June 14, 2007
Posted: 12:50 PM ET

There's speculation Thompson will jump into the White House race next month.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Fred Thompson’s on the rise in the latest national polls of the Republican race for the White House.

Not bad for a guy who’s not officially a candidate.

The former senator from Tennessee and television and movie actor is in second place in two national polls this week.

Thompson trails GOP front-runner Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor, but is ahead of Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in the most recent Wall Street Journal-NBC and Los Angeles Times-Bloomberg surveys.
Thompson’s tied with McCain for second place in this week’s poll by Quinnipiac University.

"Most national polls show Thompson gaining strength since he formed his exploratory committee,” says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. “Voters pay more attention to candidates who are serious about running, and that may account for his growing support in the polls."

Thompson took those first formal steps towards a White House run earlier this month. There’s speculation Thompson will formally announce his candidacy for president early next month.

– CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser    

Filed under: Fred Thompson • Polls


BC   June 16th, 2007 9:16 pm ET

Another neo-con joke. North American Union here we come.

John W. Racine, WI   June 15th, 2007 9:01 pm ET

I for ONE FORMER Republican simply can't wit for Good Ol Fred to really get into the race.
He's already using the Condi scare in most of his speeches: That would be the "Beware of Mushroom Clouds." I just wonder how far he is going to take this…
And then, of course, there is his lobbying record - crash an burn…
And finally, I really am interested in how he is going to respond when someone asks him "Is that your daughter next to you?" And, at 65 in August, he's going to have to tell the world that the 39 year old gal at his side is his wife…
Oh, goodness, gracious Tennessee!

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   June 15th, 2007 8:07 pm ET

Modestly talented actors who talk funny? Been there, elected that, suffered for it, learned little from it, judging by this guy's poll numbers. Europeans were appalled that we elected a affable but dim leader like Reagan with so little regard for his learning and experience. Never again.

dca   June 15th, 2007 4:31 pm ET

common sense, that makes me giggle. Is it common sense to marry someone half your age? Have you seen his wife. Shameless. Just another Hollywood sluzy is what Thompson is. Okay, maybe that was a little harsh. but just wait unti all his girfriends he had here in dc start coming out of the closet to say what they think about him.

by the way, can a 18 year lobbyist really win in 08 after the hugel oss to republicans due largely becuase of corruption? hard to believe. and can a southern hick type "common sense" as some would call it, really going to carry the day after Bush? dont' think so.

John, Ventura, CA   June 15th, 2007 7:28 am ET

Now that Giuliani has no chance to win, the mainstream media are jumping on the Thompson bandwagon. Fred is no different than McCain and the rest of the Neo-cons. Ron Paul in '08.

Butch Oaktie, SC   June 15th, 2007 5:58 am ET

He is the only candidate there is who has it all together to lead this country.Common sense prevails and the other candidates are all untrustworthy to be President.

J. Turchek, Stuart VA   June 14th, 2007 9:49 pm ET

Fred is the kind of candidate that makes me proud to be an American.

Glen   June 14th, 2007 8:09 pm ET

When Thompson was in the Senate he was known as one of the laziest people there, even signed his High School year book as being the laziest person in his class, saying "being lazy, gives you lots of things to look forward to tomorrow" Also when in the Senate voted 83% of the time the same as McCain. Hope he takes votes from McCain, that will help Ron Paul.

S. Richard, Olathe, KS   June 14th, 2007 6:27 pm ET

afsdoih, I completely agree. I am a longtime Republican who left the party several months ago. I am weary of the status quo. And who can change the status quo? A drawling, swaggering Southerner? I think not. This media Fred-gasm is making me nauseous. Frankly, it's time for Fred to put up or shut up; his pre-announcement song and dance is bordering on craven. Mr. Thompson, if you can't face the heat, stay away from the kitchen!
By the way, I'll stay away from the polls in '08 if the GOP is stupid enough to nominate him. Giuliani might be able to get me to the polls, and I would move heaven and earth to vote for Mitt Romney. McCain? Thompson? Gingrich? My very own dear Senator Brownback? Not a chance.
Just my two cents.

Greg, Boise, Idaho   June 14th, 2007 6:09 pm ET

Is the MSM really stupid enough not to realize that national polls are meaningless? If you want to gauge a political pulse, look at statewide polls, not national (e.g., Iowa, New Hampshire)! This is true irrespective of either Democrats or Republicans.

afsdoih   June 14th, 2007 5:56 pm ET

of course they do. but as soon as the narratiev changes from, wow this guy is the conservative hero, to who the heck is he, things will change.

he is no different than mccain. he is no perfect conservative himself. he is a lazy, lawyer, that lobbied for 18 years. what does he have to offer that others don't, i know, a huge loss in a general election for the repubicans.

nobody wants another southern folksy type after bush. we are all bush fatigued.

Chuck   June 14th, 2007 5:39 pm ET

Come on in Thompson, the water is fine.

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