Fred Thompson Picks Up Another Endorsement
MichaelW on Dec 27 2007 at 5:00 pm | Filed under: Domestic Politics, Election 2008, Media, MichaelW's Page
Freddy-come-lately is gaining some steam in Iowa, picking up an endorsement from the Ottumwa Courier this week:
Thompson is unapologetic on his views and is a straight-shooter.
“These are clearly challenging times. I don’t think we’ve fully come to terms with the kind of world we live in,” he told members of the Courier editorial board recently.
Indeed, Thompson believes work must continue in Iraq despite growing concerns American troops should return home.
We have to “finish what we’re doing,” he said, adding the United States must continue the fight there and in Afghanistan.
Thompson said the United States can no longer ignore the instability in Afghanistan and in nearby Pakistan because of issues ranging from the Taliban to the country’s economic dependence on the opium trade.
When it comes to domestic issues, Thompson again admits there are no simple answers.
On energy concerns, he believes in “a balanced approach to energy security that increases domestic supplies, reduces demand for oil and gas, and promotes alternative fuels and other diverse energy sources.”
He also seeks “an energy policy that invests in the advanced technologies of tomorrow and places more emphasis on conservation and energy efficiency.”
But the answers are not readily available.
“Oil independence, in the near future, is not to be had,” Thompson concedes, adding he thinks Americans are “willing to trade some discomfort to get some honesty.”
On economic issues, Thompson is blunt. The time is now to reform the American economy.
He says the country needs “market-based approaches to reform that guarantee benefits for those who need them and embrace personal responsibility and cost-effectiveness without raising taxes.”
Thompson said “it is a moral imperative that requires action now” and he wants a full account of the government’s fiscal books for “all to see and understand.”
The man from Tennessee is no-nonsense, speaks plainly and believes action is needed now, not later.
“There’s very little credibility coming out of D.C. to deal with these problems, so I think there’s an opportunity for someone who is willing to speak the truth,” he said.
Fred Thompson will do just that.
I’ve been told, but I don’t know this for a fact, that the Ottumwa Courier endorsement is a bid deal in southeastern Iowa. Regardless, it’s an encouraging sign to see Fred getting some positive attention that’s focused on his actual platform instead of his choice of headwear. Indeed, if candidate platforms were the genesis of most Election 2008 news, instead of silly speculation about crosses in campaign ads for example, I expect that Fred would be getting a whole lot more attention.
Here’s to hoping.
Also, Rick Moran is spearheading a blogburst campaign to raise funds for Fred, and draw some much needed attention to his candidacy as the Iowa caucuses draw near (more on the blogburst here).
Dear Friends,
I am writing to ask for your help.
All of us know the long odds faced by Fred Thompson in his efforts to win the GOP nomination for president. I’m sure you are all aware that Fred has undertaken pretty much of a do or die bus tour of Iowa in order to finish strongly in the Caucuses on January 3.
Many of you have already taken steps to support the Thompson campaign in a tangible way by placing fundraising widgets on your sidebar and writing about the campaign. In this way, each of us alone has done whatever we can to support Fred in his efforts.
But at this, the 11th hour of the campaign in Iowa, I think it would be a very effective fundraising tool if as many of us as possible were to participate in an old-fashioned Blogburst, writing a post asking readers to donate to the campaign while embedding a fundraising widget in the post for convenience.
I propose Thursday, December 27 for the Blogburst. If you have an email list, I would urge you to ask your subscribers to donate. If you know of other bloggers who support Fred, please forward this email and ask them to participate as well.
Not expecting a “money bomb” but even a few tens of thousands of dollars would help, I’m sure. Given the number of readers represented in the blogs listed here (where I got all of your email addresses) and your cooperation, I feel confident we can give a real shot in the arm to the campaign.
I don’t think any of us believe that our endorsement of Thompson alone means that much in the long run. But working together, uniting for one day and speaking with one voice, I think we could make a significant impact on Fred’s chances in Iowa. After all, when the candidate you support rolls the dice as Fred has, the least we can do is back his play to the best of our ability.
No need to respond to this email. Just do it.
Merry Christmas,
Rick Moran
Right Wing Nuthouse
If you’re so inclined, you can contribute to Fred’s campaign at Right Wing Nuthouse, or over at Fred’s site.
UPDATE (Keith):
I gave at the office - and if you agree with Fred, so should you…
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