Thompson gets rousing welcome in S.C.
Hundreds of enthusiastic supporters turned out to greet former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., in his first visit to South Carolina as a potential presidential candidate.
Thompson who has not yet declared his candidacy, left little question that he will announce soon.
He brought a crowd of about 300 Republicans to their feet when he said "maybe I can come back later in a different capacity and we can talk a little bit more about some of these issues."
Thompson was in Columbia to deliver the keynote address at a state Republican Party roundtable discussion and luncheon series dedicated to presidential politics and South Carolina's commitment to be the first Southern state to hold its primary.
The event, held at a downtown hotel, was limited to party leaders. The public was excluded from the roundtable discussion but the media was allowed in to hear Thompson's speech.
The former senator, who many consider to be among the most conservative and most electable of the candidates seeking the nomination, drew enthusiastic applause when he spoke about immigration.
Thompson said he does not support the bill being debated in the Senate the would offer millions of illegal immigrants a path to legal residency while also strengthening the U.S.-Mexican border.
"The bottom line is not what's best for either political party," Thompson said. "After the dust settles, the bottom line is what's best for the strength and long-term endurance for our country. And this immigration bill is not it."
WITH THE RIGHT RUNNING MATE THOMPSON COULD WIN THE GENERAL ELELECTION AND OR I FEEL HE COULD ALSO BE THE BEST VP PICK REGAUARDLESS OF HOW WINS THE GOP PRIMARY. I THINK HE IS THE KEY FROM THE GOP! FRED AND RUDY= VICTORY!
Posted by: CHUCK SMITH | 27 June 2007 at 02:53 PM
Chuck, maybe I worry far less about the well-being of the GOP than I do of SC and the rest of America, but the GOP has lost its way and is now little more and a Big Business/Open Borders/Pro-War band. There are good folks in the party but they're being shut out and shut up by party leaders. And Fred's not going to bring great reform or change to this. I don't think we need a Hollywood guy in the White House.
Posted by: Palmetto Patriot | 27 June 2007 at 05:20 PM
The real question for Fred Thompson. Do you stand with the American people or do you stand with that bunch of morally corrupt group known as the U.S. Senate, who are selling out the American people? Never mind all the other issues Fred-this one is far and away the ball game. Watch as Sen McCain's support completely collapses.
Posted by: Rocky | 27 June 2007 at 06:28 PM
You will make a great POTUS Sen. Thompson, we are supporting you here in Fl. I enjoyed watching you when you were in the Senate. Thanks for your service.
Posted by: Carole | 27 June 2007 at 09:40 PM
South Carolina,
Would you rather have a southern conservative who can work and will work with the Congress to the betterment of our republic, or would you rather have a socialist economic and political process and a demonstrably failing health system model? That is the gravity of the choice we all face in November 2008.
Posted by: Curtis | 28 June 2007 at 11:04 AM
I am sure Senator Thompson would make a great conservative President based on his past actions in the U S Senate.
Senator Graham (R,SC) has truly shown his true colors. After supporting a bad bill (against the wishes of informed people)he sided with the Clintons/Kennedys/McCains (The senators of the far LEFT). After his misguided attempt at amnesty for law breakers was defeated (THANK YOU Senator Demint)his reply was the opposition was based on racism (I have laughed at this illegetimate card played many times by the Jesse Jacksons/Al Sharptons but never dreamed it would come form Graham) Graham made a grand stand at the impeachment of President Clinton when he was a House member (even though I question the authenticity of his performance)the people that supported this bill would have done much more harm to the sovereignty of this great country had this bill passed than President Clintons actions(Maybe he should be on trial for supporting this bill) His true colors have been shown and he owes the proud Americans of this county an apology. AGAIN THANK YOU SENATOR DEMINT!!!!!
Posted by: Dean | 28 June 2007 at 03:06 PM
Fred Thompson is another good Republican about to join a field of good Republicans. And the best of them all? Sam Brownback. Remember to think it through - the imigration issue is really Border Securiy - who has the best long range plan to stop and discourage illegals? Sam Brownback. Who has a plan to cut government programs not just say government spends too much? Sam Brownback. Who has a plan for Iraq to govern it self after meeting with Iraqui leaders and American Generals there, so we can win the war on terror, which we must? Sam Brownback. Who is the nost thoughtful Republcian candidate with the most well reasoned views and plans? Sam Brownback. Watch what is happening in Iowa, especially in Ames, where people actually are getting to know the candidates. Get to know Sam Brownback in South Carolina and you will vote for him. He's coming back soon.
Posted by: Jim | 28 June 2007 at 04:49 PM
Ron Paul's the man. He's the Thomas Jefferson of our day - favors eliminating several entire agencies, not just talking about "cuts." He's against this stupid war. And he opposes birthright citizenship and amnesty. Can't get much better than that.
Posted by: Palmetto Patriot | 28 June 2007 at 05:53 PM
Fred has twice voted for amnesty for millions of illegals - in 1997 & in 2000.
Posted by: Palmetto Patriot | 28 June 2007 at 07:05 PM