WHEN his daughter Betsy died, Fred Thompson, a genial 6ft 6in senator for Tennessee, lost his enthusiasm for the rough and tumble of politics. Shortly afterwards he announced that he would not run for reelection.
Betsy, 38, had helped her father on the campaign trail and they were close. She died in 2002 from an overdose of drugs prescribed to help her through a long battle with depression. There was no suicide note and the medical examiner ruled that it was an accident.
Her brother, Tony Thompson, a Nashville lawyer, told The Sunday Times last week that the family had been devastated by her death. He said: “My sister had struggled for years with an addiction to painkillers but she had been doing really well for some time before she relapsed. Her body couldn’t cope with the medication.”
Fred Thompson said at the time that he would not miss the Senate. “For me, the George Washington example of serving eight years and riding out of town on a horse and never returning has great appeal.” He vowed to keep his hand in politics, teach a bit, write his memoirs and carry on with his part-time acting career.
It dawned on him this year that he could ride back into town as president only when, one by one, the conservative choices for the 2008 Republican ticket revealed their flaws. They seemed out of sync with the party or the country or both. Thompson’s name began to be aired by old friends and party power-brokers and, suddenly, the idea of Fred Thompson for president caught fire.
Thompson, a good ol’ Southern boy with bags of charm to match those under his eyes and chin, is already known to millions as a tough district attorney in the hugely popular TV series Law and Order and has appeared in films such as In the Line of Fire, with Clint Eastwood, and The Hunt for Red October with Sean Connery.
A national poll last week put Thompson, 64, in second place behind Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, and three points ahead of Senator John McCain — and he hasn’t even declared yet that he is running or spent a cent on campaigning. It suggests that he has the potential to be frontrunner in the Republican field.
“I never thought about my dad running for president, but once I did it made absolute sense,” said Tony Thompson, 47. “It’s been quite amazing for me to watch this happen to him.”
Five months after his daughter’s death in 2002, Thompson — single for almost 20 years after his divorce from his first wife — killed off his reputation as a play-boy by marrying Jeri Kehn, a glamorous Republican political consultant 25 years his junior. They now have a four-year-old girl and a six-month-old son. They would be the youngest children in the White House since John F Kennedy was president.
“Jeri is terrific and smart. She makes Fred smile and the kids are beautiful,” said Bob Davis, a former Thompson staffer who is chairman of the Tennessee Republican party. “If he runs, he’ll sling them on his shoulders on the campaign trail — and he’s got pretty big shoulders.”
The signs are that Thompson is preparing to enter the race. He has been dining conspicuously on Capitol Hill with leading Republican organisers and will be meeting key congressmen in Washington this week.
The speculation is that he will announce his candidacy in May, when he is scheduled to give a lecture in the heart of Ronald Reagan country in Orange County, California, and will be appearing on Jay Leno’s late-night television show.
Last week Thompson revealed that he had lymphoma but said the cancer had been in remission for almost three years. He added that he did not believe it would affect his life expectancy. Tony Thompson said that it was “almost a badge of honour” to be a cancer survivor, citing the example of Lance Armstrong, the champion cyclist. “Obviously he needed to put the news out there if he’s seriously considering a run to see what the reaction is,” he said.
The clamour for Thompson to run is growing. His acting career has given him name recognition and stature beyond his political record. “When you put him on TV, people say, ‘Oh yeah, that’s who he is’,” said Davis.
He is used to playing gruff, commanding authority figures on film, but the key to his acting success is that he has always played himself. When Thompson starred with Tom Cruise in Days of Thunder, he used to joke: “Cruise and I were crossing the street and all these ladies were just screamin’ and hollerin’. Can you believe Cruise used to think they were screaming for him?”
He has plenty of female fans from Law and Order and in Tennessee easily won the vote of blue-collar Reagan democrats and independents when he first ran for the Senate in 1994. Many believe he could demolish Hillary Clinton, the Democratic party frontrunner, in the South and Midwest and prevent Al Gore, the former vice-president and a fellow Tennessean, from entering the race for fear of once again losing his home state. Could he be the dream candidate for Republicans?
There is a fantasy element to the build-up behind Thompson. Suddenly an actor has appeared stage right to lift the spirits of the depressed Republican faithful. He has plenty of foreign policy expertise, having been a member of the Senate intelligence committee during the September 11 attacks, yet was providentially out of office by the time the war in Iraq was launched and thus free to carve his own path.
Bill Kristol, the editor of the conservative Weekly Standard, recently noted that Thompson was being projected as the new Ronald Reagan. He wrote: “Many times I’ve heard conservative friends consider Thompson’s merits (which are real) and then, chuckling, add, ‘The last time we nominated an actor, it didn’t turn out badly’.”
Bob Tuke, former chairman of the Tennessee Democrats, believes Thompson would be a formidable candidate. “He’s a wonderful campaigner who speaks very well and has the kind of voice people like to hear. I think he will bear up pretty well under scrutiny.” He believes the death of Thompson’s daughter will arouse sympathy and will not be used against him.
But a new Reagan? Hardly, said Tuke. “Reagan was a governor and a political icon long before he ran for president, who was adored by the conservative wing of the Republican party. Fred Thompson doesn’t have his experience or potential. We’ll have to see how far he can get by on personality.”
Thompson, the son of a secondhand car dealer, was born in Alabama. He married his first wife, Sarah, at 17 and was still in his teens when Tony was born. Two more children, Daniel and Betsy, followed soon afterwards, while he was a law student.
Tony Thompson remembered how his father worked to put himself through law school in the 1960s. “He worked in a bicycle plant and sold shoes in a department store. It’s quite an American success story. He was the first person in our family to get a college education.”
Bill Kirkland, a university friend who studied law with Thompson, recalled how the family lived in a tiny apartment. “They had this large closet that they made into their baby’s room,” he said.
“He was a very conservative Republican even then. He was a huge supporter of Barry Goldwater in the 1964 presidential election.”
With his southern conservative roots, Thompson has the necessary credentials to appeal to the right. James Dobson, the influential evangelical Christian leader, almost threw a spanner in the works by remarking, “I don’t think he’s a Christian. That’s my impression”, but has since admitted he may have been mistaken.
According to Kirkland, Thompson grew up in the Church of Christ, a fundamentalist denomination, and his first wife’s family sold church furniture. “He and Sarah used to go to church, but he didn’t wear his religion on his sleeve.”
He described Dobson’s claims as “ludicrous”.
Davis is in no doubt: “The heartland of America will say, ‘I know that guy, I trust that guy, I hope he runs.’ He’s pro-life and believes marriage is between a man and a woman. His voting record speaks for itself. He’s not a flip-flopper.”
Thompson has led something of a charmed political life since he was selected as a young lawyer to serve in the 1970s as chief co-counsel on the Senate committee investigating the Watergate scandal.
In his rich southern drawl, recorded for posterity, he addressed a killer question to one of Richard Nixon’s assistants: “Mr Butterfield, are you aware of the installation of any listening devices in the Oval Office of the president?” The outcome was the damning Nixon tapes.
He fell into a film career by accident after investigating a bribery scandal in Tennessee. The governor had been selling pardons to prisoners until a single mother, Marie Ragghianti, blew the whistle on the affair. The film producers chose Sissy Spacek to play Marie and persuaded Thompson to play himself in the movie Marie.
“It’s still my favourite film,” said Tony Thompson, who added that his father saw acting as a “refreshing change — almost like a vacation” from his political and legal career.
Thompson could once again be falling into a new role — that of president — seemingly by chance. “He’d be the first to tell you opportunities have come his way and he’s taken them. They’ve almost always turned out to be the right decision,” Tony Thompson said.
Is it possible for Fred Thompson to become the accidental president? For Pat Nolan, a Tennessee political analyst, the question is whether the former senator has the “fire in the belly” to run.
“He’s always been a very effective campaigner but has sometimes lacked focus,” he said. Others have described Thompson as endearingly “lazy”, but then so was Reagan.
Tony Thompson dismisses such fears. “If he makes the decision to do the job, he will give 110%.” He believes his father’s political independence gives him a great advantage.
While Thompson and McCain are great friends, the difference between them is that the right is seeking out Thompson while McCain is seeking out the right. The power balance is different.
“He is his own man. He’s always been that way. I don’t think you will see him playing to anybody but the American people,” his son said.
If he runs, it will be the actor and politician’s greatest role yet.
I would like to know what Fred and Fred's supporters think about Lee Iacocca"s book WHERE HAVE ALL THE LEADERS GONE? I was a little turned when he seemed to knock Bush for everything. But let's face it. Bush is a pretty poor leader. I think that if Fred is given a chance, he will prove that he's a leader of the type that Iacocca Dreams of and the type that this country desperately needs
terry Bonner, Midvale , Idaho
Mr. Thompson
A voice of sanity crying out in the wilderness. We need
you sir, and we cannot stand another 4 or 8 years of
what we are looking at for candidates right now. I am
tired of picking the lesser of two evils.
R Kukal, Sheridan, WY
Fred Thompson has my vote.
Go Fred Go
Thimpsin /
Leroy Achoy, Costa Mesa, Calif
He was my choice before any talk was initiated. He is electable. He is articulate and not afraid to speak his mind. Please give serious thought to a run, if your young family supports the idea. Conservatives and Southerners could combine, as with Reagan, and Fred would provide the leadership and articulation that the liberal candidate could not possibly counter with all of their blather.
Chris Hunter, west chester, USA / OH
Mr. Thompson,
You have our support here in Idaho. I have been following your rising for several months now and am excited to see you through to the finish. President Thompson sounds good to me.
God Bless,
K. Harris, Boise, ID
Fred Thompson vs. Shrillery Clinton?
No contest, baby! GO FRED!
Jason, Phoenix, AZ
Fred, I've been on your bandwagon since early March.
If anyone here is from Colorado, visit: coloradoforthompson.com
Sen Thompson, we need you to call Dick Wadhams and tell him hold off on trying to line up the state GOP legislative leadership to support Giuliani. If you don't get him this week then you'll be fighting it all up hill against RINOs out here in Colorado.
Ordinary Coloradan, Aurora, CO
Fred,
Thank you for giving me someone to support. I can't support the RINOs (Republicans in name only) b/c they are not conservative in any way. We need a real fiscal and social conservative. Go Fred Go!!!
buhk, St. Petersburg, FL
Senator Thompson, please DO run for the presidency. We need someone with your conservative views to keep the country going in the right direction. We Republicans in Maryland are few and far between but would love to support your bid!
Gary L. Stanley
Sgt. 1st Class, US Army (Retired)
Gary Stanley, Silver Spring, MD
Please run for President. We need someone who represents the American people. Today politicians only represent themselves. People are tired of all of the Pork spending over the years. That money could have been spent on more important issues.
Mark Fisher, Rock Island, Illinois
RUN FRED RUN!!!!!!!!!!!
And when you start to put together your Michigan volunteers, find a way to contact me. I haven't been this excited about a candidate since 1980.
Karen Clark, Wyoming, MI
I've already volunteered for Duncan Hunter and did so quite awhile ago. I believe in being loyal to your chosen candidate, but if Fred gets in the race...well this one is going to be too IMPORTANT to not back a winning horse from the start. I'd have to jump ship from Hunter to Thompson.
J, Miami, FL
Fred Thompson is a huge breath of fresh air swirling through a swamp of wishy-washy pseudo conservatives, and ultra left-wing liberals. He gives Republicans hope that we have not lost our way, and strikes fear into our opponents because they know he won't let them get away with their usual nonsense.
He is cut from the same bolt of cloth that gave us Ronald Reagan, and you Brits the 'Iron Lady' - Maggie Thatcher. We are, both countries, better off for them, and will be better off with Fred Thompson. Mark my words.
John, Freeport, IL
Thompson has a great deal of integrity, experience, and resolution. He appears to have the ability to convey a new concept without offending nor appearing self-righteous. While presenting an intelligent approach. Go Mr. Thompson.
Rick Butler, Summerville, Georgia
I trust Fred Thompson. I hope he runs and I will work to get him elected. He is the first canadate that I would feel totaly comfortable wiith since Ronald Reagan. Please run Fred.
homer, westminster, oconee, s.c.
Hey Fred,
America needy you! she needs genuine conservatives.
You have a responsibility to seek the presidency.
Hank Fiorini, Canfield, OH
I live in TN and would work for you in a second!
Nancy , Nashville , TN
Fred, We will work in MARYLAND for you, we are not many, but we are persistent.
This family is for you!!!
Electriction Petty Officer 1st. Class US Navy, Ret
Charlie Tipton, Ellicott City, Maryland
With Bush, his heart may be in the right place, but he clearly believes and acts on many myths that cause him to take incorrect actions. The candidates offered up by the Democratic party all seem to be hateful totalitarians at heart, and maybe even in bed with our enemies. The current Republican candidates also have their flaws, though not quite so serious, but also appear like they feel they have to pander for votes. Then there's Fred Thompson, who seems to have his head screwed on straight and knows what he's talking about, appeals naturally to voters, is easily enough recognizable, and actually stands by his true beliefs. I know how I'd vote. I'd even feel comfortable with him inheriting the powers of the Patriot Act (a.k.a. Police State Powers Act).
Robert, Los Angeles, CA
Dear Fred:
I would like to be one to try to convince you to run for predident.
I am a retired Air Force Colonel, who did some good things for my country during my AF career. I was born in Knoxville in 1920 (Thats why I called you Fred). I have never written a fan letter of any type before, but must tell you that I have admired your work, both as an actor and senator. Please run, we need you.
Respectfully,
Colonel USAF Ret.
Howard C. Johnson, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA
As a Tennessean who voted for Fred, I never caught why he wasn't running for the Senate again. I didn't know about the death of his daughter, and he has my deepest sypathies. I WAS disappointed when he left the Senate though, but NOW,He'll most CERTAINLY have MY vote if he runs! Ronald Reagan turned ME into a Republican, President "W" had me thinking I won't vote ever again because of the way he THUMBS his NOSE AT ALL of us, inclluding we Christians who were the ones responsible for him recieving the highest number of popular votes in history. But if Fred runs, I'll do my part to see he's elected. I will vote ONLY if Fred Thompson or Rep. Tom Tancredo is the Republican nominee. I hope it's Fred for President and he chooses Tancredo to be his running mate. Tht SHOULD insure 16 more years of GOOD republicans in the whitehouse! I would NOT vote for any other Republican than the two I've mentioned. I'll never again vote for a democrat, but unless the RNC gets it right,I WON'T VOTE!
Alex Piotrowski, Bristol, TN.
Finally, a principled leader, beholding to no one, willing to say it like it is. What a breath of fresh air!! Fred's THE MAN! You've got at least 4 votes from my family.
Randy Shoemaker, Miami, FL
If he chooses to run, he will have both mine and my wife's vote. All of the other wannabe conservatives don’t really cut it. What have Dems actually do in their first 100 days in office? Pelosi said it would all be done in what 7 days by her method of marking time? I will not vote for a Lib. If Fred Thompson or Newt Gingrich doesn’t run, I will probably vote for Rudy.
Scott, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Ahh TV nation, ratings before substance.
It's nice to see even the foreign press getting in on the "herd media" mentality of promoting any candidate but Tancredo or anybody else who's opposed to illegal immigration bandwagon.
Even a psuedo conservative with terminal cancer is preferred to somebody opposed to open unrestricted borders and immigration.
Smitty , Los Angeles, CA, USA
I would support Fred in a heart beat and so would all my friends and asssociates. He would be a welcome relief from that coward bush and all those commies like the clintons, gore, kennedy, etc. I do hope Mr. Fred decides to run as he would surely win. I also like him on Law & Order. ...
Robert G. Machala, Lennon, Michigan
After reading about Fred Thompson I would campaign
for him.
I am a registered Dumocrat.
Bob Hofeldt, Los Lunas, New Mexico
If Sentor Thompson decides to run, I would like to do whatever I can to help here in NW Oklahoma.
Jim Stafford, Shattuck, USA Oklahoma
I've been Pro-Thompson for some time.
If anything he reminds me more of President Ford, and not just because of the forehead ;) Ok so a Ford with a sprinkle of Reagan, not much but enough so it will catch people's attention so he can show them the man / leader / statesman he is.
What is needed today is a President to crosses party lines and goes towards the American people and not to their particular party. A person that is a leader on the world stage. A person that will remind Americans they live in the greatest country on Earth and to build upon what they are given and not act as spoiled children discontent with what they've got and shame those who came before them. It is a big request, too large infact. But Fred can take those first difficult 'Gerald Ford' like steps that will hopefully and eventually lead to another great President that will make America soar. Lead the world by its grace and example and not fall prey to its dispair. By works the world shall know us.
Adam Karba, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I think a Fred Thompson/Mitt Romney ticket would be unbeatable. Conservative Thompson and moderate Romney, you've also got charisma and looks.
Kirk, Spokane, WA.,
Senator Fred Thompson, if he chooses to run, will have my vote AND that of my family and friends. As you probably know, Pennsylvania most often votes the Dem ticket. But BELIEVE me when I say that we are disgusted with the Dems/Liberals and would gladly seek out Senator Thompson to represent "We The People" here in these United States Of America!!! We beseech you Senator Thompson, return our nation to the morals and strength that made us the "Greatest Nation" that has ever existed. I'll be keeping my eye on progress during the coming months. When the hat is thrown in, the money will follow.
Mary, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Fred Thompson was a professional actor as was ex-President Ronald Reagan. Voters don't decide elections in the United States anymore. I thought that you knew that over in the UK by now. It's the candidate that takes the most money from the Israeli/Jewish and multi-national corporate lobbyists. After a staged election (controlled by computerized results) the actor that has been paid off the most becomes President/VP and returns the favors. That's some democracy isn't it?
Donald Bradshaw, Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA
Imagine Fred debating the whiny Hillary; the girlish Edwards or the manhurian candidate Obama!
It would be hilarious!
appman, Ventura, CA
He can run against Gordon Brown while he's at it.
Dean , Brisbane, Australia
Sir, please run for the Republican Presidential Candidacy. After listening to the few comments abided you in your short stint as commentator on the Paul Harvey Show, I've yet to listen to another man that reverberated the common beliefs and straightforward thinking that I have held in my heart. You will find Sir, if you seek the truth in our Democracy, that your judgement, leadership and spiritual sense are required for our Nation's endeavours in this day and age. Please involve yourself, Sir.
Michael, Tuscola, IL
From a socio-biological point of view, a 6ft 6in President would likely intimidate other world leaders when they met him in person. It should have the effect of a father to a young son/daughter, it being the height difference. Since this is genetically hardwired and occurs on the visceral level, the U.S. might even gain friends at the official diplomatic level, while unfriendly states would be inclined to adopt a lower profile -that visceral fear - also people are 'predisposed' to submit to a taller person, as articles on the disproportionate representation of tall men as CEOs.
Robert , Toronto, Canada
If Senator Thompson were to run, he would be the only Republican candidate for the 2008 race that truly excites me. I like every his positions on every issue, but most importantly he understands the economy and knows why fewer taxes are better for every American. For more on this, check out the Wall Street Journal Editorial by the Senator from April 14th.
JP, Richlands, NC
If Sen. Thompson is elected president , I assure you, it won't be by accident.
dean smallwood, circleville, oh.
I have said since 2005 that Fred Thompson would be a great ptrsident. I along with many others are waiting for him to anounce his candidacy.
cehall, Ellijay, Georgia
I recall watching interviews with Senator Thompson prior to his film debuts. He made a good impression on me then. Later seeing him on film/TV I couldn't tell that he was acting. I think this is one guy that what you see is what you get. I'd seriously give him consideration for my vote. I'd like to know more about his platform and hope he runs.
Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY
America needs Fred. He doesn't have to get out there and run around like a chicken with his head cut off. He can sit in one place and make more sense than all the rest of them. And he don't have to jump in before he is ready. Like he said the other day, if the people want him to run, then the money will come. He is honest, down-to-earth, and dignified. How long has it been since we have seen "integrity".
At the end of the day =
There is only one thing to say =
RUN, FRED, RUN!!!!!!!
Donna Dallman, Salome, AZ
Fred Thompson is a principled politican. He is a Federalist. This makes it difficult to understand his votes in the US Senate if you attempt to intrepret them through the prism of left and right. Learn about him, listen to his words at http://www.AnotherRonaldReagan.com
Philip, Bristol, Tennessee
I'm behind you!!!!!
MFortin, Portland, Maine
At Grassrootsvoter.com, We believe in Fred Thompson. He's the right man at the right time. He's the Grassroots Giant. Ordinary, everyday people everywhere will support Fred.
Find out why.
www.grassrootsvoter.com
CW Goad, Crossville, TN
Sounds like we have our President-elect finally identified. And his qualifications appear to be absolutely perfect. Now lets get on with the show!
Doug Hanna, Kelso, WA
He has my vote too!
Great piece Ms Baxter.
Thanks so much!
Eric, Plymouth, Mass, USA
Fred Thompson must run. I believe he can carry the South, the Midwest, southwest, mid Atlantic, and maybe California I am 80 year old republican and have never experienced anything as screwed up as the Bush Adm.
I am a native of Tn.-Have a degree in Mechanical Engr.(1951) from
Vanderbilt with 20 yrs in aerospace and 28 years in construction. Since I am retired, I can give only limited financial support, but will be
glad to donate time in whatever way I can.
Please do what you can to convenience Sen.Thompson to run.
Terrell Jones, Hickory, N.C.
Run Fred! Run!
Mark, St. Louis, MO
the best spokesperson for true conservative positions yet! So far he's got my vote as the 'others' are of the same old do nothing stuff currently in Washington.
al easton, cuba, USA/mo