2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Statement From Fred Thompson On Endorsement From Iowa Representative Steve King

Statement from Fred Thompson on Endorsement from Iowa Representative Steve King

McLean, VA - Fred Thompson released the following statement after being endorsed today by Iowa Republican Congressman Steve King:

"Congressman King's leadership in support of the sanctity of life and his efforts in the fight against illegal immigration have made him one of Iowa's great Republican leaders.  He's a tireless fighter for the 5th district of Iowa and I'm honored by his support. I look forward to working with Congressman King over the next three weeks and into 2008 in support of the traditional conservative values he and I share."

They Said It... "David Yepsen: Thompson Registers in Register's Debate"

They Said It... "David Yepsen: Thompson Registers in Register's Debate"

"Fred Thompson did himself the most good in Wednesday's debate among Republican presidential candidates in Iowa. 

"Thompson, a former Tennessee senator, was specific, good-humored and exuded an executive persona during the 90 minute session that was sponsored by the Des Moines Register and broadcast by Iowa Public Television.

"... [H]e had the most to gain Wednesday by turning in a presidential performance and he produced.  With three weeks until the Jan. 3 caucuses, it may help him pick up some last minute support in Iowa."

They Said It... "The Winner: Fred Thompson"

They Said It... "The Winner: Fred Thompson"

Chuck Todd: "the candidate who had the best afternoon I think was Fred Thompson"

"The winner: Thompson" (American Spectator, 12/12)
"Winner: Thompson"  (Jim Geraghty, NRO, 12/12)

"Frankly, the candidate who had the best afternoon I think was Fred Thompson. This was easily his best debate performance and he seemed to shine in this subdued format." (Chuck Todd, NBC First Read, 12/12)

"Winner: Fred Thompson. Good substance, good personality, and his I won't raise my hand for an answer question reminded me of Reagan say 'I paid for this microphone.' Fred definitely won." (Right Wing News, 12/12)

"He had the sharpest tone and sounded like a leader" (NBC First Read, 12/12)

"This guy looks like he could eat most of the rest of the field for lunch." (Jim Geraghty, NRO, 12/12)

"Seriously, it's like Thompson came to the debate in Des Moines today to do two things: Kick butt and chew gum. And it appears he's all out of gum." (Mark Hemingway, NRO, 12/12)

"Fred Thompson is easily having his best debate; the format suits him well; it's very issue oriented and doesn't allow for too many back-n-forths and gives Fred a chance to shine." (Chuck Todd, NBC First Read, 12/12)

"Fred the Truth Teller....That's been his emphasis today, and a compelling one." (Rich Lowry, NRO, 12/12)

"Fred Thompson was smart, funny, irascible and consistent, and probably helped his standing here." (Ambinder, The Atlantic, 12/12)

"Judging by This Debate So Far...  Romney's main threat in Iowa should be Fred Thompson." (Rich Lowry, NRO, 12/12)

"Thompson is sounding like he's decided this debate's format stinks, and so he's going to protest by mocking the mockery it has become. It's the most life he's shown in a while." (Jim Geraghty, NRO, 12/12)

"He seems, so far, a bit more rejuvinated than prevous ones." (Jim Geraghty, NRO, 12/12)

"'I want to take a chance on telling the truth to the American people.' Very nice line from Fred."
(Rich Lowry, NRO, 12/12)

"Finally, Fred wakes up and shows a little passion: 'When the enemies of this country are at the negotiating table, who do you want representing you? Whoever that guy is, that's the guy you ought to vote for for President.' One of his stronger moments." (Jim Geraghty, NRO, 12/12)

"Asked for a show of hands on global warming, Thompson finally stands up. 'I'm not doing any hand shows today.' A few folks applaud. Fred: You gonna give me a minute to answer it? Moderator: No. Fred: Then I'm not gonna answer it.  This gets a smattering of applause.  And yup, I'm applauding at home." (Jim Geraghty, NRO, 12/12)

"NEA...Another 'good for Fred' moment." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, NRO, 12/12)

"'The biggest obstacle is the NEA'....Another good Fred line..." (Rich Lowry, NRO, 12/12)

"Fred does come off as a sincere, solid man, with good instincts, who you want to see more of on more than Law & Order repeats." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, NRO, 12/12)

Des Moines Register Debate Fred Thompson Photo

They Said It: Fred Thompson At The Florida Republican Debate

They Said It: Fred Gets It 'Right'

David Yepsen says Fred Thompson one of "the clear winners"

"[T]his one was easily his best."
- David Yepsen, Des Moines Register

"Thompson reminded people that he is a steady, consistent, and thoughtful conservative."
- Bill Kristol, Weekly Standard

"And he stayed above the fray when the fights around him got downright nasty."
- New York Post

"The "Law and Order" star's positions were more polished than ever. He attacked Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney sharply and effectively."
- New York Post

"It was a very good performance..."
- Marc Ambinder, The Atlantic

"He was cool, good-humored and tried to offer some specific answers...."
- David Yepsen, Des Moines Register

"Where Giuliani stumbled, Thompson soared."
- New York Post

"His answer on guns was very clear and strong."
- Marc Ambinder, The Atlantic

"Fred Thompson took the opportunity to distinguish himself from both Romney and Giuliani"
- Associated Press

"Thompson got one of his strongest audience responses...when he said he would not grant amnesty to illegal immigrants."
- Fox News

"He also stirred the crowd after attacking Giuliani for his support of gun control laws"
- Fox News

"Thompson gets applause when he says the focus ought to be on overturning Roe v. Wade."
- Jim Geraghty, National Review

"While other Republican candidates say they want to save money by doing away with things such as the Department of Education, Thompson correctly goes after the big bucks in the debate over the national debt when he says the United States must reform Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid."
- David Yepsen, Des Moines Register

"Tonight, he repeatedly matched parts of his resume to the issues at hand..."
- Marc Ambinder, The Atlantic

"Thompson seemed more comfortable in this debate...."
- NBC's First Read

"He gets more comfortable with every debate."
- Marc Ambinder, The Atlantic

"Best sense of humor: Fred Thompson"
- Power Line

"Thompson's more comfortable appearance seemed to make a good impression with the chattering class."
- NBC's First Read

Statement From Fred Thompson

Statement from Fred Thompson

McLean, VA - Senator Fred Thompson released the following statement tonight regarding abortion:

"In tonight's debate we saw once again that on abortion, Rudy Giuliani is pro-choice and Mitt Romney is multiple choice.  I believe abortion should only be allowed in the instances of rape, incest and the life of the mother and penalties should be assessed against the abortion doctor and not the woman."

Statement By Communications Director Todd Harris On Tonight's Debate

Statement by Communications Director Todd Harris

McLean, VA -Thompson for President Communications Director Todd Harris released the following statement on tonight's debate:

"During a night of bizarre videos and personal attacks, there was only one leader on the stage tonight talking about the real issues facing our nation and that was Fred Thompson.

"While Mitt Romney was running away from his record, and Mike Huckabee was distorting his liberal tax and spend record, Fred Thompson talked about saving and protecting Social Security, cutting taxes for all Americans, ending illegal immigration, staying in Iraq until the job is done and protecting America's national security.

"Some of the other candidates may be louder than Fred Thompson, they may be more slick, they may have more positions on any one issue and they certainly may be more liberal, but only Fred Thompson showed himself tonight to be the one conservative who can beat Hillary Clinton."

Thompson Launches New TV Ads, "Service" & "Marie"

Thompson Launches New TV Ads, "Service" & "Marie"

McLean, VA -Senator Fred Thompson today launched two new 30-second television ads, titled "Service," and "Marie."

Below are the transcripts of the new advertisements.

Service (30 seconds)

Fred Thompson: 

I'm Fred Thompson and I approved this message.

Announcer:

Called to public service in challenging times.

A young federal prosecutor, tough on crime.

Fred Thompson.

A courageous reformer - fighting corruption in both parties.

Helping to expose the truth during Watergate and sending a crooked Democratic Governor to prison.

Fred Thompson.

A consistent conservative in the U.S. Senate, a 100% pro-life record, voting for three major tax cuts and fighting for conservative judges.

Fred Thompson - True conservative for President.

Marie (30 seconds)

Fred Thompson: 

I'm Fred Thompson and I approved this message.

Marie Ragghianti:

30 years ago, I discovered my state's Governor was selling early release to violent criminals.

When I spoke up, I was threatened and fired.

That's when I turned to Fred Thompson.

I was convinced he had the courage to take on my fight.

And I was right.

The Governor went to prison and I got my life back.

Fred is a man of genuine integrity.

Announcer:

Fred Thompson, President

Thompson Announces Minnesota Leadership Team

Thompson Announces Minnesota Leadership Team
Veteran Republican Leader to Chair Thompson Minnesota Organization

McLean, VA - Today the Fred Thompson campaign announced the members of his Minnesota Steering Committee.  Minnesota House Republican Leader Marty Seifert will serve as Honorary Chairman and lead the Thompson campaign operation in Minnesota.

House Republican Leader Marty Seifert has served in the Minnesota State Legislature for over a decade, representing the people of District 21A in southwestern Minnesota. During his tenure as a State Representative, Seifert has utilized his conservative philosophy and rural values to pass legislation that has an impact on the average working citizen in Minnesota. He's gained a reputation as a champion for tax relief and more efficient state government. Like Senator Thompson, Seifert believes in a strong economy led by free market solutions that do not pervade individual freedoms. As Caucus leader Marty has worked tirelessly to help recruit and elect Republican candidates at all level of government.  A former social studies teacher Seifert is currently an admissions counselor at his alma mater Southwest Minnesota State University

"I'm honored to be a part of the team that helps lead Fred Thompson to victory in Minnesota," said Republican Leader Seifert. "Thompson is the only true conservative in the race, and his message of smaller government, lower taxes will resonate with conservatives in our state."

"We are pleased to have Marty Seifert and these Republican leaders joining our Minnesota campaign organization," said Randy Enwright, National Political Director.  "This strong operation in this key February 5 state will be a great asset in helping spread Fred Thompson's consistent conservative message."

The Thompson Minnesota Steering Committee also includes:

Rep. Tom Hackbarth, Minnesota state legislator since 1994

Margaret Cavanaugh, Co-chair of the Third Congressional District Republicans and former Chair of the Third District Republican Coalition for Life

Rory Koch, Chair of the Fourth Congressional District Republicans, former Vice-Chair of the St. Paul Republican City Committee, and former three-term State Vice-Chair of the Minnesota Young Republicans.

Lori Windels, Vice-chair of the St. Paul Republican City Committee, First Vice Chair of the Fourth Congressional District, Secretary of the House District 65B Republicans and State Treasurer of the Minnesota Federation of Republican Women.

Daniel Riojas,  Political Director for Barb White for Congress Committee and former delegate to the State Convention

Mark Swanson, Chair of the Sixth Congressional District Republicans

Bridget Sutton, Veteran Republican activist and local School Board Member.

Mike Barrett - State Vice-Chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota Executive Committee

Lewie Reiman, Secretary of the First District Republicans

Kurt Daudt - Isanti County Commissioner and Eighth Congressional District Executive Committee Member for the Republican Party of Minnesota

George Cable - Representative for the Eighth Congressional District on the Republican Party State Executive Committee and former Deputy Chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party

Thompson Launches New TV Ad, "No Amnesty," In Iowa

Thompson Launches New TV Ad, "No Amnesty," in Iowa
Thompson: 'Giving up, by granting amnesty is not the answer'

McLean, VA - Following up on his tough Border Security and Immigration Reform Plan which emphasizes the need to secure our borders and enforce the law, Senator Fred Thompson launched a new 30-second television ad, titled "No Amnesty," that will begin airing today statewide in Iowa.  The 30-second spot is set in a diner, featuring the Senator sitting at a counter discussing the problem of illegal immigration.

The spot, titled "No Amnesty," can be viewed at http://www.fred08.com

Below is a transcript of the new advertisement.

No Amnesty (30 seconds)

Americans know we have an illegal immigration problem.

And most of us have a good idea about how to start fixing it-secure our borders, and enforce the law.

Giving up, by granting amnesty is not the answer.

It's unfair to those who have played by the rules and ignores the rule of law.

It's also a matter of national security.

We can do a lot better than this and with your help we will.

I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message.