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Thompson rises to third in S.C. poll

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 17, 2008 10:21 AM

Fred Thompson, making what could be his last stand in South Carolina, has inched up to third in the latest tracking poll leading up to Saturday's first-in-the-South primary.

Thompson has 14 percent in the Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released this morning, sliding ahead of Mitt Romney, who slipped to 12 percent, even though some of the polling was done after he won the Michigan primary on Tuesday.

Romney is chasing delegates in Nevada, whose caucuses are also Saturday, after saying he believes John McCain has South Carolina locked up. McCain held his lead in the new poll, with 29 percent, compared to 22 percent for Mike Huckabee. Ron Paul and Rudy Giuliani were tied at 5 percent, according to the poll.

A Clemson University poll also gave McCain a 29 percent-22 percent edge over Huckabee, who won the leadoff caucuses in Iowa but hasn't finished better than third since.


Thompson, the former US senator from Tennessee, plans to air a 60-second ad during today's evening news across South Carolina in which he talks up his conservative credentials in a folksy way designed to appeal to Southern voters.

"I've been a conservative all my life," he says, then citing his "100 percent pro-life" record and asserting that Americans' fundamental rights come "from God, not government."

McCain, meanwhile, picked up the endorsement today of the Charleston Post and Courier, which also endorsed him in 2000, when he lost to now-President Bush. The newspaper's editorial board said McCain's record in the eight years since only reinforced its belief that the Arizona senator is the best suited for the presidency.

47 comments so far...
  1. Fred Thompson is the absolute best candidate for the Presidency. He is a genuine 'stand-up' guy! He cannot be intimidated.

    McCain is 'wishy-washy'. He will say anything the people want to hear...but, when the chips are down, he will cave in. Bad choice!

    Posted by J. Camp January 17, 08 11:54 AM
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  1. McCain is not the right nominee for the GOP.

    It's hard to understand why people think McCain can be the next president. 25 years in congress and at 71-year-old tell me two things. First he's been there for a long time. If he could bring about change, he would have some significant results to show for by now. Instead all he has is a long list of controversial issues with no positive results. Second, I don't think he has the capacity to manage and lead the country. A career in the military and federal government tells me he doesn't have the background to revive the biggest economy in the world. He is a great American and a Vietnam war hero, no doubt about it. But I just don't think he is the right nominee.

    Posted by Joe C January 17, 08 11:58 AM
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  1. It's curious what criteria the Charleston Post & Courier used in endorsing McCain. Was it his unwavering support for trashing the First Amendment? Or was it his insistence on rewarding illegal immigrants for breaking the law? Or possibly for undercutting President Bush & Majority Leader Frist on the issue of judges?

    I'm a conservative. That's why I'll refuse to vote for John McCain if he's the GOP nominee.

    Posted by Gary Gross January 17, 08 12:06 PM
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  1. Mr. Thompson seems to have a strong program against illegal immigration ( close border and no amnesty ). Is and has been Pro Life. Two positions I admire. Hope he makes a strong showing in South Carolina and wins nomination.

    Posted by Richard Murray January 17, 08 12:23 PM
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  1. It's humorous watching Republicans argue over a set of fatally flawed candidates - a liberal from NY, married three times, a conservative "populist" who wants to enact the bible in the constitution, another "100%" conservative who looks sleepy on the campaign trail and seems articulate only when presented with a TV script, a flip-flopping convert to conservatism from Massachusets, and an old war here who seems just a tad too old and cranky to inspire and lead a nation.

    I'd take Obama, Clinton, or Edwards over this sad lot in a heartbeat.

    Posted by Michael Schmitz January 17, 08 12:34 PM
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  1. Romney's move to withdraw from South Carolina is intruiging political chess. Will his marginal support go to Thompson and embarass Huckabee? I think Mitt wants his main main rival to be John Mccain, so he is hoping Mike Huckabee will be sufficiently weakened by a defeat to make him a non-factor on Feb 5th. Romney would need to follow SC with a win in FL, which I think is quite likely if the religous base of the party loses faith in Huckabee and Thompson(who is out of the running unless he pulls out a miracle finish in SC). With Thompson and Huchabee out of the picture, Romney could secure the support of the base and switch to a more centrist message going down the stretch (pulling votes from Mccain & Guiliani). A Romney victory in Nevada will keep him in front in the delegate race, which is now being given at least some MSM coverage. All in all I must say it will be interesting to see how this strategy plays out. In a best case scenario Romney avoids the SC mud, sees the downfall of the two candidates that threaten his original strategy the most, steamrolls most of the 34 NV delegates, and watches the 24 SC delegates splinter between 3 other campaigns. The strategy could also backfire if either Huckabee or Thompson somehow pulls off a win, or if Mccain receives a large enough boost elsewhere with a win. Wait and see...

    Posted by phansen January 17, 08 12:35 PM
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  1. If you can't balance the budget why would you give money away in the form of foreign aid,and military ocupation. Why not use this money for economic stimulus in the US. That probably sounds unpatriotic. Democrat = Republican.

    Posted by David January 17, 08 12:36 PM
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  1. Its such a pity this thompson only now chose to show us what he is made of, where the hell was he last year? he has done excillent in the last 2 debates etc... Im a Democrat but obama and edwards are to inexperienced to take lead in this time of war if obama is the nominee like he is looking to be i will vote republican on condition that it is either John or Fred.

    Posted by josh January 17, 08 12:47 PM
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  1. that's hilarious. conservatives have made a sport out of trashing the 1st Amendment for 8 years and longer...

    Posted by JV January 17, 08 01:10 PM
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  1. The media has tried to bury Fred before he even got started. First it was will he, when and now he's too little too late. He is the absolute best answer for the crossroads we've reached with the divisive politics introduced by the Clintonistas and now openly supported by the media which leads to weak-kneed conservatives like Mac/Huck. He will not only lead a re-uniting of the country he will send these lib-America haters and their dim supporters packing. South Carolina don't let us down. Send McCain the tax man, the illegal immigrant lover, the lib placater home.

    Posted by Dennis Brewer January 17, 08 01:16 PM
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  1. The media has tried to bury Fred before he even got started. First it was will he, when and now he's too little too late. He is the absolute best answer for the crossroads we've reached with the divisive politics introduced by the Clintonistas and now openly supported by the media which leads to weak-kneed conservatives like Mac/Huck. He will not only lead a re-uniting of the country he will send these lib-America haters and their dim supporters packing. South Carolina don't let us down. Send McCain the tax man, the illegal immigrant lover, the lib placater home.

    Posted by Dennis Brewer January 17, 08 01:17 PM
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  1. It is not surprising liberals are drawn to shallow, phonies and dismiss men of character because they look sleepy or scriptless. There is more definitive policies in Fred Thompson's campaign that can be paid for than Hi-liar-y's, Bar-acist's and Edward's combined.

    Posted by Dennis Brewer January 17, 08 01:24 PM
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  1. I lived and worked in NYC when Rudy was Mayor. I swore I would vote for him if he ever ran for President. With what I am learning of Mitt Romney however, it is getting more and more difficult to ignore him. As a leader, developer, and communicator...he impresses me a great deal. While it is hard to compare with the speaking skills of Obama and Huckabee, Romney seems to be the tried and proven whan it comes to making change. I find myself more and more believing his authenticity. McCain and Huckabee cry like a couple of kids on the playground who get their ball taken when Romney advertises issue differences. They call Romney mean spirited....but I don't get it. I'm thinking Romney is the outsider who can put the new spin on America (USA) and work us through a pending recession.

    Posted by David January 17, 08 01:38 PM
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  1. "I'd take Obama, Clinton, or Edwards over this sad lot in a heartbeat."
    I noticed this entire review of the Republican candidates contained nothing but personal cheap shots. No criticism of policy, past votes, specific speeches. This is the writing of a child that doesn't know how to intelligently communicate and is consequently reduced to name calling. Note that not one of his Democratic choices has any executive experience whatsoever. They have never governed anything. They speak in broad based non specific platitudes. They criticize the government all the time, yet seek to give it more power. They say they want we Americans to achieve and fulfill our dreams, and then tax us as "those evil rich people". We all start as liberals, but most of us grow up, except Democrats.

    Posted by George January 17, 08 02:00 PM
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  1. I think Thompson is the Man. He has responded to each of the issues that have had us addressing this election year. While each candidate cherry picks their way through issues Fred Thompson is will to tackle any problem that will come his way. Though he may lack charisma and energy he has knowledge and enough experience to get us through these troubled times. And to address someone who said they would vote for Hilary, Obama, or Edwards. Are you out of your f--king mind. I would vote for Daffy Duck before I would vote for those 3 Self-centered opportunists.

    Posted by michael stoner January 17, 08 02:08 PM
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  1. Partisans are who are killing our country, and thats most of you.

    Posted by MA January 17, 08 02:33 PM
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  1. "With Thompson and Huchabee out of the picture, Romney could secure the support of the base and switch to a more centrist message going down the stretch"

    Romney is great at switching messages.

    Posted by ccnucl January 17, 08 02:38 PM
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  1. It is interesting that many in the media and many regular folks adhere to the belief that Thompson jumped into the race late. It used to be that campaigning started in the fall before the caucuses...not 2 years before the presidential election. Thompson jumped in right when he should have and was berated for it. He jumped in and gave a clear message of where he stands and where he believes he can take America. I feel that the media has chosen to either ignore him or dismiss his stand on the issues and give him no air time because they have their favorites. Thompson has stayed the course of conservatism his entire life. He has not wavered in his core beliefs. Too bad that many Americans will not get a chance to see or hear his views because he has been dismissed out of hand by the print and television media. If you are undecided, look him up and view his video clips. You might be surprised!
    Mitt Romney is too slick, McCain is too old, Huckabee doesn't really have the experience and fortitude and The Dems are arguing too much. Besides, Hillary scares me and Edwards and Obama just don't have the experienc either.

    Posted by Sean Maury January 17, 08 03:06 PM
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  1. I am happy to support and vote for Fred Thompson. He does expound conservative principals and ideals. Most of the other candidates (especially McCain and Huckabee) are absolute fakes and do not represent the conservative base of the Republican party.

    My second choice would have to go to Romney.

    If either McCain or Huckabee happens to win the Republican Nomination, I will be forced to write in a conservative candidate for the first time in my life.

    Posted by TrueConservative January 17, 08 03:14 PM
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  1. American politics is weird and warped. I can only assume it's the money.

    Perhaps "all money corrupts, and absolute money corrupts absolutely".

    Anyway, Edwards is what we would call a neo-conservative in The Rest Of The World, and as for the rest to his right.. the idea that anywhere else outside the US would ever support a dinosaur-denier, supporters of Guantanamo, anti-democrat climate busters is so absurd it'd be hilarious if we didn't all have to pay the price of your foolishness.

    Posted by James January 17, 08 03:17 PM
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  1. Guilinai - transparently corrupt.
    McCain - still fighting Vietnam; eager to continue misusing U.S. soldiers.
    Romney - RHINO who says whatever he thinks people want to hear.
    Huckabee - pro-life, pro-gun liberal.
    Thompson - weak on anything involving a brain. CFR posing as a conservative.
    Hunter - who?
    All are weak on true defense, fiscal and monetary policy, and domestic issues.Contrast that with Ron Paul - honest, for strong defense, consistent on fiscal and monetary policy, pro-life, pro-gun, pro-everything the conservatives said they were for. The only supposed weakness is he is anti-empire. It is sad this turns supposed conservatives away.

    Posted by dufflepud January 17, 08 03:24 PM
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  1. J Camp wrote: "McCain is 'wishy-washy'. He will say anything the people want to hear...but, when the chips are down, he will cave in. Bad choice!"

    Are you living in an alternate universe? Either that or you made a typo and meant to type "Mitt."

    And you're allowed to vote. Scary.

    Posted by Denise Williams January 17, 08 03:43 PM
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  1. Huckabee signed a no amnesty pledge. What about the others?
    Huckabee is pro-life and will support an amendment to make abortion illegal.
    Huckabee wants a fair tax.
    Huckabee is compassionate and real.
    Huckabee is not big money and in the pockets of the lobbyists.

    The Republican party has "used" its Christain base in the past elections, promising us all sorts of things and not delivering. They go to Washington and behave as badly as the rest, if not worse. I'm tired of being used. I want someone who really represents me. Go Mike!

    Posted by Betty Jo Hicks January 17, 08 03:51 PM
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  1. I agree with the post above that Mitt Romney seems more impressive as we go along. I will not vote for McCain or Huckabee as nominee, they are not true conservatives, McCain voting against Bush's tax cut and stuffing the immigration bill down our throat was offensive. Huckabee is just another Democrat posing as a Republican. McCain and Huckabee are both in the wrong party posing, Thompson is a conservative but it seems a little too late for him, Rudy's also a little too liberal but I would consider him based on national security.
    Romney has been very successful in the private sector and I think can take on the sagging economy situation. Switching from life to prolife is not an issue for me his explanation was acceptable.

    Posted by Vanessa January 17, 08 04:07 PM
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  1. "Huckabee signed a no amnesty pledge. What about the others?"
    A pledge means nothing when you stated that illegals should get the financial aid real citizens get for college. He wanted, and I quote, to not say "our doors are open but our opportunities are closed. Let's open both our doors and our opportunities"! Video of him actually saying that here:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HScOtOZ66Co&eurl=http://www.pinnaclecascade.com/huckabee.html

    "Huckabee wants a fair tax."
    Sounds like a good idea, but it would require a Constitutional amendment, which will never happen. At least Thompson has a realistic tax plan...

    Posted by Tom January 17, 08 06:28 PM
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  1. And let us not forget how he "cut taxes" in Arkansas 94 times...

    http://www.clubforgrowth.org/media/uploads/071113-white-paper-huckabee-update.pdf

    "Overall, Huckabee’s substantial tax hikes far surpassed his modest tax cuts, with the average tax burden increasing by a whopping 47% over his tenure."

    Posted by Tom January 17, 08 06:31 PM
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  1. Betty Jo says:

    "Huckabee signed a no amnesty pledge. What about the others?"

    I'm pretty sure McCain will sign that pledge too.. Remember? His McCain\Kennedy illegal immigration is not amnesty? I'm sure Huckabee's is more of the same nonsense along the lines of the straight jacket express.

    That pledge Huckabee signed is to fool the ignorant masses into thinking that he is not for rewarding illegal aliens with that they most desire - citizenship.

    Call me when he signs a pledge stating that illegal immigrants will never receive citizenship.

    Huckabee's pledge means nothing more than installing a drive thru at Tijuana so that illegals can drive across the border and be back in the USA to claim their citizenship 20 seconds later..

    If you think that this plan of his, the other plan where he rewarded children of illegal immigrants, and his charging the Mexican Consulate just $1.00 for their consulate in Arkansas shows us a candidate strong on illegals go ahead and vote for him.

    Posted by Carlos Lorenzo January 17, 08 07:21 PM
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  1. Betty Jo says:

    "Huckabee signed a no amnesty pledge. What about the others?"

    I'm pretty sure McCain will sign that pledge too.. Remember? His McCain\Kennedy illegal immigration is not amnesty? I'm sure Huckabee's is more of the same nonsense along the lines of the straight jacket express.

    That pledge Huckabee signed is to fool the ignorant masses into thinking that he is not for rewarding illegal aliens with that they most desire - citizenship.

    Call me when he signs a pledge stating that illegal immigrants will never receive citizenship.

    Huckabee's pledge means nothing more than installing a drive thru at Tijuana so that illegals can drive across the border and be back in the USA to claim their citizenship 20 seconds later..

    If you think that this plan of his, the other plan where he rewarded children of illegal immigrants, and his charging the Mexican Consulate just $1.00 for their consulate in Arkansas shows us a candidate strong on illegals go ahead and vote for him.

    Posted by Nick Malinguaggio January 17, 08 07:27 PM
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  1. My vote is for Fred Thompson. I think we've all seen that polls leading up to primaries have been flawed. Now it is up to SC to vote for who best represents their values. Taking a step back, that would logically leave Tompson and Huckabee as the two top choices. The problem is, while Huckabee is religious, he's pretty far left on a number of other issues. Thompson is the only true conservative in the running. So why are McCain, and to a lesser extent, Romney, supposedly doing so well right now? They are the perceived front runners, and appear the most viable based on the polls. I think South Carolinians understand that whatever they do here will deeply effect the direction of the Republican race, and that every vote has its implications. With this power, they will understand that they are the key to putting the one candidate who shares their beliefs into contention for the nomination, and that man is Fred Thompson.

    Posted by Jordan Bradley January 17, 08 07:37 PM
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  1. I support fred Thompson for several reasons and I am a moderate democrat.
    One, I remember the mess with the Clintons and much is still in the courts. Then there is the Vince Foster issue. Gads we don't need Hillary indicted and go through an impeachment mess again... Yes, I believe there is a smoking gun... Remember Sandy Berger stealing top secret documents for Hillary? I think this alone makes Hillary a disaster in the making. Two, It will come out the Obama is a citizen of Kenya and has not renounced his citizenship in that country to run for president in the U.S. He is also very inexperianced and wil become a focal point for the hard right. Three, Edwards is an out and out national socialist right up the same alley as Stalin and Hitler. Four, Rudy is a clone of Hillary , Just a few slight differences and a tie to the mob. Huckabee is another Carter with the same general message and too much religion in the mix.
    Ron Paul a loose wingnut. Mitt is in the Mormons pockets and will favor the huge ag industry owned by the Mormon Church. He is also a man that ran for the Mass. U.S. Senate Seat and won with positions left of Ted Kennedy, now he wants to be a moderate rep. That leaves Fred Thompson. He is a federalist who believes in the constitution of the U.S. and this country's sovereignty. He believes that big daddy is out of control and needs cut down to size. He will not overturn Roe Vs Wade and believes abortion is a states rights issue. He wants to improve funding for education and infrastruckture, He wants to wean America off foreign energy sources. He believes in the right of the people to bear arms. He is middle of the road and states his positions clearly instead of flipflopping like a fish as all the other candidates are. I will vote for Fred Tompson.

    Posted by Gus B January 17, 08 07:48 PM
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  1. Type your comment here...

    Posted by Doris Muir January 17, 08 07:49 PM
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  1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W53n2i-avk

    no amnesty mccain folks !

    Posted by mainerforhunter January 17, 08 08:10 PM
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  1. Its funny to listen to your arguements with nobody looking at the big picture. In the general election Huckabee will get killed by any dem. nominated. His quote yesterday about changing the constitution to be in the word of God; you have got to be kidding me. No idependent or liber would vote for a canidate who says this, and as a rebuplican i find it hard to agree with that statement as well.
    Sorry to you Thompson lovers but he is out of the picture weather you like him or not.
    As for Mitt, well it seems he has given you all the same lies he gave the people of Mich. Mitt Romney has changed his mind on many of his policies soley for the purpose of becoming president. He has become a mastermind at decieving the American public and and the base of the rebuplican party. If you can't take my would look up his record as Mass. Gov. In addition, and i hate to say it, but the majority of americans will no vote for a mormon.
    McCain is the only rep. who can attract both the rep. vote and the independent vote. I understand many rep. do not like his stance on illegal imegration, however I don't think it is practical to think that we will be able to toss out every illegal. He does support border security and deporting the illegals who are bad for society. No amnesty will cripple the U.S. economy even more, and if you don't believe that statement, ask yourself if you will clean the hotel rooms of pick the crops that you eat. In addition McCain has always been pro-life, do not listen to attack ads or rumors sent around. Lastly about the Confederate flag over S.C. you have got to be kidding me, it is 2008 how can we let a flag fly that symbolizes slavery and in extension racism.

    Posted by tyler January 17, 08 08:51 PM
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  1. Its funny to listen to your arguements with nobody looking at the big picture. In the general election Huckabee will get killed by any dem. nominated. His quote yesterday about changing the constitution to be in the word of God; you have got to be kidding me. No idependent or liber would vote for a canidate who says this, and as a rebuplican i find it hard to agree with that statement as well.
    Sorry to you Thompson lovers but he is out of the picture weather you like him or not.
    As for Mitt, well it seems he has given you all the same lies he gave the people of Mich. Mitt Romney has changed his mind on many of his policies soley for the purpose of becoming president. He has become a mastermind at decieving the American public and and the base of the rebuplican party. If you can't take my would look up his record as Mass. Gov. In addition, and i hate to say it, but the majority of americans will no vote for a mormon.
    McCain is the only rep. who can attract both the rep. vote and the independent vote. I understand many rep. do not like his stance on illegal imegration, however I don't think it is practical to think that we will be able to toss out every illegal. He does support border security and deporting the illegals who are bad for society. No amnesty will cripple the U.S. economy even more, and if you don't believe that statement, ask yourself if you will clean the hotel rooms of pick the crops that you eat. In addition McCain has always been pro-life, do not listen to attack ads or rumors sent around. Lastly about the Confederate flag over S.C. you have got to be kidding me, it is 2008 how can we let a flag fly that symbolizes slavery and in extension racism.

    Posted by tyler January 17, 08 08:52 PM
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  1. I, too, have switched my support to Romney. He's not perfect but he is the most conservative and competent candidate for us. It is time for conservatives to reach some consensus on a candidate otherwise one of the liberals will achieve a consensus first and gain momentum. The election is going to be about the economy and Mitt's got the superior experience and ability. McCain has shown nothing but disdain for the American people by trying to ram amnesty down our throats. I will never vote for someone so arrogant no matter how often he calls me "friend."

    Posted by Martin January 17, 08 10:58 PM
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  1. Thompson is a statesman with well thought out positions on all the issues that will make or break this country in the coming decade. I pray that this nation can come together and make the right decision in its leadership

    Posted by Lori January 17, 08 11:21 PM
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  1. The Post and Courier supports McCain because Charleston is the Democratic swamp of SC. Charleston has a high population of Demos and more move to the area all the time, retiring to there from up North. It all aligns perfectly with McCain being the MSM's little darling.

    Posted by Michael T. Will January 17, 08 11:22 PM
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  1. Republican voters of South Carolina : You have a great opportunity to show the pollsters that they are wrong, just as they were in the New Hampshire Democratic Primary. If you ask the voter on the street, college campuses, and local businesses in South Carolina, they want a candidate that will support traditional conservative values but not the federal bureaucracy that is spending money it does not have to spend. The only candidate to vote for on Sat Jan 19th is Ron Paul. Look at his platform and then check out his voting record. He is as consistent a legislator as you could ever ask for.. He is the only candidate with a sound economic plan. The news media is full of stories how Americans want change and need change, let's start with South Carolina with smart change .. Ron Paul 2008

    Posted by Robert1954 January 17, 08 11:36 PM
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  1. This continues to amaze me....for those of you who call yourselves true conservatives, have you even taken the time to look at Duncan Hunter????....the "media-glitter" names continue to get all of the attention, while Hunter gets 1% of the vote because he gets no exposure....it's a shame....we are missing the boat on a true Reagan-like candidate who tells it like it is REGARDLESS of who is listening....I guess that's not how you win votes these days....I guess you have to please whomever is your current audience....too bad.
    DUNCAN HUNTER 2008.

    Posted by Matt January 18, 08 12:22 AM
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  1. Agree, with a lot of the above comments, especially Joe C. and Michael Stoner, above.

    This “Thompson is too late” line is old, i.e. “Thompson is a conservative but it seems a little too late for him.” –Why? If every person who said this would go look at his website, they would see he’s raised over a million dollars in the last week, more importantly they need to look at the Issues. Fred is the only one who knows where he stands on issues. He has a political philosophy, what used to be called conservative or Republican values. He does not need to consult a pole or have on-the-campaign conversions to the pro-second amendment (Romney) or pro-life position (McCain). He does not need to “sign a pledge” against illegal-immigration the night before the primary (Huckabee) because it’s been part of Thompson’s platform from the beginning. He wants you to look at his voting record. The others have to run from theirs.

    Huckabee is a fine Christian man and a good preacher. He is running in the wrong primary though. Like all Southern Democrats he is pro-gun and pro-life (you can’t get elected in the South if you aren’t). He is also a fan of Big Government, Raised Taxes, and let a lot of questionable convicts out of jail. Not a fiscal conservative at all. Weak on immigration until he wants your vote, too. (Thanks for coming around and signing the pledge).

    John McCain is an American Hero. There is no reward we could bestow on this man to make up for the torture he experienced as a POW. Pro-military, and good on “The Surge”. That said, he could run as Democrat as easily as running as a Republican. Anti-Second Amendment, Anti-First Amendment, Pro-Amnesty. Really, there must be a lot of Democrats crossing over to vote in the Republican Primary.

    Romney shows strong management skills, and has genetic heritage in politics. But, he consults pollsters for positions too often, and is Anti-Second Amendment. Recent convert to pro-life (we welcome you though, Mitt). “Romney….Switching from life to prolife”. Typical, like Huckabee, he is on different sides of the issue depending upon who’s in the audience.

    Ron Paul is a unique guy. He is also in the wrong primary. I am at my core a Libertarian and I voted for Ron Paul in my youth… that was a long time ago. Unfortunately there are no colonizeable planets available where we can start Utopia. On this planet we have to deal with Islamo-Fascists. Ron has no clue about this issue. Neither do the anarchists and 9/11 deniers that follow him. The Islamo-Fascists don’t hate us because we are in the Middle East. They just hate us. We are infidels because we do not convert to Islam. Note to Ron Paul followers: no pot or alcohol allowed after Osama asks you three times to convert to Islam.

    Giuliani, very strong New York Mayor during 9/11. But, talk about late in the game. I think he just does not want to talk about all his New York baggage. Anti-Second Amendment and Pro-Choice. Out-of-step except in New York. He should run for Hillary’s Senate seat.

    That brings us to Fred Thompson: 100% Pro-Life, Pro-Second Amendment, Fiscal Conservative, Close the Borders and Anti-Amnesty for illegals, Pro-Tax cut (way, way before Giuliani), Not on the Blame Humans (and America) for Global Warming Bandwagon (McCain). Unlike Huckabee, he does not have to run from his record or hide behind the skirts of push-polls. Runs his campaign like a man. Rose from a hardscrabble home to the U.S. Senate and then Hollywood. Can work across the aisle to get things done. Fostered John Roberts confirmation to the Supreme Court.

    So, in summary, FRED THOMPSON is the MAN! Go Vote for Fred (and Visit his website www.FRED08.com to donate).

    Posted by D. Scott January 18, 08 12:33 AM
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  1. Want to thank The Boston Globe for putting up this piece about Fred Thompson. He has been in a virtual “News Blackout” by most news outlets for weeks, (including FOX) until his surge in the polls became obvious. Maybe if we don't talk about him he will go away?

    Posted by D. Scott January 18, 08 01:22 AM
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  1. The only true conservative is Fred Thompson. Here is a candidate who is respectful of his opponents, dignified, well articulated, not to mention knowledgeable in federal and constitutional matters. He is the only candidate who is fully qualified to be commander-in-chief. I laud McCain for his heroism, but that does not qualify him for the presidency. Huckabee is shallow, Romney is an illusion, Guiliani great mayor, but not qualified. With the exception of Thompson, the others are the most liberal. Wake up people - wake up MSM. Go to Fred.08 and decide for yourself!! This country needs a leader like Fred to bring us back to the Constitution of this great country.

    Posted by Barbara January 18, 08 08:28 AM
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  1. Thompson all the way baby. He is the only one who has the set to stand up and speak his mind, and the facts. I am so sick and tired of the others just making things up that they think will win the vote... or help them in the 'polls'. Thompson made fun of the polls in his last debate, and that one statement got my attention. I am looking for a leader, not a follower of polls. Thompson is the best candidate for president.

    Posted by lisa fields January 18, 08 10:40 AM
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  1. Romney winning in Nevada will give him some breathing room and put a choke hold on Huckabee and Thompson. I like Thompson and with Romney and Thompson together, the Republicans can put Hillary away.

    Posted by Stan January 18, 08 02:32 PM
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  1. Guilinai - transparently corrupt.
    McCain - still fighting Vietnam; eager to continue misusing U.S. soldiers.
    Romney - RHINO who says whatever he thinks people want to hear.
    Huckabee - pro-life, pro-gun liberal.
    Thompson - weak on anything involving a brain. CFR posing as a conservative.
    Hunter - who?
    All are weak on true defense, fiscal and monetary policy, and domestic issues.Contrast that with Ron Paul - honest, for strong defense, consistent on fiscal and monetary policy, pro-life, pro-gun, pro-everything the conservatives said they were for. The only supposed weakness is he is anti-empire. It is sad this turns supposed conservatives away.

    Posted by dufflepud January 17, 08 03:24 PM

    Ron Paul is the only true Reagan Conservative in this election...Fake Republican candidates all being pushed by Faux News...

    Is this the paralell universe? Beam me up Scottie!

    There is little intelligent life on this planet!

    Posted by Chicago Paul January 19, 08 02:45 PM
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  1. I seriously suggest you all look into Ron Paul's record. I believe you will find that he is the candidate that most ascribes to the true conservative republican philosophy, primarily of limited constitutional government. It is extremely consistant and demonstrates that he is a principled man with integrity.

    The rest seem more of the same to me (Is that a dem or Repub slogan? LOL). I want out of this recession and middle eastern mess as well as politicians staying away from removing the 2nd amendment and enoforcing the immigration laws. The illegals are keeping the wages down but that wont stop all the prices from going up.

    Posted by Robert January 19, 08 06:03 PM
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  1. Here are my predictions after SC:

    1) On Monday or Tuesday of next week, Thompson will announce leaving the race after visiting his mom. Most if his support will go to Romney as he the only other real conservative in the race. To bad, as I like Thompson. It would be interesting to see if he would be picked to be Romney's running mate as some suggest, but I don't see it happing.

    2) Huckabee is done as a presidential candidate, but did you hear his speech tonight? He is not campaigning for President (as I have always said) but to be McCain's running mate, and I think McCain will take the bate. All the evangelicals out there will finally wake up and realize that they made the biggest mistake supporting Huckabee and sacrificed their conservative values because of the hatred of the Mormons (Even though if you compare Romney's values and life he stand for Christian values more than Mike (ethics violation) Huckabee.) It is really sad in my opinion. Huckabee is going to sell you all out. Mark my words.

    Posted by BillyBob January 19, 08 10:26 PM
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About political intelligence Field reports from Boston Globe reporters and editors covering the 2008 presidential campaign and the national maneuvering of Bay State politicians.

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