Fred Thompson took part in his first Republican debate yesterday, and he continued to stroll along his low-key path to becoming the most likely candidate to take on the top Democrat.
Thompson has been criticized for being lazy and aloof to the fast-paced presidential race that now starts a year in advance of the first primary. Thompson seems to relish that portrayal. Asked about how Republicans can win back confidence in the economy, he replied:
"I think we need to tell the American people the truth. Congress' approval rating now is about 11 percent. I don't think anybody believes anything coming out of Washington anymore. I think we need to tell them the truth that our security is on the line, that our economy is on the line, the our prosperity is on the line. We're going to have to do some things differently."
Asked about the present course in Iraq, he opined:
"I think the policy we're engaged in now is the right one. Clearly, to me, we didn't go in with enough troops and we didn't know what to expect when we got there. But now we're showing signs of progress. I think we got to take advantage of the opportunities that we have there, now that we see a window of opportunity for things to turn around and us to stabilize that place and not have to leave with our tail between our legs. If we did that, it would make for a more dangerous United States of America."
Given questions that could potentially incite in-depth responses that might contain policy specifics or fresh ideas on a new course of action, Thompson laid it out his own unique way; we need to do things differently regarding the economy and we should stay the course in Iraq.
So while Romney and Guliani went at it over who raised taxes while in office, Thompson sailed under the radar without having to defend his past economic policies. No substance needed here…
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3 comments:
Thompson is the only Republican candidate that I am afraid of, insofar as I think that he has the best chance of all of them. He has that "Reagan-esque" style about him that people love. I personally do not get it, not having an infatuation for the president myself, but I do recognise the danger he could pose to the Democrats. America does not need another Reagan, or whatever Thompson will be for that matter. We also do not need a president who thinks that things are going well in Iraq. What is this "progress" that he mentions? Things have gotten better in Iraq before, and then quickly turned sour. We definitely need to change our policies in Iraq and we need a president who can see that.
It seems that he is saying the safe and easy things to stay popular. I don't think Republican voters know as much about him as they know about Guliani or Romney or McCain--and it's to his advantage!
I agree with Brad in saying that Thompson has that “Regan-esque” style, which will help him in combating the other republicans running against him and will definitely help him out if he wins the primary to run for president. I think we need better reporting on Thompson, currently we know very little about the man and the things we do know are not in the best interest for the country. However, they will benefit Thompson’s political goals.
To touch on the subject of progress in Iraq, I believe I see what politicians are referring too when they speak of progress. There is a strong correlation with the word progress and higher gas prices, it seems that every time I hear Bush, Thompson or whoever speak about progress in Iraq the oil process per barrel go up and more Iraqi citizens die. With all due respect, I can recognize that as being a form of progress form one prospective, but I also see that the country (Both the US and Iraq) are not benefitting from this so-called progress. Which means when I hear the word progress, that’s a code name for there will be more deaths in Iraq, the price of gas will go up, the economy will get worse, the stock market will most likely hit a new record high within a week or so…..what a pity
I also wanted to touch on the “Trust” issue Thompson brought up because I cannot remember the last time America actually trusted a politician. I personally do not believe that complete trust is possible within our system, which is a good thing because that will always mean there will be questions on every subject. The only issue will have to overcome in that area is to actually pose the questions and demand an answer, only then will we, as a people be able to make sound decision towards a common goal. As long as we are divided on our issues, we will continue to be divided on solutions.
By Thompson even uttering the words “I think we need to tell the American people the truth”, he gains support even though he is lying through his teeth. You have to remember he is an actor, same as Regan, so there is a fine line to what is fiction and what is real when it comes to this man.
I wouldn’t let him get any farther than you can throw him…but will stay tuned and touch back on this in a month to see if he’s made any progress.
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