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The Spectacle Blog
As we at the Washington Examiner report today, Fred Thompson is feeling out a possible run for "General Chairman" of the Republican National Committee. But there is more detail to the story. First, note the distinction between "General Chairman" and "Chairman." The potential Thompson run envisions a two-tiered system like the one that worked under Reagan with Paul Laxalt as General Chairman (but that didn't work so well recently with Mel Martinez as General Chairman). The General Chairman usually provides overall direction and philosophical moorings, and acts as the public face of the party doing media and speeches, etc., and also is available probably for big-money phone calls and events -- but the Chairman, with an Executive Director under him, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the RNC. Think Chairman of the Board vs. CEO, perhaps.
Anyway, here are a host of other quotes from the "close Thompson advisor" who is quoted briefly in the Examiner story:
"We are hearing some interest from various sectors of the RNC that there is some interest in having Fred considered for general chairman. Two tiered…. His strong suit is in communications and reinforcing the foundational principles of the party. He’s really the only guy right now who can communicate in a way with the grass roots that nobody else can. He also is one of the few guys who understand the role technology can play. There needs to be a day to day chairman who is raising money, organizing, continue to build, but doing this as a team might be the most constructive way to do this."
"Fred isn’t looking to run for national office again. He is
looking to rebuild the party and help elevate the movement and
its principles . When conservatives run on conservative
principles they win. We know that. He would be an honest broker
because he is not seeking national office again; he doesn’t have
a dog in this fight. Everybody else who seems to be running seems
to have an eye on helping a presidential candidate."
"Katon Dawson for Mark Sanford."
"Jim Greer for Charlie Crist."
"David Norcross and Saul Anuzis with an eye toward Romney."
"These guys are stalking horses for others."
"Why are we essentially handing over the keys to the party to
individuals who have an agenda for a particular person?
It’s important for the grassroots to have a voice in this. We
needs honest brokers concerned about the party and the movement
rather than a particular candidate. That’s how we will be best
served."
"There is some interest in some quarters in the RNC in the party for Fred to consider the job. But it’s very early in the process… It’s fair to say that he and his people are looking at the lay of the land. If there is an indication of a wellspring of support, he will get in quickly."
"We’ve all learned some lessons from all this. Any job he takes
would be number one for the good of the party. It would be a job
to play to his strengths."
"He would participate in fundraising. He would want an impact on technology and the way the RNC does campaigns and recruits. He would want to recruit real conservatives and encourage them to run. He helped Pete Olson win in Texas. He also helped Beatty in Massachusetts. He knows you have to have a conservative voice in campaigns even in uphill battles…."
Now, this is Quin talking again: I have subsequently learned that Chuck Yob of Michigan is one of (but not necessarily the only) the guys who might be paired with Thompson, with Yob as regular Chairman. Yob supposedly is testing the waters. Again, this is not (the last I heard) a ticket, but an example of one possibility. I also note that I am reporting here, not endorsing. I do not know enough abut the other potential candidates. I did speak at some length not too long ago with Katon Dawson, and came away convinced that he knows how to get things done politically. My regard for Thompson, though, as a communicator and as a person well grounded in winning conservative principles, is very high. His potential candidacy is quite intriguing, to say the least.....
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More Blog Posts by Quin Hillyer
http://spectator.org/blog/2008/11/10/fred-for-general-chairman-perh
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DJ| 11.10.08 @ 7:12PM
That's all you guys need is another neocon as captain of the ship.
I liked Fred on Law and Order, he should try to go back.
If Katon Dawson is pulling for Mark Sanford may I be the first to say LETS GO KATON, whoever you may be.
jftous13| 11.10.08 @ 7:41PM
For a strong and solid conservative base, solid principles, teaching Americanisn and leader of MEN, and BOSS: FRED WOULD be EXCELLENT in all ways!!
Winghunter| 11.10.08 @ 7:48PM
No, no. We couldn't do that!
We couldn't ask Fred to do what he said he wanted to do in the first place. That would be too intelligent, too productive!
Why, it would rally our base, scaring the left back into fits of hysteria and ridicule as it did before he even formally announced his run.
Re-teaching our principles and values and the honest solutions for actual causes of our serious problems which will work the first time around!
We couldn't do that... what WERE you thinking Quin!?
Captain America| 11.10.08 @ 7:48PM
I'll take Fred as general chair. Hands down, he knows how to generate publicity, can manage issues effectively, and has unquestionable talents in written and verbal message delivery. He delivered a highly memorable speech at the RNC convention in St. Paul.
We don't need a stalking horse to head the RNC. This would be unnecessarily divisive as we move from minority to majority status. We instead need conservative statesmen and (women) who can put party, not a particular candidate, first and foremost.
Captain America| 11.10.08 @ 7:51PM
The "Hunt for Red October" should then be changed to the "Hunt for Red States."
Pastor Dan| 11.10.08 @ 8:03PM
I can think of no one who better understands the importance of conservative principles, in a big picture sort of way. Setting direction for others to administer, and teaching the worth and the why of these ideals and values to a generation in dire need would be an excellent way for the party to engage the abilities of one of its greatest intellects.
Winghunter| 11.10.08 @ 8:05PM
In my horror at the thought, I forgot something;
Fred knows and has instructed us that he would let us know when the Capitol needed its foundation shaken to remind the protege of Saul Alinsky and The Politburo that WE, The People, run the show. It is my strong opinion that this is the only way we have to save our country for the next four years!
We Might Be Called Capable For Our Own Governance If We Did That!
Jean in TN| 11.10.08 @ 8:05PM
Fred would be great. He puts principles above everything else, which is exactly what we need to do. The Republican party has lost its way and has drifted from our core values and principles. We need someone who will stand up for what is right for our country to put us back on course.
We also need someone who can connect with real people, who is not an elitist. Fred has never forgotten where he came from, and it shows. The perception is that Republicans are for the businesses and that the Democrats are for the workers. We need someone who can help the workers realize that the only reason we want businesses to do well is so that the workers will still be workers and not be unemployed.
Charma| 11.10.08 @ 8:13PM
Fred would be incredible as the chairman or general chairman. He understands our conservative principles. For conservatives, he is the logical choice.
Linda D| 11.10.08 @ 9:24PM
Of course Fred Thompson would be great! I heard today that Newt has expressed an interest, too. I'd choose Fred, though, as there's no doubt in my mind he wouldn't have any personal agenda at all. He'd work hard to pull the GOP back to our founding principles and true conservatism.
ORkat| 11.10.08 @ 9:24PM
Fred Thompson would be great. He has a love of and respect for our constitution and would bring some common sense to the RNC. These qualities are sorely lacking at present in most things
Republican or the whole darn congress for that matter.
Sonia| 11.10.08 @ 9:38PM
Fred Thompson would be great! We need to start back our party & we need to generate ideas on how to help our fellow Americans who are no longer working. And we need to go after the people who inflicted the pain we are now enduring. Please God, hear my prayers.
Sonia| 11.10.08 @ 9:38PM
Fred Thompson would be great! We need to start back our party & we need to generate ideas on how to help our fellow Americans who are no longer working. And we need to go after the people who inflicted the pain we are now enduring. Please God, hear my prayers.
sjmc| 11.10.08 @ 9:51PM
Having Fred Thompson become General Chairman of the Republican Party would be a perfect choice. Senator Thompson is a leader; he would bring honor and respect to the office and reinvigorate the party with his knowledge of the Constitution and his good old fashioned common sense.
Also Fred| 11.10.08 @ 10:00PM
Sounds good to me.
shelbysbest| 11.10.08 @ 10:18PM
Fred Thompson would get things done as General Chairman. He believes with heart and soul in the "First Principles" that our country was founded on. Many would be excited to have him speaking about conservatism for our party. If anyone understands what we believe in as a party, it would be Fred Thompson. I would trust him to take us in the right direction. The man truly does possess the "wisdom of the ages" and then some.
tony| 11.10.08 @ 10:53PM
we need a strong conservative leader who will not be afraid to say what needs to be said. check out Reagan's speech in support of Barry Goldwater. Will someone stand up and say what he said? that we are heaidng towards socialism? McCain could have won had he said the things RR said but first he had to belive them and sadly I do not think he does.
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ronaldreaganatimeforchoosing.htm
Paul Ocon| 11.10.08 @ 11:04PM
I believe Fred Thompson is an excellent choice for General Chairman. I find Him down to earth, No frills just good ol fashion conservatism. He respects our Constitutional Government and I think He would defend it to the bitter end and work to bring our party together. He commands respect and I think to pass this opportunity up would be a grievous error in judgment on our part. He seems to put principles before personalities and that is very lacking in our elected official today. So Fred if you are willing to take this responsibility and help lead our party in a positive direction, I am behind you 110 per-cent.
Robert Stacy McCain| 11.11.08 @ 5:06AM
I've got nothing against Fred. I heard that Newt Gingrich might be interested, and I think he'd be good, too. He certainly knows how to organize an opposition.
Pecos Pete| 11.11.08 @ 6:22AM
I'm for Fred!
Michael L. Hauschild| 11.11.08 @ 6:43AM
Fred will not do, he remains an old tired beltway dinosaur. Winners only please, the entire slate of candidates that were beaten in the primaries by McCain are losers on two tiers.
loadmaster| 11.11.08 @ 6:48AM
Don't worry about the mule, just load the Fred wagon. Newt and Fred working together is better that Newt and Nancy sitting on a couch together.
Fred..we need you..we need a leader who ain't afraid of kicking some "buttocks".
rinoHUNTER| 11.11.08 @ 7:06PM
Had Fred listed the true conservatives that needed help in the election, instead of the list of rinos that he did, maybe. But, he did not. He could easily have put their names on the list, and especially Jim Inhofe who was under attack by the libs. He did not. Who can trust what the man says after he glorified the Juan LaRaza Double Talk Express? Nope, time for someone who ALWAYS stands for Conservative and Principled leadership, not just when his best buddy the LIBERAL LOSER McAmnesty needed his help to fool those who consider themselves conservatives. Do some due diligence if you plan to vote for a conservative R, chances are you don't even know the difference anymore. Especially if you like Newt Gingrich. Give me a break. DEMAND TRUE CONSERVATISM.
Teresa A. Johnson| 11.12.08 @ 10:58AM
I did not know that Sen. Thompson was interested. I have always liked him and would support him in any post he was holding. I do want to see the Republican party return to the CONSERVATIVE party though no matter who takes over the leadership!!! I am sick of double talk and giving in to special interest and playing nice to the other side, forsaking the constitution and the foundation of IN GOD WE TRUST!!! Leaving that behind has all but destroyed this country-GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED!!! Oprah could learn something from this immediately!!!
TouchStone| 11.14.08 @ 9:11PM
Having Thompson as the "face" and "mooring" of the RNC would be the smartest thing republicans have done in quite a while.
Bill Nowling| 11.15.08 @ 5:35PM
Saul Anuzis is not Mitt Romney's candidate. Romney has not said such. Anuzis has not said such. That kind of talk is just idle speculation.
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