Democrats launch preemption attack on Fred Thompson
In what can only mean good news for soon to be candidate Fred Thompson, the Democrats are concerned enough that they have already begun a campaign of attack .The attack comes in the form of a fund raising letter .
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"Remember the Republican culture of corruption?" the letter asks. "The revolving door of Republican politicians moving in and out of top political offices and Washington, D.C., lobbying firms? That's Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson. For years, acting wasn't the 'Law & Order' star's profession -- it was a hobby. In the real world, Thompson has made a fortune in a decades-long career as a Washington lobbyist. And just this month, as part of his role as the ultimate Washington insider, Thompson offered to host yet another fundraising event for Scooter Libby's legal defense fund. Thompson has been vocal in his support of Libby, saying that he would 'absolutely' pardon him. As he runs for president, he'll try his hardest to hide the truth from the American people. And we need to stop him. Support our efforts to get the truth out about Fred Thompson."
Reported in Politico Democrats tear into Fred Thompson - Mike Allen - Politico.com ,other ads say
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Another DNC research report sketches likely lines of attack on Thompson: "reliable supporter, defender of President Bush," "staunch supporter of Scooter Libby," "key role in Bush Supreme Court nominations," "already has a flip-flop problem," "ill-equipped for the campaign," "a thin Senate record, questions of 'work ethic', " "controversial legal clients may cause problems," "lobbying careers full of land mines."
Working to influence news coverage, the DNC also recently began circulating a "research document" with the headline, "MAJOR LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF SEN. FRED DALTON THOMPSON (1994-2002)." Then the page is blank until the line, "Paid for by the Democratic National Committee."
Yes it is true that Fred Thompson spent some time on K Street as a lobbyist . I wonder if that is as revealing as what Democrat politicians may have negotiated for in their exchanges with him. This attack on Thompson may be effective ;but it also could be a double edged sword .
There was once a President who had a wealth of legislative accomplishemnts . His name was Lyndon B. Johnson... enough said .I for one think that if the Democrats fear him this much that it has to be a feather in his cap.
Thompson of course is doing the Snoopy dance with delight over all this publicity before he has to spend a dime on the campaign . According to the Hill TheHill.com - Clinton camp predicts it will be second to Obama ,Thompson is egging them on .
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“While I’ve been on the trail, I’ve learned some interesting things about myself,” Thompson says in the one-minute spot.
“Apparently, I brought down the savings and loan industry single-handedly and supported Caribbean dictatorships.
“The Democrats … have chosen a fella who’s not even in the race yet to launch their attacks against,” he added. “I don’t know when I’ve ever been so complimented.
“I just say keep it up, guys. These are the things that you talked about in the 1994 campaign when I first ran, and it got you within 20 points of me.”
Earlier this month a Democrat web site had to shut down discussion about Thompson after they had posted some quotes from him about border security ;international relations, etc.and they found that many of the comments agreed with Fred's positions. The Democratic Party | The Fred Thompson "Dummies Guide to Diplomacy"
It is too early to determine ,but all indicators are that Thompson's support has the potential to cross party lines.
