My husband told me this morning about the speech Fred Thompson gave on why he wants to be president. I am trying really hard not to get too emotionally invested in this man, because I'm not sure the rest of the country wants the same type of president that I do. And if I want it too badly, I will be too disappointed if it doesn't work out. But I want a president who says things like this:
I approached it from the standpoint of a deal. A kind of a marriage. If one side of a marriage really has to be talked into the marriage, it probably ain’t going to be a good deal. But if you mutually decide it’s going to be a good thing. In this case, if you think this is a good thing for the country, then we have an opportunity to do some wonderful things together.
I’m offering myself up. I’m saying that I have the background, the capability and concern to do this and do it for the right reasons. I’m not particularly interested in running for president, but I think I’d make a good president.
Nowadays, the process has become much more important than it used to be.
I don’t know that they ever asked George Washington a question like this. I don’t know that they ever asked Dwight D. Eisenhower a question like this. But nowadays, it’s all about fire in the belly. I’m not sure in the world we live in today it’s a good thing if a president has too much fire in the belly.
I mean, I just want to quote the whole danged thing, it's that good. He goes on later to say:
If what people really want in their president is a super type A personality, someone who has gotten up every morning and gone to bed every night and been thinking about, for years how they can be president of the United States… someone who can look you straight in the eye and say they’ve enjoyed every minute of campaigning… (laughter) I ain’t that guy. (more laughter) [To questioner] So I hope I’ve discussed that, or I haven’t talked you out of anything. I honestly want… I can’t imagine a worse set of circumstances than achieving the presidency under a false pretenses, especially if you feel the way I do. I’ve gone out of my way to be myself, because I don’t want anybody to think they’re getting something they’re not getting. I’m not consumed by this process, I’m not consumed with the notion of being president. I’m simply saying I’m willing to do what’s necessary to achieve it if I’m in sync with the people. And if the people want me, or somebody like me, I will do what I’ve always done with everything else in my life. I will take it on and do a good job. You’ll have the disadvantage of having someone who probably can’t jump up and click their heels three times, but will tell you the truth. And you’ll know where the president stands at all times.
(Hat tip to my husband and Instapundit.)
Posted by Sarah at December 30, 2007 03:09 PM | TrackBackwe all know you have a "thing" for guys named teh Fred anyway....
but I like him too.
Posted by: AWTM at December 30, 2007 08:14 PMI fell in love with Fred a couple of weeks ago when he was asked if a candidate should be judged on the indiscretions of his private life, or if voters' judgement should be based only on the candidate's public service (paraphrased, obviously). Of course, Hillary Clinton said something about private life having nothing to do with public service (of course). And Romney said that if someone couldn't remain faithful to his wife, how could he remain true to his country (again, paraphrased). But Fred. He said something so plain but great - that voters would have to decide what they based their vote on, whether they wanted to factor in private lives or not. It doesn't sound half as lovely typed out in my own words, but I just smiled and told Scout, "He is just so cool. I love him."
But I am also trying not to become too attached. I'm afraid not enough people will see him the way I do.
Posted by: Erin at December 30, 2007 11:45 PMHey Sarah - I like Fred too - he is certainly my first choice of the current field, but I have also resigned myself to the fact that he does not have a snowball's chance. I hate to be negative, but that's the way I see it.
Posted by: Badger 6 at December 31, 2007 01:01 PMSarah -
Tim Weisberg and Dan Fogelberg (recently "the Late") once recorded an album called "Twin Sons of Different Mothers".
Some days I wonder if we are Twin Soulmates Of Different Very Happy Marriages.
I'm so tired of news coverage that is not only a quarter inch deep but, more pointedly, only a quarter inch wide.
As the marvelous Patti and I were discussing today, I created a rule of thumb for presidents about 15 years ago. That rule is this "He/She who desires the presidency should be immediately disqualified." Fred has passed my test.
I don't need a president who is in the job to feed his/her considerable ego. I need a president who gets that leadership isn't about him!!! I need a president who is plain spoken, will call a spade a spade and won't raise his hand in the manner of a first grader responding to inane questions. I need a president who doesn't see shades of grey in closing the freaking border! I need a president who gets it that JOB ONE is protecting the citizenry...and isn't the least bit distracted by trying to appease the first non-American, (or American representing said non American) period.
But, as you, I fear these subtleties are lost on the larger masses who will vote for the nebulous "change", or will vote for a symbol. (Sideline here...isn't voting FOR a candidate BECAUSE he/she is female/black equally as heinous as voting AGAINST a candidate for the same reasons???)
On the conservative side - its almost cliche' that we seem to have a race between the preacher and the tall candidate with good hair. As you know my faith is strong, but I recall what happened when the South helped elect Carter - also a man of strong faith. And the Tall Guy? C'mon.
Fred's comments about forty somethings having too much fire in the belly is dead on. I will hit 50 in the new year and absolutely agree with his assesment. But that is like trying to tell a 22 year old he isn't bulletproof and is subject to the laws of physics, biology and physiology.
Truth be known I was scared witless when I took my oath as a commissioned officer. "I...having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, ...do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God." Did I have a fire in my belly to take on responsibilities beyond my experience to conceive? No...I had a humility that nagged me causing me, every day, to recheck my preparedness for what the day may bring. It's butterflies in the belly, not fire in the belly, that ensures one is ready to play.
I'm with you on this one Sarah - as so many topics in the past. Since you are widely read, stay on message please...
Good chatting with you.
Tim (and CPT...er former Major Patti says "Hi!")
Tim,
Perfectly said! I sure do miss your blogging; you always spoke so eloquently, as you did today in the above comments.
Sarah's Mom
I agree with you about Fred also. Funny how everyone call him Fred and all the others are referred to by their last names. I go way back on Fred. I wanted him to run in 2000. I don't hear too much about it but he was quite successful in Government before he became a "star". He was really really good in Days of Thunder though. Hopefully levelheadedness is a quality that will not be overlooked this election.
Posted by: Titan Mk6B at January 3, 2008 01:26 PM