Warning: Fredhead Alert… Fredhead mode is now on. Skip this article if Fredhead disgusts you.
Although I ended up not being able to attend myself, Senator Thompson’s homecoming has dominated the Tennessee airwaves for the last day and a half. This state is truly in a frenzy unlike any other. It really is amazing the amount of universal support he is recieving. You’d have to see it to believe it. The newspapers and local news channels have been falling over themselves. Even my own local newspaper, the Chattanooga Times Free Press (a largely distributed newspaper) endorses FDT on a weekly basis. It’s truly mindblowing how much praise he is getting. There have been a few naysayers, but overall, it’s been overwhelmingly positive.
Even our Democrat governor, Phil Bredeson, has had only nice things to say about Thompson:
TN’s Dem Gov Praises Thompson — Other than Democratic Party Chairman Gray Sasser pointing out that Thompson lives in Virginia and not Tennessee, Tennesseans in political leadership in both parties seem enthusiastic about Fred Thompson running for President. Among Thompson’s most ardent supporters are House Minority Leader Jason Mumpower and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, both of whom quote for Tom Humphrey. But perhaps the most surprising reaction comes from Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen who said: “I certainly think Fred Thompson is the kind of person who ought to be stepping forward and making himself available for this … [Thompson is] a fine, estimable man … I am a Democrat, obviously, and barring some disaster in my party, I’ll probably be supporting the Democratic nominee. But he’s a fine fellow and would be a great addition to the field.”
Former Democrat Governor, and legendary state icon
(this guy is a local legend in the true sense) Ned McWherter had this to say while discussing a possible Gore vs. Thompson race:
Put it this way: Few people in Tennessee can claim they want a Democrat to win any election more than Ned McWherter. But with Gore and Thompson both on the ballot, even Ned Ray says Tennessee can’t lose.
“No way,” said the former governor and state House speaker. “One thing about it: If either of them wins, we’ll have a friend up there.”
Here are some of the highlight videos from Thompson’s arrival in Nashville this morning:
The prerally buzz- “Bikers for Thompson”:
Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey (Republican) on Thompson:
Arrival:
Mrs. Thompson and the kids:
Checking out the old school building for his national headquarters:
Will add more when they become available
June 26th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
just wondering why is it taking fred so long to decide and when should we hear a offically yes or to run in 08? how long can hear really drag his decision making till?
June 26th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Until next week in Nashville, just after the 4th of July. He has to strategically wait until after the 2nd quarter deadline since he has not really had the time that the other candidates have had to raise cash, although all reports are that he’s skyrocketed in fundraising. It would also be disrespectful to announce on the 4th, and it’s a day many wouldn’t be paying attention. So expect it soon after that.
June 26th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Plus, he wants to have everything in place and ready to go, and he’s got a few more hires to go.
June 26th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
so what’s whats the feeling what he’s going to do?And IF BIG IF he enters who in the race does it hurt mccain?
June 26th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
He’s in, there’s no doubt about that. At this point, he likely hurts all three, but the biggest thing left is that he makes a Newt candidacy DOA. Newt’s polling at 7% in his home state, and that’s not encouraging. I don’t like to dwell on McCain specifically because they are friends and in spite of his shortcomings, I still respect hi immensely. It has brought Rudy down the most at this point, but has stalled Romney’s momentum. I personally think Rudy is not going anywhere, and will still be a credible candidate because people genuinely like him, even if they disagree with him aon many issues. Romney, I’m not sure what happens. If Romney loses his lead in one of the early states, he’s done. If he goes on to win in NH, and IA, then he’s credible.
June 26th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
One more thing about McCain, I don’t think any candidate has hurt his chances at this point. He’s done it to himself. It’s sad, but its politics. He had every opportunity to be the frontrunner, and he didn’t seize on the opportunity, and never convinced the base to support him.
June 26th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Greg, it is not a big if, or even a little if. He is running. He’s leading in Rasmussen polling: not a tough decision!
I agree with everything Tommy said in #5. But this does put the nail in McCain’s coffin.
June 26th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Great choice for national HQ. Reminiscent of the red pickup. Very Americana. I envision the campaign featuring the building a lot.
June 26th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
I hope so. It’s a beautiful building. People genuinely love him here, and the moments like we had today across the state really makes me proud. There’s always those who will try and play it down but overall, it could’ve been declared official FDT Day in TN. The atmosphere is unlike anything I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a few (Bush made a campaign stop here the day before the election in 1999 which I was at, and this is so much more real to us).
I love the kids. Either he is the greatest actor in the world, or you can tell that he absolutely adores those young ones.
Good night to everyone (eastern time and I’ve gotta get up)
June 27th, 2007 at 12:36 am
I am anxiously awaiting Fred’s entry. I think he needs to announce a platform right from the start or else he will lose much of his soft support. As we all know, and Rudy can attest to, it is much more difficult to win voters back than it is to keep them.
Right now I don’t see the light with Thompson, but I hope that he begins to impress more with his candid appearances and that he forms a message that is built to win in a tough year.
June 27th, 2007 at 3:33 am
Fred loves his young kids. No way, Stop the press!
Seriously guys this site is fast becoming full of cheer-leaders – embarrasingly so.
Great site but let’s try to get some more objectivity back into play, hey.
June 27th, 2007 at 6:11 am
Heath,
As I said at the top, this is one of those fan posts. Heck, I usually keep it pretty objective for a Thompson supporter. However, young kids have a different affect on different people, and I’m one of those who just loves kids (not in some wrong way). I think it’s great to have young kids around, and especially babies. It gives everybody a human side, especially after some of the things opponenents and commentaters have said about Mrs. Thompson because of her looks or age.
June 27th, 2007 at 6:52 am
No problems there Tommy.
Just think that all the candidates (save maybe Rudy) have been close to their kids and of course Fred, Edwards and Obama will use their young ones to their advantage.
As Romney has done with his elder kids.
And there is nothing wrong with that.
I don’t think anyone denies Fred is a good guy. Plenty of good guys have lost though.
Thanks for the vids and keep up the good work. Could have a classic 3 way battle on our hands here.
June 27th, 2007 at 7:50 am
I hope so, and thanks.
June 27th, 2007 at 9:27 am
ISSUES ARE WHAT COUNTS AND HOW THE REPUBLICANS – - HOPEFULLY GIULIANI – - BEAT HILLARY AND/OR THE DEMS IN 2008.
June 27th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
I have been doing some thinking lately and I was wondering if the GOP nom. race is between Fred and Rudy and we get closer to GOP convention time 2 things:
1. Would Fred choose Rudy as VP spot?
2. Would Rudy even take the #2 spot as VP?
June 27th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
I think Rudy would be a finalist for An FDT pick. Not sure if he’d take it, or in the end be FDT’s first choice.. I know a lot of Rudy supporters want Thompson on the ticket if he’s the nominee to solidify the south, but I don’t know how Rudy himself thinks.