Thread: Thompson says GOP needs to go back to basics

Thompson says GOP needs to go back to basics

http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... 9/70602037

By BILL THEOBALD
Gannett News Service
06-02-07

RICHMOND, Va. - In his first speech since announcing he would likely run for president, Fred Thompson called on the Republican Party to return to its "first principles" of a strong national defense, low taxes and limited government.

"It's time we leveled and are straight with the American people about the situation" the country is in, Thompson said. "The American people are waiting."

The actor and former senator from Tennessee spoke for about 35 minutes at the Virginia Republican Party's annual gala here, receiving a minute-long standing ovation when he was introduced.

During the speech, Thompson appeared to be testing out themes and catch phrases for future use. Some worked. Others didn't.

His harsh criticism of the proposed immigration reform bill worked out by some GOP and Democratic leaders in the Senate received the most enthusiastic response - by far.

"This is our home and we get to decide who gets to come into our home," he said.

Thompson said Congress needs to "secure the border first before you do anything else," drawing another standing ovation.

National defense in general and defending the country against fundamentalist Islamic terrorists specifically received the most time in his remarks.

He talked of enemies who would "like to see a mushroom cloud over a city in the United States" and said that the country's defense budget was at a historic low of 4 percent of the nation's economic output.

He talked of the need to permanently eliminate the estate tax and reminded the audience that "when you cut taxes and cut tax rates it grows the economy."

And while he decried the partisanship in Washington, Thompson took his share of shots at Democrats.

He mentioned Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., when he criticized the immigration legislation. And he said "Democrats are hot after repealing" President Bush's tax cuts.

With Thompson as the keynote speaker, the gala drew 450 guests at $125 per ticket, about twice the attendance as last year. The party sought Thompson in an effort to rebuild party coffers in a state that helped give the Democrats its slim majority in the Senate when Jim Webb beat incumbent George Allen.

Before his speech, Thompson roamed the high-ceiling room at the Greater Richmond Convention Center shaking hands and having his photo taken with guests.

One of the first to grab Thompson's large hand was Noella Oberlin of Cleveland, Tenn., who made the drive to Richmond figuring that it would be easier to get a glimpse of Thompson early in his campaign.

"I am thrilled he's running and I can't wait to vote for him," Oberlin said. "We have hope."

Thompson's next major public appearance will be as a guest on the "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno on June 12.

On Friday, he formed Friends of Fred Thompson Inc. to raise money and hire staff to explore running for president. Even before forming the committee, Thompson, part of the cast of the long-running "Law & Order" TV show, finished third among possible among GOP presidential candidates in national polls.

During the speech, Thompson appeared to be testing out themes and catch phrases for future use. Some worked. Others didn't.

His harsh criticism of the proposed immigration reform bill worked out by some GOP and Democratic leaders in the Senate received the most enthusiastic response - by far.

"This is our home and we get to decide who gets to come into our home," he said.

Thompson said Congress needs to "secure the border first before you do anything else," drawing another standing ovation.

While I think Tancredo and Paul are great candidates, unfortunately I doubt that either has a chance to be elected. Thompson is well known and just may be able to give the treasonous mainstream candidates the boot. He definitely talks the talk. If he can walk the walk I'd vote for him.