Jump To » Mobile / Confirm Them / Right Shelf / Sports / State Blogs / About / Contact / Help / Posting Rules / Conservative Book Club / Human Events
Republicans can unite behind Fred Thompson
By jforFRED Posted in Archived — Comments (43) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
I wrote about this previously, but thought I would strike up a conversation with Red.State readers today as it is Blogburst for Fred Thompson day. Not only must we now focus on elect ability, but the ability of a candidate to unite the Republican Party. In 2004, 85% of Republicans voted for GW Bush in the general election. This was not exactly a landslide election, so it proves the need for “getting out the vote.” Naturally, one key concern is that the Republican Party seems to be divided into 3 obvious factions, the social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, and foreign policy conservatives. Let’s face it, there certainly are Republicans who will stay home if they don’t appreciate the candidate. I think the mid-term elections showed us that Republicans will gladly avoid voting or even vote in the other directions to be true to their principles.
It seems to me to be pretty obvious that Fred is the only candidate who will have the ability to unite the three key groups of Republicans in the general election. While there seems to be a cash crunch in the campaign, we also know that once we have a nominee, interested Republican and conservative grassroots are going to be anxious to get behind someone we can all believe in.
During my time as a poster on Red.State.com I have found many consistent daily trends, but one that stands out the most is that I see few posters who claim that they absolutely could not get behind Fred Thompson. This seems to resonate with supporters of all the candidates who seem to be keyed in to one of the three groups of conservatives more than the others.
I’ve seen many Huckabee, Guiliani, Romney and McCain (even Paul) supporters saying they would gladly support Fred, often citing him as their 2nd or 3rd choice. Out of 8 possible candidates, that shows that there is one man we can all throw our support behind, either because he is our 1st choice, or because we believe he will get the job done, unite the party, defend the country, and beat the Democratic nominee.
Most posters seem pleased with Thompson’s strong stances on illegal immigration and national security. After reading the book, “Day of Islam” recently, I’m even more scared than I already was about our borders being wide open… and I was already a wreck! The idea that we likely have nuclear bombs already in this country reminds me of one thing. No diplomacy, no compromises… the border must be shut and the key thrown away. This is obviously an issue most Republicans are announcing as #1 or #2 on their list of priorities. I used to have it #2 on my list, behind War on Terror, but I can no longer separate the two. The eminent threat we have from our open borders in both Mexico and Canada is a key component, perhaps the greatest component of winning the GWOT and saving millions of lives. We are no longer talking about suicide bombers or the shooting up of shopping malls (devastating as they are.) We are facing possible nuclear holocaust.
Thompson’s frequent discussion of the link between illegal immigration and the Global War on Terror has many convinced that he has the understanding of the state of the world in which we live. Fred’s plan on immigration and building our military is 2nd to none. His focus on illegal immigration often cited as one of the top 2 concerns among Iowa voters drew the support of Congressman Steve King, one of the most influential conservatives in Iowa. Fred has the support of many foreign policy conservatives either as the #1, 2 or 3 choice.
Fred Thompson has earned not only the National Right to Life endorsement, but the endorsement of state right to life committee’s all across the county, minus to my knowledge only Georgia. Despite his Federalist views, he remains strong on believing that Roe v. Wade should be overturned and that while he is opposed to gay marriage, does not believe a constitutional amendment to ban either gay marriage or abortion is necessary. Fred has the support of many social conservatives either as the #1, 2 or 3 choice.
Finally, according to the Wall Street Journal Fred Thompson has the best tax cut plan of all the GOP candidates. He has jumped into the dreaded conversation of entitlement honestly and with ambition to save our future generations from paying for our mistakes. In this, he is modeling the Reagan era model of lowering taxes, increasing military spending which ultimately led to a safer and wealthier nation. Fred has the support of many fiscal conservatives either as the #1, 2 or 3 choice.
Fred Thompson has a very low level of core opposition, showing that should the time come that he is the nominee; few will have trouble jumping on the “big red truck.”
I am not without the ability to attack other candidates, but that is not the point of this blog. I do in my heart believe that each of the top 5 candidates have some attractive qualities, add Duncan Hunter who has no chance, but would be my #2 if he did. I believe Fred can rally all three “legs” of the Republican Party, mobilize the resources, the volunteers, the grassroots organizations, and of course the money of Republicans all over this great land of ours. His negatives seem to be focused strictly on his style or organization of his campaign or how late he got in. I remember him saying that voters would be worried about who the best man is to lead the country come election time, not who got in the race at the right or wrong time. McCain-Feingold was a disaster, but as he often says, the intention was good, but it did not work out well. And if the pundits want to call Jerri a “trophy wife”… all I can say is they are criticizing what they themselves could not have.
Many conservatives across the country are calling Fred Thompson the best person to lead the US. A large number of the endorsements received by other candidates can be chalked up as media (we know which way the media goes) or less than conservative groups. Sure, some respective conservative groups have backed candidates like Romney and Guiliani (Pat Robertson and National Review) and I commend those candidates for that… but some of those as well as other endorsements are head scratchers (Tancredo for Romney who is hardly our strongest candidate on immigration and was cast primarily as an attempt to hurt Huckabee who is worse. Fred after all, got the respected Iowan who was working for Tancredo.)
I think we should all consider that the idea of the primary being our opportunity to vote our conscience as long as we vote Republican in the general election an outdated concept. With the election season being as long as it is… we need to come to a consensus early and start working for that candidate early.
I know Mitt, Huck, Rudy, John fans will follow with their analysis, but I’ve yet to find a candidate who will be able to motivate the voters and volunteers of the different “legs” of the Republican party better than Fred Thompson.
Donate to Fred today, help him achieve his goal of being able to run one of the best campaign ads of the season during the final week leading up to the Iowa Caucus.
Happy New Year Red.State friends! No matter the outcome, I remain in this for the long haul with all of you for the betterment of our nation.
Nor anyone else
by JTaylor
Reports indicate that the support for all candidates is soft. 2/3rds say they may change their support and 4 in 10 supported a different candidate a month ago. This means that no one candidate has managed to close the deal with the GOP voters. Now consider that Romney has been out there for a couple of years spending millions and still can't break out of the pack. McCain should be considered the heir apparent as he is the only one who ran in 2000, (except for Keyes) and yet his campaign was dead after his CIR/amnesty support this summer. Everyone knew McCain - no need to get to know the candidate. Also, Rudy has great name recognition -- and yet his support has slipped away as everyone came to know him.
Each one of these candidates entered early and still the voters haven't made up their minds.
Now Fred Thompson entered at the time when historically candidates announce, versus the early entry of everyone else. There was an overhyped expectation that Thompson would just blow everyone away -- no candidate could live up to the expectations placed upon Thompson. Yet at the height of the Thompson hyped his support was higher than the support for the current front runner. So all of you Thompson people that were all buzzed about Fred in September -- come on back. Fred Thompson hasn't changed is conservative prinicples. He is out there -- campaigning hard. This earlier strategy to focus on Southern states is still in place. Please remember that southern states are the GOP stronghold. So come on back and get behind Fred, these are serious times and we need to support the stable and serious candidate who can deal with these issues. That candidate is Fred Thompson.
When a nominee is selected
by jforFRED
The point is that Fred can garner the support of backers of other candidates as the nominee better than the other top tier candidates as he meets the needs of each "leg" as opposed to one or two as the others do.
Have a nice day.
Jason in NorCal
right on the money
by Whitehorse
jforFRED! Fred does have the conservative foundation balanced very well. We'll see how his strategy works to peak @ the right time for the votes...
Match, is being an "uber"conservative blog bad?
No - I love RedState
by matchmatic
But I get the impression that some people allow their perspective to get skewed by believing that RedState represents mainstream thought on every issue.
It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support.
- Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1792
Good point
by Whitehorse
Redstate does not represent mainstream in terms of the US or maybe even mainstream when it comes to those who traditionally vote republican/conservative. How close does Redstate come to representing those who are active, informed, & "leaders" in republican/conservative circles?
To be honest, I don't know
by matchmatic
the answer to your question, but I don't think it really matters. Since we still elect our leaders rather than appoint them, it ultimately comes down to the majority of the electorate and not the "active, informed leaders".
It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support.
- Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1792
The South
by Mary Contrary
It comes down to the majority of the electorate, but also the segment of the country.
To win the general, a Republican candidate must win the entire south. Fred Thompson can win the entire south. I'm not so sure that any of the others candidates can.
Speaking for thousands
by beyondrightwing
I know I speak for thousands if not millions of conservatives out there when I say, "It's Fred or I'll write in Mickey Mouse." I won't stay home but I WON'T EVER vote for a rino. It's that old principles thing and I will not go against mine.
As a native Californian I voted for Tom McClintock for governor. When it came down to Arnold and Bustmywallet I wrote in Mickey Mouse. My wonderful "better-half" wrote in Mini. Neither of us knew who the other was voting for until after we voted and discussed it on the way home. I LOVE that woman!!!
It takes ALL THREE LEGS to be a true conservative as well as a solid message, concrete solutions to our problems, and a man who can state them all clearly to the American people.
Damn us all to hell if you wish but if you really want queen Rodham president vote for one of the pretenders.
I just neutered the cat, now he’s a liberal…
Beyond rightwing- email me
by jforFRED
If you are interested in volunteering for Fred here in CA. Just click on j4fred and it will show you how to email me.
Jason in NorCal
Too bad there's no Fred organization in CO
by NightTwister
At least not one that I can find. And now I find out we have a caucus on Feb 5? I've got some research to do...I've only lived in states with a Primary.
==== 13 ====
There's no organization in Nevada either
by Vegas Rick
And we have a caucus on the 19th of January.
Well, I was just contacted by the Romney camp.
by NightTwister
I'm not going to sit on the sidelines. If nothing happens with Fred's campaign I'll work with them.
==== 13 ====
I have a NV contact for you
by jforFRED
Vegas Rick- I have someone who can help you find a way to help in Nevada. Your account does not let me email you, can you email me and I will send you the contact info?
Jason in NorCal
You yahoo...
by Joe Schmo
I found every other site but this one. -nt-
by NightTwister
I'll be its in your blog somewhere too, huh...
==== 13 ====
Well, no
by Joe Schmo
Like I said, Google and Yahoo are your friends.
Since you don't read my blog, you missed Snow Blower which is pretty much what I've been doing since I got home from work tonight.
You neutered the cat...
by mbecker908
you can probably use the old 908 family reciepe for cat stew.
One cat.
One blender.
One carrot.
One onion.
Carrot and onion are optional.
____
CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
And what good would cat stew
by beyondrightwing
And what good would cat stew be without carrots and onions? And I prefer mine chopped, not blended.
Screw Mr. Bond, stir it...
Works for me... :>) nt
by mbecker908
____
CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
Nightwister
by jforFRED
Just contacted you, the link Joe Schmoe sent appears to be more official, but will let you know if I hear anything.
Jason in NorCal
Fred Thompson help
by CaliforniaForThompson
Jason, thank you very much for working so hard to spread the word about Fred Thompson.
Your efforts and success are notably felt and appreciated by the campaign.
Jason is working with a couple of you on this board to get you connected. Anyone else wanting to know about their local official campaign teams, feel free to email or call me.
Best wishes,
Richard Rios
California Political Director, Fred08
Fred Thompson for President
richard.rios@californiaforthompson.com
californiahq@fred08.com
714-410-2008 cell
714-333-0336 office
866-268-5620 fax
No candidate will unite us
by fast200
No one is going to unite the party because our movement has become too exclusionary.
The first mistake we made was basically jettisoning the libertarian wing by advocating big, conservative government. RP is a loon, but we didn't have to ostracize his followers. There is a reason his following is so devout, and its not because all those folks are crazy.
Secondly, all these purity tests we have chases good people away. Followers of candidates who have 70-80% ACU ratings are being mocked and criticized because they support RINOs. Just because someone is not 100% pure doesn't mean they aren't conservative folks!
I know Freds federalism appeals to many, including me, but I just don't see this guy as a leader.
The only way we are going to win this cycle, IMO, is if we nominate someone that will appeal to moderates.
That is how we lose
by Hooah Mac
And it has been true for 30+ years-
Moderate Republican = Loss
Bad call on the losing. We are talking about Presidential elections here, right?
"This resulted in Republicans winning six of the nine presidential elections (1972-2004), the GOP losing only after Watergate and to Bill Clinton (and then holding Mr. Clinton to under 50 percent of the national vote)."
Tony Blankley, Wash Times 11/28/2007
How is that a bad call?
by Hooah Mac
How does your statement apply to my what I said?
Moderate?
Nixon? no, elected 2 terms, overwhelmingly
Ford? yes, ran lost to Carter (Watergate)
Reagan? no, most conservative of this period, elected 2x overwhelmingly
G.H.W. Bush? arguably yes, one term, lost to Clinton who ran to the middle.
G.W. Bush? Ran as conservative, governed moderate. 2 terms
The candidates who appealed to conservatives have had greater electoral success by far.
Nixon
by GreatDarkSpot
I would have put Nixon more to the moderate side, at least on domestic and economic side.
Keynes was still king then.
Man, that was a loooong time ago. It's amazing how it has changed. J.F.K. would almost be considered a conservative today.
Time to Play the Game (n/t)
by birdmojo
Man is free at the moment he wishes to be. --Voltaire
In 1990,
by Achance
Walter Hickel, Republican, was elected Governor of Alaska. Wally, as he was known to all, was one of those self made men who jumped ship in Valdez, Alaska in the '30s with thirty seven cents in his pocket and by the '90s owned half of Anchorage. To show his committment to the City and the State, after the 1964 Earthquake, the strongest ever recorded, he used his own money to build a World Class hotel on the rubble that was 4th Avenue in Anchorage. But, to your point;
The speaker who introduced him at the Inauguration, also a seventy-ish guy, opened with quoting JFK's "The Torch Has Passed" speech ending with - THEY'RE BACK.
Since Bill Egan, of the same generational cohort, failed re-election in '74, the government of Alaska had been a totally hippy-trippy Boomer-fest. One fairly high level appointee type was heard to remark after Hickel was sworn it, "I feel like I have to start asking my father for the keys again."
JFK's beliefs and policies would put him to the right of the center of the Republican Party today, though the womanizing might get him crossthreaded with the SoCons. Yeah, it was a long time ago.
In Vino Veritas
The only way we are going to
by Menlo
The only way we are going to win this cycle, IMO, is if we nominate someone that will appeal to moderates.
That depends on how one defines "moderate," a term that means something different to everyone.
Moderates won't stay home...
by stang
if they don't like the candidate. They'll just vote for the other guy.
Conservatives will stay home. They've said as much here. If they see a moderate and a Donk, they're inclined to think "What's the difference?"
I think it's important that conservatives see someone they'll feel strongly enough about to go vote for on election day.
“Politics is the art of preventing people from sticking their noses in things that are properly their business.”
Paul Valéry
I'm hoping, too, but I have to tell you,
by jonlester
this might not be an inappropriate suggestion for a theme song:
Ron Paul supporters heart Fred
by jforFRED
Well okay, maybe not completely, but it does actually plan into my argument. In looking at many blogs, Ron Paul supporters often say positive things about Fred. I think many of them would get behind Fred, not Mitt, Rudy, Mike or John bringing the libertarian wing back in. I agree, this would be an important strategy.
Again, (including Paul now) I'm not saying everyone has Fred as their #1, obviously the polls are reflecting this, but I'm coming across less people who "would not" get behind Fred fairly willingly if he was the nominee.
Keep in mind, the point of this post is who can unite the party to win in 08. The party will still need to heal and continue to get back to its roots.
Nominating a RINO does not unite the party, it further separates us. Also, should a moderate (Menlo aptly stated that it depends on who a moderate is) be elected, this country may in fact never take a 2nd look at a real conservative again.
Working for the future, we should be focused on 2008 and beyond.
I've yet to have anyone in this post tell me why Rudy, Mitt, Huck, Romney would unite, only why Fred may not. I think that adds to the argument.
Jason in NorCal
That's the spirit
by Michael Handley
You have it exactly right. We need to get behind one man right now or the Democrats will have the White House. We don't have the luxury of spliting our votes or we will lose. If, (and I know it's a big if), Fred Thompson can get his message out to the voters, he will appeal to the silent majority and Our Country will be all the better for it...
Nail hit on the head...
by jforFRED
Well said Michael.
As I said earlier, I think this idea of using our primary votes to "vote our concience" only is becoming outdated, or at least not as credible. We need to get this done and get ready for November 08. What candidate has the least "unfavorables" and the best positions- as cited by many viable conservative sources.
Or, we can vote for the best style? Hmmm...
Jason in NorCal
Incredible
by David Ribeirao
The same basic post is written every day about Fred...
Someone remind me, what is the definition of insanity again? Something about doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.
* PRIESTCRAFT is thus defined: “The stratagem and frauds of priests; fraud or imposition in religious concerns. Management of selfish and ambitious priests to gain wealth and power, or to impose upon the credulity of others.”
Isn't it?
by matchmatic
Careful though, I was called an ignorant jerk tonight for posting a quote direct from the lips of the "great one". Not only do we have to read 850 posts all parroting each other about Fred, but they now want the comments to remain pure and unencumbered.
It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support.
- Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1792
Fred Thompson: Hands Down, the ONLY Consistently Conservative candidate.
Please support Fred Thompson's campaign:
Iowans need to hear about Fred's Substance (advertisement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lssb6gkjQa4 )
Great picture
by jforFRED
seekeronos, I actually emailed Fred08 yesterday recommending posting a fundraising widget with the red truck. I'd love to get a copy of that, can you send?
Jason in NorCal
blog advertising is good for you
Human Events
Recent comments
I was wondering the same thing.
by bloochCan't wait to hear from
by bloochI'm ashamed!
by jdmbamd2It does depend where you are
by Riskytrue dat
by kyle8*Many people [that don't
by ThreeNineNineTrollese
by bloochwhile i think it is great to know a 2nd language
by uglyandproud7Seriously.
by wennejunkMan, but you guys *bristle* so...
by Moe LaneAs far as I know
by ThreeNineNineUpdate: T. Boone Pickens in WSJ today....
by kowalskiI wonder if the D-koz is 'pre-aproved'. n/t
by Jim TomasikI just don't think many
by ThreeNineNineKissy face? How about
by swift93
blog advertising is good for you
get your job site
at simplyhired.com
the voters and volunteers of the different legs of the Republican party", then why hasn't he done it? I see no evidence of any momentum or coalescence around Fred, other than anecdotally here on RedState and other uberconservative blogs. It just isn't happening. I know that it can be frustrating when a candidate that you so strongly believe in doesn't take off, but making unreasonable and irrational statements doesn't change reality.
It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support.
- Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1792