January 4, 2008
Posted: 03:33 PM ET
Thompson campaign is looking to win big in the South.

Thompson campaign is looking to win big in the South.

(CNN) – Fred Thompson's campaign sent out a fundraising e-mail Friday that seems to gloss over the upcoming New Hampshire primary, and points to South Carolina's January 19 contest as "the next target in our sights."

The e-mail said South Carolina "has always been critical to our plan for victory" and claims that every penny raised "will go to South Carolina media."

Thompson ran a pair of TV ads in the state for several weeks last fall, but the campaign stopped airing them shortly before Christmas.

The former Tennessee senator, who consistently plays up his Southern roots while campaigning in the Palmetto State, has considered South Carolina a must-win since he officially entered the race last summer.

– CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby

Filed under: Fred Thompson


Mike   January 11th, 2008 2:38 am ET

Thompson is going to win South Carolina. Thompson is the only candidate with an I.Q. above 160. Thompson is the only candidate that can save America and protect our borders. With Thompson at the helm, the terrorist will think twice about bombing the United States again. Wow! Just think, it was 2001 that we were brutally attacked by the Islamic extremists of Saudi Arabia and Obama Bin Ladin. And, we have not been attacked since 2001. Watch out if a Democrat gets elected because that is exactly what the Islamic extremist want. If a Democrat wins the White House hold onto your wallet because we are going to be taxed to death. In addition, if a Democrat gets elected to the White House just watch for the signs of the end of the world because God will destroy the earth. Thompson is a blessing and I hope you people can see the light otherwise the road to hell is very broad.

Ralph   January 11th, 2008 2:28 am ET

As a Christian I believe that people will see through the Mike Huckabee for what he really is…A wolf in sheep's clothing. Mike Huckabee is the most liberal candidate running neck and neck in liberalism with John McKain. I think it is disgusting how Mike Huckabee is in favor of open borders and John McKain was in favor of the Amnesty bill. I don't like the fact that Mike taxed his state of Arkansas $500 million dollars. I really don't like the fact that Mike Huckabee pardoned 1,000 prisoners of which some were murderers. McKain also took away Americans' rights through the a bill called the McKain-Feingold bill which is proven to go against the constitution. Mike Huckabee gave free scholarships and in-state tuition to illegal immigrants and refuses to provide in-state tuition and scholarships for our Armed Forces men and women. Mike Huckabee wants to close Guantanamo and bring those terrorist to the United States for trial. What if they break out of prison? John McKain paired up with Ted Kennedy to adopt a bill. The National Education Association (NEA) one of the most liberal unions in the USA has endorsed Mike Huckabee because Mike is against vouchers and school choice for those parents that want to send their kids to a private school rather than the failed government run public schools. John McKain and Mike Huckabee are the worst candidates for America.

Marie in Minnesota   January 7th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

Go, Senator Thompson!!! You have many supporters all over the country and I and my family and friends are cheering you on.

Your demeanor and debates have been spot on, and your ideas and stand on the issues represent MANY conservatives. Don't listen to the naysayers, just keep going and bringing your message to the Americans…we are listening! You are making a big difference in the direction this campaign and the country are going and we applaud you.

We will be working for you and praying for your continued success. America would be very blessed to have you as its President.

DJ   January 7th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

I am amazed how many people are bashing Fred and wanting him to drop out, yet he has more delegates already then McCain, Guiliani, Paul, and Hunter combined! If he would kowtow to the media like the rest are doing he would quite possibly than he is doing now, but when the media builds someone up, they will soon take them down. Just watch what happens to Huck

kate   January 7th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

For those who can actually read and discuss the issues, Fred Thompson is the only choice. Sadly, many get their opinions from and are being manipulated by the liberal media. Do your homework using facts, looking at candidate records, and written policy on the issues…the answer will be obvious. Go Fred!

Judy   January 5th, 2008 9:20 pm ET

Federalism, Federalism, federalism…he knows our Constitution! For you nay sayers - remember that slick and fast is not a way to run this country. Fred knows his stuff. Try reading his rating by Numbers USA on Immigration. Club for Growth on economy and the Wall Street Journal on social Scurity and the economy. I want Fred at the negotiating table representing me at the end of the day!

BILL QUINION   January 5th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

I've never seen one episode of Law and Order in which Fred Thompson appeared or the movies he appeared in. I checked his Biography and his past congressional record as well as the Bio's and records of the other candidates both Democrat and Republican to arrive at the conclusion that Fred Thompson was the best CHOICE for President of the United States. I don't believe in popularity contests for such a responsible position. Highschool was a long time ago and the results often proved to be the wrong choice and didn't affect the rest of the country.
The only time I voted for the wrong person was when I voted for Carter.Then I was young and working for peanuts. He promised to make things better for everyone too like Clinton did.He didn't and ran up the biggest debt the country had ever had at that time.

BILL QUINION   January 5th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

I think fred should emphasize that Social security and Medicare are GOVERNMENT RUN –INSURANCE — programs that have not worked and now that they have been drained by the democrats they need a new CASH COW they call a Universal HEALTH CARE government run INSURANCE PROGRAM. It hasn't worked in Europe or Canada and it won't work here.It will be just another INSURANCE PROGRAM that they can borrow from.

From The North   January 5th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

It takes a man with character & the desire to put the country's best interests in front of all else. Thompson is such a man.

And I bet you voted for Bush too.

Talk is cheap. Bush has again proven that old and great theory.
The movie depiction of Law and Order is just made for TV. Our world needs the real deal. Fred Thompson and Martin were just pretending to be lawyers and presidents in case you didn't know.

BILL QUINION   January 5th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

With all those posters making negative comments,B-net must be closed for repairs today due to all the damage they have done there

Subject: IOWA Caucus

Chalk another one up for the media. They have been determining the outcome of elections for the past 60 years.Their continuous showing of mostly democratic contenders convinced their viewers that those were the only candidates running.A segment showing a man on the street with photos of the contenders revealed that the general public couldn't identify any of the republican candidates.Then, as usual,they predicted the winner of the republican caucus with only 15% of the precincts reporting.They never considered or reported that Fred Thompson trounced Romney in 10 counties and tied him in 2, with virtually no pre caucus coverage acknowleging that Fred08 was even a contender.That shows that only Iowans in those 12 counties were intelligent enough to listen to what Fred had to say and realize that Fred was the only candidate that all our enemies in the world,including domestic enemies, would never take for granted.They know that he means what he says and his presence says that they better not mess with him or the United States. Isn't this the kind of man you want for president? That is the kind of MAN I want and if the media reported on the candidates fairly and didn't make biased early predictions to influance the voters choices we would all have a better chance of getting the RIGHT man instead of the one the media determines to be the most popular and newsworthy.

To the positive posters:

Re: What We Want in a President

Comment:
I agree with your viewpoint and choice of candidate.The reported polls however show that either the polls are rigged or the people in Iowa pay too much attention to the polls reported by the prejudiced news media. They have left the democratic voters with a choice of an inexperienced governor,a governor who doesn't uphold the law on immigration and raises taxes, and a former first lady /senator who doesn't represent her constituants and is unable to influance the conduct of her own husband due to her lack of ability to communicate with them. How can any of these candidates be expected to perform the duties of the president of the United States?
The polls for Republicans show the voters of Iowa to be in favor of supporting two EX governors who were voted out of office for raising taxes and leaving the state in a mess and also failing to enforce the immigration laws.We are all aware of the results of the last president from Hope Arkansas, can we really afford to elect another governor from Arkansas? Then look at the building of the most expensive tunnel in the history of the United States to expedite traffic from the interstate highway to Logan Airport in Massachusetts. Was this for the benefit of citizens or for the benefit of others rushing to the airport to avoid Boston traffic so they wouldn't miss their flight to New Yorks' twin towers?
The candidates who are better qualified such as Fred Thompson, John McCain,Joe Biden, and Chris Dodd have been completely ignored and pushed aside by the media who have tried to and succeeded in influancing the elections for the past 60 ywars.How long will it take for the elactorate to wake up to this practice by the media and completely ignore everything they report concerning elections?
I'd really like to know.

Geno   January 5th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

I'm not surprised by all the negative comments posted. It just proves that those making them have not done one bit of research on the man. It's your right to think and say what you want without being educated on the subject. All the great presidents, (Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, TDR, FDR, Truman, IKE, Reagan, etc.) had people say the same type of negative things about them that I read here. There is no man 100% made for the job. It takes a man with character & the desire to put the country's best interests in front of all else. Thompson is such a man.

Dan, Saint Louis, MO   January 5th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Thompson has been looking a bit lamed of late. After South Carolina dumps on him he'll drop out and go straight to an Old Country Buffet.

keith Franklin, Tn   January 5th, 2008 11:46 am ET

LWS January 4, 2008 8:24 pm ET

It is obvious by the comments on this thread just how well educated some of America is. If you read up on Thompson you will see that he is very steady, firm, and realistic in his views, something very hard to say about most anyone else in this campaign, Democratic or Republican. Fred, if you read this I think you are on the right course. Once again, to those who have studied your positions and history it is obvious that you are carefully examining where you can make the most impact. God bless you Fred and may he grant you the wisdom to do what is best for this country.

WOW!!!!!!……You really beieve this drivel about Thompson. Most of us in Tn know that he is lazy. Sure, people like ….he is likable….but that doesn't make him a good Presidential candidate.

Yes, if you read up on ol' Fred, you will see another "W"….someting this country cannot afford.

Fred is lazy, old, worn out, and really doesn't care about most Americans just a conservative base. Fred go to sleep!!

Steven in Charleston, SC   January 5th, 2008 11:39 am ET

I'm not really sure why Thompson considers a South Carolina victory achievable.

The issues that are most important to most SC Republicans are national defense and "traditional values." For the first, they have McCain, and for the second they have Huckabee.

Huckabee will have the momentum of his Iowa win, and since he doesn't have a shot in NH, will probably be focusing his efforts here.

McCain will probably have the momentun of a NH win (or at least a close second-place finish), plus has the added benefit of the fact that there are a LOT of SC Republicans who desperately wish they had voted for McCain in the '00 primary rather than succumb to Bush's smear machine.

I think that at this point, it is likely that McCain will win NH, and that either he or Huckabee will win SC. At that point all of the other candidates, with the exception of Rudy, who is adopting a "Super Tuesday" stragegy, will be effectively out. Come Super Tuesday, either Rudy will sweep the contests, effectively making him the nominee, or he will crash and burn, leaving McCain and Huckabee to duke it out.

steve Loudon, TN   January 5th, 2008 11:37 am ET

N.H. is Romney's back yard and has absolutely no impact on what the South will do, which is what will determine not only the candidate, but the winner of the general election. Thompson is his own man and has always been a comfortable person about himself. Be aware that he has never lost an election, served in Senate on critical security and intelligence commitees and is the ONLY CANDIDATE who recognizes we are in a WAR and that our continued existence depends on someone who has the knowledge and commitment to fight for America, against islamic extremists and felonious illegal aliens who are sneaking into this country to disrupt the American economy and kill Americans. He is the citizen candidate the founders wanted, not the professional liars and acceptors of lobbiest fund in exchange for votes and giving away national secrets….Clinton gave critical data to allow Chinese to shoot down missles and put much more accurate targeting into their missles (which just blew up prior to this). For this he got millions from Chinese like Charlie Trie, Norman Hsu, renting out the Lincoln bedroom like a Motel 6 to anyone who had the price of the bribe. Clinton was offered Osama 3 times and turned him down, allowed Cole to be bombed and 17 sailors killed with no response, allowed 1993 world Trade Center bombing to go unpunished, allowed US embassies in Africa to be blown up killing hundreds with no response, allowed US soldiers to be dragged through Somalia (BlackHawk Down) without allowing AVAILABLE ARMOR to rescue these poor guys. Another 17 dead Americans with NO response. Gave N. Korea tons of oil and food and built part of lightwater reactor and they just gave him the finger,.,he should have taken the country out, launchers, reactor, and PYong Pang, but did nothing. Fred speaks softly but has a big stick and will use it if he has to. The rest of these characters are empty, inexperienced and have no idea of what the world is about other than they want power and to get rich like predecessors. Caucuses are not the PUBLIC, simply party syncophants (look it up in the dictionary).

Glenn Hudson WI   January 5th, 2008 11:10 am ET

I hope Fred hangs in their and fights. Fred is the only canidate, republican or democrate, who is interested in less goverment in our lives. The American people can do more with less goverment involvment and Fred gets that. It's why the pilgrems risked everything and left England. They were being taxed to death and the goverment cantroled everything in their lives. Do we really want to go back to that? I don't think so. Fred understands why our founding fathers wrote the constitution and what it stands for. Go get them Fred.

BigDaddy   January 5th, 2008 9:24 am ET

Quoted from above- "….and thankfully 18-30 year olds are 5:1 Democrats, young people may not vote today, but imagine what the Democrats will have in 20 years."

And the age old prophecy still applies-

If you're 18 and conservative, you haven't got a heart! If you're 40 and liberal, you haven't got a brain!

Hang in there Freddie!

Duncan, Richmond, VA   January 5th, 2008 7:44 am ET

I have asked this a couple of times and still don't have an answer.. Can anyone tell me how this guy is polling so well and picked up 13% in Iowa? His policies are average at best and extreme in others.. and he is lackluster in his approach. Who is supporting him?

mark wilkes barre pa   January 5th, 2008 7:35 am ET

Dem from MI,,,, that was a very funny comment , lmao,,,, see that folks, dem/libs can have a sense of humor

Moofy   January 5th, 2008 6:18 am ET

Originally this was posted on a Myrtle Beach Online Blog, but that seems to be going nowhere. As this is a predominently Republican area.

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/709

So here it is - I recently went to a volunteer orientation for the Democrat Debates to be held at the Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach.
While the local GOP is handling the affairs for their own Republican Debates, they also appear to have a hand in putting together their rivals' own debates.

http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/step-up/vcindex.do

A local organiization, Step Up has been given the task of signing up the many volunteers needed for the event. They in turn outsourced handing out the Assignments to another organization. One headed and manned by local Republicans.
At the Orientation held January 2nd, the room was full of Republicans.
There I learned that the volunteers will not be at both events, only at one. We all were being told by GOP members of what we, the volunteers can and cannot do, what our assignments were, etc.
There are only 25 positions that would allow for a volunteer to actually enter the building hosting the debates.
It may be no wonder if those 25 positions were given out to Republicans.

Luckily for me I have a ticket and a camera.

Tim, Minnesota   January 5th, 2008 5:12 am ET

Did anyone else notice the picture CNN used? Look behind Fred it says, 'Fred Thompson cons". I'm not a Fred fan but that's awful.

Tim, Minnesota   January 5th, 2008 5:10 am ET

Fred could do America proud, if he drops out, he should endorse Ron Paul.

Ken-Caldwell - NJ   January 5th, 2008 5:07 am ET

Redneck in Chief! Hollywood insider, Former GOP Senator, and a Good ol' boy to boot! Yeeeehaaaa! "this guy is confused"

Bill   January 5th, 2008 5:00 am ET

Thompson is just working things right now to get a VP nomination. If he can take, or come close to taking, South Carolina then he can show he's got some real strength for any candidate in the South during the regular elections. He needs 2nd place or at least a strong showing there to get to his real goals.

B Clinton   January 5th, 2008 2:39 am ET

Fred will be the next Ronald Reagan Conservative who will lead us to peace and prosperity! We do not need another liberal screwing us this country. Besides with the dems on the wrong side of immigration and the war the Repubs will sweep big next year, especially after the lack of leadership by Reid and Peliosi!

Dale Davis, Glendora, California   January 5th, 2008 2:22 am ET

Fred. Go home. Your young wife and two toddlers need you, while you can still walk.

WC   January 5th, 2008 1:34 am ET

The whole idea that Thompson is "lazy" was made up by the media. They couldn't attack his stellar conservative record so they made up the whole "lazy and unmotivated" attack line. Many of the "lazy" hit pieces you guys read were based on information supplied by rival campaigns.

For the last 2 years Thompson has been working 3 different jobs (radio and TV) plus raising two children under the age of 4. The man just completed a 15 day 50+ city 5 or 6 event per day bus tour in single digit temperatures and snow. His working hours during that tour were 7:00 AM to past 11:00PM each night . How in the world can you call someone working that schedule lazy. Ask yourself if anybody else other than Fred was working that schedule would you dare call them lazy?

People just call Thompson lazy because they don't know enough about him to say anything else. And for the last time, Fred Thompson really does desire to be President, but he isn't consumed by the allure and power of the position and controlled by personal ambition like many of the other candidates. Personally, I think its refreshing to see a candidate running out of a sense of duy and service to his country rather than the traditional power hungry Type A candidate with ambition in overdrive.

A quick look at history will show that many of America's greatest Presidents were in fact very reluctant to become President and practically had to be drafted by the people. The most obvious example was George Washington.

As far as the Southern strategy goes, there are approximately 750 (out of 1200 needed to win) votes in the Southern states. If any of the candidates won all or even a strong majority of the Southern states, they would only need to pick up a handful of Western and Midwestern states to win the nomination. I don't know if Fred can actually pull it off with Huckabee in the race, but the strategy is very sound. There are four very accomplished moderate Republicans and one "Reagan Conservative" in this race. The true conservative is Fred Thomson.

Rob   January 5th, 2008 12:41 am ET

Fred is a good man. His influence in Washington could root out the silly liberal stargazers who can't get anything done.

Don   January 5th, 2008 12:09 am ET

Hey Fred, as a favor to a fellow Tiger alumni (Fred will know what that means) please do ask Sen. McCain exactly why it is that he (McCain) is "OK" with the U.S. remaining in the Iraq war for 100 years. I've seen the video and I still can't believe it. I think it would be much better if you were in control of launch codes, rather than Mr. McCain. That's 5 generations of U.S. soldiers that have to be produced in order to replenish the military forces; admittedly a labor of love for the men in the family but it doesn't seem to have struck a receptive chord with the womenfolk down here.

BTW, here's the video of McCain from last night in N.H. I was as astonished as the audience in New Hampshire.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf7HYoh9YMM

Travis Sugarland, Texas   January 4th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

As long as Billary the Socialist Dragon does not win…..

rtbohan, Sumter, SC   January 4th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

I remember a presidential candidate named John Connolly basing his hope for the Republican nomination on a "South Carolina surprise, and a candidate named Pat Robertson who ran well in Iowa and said that a victory in
South Carolina would va.kdate him as a serious candidate. I don"t recall either of them ever coming close to nomination.

Matt   January 4th, 2008 9:14 pm ET

Hey Lev Klinemann from Redondo Beach CA, you seem to forget once those 'young people' become disillusioned with the democratic party in a couple years they'll be flocking to the right.

FAIR TAX,LA.   January 4th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

OH NO– CALIFORNIA PEOPLE IN HERE, MORE LIBS WOW!!!

LWS   January 4th, 2008 8:24 pm ET

It is obvious by the comments on this thread just how well educated some of America is. If you read up on Thompson you will see that he is very steady, firm, and realistic in his views, something very hard to say about most anyone else in this campaign, Democratic or Republican. Fred, if you read this I think you are on the right course. Once again, to those who have studied your positions and history it is obvious that you are carefully examining where you can make the most impact. God bless you Fred and may he grant you the wisdom to do what is best for this country.

keith Franklin, Tn   January 4th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

It's simple….Fred thinks that the South can carry him to the White House….somebody better tell him that won't be enough electoral votes to win. Unless he can hire Karl Rove to do some serious dirty work and have the Supreme Court throw the election.

Meanwhile skipping N H means Freddy boy can sleep in for a few more days.

South Carolina win won't carry squat for momentum.

Michael J,   January 4th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

All these negative comments for coming in third place. Looking at the number of actual votes verses the polling predictions, I would say he did well. Judging by the comments, well enough to create some fear.

David Christhilf   January 4th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

I'm from Virginia, and it is my fondest wish that Fred Thompson is still a viable candidate by the time we in Virginia have a chance to have a say.

Take a look at the issues and the track record on those issues. It is unfortunate that in this country the election process involves such a media circus. Elections should be decided based on what candidates stand for and on their leadership qualities.

Take a closer look at Thompson.

Dem from MI   January 4th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

Hey Fred, wait for the weather to turn nicer in Florida, skip all the other states, and just wait on the beach until the primaries there. This way you can save all campaign monies for bingo and shuffleboard.

BOYD   January 4th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

I continue to be amazed by the significant numbers of double digit IQ's across this great country. Try using that peanut for more than a nano-second and READ the facts. Do some actual mental analyzing of WHY Huckabee won Iowa — where 60% of the folks are avowed Born Again Evangelicals… try to grasp that neither McCain nor Fred are overly religious - living in THE REAL WORLD teaches educated men that praying for solutions while sitting at the desk in the Oval Office is NOT how to keep America Safe, Prosperous & Financially the richest nation on earth. You will see dramatic fluctuations from now right up until Super Tuesday - and when Rudy & Duncan & Ron Paul drop out - all those conservatives will move to the ONLY member of the GOP in this race who has NEVER flip-flopped, never changed his position on conservative values - and never listens to spoiled brats whose only notion of the political process is supporting the candidate that LOOKS PRETIEST. How many of you were saying that Fred would never get into the top four in the Iowa Caucus? How many of you have been saying that Hillary is gonna be the Dem's candidate and Rudy will be the GOP front runner? Get INFORMED and be clear on the facts. Here's a smart Strategy for you - Go to the Web-sites for EACH of the remaining candidates and LEARN what their positions are - read their policy statements - If you can find anything other than platitudes and patronizing clap-trap. Oh - but I forgot - you can't read………………….. or at least you refuse to. How sad for you — and our nation.

Marie, Virginia Beach   January 4th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Senator Thompson should gracefully bow - out and endorse John McCain.

Jim in Orlando, FL   January 4th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Fred will only end up as a viable candidate by default, and there's about 3 in front of him that have to default. That's a whole lot of folks that have to self-destruct first. Fred, a word of advice. In your next life (and Presidential run), sound like the guy in charge, not the one bringing up the rear.

Albert Gonzales   January 4th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Senator McCain just might BEAT Romney in New Hampshire ! Romney save the negative ads for Super Tuesday!! You will need a lot of help that day!!!

Romney needs ALL the endorsements he can muster even from one percent Tancredo!!! Tancredo drops out and endorses Romney with his one percent following! But Iowa Rep. Steve King has endorsed Thompson. Iowa Rep. Steve King who was backing Tancredo does not even follow his endorsement. Romney must be in dire shape to need the Tancredo endorsement. God save the GOP nomination.

Michael in Texas   January 4th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

hey Trent,

Just what is your title when speaking for the entire USA? Mouth of America?

And Joshua, everyone is skipping Wyoming, even the press, unfortunately…

Lev Klinemann, Redondo Beach CA   January 4th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Richard, Ewing of NJ,

McCain may have not said it, but the campaign is surly acting like it because of the reasons you wrote yourself (exactly the way McCain wanted it, you hit it right on the spot), however, all of your analysis does not matter, the religious right have chosen their candidate, until the republicans get the party back from the religious right into the hands of people like Barry Goldwater the republican party will continue to suffer. And then it will take 30 years to get it back.

….and thankfully 18-30 year olds are 5:1 Democrats, young people may not vote today, but imagine what the Democrats will have in 20 years.

A man can only dream….

lawyerchik1   January 4th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

The comments saying Fred will drop out or that he's snoozing his way through the campaigning sound like a lot of wishful thinking, especially considering he's floating the most thoughtful and well-reasoned plans should he succeed. This is a presidential campaign, not a game of whack-a-mole.

CJ   January 4th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Mr. Thompson, please drop out. It will make everything easier for everyone, including yourself.

Joshua   January 4th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Stupid question…is Fred skipping Wyoming too? And if so, is skipping two states, even one that's being penalized, a really smart strategy?

trent porter, tx   January 4th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

dear thompson: give up.

sincerely,
America

Keith   January 4th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

It is so sad to see Thompson prolong his uninspiring, tired and tedious campaign. He simply needs to get out of this race. I don't think anyone on the Republican side is a worthy candidate, except for Ron Paul, but he can't and won't get the nomination.

Ron   January 4th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Game over Fred.

I predict he drops out the night of January 19.

Peter   January 4th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

During the night of the Iowa primary, a rumor spread indicating that Fred Thompson stated he would withdraw the night of the Iowa primary and pledge support to McCain. He denied this on air and apparently intends to remain through SC.

The rumor may have affected his performance and the overall outcome of the nomination process.

Richard, Ewing, NJ   January 4th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Lev Klinemann, Redondo Beach CA

Maybe you don't understand politics?! McCain himself never called it a victory. He clearly said and congratulated Huckabee. Did you not read the new? It is the media who call it a McCain victory. Clinton lost New Hampshire in 1992 but won title as Come back Kid. McCain did not invest anything in Iowa. He skipped the Iowa straw poll, no TV ads, stood against Iowa subsidies, such as against the ethanol subsidies. The fact that McCain tie in third is amazing. it is also a victory for McCain because McCain real fight is New Hampshire and his opponent will he Romney. Romney losing Iowa alone is a victory for him because McCain already has a small lead over Romney in New Hampshire, now it will be even easier. Had Romney won Iowa and McCain win New Hampshire, it will be a long fight. Now, Romney soundingly defeated in Iowa and if he also lose New Hampshire badly, Romney is essentially out of the picture.

Darth Vadik, Diamond Bar CA   January 4th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

the title of this article should be:

"thompson campaign: A BED IN SOUTH CAROLINA IS THE NEXT TARGET"

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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mark wilkes barre pa   January 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Not a bad showing in Iowa for a man who does'nt want to be president Fred,, I think they must understand what you meant by that statement now. keep doing what your doing my man,Its time someone ran on there own terms, instead of the same old say anything they want to hear and promise the world campaining.

Steven   January 4th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Dear Fred,

Iowa gave up on you, you give up on NH, there is a whole lot of giving up in your camp!

Lev Klinemann, Redondo Beach CA   January 4th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

This guy is still around?

But then again, with the republicans McCain can finish 4th and call it a victory.

Whoooaaaaa

Craig, Carlsbad CA   January 4th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

This just in Thompson's campaign has announced that from now on the candidate will be played by Sam Waterston

Connie, Tn.   January 4th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Why don't he just drop out like the other "losers"?

Richard, Ewing, NJ   January 4th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Forget it. Huckabee or McCain will win South Carolina before Thompson. If McCain win New Hampshire and then Michigan, he will surely win South Carolina. If McCain lose NH and MI, then Huckabee will get South Caroline.

Chuck, Redondo Beach CA   January 4th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Yes Fred, and by the time your lazy behind gets to South Carolina, it will be 2010.

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