Media figures tout Thompson's "presidential" appearance
During the September 6 edition of CNN International's Your World Today, discussing former Sen. Fred Thompson's (R-TN) announcement that he is running for president, co-host Jim Clancy stated: "We heard a mention by other candidates, 'He looks presidential. He sounds presidential.' Is that what has his rivals in the Republican Party worried?" CNN's chief national correspondent John King replied: "That certainly is part of it, Jim. And don't undervalue the idea of looking the part, if you will. Fred Thompson is known for his roles on TV and in Hollywood in the movies. He now wants to look the part of president and appeal to a conservative Republican base that his campaign believes has yet to settle on one front-runner among the eight Republicans -- eight other Republicans running -- because of different questions about those candidates."
Likewise, in a September 6 post on Time magazine's Swampland blog, Time Washington bureau chief Jay Carney said of Thompson's video announcement posted on his campaign website: "And in his Hillary-style web-video announcement he sure looks like a president (at least, he could play one on TV)." Carney's declaration that Thompson "looks like a president" was not the first time the magazine has declared that a white, male, over-50 candidate for the Republican 2008 presidential nomination looks the part. On its May 21 cover, Time featured former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney with the caption: "Sure, He Looks Like a President."
From the September 6 edition of CNN International's Your World Today:
CLANCY: Former Republican Senator Fred Thompson, there on a late-night U.S. talk show formally announcing what he's been talking about for months, that he's going to be running for the Republican presidential nomination.
ISHA SESAY (co-host): His official website carried the same message, and he's not wasting any time getting on the campaign trail.
CLANCY: Thompson now begins a two-day tour of Iowa, where political caucuses are traditionally seen as the very start of the nominating process. But has Thompson waited too long to get into the race? John King joins us from Des Moines, Iowa, with more on the now-official Thompson presidential campaign.
We heard a mention by other candidates, "He looks presidential. He sounds presidential." Is that what has his rivals in the Republican Party worried?
KING: That certainly is part of it, Jim. And don't undervalue the idea of looking the part, if you will. Fred Thompson is known for his roles on TV and in Hollywood in the movies. He now wants to look the part of president and appeal to a conservative Republican base that his campaign believes has yet to settle on one front-runner among the eight Republicans -- eight other Republicans running -- because of different questions about those candidates.
So what does Fred Thompson say out of the box? He will say to conservatives around the United States of America, "I know you're worried that after eight years of George W. Bush, the odds now favor Democrats taking back the White House -- not only Democrats taking back the White house, but maybe a Democrat named Clinton."
Fred Thompson is trying to tell conservatives he is the candidate who can prevent that from happening.
Waitaminnit...what about Romney's chin?
This comment is immediate confirmation of What Fred Thompson Is About.
He makes a nice appearance (at least to some)... but where is the substance? He already has the reputation of being "lazy," and having a much younger wife who's far more ambitious than he is.
Too bad the Gay Old Party didn't have the foresight to see Jeri Thompson on the horizon and thus temper their bad manners toward Hillary.
Thompson's just another two-bit actor playing a part - like Reagan did. He's all show and no substance.
I believe he is for state's rights.
Okay, if we're going by how well someone pretends to be a president, I vote for Robin Williams.
Bill Pullman in Independence Day all the way.
"Nuke 'em. Let's nuke the bastards."
Bill Pullman, I thought that one was Reagan too?
My vote goes to William Jefferson Clinton. GREAT ACTING!!
And not a bad president either.
I think I can see Robin Williams playing the late Pope John Paul II.
Looks presidential?
Sounds presidential?
I believe it was a compliment from the 18th to the 20th Centuries.
Unfortunately, it's considered insulting in the 21st.
Totally agree. What image is it supposed to conjure up anyway? Tall? Commanding? Speaks in vague generalities?
I would hope we are beyond the "presidential" thing now - it was maybe more relevant when it was just white men running, but thankfully, not much anymore.
since when is appearing cadaverous considered "looking presidential"?
absent makeup, and mr. thompson doesn't look at all well. is he ill, or has that portrait in the attic finally fallen over?
I noticed the same thing about his appearence. He looks very drawn and pale (grayish actually). I pointed it out to my husband the other day because it was so very noticable. I am a big Law and Order fan and although make-up does do wonders he was still more filled out then he is now. I know some lose weight to appear fit when they are going to run but this doesn't seem like a healthy look. He does have a history of health problems...hopefully they are not reaccuring.
He does look like hell...
Maybe he's just a little tired after the initial excitement of making a campaign appearance and not forgetting his lines.
Look at the facial history of these guys in their 60's becoming President and you always see them age very rapidly after a couple of years in office. I hear it's a pretty tough job. Well not for Reagan because he sarted out pretty old and was just playing President in the great tv show of his mind. You don't age as much when you don't have a conscience about the lives you affect. But picture Thomson's already sagging jowls by 2112 if he were to win next year. He would really have to keep up that regimine of lazy to avoid looking like a Jim Henson creation.
But picture Thomson's already sagging jowls by 2112 if he were to win next year.
I would assume that by 2112, Fred Thompson's jowls will be totally dissolved....
:-)
Hey the guy's already 153, what's another century or two?
I did not hear one mention (not on the PBS "NewsHour," not on the brief MSNBC coverage I saw) of his having been treated for cancer. I wonder how this compares with the media coverage of Sen. Paul Tsongas?
BTW, having seen Thompson's "Tonight Show" announcement, I fear I have underestimated him. His apocalyptic demeanor alone makes him a player. First, pundits told us how formidable a candidate Bill Frist woud be. Then it was George Allen. Thompson is now taking their places, and trying to be the GOP's Bubba. He just might succeed.
(I do not take Giuliani very seriously. He was making too much money just giving speeches. I don't see the fire in the belly. He doesn't even sound like he is keeping up with current events.)
I don't know about physically looking presidential but he certainly didn't appear very presidential by ducking a debate and facing question and defending his positions like those who take running for president of the US as something more then an after thought that you try to fit into your schedule. I don't see how anyone can respect his ducking the real work of facing the people and instead pays for a commercial to be played in his place so he can go on a late night talk show...yeah he really has his priorities straight.
Exactly.
If you want people to cast their vote for you then why would you be hesistant about explaining your ideas to those whose support you solicit? If you have the best vision for the country, then you should be anxious to get it out there for all to see and examine and scrutinize.
You don't pick and choose your forums to best package your message if it's so strong to begin with. Thompson is a bit of a wimp in my mind.
I think Guiliiani said it well when asked about Thompson..."you have to earn this nomination." Seems like Thompson feels he doesn't need to do the real work that instead he is entitled to the nomination. I think name recognition (as an actor) will only carry you so far and beyond giving you a bump in the polls it won't win a nomination by actual voters. I don't know if you watched the debates last night but I think Huckabee did really well and although many of his positions don't jive with mine I can't help but agree with some of his opinions and logic.
I did watch some of the debate and I agree with many of Huckabee's positions too, he is reasonable and thoughtful. I am doubtful he will get much traction though, but who knows? The frontrunners don't impress me at all - they are flip floppers who will say just about anything to get elected.
Lost, I didn't mean "too". I see you don't agree with him but respect his logic and opinions, that's very commendable.
My biggest issues with Huckabee are social issues. On other issues I think he makes reasoned arguments...for instances while I think Iraq is a hopeless cause and I doubt the Iraqi government can resolve their differences and make any real progress I do agree with Huckabee as far as him pointing out that right or wrong we did this and we need to fix it...we can't just walk away. I am actually pretty torn on the issue of where do we go from here regarding the situation in Iraq...I'd like to just say we shouldn't be refereeing a civil war and we should begin to draw down but I also agree with Huckabee we caused this and we can't just walk away and say ain't our problem. I also liked that he reasonably acknowledges that some in the immigration debate are talking from a racist perspective and that if you are loking for a candidate filled with hate he wasn't your guy. I enjoy listening to him articulate his positions and being able to do that and discuss topics intelligently wins points with me even if I don't agree with your end position. What do you think of Ron Paul? I imagine based on your own characterization of you politics you would find him appealing. I thought the disrespect he was shown last night was appalling and he handled himself in the face of that disrespect with a lot of class. After seeing how he was treated I must saqy it reinforced my position that the dems were right not to participate in a fox debate...fox proved if they don't agree with you they will do their best to denigrate and disrespect you in the guise of moderating a debate.
I like Ron Paul's libertarianism to a point - I am with him on the abolishment of the IRS and other federal agencies, but not all of them.....and his stance on the war maybe be correct in theory, but I agree with you and Huckabee, we can't just abandon it now - Bush screwed it up, he needs to be held accountable and fix whatever we can.
The Republicans would never let Ron Paul get anywhere, he isn't establishment enough for them, it's so obvious - and you're right about the disrespect shown to him. He is a fighter though, but probably will only make waves, nothing substantial.
Preach on, Tommy, Ron Paul is the man!! The elites in DC are afraid of a man that thinks like him, because if he took office, most of the lobbyists and useless government employees would be out on the street (gasp!) competing for jobs in the private sector!!
The Democrats have all the stars in this upcoming election. They have a rock star, a former first lady and an advocate for the poor. Republicans are not winning in 2008 no matter what. Change is in the air and it will be swift and decisive.
For now.
Come on Bruce there is still hope...look around you. You still have voters like J4 and John. Now that is some strong voting block: the ghost whisperer and the star struck celulite watcher...values voting at its finest. You may still be able to pull off an upset. (-;
To be honest, lost, I don't want Republicans to win this one. The Dems deserve another opportunity. I have a sneaking feeling that many around here will be disappointed with what they do with that opportunity but that's just my hunch.
Bruce, I think the situation in Iraq will prove you right. I don't think there is any good solution and I don't think a democrat will find it very easy to end this war as so many want...there are too many variables and consequences to any action they may take. My hope is that the next president and administration will think through their decisions pros and cons and not use the same tunnel vision this administration has used...oh and hopefully power won't go to their head too much and they will dismantle the unitarian presidency Bush has attempted to build. Whatever happens the next president has alot of clean-up and repair work ahead of him/her.
That's my take as well. Anyway, since I see the Presidecial race as being fairly one-sided I will instead focus on the Minnesota Senate race between Coleman and either Franken or Cirisi. That is going to be a very entertaining race and should be quite close if my political antenna is correct.
Now that is some strong voting block: the ghost whisperer and the star struck cellulite watcher...
Funny;-)
Lost, I enjoy reading your posts. While I agree there is no good solution for Iraq I do believe that a change in leadership will allow diplomacy with other countries to take place. That’s not to say that Iran or Syria will turn around with a Democratic as President but Junior has lead with such a cowboy mentality and arrogance that he left no room for any type of diplomacy. His Sec. of State displays the same arrogance which has only made the situation with other countries worse. American soldiers will be in Iraq until we create a dialogue that allows other countries to offer help but under conditions that reflect favorably to all who offer help. Under current conditions even Arab nations that are friendly to the US cannot or will not help for fear that other Arab countries will see their actions as “helping the invaders". I think that a new Sec. of State with experience in diplomacy (which is lacking in this administration) is the best hope for the US to leave.
Why don't we just abolish the...
Republican party?
Why don't we just abolish the...
Republican party?
Because they DO servve a purpose - as a bad example....
Do you not "believe" in evolution either?
Hey, the man can decide to join the race whenever he chooses. That is his right. And I think we can all agree this 2 year long presidential campaign crap is getting out of hand. I personally like the fact that he waited until now to join. If you think it's really going to hurt him, then why are you so upset that he joined at this point? If it's too late, then he will be swiftly pushed out and voted out of the primaries. The man declared 14 months before the general election for crying out loud. If this isn't early enough, our system of electing a president is really screwed up. The man didn't dodge anything, because he hadn't declared yet. The fact that he missed the debate should be exciting for the Dems because that was a lost opportunity for him to convey his message and his platform to the public. That's not good for him. So why are you so upset? Let the man do what he wants, when he wants to do it.
Ayone who would find Thompson's appearance on the Tonight Show "presidential" either did not watch, had too many Martinis, gets paid by the Thompson campaign, or is simply out of his/her mind. But what would you expect from media personnel that characterizes this guy's part in the Law & Order series a "starring role?"
The people are going to have a choice in 2008 -
The Dems will probably have a woman with bulging thunder-thighs and a voice that sounds like ahog-caller from Arkansas.
The Repubs will have a truly presidential looking and sounding movie star.
On one level this is such an easy choice for most Americans.
The people are going to have a choice in 2008 -
The Dems will probably have a woman with bulging thunder-thighs and a voice that sounds like ahog-caller from Arkansas.
The Repubs will have a truly presidential looking and sounding movie star.
On one level this is such an easy choice for most Americans.
Torres, do you really think the American people are that shallow?
Torres, do you really think the American people are that shallow?
You must not have read any of his other posts around here. He is that shallow.
Listen I would hope that this time around the Republican nominee at least have the ability to speak English. I'm not even asking him to walk and chew gum at the same time.
I would say yes, roughly half the American populace IS that shallow. How else do you think we ended up with a twit like GWB not only as our president, but also as the "leader" (and I use that term loosely) of the free world?
And sexist as hell clearly. He didn't mention Thompson's thighs at all. Shudder.
Torres gets another bullet hole in his foot
The people are going to have a choice in 2008 -
This is true, but don't pat yourself on the back just yet. Your typical nonsense follows.
The Dems will probably have a woman with bulging thunder-thighs and a voice that sounds like ahog (sic)-caller from Arkansas.
Now, I happen to be a happily-married man, and don't pay much attention to other people's thighs, but the pictures I've seen of Hillary show a quite attractive lady, with no such physical deformity. Not that having large thighs disqualifies her (at least in the minds of thinking people) from being president.
I'd also be willing to guess that you have never actually heard a genuine hog caller, and are simply borrowing other people's insults here.
The Repubs will have a truly presidential looking and sounding movie star.
Look at that picture of Thompson. What president does he actually look like? Harding or McKinley, perhaps, in their agonizing last days before their deaths. Perhaps it's no coincidence that Harding and McKinley, Republicans both, were among our worst-ever presidents.
Also, the last time we elected a "movie star" as president, we got Reagan, God help us.
On one level this is such an easy choice for most Americans.
On your level, Torres, but don't pretend that you speak for most Americans. Most of us are not so superficial. I want a president with a good mind, a capacity for hard work, a legitimate track record, and the character to admit error. And I have enough faith in my fellow Americans (except perhaps for the 30% crowd) to believe that's what they want as well.
So Torres, if you really think that a gargoyle like Thompson is better-looking than Hillary, that's okay. If you think his background as an actor qualifies him for the nation's top office, fine. If you think that these are reasons enough to support him over Hillary, then go for it. But if you honestly think that most of the country thinks the same way that you do, then you have simultaneously insulted the entire electorate and marginalized yourself beyond hope. Pitiful.
Political you have to realize that "people" like john are the type to be on a board or chatroom and post things like "Hitlery Klintoon is a librul and has fat ankils". I swear I have seen this type of posting for years now and it never gets any different. Can you imagine what it will be like if she gets elected? Scary huh?
If I may read between the lines here, Torres, are you saying that to look "Presidential" you must be a middle-aged, tall white male?
Please correct me if I am wrong.
John do you have a man crush on Mitt R? Are you thinking about his broad shoulders and presidential looking chin right now?
In the true spirit of capitalism I think someone should put out a "GOP men of 2008 calendar" so all of these folks hung up on looks can have something to satisfy their obsession. Chris Matthews would love it!
No one has come out and said it yet, so I will.
I'm a 6" white guy with a good jaw, but I know sexism and racism when I see it. The whole idea that only a tall white guy with a strong jaw, like Thompson or Romney, can define what a President looks like is a demeaning to how far we have come as a nation over the past 40 years.
While it is true that Washington and Lincoln were tall white guys with strong jaws, the reality is that we need a new definition of what a great President looks like.
I vote for a person who shows intelligence, substantial knowledge of the issues facing our nation, proven good judgment and high ethics, the ability to put forward logical arguments and motivate people to positive action based upon progressive values. Of course, that last part is based upon my personal bias.
Of all the candidates, Barack Obama has shown he has more of these qualities than anyone else. Hillary is the next best choice, except for her judgment on the war, which she supported for years. Given that, I look forward to all those "objective" journalists judging Barack and Hillary to be presidential. If not, their continued racism and sexism will be apparent and tragically destructive to our society.
P.S. Even superficially, both Barack and Hillary make a good appearance and, when Hillary isn't shouting to a crowd, sound strong and capable too.
"I'm a 6" white guy with a good jaw..."
6" ain't bad if you know how to use it. (Ba-dum-bum)
MAN:
Well.....I take that as a strong nomination for a Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton Ticket. I like them too BUT.....
If Fox Lies Channel reads this they'll make it an Exclusive Breaking News story. Fox Lies and Rove are begging to have Hillary and a black man to perform their hateful propaganda on. Still, I believe Hillary and Barak would prevail if they're named to run.
Back On Thompson Topic:
I hope Thompson and his young trophy wife win the nomination and then proceed to a resounding defeat in the presidential election.
Dems are heavily favored so I submit a WARNING.... Don't be Over Confident!
RepubliCan'ts believe he looks presidential and is another "The Great Communicator" of lies that is. Ronnie Reagan was good at that not Fredie Thompson.
His wife Jeri is attractive but I'm sorry to say Thompson looks like he just got the hell beaten out of him with an Ugly Stick. An he Ain't No RayGun!
BREAKING NEWS FLASH:
For Halloween, Thompson will don a Reagan mask and costume as he tries to become the second coming of Reaganism.
He'll show us his acting abilities by doing his best Great Communicator act in the easy, laid back style of Ronald Reagan. Fox Propaganda Channel will do free pomotional work for candidate Thompson.
It might just work because just take a casual look at his competition or lack thereof. While the other poor choices were cutting each other down at the debates, Thompson was enjoying the view.
He might just wind up the Neo-RepubliCan'ts nominee for dictator to replace GWB.
You won't find any GWB costumes on Halloween, unless someone wants to really be scary.
Thompson looks more like a Heavy to me. If I were casting a movie I would cast him as the villain. In a remake of Its a Wonderful Life he would make a good Mr. Potter. He could sit behind a desk chomp on a cigar and take over the town. Nominations like Thompson and Reagan reduce our country to a movie which is what most want. Most people just believe they should live in a movie where everything is the way they were taught it should be in a childhood movie.
He looks like an old basset hound that's ready to be taken out and shot in the yard. Ol' Yeller.