Fred's In (Probably)

If you haven't already heard, the word on the street is that Fred Thompson is definitely running for president. He is expected to announce around the Fourth of July. Also, check out this article. There are several articles today on this topic. This blog questions whether Fred really wants it. Another article debates whether he will play well outside of the south. And still another discusses what other republican candidates a Thompson campaign will hurt (and this one does too). This recent buzz was generated as a result of a fundraising conference call Thompson had recently with large donors.

Frankly, I'm glad he's getting in. I think it will give some energy to the republican primary that is lacking so far, and if he wins the nomination I think he has the ability to beat any nominee the democrats put forward.

Jerome

Fred Speaks on Immigration

Announcments were made that a compromise had been reached on an immigration bill. Fred Thompson quickly placed this post on the Fred Thompson Reports on ABC Radio.

Jerome

Rudy's Not The One

Dr. James Dobson wrote and article that appeared in World Net Daily he unequivocally and irrevocably said that he would not support Rudy Giuliani for president under any circumstances. Dobson said that he would rather not vote -- or vote for someone who cannot win -- that to vote for Giuliani, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. Those are strong words. Dr. Dobson is very influential among evangelicals. He has told us who he will not support. The only question remaining is who will he support?

Jerome

Blog Tour for Orchard of Hope

This week the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is running a blog tour for Orchard of Hope by Ann Gabhart. You can click on the links above to read reviews and to order a copy.

Jerome

Fred Thompson & Abortion

Many bloggers have already covered this ground but I also wanted to mention it here. When Fred Thompson announced on Chris Wallace's show that he was considering a run for the White House, he curtly answered "pro-life" when Wallace asked him his position on abortion. Since then, this video has been posted on YouTube, and this survey from Thompson's 1994 senate race was posted on Project Vote Smart.

If he decides to run (and indications are that he is leaning that direction), then Thompson will need to clearly and succintly clarify his position on abortion. Is he absolutely pro-life and opposed to abortion under any circumstances or does he believe there should be some exceptions? I think that it is clear he is not pro-choice as most would define that term. His voting record in the senate was completely pro-life. But I think that he will need to clarify his position for evangelicals and the religious right. The issue is important to many in the republican party even if they are not one issue voters.

Jerome

Fred Thompson v. Michael Moore

This is good stuff. Michael Moore challenges Fred Thompson to a debate and Thompson issues this response. It's hillarious. Who knows whether Michael Moore was serious (it may just be a publicity stunt by Moore) but Thompson videoing his response to the challenge while chewing on one of his Cuban cigars is an instant classic.

Jerome

Will Abortion Issue Decide Primary?

Has the GOP become a one issue party? Some believe that and are warning against it. They say that although Rudy Guiliani is pro-choice the party should still nominate him for the White House in 2008. I disagree.

The republican party must not give up the pro-life plank in its platform. It is too important. We must faithfully support the santity of human life and that includes the battle against embryonic stem cell research as well as against abortion.

There are many articles today on what impact Guiliani's decision to solidify his pro-choice position will have on the republican primary. E.J. Dionne writes that Guiliani's position will challenge the pro-life republicans. Dionne says that if pro-lifers are serious, then they must oppose Guiliani the same as they did John Kerry. Jack Kelly says that he supports Guiliani because he believers Guiliani's leadership qualities trump his position on abortion. The New York Daily News editorial today says that Guiliani's position brings the republican party to a crossroads. Does it spurn Guiliani because of his position on abortion or does it embrace him because he is electable? Cal Thomas challenges Guiliani's position in his article today and suggests that the republican party can certainly win the White House in 2008 while nominating a pro-life candidate. It did so with Reagan, Bush I and Bush II.

And the battle continues on the front lines between abortion and pro-life activists. The Washington Times has a two-part story ending today on the battle among the two groups that will impact the 2008 race. Both sides realize that control of the White House leads to nominations to federal court benches (particularly the supreme court) which is really what the battle is all about.

I do hope that the republican party not only reaffirms its pro-life position but advances it.

Lastly, Jerry Falwell passed away today. He was one of the leaders in the religious right movement of the 1980's. He was vilified by some and revered by others. There's no doubt he spoke his mind and influenced many people. Whether you loved him or hated him, there is no questioning the fact that he had a huge impact on national politics over the last 25 years.

Jerome

Gingrich & Thompson Making News

Several anonymous Protestant and Catholic leaders have told the Washington Times that they will rally around a Fred Thompson bid to become president.

Newt Gingrich stated on Good Morning America that it is a "great possibility" that he will run for president and plans to announce his decision in the fall.

If these two get in the race, then the republican primary will finally get interesting.

Jerome

Weekend Headlines

Here are some stories that ran over the weekend that I found interesting. Several writers discussed Rudy Guiliani's abortion position. Guiliani has sent mixed messages about his stance on abortion and he tried to clarify his position late last week. The Wall Street Journal said that the GOP needs to avoid a brawl over the abortion issue. It opined that an internal fight among the GOP over abortion will open the door wide for a democrat to win the White House. Pat Buchanan has a different take on the issue and stated that Guiliani is not welcome in Buchanan's GOP -- which he defines as the party of Reagan. And lastly on this issue, Peter Brown of RealClearPolitics published an article that Guiliani's decision to de-emphasize the caucuses in Iowa and the primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina defies history and logic.

Fred Thompson told a reporter in Florida that he isn't rushing his decision. With the Florida primaries on January 29, it seems to me that he might need to speed up his deliberations, though.

Mike Huckabee may have scored some points in the republican debate a week ago but may not get support from a former staffer who now runs the South Carolina GOP.

Recent poll averages show Guiliani leading, with McCain second, Thompson third and Romney fourth.

Jerome

Blog Tours

Last week the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance conducted a blog tour for Chris Well's book Tribulation House. I am late to the party but still wanted to mention Chris' great book. This week the tour is about Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace.

I hope you get a chance to pick up each of these books.

Jerome