Candidate Profile: Fred Thompson
November 9, 2007
Fred Thompson has been an attorney, a U.S. Senator, and a film and television actor. He announced his intention to run for president on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and has been one of the front-runners ever since. However, questions about just how conservative Mr. Thompson is have caused some controversy among the GOP’s ranks; some say his positions on abortion, gay marriage, and other social issues are not as solid as he claims. Here are the facts:
Born: Alabama, 1942
Current Home State: Tennessee
Party: Republican
Pre-politics Career: U.S. Attorney, Film actor
Political Experience: U.S. Senator (Tennessee), 1994-2003
The Issues:
Iraq
“We must defeat the terrorists abroad, and that begins in Iraq and Afghanistan—the central fronts in this global war. We must show the world we have the will to fight and win. A weakened America - or an America that appears weaker - will only encourage further attacks. We must persevere” (Official campaign website).
“I listen to [General Petreus]. I think he’s a man of honor. I think he may be one of the best people we’ve got in the entire military, and I think he’ll tell us the truth” (Fox News “Hannity & Colmes,” June 2007).
Illegal Immigration
“…In the post-9/11 world, immigration is more of a national security issue. A government that cannot secure its borders and determine who may enter and who may not, abrogates a fundamental responsibility. I am committed to:
• Securing our borders and enforcing immigration laws. Amnesty is not an option and the toleration of “sanctuary cities” must end.
• Reviewing our immigration laws and policies to ensure they advance our national interests.
• Uniting Americans by welcoming legal immigrants willing to learn English, assimilate into our communities, and become productive citizens”
(Official campaign website).
Health Care
“Those who propose a one-size-fits-all Washington-controlled program ignore the cost, inefficiency, and inadequate care that such a system offers. Access to affordable, portable health care can be made available for all Americans without imposing new mandates or raising taxes. Current government programs must also be streamlined and improved so that those who truly need help can get the health care they need.
“[Improve] the individual health of all Americans by shifting to a system that promotes cost-effective prevention, chronic-care management, and personal responsibility.
“[Increase] competition and consumer choice while streamlining regulations through free-market solutions that benefit individuals and reduce costs for employers”
(Official campaign website).
Tax Reform
“We need lower taxes, and we need to let taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned dollars—they know best where and how to spend them. And we need to make the system simpler and fairer for all” (Official campaign website).
Energy/The Environment
“Our dependence on foreign sources of oil threatens our national security and puts our economic prosperity at risk… No one solution will solve the energy challenges we face; all ideas must be on the table. Greater energy security will enhance our ability to pursue our foreign policy and national security objectives. Increasing our energy independence and investing in alternative energy sources will also produce a healthier environment. And while we don’t know for certain how or why climate change is occurring, it makes sense to take reasonable steps to reduce CO2 emissions without harming our economy” (Official campaign website).
Abortion
“I am committed to using the Presidency to encourage policies that promote a culture of life.”
“Fred Thompson is pro-life. He believes in the sanctity of human life and that every life is worthy of respect. He had a 100% pro-life voting record in the Senate and believes Roe v. Wade was a bad decision that ought to be overturned… While Fred Thompson supports adult stem cell research, he opposes embryonic stem cell research”
(Official campaign website).
Same-sex Marriage
“Fred Thompson believes marriage is the union of one man and one woman, and that this institution is the foundation of society. As such, he supported the Defense of Marriage Act when he served in the Senate. He supports a constitutional amendment to prevent activist judges from misreading the Constitution to force same-sex marriage on any state and on our society” (Official campaign website).
