Not-so-fast Freddy: Thompson should attend GOP debate

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After watching Sen. Thompson's hilarious smackdown of Michael Moore, I look forward to having the good senator join the robust debate in the Republican primary process, as opposed to the absolute nothing the Democrats have to offer.
- Tom, Campton

I agree with Mr. Hogue's assessment of the timing. This year in particular has shown a flurry of candidate activity very early. I have always remembered election season traditionally starting approximately 1 year before election date. This year, however, for whatever reasons, candidates have entered the fray months earlier than ever before, actively campaigning, raising money, etc. And, the media and various organizations have encourged this behavior, with countless debates more than a year before the party conventions.

Mr. Thompson has decided not to jump on this early bandwagon, and to enter the race at a more traditional time. I applaud him for this decision. To be called "not serious", or "not committed" is absolutly ludicrous. He is taking a stand (which I wish more candidates would do), and not giving into this cycle of ever earlier campaigning. Why do we need to start the presidential campaign 20 months before the election? All these polls, debates, "town hall meetings," and such are simply ridiculous at this point.

What's the point of having primaries? States are now racing to get their primary earlier, so they feel "more important." And, the conventions are becoming completely unnecessary (except for the free publicity), as the candidates are already chosen months beforehand.

Let's get back to what's at hand - fixing our problems with our current government, and wait until the traditional time to start thinking about the next president in November - one year before the election.
- Stephen Brown, Houston, TX

Larry what does Fred Thompson bring to the table? You never did say. He is smart enough to wait to announce his run if he is doing so. It saved him a lot of money. I would like to hear what he has to say about todays issues.
- Bob, Manchester, NH

There has been much discussion lately as to the timing of Senator Thompson's official announcement.

I believe he is following the right course of action. It was to early for candidates to start activley campaigning and spending large sums of money. Senator McCain found this out the hard way.

Now as summer vacations are coming to an end, people are starting to pay attention.

The rumors of an early September announcement are flying but no official word from the Senator himself.

I urge supporters of Senator Thompson to be patient. Like my parents have always told me, "Good things good to those who are patient.".

http://1citizenspolitics.blogspot.com
- Doug Hogue, Merrimack

Oh Please!

Fred is John McCain's former cheerleader! Why go after the wanna-be?

He was McCain's 2000 Co-Chair.
Active supporter of McCain-Feingold.
On record as pro-immigration.
Pro-Abortion, per his own writing...let's not even bring up his dispicable lobbying.

He's ten years younger than McCain but looks 30 years older.

A Reagan Republican eh? Yeah...he, like Reagan was an actor, and he like Reagan initially was quite liberal. There-in ends the similarities.

Apparently a Southern accent, expensive suit, and trophy wife goes far with my party. You guys are nuts.

I guess I'll call and congratulate Hillary now. In 9 years, when my daughter is 10, I can apologize to her for the socialized medicine and the 50% tax brackets, and explain that her dad voted for a leader in John McCain and not a politician.

I know...wah wah wah...borders, immigration, McCain-Feingold, torture...wah wah wah.

We're putting the nail into our own coffins.

Hillary it is...thanks guys!
- Brian Lewis, Manchester

Yeah c'mon Fred. You will just take votes from the other two neocons, Rudy and Mitt.

Won't stop the rest of us from supporting a 'real' republican should one come along!
- Jane Aitken, Bedford

Fred Thompson is definitely a standup guy. I too hope to see him at the debate so we can get to hear his views on more issues directly from him rather than his advisers and exploration camp.

The real man for me at this point in the election cycle is Mike Huckabee, however. I truly believe that Huckabee is the right man for our nation at this time.
- Mike Walsh, Milton

Larry Gillis...I am with you! Fred Thompson is my guy! He would make an excellent President. Moreover, he is clearly a Reagan Republican. I have had phone calls from all of the candidates campaigns asking for my support and I tell them the same thing: "Lets wait and see what Fred Thompson does."
- Rick Olson, Manchester

Fred Thompson brings a lot to the table. He will make an excellent President. He is also demonstrably more attractive than any of the other major Republican candidates. These others have had to make serious and on-going compromises, as elected Republicans in basically Democratic jurisdictions (Guliani and Romney). Then, of course, there is always the magnificently admirable but entirely wrong John McCain. (I actively supported McCain in 2000) Fred Thompson is not running for local office here in NH. He is running for President. He will be at the debate, but only if it aids his bid for the Presidency. With all due deference to our beloved State, Fred Thompson has got to do it right. There is too much at stake. (If you don't think this election is all that important, repeat the following phrase to yourself a few times: "I, Hillary Clinton, do solemnly swear...". Trust me: after one or two repetitions of this magic phrase, personal enlightenment will surely follow.) Bon appetit.
- Larry Gillis, Rye