Hunter Takes Out After Thompson

John Hawkins at Right Wing News takes a clear swipe at Fred Thompson in a post in which he acknowledges his working for Duncan Hunter. Nothing wrong with that, so far as I can tell. But I'm less sure the criticism hits the mark:

Let's just put it this way; it's definitely not for everyone and judging by this article that appeared in the Politico, I'm not sure that running for President is right for Fred Thompson either.

Let me translate what this statement means; "Because of his name ID, he doesn't have to go diner to diner and church to church." It means that Fred Thompson likes the idea of being President, but he doesn't want to do the hard work it takes to grab the brass ring.

Saying you want to be President, but you don't want to spend your time meeting with the citizenry is like saying you want to be a professional basketball player, but you don't want to go to the gym every day to practice.

It may be understandable that Thompson feels that way, because he currently has a very comfortable life, but if that's his attitude, the Republican Party would be better off if he didn't get in the race in order to ensure that someone who has the work ethic it takes to be President can capture the nomination.

If America still views its chief executive as someone who should be frenetically running around shaking every hand, eating every tough piece of chicken and micro-managing every policy, perhaps it's time for a re-thinking.

Executive: administrator: someone who manages a government agency or department

Having worked in an executive position with more than one firm, judgment is the hallmark of a good executive, not necessarily the perceived physical activity level. Is he or she deliberate? thoughtful? able to see  different sides of an issue, weighing what factors they need to before making clear, firm decisions?

So far, Fred Thompson has evaluated the changing face of American politics and media, new and old, and gotten the most bang for his buck with his approach. Granted, he has had his fame to help him, nevertheless, he appears to be making the best of what is available to him. Is that an example of poor decision-making? Perhaps not.

Meanwhile, Duncan Hunter, who I do appreciate as a conservative, a patriot, war veteran and dedicated public servant has been doing ... not making news? Has he delivered such a compelling speech on any matter of import that it demands media coverage?

As I understand it, he has quite a hefty nest egg left over from significant fund raising within a district in which he was mostly unchallenged. I believe he pockets that cash should he retire as he has announced. How much and how wisely has it been spent in getting him broader name recognition, or in championing conservative causes?

Sorry, I can't tell you. Maybe I wasn't at the chicken dinner that night. As I said, decision making is the key to good executive-ship. Up until now, I haven't seen any poor decision making from Fred Thompson, though perhaps that will change. I do believe he would be wise to get in ... or get out.

I'll assume Duncan Hunter is still in, though to be candid and hopefully not cruel to a solid conservative, I wouldn't know it unless I read Right Wing News.

Comments

[jack]

i'd never fot thompson. he looks too much like my bassett hound, Cain! it totally freaks people out.

[Fred Beloit]

This gentleman has acknowledged that he is a paid flack for Hunter. That's fine. Now he should change the name of his blog to Duncan Hunter News.

[Phoenix]

Heh. One of the reasons I am very interested in Fred Thompson is that he is avoiding the scrimmage of the early crowd. To me, it demonstrates thoughtfulness and watching. Good traits in my book.

[Dusty]

I don't take too kindly to politicans disturbing me at church or when I'm at the diner, so I put this in Fred's plus column.

[seekeronos]

I think Fred is definitely on the right track. I'd be tickled though, to see him actually put his hat in the ring, and if he gets the nomination, take Duncan Hunter as a VP.

[Zifnab]

"Hunter Takes Out After Thompson"

Cripple fight!

[Phoenix]

"Saying you want to be President, but you don't want to spend your time meeting with the citizenry is like saying you want to be a professional basketball player, but you don't want to go to the gym every day to practice."

What a ridiculous comparison. Glad-handing the citizenry doesn't make one a good leader. It just makes one look like a used-car salesman. And to carry further the comparison - in order to remain a good president, one must glad-hand the citizenry everyday to stay on top of his game? Ridiculous. Earning ten times what a president makes for a skill that requires no brains also makes this comparison a no-brainer.

[BARRASSO]

Bush already proved you can be incredibly lazy and still be president.

[Roy Lofquist]

"Bush already proved you can be incredibly lazy and still be president."

Observe the president's schedule for a week then tell me you wouldn't throw in the towel. I would.

[Phoenix]

BARE ASS says Bush is incredibly lazy.

Maybe you could list five things he should be doing instead of golfing every day.

[Philip Bailey]

Duncan Hunter...ok I checked out his website. Sounds good. But can he win the Whitehouse? I think he would be an excellent running mate for the nominee of the GOP.

I am old enough to remember the press and the left claiming that Ronald Reagan, wasn't working hard enough. After Jimmy Carter, he made running the Presidency look easy.

Guys, Thompson's job is to be a viable alternative the Giuliani. In two months, he has gone from 0 to ~15% in the polls without spending a dime!!! How much have Giuliani, McCain and Romney spent? Millions! These are millions that Thompson does not have to raise. I believe this is a brilliant tactical move. There is definitely a pre-campaign plan being executed. Look back over the last couple of months. Thompson has moved regularly to keep his face before the public and to solidify campaign officials and politicians to his campaign.

It was clear from his conversation on Tuesday with Hannity that he still has a contractual obligation with Law & Order. Word is that contract will be completed in June. The unconfirmed rumor is that the Law & Order episodes with him in them will not be able to run once he announces. He must let the season's last episodes run before he announces his candidacy.

Does anyone doubt that the day Thompson announces for President he will be within striking distance of Giuliani? And money will flow to Thompson's campaign? I also predict that within two months of announcing he will be the Republican front runner.

Thompson's candidacy will make it almost impossible for other conservative candidates. There will be little or no money for others. John McCain's campaign is faultering. Romney is stuck at 8-10%, while spending massively on TV ads. Conservatives generally do not trust him.

If you want to read and hear more on this subject visit http://www.anotherRonaldReagan.com