Here's a line you'll hear and see a lot regarding Fred:
My issue with Thompson has nothing to do with him personally, but that he lacks executive experience
(This was from Phil Klein's blog-entry for the American Spectator blogsite.)
To borrow the Perry Mason line, that's "irrelevant and immaterial," Your Honor.
We've had good experiences with ex-Governors in the Presidency--and notably bad experiences.
The question is not "executive experience." The question is whether Fred Thompson has a cohesive vision for the country, in domestic AND foreign affairs, grounded (respectively) in the Constitution and in reality, which he can clearly and consistently articulate.
The other important question is whether Thompson can attract and retain the talent at Cabinet-level to execute the policies flowing from the vision. This particular question cannot be answered by any candidate at this time; but the last several years have taught us that it is, indeed, important.
Let's go a little farther: the candidate who succeeds in the '08 election will be the one whose vision transcends "party" politics and engages the imagination and consent of the population.
As I was waiting for my van to get serviced, A couple TV ding-dongs were speculating if Fred had the 'Juice' to run for office. They were yapping like whoever wants it the most is the best candidate.
ReplyDeleteIn the film Gladiator, Marcus Aurelius tells Maximus that he must be protector of Rome BECAUSE he doesn't want to do it:
Marcus Aurelius: "Won't you accept this great honor that I have offered you?"
Maximus: "With all my heart, no."
Marcus Aurelius: "Maximus, that is why it must be you."
Fred's late start (comparitively) may reflect the fact that the current GOP frontrunners just don't mirror the values of most conservatives. McGuiliRom seem like unlikely hybrids, so desperate to appeal to the center, that they don't really belong anywhere.
I don't recall saying all that stuff?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am open to Fred but am not convinced he is the Great Conservative Hope many pine for.
MA, your memory is obviously failing.
ReplyDeleteI don't regard Fred!! as the Great Conservative Hope.
But he is a Conservative, unlike Our President. And Fred actually knows English--and prefers it to Spanish.