I have no idea whether Fred Thompson, former senator from Tennessee, will
run for the Republican nomination for president, but he should.
He has Ronald Reagan's communication skills and speaks plainly in ways most
people can understand. Anyone who has listened to him substitute for Paul
Harvey on ABC News Radio senses that, in this, he follows in Reagan's
footsteps. Radio is an intimate medium. People who are able to connect with
a radio audience often can connect on TV and in person. Thompson, the actor,
plays other people. On radio and in news interviews, he "plays" himself.
Thompson conveys Middle American, common sense values. When he is asked a
question, he doesn't sound as if he's giving a poll-tested pabulum answer.
Agree or not, his statements spring from conviction.
In an interview with Fox's Chris Wallace last month, Thompson gave
refreshingly direct answers to questions. On Iraq: "We're the leader of the
free world whether we like it or not. People are looking to us to test our
resolve. Š People think that if we hadn't gone down there (to Iraq), things
would have been lovely. Š If Saddam Hussein were still around today with his
sons looking at Iran developing a nuclear capability, he undoubtedly would
have reconstituted his nuclear capability. Things would be worse than they
are today."
Yes, we made mistakes in Iraq, Thompson says. "We went in there too light,
wrong rules of engagement, wrong strategy, placed too much emphasis on just
holding things in place while we built up the Iraqi army, took longer than
we figured. Wars are full of mistakes. You rectify things. I think we're
doing that now."
Abortion? "Pro-life. I think Roe vs. Wade was bad law and bad medical
science. And the way to address that is through good judges."
Gay rights? "I think that we ought to be a tolerant nation. I think we ought
to be tolerant people. But we shouldn't set up special categories for
anybody. Š Marriage is between a man and a woman and I don't believe judges
ought to come along and change that."
As for "civil unions," Thompson thinks it should be left up to the states.
Gun control? Thompson is "against it generally."
Thompson is a member of the advisory committee for the Libby Legal Defense
Trust, which supports Dick Cheney's former chief of staff who is appealing
his perjury conviction. Thompson told Wallace if he were president he would
pardon Libby immediately: "This is a trial that never would have been
brought in any other part of the world. This is a miscarriage of justice."
There's something else to like about Fred Thompson. He doesn't appear to be
lusting after the job as if he needs it for his self-image. This, too, is
much like Reagan, who knew who he was before becoming president and was the
same after he left office.
It is said of Thompson that he has always "answered the call" of his
country, whether it was serving as minority counsel to the Senate Watergate
Committee, or in other capacities, including United States senator.
Some political "experts" think it is almost too late for any new candidate
to announce for president. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says he
intends to wait until September before saying if he will run. Actually,
waiting might be the best strategy for these Republicans. Conservative
Republicans are restless about what they regard as a weak field. They want
someone who can take on Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama and win.
Thompson thinks he can afford to wait until he again hears "the call." In
being coy and demonstrating patience, he is following the advice of poet
John Keats, who wrote:
"Fame, like a wayward girl, will still be coy
To those who woo her with too slavish knees,
But makes surrender to some thoughtless boy,
And dotes the more upon a heart at ease
Make your best bow to her and bid adieu,
Then, if she likes it, she will follow you."
Fame and the presidency may be about to follow Fred Thompson. That would be
good for the Republican Party and, should he win, good for the country. |