Fred Thompson in The Situation Room
Fred Thompson was interviewed this afterhoon by CNN’s John K ing on The Situation Room. Transcript highlights follow…
On being able to compete despite a late entry into the presidential race
FRED THOMPSON, FMR. SENATOR: We’re going to be getting in, if we get in, and of course we’re testing the waters…We’re going to make a statement shortly…
But with the ways that we have to communication today in the modern era, there’s no question that we can do that. And most importantly, we can have a ground game that’ll get out everybody in Iowa.
On Roe v. Wade and a gay marriage amendment
KING: Would you a President Fred Thompson actively push a presidential amendment banning gay marriage. Would a President Fred Thompson actively push to overturn Roe. V. Wade. What are the answers to those questions?
THOMPSON: Yes, yes, I think that with regard to gay marriage you have a full faith and credit issue. I don’t think one state ought to be able to pass a law requiring gay marriage, or allowing gay marriage, and have another state be required to follow along, under full faith and credit. There’s some exceptions and exemptions for that. Hasn’t happened yet, but I think a federal court very well likely will go in that direction, and a constitutional amendment would cure that.
I think Roe v. Wade was a bad decision…It shouldn’t have happened. It ought to be reversed.
On Iraq
THOMPSON: I think we’re making progress there. I think we have to come to terms with the fact that Iraq is only a part of a global problem that’s going to be with us for a while. It’s going to take a lot of time, effort and money. We need to face up to that fact, because the security of America for the next generation depends on it.
On dealing with Washington “chatter” that he was a “lazy” Senator
THOMPSON: Well, if I have critics in Washington it’s not going to come as a surprise to me. I’ll have more by the end of this campaign. Proof’s in the pudding. I think that’s curable.
Run Fred Run! He’s my guy!
Comment by Olivia — August 17, 2007 @ 4:32 pm
Fred Thompson simply does not look well and strong enough to run. The presidency has passed him by.
I wish it were not so.
Comment by Cella — August 17, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
I will do everything in my power to get people to vote for this guy…He reminds me so much of Ronald Reagan and there is no doubt he will carry the Red States. Please, run Fred!
Comment by sassy — August 17, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
#3 - I don’t think that you can compare Fred Thompson’s comments on Iraq with what was Ronald Reagan’s philosophy regarding intervention in the Middle East. Reagan had the wisdom to not get the country involved in the politics of the region (which he deemed as “irrational”). Case in point - Lebanon.
Fred Thompson has been in the shadows so many people I suppose have their own ideas on where he stands on the issues. From what I’ve read (along with this transcript) I agree with him on some issues, but I don’t think he is going to have much of a chance if his position on Iraq is essentially a continuation of President Bush’s doctrine. The Iraq war is the main issue that has driven the President’s approval ratings to the depths they are at right now.
I enjoy John King a lot more than Wolf Blitzer. Blitzer is too stiff and his interactions with Jack Cafferty are awkward.
Comment by FishOil — August 17, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
What kind of fat toad goes to an Iowa fair wearing Gucci shoes and uses a golf cart to make his way about the fair grounds?
Thompson looked old and unhealthy in that video.
Reaganesque? My butt.
Comment by elmonica — August 17, 2007 @ 9:58 pm
Elmo never met a conservative or republican she couldn’t find fault with.
Comment by ImNotBlue — August 18, 2007 @ 1:24 am
Fred is evaporating. He’s going the way Ashley lOl-sen and Nicole Bitchy. Eat some eclairs, Fred. You’re half the man you used to be. One pretty boy for prez is enough.
Comment by Roger C. — August 18, 2007 @ 10:29 am
Elmo, have you ever been to Iowa? I know you’re a liberal elitist, so you assume everyone in the midwest is probably a hick who grew up on a farm. I assure you that isn’t the case.
Fred’s best line of the day… one fairgoer said, “I’m looking for a centrist”. Fred: “I’m sure there’s one around here somewhere.” In other words, he doesn’t hide from who he is.
Can you imagine Hillary, Hussein Obama, or the Breck Girl Edwards responding to that? “Oh.. well, then I’m your gal..”
Comment by bigred — August 18, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
Maybe the campaign was Jeri’s idea of a fun adventure but Fred looked old, tired and slightly nervous in the CNN interview. He knows he’s been overhyped and can’t possibly live up to the stupid Reagan comparisons. He also knows the media is drooling as they wait (and wait and wait) for him to make it “official” so they can eat him alive. Old Fred’s definitely wishing he never let himself get talked into this.
Comment by Reality Check — August 19, 2007 @ 1:41 am