Fred Thompson predicts immigration reform bill will fail

By BILL THEOBALD The Jackson Sun

CHICAGO - The immigration reform bill worked out late last week by Senate Republicans and Democrats likely will fail, former senator and possible presidential candidate Fred Thompson said here Sunday.

Thompson, speaking at the National Restaurant Association annual show, said the bill will not win the support of the American people because they don't trust senators' promises to block illegal immigrants from crossing the Mexican border into the U.S. "Nobody believes them. It goes to the bigger issue of the lack of credibility our government has these days," said Thompson, who was greeted with hoots and applause from the 2,300 convention attendees who filled a ballroom at the McCormick Place convention center. Thompson also was harshly critical of China, saying the military and economic threat the country poses is among the critical issues - along with untamed growth in entitlement spending - that are not being dealt with while the U.S. is fixated on the war in Iraq.

"I call it 'The Day After Iraq,' " Thompson said. "It's not a pretty picture."
He said China is "making deals with every bloodthirsty dictator they can" to feed its growing economy's need for energy.

Thompson made the meatier comments during the question-and-answer session with audience members, which followed a 45-minute tale of his path from Tennessee lawyer to Watergate prosecutor, to actor and Republican senator.

Dressed in a black suit, the towering Thompson casually leaned into the lectern and wandered away from it as he spoke in a laid-back style that was almost inaudible at times. Other times his responses were somewhat jumbled. But the crowd of restaurant professionals ate it up, giving Thompson a standing ovation as he entered and another when his remarks ended. Kevin Mundy, who works for a Maryland restaurant company, said he thought Thompson was "being real."

"It's just what the country is looking for - somebody who is going to cut through the political jargon and get to the point," Mundy said. Rebecca Eastham, a hotel management teacher at Oklahoma State University, found Thompson "genuine and down home." The crowd even cheered when Thompson admitted to a questioner that he didn't know much about Indian gaming and "wasn't going to soft-shoe" on the issue. Among the loudest ovations came when the possibility of Thompson running for president was mentioned. On that subject, Thompson remained coy, while saying he was not being coy.

Current speculation has Thompson making a decision in mid-June, a timetable that he did not dispute when one of his questioners suggested it. The idea that it was too late to get into the race that now has 10 Republican candidates is "baloney," he said. But he conceded that, to have a chance as a candidate, he must enter the race "in a decent time."

Thompson's next speech is scheduled for June 3 at a Virginia Republican Party gala in Richmond, two days before the next GOP presidential debate in New Hampshire.

Contact Bill Theobald at wtheobal@gns.gannett.com.

Hollywood vs. Iran

By Fred Thompson

The comic-book movie 300 about the Spartans and the Persians in 480 A.D. is still breaking box-office records. Now it seems the rulers of modern-day Persia — Iran — are not amused.

300, shows a small band of Spartans saving the lives of their countrymen and the seeds of modern democracy by kicking the much larger Persians forces effectively in the backside at Thermopylae until the shear numbers overwhelmed them. If I remember my history, that’s exactly what happened. But the Iranians have filed a flurry of complaints with the United Nations, claiming 300 is “cultural and psychological warfare.” Who are these guys who are getting all flushed over our cultural insensitivity?People who want to blow Jews off the face of the earth. The regime that stormed our embassy in 1979* and kept Americans captive for 444 days.

Iran’s Hezbollah puppets have killed more Americans, than any other terrorist group except al Qaeda. Explosive devices from Iran are being used right now against our soldiers in Iraq. They’re clearly more skittish about cultural warfare than the sort that actually kills people — like the one against Israel that Iran financed just a few months ago.I must say that I’m impressed that Hollywood took on a politically incorrect villain. Must have run out of neo-Nazis. So now these sensitive souls in Iran think that Hollywood is part of a U.S. government conspiracy to humiliate them into submission. I can only wish we were that effective.

Potential candidate Fred Thompson posts on conservative blogs

By LIBBY QUAID
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — Fred Thompson plays a district attorney on TV and, in real life, a commentator on the Internet — two roles that give him plenty of visibility for a presidential bid.
In recent weeks, the former Tennessee senator, who is considering a run for the Republican nomination, has used conservative Web sites to opine about tax cuts, the Virginia Tech shootings, even the NFL draft. ‘‘Whenever I’ve seen one of those ’Gun-free Zone’ signs,’’ Thompson mused at National Review Online, ‘‘I’ve always wondered exactly who these signs are directed at.
Obviously, they don’t mean much to the sort of man who murdered 32 people just a few days ago.’’ The actor-politician had experimented with blogging, posting two- and three-sentence thoughts on the Web site for ABC News Radio, for whom he is a host and commentator. But not until several weeks ago, after declaring an interest in the presidency, did he start weighing in in earnest. Now his opinion columns are appearing on RedState.com, the Pajamas Media blog, National Review Online and his own blog, The Fred Thompson Report. Several other conservative Web sites have picked up the commentaries. Thompson’s online activity helps create a buzz about him as he weighs a White House campaign, said GOP strategist David Winston. ‘‘It gets distribution amongst key audiences — conservatives, the media, people interested in politics,’’ Winston said. ‘‘People hear about an interesting idea, and it just spreads; people tell other people.’’ He drew a comparison to the way Democrat Barack Obama’s profile soared after he started running for president. The freshman senator’s MySpace page has amassed 160,000 friends since Los Angeles paralegal Joe Anthony created it. The Obama campaign took over the page on the social networking site from Anthony earlier this week.
Thompson, 64, needs an online presence if he wants to run, said Keith Appell, a GOP strategist and consultant for Pajamas Media. ‘‘The blogosphere and the Internet are truly transforming the campaign. It’s making that kind of outreach a necessity, whereas before, candidates could take it or leave it,’’ Appell said. ‘‘In 2004, Howard Dean almost financed his whole campaign over the Internet,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s only going to continue to change the way politics is done.’’In polls, Thompson does well for someone who isn’t even running, vying with candidate Mitt Romney and potential candidate Newt Gingrich for third in recent surveys. Thompson already is known to millions of television viewers as gruff district attorney Arthur Branch on NBC’s long-running drama ‘‘Law & Order.’’
His blogging is yet another indication that Thompson is serious about running. Another is his public admission last month that he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer. Thompson said he is in remission and never felt ill.The former senator from Tennessee also is making high-profile appearances. He was to speak today to the Lincoln Club of Orange County, Calif.In his online commentaries, Thompson keeps mostly to conservative themes. A sampling:— After Afghan President Hamid Karzai, in remarks directed at the U.S.-led military offensive in his country, said civilian deaths no longer were acceptable: ‘‘The next time I’m reminded of the suffering women endure in too many radicalized Muslim cultures, or apathy toward their plight back here at home, I’m going to conjure up the image of 40,000 or 50,000 Muslim mothers smiling into the faces of healthy babies. You might try the same — and remember, while you’re doing it, that these babies would not be alive today if it were not for the U.S. and coalition soldiers.’’— On tax cuts: ‘‘In fact, Treasury statistics show that tax revenues have soared and the budget deficit has been shrinking faster than even the optimists projected.
Since the first tax cuts were passed, when I was in the Senate, the budget deficit has been cut in half.’’— And on the NFL draft: ‘‘Why do these teams keep drafting players with character defects you can see at 100 yards in the dark with your back turned?’’ On the Net: The Fred Thompson Report: http://www.abcradio.com/Blog.asp?id15663&m5&y2007

About Fred Thompson

Fred Thompson is a true American statesman...

Fred Thompson grew up in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. He received his undergraduate degree in philosophy and political science from Memphis State University in 1964 and his law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1967, working his way through school.

Two years after law school, Thompson was named an Assistant United States Attorney and at the age of 30 was appointed Minority Counsel to the Senate Watergate Committee, where he served in 1973 and 1974. In 1977 Thompson took on the case of a Tennessee Parole Board chairman fired under suspicious circumstances. Thompson's work helped to expose a cash-for-clemency scheme that ultimately toppled the governor. The scandal became the subject of a best-selling book and later a film, Marie, in which Thompson portrayed himself. He went on to appear in 18 motion pictures, including In the Line of Fire, Die Hard II and The Hunt for Red October. Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate, Fred Thompson maintained law offices in Nashville and Washington and served as Special Counsel to both the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

In his first campaign for public office, Thompson was elected by the people of Tennessee in 1994 to the remaining two years of an unexpired Senate term. When he was returned for a full term in 1996, he received more votes than any previous candidate for any office in Tennessee history. He won two elections in two years by more than twenty points each. Senator Thompson retired from the Senate in 2002, having served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, and a member of the Senate committee on Finance.

In his time in the Senate, Thompson focused on issues such as reducing taxes, curbing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and eliminating government waste, fraud and abuse.

Since his retirement from the Senate, Thompson has returned to acting and plays Arthur Branch on the NBC series "Law and Order." In addition, Thompson was named by President Bush as an informal advisor to Supreme Court Chief Justice nominee John Roberts, moving his nomination through the Senate. Thompson can be heard on ABC News Radio where he serves as a host, commentator, and fill-in for Paul Harvey.

Thompson is married. He has four children and five grandchildren.

Committee Announces Key Congressional Support

Thompson’s Strength Shows Itself on Eve of Second Candidate Debate

For Immediate Release
May 15th, 2007
(Knoxville, TN) – On the eve of the second Republican presidential primary debate, the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee announced four more Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have joined the Committee’s Leadership Team. The Members include Gresham Barrett of South Carolina, Steve Boyer of Indiana , Jeff Miller of Florida and Don Manzullo of Illinois .

In another indication of Thompson’s rising support among key-state Republicans, Thompson ranked third behind McCain and Guiliani in the latest South Carolina Republican presidential poll conducted by Ayers McHenry & Associates.

“This is an exciting day for the Draft Committee. As many political insiders will be focusing on tonight’s debate, more and more voters are focusing on Fred Thompson,” said Committee Co-Chair, Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr.

“I am also extremely glad to welcome four more of my colleagues to our Leadership Team,” Duncan added. “These Congressmen represent a significant step forward for our effort. Each brings a tremendous reputation and a wealth of experience and Senator Thompson will be well served by their support.”

Commenting on Thompson, Rep. Barrett said, “Middle America can relate to Senator Thompson's common sense values. He is a statesman and a leader who appeals to a cross-section of American voters and I am excited about the prospects of his candidacy."

Rep. Steve Boyer, Ranking Member on the Veterans Affairs Committee, added, “Senator Thompson has the record, the integrity and the focus to lead this nation forward. He’s a true American statesman and we’re ready to get in the trenches for his campaign.”

Rep. Jeff Miller echoed this support saying, “Fred Thompson is exactly what this country needs right now. He would bring a conservative voice and a proven track record of leadership to this race and to the White House.”

Rep. Manzullo, former Chair of the House Small Business Committee and co-chair of the House Manufacturing Caucus added, “He (Thompson) understands the need to encourage strong economic growth through common sense policies. Whether you are a small business owner, or work on the front lines of the factory floor, your choice for president should be Fred Thompson.”

In welcoming these new members, Committee Co-Chair Rep. Zach Wamp said, “These are fine members of Congress who have always exemplified the values of the people they represent. By joining the rest of us in calling for Fred Thompson to run for pres we can rest assured these great leaders bring with them even more grassroots support, from across the Midwest and Southeast.”

The Ayers McHenry & Associates poll conducted May 5 – 8 showed Thompson with 6 percent support, double that of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s 8 percent. Senator John McCain ranked first with 25 percent and former New York Mayor Giuliani showed 20 percent support.

The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee serves to promote the potential candidacy of former Senator Fred Thompson. For more information about the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee’s effort, visit www.fred08.com.

Reagan's men are backing - an actor

By Tim Shipman in Washington, Sunday Telegraph

Last Updated: 1:02am BST 29/04/2007

Ronald Reagan's closest allies are throwing their weight behind the White House bid by the late president's fellow actor, Fred Thompson.
The film star and former Republican senator from Tennessee will this week use a speech in the heart of Reagan country, in southern California, to woo party bigwigs in what insiders say is the next step in his coming out as a candidate.A key figure in the Reagan inner circle has now given his seal of approval to Mr Thompson, best known as a star of the television crime drama Law and Order.

As deputy chief of staff, Michael Deaver was a key member of the "troika" of aides who kept the Reagan White House on track. With the chief of staff James Baker and special assistant Ed Meese, he was the master of image and presentation. Mr Deaver sees the same raw material in Mr Thompson as was perceived in Ronald Reagan, describing him as someone "that could really make a difference". He added: "He is very popular in his party. He could change this whole thing and turn this primary system upside down.
"As Ronald Reagan used to say, after he stole a line from Al Jolson, 'Stay tuned, you ain't seen nothing yet'."
Mr Thompson's political and acting careers have been closely interwoven for more than 20 years. He originally worked as a lawyer and -Republican campaign -manager, and was a key legal counsel in the Watergate scandal in the Seventies. He was then asked to play himself in a 1985 film about a real-life judicial corruption scandal in Tennessee, supposedly because the producers could not find a professional actor who could portray him plausibly. That launched his acting career, which he has maintained alongside stints as a senator and continued Republican campaigning.He has been a popular choice for on-screen authority figures, playing variously a White House chief of staff, a CIA boss, a highly placed FBI agent, and a senator. As one New York Times critic noted: "When Hollywood directors need someone who can personify governmental power, they often turn to him."
Mr Deaver voiced the view of many Republicans that the current crop of declared candidates is unsatisfactory. Of the front runner, the former New York mayor Rudi Giuliani, he said: "His popularity may be a mile wide and an inch deep. I'm sure that lead will shrink."
Mr Deaver's intervention is significant. He is very close to Mr Reagan's widow, Nancy, and is seen as the keeper of the Reagan flame.
Clark Judge, a White House speechwriter for Mr Reagan, said: "Fred Thompson, like Ronald Reagan, is a man of tremendous substance. There is a sense in the party that none of the candidates is quite 'it'." Mr Reagan, he said, had "embodied the mission of the party - entrepreneurial growth, limited government and a strong national defence. Whoever can bring that mission into this age will be the nominee. And it may be Fred Thompson." Roger Stone, who was a Reagan campaign strategist, said: "The president Americans want is, in fact, the guy they see on Law and Order: wise, thoughtful, deliberative, confident without the cockiness of George W Bush, urbane yet country. Fred Thompson communicates all those virtues."
In 1965, when Mr Reagan, then the host of the television show Death Valley Days, was considering whether to enter politics, members of the Lincoln Club in Orange County persuaded him to run for governor of California.
On Friday Mr Thompson will address the 45th annual dinner of the Lincoln Club, which is billed as the "largest and most active political club in the United States." The invitation was one that other Republican candidates had tried to secure. The club includes some of California's richest businessmen - a necessity if you need to raise $20 million quickly in order to compete with Mr Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney. The club found $100,000 for the 2003 campaign to oust California's Democrat governor, Gray Davis, which helped Arnold Schwarzenegger into the post.
Mr Thompson has shown that he recognises the importance of assuming the Reagan mantle. He is on record as saying: "Ronald Reagan believed in something. How much we need that today. He showed what can be done if you have the will to push for tough choices, and the ability to ask the people to accept them."
Mr Reagan himself, asked whether his training as an actor had prepared him for the presidency, once replied: "I don't see how any fellow that wasn't an actor could do this job."
Americans need not wait for Mr Thompson to win next year's election to see him in the Oval Office. He plays President Ulysses S Grant in the film, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, which opens next month.

Georgia Republicans Want Fred Thompson for President in 2008

Key Endorsements and Republican Straw Poll shows Thompson’s Potential Candidacy Gaining Ground across Georgia

For Immediate Release
May 22nd, 2007)

(Knoxville, – In one of the strongest signs to date of the growing support for a Fred Thompson presidential campaign, Georgia Republican activists overwhelmingly supported Thompson in a Saturday straw poll by a margin of more than two-to-one over the second place finisher, former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich.
In addition, over 33 state legislators and elected officials led by State Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson and Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxedine have joined the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 effort to encourage Thompson to run. “Senator Thompson is exactly the person we need in this campaign. His optimistic vision and leadership can draw in people and build coalitions we have not seen since President Reagan’s campaigns,” said State Senator Eric Johnson, Georgia President Pro Tempore.
The straw poll, jointly conducted by the Georgia Young Republicans and the Republican Liberty Caucus of Georgia, showed 44 percent support for Thompson and 18 percent for Gingrich. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani received 15 percent followed by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney with nine percent. Senator John McCain received two percent of the vote.
“If the Republican base started sky writing, the message would not be any clearer – voters want Fred Thompson to run and they want him to win,” said Dean Rice, Draft Committee Treasurer. Brian Dart, Georgia member of the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee and past campaign manager for Rep. Jack Kingston, added, “We need a leader with strong values, vision, and the ability to unite our country. I believe Fred Thompson is that leader."
The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee website www.Fred08.com has additional information regarding the draft effort.

Momentum for Thompson Grows across the Country

For Immediate Release
May 14th, 2007
(Knoxville, TN) – The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee announced today that Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chair, Jeff Cloud, and former Oklahoma State Republican Party Chair, Steve Edwards, have joined the Committee’s Leadership Team. In addition, former Senator Fred Thompson won the Wisconsin Republican Party presidential straw poll held over the weekend.

“Fred Thompson is the right man for America . I enthusiastically endorse Senator Thompson because he a strong, extremely bright, consistent conservative who will be the best candidate by far to lead us in these difficult times,” said Cloud.

Edwards, former State Party Chair and former Chief Counsel to the National Republican Congressional Committee, added, “Senator Thompson is without a doubt the right leader for our nation. His core convictions and resolve will make him an outstanding candidate and even better president.”

“Commissioner Cloud and Chairman Edwards both have tremendous reputations in Republican politics and their leadership will be a tremendous addition to our committee,” said Dean Rice, Draft Committee Treasurer

The Draft Committee also announced today that former Senator Fred Thompson won the May 12, 2007 Wisconsin Republican Party straw poll with 31 percent of the vote. Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and hometown favorite came in second with 27 percent ahead of former Massachusetts Governor Romney’s 13 percent and former New York Mayor Giuliani’s 11 percent. U.S. Senator John McCain had 3 percent.

The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee serves to promote the potential candidacy of former Senator Fred Thompson. For more information about the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee’s effort, visit www.fred08.com.