December 30, 2007
Posted: 12:47 PM ET

ALT TEXT
Thompson campaigns in Iowa Saturday. (Photo Credit: AP)

(CNN) – Republican Fred Thompson Sunday dismissed reports that he had told voters at a weekend campaign event he was “not particularly interested” in running for president, saying his remarks had been taken out of context.

The former Tennessee senator told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that "some in the media take bits and pieces, not you, but some have taken one sentence out of the middle of that and make it sound like something that wasn't intended."

"And if you notice, I put the emphasis on running. I said I'm not particularly interested in running for president," Thompson said in an interview on CNN's Late Edition.

"But then I gave all the reasons why I thought I'd make a good president and what I was sacrificing to be president and my family was doing so and I was concerned about the future of our country and the future of our children and so forth. So when you put it in context, it makes sense."

Thompson has long faced criticism he lacks motivation to be President of the United States, and Saturday’s comments seemed to spark new speculation on that front.

"I'm not particularly interested in running for president," the former senator told voters at a campaign event in Burlington, Iowa when challenged by an audience member over his desire to be commander-in-chief.

"But I think I'd make a good president," Thompson continued. "I have the background, capability, and concern to do this and I'm doing it for the right reasons."

Thompson took heat for not officially jumping into the White House race until September — significantly later than every other candidate — and has since been criticized for his laid-back campaign style and often-times light schedule.

But the former actor has criticized his rivals for launching their presidential bids months ahead of his, and continually touts the fact he hasn't harbored presidential ambitions his whole career.

"I am not consumed by personal ambition," Thompson also said Saturday. "I'm offering myself up."

"I'm only consumed by a few things and politics is not one of them."

But Thompson added the sacrifices he has made to run for president proves he wants the top job.

“To be clean, I had to cut everything off," he said. "I was doing speaking engagements and I had a contract to do a TV show, I had a contract with ABC Radio, like I was talking about earlier, and so forth. I guess a man would have to be a total fool to do all those things and to be leaving his family which is not a joyful thing at all if he didn't want to do it."

– CNN’s Rebecca Sinderbrand and Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Fred Thompson


Ben   January 1st, 2008 10:22 pm ET

GO FRED GO!!!

We are behind you 1000 percent!

Ben   January 1st, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Fred is the only true Conservative… everybody else are two faced empty suits.

GO FRED GO!!!!

Dale Davis, Glendora, California   January 1st, 2008 2:31 am ET

Oh please Fred. Your young wife and little toddlers need you before you get way too old for them to remember you. Please go home to them.

Web Smith   December 31st, 2007 2:50 pm ET

What this American Patriot said was that he feels like his country needs him and he is willing to sacrifice most of his remaining life and much of his family's well being for the good of his country.

Soldiers don't start wars, want to go to war, or be in wars when there is one. When their country needs them, the fire in their belly rages. This is the kind of man who suffered in the trenches and saved you while you criticized and swapped ideologies in the media or marched in protests. He will not be reading kiddie books when radical Muslims attack.

Solely based on the issues, Fred is not my first choice for President but he is my first choice for decent, patriotic American. If you want someone who is willing to squabble over pieces of rhetoric dung like rats in a sewer, Fred's not your guy. He may be your guy, if you want someone to get 'er done.

Vince, Phoenix AZ   December 31st, 2007 10:16 am ET

To those who cite Fred's "consistency", does this mean he gets a pass on his lobbying days, or his (conveniently) former support for a woman's right to choose?
(just wondering…)

Todd C. Wilmington, DE   December 31st, 2007 9:15 am ET

Fred Thompson is running for President???

concernediowan   December 31st, 2007 9:01 am ET

What a race this is becoming! Not much more time to make up our minds who to vote for this week. I know that I will not vote for Huckabee. I live in a town that is very much affected by illegal immigration. I need someone who will enforce the laws in this area and has a proven track record. Huckabee does not.

CCook   December 31st, 2007 8:19 am ET

George Washington was the reluctant president…Abraham Lincoln questioned his ability to do the job…Frankly, as a registered Republican, I was seriously eyeing the Democratic contenders (not Hillary!), however anyone that "thinks" they have all the answers scares me and will always fail in the public's eye. Mr. Thompson sounds like a wise man to give careful consideration to a job that will require decisions for so many and be under constant scrutiny and criticism. The public often complains of those voted in office regardless of who we voted for…maybe we need to shutup and listen harder, filter out the media hype and bickering, listen to those that show quiet strength, which often is misinterpreted as weakness or unambitious. Vote Fred08!

George Ebong   December 31st, 2007 6:40 am ET

I don't actually know what Fred wants. I do not really see that enthusiasm in him. If he is not really interested in running, he should support someone instead.

mark wilkes barre pa   December 31st, 2007 5:32 am ET

J Jones ,,, you talk like you have seen it !!! are YOU hanging out in public bathrooms ? Grow up loser,,

J. Jones   December 31st, 2007 4:10 am ET

Fred has a small wrinkley old wiener.

Dan the Man   December 31st, 2007 4:04 am ET

I liken this to the Thomas E. Dewey/ Harry S. Truman election. Dewey was supposed to put down Truman but he was lethargic and Truman swung the upset. If it came down to say….. Thompson vs Edwards, I can see Edwards' smiling face holding a Chicago Daily Tribune (no idea if that paper still exists) saying Edwards carries anywhere from 35-45 states for the win. For all the knocks on Thompson, the biggest if that he isn't offering much of a rebuttal. I've been around the educational business for awhile, and the laid back approach can you get you to about the assistant principal level, no farther.

I rank the candidates thus:

For the Dems: 1) John Edwards 2) Joe Biden 3) Barack Obama 4) Bill Richardson 5) Wesley Clark (just kidding)

For the GOP: 1) John McCain 2) Mitt Romney 3) Duncan Hunter 4) Fred Thompson 5) Ron Paul

I think if Al Gore ran for the Green Party, and Mike Bloomberg ran as an independent- you'd have 4 candidates winning at least one state for (to my knowledge) the first time in history. How would you all like to see this: Edwards/ Biden (moderate right president, moderate left vice president, a true dream team) for the Dems, McCain/Hunter (two former LEGITIMATE vets, McCain being an ex-POW and Hunter being an Airborne Ranger) for the Reps, Gore/ Nader for the Greens (who knows, this might just be crazy enough to work), and Bloomberg/Paul in a we don't know what we want to be but we think we know how to fix America campaign. Those are eigh legitimately great men and I think that's something hte country would like to see. Also for fun… Obama/Oprah for the independent circuit anyone?

rd   December 31st, 2007 2:51 am ET

Fred is a Loser with a dream…A dream to do nothing productive except play pretend in Hollywood! Good Luck Loser.

Chuckabee   December 31st, 2007 1:51 am ET

"Right Said Fred" Thompson's new campaign:

I'm too sexy to campaign
Too sexy to campaign
I'm insane

Paul Fehrenbacher   December 31st, 2007 12:47 am ET

Check-out http://www.trueromney.com/ to get Gov. Romney's real record!

-Paul

Wanda Niven   December 31st, 2007 12:17 am ET

Fred Thompson is the man to become our next President of the Free world…He will lead us where we are in the best situations….He wants to give us all his know how….He is a rich man and is not after all he can rake into his pockets….He is a giver, not a taker, and has a lot to give….Please consider voting for him…He can save us…..

dave   December 30th, 2007 11:55 pm ET

Ron Paul now thats king size commitment ,king size platform as well , Clear and concise as a cold creeks water.
with Paul you have a candidate that wants to fix the Constitution, and fix America too.
Finally America is on the doorstep to fix it's problems and there are some of them that want to vote for a man that doesn't want to run for president who was a last hope for the Zionist controllers to thwart the real deal Ron Paul.Goes to show you how badly some people want America to remain broken so they can squeeze through the cracks
Vote Ron Paul or you will lose America already the constitution has been under siege ,the Economy has been shredded , justice gas been thwarted. And democracy has been strained to the edge
And as unbelievable as can be some Americans want to still vote for Fred the man that does not want to be president , will not be a good president nor would mend America's problems only a hero would want to be president this round
the Economy will be broken as in Dust bowl Circa 1929
wars are raging
and the zionists are on the war path
Ron paul is the man for America ,is america coutry enough for Ron paul that remains to be seen,

David-Paul Niner   December 30th, 2007 11:50 pm ET

All of us would like to sleep in from time to time. But we live in a capitalist society where money fuels the blood and minds of most Americans. -Zep, earlier comment.

I won't argue that this is still the majority viewpoint, but I also assert that more and more people are starting to question this "truth" everyday.

Regardless…

I believe that Fred Thompson would make a strong leader, which is something this country desperately needs. It wasn't only Bush's failed policies that hurt this country; his confrontational mannerisms caused deep divisions that will take years to repair. I'm a liberal voter and Thompson's views are a bit too conservative for my taste…but he's got charisma and I believe he would do a better job of bridging people who feel on opposite sides of the more polarizing issues.

dave   December 30th, 2007 11:38 pm ET

Then what kind of president would he be a part timer too reluctant to do anything meaningful, he has no platform ,no grass roots hey ! Fred go back to the young wife and kids and lave the people that have a platform to contend for it.
What the heck is he doing running for president if he has no desire for it.
a day late and a dollar short and doesn't even want the job.

Jim   December 30th, 2007 10:02 pm ET

To all of you supposed "know it alls" out there that believe Fred to be lazy…

DO YOU KNOW THAT HE IS ON A 50 CITY IOWA BUS TOUR…IN THE FREEZING COLD AND SNOW…

Doing 5 or more stops a day? That is "in your face campaigning" that people love…

MANY ARE APPLAUDING HIM FOR NOT GETTING IN THE RACE EARLY…thay are sick of this campaign which started more than a year ago.

Joe from Atlanta   December 30th, 2007 10:02 pm ET

Fred Thompson is a joke, just like Huckabee. They both need to pack up and go home to their families and forget about the race to the White House. One is better suited to play president on TV, while the other should run for president of the local bible college.

uncbare   December 30th, 2007 9:27 pm ET

I really think Fred would give it his all 24/7 if he were elected. 24 hours a week, 7 months a year.

william Pruett   December 30th, 2007 9:17 pm ET

I am proud to say I support Fred Thompson for president, because he is an honest man, and more importantly an honest politician, the only one on either side
who is running for president. He tells it like it is, and not the way he thinks you want to hear it. He has the skills, and the knowlege to be a good president.

marcparella   December 30th, 2007 9:15 pm ET

Fred looks like he would make a better president of a Home Owners Association than of the US. Even then I wouldn't vote for him for my HOA.

fabooj, Los Angeles, CA   December 30th, 2007 9:14 pm ET

LOL…so you write a hit piece on a candidate, taking his words out of context, delete that story and all the comments attached to it, then run this? That's funny to me. The great Republican boogeyman of the so-called "liberal" media, re-wrote a story favorable to a GOP candidate. Yet, still use (stale, unsubstantiated and refuted) GOP talking points to talk about Democratic candidates.

Nice.

Laurinda   December 30th, 2007 8:14 pm ET

I know that that man who visits that girl in the house is not her father. He is a hypnotist. I talked to his "son" who didn't have any pupils. I think that he knows I know. I am not afraid of him because I won't look directly in his eyes. Louie. Louie was banned in the 60's because it has a few "word phrases" in it that are not appropriate. I learned "all" the "words" in Menlo Park Diagnostic Center.

Elias Campos   December 30th, 2007 7:25 pm ET

Yes, Mr. Thompson should show the attitude, intellectual fortitude and commitment President Bush showed over the last two elections. As for lazy, nevermind every president spends months in satellite Whitehouses (Crawford) really caring for people. Let's stop looking for superheroes as they belong in the comic strips.

mark wilkes barre pa   December 30th, 2007 7:12 pm ET

I believe if ronald reagan was running for president in this election , he would also not like the uglyness in campaining that far exceeds any qualifications or experience that a candidate may or may not have. yes it's true Reagan loved people, loved taking and reaching out to all people,, but if asked I'm sure he would have said somthing like Mr Thompson said about dirty low down campaining, and also that he didnt live for politics but rather his life path led him to politics through duty and honor.

Frederick Paxson, Benbrook TX   December 30th, 2007 6:59 pm ET

FRED THOMPSON is the best person to lead this country. He is a true conservative and has been his entire life. All one has to do is check his record to see this.

During my time in the Army as an Intelligence Analyst, I served under both Presidents Carter and Reagan (as my commanders in chief). Without argument, President Reagan was the best commander-in-chief a military person could ever have served under. Fred Thompson possesses the same qualities and vision as President Reagan in that he is strong on national defense and sees a dire need to secure our borders and control immigration.

I can think of no better person to lead this country and fix the problems we have. He is the only candidate from either party who has specific and detailed plans on border security and immigration reform; revitalization of America’s armed forces; saving and protecting Social Security; and tax relief and economic growth. These are detailed on his Web site at http://www.fred08.com . I challenge you to find any other candidate who has laid out specific plans to fix anything.

Fred Thompson has published his first principles, some of which are mentioned above. In addition to those, he strongly believes in individual liberty, personal responsibility, limited government, federalism, traditional American values, the rule of law and is a strong proponent of the Second Amendment — all concepts established during the birth of our country and documented in our Constitution.

Again, try to find any candidate who has laid out their plans to “fix” this country. You will find they all speak in vague and abstract terms on their plans.

For those who have heard Fred Thompson speak, you will usually hear him say that the Fred Thompson you see today is the same Fred Thompson you saw yesterday and is the same Fred Thompson you will see tomorrow. He stands by his principles and values and doesn’t shift his positions based on polls or public opinion; in other words, he doesn’t say what the voters want to hear just to get elected, but remains steadfast on his views and convictions.

During his time in the Senate he focused on three areas: to lower taxes, strengthen national security and expose waste in the federal government. Fred Thompson has foreign policy experience, having served as member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Senate Intelligence committees.

As chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, he opened the investigation in 1997 on the Chinese government’s attempt to influence American policies and elections, and this investigation identified connections with the Clinton administration (documented in the committee’s report).

As a member of the Finance Committee, he worked tirelessly to enact three major tax-cut bills. Fred Thompson remains steadfast and even though a person may not agree with all his views and he understands some may disagree with him, you can count on him to be consistent and unwavering.

Don’t be fooled by his laid back approach and what critics call his “laziness.” As a former assistant U.S. attorney, he earned a reputation as a tough prosecutor and he possesses the toughness this country needs in order to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s issues.

I ask that you take a hard look at what this country needs, then take a hard look at all the other candidates’ views, policies, their records and their track record on consistency. Fred Thompson possesses integrity, loyalty, commitment, energy and decisiveness, all traits of an effective leader, and will emerge as the best person to take this country boldly forward.

Please help Fred win in Iowa:
https://www.fred08.com/contribute.aspx?RefererID=c637caaa-315c-4b4c-9967-08d864cd0791

S Benn   December 30th, 2007 6:47 pm ET

Listen to this message from Fred Thompson to Iowa voters and see why I am for Fred! http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2007/video-freds-message-to-iowa-voters/

Steve   December 30th, 2007 6:44 pm ET

Gee, theres no fictional heroes in Washington now?? hahah… thanks for the laugh! Just because some of the campaigners out there get on their knees and pucker up and tell you anything you want to hear doesn't mean they are going to be this miraculous president that actually DOES what he said he would Before he got elected! Look at history… a LOT of campaign ideals and promises were never spoken of again once the guy who made said promises got elected.

Fred is being himself and not giving lip service promises just because it would make a nice sounding speech! the man is a take me as I am realist and has laid down the facts despite the fact most idealists hoping for some unrealistic miracle don't want to hear it that way. Get a clue before you vote for the guy who promises you the world on the podium. Surely you can look at history see how That pattern has worked!

Fred is the best man for the job without doubt. The republicans better put him up for the general election if they want any kind of real person doing the job. Dems should forget about it. Hillary? Like it or not America is still not ready or willing to elect a woman president. Just isn't going to happen. Polls are meaningless as when it comes down to the general election day there won't be nearly as many punching the chad by Hillary's name. Obama?? same as above. America is still not ready to elect a minority into the White House. especially one with the name Hussien in his name!! No matter what the guy stands for, even if he was a republican, it wouldn't matter. Edwards is the only person who would realistically have a shot and he's a goof so thats all for the Dems. Well, you could still get most of what you want if Rudy gets the nod. He might as well be a Dem for all he's worth.

Fred will come out better than people think, if the people who actually vote take a minute and think about what matters.

webdevgirl   December 30th, 2007 6:03 pm ET

What I would like to know is: how is it that Fred Thompson, who is polling behind Ron Paul in New Hampshire, is invited to a Fox News roundtable discussion along with 4 other Republican presidential candidates, but Ron Paul is not invited? What happened to objectivity in the press?

http://isupportronpaul.blogspot.com/

Karen, Vancouver, Canada   December 30th, 2007 5:51 pm ET

Thompson just wants to have instant access to sit on the Throne but doesn't want to do anything for it.
Like they say, NO PAIN, NO GAIN Fred!!!!
.

Dee Ward Mena, AR   December 30th, 2007 5:40 pm ET

I have never seen a more disinterested candidate in the Presidential race in all of my years. Fred Thompson thought he could just jump in late and everyone would be waiting for him with a vote in hand. He didn't and still doesn't think he should have to work for the peoples votes. He think that it is owed to him just for putting his name on the ballot. Sorry Fred, you are going down the tubes, where you belong. Why don't you drop out instead of looking like a zombie on TV that could care less about this Primary Process. GO HOME, and stay off of Law and Order, you don't belong there either.

Gary Stanley   December 30th, 2007 5:28 pm ET

I do not understand this constant bashing of this fine American Presidential Canidate. Look at your headline for this story "Fred Thompson wants to be President, does not like runniing" unless readers decide to read on this is just more of the he's too lazy buisness. Mr. Thompson is a modest, honest and sincere canidate who has not flipped flop one time. Meanwhile the others are fighting trying to prove they are the true conservative when thier record shows otherwise. It has become obvious to me that with out a doubt that Senator Thompson is the real deal, all one has to do is review the record. I was tought by my folks tthat he truth will always prevail and I feel that somehow this will be true in Senator Thompsons case. Lets get off this he's "too lazy" or "got in to late" mode and give this good American a fair chance.

I want to be proud to be an American, remember Truth, Justice and Liberty for all.

Paul   December 30th, 2007 4:48 pm ET

Clearly, he does not have a hidden agenda, which makes him a easy target for liberals to say vote for me because i know what I'm doing. He wants to do the job and do it right. I just don't think he wants to get into the unnecessary mud slinging and i can't blame him. The whole thing is nauseating to watch and listen to. I just dread listening to these campaign speeches, but I will keep informed. Listening to these campaign speeches are hours of my life I will never get back.

hey allons,tn   December 30th, 2007 4:47 pm ET

hey sen. fred thompson wasn't worth his salt he was a bush yes man and we have two senators that kiss buts for bush republican from Tennessee i know i live in TN none worth his sait .corporate corporate all the know but that leave the poor poor all the know very poor no middle class thanks REPUBS EDWARDS OR CLiNTON 08

Paul   December 30th, 2007 4:37 pm ET

Vote for Fred

Trollmaster   December 30th, 2007 4:35 pm ET

Stick to viagra commericals Fred.

rmh   December 30th, 2007 4:27 pm ET

I hope this is the last nail in his coffin (politically speaking).

Allan Stewart   December 30th, 2007 4:24 pm ET

We finally have a man that is running fro the right reasons - duty to country & concern for our people. But because he is not driven by out-of-control personal ambition or a desire for control, the media attacks him. Just like when he put together a campaign in a matter of months instead of years, they called him lazy because his campaign needed a few weeks to get going. The world is upside down!

Ryan, San Ramon, CA   December 30th, 2007 4:15 pm ET

Check out Fred's address to Iowa and the nation of Fred08.com or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoZ_oBknuBk

Allie   December 30th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

If a candidate admits he is not interested in running for president, he should not be president. Thompson's campaign is a failure and lacks motivation and momentum. He couldn't even get 500 signatures to get on the Delaware ballot.

Chris Fischahs, Los Alamos, NM   December 30th, 2007 3:42 pm ET

The others tend to talk in Clintonspeak about what they believe, or what they say now is different than their record. Sen.Fred Thompson is the only candidate who has detailed where he stands on the issues. http://www.fred08.com/Principles/PrinciplesSummary.aspx?View=OnTheIssues

As President, I want a man who is uncompromising on his core beliefs.

I TRUST FRED to remain true to his principles.
Clear. Consistent. Conservative.
http://www.Fred08.com

A Real American   December 30th, 2007 3:07 pm ET

I don't think Mr.Thompson understands that the American people judge the level of committment he will bring to the JOB as president upon his level of passion during the CAMPAIGN. If you are lazy and have a "I could care less attitude" about running for president, then why shoud we as citizens go all out of our way on Election Day or even caucus for this guy if he isn't all that interested in traveling around to meet and talk with us? Talk about arrogance. This is why Republicans need to stop looking for the "next Ronald Reagan" in this guy. Reagan LOVED campaigning and meeting the people. It is what he did for a career after he LEFT Hollywood. Then his passion for politics was ignited, but he based his decision to enter into politics off of his love for people. Fred Thompson seems to lack a love for both; at least the amount needed to be president of the United States. To want to be president but not be passionate about politics is like wanting to be a lawyer but not caring about law. How dumb. Stick to acting where you can remain a "fictional hero" but stay out of Washington, okay.

Thomas   December 30th, 2007 3:04 pm ET

Why doesnt he just give up already, he's done for.

James, Houston,TX.   December 30th, 2007 2:50 pm ET

Fred you'd do better going after a "Face Lift"! Look what it did for Jerry Jones and He"s still President; of the Cowboys!

Dave P   December 30th, 2007 2:27 pm ET

Fred Thompson has so much integrity that it makes all of the other candidates pale in comparison. Fred understands the issues and knows how to lead this country. The media hates it because he doesn't play by their rules and make empty promises. I sincerely hope the people in this country wake up and see what Fred has to offer. If they do, they will see that Fred is far and away the best candidate.

Tom, ALBUQUERQUE, NM   December 30th, 2007 2:21 pm ET

I have a word of advice for Fred Thompson, Go home and take a nap. You are certainly not up for the rigors of a fast paced, vigorous campaign.

Ajay Jain, Garland, TX   December 30th, 2007 2:09 pm ET

Iowa Rep. Steve King who was backing the one percent Tancredo is now endorsing Fred Thompson. Fred Thompson sure is catching FIRE!:

http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/20/a-gop-free-for-all/

GOP is still looking for some Godly inspiration. Hucabee is well ahead in this Godly game. If Hucabee is the GOP answer to their prayers then Hillary will have the Presidency sealed in 2009.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/

Kevin Topeka, KS   December 30th, 2007 2:05 pm ET

Wow, Fred. You really stepped in it!!!! Mouth moving without brain engaged. What a stupid thing to say when the question has already been asked as to whether or not you wanted to be president bad enough. You'll be explaining this through the rest of the primary. Good luck!!!

Jennifer Heintz   December 30th, 2007 1:45 pm ET

I have read the actual transcript from the event and the AP reporter who reported on this did a total injustice to Senator Thompson. She didn't even attend the event she is reporting on. She took bits and pieces from his answer and wove it to make it look like he has no ambition. What Senator Thompson actually said can be found on his website: http://www.fred08.com. I am becoming more and more disgusted by MSM because of this kind of reporting - or lack of reporting. Where are these reporters going to J-school? What a disgrace. This is just another example of the dumbing down of our society.

I am voting for Senator Thompson because he is the only candidate in this race who is a true conservative and has the record to prove it. What you see is what you get with him - a strong, intelligent, caring, God fearing man who loves his country and wants to see it prosper and grow in the right direction for generations to come.

Garfield - Warming up to Mitt   December 30th, 2007 1:39 pm ET

As a fat cat the more I see Mitt Romeny the more I find myself warming up to Mitt Romney purrrrr purrrrfect

All I can say about Hillary is hisssssss

Zep, Seattle   December 30th, 2007 1:35 pm ET

I understand what Mr. Thompson means. The moment he explained what his thoughts were, I said to myself 'I know what you mean.' I believe there are very few people who get up every morning and say to themselves 'Oh what a beautiful day. I can't wait to get to work (or school, or whatever).' All of us would like to sleep in from time to time. But we live in a capitalist society where money fuels the blood and minds of most Americans. I think Mr. Thompson was saying he's driven by the mindset that is driven by something besides money and material. I like that kind of person. I get up and go to work because I have to, because I need to take care of myself and my family, not because I love my work (although I must admit I do enjoy my line of work). But I also love my country, and I think under the wrong leadership, we're on a collision course with our destiny. I think President Bush's leadership is driven by his love of God and country. I don't think the leadership in Congress is driven by the same values as the President, which is why they clash so much. So although I don't necessarily support him in the presidential race, it's refreshing to hear someone be completely honest.

Ba Gua   December 30th, 2007 1:27 pm ET

He was “not particularly interested” in running for president and also said, "I'm offering myself up." Sounds like a half-hearted martyr. He's lost before it has hardly started. Fred, go back to TV acting.

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