Fred Thompson Quits Presidential Race
Senator Fred Thompson -- who created at least a small sensation by beginning his campaign via blogs, including Pajamas Media where he was for a moment "The First Blogger" -- has withdrawn from the race for the presidency. Patrick Cox, who was Thompson's first campaign hire, has written an appreciation exclusively for PJM.
I was Fred Thompson’s first hire. In fact, I moved from ABC Radio, where I worked with him on the Paul Harvey show, first into the exploratory committee and then the campaign proper. When the campaign turned its focus and limited resources to the mechanics of traditional primary politics, my role ended.
FDT’s decision to drop out of the race at this point is entirely logical. It is, nevertheless, truly depressing.
This is a particular moment in history. After a brief respite, during which it appeared that the dangers posed by imperialistic totalitarian ideologies had abated, we are facing more seriously deranged enemies than ever. This time, however, they have billions in petrodollars and at least the possibility of acquiring nuclear or biological weapons.
Here on this island where I live, just off the West Coast of Florida, we regularly have high-speed boats land dozens of foreign nationals on our beaches — having totally avoided our Coast Guard and other so-called defenses. Boats this big and powerful are capable of delivering to any coastal city in America even conventional nuclear weapons. Truly miniaturized weapons, if they exist, could be carried on foot across the border into even Chicago, Washington D.C. or Las Vegas. The possibility that one of the petro-rich madmen who has promised to see America destroyed is thinking right now about finding a way to give some suicidal terrorist group an untraceable nuclear weapon is, in my opinion, too great a danger to ignore.
FDT clearly understands this. Just as critically, he also understands that our own government represents a danger in and of itself. More than any other candidate, I think he presented the best chance of keeping the beast quick and strong enough to deter our enemies but fully in check. His Federalist insistence on the separation of powers and decentralized governance irritated big government types from both parties, but it would have provided a non-partisan and tolerant middle path at a time of vicious partisanship. He also made it clear that he understands that the national debt and uncontrolled spending are just as existential a threat as nuclear terrorism.
So what happened?
In retrospect, I suspect that the critics who said he started too late were right, though not for the reasons that most posited. Fred was correct when he quipped on Leno that the American people would not hold it against him that he waited a few months to officially declare. Everybody I know, however, underestimated how important it is to have political allies lined up ahead of time.
Most of the leading candidates were working behind the scenes for years, making unofficial deals with the people in every state who know how to wield influence and mobilize the rank and file. Fred, on the other hand, honestly never lusted for the power of the presidency. He agreed, upon significant urging, to run because he believed it was the right thing to do for his children and the country. Politics, however, apparently requires more.
I spoke with a good friend of mine here in Florida who controls one of the state’s most sought-after forums for candidates. An experienced political veteran, he tells me that the value of staff, both paid and volunteer, is demonstrated in the wake of a candidate’s appearance. Both Mitt Romney and FDT have appeared at this venue, and they both generated considerable enthusiasm and interest among local politicians and activists. Romney’s organization was prepared to harvest the excitement he generated, having spent years forming a national organization capable of doing so. The buzz that FDT created was just as great if not greater, but the organization he put together so late in the game was not on the ground to take advantage of the good will he created for himself.
The consensus of GOP insiders in Florida seems to be that it may have been impossible for Fred to create that organization so late in the game. Romney, Giuliani and McCain had already cherry-picked the best and the brightest; especially Romney. I’ve heard from people who had committed to other candidates well in advance of the campaigns but deeply regretted not having been able to join the Thompson Team without breaking promises. Ultimately, I think, this disadvantage proved to be insurmountable.
Certainly, one can argue that he might have overcome that disadvantage if he had done things differently. In theory, at least, I agree. In practice, however, I think that he was battling other and formidable disadvantages.
One was anti-Southern prejudice that I found particularly distressing. I’m not, y’all, actually Southern, having been raised in the linguistically neutral Northwest, but I was surprised by the sniping from our side at Fred based on his sincere and gentlemanly Southern manners. Several important conservative bloggers, including some here at Pajamas, made repeated jokes about his language and style as if they are affectations. They are not. The problem, though, is larger and there is a Northern prejudice that interprets the slower, deliberative Southern style as just dim.
I also think that the political classes, including conservatives, managed to marginalize Fred’s wife, Jeri Thompson. Jeri is extraordinarily astute and created some of the RNC policy shop’s most effective new media strategies in her day, which came well after she had already built a noteworthy and trail-blazing career as a woman at the corporate level for Coldwell Banker in Chicago. By making her an issue and blaming on her the problems that came from late entry to the race, they kept her out of the fray where she would have been extremely effective — as we began to see late in the campaign.
FDT is a brilliant and compassionate conservative, able to recognize both the dangers of a government unable to protect Americans from our enemies and the dangers of a government that can rob its citizens of their civil liberties. He was the only authentic heir to the Reagan tradition in the race, though I still hold out hope for one or two of the remaining candidates.
My editors here are asking for some copy so let me finish up by saying that FDT’s campaign was immensely good for the country. He reminded the movement what it was about, and his consistent principled standards will remain a part of the debate.
Moreover, his constitutional and moral bone fides are better known and admired by those who matter than ever before. Personally, I’m hoping that he does not accept one of the political appointments, which he shall surely be offered. Ultimately, the reason that his ideas couldn’t overcome the advantages of organization is that ideas still do not count for as much as they should in the 21st century. Fred, however, is in a better position today to spread and explain those ideas than he ever has been; sort of a Newt Gingrich without the baggage.
His clout and connections in Hollywood put him in a unique and valuable position. If the good Senator chooses to do so, he can do for the entertainment business what Rupert Murdoch did for television news. Just as a monolithic leftist media bias opened a hugely profitable door for Murdoch to walk through, Fred Thompson can use the door created by a a leftist and exclusionary Hollywood. In the end, he may be able to use his increased respect and visibility to create a pro-freedom, pro-American studio that teaches the principles of the Enlightenment not just to Americans but to the world. If he does, he may actually accomplish more than a Thompson presidency could have.
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50 Comments
1. RE:The one candidate who clearly understood the Constitution, Federalism, and the proper role of government in our society is out of the running. How disappointing.
Jan 22, 2008 - 12:43 pm 2. Mark Smith:It will be a bitter pill to see the next debate include Ron Paul but not Fred.
Jan 22, 2008 - 12:54 pm 3. Dan Campbell:Thanks for helping to all of the Fred Thompson supporters. Please turn your conservative and Christian views to Governor Mike Huckabee. He is the best choice for our President!!!
We support him 100%
Dan Campbell
Jan 22, 2008 - 1:19 pm 4. Bill Brown:Sgt., USMC
Thompson’s withdrawal is sad, but he is much to be admired.
Jan 22, 2008 - 1:31 pm 5. Andrew:Huckabee? Well I’m glad that he is a Christian, but it is too bad that he made his Christianity part of his sales pitch. When I was a landlord I quickly learned that if a prospective tenant revealed in the interview that he was a Christian the house would be damaged,the rent would be slow or not at all, and there would always be an excuse of terrible troubles.
Hopefully he won’t endorse anyone. That’s more than I could take.
I find myself rapidly weighing the merits of sitting the election out.
Jan 22, 2008 - 1:34 pm 6. A. N. Pierson:I agree with Bill Brown about Huckabee. He reminds me of no one so much as Nixon, though not as smart. Huckabee is a snake oil salesman.
Jan 22, 2008 - 1:38 pm 7. WR Jonas:It is bitter and humiliating news to a supporter and contributor to his campaign.
I cannot imagine how badly he must feel in making the decision to withdraw. Make God grant him peace and comfort.
It should be apparent to Americans that the power to elevate or marginalize a candidate now rests solely with the MSM. What a disgrace.
Jan 22, 2008 - 1:47 pm 8. RE:I recall that the last president that wore his religion on his sleeve gave away the Panama Canal and handed Iran over to the Islamic whack-jobs.
Huckabee? Conservative? no way. no thanks.
Jan 22, 2008 - 2:03 pm 9. Jim K:Fred should have run in 1996, when he would have been the high energy guy in the race.
Rudy is my choice because the techniques he used as a crimefighter would transfer well to the counterterrorism fight. All those funerals he attended in 2001 mean he won’t forget the most important part of the job.
Giuliani is passionately committed to free markets and low taxes. His prosecutorial background will lead him to appoint the kind of judges the Federalist Society likes, and he’s the only candidate to tell that group so in person.
While Rudy is certain to nominate conservative judges, he can also reach out to secular voters. Personally I believe we need a President who knows that it is his job to govern, and leave the benedictions to the clergy.
I know some are wary about a divorced candidate whose kids don’t support his politics, but we’ve been there, done that, and it worked out pretty well last time.
Jan 22, 2008 - 3:17 pm 10. Dark Helmet:It’s a dark day when the best we have steps aside for the lowest common denominators. At least while you were in it Fred, we had hope. Now, just disgust.
This is almost as sickening as a clinton/sharpton term. ( ever wonder why fat al went to PR to protest our USN?)
Jan 22, 2008 - 4:13 pm 11. reliapundit:Fred’s quitting is no surprise.
After 9/11, Fred QUIT the US Senate.
He’s a QUITTER.
Quitter then; quitter now.
Good riddance.
Jan 22, 2008 - 4:47 pm 12. pearl:There isn’t anyone in this party worth vothing for anymore.
I will vote for Ron Paul before I vote for any of he rest of these snakes, even if, I don’t agree with his foreign policy.
He couldn’t do any more harm than these other clowns that are selling missles to our enemies.
Jan 22, 2008 - 4:49 pm 13. Linda Frank:pearl, you and I are in the same boat. I am trying to make up my mind between voting for Ron Paul and David Dukes. I like both their newsletters. Which one do you think?
Jan 22, 2008 - 5:16 pm 14. AST:It’s too bad. I like Fred, but I never got the impression that he really wanted the job. I found it appealing when he objected to the silly treatment candidates received from the media. I’d like to see more of that, and less of the gotcha questions and more aimed at getting to know what kind of president they’d be. In many ways, Fred was the only real grownup on those stages.
I hope that Fred will consider being VP to the winner. He’d be a valuable counselor and liaison with Congress.
Jan 22, 2008 - 5:23 pm 15. pearl:Linda,
Sorry, I am not a David Duke kind of gal, and I highly doubt you are either.
I don’t read either of their newsletters.
Just because the remaining goons can talk out of both sides of their mouth while blowing bubbles, doesn’t mean they stand for anything but their own pocketbooks…even if it means selling missles to the other side. Good for business, I guess.
Jan 22, 2008 - 5:29 pm 16. edh:“Ultimately, the reason that his ideas couldn’t overcome the advantages of organization is that ideas still do not count for as much as they should in the 21st century.”
What is it that makes a candidate’s organization so pivotal? I don’t get it. When I go into the voting booth, it’s the last I care about.
Jan 22, 2008 - 5:58 pm 17. Crack Me Up:This whole FDT campaign has gotta be some sort of satire. How anyone can take Fred seriously has to be explained to me very very slowly. And now to watch the rest of the nutty GOP clowns scramble for the next savior will just make it all the funnier. The Blogsphere is just so yesterday. The rest of the country never took Fred seriously – it was purely a fantasy made up by bloggers and the rest of the angry white male cheer squad that needs a gun to feel safe while shopping.
Jan 22, 2008 - 6:02 pm 18. Britthimself:Crack Me Up :
Anyone who riles up the left like that is alright in my book.
Jan 22, 2008 - 6:34 pm 19. btf:Crack – I am guessing that most things need to be explained to you very very slowly.
Fred was the only one of the candidates who convinced me that he actually knew what he was talking about. Further, he was the only one I think who knew which fights were the important ones, and who had the presence and the delivery to be convincing to a broader-than-usual audience. Clearly, his organization was insufficient for the campaign, and the arguments spelled out above about having missed the boat on some important political allies rings true for me. However, one would hope that when conservatives see a guy of this quality step up, they would come to support him, prior promises be damned.
His dropping out is a missed opportunity, one for which we may pay dearly. Rudy is probably the next best choice, but he doesn’t have Fred’s intellect or his rhetorical skill.
Jan 22, 2008 - 6:36 pm 20. JWoodruff:I could not agree more with Patrick’s excellent essay. Although not a paid staffer, I have been involved in the campaign from before the official exploratory effort was announced. Patrick correctly describes some of the effects of delaying a formal entry into the race. In my opinion there was another adverse consequence of delaying a formal declaration of candidacy that Patrick did not mention. It provided the media with a false, but persistent narative: Fred is not working hard and underperforming. If a declaration of candidacy had been made in July – prior to the filing of the July 15 IRS report for fundraising activity completed through June 30 – two things could have been accomplished and two things could have been avoided.
First, the campaign could have announced that its June fundraising had raised $3.5MM – $1.5MM more than the $2MM goal set for the “first day founders”. Instead, the AP falsely reported based on the July 15 IRS filing that the campaign had failed to meet a goal of $5MM and for a month afterward every newspaper story about the campaign from the NYT to the Nashville City Paper contained a paragraph repeating this falsehood.
Second, an early July announcement would have allowed the campaign to capitalize on unsollicited public support while the excitement about the campaign was in the ascending branch of its arc. This would have avoided yielding the floor to the television pundits who used the time to spread the equally flase critique of Fred as being “lazy” or “unserious”. The hard work of formulating policy positions, asembling staff and raising money does not provide good video for a chattering class obsessed with “horserace” stories focused on polling an electorate yet to be informed of a candidate’s policies and principles.
Fred Thompson was and is the GOP’s best hope for fielding a genuinely conservative candidate. The GOP establishment is not genuinely conservative – although I am convinced that the Party’s rank and file is. It is not too late for the Party to avoid catastrophe in November. The Democrats will eventually nominate Sen. Clinton and it will do so after a divisive bloodletting. Disaffection in the Democratic coalition and persistent opposition to the Clinton political machine could form a perfect storm on which a Republican ticket with conservative credibility may achieve the White House.
The key to Republican success is credibility with the Party’s conservative rank and file. The most credible conservative on the GOP’s national scene is Fred Thompson. Since the eventual nominee will be either John McCain or Mitt Romney – two men of whom conservatives are deeply skeptical -a conservative platform and a VP nominee conservatives can trust to defend conservative principles are essential elements of a winning strategy.
Jan 22, 2008 - 6:36 pm 21. mariner:I was looking forward to working on Fred Thompson’s campaign.
I’m afraid we’re really screwed now.
Jan 22, 2008 - 6:45 pm 22. Winefred:I’m sure you are correct that Fred needed way more “machine” than just the pick-up truck– something that would be obvious to a person with a lust for power, but less so to one who merely wishes to serve his country. And I agree that Fred’s contribution to the debate was tremendous– while it lasted. Sadly, he found his stride so late that his contribution may soon be a distant memory. I wish he had stayed on for at least another month or so, win or lose. I was moved to donate money only last week because he was finally being so effective — many others did the same. His S. Carolina finish seemed a reason for optimism, not retreat. I’m still rather stunned that he left just as things were looking up. Had he stayed in the race I think he’d have generated the funds to cover the battle for many weeks to come, and we’d all be the better for it. His period of maximum influence was so short I fear the consensus will be that it was wasted.
Jan 22, 2008 - 7:52 pm 23. Captain America:FDT was the only credible candidate for president. The rest have changed their positions on critical issues more time than they change their socks.
I agree about the snooty prejudice shown FDT for his being a southerner. They confused deliberation and logic with a slow (re: laziness) manner.
President Reagan was called slow, lazy, and detached. And Nancy was called controlling. See any similiarity? I sure do.
Jan 22, 2008 - 8:07 pm 24. hoosiertoo:The Toad is dead; long live um – Captain Underoos? The Drag Queen? The Huckster? McVain?
So who’s viable now? You guys are pathetic.
So long, it’s been good to know ya!
Ron Paul ‘08.
Jan 22, 2008 - 8:23 pm 25. Mark in Texas:Well, that pretty much settles it. I suppose I’ll still go to the polls in November to vote for which ever one of the remaining ass clowns the Republican Party finally nominates…unless it’s raining or there’s something good on TV. Even Huckelberry and Ron Paul are better than any of the Democrats.
However I’ll be voting in the Democrat primary this year to cast my one pitiful vote against four more years of the Clinton family psychodrama rerun in the White House. The words “President Obama” make me want to vomit but the words “President Hillary Clinton” make me want to jump head first into a wood chipper. This is definitely shaping up to an election where “lesser evil” is the operant phrase.
Jan 22, 2008 - 8:34 pm 26. TC:Fred we love and support you! You will forever be in our hearts and prayers. Please stay visible to us all and help further our conservative cause!
Jan 22, 2008 - 8:59 pm 27. Peter Porcupine:I thought Patrick’s essay gave a good insight into a campaign which had long puzzled me. I work as a volunteer with the Romney campaign, for over a year now.
I always enjoyed Thompson’s wit and shrewdness, but wondered why he seemed to be floundering. The essay answered a lot of my questions.
And I would respectfully suggest that the same organizational ability and foresight that Mitt Romney brings to his campaign plans demonstrate why he would make a formidable candidate for the GOP and an excellent Chief Executive.
Jan 22, 2008 - 9:11 pm 28. carl:We are looking at 1976 all over again. Deja Vu. If I recall correctly, we said “Never again”. How soon we forget.
Jan 22, 2008 - 9:16 pm 29. MPH:I am holding out hope for a Giuliani/Thompson ticket. While he had arguably the best platform and ideas, Thompson just didn’t have the outward drive and dynamism that Rudy can bring to the top of the ticket…
But can’t you see Thompson embarrassing the hell out VP candidate John Edwards in the summer debates?
Giuliani is hardly out of it (assuming he wins in Florida) and I believe a Giuliani/Thompson ticket has the best shot at winning in November.
Jan 22, 2008 - 10:23 pm 30. NLE:Nice excuses, but what it came down to is that you can’t ‘phone-in’ a campaign like Fred was doing. You have to actually make APPEARANCES. A lot of people put a lot of time, energy and resources into this campaign. I wish we’d known earlier that Fred wasn’t worthy.
Jan 22, 2008 - 11:17 pm 31. Kathleen:Thank you Patrick Cox and JWoodruff. Extremely interesting information from two apparent insiders, and definitely something to think about going forward.
It does gall me however, to consider voting for any of the remaining candidates – even with Thompson as a running mate. I feel manipulated and it seems like we’re just contributing to the problem rather than doing anything constructive to solve it.
And to those who use this column as an excuse to campaign for someone else, you are completely missing the point.
Jan 22, 2008 - 11:28 pm 32. MB:Being a true conservative carries with it a fierce sense of loyalty; ‘less oft’ seen in the compromise of center…
And along with practicality it is the defining quality that many of us saw in Fred…
I wish the Thompson Family the very best!
RE: “create a pro-freedom, pro-American studio that teaches the principles”
Yes! The direction you’ve indicated would be really quite profound.
Jan 22, 2008 - 11:39 pm 33. Allan S.:Fred should have realized that a South Carolina first place was unlikely, & that 16% was passable. He might have been able to make points in the Florida debate, and the California
Jan 23, 2008 - 12:57 am 34. Broadsword:Super Tuesday debate at the Reagan Library. He didn’t have to tour with the bus, just do the two debates. Wide
spread sympathy for his mom, would help float him ’til super-Tuesday!
It is a pity for both him and conservative Americans!
Remembering Fred’s ” A journalist in Cuba Michael, think about that” video, will he continue with such videos? He could have a strong presence on the web as a gentlemanly gadfly, reminding Americans of little things such as, oh I don’t know, excessive spending the Constitution, …
Jan 23, 2008 - 3:21 am 35. syn:I live in Left Coast Land of NYC where most believe than anyone right of Stalin is Nazi.
Thompson’s character, principles and message were refreshing and inspired my support, his voice bellowed masculine and as a woman who is surrounded by metros who spend more time in the beauty salon than I, I found Thompson attractive.
I agree with the assessment about the anti-Southren prejudice, it’s common to hear this from myopic, proventical NYers but middle America?
That said, after living around enough anti-war-crazies who are just like the Paulites, every time I hear Ron speak I want to stick a gun to my head and blow my brains outs; why is he even in the Republican Party?
Jan 23, 2008 - 6:23 am 36. tanstaafl:I agree “RE”
What happened ?
Apparently, what happened is that in today’s media circus you gotta have glitz and glamour or at least punch and paazazz to hold a lot of peoples’ “interest”.
Superficial characteristic or a constant droning of one’s (alleged) accomplishments seem to be favored over substance, calm and a true understanding of the founding principles of this country.
Jan 23, 2008 - 7:54 am 37. Larry Anderson:That was ten thousand words of goobley-gook. Just what the heck did all that mean? Nothing. Being one who was waiting for Fred to ‘announce’, then having all hopes dashed by his lack-luster campaign, and finally quitting, has me totally shocked. I see him a man of many words and no action and the bozo writing this article jam packed with poor-me crap is just as bad.
Jan 23, 2008 - 8:28 am 38. retro:FDT’s campaign was immensely good for the country. He reminded the movement what it was about, and his consistent principled standards will remain a part of the debate.
Yeah… and then he quit and left us all out to dry.
Better to have run the good race and come in last than to quit before the start.
Seems to be what Republicans do best – abandon their constituents when we need them the most.
Thanks for nothing, Quitter.
Jan 23, 2008 - 8:40 am 39. Cory:Fred’s out. Mitt’s in. Go Mitt!
Jan 23, 2008 - 10:07 am 40. Karenina:So, I’m guessing that all that is left of the party is the Ron Paul loons and the fundamentalists? Where have all the conservatives gone?
I can’t possibly vote in this next election. The GOP needs to get their house in order, and the only way to do that (now that Fred! is gone) is to get Billary in there for 4 years and those fools that abandoned the party will come flocking back.
And I mean what I say when I say that the Ron Paul supporters and the Hucksters are NOT republicans! Honestly, 10 years ago, every single fool running on the republican side would have been run out of the country on a rail. NONE of them are real conservatives.
So, I will sit at home and await Pres. Hillary. Then watch them all flock back home!
Jan 23, 2008 - 11:12 am 41. john Ryan:Fred! consistently polled less than 16%.
Jan 23, 2008 - 12:56 pm 42. mishu:Perhaps a re-evaluation of the power of conservatives is in order ?
Sigh. All we’re left is a bunch of guys and a woman (Sen. Edwards) who promise chickens in every pot and a conspiratorial loon who loves goooolllld. Congress won’t help any. All they care about is pork projects they can put their name on. The country’s toast.
Jan 23, 2008 - 3:49 pm 43. John Dunshee:I know FDT said he would not take a nomination as VP and didn’t want a cabinet post.
But I cannot think of anyone I would rather see as Attorney General in a Republican administration.
He is honest and has integrity.
On the other hand, Robert Novak’s theory that John Edwards wants to be Attorney General in either a Hillary or an Obama administration has me insuring I have a valid passport and considering converting my assets into something portable.
Jan 23, 2008 - 5:20 pm 44. Eric:I liked everything Thompson said and believed in but he simply could not communicate. Listening to him was as boring as listening to Al Gore; it’s just that the content was radically better.
Jan 23, 2008 - 6:15 pm 45. Sandra Binder:I supported Fred when he was in….I support him in anything he does. God Bless Fred and his family!!!
I will support Mitt Romney, my 2nd choice…I hope Fred thinks about being Mitts VP choice…the Business man/Lawyer and the Southern conservative gentleman…a winng combination…we need Fred as a VP to go up against Evan Byah or who ever Hillary chooses for the VP spot.
Jan 23, 2008 - 7:07 pm 46. Dark Helmet:Ms. Binder,
Introducing vp alphonso sharpton. Black enough to beat obama and American hating enough to bring the moon bats home to roost.
It’s like a bad movie from the 60’s maaaan…….
Look for it in the $1 bin at walmart.
Anyone up for a Fred T/ Zell Miller draft?
Jan 24, 2008 - 6:54 am 47. Pam:If we can’t have Fred, then it’s Romney all the way! Hoping for a Romney/Thompson ticket. I am, however, disappointed that Fred didn’t stay in the race until Super Tuesday. I think if he had, he could have pulled out enough wins to get his numbers higher in the polls and go for the finish.
Jan 24, 2008 - 1:38 pm 48. retro:It’s not too late for Fred Bolton to run…
Jan 24, 2008 - 3:00 pm 49. sue jones:Sorry to see him go, who else compares? I live in Idaho, a republican state for the most part, want to support Rudy but dont know if he will be in the race after Florida. Running out of options!
Jan 27, 2008 - 5:42 pm 50. Ed Gruberman:Hey Patrick. I worked with you at Bonita Bay, I was the web designer. We had many interesting talks in my office. Ed’s not my real name, but my blog is. Write me buddy!
Jun 2, 2008 - 11:39 am