Fred Thompson gave a trademark low-key performance, with a
sweeping view of what America should stand for, rooted in our
founders. He unabashedly repeated his line about Americans shedding
more blood for liberty throughout the world than all other nations
combined. What separates us is a commitment to rule of law, free
trade, and smaller government with lower taxes and less
regulation.
Thompson spoke of "major challenges to our security and
prosperity," rattling of a list of challenges including mandatory
spending. Recounting the Democratic vision of government, he said,
"this liberal philosophy must be rejected at all cost."
In a remark that seemed to be channeling his recent target, Rudy
Giuliani, Thompson said that, "We have yet to come to terms with
the fact that Islamic terrorism is at war with us."
He said that this conflict can be traced back a long time and
that it "will be with us well after Iraq is in the rear view
mirror."
Thompson emphasized his support for Israel and their "mutual
security interests."
On Iran, he said, "We must make it clear that we will not allow
Iran to get a nuclear weapon."
In the question and answer session, he was asked whether he
would consider pardoning Jonathan Pollard, and to his credit,
Thompson didn't pander to the questioner. He said he'd have no
reason to consider it, unless some new information came to light.
"He was convicted of spying against my country," Thompson
noted.
He handled a question about federalism well, arguing that when
the government is considering action, you must ask two questions:
1) Is this a proper job for government? And 2) If so, is it the
proper level of government?
One woman asked for him to compare and contrast himself with his
Law and Order character, Arthur Branch. Thompson said when Branch
is "humble, lovable and cuddly, he's like me," but when he's "mean,
surly, and short-tempered, he's not like me."
In response to what would be needed to beat Hillary Clinton,
Thompson reopened his thinly-veiled attack on Giuliani, saying that
Republicans don't need to turn into Democrats to win, but to adhere
to strong conservative principles.
He also warned Republicans against worrying too much about
Hillary. "We need to focus on ourselves," he said, meaning that
conservative ideas will attract voters.
topics:
Taxes, Trade, Hillary Clinton, Islam, Law, Iraq, Iran, Israel
