Photo courtesy of Steven Sarkis, Republican event photographer. The Republican Club of Laguna Woods Village held a Rally for Republican Presidential candidate Fred Thompson (pictured above in photo by Steven Sarkis) this morning. Arriving early I spotted many supporters carrying generic signs reading “Security-Integrity-Prosperity” representing the theme of his campaign. There were many others with hand made signs saying “Reagan County 4 Fred, Thompson, the only conservative, California farmers for Fred, truckers for Fred to Fred Rocks.”
About 50 Americans, ranging from toddlers to one or two seniors, were sitting on bleacher seats behind the Senator holding some of these campaign signs that you will probably see on TV today as I spotted a KABC channel 7 remote truck in the clubhouse parking lot.
After our invocation popular 70th AD Assemblyman Chuck DeVore led us in the pledge.
The M.C. for the rally was former KFI talk show host John Ziegler who did a commendable job interacting with the crowd which numbered close to 750. He joked about the two party camps saying “give me Ron Paul over Dennis Kucinich any day of the week.” He later pointed out a recent comment by Rush Limbaugh that “the only consistent conservative is Fred Thompson.”
Former Californian Republican Assembly president, and former CA Senator Dick Mountjoy, was introduced by Assemblyman DeVore as the father of Prop 187. After leaving the state Legislature Dick has been out on the campaign trail as a candidate for US Senate where he interacted with many citizens. He mentioned a comment by an 87 year old veteran who said “this is not the country I fought for–something is wrong with America,” a reference to the current negative attitude by those on the left. Senator Mountjoy than proceeded to speak favorably about Fred and followed by immediately giving his endorsement for Fred’s campaign.
Tom McClintock, state chairman for Fred Thompson, whose role was to introduce Senator and Mrs. Jeri Thompson, received a warm reception from the crowd. In his view “this election comes down to one principle, trust.” The key is someone who will be consistent. Tom said “it’s been a long time for me to find a presidential candidate” that I could support (paraphrased).
Although we were not given an opportunity to ask any questions, Fred spoke for around 30 minutes on several major policy issues before mingling with the audience.
Personally, I was pleased to be there and can report that he was on his game. Fred demonstrated that he had a good command on every issue he covered as well as his own consistent tract record.
Fred told us that he has been a common sense conservative all his life. He told us that “what you see is what you’ll get and it will not change.” Fred said “you are looking at a guy concerned about his country–we need senior leadership.” He mentioned his participation in the Watergate investigation.
Fred let us know that he has kept his fingers inside the beltway and mentioned being asked to lobby on behalf of John Roberts approval to the US Supreme Court.
One liners on his stance on policy issues:
Terrorism. Fred said “radical Islam is out to destroy us. We better recognize it.”
Borders. “We need to secure our borders and enforce our laws.” He pointed out that “it’s also a matter of national security.”
Tax cuts. “Tax cuts are working.” Over the past six years “we have experienced growth and prosperity” due to the tax cuts. Paraphrased.
“We ought to get rid of the death tax.”
Fred shared with us that “after National Security the appointment of judges is the most important concern” adding that the “Federal judiciary nominees is a key responsibility.” He added that these judges should “follow the Constitution and not (alter)it up as they go along.”
Fred closed by saying “it doesn’t matter what pundits say today, we will win the election next week.”
What I didn’t hear, were any remarks on the “surge,” the Middle East peace efforts,healthcare reform nor any of the social issues such as abortion, gay rights and same sex marriage. But then again, I respect and recognize the audience and I am sure that his position is the same as everyone in the clubhouse.
email response:
Note: while I sent this individual an email of this post, his below comments preceeded his receipt of my report.
Earlier today I shook the hand of former Senator Fred Thompson after listening to him speak on values that I hold dear. He gave me hope for our future and his. I hope his candidacy for the Republican nomination can catch fire. After listening to the recent Republican debates and getting a second dose of Fred, I tend to favor him. Listening carefully to Fred, he is saying the same things that he has always said and done. He doesn’t have to apologize for past videos sound bites or changes of opinion on major topics like life, taxes, illegal immigration and national security. His consistency is impressive.
Fred is also younger looking in person and his wife, Jeri, is quite attractive in person.
another email response:
I hope you realize that Fred Thompson is NOT recognized as Presidential by most people – Republican and Democrat alike. It is interesting that the venue was at a place the majority of voters recognize as “an old folks enclave.” I suspect, having served on the board of the Huntington Harbour Republican Women Federated – largely a group of “blue hairs’ who live for a chance to have a photo op with one celebrity or another – that most of the people in attendance this morning had stars in their eyes.
Clearly, senior citizens are in the minority with their stayed, “old boy” – or “clubhouse” – view of politics today. Take it from me, someone who has a kid in college currently: the kids are on fire to get rid of the Republicans! And with old farts like Fred Thompson (he does look and act much older than his 65 years), with a wife that could easily be his daughter (at 40 years old), and a penchant for giving short, vague answers or non-answers on relevant issues throughout this campaign, I predict he will not be able to beat ANY Democratic candidate opposing him in the general election, should he by some miracle get that far.
The real story here is just how split the Republicans are on the candidates they are backing. They are all over the place and sure to lose because NONE of the Republican candidates being endorsed by California groups is, in my opinion and that of all my friends, in possession of any admirable virtues or values that have heretofore been the hallmark of the Republican Party. The only guy I can see gaining ground who does live a virtuous and Christian life is, of course, Mike Huckabee; however, he is a hawk and his stance on the war is his Achilles heel.
Great report on your observations this A.M. Thanks for your good work and dedication to keeping us informed.
Cheers,
XXXXXXXXXX
2.
Nationally, he is running second to Rudy and ahead of the other candidates. How does that happen if he is not recognized as Presidential?
Secondly the location was my decision. There were other logistical considerations such as seating, accessibility to the next event, and media access. Given the time frame the volunteers had to work in, it was a great choice. Republican Club of Laguna Woods showed flexibility and their efforts appreciated.
I am several years younger than Senator Thompson. I was obviously at the rally, then lunch, and closed the night at a reception and dinner in LA with the Thompsons. I was exhausted by the end of the day. The Senator showed no signs of wear. As poster #1 stated, it does look much younger and Mrs. Thompson is 42.
The next time Senator Thompson is in town, see what you can do to attend one of the smaller venues. He articulates very well and in great detail his ideas, plans, and vision. As far as vague answers Senator Thompson is the only candidate consistently publishing his policies. Countless media outlets have identified that he is setting the bar as many of the candidate have not published any.
The Senator has always preferred the Lincoln – Douglas debates where substantive issues can be addressed in detail and views can be clearly defined. He has said this publically. He finds the inability to fully discuss important issues in a public forum a loss for the American people.
I just find it ironic that you mention substance when Senator Thompson has published his policies and openly invites detailed debates.
Richard Rios