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Thompson makes presidential bid official on 'Tonight Show'
By Liz Sidoti
Associated Press
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DES MOINES, Iowa -- Fred Thompson officially entered a wide-open Republican presidential race Thursday, vowing to invigorate a dispirited GOP and promising to thwart another Clinton from capturing the presidency.

The former Tennessee senator harkened to the GOP glory days of 1994 when he and other Republicans seized control of Congress and established an equal counterpoint to Democrat Bill Clinton in the White House. Now an official candidate for the Republican nomination, Thompson promised to return the party to better times.

"In 1992, we were down after a Clinton victory," Thompson said in a 15-minute Webcast that laid out the rationale for the candidacy he also declared on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno.

"In 1994, our conservative principles led us to a comeback and majority control of the Congress. Now, you don't want to have to come back from another Clinton victory. Our country needs us to win next year, and I am ready to lead that effort," he said.

Thompson also swiped at his leading Republican rivals, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney, without naming them, saying: "In 1994, when I first ran, I advocated the same commonsense conservative positions that I hold today."

Thirteen years ago, Giuliani was a New York mayor who espoused liberal-to-moderate positions on social issues and endorsed Democratic Gov. Mario Cuomo. Romney was a moderate challenging Sen. Edward M. Kennedy in liberal Massachusetts.

Today, some conservatives question Giuliani's and Romney's credentials — and Thompson sees an opening for his candidacy.

Thompson, 65, enters an extraordinarily fluid race four months before voting begins. While Giuliani leads in national polls, Romney maintains an edge in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

Overall, Republican voters have expressed less satisfaction with their choices than Democrats, and Thompson, who ranks strongly in GOP surveys, is maneuvering to become the favorite of a GOP base that is searching for someone with right-flank bona fides who can win in a general election.

His quest won't be easy.

As he prepared to join the campaign, Thompson was plagued by lackluster fundraising; high-profile staff departures, including some prompted by the deep involvement in the campaign by his wife, Jeri; and less-than-stellar performances at campaign events. He also has endured repeated questions about his career as a lobbyist, his thin Senate record and his record on abortion.

Going forward, he faces not only finance and organization hurdles but also the challenge of living up to his supporters' sky-high expectations. They have painted him as the second coming of Ronald Reagan and the would-be savior of a Republican Party demoralized after electoral losses last year at all levels of government.

After months of playing coy, the veteran actor launched his candidacy Hollywood style and with a multiphase campaign roll out. He confirmed his bid to Leno in Los Angeles — "I'm running for president of the United States" — while his eight rivals gathered in New Hampshire to debate without him. Then, he released the online video. A tour of early primary states begins Thursday afternoon in Iowa.

On Leno's show, Thompson called Giuliani, Romney and Arizona Sen. John McCain formidable but added: "I think I will be, too" as he rejected the notion that he was jumping in too late. Poking at his rivals, who have been running since January, he added: "If you can't get your message out in a few months, you're probably not ever going to get it out."

In the online video, Thompson emphasized his longtime adherence to states' rights, limited government and individual liberties. He also countered the perception that he is unwilling to do the hard work necessary to run for office, much less serve as president. "I'm going to give this campaign all that I have to give," he promised.

Thompson also portrayed himself as capable of addressing "grave issues affecting the safety and security of the American people and our economic well being."

On foreign policy and national security, he said: "The specter of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of our worst enemies continues to grow, and still we have yet to really come to terms with the nature and extent of the threat we are facing from radical Islamic terrorism."

"Iraq and Afghanistan are current fronts in this war and the world watches as our will is tested," he continued. "We must do everything in our power to achieve success."

On domestic issues, he called for reforming Washington, criticized a politicized Congress and bemoaned "a bureaucratized government that is increasingly unable or unwilling to carry out basic governmental functions, including the fundamental responsibility of securing our borders against illegal immigration and enforcing our laws."

"I do not accept it as a fact of life beyond our power to change that the federal government must go on expanding more, taxing more, and spending more forever," he added.

An actor for decades, Thompson is perhaps best known as the gruff district attorney Arthur Branch on NBC's "Law & Order," and for his roles in more than a dozen movies.

During his 1994-2002 Senate tenure, he was considered a reliably conservative vote. However, he strayed from the party line on a few issues, including advocating for campaign finance reform.

Thompson also spent many years in Washington as a lawyer and lobbyist. He has faced repeated questions about his lobbying work for a family planning group that sought to relax an abortion rule, and for former leftist Haitian leader Jean Bertrand-Aristide.

Take a look
Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, left, talks to host Jay Leno after announcing that he is formally joining the 2008 White House race, during the taping of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" at the NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. Thompson, 65, enters a crowded GOP field and an extraordinarily fluid race four months before the first votes are cast. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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Reader comments on this story - 33 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

who's qualified?? wrote on Sep 12, 2007 1:09 PM:

" Let's see a watergate lawyer, someone who knows washington, a former senator, a recognizable face, someone people know of... vs. bleeding heart ego tripped woman or an unqualified younger black man. I'd vote for the best qualified person (examples: woman = Jean Kilpatrick, black man = Colin Powell). The problem we have are the extremes, Don't vote for Billary or Obama just because they are of a specific race or gender. Bill Clinton ran on "change", but what we got was the same old giant spending and social bloated programs... Who can do the best for this country? Do you really believe Hillary is running for herself or to move the country forward? She wants her payback for putting up with Slick Willie all these years... We need someone who can get us back in the middle and work with everyone to get things done... Who is it? THAT'S YOUR CHOICE.... "

Unfortunately.. wrote on Sep 6, 2007 5:21 PM:

" Even though I like Fred Dalton Thompson as an actor (his small role in Red October was great), I definitely do NOT think he's presidential material. His politics are way too similar to The Shrub and it would further polarize the nation and the world. I am waiting to see if one of these candidates will wake up and LEAD and be smart about the world. So far, I'm just seeing sound bites, retractions, prevarication and no plain talk. I think Hillary would probably be best for the country but the conservatives would fall all over themselves to make sure a WOMAN didn't lead the politically least advanced nation on earth. "

Thompson wrote on Sep 6, 2007 5:11 PM:

" only reason people want him is because he generates buzz. The current crop of GOP candidates have no shot winning in Nov 08, so their hopes are riding on this cat. "

to i don't know wrote on Sep 6, 2007 3:10 PM:

" There's no way you are a Dem. Fred is essentially an older GWB. If you are a 25%er, you probably love Fred. "

Ron Paul is a JOKE! wrote on Sep 6, 2007 2:45 PM:

" I like a good joke as well as the next person, but Ron Paul for President? Come on. The guy is certifiable, and to be supporting him as a serious candidate is a waste of your time/vote. He'll never get above 3% of the vote because people don't want to abolish 80% of the government. Give it a rest. "

i don't know wrote on Sep 6, 2007 1:38 PM:

" i'm a dem and i like Fred. Ron Paul is a libertarian, not a conservative, btw. that means he is for everybody for themselves...not really what i am looking for in someone leading a country... "

Run Ron Run wrote on Sep 6, 2007 1:29 PM:

" Sounds like all the nutjub right wingers in B/N will just give away there vote to Fred the CRF, neo con, warmongering, North American Union schill. Only one candidate cares about America and that is Ron Paul. I can't wait for the next debate to see Dr. Paul damage these neo cons some more. Fred is already dead... "

to To: Ron Paul or Bust wrote on Sep 6, 2007 1:08 PM:

" Ron Paul wants to abolish the IRS, not the CIA... "

to Go Fred! wrote on Sep 6, 2007 1:07 PM:

" Breath of fresh air? LOL. Its like Ronnie Raygun all over again. There's nothing fresh about Thompson's pro-war, pro-corporate welfare, anti-personal freedom rhetoric. If he gets elected, he'll be very good at acting like he's President while getting marching orders from behind the scenes... a lot like the other actor President. "

To: Ron Paul or Bust wrote on Sep 6, 2007 12:43 PM:

" Ron Paul is a lunatic. He wants to abolish the CIA, which, love it or hate it, has an extremely important roll to play in protecting the nation. Thompson is getting my vote. "

Go Fred! wrote on Sep 6, 2007 12:31 PM:

" Fred Thompson is a common sense conservative, not a "neo-con". He doesn't apologize for his views and won't take a lot of guff from the Dems during the general election. His entry into the race will be like a breath of fresh air. I'd prefer ANY of the GOP candidates to the nutty, polarizing Dem candidates, but Fred Thompson is the real deal. "

Country Boy from Tennesee. wrote on Sep 6, 2007 12:06 PM:

" We have never had a President named Fred. I will be interested in learning more about him from sources a little more reliable then these blogs. "

??? wrote on Sep 6, 2007 11:06 AM:

" re:Some people are wise ...What are you talking about? I would never vote for Hillary/Obama. Just like i won't vote for 4 more years of the samle ole, and that is all Fred is. It is insane that you can't see through this neo con. You, just like other uninformed voters don't care about the issues, you only won't cute little soundbites. Fred is like all the others, he goes with the flow. I like principle and Ron Paul has principle. Also, for the person who said s/he laughed when Ron Paul said he would advise the congress about Iran. Actually that is what the president should do, but, you like so many others have been brainwashed by Bush and don't understand our checks and balances anymore. "

Lauren wrote on Sep 6, 2007 10:17 AM:

" I think george W Bush has been great, and I think Romney will be even better...GO ROMNEY!!!! "

To: BN Republican wrote on Sep 6, 2007 9:55 AM:

" GWB the best president ever? Your comment was a joke right? "

Hunter in 08 wrote on Sep 6, 2007 9:36 AM:

" Fred is just another run of the mill Ratpublican who is also a member of the CFR and should never hold any office. Ron Paul IMO isn’t as qualified as Duncan Hunter. But look for yourself. Here is a site you can look up any voting record. Hunter in 08. www.vote-smart.org/index.htm "

This guy wrote on Sep 6, 2007 9:18 AM:

" Would have my full support, except for the fact that he is so supportive of everything in Iraq. So, I guess he's not getting my vote. It too bad, I think he would probably make a pretty good president. "

Ron Paul or bust wrote on Sep 6, 2007 9:11 AM:

" There is more support for Ron Paul then the fascist in this country want to admit. If you don't know who Ron Paul is then look him up on your computer. He is the only politician running for president who believes in the voice of the people over the voice of his corp. sponsors. You can try to ignore his popularity, but those who are able to think for themselves will continue to find and support Dr. Paul and try everything in our power to end these days of fascist America. We are more then a hand full and we will continue to grow as long as the American spirit is still slightly alive. If you like what the Nazi party did for Germany in the 30's and 40's then vote for your Thomsons, Romneys, Clintons and Obamas. For those of us who still believe in the value of freedom will support Ron Paul in '08. "

to comment wrote on Sep 6, 2007 8:43 AM:

" What's wrong with a President having discussions with Congress? Oh, that's right, you want a Decider to rule you like a king. "

to Fred Head wrote on Sep 6, 2007 8:42 AM:

" Nah, he's a neo-conservative. He's pro-war, pro-corporate welfare, and anti-personal freedom. More of the same. "

Not new wrote on Sep 6, 2007 8:12 AM:

" Fred Thompson can't be any worse then the others running and is not new to politics if you will knew your history. I say go for it. "

Some people are wise wrote on Sep 6, 2007 8:12 AM:

" some people are otherwise. I take ???'s comments below with a grain of salt, because when the time comes, he'll be voting for hillary / obama. Ron Paul is the left's straw puppet to dilute the race. I totally support Fred! I hope his message gains traction. A candidate utilizing a clear spoken "federalist" message is not common at all. It'll either be totally missed or a blast of fresh air. "

Who is. . . wrote on Sep 6, 2007 7:57 AM:

" Ron Paul? And what does he know about politics? "

Fred Head wrote on Sep 6, 2007 7:50 AM:

" Fred is a true conservative. He's got my vote. In response to the first post, the war on terror is a war against those who would kill you for simply being an American. Fred understands that we can't just wait for them to attack again, we need to take the fight to them. "

comment wrote on Sep 6, 2007 7:46 AM:

" I got in on the debate but did catch Ron Paul's comments on Iran. I about laughed when he said something like he would check with congress to see what we should do about Iran? Does he not know the executive branch and legislative branch are 2 separate things and one does not question the other as to how to proceed?Should we let a senator or representative be our president and get rid of the executive branch? I don't think that is what our country's founders quite had in mind. And his voice is definitely screechy and not pleasing to listen to. Ron Paul is definitely not our man. I am anxious to see how Thompson does. I think he will give a Reaganesque performance. And he is 6'6. Believe it or not the tallest person has the advantage. He will look (and in people's minds) be more competent. I think he is a winner! "

Hooray wrote on Sep 6, 2007 7:42 AM:

" Go Fred Go! Where can I get a bumpersticker? "

yawn... wrote on Sep 6, 2007 7:06 AM:

" come on...does anyone really think another retarded republican is going to win next time around...not if i have anything to say about it they're not! "

LOL wrote on Sep 6, 2007 6:49 AM:

" The Ron Paul dude is back....talk to us ole vote wasting -" ain't got a chance in heck - sittin on pantagraph.com to cut and paste my ron paul crap on the comments - guy." "

BN Republican wrote on Sep 6, 2007 6:41 AM:

" George W. Bush has been the best President ever, with only Ronald Reagan coming close. I want more of the same. Go Fred go! "

Stacey wrote on Sep 6, 2007 5:51 AM:

" I for one and so relieved Thomson has announced. To me if you look at the candidates it is a joke. I was losing faith that there would be anyone in the running I could agree with or trust. Go Fred!! I hope you make it otherwise I believe this country is in trouble. All mthe candidates seem to tell you what you want to hear and when you look at the big picture it seems dishonest and only a way for them to win. I think Thomson tells it like it is and will do a great job if elected. As far as the debates go I gave up on watching so I could care less that he did not participate. "

fed up wrote on Sep 5, 2007 11:40 PM:

" go fred "

Die Hard wrote on Sep 5, 2007 10:50 PM:

" that is what this guys campaign will do, die hard! this isn't a movie, Fred, it's real life. "

??? wrote on Sep 5, 2007 10:07 PM:

" Screw this warmongering lobbying porkish prude. The debate last night in New Hampshire was clearly Dr. Ron Paul’s night. All other candidates are a stepping stone to a bigger government that has proven it can manage anything. Fred is an answer to nothing but more of what is wrong. The war on terrorism as it is put is a war on personal freedom. Freedom stolen by big government bureaucrats trying to run our lives. The other candidates are starting to bring up the constitution in the debates. I can only think of one man before tonight that did that and it was Ron Paul. We all know copying is the best form of flattery, and all the other candidates see Ron Paul and want to mock his freedom message. "
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