara Cegavske,  Co-Chair
John Mason, former State Republican Party Chair 
Madison Graves , Businessman and former Member of the UNLV Board of Regents
John Timmerman, former Nye County GOP Chair
Dawn Timmerman, GOP Activist
Carolyn Swafford, former Elko GOP Executive Director

Fred Thompson Announces Statewide Leadership Team In Iowa

Fred Thompson Announces Statewide Leadership Team In Iowa
Congressman Steve King to Chair Strong Iowa Organization

McLean, VA - Today the Fred Thompson campaign announced its Iowa State Chair and members of its Statewide Legislative Leadership Team.  The team is made up of leading conservative legislators from around the state.  U.S. Congressman Steve King, representing Iowa's 5th District, will serve as State Chairman of Thompson's Iowa campaign.  State Representative Kraig Paulsen and State Representative Sandy Greiner will serve as State Co-Chairs.

"I compared each of the Republican candidates, and after careful consideration, I support Fred Thompson as America's next President," said Congressman King.  "Fred Thompson has the sound judgment to appoint our nation's next Supreme Court justices, who will make important rulings that affect the destiny of America. I trust Fred to rebuild our national sovereignty by securing the border and restoring the central pillar of American exceptionalism - the rule of law."   

"I've met all of the Republican contenders and I'm most excited about Fred Thompson," said Representative Paulsen.  "I believe he can win the nomination.  He's no-nonsense and would do an outstanding job leading this nation."

"I've studied Fred's positions carefully, and I believe he is well qualified to lead our country," said Representative Greiner.  "I'm supporting Fred Thompson because he did not establish his conservative credentials recently.  He's always been conservative and has a record to prove it."

"We are honored to have the support of these leading conservatives in Iowa," said Robert Haus, Executive Director of Fred Thompson's Iowa campaign.  "These are leaders in our party, leaders in the conservative movement, and leaders who have proven track records, just like Senator Thompson." 

Fred Thompson's Iowa Statewide Legislative Leadership team includes:

U.S. Congressman Steve King, State Chair
State Representative Kraig Paulsen, Co-Chair
State Representative Sandy Greiner, Co-Chair
State Representative Clel Baudler
Former State Senator Bob Brunkhorst
State Representative Royd Chambers
State Representative Jeff Kaufmann
State Representative Jamie Van Fossen

Fred Thompson Receives Endorsement Of Minnesota Citizens Concerned For Life

Fred Thompson Receives Endorsement of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
State's National Right to Life Affiliate Supporting Thompson for President

McLean, VA - Today Fred Thompson received the endorsement of the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, the Minnesota affiliate of the National Right to Life Council.

"MCCL has joined NRLC and many state affiliates in endorsing Fred Thompson," said Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life Executive Director Scott Fischbach.  "His record and his positions on issues affecting life have earned Thompson our support for president."

The National Right to Life Committee is the nation's largest pro-life group with affiliates in all 50 states and more than 3,000 local chapters nationwide.  National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect those threatened by abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and assisted suicide.  MCCL is Minnesota's oldest and largest pro-life organization with more than 70,000 member families and 240 chapters across the state. 

"I'm blessed and honored to have the endorsement of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life for President of the United States," said Senator Thompson.  "Right to life organizations across the country continue to vote to endorse my candidacy because they know I have stood with them yesterday, I stand with them today, and will stand with them tomorrow.  They know I have the ability to win this election. They know I believe in the sanctity of life and as President I will do all that I can to do to protect life."

Fred Thompson is pro-life. He believes in the sanctity of human life and that every life is worthy of respect.  He had a 100% pro-life voting record in the Senate and believes Roe v. Wade was a bad decision that ought to be overturned. He consistently opposed federal funding to promote or pay for abortion and supported the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Child Custody Protection Act, and President Reagan's Mexico City policy. While Fred Thompson supports adult stem cell research, he opposes embryonic stem cell research. He also opposes human cloning.

Steve King Endorses Fred Thompson For President

Steve King Endorses Fred Thompson for President

Des Moines, Iowa - In a press conference this morning in Des Moines, Iowa Congressman Steve King announced he was endorsing Fred Thompson's presidential candidacy.

"Iowans have a profound opportunity and a great responsibility to make the first in the nation recommendation for president to the rest of America,"
King stated. "It is our duty to determine the most important issues and set criteria for how we make our decisions."

King has met in person with all but one of the candidates over the past few months. His evaluation of their suitability for the presidency was framed with the following questions, "Who would make the best leader of the free world? Who would best lead the United States to the next level of our destiny? Which of the candidate's records demonstrates the vision to lead and is consistent with our platform and values?"

During his remarks, King shared insights into each of the candidates'
strengths, giving praise to fellow Members of Congress Hunter, Paul, and Tancredo, as well as Senator McCain, former Governors Huckabee and Romney, as well as Mayor Giuliani, the only candidate King did not meet with in person.

"Fred Thompson is a solid conservative with a pro-life voting record and a logical Constitutional strategy to protect marriage. Of the candidates, he has the best understanding of the principles of federalism. He has adopted good policy and put together a solid platform. I have confidence that he would defend the border and the Constitution with appointments to the courts," King stated. He felt Thompson would bring the wisdom of Solomon to the White House.

"In the time that I've been evaluating the candidates, I've dealt with them in every arena.  I've probed their private thoughts and measured their responses.  I've gotten to know their families.  I've watched and sometimes helped shape their policies.  I've measured their instincts and intelligence," King explained. "There is only one candidate who epitomizes the full spectrum of our conservative values. There is one who is a comfortable conservative whom I have full confidence in his decisions.
That candidate also meets the test of life and marriage, judges and borders. That candidate has taken solid, persistent, and principled positions consistent with the Republican platform-which we wrote to inform the candidates of the positions of Iowa Republicans. That candidate has a record of faith, family, freedom, service, and success."

King said there is no question about Thompson's position on protecting our sovereignty at the borders, in the workplace and on the streets of America. He has confidence a Thompson presidency means The Rule of Law will be reestablished in American life.  "My long and exceptionally deliberative evaluation of the Republican candidates for president has come to an end," King concluded. "I will put all my efforts into and the fire into the belly of the person whom I believe destiny has called to be the next president of the United States, Fred Thompson."