CNN

It's Rhino* And it seems like spelling's not your only weakness–
uh Daniel, it is Republican in Name Only R-I-N-O. Not the animal Daniel, this is not a story about the zoo.

I keep reading articles like this one about Fred Thompson in which he touts his conservatism and his endorsements.

I never see articles describing his positions on anything.

Is there anything other than bluster and brag to this man?

I hope Fred can have a strong showing in SC. He's seems to be the only candidate that doesn't simply change his tune for whatever state he's in. He's a straight shooter and I like that. He's not afraid to say that some of America's problems can't be fixed overnight and I like that too. I doubt any candidate can fix this messed up country.

Fred Thompson needs to get out of the presidential race. He's not going to win anyways. And by the way, an endorsement doesn't mean anything. Look at your records and stop pretending to be good, cause Fred, you're not.

i would suggest another scotch, with a chaser, you have to say something and do something to be right or wrong dont ya? never herd of bub!!!! and tennesee, lol, that state has as many latin americans as new york, just got back !!! i had to learn spanish just to work there,

In my gut I really want Thompson to do well. I think he is a great guy, and he has a clean record. But I don't think he'll take SC, and the problem is that the votes that he gets will largely be taken away from Huckabee. Now, I'm as scared of Huckabee as any, but we need him to do well here. If McCain wins in SC, he'll also take Florida, and it will be over soon after that. I almost hope Thompson doesn't come out so strong so he doesn't get in Huckabee's way on this one. Someone has to stop McCain.

It's Rhino* And it seems like spelling's not your only weakness Mr. Ed. Thompson's the kind of Republican the House of Congress is full of: useless ones just there for a paycheck. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but the same ol' same ol' just isn't working out for us. Huckabee and Mccain are the only reasonable candidates.

Fred give us a break. You will not even support a marriage amendment that states man and a woman define a marriage. So quit calling yourself a conservative and go back to hollywood or back to washington and sleep away. What have you done since being in Washington anyway???

Sarah, Kansas City, MO said "Fred who? As Bruce Willis said in Pulp Fiction, Fred is dead."

Um, sorry... the character was ZED... with a Z...

"Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead."

Ahh yes, one of our best and brightest.....

This guy is just pathetic.

If these candidates are the best we can do, then our nation is in serious trouble.

Hammering on Fred is like hammering Dub. All that you can state is the obvious. The only thing consistent with the consistent conservative is that he is consistently missing.

I'm still waiting for my comments from last night to get reposted about Fred, Mr. Conservative, and his lobbying history. Prove me wrong, but I would think CNN is shaping this blog, withholding hard hitting facts that don't paint Fred as who he says he is. For instance, his lobby work for the National Family Planning and Reproductive Heatlh Association in 1991 where he was paid to lobby for easing Abortion restrictions. How about his stance on supporting abortions regardless under any circumstance for the first three months.

I strongly encourage everyone to check the facts and not the rhetoric on Fred. He made his millions lobbying on behalf of Big Business and he is Mr. Establishment and not Mr. Conservative – business as usual. The only thing Fred is "conserving" is his wallet, at your expense.

Fred...we know the "Right To Life" folks endorsed you....

But you've got to be a little more "evangelical"....and man...you need to look at your off duty behavior–you ain't no savior.

Fred's no longer Presidential, he's.............more.........like a Presidential candidate's father.

I am surprised on the lack of commentary on this article on Thompson compared to the overabundance of people who even looked at an article on Rove. Rove is so done the only reason he was covered was to stir up controversy. Boring.

The only thing that recommends Thompson for the Presidency is that he doesn't particularly seem to want it. I am always suspicious of the emotional stability of anyone who would actually want to be President.

In terms of brains, experience, vision, and originality I think we can find lots of men and women as capable as Thompson in any shopping mall in America on a snowy morning.

Partty, what problem is there with the economy? I'm part of the normal middle-class and I see no problem with the currently economy except for the media saying there is a problem. Are the majority of companies losing money? Is unemployment at a significant rate? No, to both of those questions. Is the stock market down, yes, but that happens one or two years every ten year cycle. And don't say there is a credit crunch. Those who are deserving of credit can receive it very easily. I still see stores packed with people shopping and buying large dollar items. If you actually wake up and look around you and try to decide for yourself, you'll see there is no problem with our current economy.

Jack,

Interesting point. Should the states be able to decide when they have their primaries?

WC – you're wrong. The media didn't force a false label on Fred's energy level. We got that from listening to him, watching him. He doesn't campaign, doesn't work hard to get the nomination and often is not up on the issues. I like his policies TREMENDOUSLY, but can see he doesn't have the fortitude to push them through.

He could have been great if he had zeal as well. He doesn't, no one made that up. It is way too obvious.

Is he meeting with voters at a IHOP? Man this guy was a pure as we say in the AIRBORNE a PURE LEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fred is probably hanging in just to help McCain.

I think he will try to split the social conservative Southern vote w/ Huckabee in SC, allowing McCain to win there. After SC, he will drop out & endorse McCain. Or, he may even go 10 more days to do the same thing in FL, if his campaign doesn't run out of money.

The GOP establishment really doesn't like what Huck represents, and there can be other objectives to a campaign besides winning. I do think Fred thought he could win when he entered, but not now.

To see if I am right/wrong, wait & see what he does after SC/FL.

Why did you omit my comments on Fred, perhaps the truth about Fred and his lobbying activities don't jive with the Mr. Conservative image he's portraying. Put repost my comments and those of anyone else that was omitted.

Fred isn't running for office – he's ambling. He was even quoted in NH about not really caring if he won or not.

Even many of his former congress critter friends have wondered if he had the fire in his belly it takes to be president after seeing his casual style of not doing too much in Congress.

Huckabee did move his highway system from 50th to 46th worst in the country.

WC wrote "The "lazy" or "asleep" theme that Linda from Salt Lake is describing was made up by the liberal media when they couldn't find ways to attack Fred's solid conservative record"....blah blah blah, someting about working 18-20 hours a day and something about 3 jobs before joining the race

WC, you don't honestly believe that garbage, do you?. Anybody who's watched Fred at any event prior to this last week of desperation in SC has seen that the guy (1) doesn't seem terribly awake (or at least energized) most of the time and (2) certainly wasn't working 18-20 hours a day. His number of campaign stops was well document and paled in comparison to the other candidates.

Working 3 jobs prior to entering the race? Huh? Oh yes, let's not forget working as a lobbyist for pro-choice groups. I am constantly amazed that people want to tout Fred as the "one true conservative" as they quickly gloss over this one minor detail–that he has lobbied for pro-abortion groups. I can't fathom any real conservative would ever stoop that low.

Fred was 'late to rise' and will be 'going to bed early' in this campaign...just as an old 'bought' company man should. His tired, worn out platitudes and pandering to his neo-con base will be sent to the re-run bin of history. Home spun adages and relating all that is current to the past is quaint and comforting to some, but in the real world (to quote Fred) ' that dog don't hunt anymore'. I suggest to you 'moral voters' to vote for candidates who believe in the sanctity of ALL human life, not just conception to birth then 'who cares' til they are eligible for military service. Enjoy your reminiscing with Fred and the other Repugnants while the Dems rule for the next 16 years.

I think Fred is truly sound in his politics. I agree that the media is trying to hinder his campaign w/ this "lazy" label. Anybody who watched him at that debate in Myrtle Beach knows he is on fire and ready for the position. I say "Go Fred!!!!" Straight talker and you know where he stands. I agree w/ TEXAN AMERICAN. Great candidate!!!! I'm impressed. /bev

WC – It's difficult to attack Thompson's record because there is so little record there. He is like GOP version of Edwards. However, he campaigning has been fairly anemic compared to Edwards, Huckabee, and most of the other candidates.

Romney = Economy

McCain = War Pain

I need a job not a war.

Thompson is running because his wife told him to.

Fred Thompson Is the Only True Conservative Candidate in the race for President. PERIOD.

Just because he doesn't Rant and Rave, Insult his oponants, and raise his voice in telling the American Public where he stands, and what his plans are for the betterment of America, does not mean he is asleep in his Great Campaign to be our next President.

Fred is what America needs in these dangerous times. We need a Strong Conservative Man at the helm of great ship, and a dedicated Commander In Chief of our Armed Forces. He is Calm, Steady, Purposefull, and totally Honest.
He has no Negative Baggage, No Scandels in his Closet, and he has a clear Conservative Record.

Fred's Plans on the Issues are based on Honesty, and Facts, not rhetoric, or false promises to pander to the ignorant, and naieve who are looking for the unattainable Brass Rings offered by the Democrats with false promises and outragious spending only to increase the size and power of the Government.

Fred uses good , common horse sense, experience in government, and knowledge, when addressing the Issues, and how he can and will deal with them , once elected........Hang In There Fred !

Fred Thompson is a good man with a great record but is very lacking in the Charisma department.

My vote is for Mitt Romney the total package and then some!

You know as long as Fred continues to paint a picture that he's Mr. Conservative, the more I see through him. Nope, I think your record says something entirely opposite.

So Fred what about the millions of dollars you received as a Washington Lobbyist. Your involvement with the Savings and Loan industry deregulation whose legislation eventually led to the Savings and Loan crisis in the mid 80's.

How about your role in helping the London-based reinsurance company, Equitas Ltd., lobby Washington to prevent passage of legislation that would have required them to payout asbestos claims.

How does your Mr. Conservative mantra jive with your lobbying role in 1991 and 1992 on behalf of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Associates to ease restrictions on Abortion Counseling enacted by George Bush.

Why, in 1994 during your Senate campaign did you check the box stating that you believe abortion should be legal under any circumstances during the first three months of pregnancy.

What about your lobbying work with the Teamster Pension fund, the Canadian firms, on and on...

Yes, I would say you are Mr. Conservative in ACTING only.

I see you as "business as usual" inside Washington.

For David In Oregon City....How many of these Corporations have been hiring Illegal Aliens, and protected under Huckabee?...How many of these Buisnesses have been raided for sub-standard Health Issues due to poor worker habits?...And lackidaisical hygene policies??..Weren't one or more of these buisnesses raided by INS for Illegal Alien employment??.....Their Indorsements are not worth "Squat"....does the term "Good Old Boys" come to mind??....

America does not need nor want a President who goes around "Preaching", based on his own religious beliefs, and fully intends to do all he can to force those beliefs on the American public, to Include an effort to "Change the Constitution" to his and his followers agendas. This would include a "Bible Test" for all legislation that would come across his desk, and most likely, his foreign policies as well...He seems to makes no bones about this in his campaign.

America is a Melting Pot Nation, and the lack of respect for the Constitution, as it stands is absolutely outragious and dispicable ! We dont need "Holy Joe Huckabee" as our next President.

Fund Illegals for Benefits and Education?? Give "Anchor Babies" citizenship??.....Oh Please.....Gimme A Break! This guy is another Liberal in sheep's clothing....

This guy should go home and watch it all on TV.

WC- "you want to attack Fred on the issues, I respect that"

Who are you that you think people want your respect ?

I too would like to see a Fred Thompson/ Mitt Romney ticket. Two great men with great experience and vision. Need to excite the voters interest now until Nov. and stop all the childish bickering over personal things. Issues are the thing.Get down to the real needs of America. We certainly don't need closet Muslim, hiding in a black supremest church. Nor a self seeking,flip flopping clone of Bill Clinton to take this country futher down the road to ruin. In defense of Ron Paul, tell the media to go back under the porch and stop their yellow dog lying, and made up storeies Ron said he didn't say what they roported, and didn't know who did. And His staff says he never said it and I believe them. Now let me say it plain and clear, It Is true no matter who said it. That is what happened. I lived in California at that time, and know it to be true. Not a slap at any race, but just happens to be the case. So get over it, it happens in America often in many places. And California takes the prize for the most hits on this one.

Nixon summed up Thompson pretty well he is "dumb as hell"-

Nice line WC-

"The "lazy" or "asleep" theme that Linda from Salt Lake is describing was made up by the liberal media" did you get this point from the Neo-con media?

Can't be, cause even the neo-con media "Fox noise" has said the same thing- oh and by the way they actually got it from Fred himself who said something to the effect of " I don't like campaigning to much I get tired, I'd rather sit at home " If you are running for the president of a country and you say something to that affect the yes you are lazy

Fred Thompson is the only true conservative in this race and the only GOP candidate who can unite the party. That is precisely why the Democrats are so afraid of him. I only hope that the good people of South Carolina can realize the opportunity they have to provide him with the springboard he will need to capture the nomination.

This great nation of ours cannot afford to have another moderate or liberal leader.

Fred's a good man, but waiting to get into the race, and then coming with only a whisper, was a huge mistake. Fred, you come across as a great behind-the-scenes guy, and that won't get you squat in a popularity contest.

If you ask Fred why he is qualified he will respond by attacking another candidate. Perhaps because he hasn't really done much of anything. He's never run an executive branch of government. I don't know that he has even ever been the originator of a piece of legislation. If you ask a Fred supporter why he is qualified he will snap straight, glare into the distance, his eyes will glaze over, then the Rush tape hits play in his head and he utters in a robotic voice "Fred is the only true conservative." How about some substance?

Ha ha!

Who's Fred Thompson?

Well, someone finally woke up the election's laziest campaigner. Don't worry Fred, you'll get naptime again very soon.

Good Old Fred is dead in the water its clear he will have to withdraw very soon his method acting style of speach inspires no one, any of the front three Democratic candidates would eat him for beakfast and spit the bones out before lunch

David, wake up, these men are all Baptists.
Hypocrites!
Judging Christians!
Making a joke out of the Presidential campaign.
I've lost respect for these so called "Christians", they haven't behaved as true Christians at all.
I'm not one, so don't blast back at me.
I just find it ironic how hypocritical they all are and they think they're so worthy!

I think the fact that there are only four comments on this story says Thompson is in deep doodoo.

If Fred doesn't place 1st or 2nd in SC, he's done. He knows it as well as the other candidates. Fred should just go home and spend time with his daughter and grand-kids, ooops...I mean wife and little kid, no I mean his daughter and grand-kids. I'm not confused, he has both. Just another Bill Clinton except he divorce his wife after cheating on her.

Fred Thompson said today in the Situation Room that there is no recession. This man has no idea how bleak it is for average American families! It makes me angry how most of the Republican candidates act if there is no problem with the economy.

Anyone with with any modicum of inteligence could see and work with a sense of alacrity for a Fred Thompson / Duncan Hunter Ticket.

to suggest he's got 4 hours a day sleep, eat, and defecate for the last several months is probably more ignorant than suggesting he's lazy.

Or, if you're right.. that might be why people think he's asleep...

Enough already with the personal insults.

Fred Thompson may or may not be the ideal candidate for true conservatives; it's hard to say since it has been very difficult to obtain much on his positions. He is not receiving as much TV time as his opponents. Of course, I live in Ohio so I won't hear much about the candidates for another month or so; our primary isn't until the first week of March.

This is only part of the problem with our current primary and caucus system. Mitt Romney has been the leader in the delegate count all along; even though he didn't win a significant contest until Michigan. By the time we get through Super Tuesday and the rest of February, the number of candidates will be significantly reduced. It would be nice to throw out this outdated system and change to an all or nothing system as we do for most other races. This way, EVERYONE would have a chance to vote for the candidate of their choice; not just the residents of a few states with primaries and caucuses in January.

Anyone know what Fred is polling in SC?

Yes, and how many and how much have they been promised should he win.....lots of illegals in Arkansas and lots of business hiring them....

In my opinion, Fred Thompson is the only choice for true conservatives and the only candidate that has been a consistent conservative.

The "lazy" or "asleep" theme that Linda from Salt Lake is describing was made up by the liberal media when they couldn't find ways to attack Fred's solid conservative record. Along with the other candidates, Fred has been working 18 -20 hour days for the last several months. Before Fred joined the race, he was working three jobs and raising two children under the age of 4. Does that sound "lazy" or "asleep" ? To suggest that any of the presidential candidate is lazy demonstrates ignorance of the extreme dedication and hardwork that each of these candidates has put forth.

If you want to attack Fred on the issues, I respect that, but to say they he is lazy or asleep is childish and frankly not truthful.

Also, Today, the following businessmen from Arkansas released a statement in support of former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee: Scott T. Ford, President and CEO, Alltel Corporation; Warren A. Stephens, President and CEO, Stephens Inc.; Madison Murphy, Former Chairman, Murphy Oil Corporation; John Tyson, Chairman of the Board, Tyson Foods, Inc; and French Hill, Chairman and CEO, Delta Trust and Banking Corporation:

"We are a traditionally bi-partisan group of executives of several of the largest corporations headquartered in the State of Arkansas, each with considerable exposure to the Administration of Governor Mike Huckabee. Of late, Governor Huckabee has attracted what we believe to be unwarranted criticism regarding his business record."

"Our experience with Governor Huckabee indicates that he not only values greatly the freedoms of religion and liberty, but of the free market as well. He is an atypical leader who garnered the respect of not only the professional business community but of the working men and women across our State as well."

"When he became our Governor, he inherited our long sub-standard education system, infrastructure, and regulatory climate. Under his leadership, we were able to grow our businesses, increase our employment, reduce our litigation exposure and enjoy, along with all of our fellow Arkansans, a healthier economy, improved schools, updated highways, and new healthcare delivery facilities."

"In our support of Governor Huckabee's truly conservative, small government business outlook and his pragmatic, yet compassionate style of governing, we invite you to look past the shallow rhetoric of yet another campaign season to see what we have experienced first hand – that with the right political leadership in place, businesses and citizens can jointly prosper and as they do, they contribute so much more to the economic and societal fabric of a community than simply tax revenues."

I think Fred's a great guy, and a great candidate!

I'd LOVE to see him and Mitt Romney together on a ticket against the far left radical-extremist Foreing FInaced Democrat Partyquais Francais..eh? ABSOLUTELY!!! GO FRED!!!! GO MITT!!!

I think Fred nailed it on the head, especially with Romney.

Thompson's attacking his rivals? Who are his rivals? I don't know anyone who's getting as low numbers as he is. Maybe his rivals are the guys who live under bridges?

It is very sad to see desperate Fred Thompson attempting to hide his weak accomplishments and old age by expressing himself forcefully against Huckabee!

Fred Thompson is just like McCain, Romney and Huckabee. All are Neocons. Not one true conservative there. They are liberals turned conservative. The only true conservative is Ron Paul but you won't hear about him because he can't be bought and won't take the taxpayer funded matching funds that McCain took. Why? Because he lives by his ethics and won't spend YOUR taxpayer dollars to help him win the race. Who don't they want you to hear about? Here's a quote you can use for almost all the candidates except for Dr. Paul.

"Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises; for never intending to go beyond promises; it costs nothing."

"Gov. Romney was very effective in Michigan doing what he does best, and that is tailoring his message to a different audience," Thompson said.

As much as I dislike Thompson and what he stands for.. I agree with that statement. Romney went to Michigan and said "I'll do whatever it takes to give you whatever you want, spend lots of money to help the US auto industry and give you all jobs.. really, honest!! "

will SoCarolina see the Huck and Chuck tandem? A pastor and bodyguard tagteam with a desire to kick out teeth….not a campaign highlight!

America….we can do much better than that!

Too little too late Fred, it was a dumb gamble to get in this late.

And now you're tearing down the others, how is that gonna help your party?

I don't think any of the candidates can be taken seriously at this point.

The job is President of The USA, not The President of the Junior Class in high school.

All of these candidates need to back out and let qualified candidates run.

I'm surprised that Fred woke up long enough to say anything!

Fred conveniently left out two things: National Right to Life saw him as more electable when they endorsed him well before the Iowa caucuses (Who's sitting at 4-10% in actual votes, Fred?), and they were willing to overlook the amount of money he took as a lobbyist to be pro-choice. Follow the money as the old Watergate saying goes, and you'll see Fred's true "culturally conservative" colors. Try to stay relevant, Fred, and hope for a miracle.

As much as I like Fred's ideas, his candidacy has been largely unsuccessful. My guess is that he went after Huckabee more sterntly rather than McCain because he can see the writing on the wall that he's going to have to pull out of the race after South Carolina and probably endorse McCain.

Seems like Fred woke up for a few minutes.

Fred who? As Bruce Willis said in Pulp Fiction, Fred is dead.

"Johnny-come-latelys now that don’t want to talk about their record." Wow, that pretty much sums up Huckabee. Flip-flopped from being the Governor who turned his state into a magnet for illegals and now miraculously has the "strongest" platform against them. You just keep hoping no one looks into your record don't you Mike?

RINO's are easy to spot in the wild and Thompson is a good shot from what I hear. Better duck Huck!