2008 Woodie Awards
Republicans lack true conservative for '08
Brendan Block
Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Forum
This lack of a true conservative has left many Republican voters unsatisfied. According to an Associated Press/Ipsos Poll, nearly 25 percent of Republicans would not support any candidate yet. This dissatisfaction is best illustrated by the potential embodied in Fred Thompson to capture the lead, without even declaring candidacy. Right now, he is second behind Giuliani according to all major polls. This former senator from Tennessee also starred on the hit television show "Law and Order." He is socially conservative and comes across as an honest, home-style type of guy.
Much of the talk of Thompson began because many Reagan administration officials support him and want a Thompson candidacy. This includes the late Michael Deaver, who was Reagan's Deputy Chief of Staff and responsible for the President's popular image. "Fred Thompson, like Ronald Reagan, is a man of tremendous substance. There is a sense in the party that none of the candidates is quite 'it,'" said Deaver. Thompson is pro-life, a staunch federalist and supports traditional marriage.
Thompson is expected to announce his candidacy around Labor Day, which will look like he is in the prime spot to run, riding a wave of public sentiment with his candidacy.
"Of course Thompson is going to run, he has not dispelled any rumors of his candidacy and he has raised money and blogged on his website giving his opinions on issues," said Dr. Kwasi Ofori-Yeboah, professor of Political Science.
Thompson has had some rifts in his campaign and some doubts in his conservatism by critics, but the fact is that right now he looks to be a great surprise candidate.
This primary will not be like the year 2000 when Bush steamrolled through the processes with money and superior organization.
Thompson and others have a hard road to the top if they want to beat Clinton or Obama, but long shots always have a shot in politics.
Much of the talk of Thompson began because many Reagan administration officials support him and want a Thompson candidacy. This includes the late Michael Deaver, who was Reagan's Deputy Chief of Staff and responsible for the President's popular image. "Fred Thompson, like Ronald Reagan, is a man of tremendous substance. There is a sense in the party that none of the candidates is quite 'it,'" said Deaver. Thompson is pro-life, a staunch federalist and supports traditional marriage.
Thompson is expected to announce his candidacy around Labor Day, which will look like he is in the prime spot to run, riding a wave of public sentiment with his candidacy.
"Of course Thompson is going to run, he has not dispelled any rumors of his candidacy and he has raised money and blogged on his website giving his opinions on issues," said Dr. Kwasi Ofori-Yeboah, professor of Political Science.
Thompson has had some rifts in his campaign and some doubts in his conservatism by critics, but the fact is that right now he looks to be a great surprise candidate.
This primary will not be like the year 2000 when Bush steamrolled through the processes with money and superior organization.
Thompson and others have a hard road to the top if they want to beat Clinton or Obama, but long shots always have a shot in politics.
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