Monday, February 27, 2012
Eight Days to Super Tuesday...
... and I am still undecided.
And I'm not alone. I spoke with several of my good Republican friends - folks who are ultra-active in campaigns in terms of their time, support, and money - who were all undecided as of the end of last week. For folks that usually have their candidate a year or two before the primary, we all are in uncharted waters.
As was documented on this blog (and others), I was supporting Herman Cain before allegations of an extramarital affair proved to be too much to overcome. I even stepped up as his county chair here in Blount County. I loved Cain's straight talk, his outside-the-Beltway background, and his promise to reform the tax code. But, alas, that was not meant to be.
With the field whittled down to four, I still find myself undecided at this late hour. After the last debate in Arizona, I managed to narrow down my personal choice to two candidates. Ron Paul may have a great understanding of economic issues, but his views on foreign policy would likely get us all killed and his ultra-libertarian views eventually collapse upon themselves when freedoms eventually abut each other. I also think that Dr. Paul would have a hard time winning over voters in a general election against Obama because of his presentation. So Dr. Paul will not be getting my vote.
Neither will Rick Santorum. I really want to like Santorum. He says several good things that I can support. I even had him on the shortlist of candidates for the White House back in May of 2005. But lots has happened since then. Santorum says some strange things that even have conservatives scratch their heads, all of which could be overlooked by a conservative voter if not for all of the times that Santorum has compromised his conservative principles when it has personally benefited himself or those close to him. For example, Romney's crushing of Santorum in the Arizona debate on the Arlen Specter issue, where Santorum supported the liberal Specter over conservative Pat Toomey. I very much remember that episode, and Santorum's explanation was inadequate in parts and downright untruthful in parts. His debate performance in Arizona (I scored it last, even below Dr. Paul's) was crippling. If he were to perform similarly in a general election debate against Obama, the GOP would be looking at a double-digit loss at the top of the ticket and quite possibly losses down ticket that could take the Senate out of play. I think Rick's a really nice guy and appreciate much of his service in the Congress, but I can't pull the lever for him this time around.
That leaves Mitt Romney - the former frontrunner who tried to sit on a lead and run out the clock but instead showed weakness by allowing for one upstart candidate after another to temporarily pull ahead of him - and Newt Gingrich - the debate master who is trailing in the polls in several key states and has allowed Santorum to pull much of the conservative base by default after such bizarre talking points as building a base on the moon. I've met both men - Romney is a really nice guy, while Gingrich really isn't. I am obviously concerned that Romney has such a hard time connecting with the middle class (even if the middle class under Obama is almost non-existent). His past statements when running for Governor of Massachusetts are very tough to swallow. Of course, they won't be in the general election. In the current political climate, I told a Romney operative several months ago that Romney would have been better served to have no elected office on his resume - particularly in Massachusetts, where he had to take positions that are toxic with the GOP base.
Meanwhile, I'm also worried that Newt's campaign has been mismanaged and unorganized. (How does one not get on the ballot in major states like Virginia? Folks like myself who are, for the most part, out of the game but still know how to run campaigns and get things done regarding ballot access, aren't that hard to find. Sure, campaigns are either for the energetic young like Austin Walne and Ted Boyatt or the learned sages like Tom Ingram and Bob Davis, but there are plenty of us middle-aged folks who could have been asked to help.) Given Obama's enormous money advantage, there is no room for a disorganized campaign in the general election.
Both candidates have endorsements from folks that I very much respect - Fred Thompson, Herman Cain, and J.C. Watts for Gingrich, Nikki Haley, Jan Brewer, and Bill Haslam for Romney.
I don't plan on waiting to Super Tuesday to vote. I can't recall the last time I voted on an actual Election Day. Besides, I like the idea of voting at the old Blount County Courthouse instead of at the high school. I can see the merits in waiting - we'll know what has happened in Michigan and Arizona by then. Romney needs to win both states, and I can see him doing that. Gingrich has to win Tennessee and Georgia to remain in the national conversation, particularly given that he likely would have won Virginia but failed to make the ballot there.
I remain undecided, but I hope to make up my mind in the next 24 hours.
And I'm not alone. I spoke with several of my good Republican friends - folks who are ultra-active in campaigns in terms of their time, support, and money - who were all undecided as of the end of last week. For folks that usually have their candidate a year or two before the primary, we all are in uncharted waters.
As was documented on this blog (and others), I was supporting Herman Cain before allegations of an extramarital affair proved to be too much to overcome. I even stepped up as his county chair here in Blount County. I loved Cain's straight talk, his outside-the-Beltway background, and his promise to reform the tax code. But, alas, that was not meant to be.
With the field whittled down to four, I still find myself undecided at this late hour. After the last debate in Arizona, I managed to narrow down my personal choice to two candidates. Ron Paul may have a great understanding of economic issues, but his views on foreign policy would likely get us all killed and his ultra-libertarian views eventually collapse upon themselves when freedoms eventually abut each other. I also think that Dr. Paul would have a hard time winning over voters in a general election against Obama because of his presentation. So Dr. Paul will not be getting my vote.
Neither will Rick Santorum. I really want to like Santorum. He says several good things that I can support. I even had him on the shortlist of candidates for the White House back in May of 2005. But lots has happened since then. Santorum says some strange things that even have conservatives scratch their heads, all of which could be overlooked by a conservative voter if not for all of the times that Santorum has compromised his conservative principles when it has personally benefited himself or those close to him. For example, Romney's crushing of Santorum in the Arizona debate on the Arlen Specter issue, where Santorum supported the liberal Specter over conservative Pat Toomey. I very much remember that episode, and Santorum's explanation was inadequate in parts and downright untruthful in parts. His debate performance in Arizona (I scored it last, even below Dr. Paul's) was crippling. If he were to perform similarly in a general election debate against Obama, the GOP would be looking at a double-digit loss at the top of the ticket and quite possibly losses down ticket that could take the Senate out of play. I think Rick's a really nice guy and appreciate much of his service in the Congress, but I can't pull the lever for him this time around.
That leaves Mitt Romney - the former frontrunner who tried to sit on a lead and run out the clock but instead showed weakness by allowing for one upstart candidate after another to temporarily pull ahead of him - and Newt Gingrich - the debate master who is trailing in the polls in several key states and has allowed Santorum to pull much of the conservative base by default after such bizarre talking points as building a base on the moon. I've met both men - Romney is a really nice guy, while Gingrich really isn't. I am obviously concerned that Romney has such a hard time connecting with the middle class (even if the middle class under Obama is almost non-existent). His past statements when running for Governor of Massachusetts are very tough to swallow. Of course, they won't be in the general election. In the current political climate, I told a Romney operative several months ago that Romney would have been better served to have no elected office on his resume - particularly in Massachusetts, where he had to take positions that are toxic with the GOP base.
Meanwhile, I'm also worried that Newt's campaign has been mismanaged and unorganized. (How does one not get on the ballot in major states like Virginia? Folks like myself who are, for the most part, out of the game but still know how to run campaigns and get things done regarding ballot access, aren't that hard to find. Sure, campaigns are either for the energetic young like Austin Walne and Ted Boyatt or the learned sages like Tom Ingram and Bob Davis, but there are plenty of us middle-aged folks who could have been asked to help.) Given Obama's enormous money advantage, there is no room for a disorganized campaign in the general election.
Both candidates have endorsements from folks that I very much respect - Fred Thompson, Herman Cain, and J.C. Watts for Gingrich, Nikki Haley, Jan Brewer, and Bill Haslam for Romney.
I don't plan on waiting to Super Tuesday to vote. I can't recall the last time I voted on an actual Election Day. Besides, I like the idea of voting at the old Blount County Courthouse instead of at the high school. I can see the merits in waiting - we'll know what has happened in Michigan and Arizona by then. Romney needs to win both states, and I can see him doing that. Gingrich has to win Tennessee and Georgia to remain in the national conversation, particularly given that he likely would have won Virginia but failed to make the ballot there.
I remain undecided, but I hope to make up my mind in the next 24 hours.
Labels: 2012 Presidential Campaign, Bill Haslam, Fred Thompson, Herman Cain, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, Super Tuesday
Friday, June 19, 2009
Sunday Morning Fred
Word has come down that former Senator Fred Thompson will be on Meet the Press this Sunday. Set your Tivo accordingly.
Labels: Fred Thompson
Monday, January 28, 2008
Vote Early, Vote Often, and Vote for Fred
As Tennessee Senator Mark Norris and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey have done, I join in urging all Tennessee conservatives to vote for Fred Thompson in the GOP Primary. Voting concludes next Tuesday, February 5th.
This is not a vote "thrown away," folks. Evidence presented to me over the past several weeks (as with Carl Cameron's post on the subject) leads me to believe that Fred's campaign was an accident, that the idea was to generate some support as a vehicle to having Fred on the ticket as a Vice Presidential nominee. The support was too great, Fred was brought into the race, and the rest is history.
A vote for Fred Thompson sends the message to Governor Romney and Senator McCain that Fred Thompson can bring much to the ticket. If Fred were to break 20% support after withdrawing from the race, the eventual GOP nominee would have to acknowledge that there is real promise in our former U.S. Senator.
This FredHead wants to see Thompson on the ticket - which was apparently the idea in the first place.
This is not a vote "thrown away," folks. Evidence presented to me over the past several weeks (as with Carl Cameron's post on the subject) leads me to believe that Fred's campaign was an accident, that the idea was to generate some support as a vehicle to having Fred on the ticket as a Vice Presidential nominee. The support was too great, Fred was brought into the race, and the rest is history.
A vote for Fred Thompson sends the message to Governor Romney and Senator McCain that Fred Thompson can bring much to the ticket. If Fred were to break 20% support after withdrawing from the race, the eventual GOP nominee would have to acknowledge that there is real promise in our former U.S. Senator.
This FredHead wants to see Thompson on the ticket - which was apparently the idea in the first place.
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Red State Update: Fred Supporters Resort to Suicide
Jackie - I feel your pain, man. This could have been filmed at my office over the past 24 hours, too.
My "ape-like enthusiasm" is gone, too.
And if you are interested in Jackie's painting of Fred Thompson, it's on ebay here. As of 2:08 P.M. on Wednesday, the bidding is at $365. Don't even think that you're outbidding me on this one...
My "ape-like enthusiasm" is gone, too.
And if you are interested in Jackie's painting of Fred Thompson, it's on ebay here. As of 2:08 P.M. on Wednesday, the bidding is at $365. Don't even think that you're outbidding me on this one...
Labels: Fred Thompson, Videos
Blackburn: Will "Probably" Support Romney
A.C. at Volunteer Voters asked yesterday who would swoop in and pick up the pieces of the Fred Thompson campaign. After all, it isn't like this is Mike Gravel or Chris Dodd's campaign here. There is some value left in those who were with Fred.
One answer that was obvious to many already seems to have come to the forefront. Rep. Marsha Blackburn told the Washington Times that she will "probably return to supporting Mitt Romney."
Not really a surprise there. I suspect that Congressman Duncan will make a similar announcement within the next few days.
The same article also quotes sources that indicate that many of Thompson's staffers might be joining up with McCain. Given the level of disorganization and vision in the Thompson campaign, that might shore things up for Romney. (Just kidding, folks.)
One answer that was obvious to many already seems to have come to the forefront. Rep. Marsha Blackburn told the Washington Times that she will "probably return to supporting Mitt Romney."
Not really a surprise there. I suspect that Congressman Duncan will make a similar announcement within the next few days.
The same article also quotes sources that indicate that many of Thompson's staffers might be joining up with McCain. Given the level of disorganization and vision in the Thompson campaign, that might shore things up for Romney. (Just kidding, folks.)
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Sad Wednesday
Sigh...
Fred's out. Now I have to lampoon the GOP nominee from the Republican National Convention until Election Day. Not sure which candidate I will be backing during the savaging of the as-not-yet-known moderate GOP nominee, but I'm sure that it will add to my already cramped schedule.
Pearl's Vols lost. Got their butts handed to 'em in the second half by a pathetic Kentucky team. I love what Pearl has done with our program, but I think he might need to look at adjusting the rotation a bit. I've (of course) been to every home game this season, so I have a basis for my opinions. Ryan Childress - who made outstanding progress last year - isn't the same player this year. I'm hopeful that Duke Crews eats into Ryan's minutes when Crews is allowed to play, which would mean both Chism and Crews on the floor at the same time. Chris Lofton needs more minutes, too, as long as he is being aggressive, as we he was during the first half and end of the game last night. If that comes at the expense of JaJuan Smith, so be it. Finally, for every alley-oop that J.P. Prince and Tyler Smith miss instead of just putting the ball in the basket, the whole team needs to run stadium steps. Last night proved that Tennessee isn't in the same class as Memphis (after all, our coach has class) and Kansas. We're still good, and all that matters is peaking at tournament time, but we're not a Top 5 team at this point in time.
The weather sucks. It's 4:00 A.M., and I have no idea if I will be in court today or not. Sevier County Schools are on a 2-hour delay, and there isn't a weather policy on the Sevier County website. Maryville City Schools seem to be on schedule, which is what the Blount County courts follow. Not sure if I can get there, though, since it appears that the streets in my subdivision are still icy.
My elbow hurts. Yes, I made fun of falling yesterday, but I really did land on my elbow yesterday morning. I figured since the Knox County Schools were still on regular schedule that things would be OK. Nope. I don't think my elbow is broken, and I won't be without an X-ray. I guess that's the problem with a high pain tolerance.
Heath Ledger is dead. That sucks. After seeing the trailers, I was really looking forward to seeing Ledger as The Joker in the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight. Ledger was a very talented actor, and the thought that he died from an overdose is downright depressing.
Just a series of bummers, folks.
Fred's out. Now I have to lampoon the GOP nominee from the Republican National Convention until Election Day. Not sure which candidate I will be backing during the savaging of the as-not-yet-known moderate GOP nominee, but I'm sure that it will add to my already cramped schedule.
Pearl's Vols lost. Got their butts handed to 'em in the second half by a pathetic Kentucky team. I love what Pearl has done with our program, but I think he might need to look at adjusting the rotation a bit. I've (of course) been to every home game this season, so I have a basis for my opinions. Ryan Childress - who made outstanding progress last year - isn't the same player this year. I'm hopeful that Duke Crews eats into Ryan's minutes when Crews is allowed to play, which would mean both Chism and Crews on the floor at the same time. Chris Lofton needs more minutes, too, as long as he is being aggressive, as we he was during the first half and end of the game last night. If that comes at the expense of JaJuan Smith, so be it. Finally, for every alley-oop that J.P. Prince and Tyler Smith miss instead of just putting the ball in the basket, the whole team needs to run stadium steps. Last night proved that Tennessee isn't in the same class as Memphis (after all, our coach has class) and Kansas. We're still good, and all that matters is peaking at tournament time, but we're not a Top 5 team at this point in time.
The weather sucks. It's 4:00 A.M., and I have no idea if I will be in court today or not. Sevier County Schools are on a 2-hour delay, and there isn't a weather policy on the Sevier County website. Maryville City Schools seem to be on schedule, which is what the Blount County courts follow. Not sure if I can get there, though, since it appears that the streets in my subdivision are still icy.
My elbow hurts. Yes, I made fun of falling yesterday, but I really did land on my elbow yesterday morning. I figured since the Knox County Schools were still on regular schedule that things would be OK. Nope. I don't think my elbow is broken, and I won't be without an X-ray. I guess that's the problem with a high pain tolerance.
Heath Ledger is dead. That sucks. After seeing the trailers, I was really looking forward to seeing Ledger as The Joker in the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight. Ledger was a very talented actor, and the thought that he died from an overdose is downright depressing.
Just a series of bummers, folks.
Labels: Firm Life, Fred Thompson, Movies, Weather
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Why Fred Must Stay In the Race
I'm not one to openly gush about ads because they rarely say much. This one is different. This one really tugged at the heartstrings. It inspires me to work for Fred, and I'm certainly not the only one out there.
Isn't that what we need? Someone who inspires us? None of the Democrats are inspiring. I've said before that if John McCain inspires you, it probably says more about you than it does about McCain. The guy couldn't inspire me to get off the sofa. Romney, Huckabee, Paul, Giuliani - these guys have no shot at inspiring me to do anything but look away from our government.
This ad sums up what Fred means to this race. It shows the lies, the deceit, the scandal, and the duplicity of the other Republican candidates. It shows that America's future as the light of the free world is what is at stake here, the freedoms of your children and mine. As of this morning, there is only one conservative running for President of the United States.
I really hope that Fred sees it this morning before any decisions are made.
Hat Tip: Tennesseans for Thompson.
Isn't that what we need? Someone who inspires us? None of the Democrats are inspiring. I've said before that if John McCain inspires you, it probably says more about you than it does about McCain. The guy couldn't inspire me to get off the sofa. Romney, Huckabee, Paul, Giuliani - these guys have no shot at inspiring me to do anything but look away from our government.
This ad sums up what Fred means to this race. It shows the lies, the deceit, the scandal, and the duplicity of the other Republican candidates. It shows that America's future as the light of the free world is what is at stake here, the freedoms of your children and mine. As of this morning, there is only one conservative running for President of the United States.
I really hope that Fred sees it this morning before any decisions are made.
Hat Tip: Tennesseans for Thompson.
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Monday, January 21, 2008
The Rise of the Pragmatists
Well, I've been dreading this for some time now - ever since it became obvious that Fred's campaign team wasn't up to snuff.
As we are on the verge of Fred either soldiering on to Super Tuesday (where he could pull a state or two from the ranks and hold out for a brokered convention, which, given a look on the map and depending greatly on the resolve of the particular candidates, is still a real possibility) or terminating his candidacy, the pragmatic conservatives are starting to spin this week's probable nominee as palatable to other conservatives. I'm not sure if they are trying to convince others, convince themselves, or toe the party line, but that's probably something that only each of them individually can answer.
Some people aren't so moving. Pete Fanning won't be backing one of the pseudoconservatives come election day in Wisconsin. (Hat tip: Volunteer Voters.) UCLA Law Professor Stephen Bainbridge plans to sit out the election if Fred isn't an option. Bob Krumm is still planning on voting for Fred on Super Tuesday - as am I.
I'm certainly not passing judgment here, folks. I want to be clear on that. These men and women have been my conservative friends for years, and what happens between now and November doesn't change that. You see, I realize the anguish that these pragmatic conservatives are facing. They are political animals, and they don't have a candidate in the field that even comes close to representing their values. But they want to be involved - which is natural. So do I. They want to experience the camaraderie of working for the cause. After all, isn't that what being a member of a "party" is all about?
I admit - it's about to get really lonely over here at VOLuntarilyConservative. I realize that. I suspect that the day is coming soon where the GOP declares me the enemy. I will continue to support conservatives - the vast majority of whom will be Republican - both here in Tennessee and beyond. I'm not sure how that support will be received, though.
One point - I ask for people not to put the cart before the horse here. Fred's numbers are - get this - up in Florida, where he is one-point behind Huckabee and just out of the margin of error to Rudy Giuliani, who has been a Florida resident over the past several months. The Maritime Sentry pens a lovely plea to Fred Thompson to stay in the race. I join in that plea, as does An Angeleno's View of the World. So does Erik at RedState. Word out of Florida is that Fred's operation is still up and running while he tends to his sick mother back here in Tennessee. My understanding is that Fred has the funds to take him through February 5th. Stay in a bit longer, Fred. You're making up ground, and American conservatives need you now more than ever.
MORE: Via e-mail, it has been put to me as to whether or not I would support a ticket that had a true conservative - let's say Fred - as the VP nominee. That's a tough theoretical question.
If it's Fred, I probably would (especially on a McCain ticket, because McCain's health ain't exactly peachy). I'm not saying that I would for certain without knowing all of the parameters (Who is the conservative in question? Who is the nominee? Who is the opposition? Who are the third-party and independent candidates?), but I suppose that having Fred somewhere on the ticket is a heck of a lot better than not at all.
Does that make me a pragmatist? I hope not, but I guess that's for the rest of you to decide.
EVEN MORE: Bill Quick has the idea (Hat tip: Instapundit):
“You fight an election with the politicians you have.”
No, you fight an election over the principles you hold. When you are reduced to fighting an election with whatever politicians come to hand, you are admitting you - and your party - no longer have principles, and that you are merely engaged in a squabble for power at any cost.
Read the whole thing, including the comments, which are outstanding.
As we are on the verge of Fred either soldiering on to Super Tuesday (where he could pull a state or two from the ranks and hold out for a brokered convention, which, given a look on the map and depending greatly on the resolve of the particular candidates, is still a real possibility) or terminating his candidacy, the pragmatic conservatives are starting to spin this week's probable nominee as palatable to other conservatives. I'm not sure if they are trying to convince others, convince themselves, or toe the party line, but that's probably something that only each of them individually can answer.
Some people aren't so moving. Pete Fanning won't be backing one of the pseudoconservatives come election day in Wisconsin. (Hat tip: Volunteer Voters.) UCLA Law Professor Stephen Bainbridge plans to sit out the election if Fred isn't an option. Bob Krumm is still planning on voting for Fred on Super Tuesday - as am I.
I'm certainly not passing judgment here, folks. I want to be clear on that. These men and women have been my conservative friends for years, and what happens between now and November doesn't change that. You see, I realize the anguish that these pragmatic conservatives are facing. They are political animals, and they don't have a candidate in the field that even comes close to representing their values. But they want to be involved - which is natural. So do I. They want to experience the camaraderie of working for the cause. After all, isn't that what being a member of a "party" is all about?
I admit - it's about to get really lonely over here at VOLuntarilyConservative. I realize that. I suspect that the day is coming soon where the GOP declares me the enemy. I will continue to support conservatives - the vast majority of whom will be Republican - both here in Tennessee and beyond. I'm not sure how that support will be received, though.
One point - I ask for people not to put the cart before the horse here. Fred's numbers are - get this - up in Florida, where he is one-point behind Huckabee and just out of the margin of error to Rudy Giuliani, who has been a Florida resident over the past several months. The Maritime Sentry pens a lovely plea to Fred Thompson to stay in the race. I join in that plea, as does An Angeleno's View of the World. So does Erik at RedState. Word out of Florida is that Fred's operation is still up and running while he tends to his sick mother back here in Tennessee. My understanding is that Fred has the funds to take him through February 5th. Stay in a bit longer, Fred. You're making up ground, and American conservatives need you now more than ever.
MORE: Via e-mail, it has been put to me as to whether or not I would support a ticket that had a true conservative - let's say Fred - as the VP nominee. That's a tough theoretical question.
If it's Fred, I probably would (especially on a McCain ticket, because McCain's health ain't exactly peachy). I'm not saying that I would for certain without knowing all of the parameters (Who is the conservative in question? Who is the nominee? Who is the opposition? Who are the third-party and independent candidates?), but I suppose that having Fred somewhere on the ticket is a heck of a lot better than not at all.
Does that make me a pragmatist? I hope not, but I guess that's for the rest of you to decide.
EVEN MORE: Bill Quick has the idea (Hat tip: Instapundit):
“You fight an election with the politicians you have.”
No, you fight an election over the principles you hold. When you are reduced to fighting an election with whatever politicians come to hand, you are admitting you - and your party - no longer have principles, and that you are merely engaged in a squabble for power at any cost.
Read the whole thing, including the comments, which are outstanding.
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Fredmentum is Real in South Carolina
Before Fred Thompson got the good news that his candidacy had hit its goal of raising $1 million from the South Carolina debates to Monday night, he got some very encouraging results from Rasmussen's latest polling.
Fred has pulled within the margin of error of second place, with Fred, Huckabee, and Romney all within a few points of each other. Fred has shown the only gains between the last two polls, with most of his new found momentum coming at the expense of Mike Huckabee, who is down nearly as much as Fred is up.
Michigan's primary results later on today will certainly alter the look of the landscape in South Carolina (either McCain falls back to the pack or Romney is toast), but Fred has to like where he is now. (I know that I like it when I'm in South Carolina...)
MORE:
Volunteer Voters
John Rodgers
Jeff Woods
Blue Star Chronicles
Macsmind
Below the Beltway
Jason Pye
Instapundit
Fred has pulled within the margin of error of second place, with Fred, Huckabee, and Romney all within a few points of each other. Fred has shown the only gains between the last two polls, with most of his new found momentum coming at the expense of Mike Huckabee, who is down nearly as much as Fred is up.
Michigan's primary results later on today will certainly alter the look of the landscape in South Carolina (either McCain falls back to the pack or Romney is toast), but Fred has to like where he is now. (I know that I like it when I'm in South Carolina...)
MORE:
Volunteer Voters
John Rodgers
Jeff Woods
Blue Star Chronicles
Macsmind
Below the Beltway
Jason Pye
Instapundit
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Monday, January 14, 2008
Fred almost to $1 million goal
It appears that Fred Thompson might just reach his campaign's goal of raising $1 million for his campaign after his blistering performance in the South Carolina debates. To go over the top, several FredHead bloggers have proposed that everyone give $10 to the Thompson campaign at 10:00 tonight. (Yes, I know that American Gladiators is new tonight, but it should be over by 10:00.)
Here's an e-mail I received from Fred's campaign:
Dear Robert,
Because of your generosity we are $29,711 away from reaching our $1 million goal. Some FredHeads on the blog thought of a great way to make sure we meet our mark. At 10:00 local time give $10 to Fred's campaign.
If 2971 FredHeads give only $10 we will reach this important milestone and give Fred the resources to continue spreading his consistent conservative message in South Carolina, Florida, and across the Super Tuesday states.
So when 10:00 comes around add $10 to the red truck. You will have done your part to meet our $1 million goal and help Fred win the Republican nomination.
Please help Fred out--and thank you!
Sincerely,
William B. Lacy
Campaign Manager
Heck, why not? I'll use the little box over at the left sidebar of this site and make another small contribution to Fred's efforts at 10:00 P.M., as hokey as it may be.
Of course, I suppose that my actual assistance in South Carolina - which I have offered to the campaign at no charge on four separate occasions - would probably have done a heck of a lot more good than my measly $10 addition, but I'm still waiting to hear from Fred's campaign on that one. Heck, I've been waiting for more months than I can count, and the offer was reissued directly after the Iowa results came to light.
And in there lies the problem with Fred's campaign, right? Tennessee has been one of the only states - heck, THE ONLY STATE in 2006 - that has mastered the way to win campaigns for the GOP in contested elections. Even when the tide is rising nationally against the GOP, Tennessee has stood above the fray with its hard-working, knowledgeable campaigns. However, Fred (for the most part) went outside of the Volunteer State when garnering his senior campaign staff. Their non-traditional campaign has been quite underwhelming, and that is probably being kind.
Eventually, GOP candidates will learn that there is much value to pulling campaign staff from Tennessee sources. (Obviously, Mike Huckabee was a quick study when he turned his ship over to Chip Saltsman, and I would bet that Huck probably thinks that was a good move given his better than expected performance to date.) Tennessee conservatives know what they're doing - from the college students who are learning the trade all the way to the senior staffers like Saltsman - and candidates that continue to use the same retread RNC plebes shouldn't be surprised when they have trouble connecting with voters.
Here's an e-mail I received from Fred's campaign:
Dear Robert,
Because of your generosity we are $29,711 away from reaching our $1 million goal. Some FredHeads on the blog thought of a great way to make sure we meet our mark. At 10:00 local time give $10 to Fred's campaign.
If 2971 FredHeads give only $10 we will reach this important milestone and give Fred the resources to continue spreading his consistent conservative message in South Carolina, Florida, and across the Super Tuesday states.
So when 10:00 comes around add $10 to the red truck. You will have done your part to meet our $1 million goal and help Fred win the Republican nomination.
Please help Fred out--and thank you!
Sincerely,
William B. Lacy
Campaign Manager
Heck, why not? I'll use the little box over at the left sidebar of this site and make another small contribution to Fred's efforts at 10:00 P.M., as hokey as it may be.
Of course, I suppose that my actual assistance in South Carolina - which I have offered to the campaign at no charge on four separate occasions - would probably have done a heck of a lot more good than my measly $10 addition, but I'm still waiting to hear from Fred's campaign on that one. Heck, I've been waiting for more months than I can count, and the offer was reissued directly after the Iowa results came to light.
And in there lies the problem with Fred's campaign, right? Tennessee has been one of the only states - heck, THE ONLY STATE in 2006 - that has mastered the way to win campaigns for the GOP in contested elections. Even when the tide is rising nationally against the GOP, Tennessee has stood above the fray with its hard-working, knowledgeable campaigns. However, Fred (for the most part) went outside of the Volunteer State when garnering his senior campaign staff. Their non-traditional campaign has been quite underwhelming, and that is probably being kind.
Eventually, GOP candidates will learn that there is much value to pulling campaign staff from Tennessee sources. (Obviously, Mike Huckabee was a quick study when he turned his ship over to Chip Saltsman, and I would bet that Huck probably thinks that was a good move given his better than expected performance to date.) Tennessee conservatives know what they're doing - from the college students who are learning the trade all the way to the senior staffers like Saltsman - and candidates that continue to use the same retread RNC plebes shouldn't be surprised when they have trouble connecting with voters.
Labels: Fred Thompson, TN GOP
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Stop the Presses - An AP Reporter Writes about Fred!
Kudos to the AP's Jim Davenport. He not only acknowledged that Fred Thompson was working his way through South Carolina in his effort to win the South, but he even wrote a story about it.
Of course, since the polls just closed in New Hampshire, I wonder if anyone will read it...
Of course, since the polls just closed in New Hampshire, I wonder if anyone will read it...
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Fred Thompson on O'Reilly
I caught the 4:00 A.M. replay of Bill O'Reilly Tuesday morning, and it turns out that I was able to view Fred Thompson's first appearance on "The Factor" for this election cycle.
Fred was strong and didn't placate O'Reilly. He refused to recognize Romney and Huckabee as actual conservatives (which they aren't - just read what Gabriel Malor had to write about Huckabee).
It appears that Fred's campaign is back on track. I just hope that it isn't too late, and with no frontrunner for the GOP, it may not be. Rudy Giuliani sure hopes it isn't, as he isn't going to even show up until January 29th in Florida. (For more on Giuliani's strategy, check out this article from today's Washington Times.)
Fred was strong and didn't placate O'Reilly. He refused to recognize Romney and Huckabee as actual conservatives (which they aren't - just read what Gabriel Malor had to write about Huckabee).
It appears that Fred's campaign is back on track. I just hope that it isn't too late, and with no frontrunner for the GOP, it may not be. Rudy Giuliani sure hopes it isn't, as he isn't going to even show up until January 29th in Florida. (For more on Giuliani's strategy, check out this article from today's Washington Times.)
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
"Time to Step Up, Fred"
David Limbaugh has come to the conclusion that there is only one conservative running for President - Fred Thompson.
Now Limbaugh wants him to take the reigns and win back the White House.
Townhall.com has the column, and it's a good read. I certainly hope that everyone - especially those in Iowa - give Limbaugh a few minutes to plead his case.
Now Limbaugh wants him to take the reigns and win back the White House.
Townhall.com has the column, and it's a good read. I certainly hope that everyone - especially those in Iowa - give Limbaugh a few minutes to plead his case.
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Friday, December 21, 2007
Fred Thompson Telling it Like it is in Iowa
The Tennessean has the story on Fred sticking to his guns and not necessarily telling people what they want to hear.
For those who have told me lately that Fred hasn't been taking stands on policy issues, I present Exhibit #1...
For those who have told me lately that Fred hasn't been taking stands on policy issues, I present Exhibit #1...
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Fred Needs Funds
With the sleaze coming out of Politico.com lately (mostly from shill Roger Simon), I haven't made a habit of reading their junk. However, I have worked with Jonathan Martin before, so I make an exception for his pieces.
When Jonathan says that Fred is having trouble with money and time, I believe him. Read his piece, and then hit the Fred08 donation button in the left sidebar. After reading Jonathan's article, that is exactly what I did.
I figure it's an investment for my son's 2008. After all, I don't want him to sense that I am uncomfortable supporting an independent/third-party candidate against the Republican nominee in Giuliani, Romney, McCain, or Huckabee.
When Jonathan says that Fred is having trouble with money and time, I believe him. Read his piece, and then hit the Fred08 donation button in the left sidebar. After reading Jonathan's article, that is exactly what I did.
I figure it's an investment for my son's 2008. After all, I don't want him to sense that I am uncomfortable supporting an independent/third-party candidate against the Republican nominee in Giuliani, Romney, McCain, or Huckabee.
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Quote of the Day, Part Two
"I consider good gun control as a real steady aim."
- Fred Thomson, speaking in Manchester, Iowa, on Tuesday.
(Hat Tip: Say Uncle)
- Fred Thomson, speaking in Manchester, Iowa, on Tuesday.
(Hat Tip: Say Uncle)
Labels: Fred Thompson, Quotes, Second Amendment
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Quote of the Day
"When I read that Mr. Huckabee believes that if we played nice with other people they'd like us, (that) causes me to consider whether he understands the world that we live in."
- Fred Thompson in yesterday's Des Moines Register
Amen. Mike Huckabee sounds like another former governor of Arkansas when he says things like that.
- Fred Thompson in yesterday's Des Moines Register
Amen. Mike Huckabee sounds like another former governor of Arkansas when he says things like that.
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Fred in Iowa
Here is a vlog entry (apparently hosted by a robot at the onset) from Fred's campaign as he winds his way through Iowa:
(If the image isn't working, click the link above to see the video. I'm sure that I must have made some sort of mistake in the embed, as Friend of VOLCon Austin Walne appears to have posted the video on the Fred08 site.)
In addition, here is a great CNN report (whoa - did I just write that?!?!) on Fred Thompson's resurgence in Iowa:
I wonder if Fred's hard work of late might just pick up some new support when Tom Tancredo drops out tomorrow. After all, popular Iowa Representative Steve King is one of Tancredo's best legislative friends in the House, and King's endorsement of Fred could translate into a later endorsement by Tancredo. (No way that Tancredo is endorsing Giuliani, Romney, or Huckabee with their poor records on illegal immigration. Tancredo may not have won over too many hearts and minds in this campaign, but no way he's a sell-out. He was against illegal immigration before being so was cool.)
UPDATE: I just got off of the phone with my father. One thing you need to understand here is that my father is a theoconservative to the n-th degree. He nearly disowned me when I told him that James Dobson's endorsement was for sale. In any case, we usually don't see eye-to-eye on candidates.
My father is supporting Mike Huckabee. Yeah, I know. He has bought into the line that taxes didn't go up under Huckabee in Arkansas, that Huckabee is a friend of homeschoolers, that Huckabee didn't make inappropriate appointments and political pardons as governor, and that Huckabee wasn't miserable on illegal immigration. He even refuses to accept that Huckabee has no shot at beating a Clinton/Obama ticket.
I mention this because my father over the past few years is an accurate barometer of theoconservative thought over the past several years. If he has gone as far as to place a Huckabee sticker on his car - knowing full well that I owe Fred Thompson a great deal for hiring me in 2002 - then he is buying into the bunk that is coming out of the Huckabee campaign. He's also buying into the notion (which is oh-so-last-week) that Fred's done. As an accurate barometer, then I'm sure that many others feel this way, as well.
Don't sleep on Fred, folks. The next 15 days could spurn a surprise, and if Fred runs in the top two in Iowa and then wins South Carolina, he's in it for the long haul.
(If the image isn't working, click the link above to see the video. I'm sure that I must have made some sort of mistake in the embed, as Friend of VOLCon Austin Walne appears to have posted the video on the Fred08 site.)
In addition, here is a great CNN report (whoa - did I just write that?!?!) on Fred Thompson's resurgence in Iowa:
I wonder if Fred's hard work of late might just pick up some new support when Tom Tancredo drops out tomorrow. After all, popular Iowa Representative Steve King is one of Tancredo's best legislative friends in the House, and King's endorsement of Fred could translate into a later endorsement by Tancredo. (No way that Tancredo is endorsing Giuliani, Romney, or Huckabee with their poor records on illegal immigration. Tancredo may not have won over too many hearts and minds in this campaign, but no way he's a sell-out. He was against illegal immigration before being so was cool.)
UPDATE: I just got off of the phone with my father. One thing you need to understand here is that my father is a theoconservative to the n-th degree. He nearly disowned me when I told him that James Dobson's endorsement was for sale. In any case, we usually don't see eye-to-eye on candidates.
My father is supporting Mike Huckabee. Yeah, I know. He has bought into the line that taxes didn't go up under Huckabee in Arkansas, that Huckabee is a friend of homeschoolers, that Huckabee didn't make inappropriate appointments and political pardons as governor, and that Huckabee wasn't miserable on illegal immigration. He even refuses to accept that Huckabee has no shot at beating a Clinton/Obama ticket.
I mention this because my father over the past few years is an accurate barometer of theoconservative thought over the past several years. If he has gone as far as to place a Huckabee sticker on his car - knowing full well that I owe Fred Thompson a great deal for hiring me in 2002 - then he is buying into the bunk that is coming out of the Huckabee campaign. He's also buying into the notion (which is oh-so-last-week) that Fred's done. As an accurate barometer, then I'm sure that many others feel this way, as well.
Don't sleep on Fred, folks. The next 15 days could spurn a surprise, and if Fred runs in the top two in Iowa and then wins South Carolina, he's in it for the long haul.
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Chuck Norris Should Endorse Fred Thompson - They're Two Peas from the Same Pod
Yeah, I couldn't resist:
Take one part Fred Thompson, add some Chuck Norris, play to the entrance music of Stone Cold Steve Austin, marinate, and enjoy.
(Hat tip: Volunteer Voters)
MORE: From Instapundit:
"If he's got the guts to run this in Iowa and New Hampshire, he's got my vote . . . ."
EVEN MORE: Really, folks, don't you want to support the butt-kicking candidate, and not the:
Bad dancer?
Mike Huckabee gets it. Just watch this ad:
Notice that he took shots at the cross-dresser, the crazy old man, and the Mormon. Huck didn't dare mess with Fred. He doesn't want that kind of trouble coming down his chimney.
(OK, so the ad's a parody, but even pundits making fun off other candidates know that it's not wise to mess with Fred...)
Take one part Fred Thompson, add some Chuck Norris, play to the entrance music of Stone Cold Steve Austin, marinate, and enjoy.
(Hat tip: Volunteer Voters)
MORE: From Instapundit:
"If he's got the guts to run this in Iowa and New Hampshire, he's got my vote . . . ."
EVEN MORE: Really, folks, don't you want to support the butt-kicking candidate, and not the:
Bad dancer?
Mike Huckabee gets it. Just watch this ad:
Notice that he took shots at the cross-dresser, the crazy old man, and the Mormon. Huck didn't dare mess with Fred. He doesn't want that kind of trouble coming down his chimney.
(OK, so the ad's a parody, but even pundits making fun off other candidates know that it's not wise to mess with Fred...)
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Grinning From Ear to Ear
I'm not just talking about Fred (pictured here with Travis Tritt).
I'm grinning from ear to ear, too. Why? Because I don't have to answer the question I have heard at least 10,000 times since March - "So when is Fred going to get in the race?"
Of course, now the question probably changes to: "Can Fred win?"
Before y'all ask, the answer is a strong "yes."
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Fred Thompson
