Thompson basks in Southern hospitality
Republican candidate skips New Hampshire, heads to Columbia restaurant
Katie Jones
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: News
|
Former senator Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) felt right at home at a meet-and-greet Tuesday night at Birds on a Wire on Devine Street.
"All of the other candidates who are running for president are freezing in New Hampshire tonight while I'm in South Carolina," Thompson said. "Who's smart enough to run for president?"
After some initial joking with the crowd, Thompson spoke on the issues of Social Security, the Iraq War and the health care system.
"We have to do something for the next generation," Thompson said. "Things aren't always going to be easy. We are bankrupting the next generation."
While Thompson did not address the issue of higher education or the rising cost of tuition in his speech, traveling spokesperson Jeff Sadosky said "Thompson believes education should be a marketplace with competing ideas."
The competition gives students better options, Sadosky said.
He added that Thompson will try to attract younger voters just as he would older voters.
The crowd was extremely receptive to Thompson's remarks, and several people gave him a standing ovation.
"I enjoyed his speech," said Mary Grey Branan, a second-year nursing student and server for Birds on a Wire. "His appearance will be good for business because a lot of people from the community came."
Branan said she was undecided as to whom she will vote for, but does plan on voting.
Tim Young, 24, likes Thompson for his straight-forward attitude and his plain-spoken approach to politics.
"I like his principles," Young said. "The buzz word right now is change. I like how he appeals to the principles that have served us well so far."
In addition to the many supporters, Thompson drew a small crowd of protestors from the South Carolina League of the South.
"Fred Thompson was asked in a debate what he thought about our flag [the Confederate flag] and he did not respond appropriately," said league chairman Jim Hanks. "He responded that he was glad it was not flown in a prominent position."
In addition to forays in the political realm, Thompson is most known for his role on Law and Order.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 12
Lonny MacBeth
posted 1/08/08 @ 11:55 PM EST
Fred, 100% conservative and can whip the pants off of any democrat.
Markustee
posted 1/09/08 @ 12:59 AM EST
Fred's comment on the Confederate flag was indeed appropriate. What is inappropriate is to bring up such a fringe, idiotic, non-issue in a discussion of a serious Presidential contender, apparently for the sole purpose of attempting to fire up a radical fringe group that needs to move out of the 1860's and into the 2000's. (Continued…)
Longstreet
posted 1/09/08 @ 5:52 AM EST
I'm a staunch conservative, a native South Carolinian, now making my home in NC. Fred had me right up until he made his remarkes about the Confederate Battle Flag. (Continued…)
Debra Bowers
posted 1/09/08 @ 8:30 AM EST
WAY to GO FRED!!!
He is THE ONLY candidate WORTHY enough to BE in the White House!
Please read his up on Fred Thompson if you haven't already.
http://www. (Continued…)
slickridley
posted 1/09/08 @ 8:58 AM EST
i've been to both fred and ron paul rallies, ron has overflowed churches and theaters, were fred will only fill a hardee's with old people
bill
posted 1/09/08 @ 9:07 AM EST
If the flag issue determines who should be president in your eyes, you must not have children, and probably shouldnt.
Debra Bowers
posted 1/09/08 @ 10:42 AM EST
I believe....do YOU??
http://brvanlanen.wordpress.com/2008/01/08/i-believe-fred-thompson/
rick
posted 1/09/08 @ 11:31 AM EST
As a born again believer I'm thankful that the Lord gave me the wisdom to see through a fine man who is a preacher in the south...but holds Northeastern liberal views on all but 2 issues
Mr. (Continued…)
Pastor Dan
posted 1/09/08 @ 1:50 PM EST
As a conservative evangelical pastor, I am convinced that Fred Thompson has the right combination of character, principles, experience, and courage to lead America at this pivotal time. (Continued…)
Linda D in Nevada
posted 1/10/08 @ 1:50 AM EST
Has anyone else noticed how many times the other candidates have said, "I agree with Fred" -- and, subsequently they quote his Policy Plans as if they had the idea on their own. (Continued…)
Post a Comment