Fred Thompson on Push Polling

Fred Thompson Gets Mad

By Joel Achenbach
PROSPERITY, S.C. -- You rarely see Fred Thompson get too riled about anything, but steam was near about shooting from his ears today when he heard at a campaign stop that some of his supporters had received "push poll" calls from a group supporting Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee.

At a steak house in this small town west of Columbia, a man in the small crowd told Thompson that many people had gotten such calls in the past 24 hours. Thompson asked anyone who had received such a call to raise his or hand. At least a dozen hands shot up. The former senator said he'd heard of push polls accusing him of supporting partial birth abortion.

"They're taking the most outrageous, easily disproved things that they can come up with. It's amazing to me. Its so ham-handed," Thompson said. "I had a 100 percent pro-life voting record over 8 years."

Trey Taylor, 41, told The Post that he'd gotten a call in which, after he'd revealed his preference for Thompson, a recorded voice said Thompson had lobbied on behalf of a "radical" pro-abortion organization. The recording then cited Huckabee's anti-abortion record.

Speaking with reporters, Thompson looked like he was ready to strip the bark off Huckabee. He suggested that Huckabee isn't trying to "win the legitimate way" by focusing on the issues. At the most recent debate, he said, "I confronted him man to man, with regard to the issues. This is the response I get."

Thompson said he expects the governor of South Carolina to respond to the push polling. The state, he said, has gotten a "bad rap" for nasty campaign tactics in the past. This time, he said, "The only one I know that's doing any negative campaigning here is the Huckabee people." [source]

Since it is not proof positive that Mike Huckabee himself or even his campaign has anything to do with this directly I will assume that it is not from the Huck camp. But I do have some suspicions about some stuff. Supposedly Mike Huckabee has been telling them to stop. They aren't stopping. They are supposed to be from his supporters. If he can't persuade "friends" how can he persuade enemies?

David Limbaugh Endorses Fred Thompson!

Rush Limbaugh's brother, David, Endorses Fred Thompson.

• New Column: Answering Fred's Call
  Commentators are citing the unpredictability of the Republican primary contests as proof that Reagan conservatism is dead when precisely the opposite conclusion is warranted.
• The main reason the conventional wisdom is being shattered in the primaries is that conservative voters, so far, have not been persuaded there is an electable, reliable conservative in the race.
• But as I've stated before, I believe Fred Thompson is a reliable, consistent conservative. There are others in the field I could support, but not without some reservations. The more I learn about Fred and observe him in action, the more convinced I become that he's the right choice.
• I was among those who urged Fred to step up and prove to the people he wanted the job. Regardless of whether Fred actually had "fire in his belly," the unmistakable perception out there was that he did not, so I encouraged him to add a little spring to his step.
• But I've also appreciated Fred's unwillingness to be somebody he is not. He will not respond like a puppet when a debate moderator tells him to raise his hand to signify a childishly simplistic approval or disapproval of a certain policy. He will not be goaded by interviewers into saying things he doesn't feel comfortable saying. He won't divide us with class envy or pretend we can be friends with rogue regimes or terrorists. He does not promise a chicken in every pot or pander to liberals on global warming.
  He will not otherwise tailor his positions to suit the demands of particular constituencies. For example, he has the courage to preach that Social Security is in trouble, but unlike most others, he doesn't surrender to the oppressive populist seduction to urge government fixes for it or for health care. Instead, he courageously tells us -- if we'll listen -- that the answers lie in greater market forces. (Listen up, conservatives.)
• Fred does not run from his record -- more to the point, he doesn't need to. He shoots straight without the constant self-serving reminders that he does, as in telling us he's driving the "Straight Talk Express."
• More importantly, Fred is right on the issues, and there's little doubt his positions are firm. Research his stances; read his position papers. You'll find he's very strong in all areas important to mainstream conservatives, including national defense, taxes, spending, life, immigration, federalism, appointing originalist judges, health care and education.
• I'm not drooling over Fred or saying his record is flawless, but I am saying he's the real deal, and it's a bit disappointing that more haven't taken a closer look.
• I think this is due partly to his laid-back personality and partly to his timing. He peaked about the time he was contemplating entering the race but not acting on it. By the time he jumped in, it was anticlimactic, and he still hasn't recovered from that reversal.
• There has also been a negative momentum hovering over his already-stalled campaign, acting as a psychological barrier to his catching fire among conservative voters.
• There is simply too much herd mentality among us about electability. We tell ourselves a candidate is not inspiring, then pretty soon we're convinced he's unelectable, and, voila, he almost becomes so. Yet, at that very moment, he's proving to us that he is quite presidential, quite electable and quite motivated for the job -- if we can only shed our predispositions against his "electability." Since electability is often a matter of collective perception, it can turn on a dime, as with the reversal of the respective fortunes of screaming Howard Dean and somniferous John Kerry in 2004.
• This primary season, relatively speaking, has just begun. But Fred is now up against the wall. How can we expect him to have done much better than he has to date with everyone prattling on about the overwhelming odds against him? The "experts" continue to be wrong at almost every turn, so why can't they be wrong about Fred, too? It's time to quit empowering them by following their dictatorial doom-prophecies. It’s encouraging that John Zogby's latest South Carolina poll shows that while levels of support for McCain and Huckabee "have remained static," Fred is starting to move up.
• Supporters have asked Fred to step up, and he has -- he has shone brilliantly in the last month, setting himself head and shoulders above the pack in many cases. Now it's time for conservative voters to step up and quit placing artificial limitations on Fred, and on themselves.
• Fred has answered the conservatives' call. Shouldn't we answer his?
• Posted by David Limbaugh at January 17, 2008 07:32 PM
• [source]

To my fellow Fred Heads in South Carolina, I voted for Fred in Michigan. I knew he was polling low in Michigan. That didn't matter. What matters is principles. I voted on principles. Even if I didn't think Fred has a chance in hell of winning, I still would have voted those same principles. But I do think Fred has a chance in hell, and heaven, and high water of winning. Don't let these dipwads on TV tell you how to vote. Don't be swayed by the flip floppers, and there are many of them, who say what they think you want to hear.

Many a regular reader knows I love my state and will fight tooth and nail for my state. But I will tell ya what, this '08 primary just goes to show ya that there is some nuckinfuts stupid people in Michigan.

"Gee, I'm old and remember what a keen governor George Romney was. Poor fella, he didn't get to be the Republican nominee. I know, I will make it up to his memory by voting for his son in the primary."

"John McCain sure is swell. He fought in 'nam. He is a war hero. That makes him a terrific Republican." I am not dissing on John McCain's heroic record. I am dissing on his supporters in Michigan.

"Mike Huckabee is a pastor who wants to change the consitution to a Christian version of Sharia law. That sounds super."

Do you realize how moronic this sounds? Please, people of South Carolina, don't force me to make fun of you. But I will if I have to.

Fred Thompson Criticizes US Spending

Thompson criticizes US spending

Posted: Jan 16, 2008 12:59 PM

Updated: Jan 16, 2008 12:59 PM

LAURENS, SC (AP) - Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson says US spending on programs like Medicare and welfare puts could lead to the same financial problems that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The former Tennessee senator said in Laurens Wednesday that demands for programs that pay for health care, welfare and social security will take up the entire budget within 30 years.

Thompson says the spending pattern can not be sustained.

Thompson points out a different person has won the three states decided so far, Iowa, New Hampshire and Michigan. He says he thinks there will be a different winner in South Carolina on Saturday. He hopes it will be him.

Thompson says he would get tough on illegal immigration by tightening the border and eliminating incentives for illegal immigrants. [source]

Fred Thompson Catching up to Huck in South Carolina

The latest Rasmussen poll from South Carolina suggests that Fred Thompson's willingness to attack Mike Huckabee's conservative credentials is bearing fruit. Following last week's debate in which Thompson lit into Huckabee, Fred has moved from 12 percent support to 16 percent. Huckabee is down, correspondingly, from 24 percent to 19 percent. [more here]

Great News for Fred Thompson

Here is an email from Fred Thompson's campaign.

RE: Day 3 Bus Tour

Dear Supporter,

It has been a fabulous 24 hours for Fred.

Fred dominated the South Carolina debate on Fox last night--I hope you had a chance to see it.

Pollster Frank Luntz's Fox focus group after the debate declared him the clear winner. And virtually all the pundits agree. Watch the video here.

But there is more great news: Today Fred was endorsed by the highly influential Human Events, the weekly conservative periodical. Human Events has advocated the conservative cause for years.

It has been on the front line of conservative vs. liberal battles and consistently has led the charge.

You may recall that I worked for President Reagan in the White House and I know for a fact that he read every issue.

Here's a key line from their endorsement: "We conclude that Thompson is a solid conservative whose judgment is grounded in our principles." Read the endorsement here.

But there's even more good news.

Fred is having a fantastic South Carolina tour on the bus! He is drawing big, enthusiastic crowds at every stop.

With last night's commanding performance and the boost from an influential conservative publication, Fred is poised for a South Carolina breakout!

From the beginning of this campaign, our strategy has included a strong showing in the states that President Bush carried in 2004. These so-called "red states" are awarded bonus delegates for supporting President Bush. Our polling shows that Fred is stronger in those states, primarily in the south, interior west and the non-industrial Midwest. Our strength lies in the states that matter most.

A victory in South Carolina for Fred will propel him forward into the next round of states whose delegates will give him the nomination.

He's on the ground, pounding it out stop after stop. We're up on the air with a strong television campaign. Now we're working hard to raise more money to put into radio advertising, moving influential surrogates around the state and other critical voter contact programs. We have a great ground game. All the pieces are in place.

We need your help to pull it out!

Our Red Truck Challenge has achieved it's goal and our television is purchased--now we need to add on these other key programs.

We need to keep the Red Truck Challenge going with the best online fund raising day we have had since Fred's announcement.

So we have increased the goal to $750,000.

With Fred's strong supporters and our momentum I know we can make it.

Will you help?

Make a contribution today. Please donate $25, $50 or $75 right now at Fred08.com

Use our Phone for Fred program and help us contact some voters. Forward this message on to your friends and family and encourage them to become a Friend of Fred and join our online community.

We have an historic opportunity. Help us make it happen.

Help us finish funding our campaign for the crucial South Carolina primary today.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

William B. Lacy
Campaign Manager

Check out Fred Thompson's website at www.fred08.com and sign up to get email updates for yourself.

If you live in MICHIGAN VOTE FOR FRED!

You Decide...(Fred Thompson) 2008

Fred Thompson Looks for a Bounce in South Carolina, on Heels of Debate

by FOXNews.com

Friday, January 11, 2008

Fred Thompson talks in the spin room after the FOX News Republican presidential debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Thursday. (AP Photo)

|

Fred Thompson likes to describe himself as a slow-talkin’, slow-walkin’ Tennessean, but the former senator is hoping to put some bounce in his step following his assertive performance at the FOX News debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Thursday night.

And at the debate, Thompson stepped up, throwing elbows and dishing pithy sound bites that promised him airtime during debate replays. He went after former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for “liberal economic policies, liberal foreign policies” and after former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani for allegedly stealing his tax plan.

Perhaps Thompson’s most memorable line came during a discussion about the U.S. response during a recent standoff between a U.S. Navy ship and five Iranian speed boats.

“You can’t take the judgment like that out of the hands of the officers on the ground there. I think one more step and they would have been introduced to those virgins that they’re looking forward to seeing,” Thompson said, earning laughter from the audience.

“The issue for us — and for the conservative community — boils down to which of the candidates is most representative of the fundamental conservative principles we believe in. The answer is Fred Thompson,” Human Events wrote in its endorsement.

Click here to read the Human Events endorsement.

This was welcomed with enthusiasm by the Thompson campaign, which immediately began circulating the positive press reports following Thursday’s debate.

“There were two tiers of candidates in tonight’s debate: Fred Thompson, and then everyone else,” spokesman Todd Harris said in a statement. “Our campaign is ‘all in’ in the Palmetto State. Tonight’s performance will go a long way to demonstrate that Fred Thompson is the only candidate they can trust to be a strong, consistent conservative with the experience and judgment to lower taxes, keep the country safe, fight illegal immigration and secure our borders.”

“This is a battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party,” Thompson said at the South Carolina debate during a discussion about Ronald Reagan’s conservative principle, suggesting Huckabee’s stances would endanger Reagan’s formula. [more here]

Donate to Fred's Campaign

I am breaking my rule of not asking readers to donate to a campaign. Usually I give the readers the chance to do that on their own. But ya know what, things are getting down to the wire. Fred needs our help. He needs all of us to help in South Carolina. He may not be here in Michigan. But that doesn't matter. He is the best choice. So, if you live in MICHIGAN VOTE FOR FRED on JANUARY 15. Regardless of where you live, watch this video and then donate to his campaign to help win in South Carolina.



Now that looks presidential. It may not be change. In fact it looks presidential in terms of when presidents were first recorded speaking on old Newsreels up until the time before sissy hippies took over our country. One word to describe Fred Thompson, TOUGH.

When Fred Speaks, People Should Listen

On the Evening Briefing at Fred '08 is this common sense quote from Fred Thompson.

“I’m making my stand in South Carolina,” Fred Thompson said Wednesday, when he visited Florence and told Pee Dee residents that he has been the most consistent and conservative candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.“Where I stand does not depend on where I’m standing,” Thompson said. “I say the same thing everywhere; always have, always will.” [more here]

Fred Thompson Cruises Though South Carolina

Thompson cruises through S.C.

By RODDIE A. BURRIS - rburris@thestate.com

(Jan 8, 2008) Republican Presidential Candidate Fred Thompson walks with his wife Jeri Kehn Thompson and Camden City Councilman, Ned Towell during a visit on Main Street in the Kershaw County city on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2007. Photo by Lindsay Semple / lsemple@thestate.com">(Jan 8, 2008) Republican Presidential Candidate Fred Thompson walks with his wife Jeri Kehn Thompson and Camden City Councilman, Ned Towell during a visit on Main Street in the Kershaw County city on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2007. Photo by Lindsay Semple / lsemple@thestate.com" border="0" height="306" width="300">

Lindsay Semple/ lsemple@thestate

(Jan 8, 2008) Republican Presidential Candidate Fred Thompson walks with his wife Jeri Kehn Thompson and Camden City Councilman, Ned Towell during a visit on Main Street in the Kershaw County city on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2007. Photo by Lindsay Semple / lsemple@thestate.com

GOP hopeful looks ahead during N.H. primary

They were voting in New Hampshire, but Fred Thompson was stumping in South Carolina.

The television actor and former Tennessee U.S. senator became the first of the 2008 presidential candidates to arrive here Tuesday, abandoning the nation’s first primary and casting his lot in the Palmetto State.

Tuesday, he opened an 11-day bus tour, campaigning in Greenville, Lexington, Camden and Columbia. Political analysts think Thompson might need to win the Jan. 19 GOP presidential primary to keep his campaign viable.

“This is his kinda state,” said Yusef Hameen, 54, of Camden, who wandered out of his Broad Street clothing store to see the commotion caused by Thompson’s afternoon arrival. “That’s why he’s here early. He’s a Southerner, so he got here ahead of the rest, which tells me he thinks it’s worth it." [more here]

More Connecting Michigan to South Carolina (Re: Fred Thompson)

In the below post I connected the importance of Michigan going on to South Carolina, regarding Fred Thompson. Here is some more, even more positive for Fred, from American Chronicle. The previous article showed the Romney factor, for the Thompson factor. This one shows the McCain factor, for Thompson.

• New Hampshire Primary: Post-Mortem

• Dustin Gawrylow
• January 9, 2008
• Republicans
• John McCain's "surge" in New Hampshire will likely be short lived unless he can run within 3 points of Mitt Romney in Michigan. Since Romney's father George was governor of Michigan, failing to decisively win Michigan would probably represent a death blow to any momentum being created going into his February 5th efforts.
• Mike Huckabee, with his 3rd place - beating Rudy Giuliani in his back yard - showed that his strength goes beyond the bible belt. Ron Paul's tie with Giuliani in independent rich New Hampshire would have to be viewed as a slight disappointment given his stronger than expected showing in Iowa last week.
• Michigan will also be big for Fred Thompson whose future in South Carolina may be predicted by McCain's performance in Michigan. If McCain struggles in Michigan and Romney walks away with the state, the likelihood that McCain will bow out and endorse Thompson before February 5th increases. A strong McCain performance in Michigan will mean that Thompson will have to will South Carolina on his own and will require a dismal McCain performance in S.C. to build any momentum at all.
• Of course, being the Fusion Candidate allows Fred Thompson to hang back and aim for delegates rather than states and hope for a convention decision. [more, if ya care to read about the Democrats]
  

Either article looks good for Thompson one way or the other, depending on what happens to McCain or what happens to Romney, in Michigan. Most important for MICHIGANDERS, y'all need to VOTE FOR FRED!

Connecting Michigan to South Carolina (Re: Fred Thompson)

I found this article in National Review Online. While the subject does not match the title of my post, I will post my own take on it.

• Tuesday, January 08, 2008
• 
• HORSERACE, MITT ROMNEY, FRED THOMPSON, MIKE HUCKABEE
• Meanwhile, In South Carolina...
• I've got a couple of items to update about South Carolina.
• First, Rasmussen puts the former Arkansas governor up big: Mike Huckabee 28, John McCain 21, Mitt Romney 15, Fred Thompson 11.
• Second, after chatting with one of the Thompson Associates, I hear Thompson is going to announce a move that says he's all in at this point. (Or doubling down; pick whether you prefer poker or blackjack metaphors.) The bottom line is, Thompson and the people around him know that South Carolina is a must-win. Mitt Romney may look very damaged by the time South Carolina votes, however, and Team Fred thinks they're a likely first choice for Romney fans losing faith in their man. (Would Mitt fans go to "Don't Mormons believe Jesus and Satan are brothers" Huckabee or "You are the candidate of change" McCain?)

Ya gotta realize that even though this currently doesn't look good for Thompson in South Carolina, it is still a couple weeks from now. This all hangs on what happens in Michigan and what happens with Romney here. The way I see it, Romney supporters are most likely to switch to Thompson. Of the three ahead of Thompson in South Carolina, Mitt Romney seems the most conservative, at least by what he says. So if they are with Romney due to his recent conservative conversion, Thompson will be the most likely for them to turn to since he is fully conservative.

• Also, expect Thompson to spend an enormous amount of time laying out all the ways that Huckabee is not an across-the-board conservative. Thompson's people believe the ball is bouncing his way, as he'll soon be able to make the case he's the only remaining candidate who can rally all wings of the Republican coalition.

• At the First Monday club, a group of Hilton Head Island Republicans who have been kind enough to invite me to speak in the past, about ten folks said they had found their candidate, but four to five times that number said they were still undecided. No straw polls were taken, as First Monday organizers didn't want to see blood on the floor.

• UPDATE: "Thompson is going to announce a move that says he's all in at this point." Here's the move:
  

Click here to read what that move is and the full story.

Thompson Basks in Southern Hospitality

Thompson basks in Southern hospitality

Republican candidate skips New Hampshire, heads to Columbia restaurant

Katie Jones

Fred Thompson

Posted at 10:10 p.m. Jan. 8, 2008

Former senator Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) felt right at home at a meet-and-greet Tuesday night at Birds on a Wire on Devine Street.

"All of the other candidates who are running for president are freezing in New Hampshire tonight while I'm in South Carolina," Thompson said. "Who's smart enough to run for president?"

After some initial joking with the crowd, Thompson spoke on the issues of Social Security, the Iraq War and the health care system.

"We have to do something for the next generation," Thompson said. "Things aren't always going to be easy. We are bankrupting the next generation."

What I like about Fred Thompson is he is honest and tells it like it is, not what others want to hear.

While Thompson did not address the issue of higher education or the rising cost of tuition in his speech, traveling spokesperson Jeff Sadosky said "Thompson believes education should be a marketplace with competing ideas."

The competition gives students better options, Sadosky said.

He added that Thompson will try to attract younger voters just as he would older voters.

The crowd was extremely receptive to Thompson's remarks, and several people gave him a standing ovation.

"I enjoyed his speech," said Mary Grey Branan, a second-year nursing student and server for Birds on a Wire. "His appearance will be good for business because a lot of people from the community came."

Branan said she was undecided as to whom she will vote for, but does plan on voting.

Tim Young, 24, likes Thompson for his straight-forward attitude and his plain-spoken approach to politics.

"I like his principles," Young said. "The buzz word right now is change. I like how he appeals to the principles that have served us well so far." [more here]

Principles can be defined, change can not.

Mike Huckabee Receives Endorsement of Republican Sportshooters Association

While all Huckabee news and releases from the campaign are important to all my readers, I dedicate this one special to all my Michigan and Yooper readers.

• News Release: Mike Huckabee Receives Endorsement of Republican Sportshooters Association

• November 26, 2007

• Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee received the endorsement of the Republican Sportshooters Association at a sportsmen’s “meet and greet and skeet shoot” just outside Spartanburg, South Carolina yesterday.
  
  “The Second Amendment is not about loving guns, it is about ensuring freedom,” said Huckabee.
• During his remarks, Huckabee told the crowd the story about the rusty old 20 gauge shotgun in his rifle cabinet at home that was his father’s gun, and how one day that gun will be his sons. “You don’t hear stories about fathers passing down video games to their sons,” he quipped.
• Wayne Wilkinson, President of the Republican Sportshooters Association, stated: “Mike Huckabee is the authentic consistent conservative, who shares our love of faith, family and freedom. The preservation, promotion, and protection of faith, family, and freedom is the mission of the Republican Sportshooters Association. It is our honor to endorse a candidate who shares our mission and shares our values.”
• Huckabee, an ardent supporter of the Second Amendment, was named one of Outdoor Life Magazine’s “25 Most Influential Hunters and Fishermen” earlier this month.
• He also has an A+ from the National Rifle Association, an organization in which he has been a lifelong member. Last year, Huckabee won the prestigious One Shot Antelope Shot in Lander, Wyoming – along with National Wild Turkey Federation President Rob Keck and Ranger Boats Founder Forrest Wood.
• Huckabee picked up the endorsement after nearly 24-hours of non-stop campaigning in South Carolina, which included attending Saturday’s Clemson-South Carolina football game, speaking at two church services, attending a reception at the home of State Senator David Thomas in Greenville, and skeet shooting (with his wife Janet) at the sportsmen’s event in Spartanburg on Sunday. [Source]

I also found this on Maritime Sentry. This blog is written by the great husband/wife team of DR and SR. They are one of the original Huckabee bloggers from before even the first debate.

• Huckabee expands S.C. leadership team

• Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has named the S.C. leadership team for his bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

• Huckabee already has the support of former Gov. David Beasley and much of former Gov. Carroll Campbell’s family, including Campbell’s widow, Iris, and his youngest son, Mike.

• Endorsing Huckabee on Friday were:

• • Sen. David Thomas, R-Greenville

• • Sen. Danny Verdin, R-Laurens

• • Rep. Liston Barfield, R-Horry

• • Rep. Glenn Hamilton, R-Greenville

• • Rep. Keith Kelly, R-Spartanburg

• • Rep. Rex Rice, R-Pickens

• • Former Rep. Warren Arthur, R-Darlington

• • George Graham, former chairman of the state GOP.[Source]

Now he just needs to expand, ahem, start a Michigan Leadership Team. Maybe there will be news at the Lincoln Day Dinner I talked about below.

Some Good Mike Huckabee Articles

Mike Huckabee Can Challenge Mitt Romney for Iowa Say Analysts

Mike Huckabee is the Republican Iowans Have Been Waiting For

Mike Huckabee in South Carolina:

Huckabee touts roots to York County crowds

Huckabee seeks momentum