March 21, 2007
2008 Republican Presidential preference

Just taking a fun, informal and un-scientific poll of you Sound Politics readers about which Republican Presidential candidate(s) you like in 2008.

I've included just about everyone whom I could think of expressing an interest in seeking the GOP nomination, along with a few near the bottom who aren't.

Try to focus on the reasons for supporting one particular candidate as opposed to the reasons why you dislike another.

1) Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani - New York
www.joinrudy2008.com

2) Sen. John McCain - Arizona
www.johnmccain.com

3) Gov. Mitt Romney - Massachusetts
www.mittromney.com

4) Former Speaker Newt Gingrich - Georgia
www.newt.org

5) Former Sen. Fred Thomspon - Tennessee
www.fred08.com

6) Former Gov. Mike Huckabee - Arkansas
www.explorehuckabee.com

7) Rep. Tom Tancredo - Colorado
www.teamtancredo.com

8) Sen. Sam Brownback - Kansas
www.brownback.com

9) Rep. Duncan Hunter - California
www.gohunter08.com

10) Rep. Ron Paul - Texas
www.ronpaul2008.com

11) Former Gov. James Gilmore - Virginia
www.gilmoreforpresident.com

12) Michael Savage, talk show host - California
www.michaelsavage.com

13) Former Gov. Tommy Thompson - Wisconsin
www.tommy2008.com

14) Sen. Chuck Hagel - Nebraska
www.drafthagel08.com

15) Gov. Jeb Bush - Florida *
www.jeb.org

16) Sec. State Condoleezza Rice - California *
www.4condi.com

17) Vice-President Dick Cheney - Wyoming*

18) Former Vice-President Dan Quayle - Arizona*

19) Former VP candidate Jack Kemp - New York*

20) Former Sec. State. Colin Powell - New York*

21) None of the above!!!

Update
For some reason the links are broken, I'm trying to fix and/or ignore the problem.

Posted by DonWard at March 21, 2007 06:40 PM | Email This
Comments
1. Fred Thompson (R) Former senator from Tennessee and current actor on "NBC's Law and Order" and sometimes fill-in for Paul Harvey.

Posted by: KS on March 21, 2007 06:55 PM
2. I am afraid that 2008 is going to be a really good year for Democrats.

Posted by: Richard Pope on March 21, 2007 06:59 PM
3. Gov. Mitt Romney. He's bright, accomplished and attractive. And conservative enough, I think; need to learm more.

Posted by: Ron on March 21, 2007 07:03 PM
4. I like Newt Gingrich, but Fred Thompson sounds good as well.

I think a run by Newt Gingrich is going to be difficult because he seems to be too polorizing- i.e. people either really like him or really hate him.

I don't know enough about Fred Thompson. If he's going to be a serious candidate, he needs to get out there and make his views known.

Posted by: David on March 21, 2007 07:06 PM
5. #2 If the current President does not right the Republican ship and turn things way around in Iraq, you may well be right. Newt doesn't have a chance in hell.

Posted by: KS on March 21, 2007 07:10 PM
6. Anybody But Hillary, and that means a candidate who can beat her. Unfortunately Newt can't beat her so I can't risk voting for him in a primary. McCain can't beat her and neither can Romney. Rudy can beat her and I'll wait to hold judgement on whether Thompson could. I doubt any of the others could beat her. If Obama is the nominee then it's possible that McCain has a chance along with Rudy to beat him.

Posted by: Doug on March 21, 2007 07:23 PM
7. The left is going to do its best to recreate Chicago '68 so a clear thinking, common sense candidate who can connect with the American people with will take a lot of votes from the center.
That voice is Fred Thompson. Smart, straight shooting, no nonsense and he resonates with his audience.
Gingrich is brilliant, Romney has solid conservative credentials and Giulliani is a proven leader. All good men. As I have posted before, Senators make lousy Presidents, and Thompson is weak in executive experience...but I believe in this place and time, he is the exception.

Posted by: Diogenes on March 21, 2007 07:24 PM
8. Newt Gingrich..

Posted by: M167A1 on March 21, 2007 07:42 PM
9. Fred Thompson/Rudy Giuliani or Fred Thompson and anybody else but Newt. I love Newt but he's just unelectable. The media would hound him to death.

Fred has conservative bonafides akin to Ray-Gun and he can communicate. When he speaks, you listen.

The GOP drafting a man for the 2000 ticket who isn't much of a public speaker turns out to be one hell of a blunder. In the 21st century communication skills count for more than managment ability. I'll never forget: At the time, one of the GOPs leading lights, who was instrumental in drafting Bush, said of him that he was "the whole package." Sure don't want to make that mistake again.

I haven't forgotten the quote but I've forgotten his name. Anybody have a clue?

Posted by: G Jiggy on March 21, 2007 07:45 PM
10. Condi/Guiliani or Guiliani/Condi, take your pick.

Posted by: Mike on March 21, 2007 07:48 PM
11. There is a draft Thompson web site: fred08.com

Listen to his commentary from the Paul Harvey Show about illegal immigration. Perfect.

Posted by: G Jiggy on March 21, 2007 07:50 PM
12. Fred Thompson tops my list. I think if he choose Rudy,Romney or even Duncan Hunter as his VP that would make a very strong ticket.

Posted by: TrueSoldier on March 21, 2007 07:57 PM
13. Concur with #12. Thompson/Hunter would be awesome.

Posted by: The Pirate on March 21, 2007 08:01 PM
14. Newt Gingrich - Condi Rice

Posted by: Curtis Mohr on March 21, 2007 08:13 PM
15. McCain - Giuliani

Posted by: Patrick on March 21, 2007 08:19 PM
16. I like Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani. I believe however, that Fred Thompson would probably stand a better chance of winning if he runs.

Posted by: Gil on March 21, 2007 08:28 PM
17. Thompson/Hunter even sounds presidential!

Posted by: PeggyU on March 21, 2007 08:29 PM
18. Guiliani/Thompson is the only electable ticket I can ferret out of this mess.
I'm not sold on Guiliani by any means...but he is electable. Thompson would add some solid Conservatism to the ticket.

Posted by: Mr. Cynical on March 21, 2007 08:32 PM
19. Mitt Romney.

He's a solid B, B+

I have at least one major issue with all the other leading candidates.

Jeb Bush or Condi Rice would be prefered though.

And I'll admit part of me wants to tell the Dems to shove it and nominate Newt.

Posted by: Cicero on March 21, 2007 08:40 PM
20. I personally like #6, Governor Huckabee. He has righted all of the liberal programs President Clinton set up when he was governor of Arkansas. He has reduced taxes and increased free market choices and freedom while addressing social issues effectively.

Posted by: Dave on March 21, 2007 08:46 PM
21. Mitt Romney! He has the executive experience, he is a good communicator, he tends to be on the conservative side in most things, haven't heard of any black sheep in the closet, & he's a good campaigner. If anyone can win, he can.

A Romney/Thompson ticket sounds good to me. Think they would make a good team.

Posted by: Clean House on March 21, 2007 08:48 PM
22. Fred Thompson tops my list. He's a great speaker, and he's already got an image of authority and common sense (thank you L&O-and guess what, from what I understand, the AARP crowd are generally big fans of that show). Put that voice and demeanor up against Shrillary in a debate and she will come off really, really poorly.

For unmentioned dark horses, I'd look at Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina or Gov. Haley Barbour from Mississippi. Sanford has had epic battles with his legislature over pork spending, and Barbour has been notable for the lack of stories about Mississippi's recovery from Katrina (which, since he's GOP, means it's coming along fine.)

I'd love a Thompson/Rice ticket, but I think Thompson/Sanford is more realistic.

Posted by: Heartless Libertarian on March 21, 2007 08:58 PM
23. Thompson all the way, at least as somebody's VP.

Posted by: Will on March 21, 2007 09:11 PM
24. Gov. Mitt Romney. He's a real leader, he's a solid conservative, and if anyone can unite the country under conservative rule he can. He's also incredibly intelligent and well-read. The more I learn about him, his history, his policies, the more I like him.

Posted by: Jonathan Gardner on March 21, 2007 09:12 PM
25. My favorite is Newt Gingrich, but as far as I can see, there are five people the Dems love to hate, Bush, Cheney, Rove, Delay and GINGRICH, and they hate them with a passion. I don't think he would make it through the maelstrom it would cause. If Rudy wins the nomination, I will vote for him gladly because my biggest concern is national security and I think he's the guy to take it to the bad guys even if I don't agree with some of his more liberal tendencies. Fred Thompson fascinates. Would like to have a little better look at him.

Posted by: katomar on March 21, 2007 09:14 PM
26. Thompson/Hunter looks very good! Fred sews up the Southern vote and brings back the Reagan democrats who don't like the leftward tilt of their party. Hunter has military credentials and is fairly popular in California. He is also rock solid on immigration. I think Thompson/Hunter would take 325-350 Electoral votes easily!

Posted by: suzihomemaker on March 21, 2007 09:15 PM
27. Tancredo has been my first choice all along. Hunter my second choice. The suggestion of Thompson/Hunter...I MIGHT be able to get behind. I agree that he needs to get out and make his views better known. I liked what he said about immigration today, but he's just short of saying what he'd actually do. Perhaps Hunter could influence him on this and other issues.

Posted by: Michelle on March 21, 2007 09:20 PM
28. When Newt speaks, there is a lift, a resonance that excites. It is not just rhetoric either; his words are pregnant with substance and meaning and hope.

I believe that Newt has learned from his moral failures and is ready to use the time remaining him in public to make amends.

Brownback is younger, better looking and, as far as we know, has not been involved in sexual immorality. But Brownback lacks the experience, intellect and toughness required to handle the job. For that matter, most of the other candidates lack the toughness and/or character to fight the Left sufficiently to advance the best interests of America.

The idea that Newt can't beat Shrillary is nonsense. Newt can stand up against any or all of the other candidates and do it with class and aplomb.

Posted by: Paul on March 21, 2007 09:24 PM
29. I like Giuliani and Thompson. Giuliani has a real stance on foreign policy, and would be far more aggressive with terrorists. Thompson is the most eloquent, and probably the best overall candidate, but it's doubtful that he can garner the kind of mindshare needed to get the nomination. He would make an excellent VP, and that might pave the way to a future presidency.

If push comes to shove, I will cross party lines to vote for Obama to beat Hillary for the nomination. The worst possible scenario is Hillary.

Posted by: Jeff B. on March 21, 2007 10:03 PM
30. Newt can't win. He is brilliant, and the soul of the party, but not electable. Too much baggage.

McCain lost me when with campaign finance reform. It should his true belief, and it isn't conservative.

Tancredo is a great for a sound bite, but not a serious candidate. He has one note, and it is irritating. Proposing to destroy the US economy to save us from illegals is just a non-starter.

Something about Romney just isn't right. He has made a few mis-steps, like the Castro quote, that makes me wonder if he is really up to the task. Again, he is brilliant. But I see a disaster like George Allen lurking.

I really like Rudy, but I suspect he has too many skeletons in his closet to be electable on the national stage. Of course, with such a shortened primary cycle, it might not matter.

So, it is Thompson/Hunter. Thompson can talk rings around everyone, and Hunter has some really interesting things to say.

Posted by: janet s on March 21, 2007 10:07 PM
31. Duncan Hunter!?!?!? Surely you jest. The GEICO Caveman is far more politically astute and electable than that cretin.

Posted by: Unkl Witz on March 21, 2007 10:08 PM
32. My real preference would be 4 more years of George Bush...the most undervalued President in American history.

But, without that choice, I would vote for Rudy Guiliani. I think he would be the correct person for the job and, much as do not agree with the other side, be able to satisfy their needs and help bring our country back together.

McCain, I think is a great Senator, and as such his strength has been more of a Presidential critique. I would like to seem him continue in that role.

Romney is difficult for me because of one key issue: He spearheaded the adoption of the OpenDocument format in Massachusetts and took on the Microsoft Bully Boys...his successor, a Democrat, could not cut the program completely out, even though I suspect part of why he was put in office was to do so.

But Romney has not spoken to me beyond that issue.

My suggestion: Romney for a high level Cabinet post in the Giuliani administration.

Posted by: John Bailo on March 21, 2007 10:14 PM
33. I would prefer Giuliani, but I think the MSM will really nail him on his age and his personal life. The press will also tar and feather Newt and Romney. So that leaves Thompson as the strongest contender.

Posted by: Burdabee on March 21, 2007 10:24 PM
34. I started out liking Romney, but he is not known by anyone outside of the GOP and I don't think he's electable in a general election. Giuliani will continue the war on terror the same way President Bush has done and can win against ANYONE the dems nominate. He's not going to push a liberal agenda and he'll give the liberal media a smackdown! Come on people, Rudy '08!

Here is a good video of Giulaiai explaining his positions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMAXw3ZZuYU

Posted by: Andrew S. on March 21, 2007 10:32 PM
35. Go Fred!

Posted by: Karl on March 21, 2007 10:34 PM
36. I'm for Tancredo, maybe Hunter, although I don't know much about him.

Hell no on McCain- he is the last I would vote for. I'm also disapointed in Giuliani in his stance on illegal immigration.

Posted by: Tommy boy on March 21, 2007 10:52 PM
37. It has to be Hunter Thompson and I will provide the recreational pharmaceuticals in Las Vegas

Posted by: Not a Yank on March 21, 2007 11:05 PM
38. I could vote for any of the following in no particular order: Giuliani, Newt, Thompson, and Romney. I dont know much about some of the other lesser known candidates. Mc Cain is a loud no.

I would like to see a stronger stance on illegal immigration from Giuliani.

Hillary would be a disaster and Obama is still wet behind the ears. He has no history.

Posted by: Marge on March 22, 2007 12:05 AM
39. Go Fred Thompson! Fred is the ONLY candidate who's electable AND conservative.

Posted by: mike on March 22, 2007 12:24 AM
40. Go Fred Thompson! Fred is the ONLY candidate who's electable AND conservative.

Posted by: mike on March 22, 2007 12:24 AM
41. I'll probably favor Brownback right now not because he has any chance in the primary but only because he's a real conservative. I like Romney and Rudy but they have their issues tho I would vote for either in a general election.

I have noticed that in presidential elections, the candidate whose party is most enthused about him/her usually wins. I see too much apathy for the Rs from the base for '08, and more excitement for Hillary and B. Hussein Obama amongest the dems. This makes the dem candidate look more promising. Last two times around, the republican base was more excited about W than the dems were about their guys, esp. John Kerry (one liberal news outlet reported that a dem desribed Kerry as "a flavorless pudding"). W of course ruled the day. I see things looking more promising based on the aforementioned right now.

Posted by: Michele on March 22, 2007 01:01 AM
42. ..promising for the democrats,that is.

Posted by: Michele on March 22, 2007 01:03 AM
43. Tancredo would by my choice. He is the only one interested in the border problem.

Posted by: Dee on March 22, 2007 04:46 AM
44. Giuliani is the only candidate I would enthusiastically support in both the primary and general election. I dig his moderately-liberal social policies coupled with his tough stances on law and order. Should Giuliani tank by the time our primary/caucus comes around, Ron Paul would make an attractive protest vote with his commitment to small government solutions across the board. I don't particularly like McCain and would not support him in a primary, but could probably get myself to vote for him in a general election against the bulk of the Democratic field.

Posted by: TMW on March 22, 2007 05:23 AM
45. Fred Thompson. He's conservative, but he's highly electable. He'll get a lot of the sheeple that barely watch politics to vote for him because he already has name and especially face recognition.

Posted by: Scott in Carnation on March 22, 2007 05:51 AM
46. Giuliani, because of his stance on the war on terror, and his fiscal conservative history.

Posted by: ecurbh on March 22, 2007 06:06 AM
47. Giuliani, McCain, Romney?
None of the above.
Maybe Gingrich. Maybe Thompson.

Posted by: anony on March 22, 2007 07:08 AM
48. Right now: Giuliani, Gingrich, Hunter, Romney, but in no particular order.

Romney is tough on the border problem as is Hunter.

Big issue is national security and I would take any Republican over any Democrat today.

Posted by: swatter on March 22, 2007 07:20 AM
49. Jeb, just because it would drive all the moonbats with Bush Derangement Syndrome into new heights of lunacy.

Ideologically I am closest to the Consitution Party, but won't vote for non-viable candidates. Gringrich, Thompson, Romney, Brownback all seen pretty good. Of those Gringrich I know the most about, but he has a uphill battle and may not be acceptable to the middle 20%.

Giuliani is to far left for me, however he would be steady hand and the helm. Rudy vs. Hillary or Edwards or Obama is a no brainer.

McCain no way no how. McCain-Feingold went too far in book, he seems more interested in being the media darling than taking a stand.

Savage is joke, he is blow hard I getting the feeling he doesn't believe half the line he talks.

My dream ticket which would never happen is Cheney, rock solid and doesn't take crap off anyone, and Rice. That would drive the left off the cliff, and be a solid ticket.

Posted by: JCM on March 22, 2007 07:33 AM
50. Fred has great conservative appeal.

Posted by: Ken on March 22, 2007 07:39 AM
51. I started out leaning towards Giuliani as the best of a poor lot but now comes Thompson- Tell me more, Fred-I'm interested!

Posted by: John425 on March 22, 2007 07:54 AM
52. I also like what I've seen of Fred Thompson. He could win. But if he's going to mount a serious campaign, he better get moving.

He does have the advantage of being outside of the mudslinging in DC. He's still been visible being an analyst on Fox News. He doesn't have any personal life negatives (that we know of) that the press can take advantage of. And he sounds like he has some conservative credentials.

He does lack recent political experience, and his opponents will try to use that angle, but then again Guiliani hasn't held political office recently either. I think mostly what Fred has going for him is that no one is particularly enthralled with any of the front running GOP candidates so far.

Posted by: Palouse on March 22, 2007 07:59 AM
53. Romney killed himself yesterday by coming out in favor of an assault weapon ban on the Hewitt show.

(Which is kind of ironic when you think about it.)

Thompson.

Posted by: Hinton on March 22, 2007 08:10 AM
54. Thompson, Fred, that is.

Posted by: Hinton on March 22, 2007 08:11 AM
55. Palouse,

I think you would find Fred Thompson will not have as much trouble raising money as you may think. There are rumbles that some of the personnel on the steering committees for other candidates are willing to bail on who they are working for and jump in with both feet for Thompson. Romney is especially worried about this, because his money guy is a really close friend to Thompson and has said he would love to see Thompson run.

Posted by: TrueSoldier on March 22, 2007 08:17 AM
56. I'm for Thompson too.

I like D Hunter too but not sure how far he can get.

McCain has no real chance and if he even gets close the MSM who loves him, will eat him if he get's close to Billary.

Posted by: Army Medic/Vet on March 22, 2007 08:20 AM
57. Fred Thompson trust us, therefore I trust him. For the reasons, please see "Canary in the Mine" at

http://www.Canticle4Leibowitz.com

Posted by: Bob Leibowitz on March 22, 2007 08:54 AM
58. While Giuliani is not my top choice (because of his social liberalism) I believe him to be electable and, as important, I believe (and hope) his ascendancy could be what the country needs to finally tone down the vicious politics and ugly rhetoric ushered in by those Clinton cretins. I do not believe this country can continue with the cardinal rule of politics being vicious partisanship and whatever personal destruction it takes to win.

My dream (and totally unrealistic [remember it's a DREAM!]) scenario would be that Cheney voluntarily vacate the VP seat and Gingrich miraculously take his place, leading to a Gingrich-Giuliani/Guliani-Gingrich ticket...(remember it's a DREAM!)

Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold on March 22, 2007 08:55 AM
59. Giuliani/Thompson wins for all. We need someone with a focus on the defense and security of our country.

A side note: If 2008 is a good year for the Democrats, it's because people like Richard Pope are their moles.

Posted by: Eunice Burns on March 22, 2007 08:55 AM
60. Fred Thompson. He has the positive qualities of Ronald Reagan. He's been in government as a Senator and he has a command of the language of an actor. That's necessary to communicate your policy to the public. Underneath that, he has a very conservative constitutional philosophy

Posted by: RBW on March 22, 2007 08:58 AM
61. I just heard Fred Thompson's take on global warming. It says it all. If you missed it you can go here:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NTQzYWY1MGM5NTkyZTM2YWVlMDMzMDlhMzQwNThhNDU=

Posted by: TrueSoldier on March 22, 2007 09:03 AM
62. Fred Thompson is the only one electable and conservative.

Posted by: Ray on March 22, 2007 09:30 AM
63. Out of that list, my #1 is Condi. I'll admit that most of my reasoning is pretty superficial though. I just really do not want the Democrats to have the first woman OR black person who becomes President. But I also think she's been doing a good job on foreign policy which is always my #1 consideration for President. She's always said she won't run, though, so I don't even know why she's on the list. Wishful thinking, I guess.

Next is Rudy. I'm very impressed with how he handled things after 9/11. I also like how he's able to bridge the divide between conservatives and liberals. Our current President was attractive that way too, but Washington liberals are too stubborn to ever give him a chance. Phbt! Maybe they'd give Rudy a chance though and we could get some good stuff done. There's nothing to suggest his judicial nominees would be anything other than Constitutional minded either, so the pro-choice thing doesn't matter in all reality.

My 3rd is Fred Thompson. I don't know much other than I always feel like jumping up and down clapping every time I hear him speak. Hardly a really good qualification, but since I'm solidly conservative, that has to mean something.

My 4th is Mitt Romney. What I've heard about him I do like a lot. I also like that he was Governor of a super liberal state. Kind of like Dino Rossi, just more accomplished. He was also a cracker jack businessman and I'm always a fan of having a very accomplished businessman in the CIC spot (unless he's a fruit loop like Buffet or Gates or other liberals).

The others I just don't really know. Tancredo sounds like a whack job. Michael Savage would NEVER get past 10% in a primary. I mean, the guy pisses conservatives off, he pisses everyone off. Brownback just seems like a non-entity. I heard him interviewed yesterday and was very underwhelmed.

Posted by: ferrous on March 22, 2007 09:32 AM
64. I forgot McCain and Newt are on the list. I can't stand McCain and neither can a huge portion of conservative voters, so he's dreaming. And I adore Newt but he'd never get the nomination either. Too many people have a revisionist history of how he was in the mid 1990s.

Posted by: ferrous on March 22, 2007 09:34 AM
65. http://www.nwcarbonneutral.com

Posted by: nw.carbon.neutral on March 22, 2007 09:39 AM
66. What has Thompson done, he's got as much experience as Obama. The best thing he ever did was quit politics and go back to acting (where he always seems to play the same character).

Romney is a Flip-Flopper, he doesn't have a chance. He even has a guy in a dolphin suit following him around.

Guliani is the only way the GOP can swing the moderate voters over to their side. His hero status after 9/11 is worth it's weight in gold. You want to win in 2008 go Guliani.

Gingrich may be the best bet for the conservative wing but he's got a lot of baggage. He's going to run, just look at all the trips he making to key election states. I'd like to see him run.

The GOP needs a centrist candidate with conservative principles.

Posted by: Cato on March 22, 2007 09:45 AM
67. Thompson (if he runs). Rudy, if Thompson does not.
The rest are non-starters, imo.

I'd write-in the cat's name before voting for McCain.

Posted by: jimg on March 22, 2007 09:49 AM
68. Thompson was a pretty successful lawyer, and former asst. US Attorney before he served in the Senate. He's been involved in alot of campaigns as well. He's not a career politician, which I think works to his advantage.

There's a long way to go, but I think I would be in favor of Thompson first if he runs, then Rudy.

I think Rudy would win a nomination over McCain, but I would still vote for McCain over Hillary. There is not an honest conservative out there who can possibly think McCain would be worse for this country than Hillary.

Posted by: Palouse on March 22, 2007 09:55 AM
69. Mitt Romney... just wait until the the debates and he will become #1 fast

Posted by: Andre on March 22, 2007 10:12 AM
70. Fred Thompson.....

Posted by: SubDoc on March 22, 2007 10:21 AM
71. Fred Thompson - he seems to hold a conservative world view, he has good face recognition, and I think he is the only conservative in the field with a decent shot at winning

Posted by: huckleberry on March 22, 2007 10:22 AM
72. Fred Thompson

Probably a shoo-in if he decides to run. His communication skills would be second to none.

Posted by: Ken on March 22, 2007 10:22 AM
73. Fred Thompson.....

Posted by: SubDoc on March 22, 2007 10:22 AM
74. Fred Thompson

Probably a shoo in if he decides to run. The only real electable conservative in the whole bunch.

Posted by: Ken on March 22, 2007 10:24 AM
75. Today's oxymoron: a "centrist candidate with conservative principles."

That Obama is an acknowledged empty suit won't stop you from supporting him if he's the leftist candidate, right, Cato?

I would love to see a head-to-head comparison between the two. And the fact is that the only thing Obama's got going for him is that he's "clean."

Thompson's got a conservative record that stretches back decades.

And I'll take that any time over just another pretty face.

Posted by: Hinton on March 22, 2007 10:24 AM
76. My first choice has been Tancredo. Supposedly informed people refer to him as “whacky” but can never factually back up their attacks. I think they’re being brainwashed by someone. Tancredo remains the most bona fide Conservative candidate in the race. (the MSM, and ‘mainstream’ R’s (demagogues) just incessantly parrot his supposed unelectability)

Frankly, I’ll take any real Conservative such as Hunter or Fred Thompson – and I think Newt is brilliant (but not completely Conservative). One tiny problem for Thompson and Newt is that neither is genuinely running! (yet?)

How about Tancredo/Hunter, Thompson/Tancredo, Thompson/Hunter, Thompson/Gingrich? All no-brainers – all in a heartbeat.

Resist Judy McRomnesty!

Someone put Giuliani’s character well – he’s a tough-on-crime Democrat. Perfect. He’s also a cross-dressing, wife-cheating, gun-grabbing, infanticide-loving mayor. Mayor! (he may be an excellent leader – but to where does he want to lead us?)

Romney is a blow-dried used-car salesman – admittedly, a very good one. What does he actually believe in this week? I honestly think he’s held more positions than Bill Clinton. This guy’s ideological acrobatics makes Flipper seem an invalid by comparison. Perhaps there’s an opening at SeaWorld. We need a lot more steadfastness, honesty, and Conservative conviction we can rely on at this critical time.

McCain? A dangerous political time-bomb, who’s pretty much toast with anyone serious on the Right. (Keating 5, McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy (McAmnesty), Gang of 14, Voted AGAINST Bush tax relief, etc..)

Stop Judy McRomnesty!

I’d also like to see Cheney step-down (for health reasons) and let someone else gain the experience, grooming, and exposure in the Vice Presidency. Condi, Tancredo, Gingrich, Thompson? This should be a no-brainer if Bush weren’t such a tool, bent on gutting the right-wing of his party.

-JP

Posted by: Jefferson Paine on March 22, 2007 10:27 AM
77. Thompson looks pretty conservative on his voting record...looks like he's pro- McCain-Feingold.
--------------------------
Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads.
Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance.
Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations.

And he likes the NEA:
Voted YES on funding for National Endowment for the Arts.

And is soft on illegal immigrants:
Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work.

Posted by: Cato on March 22, 2007 10:33 AM
78. I'm gonna have to go with Fred Thompson. He seems like a principled conservative who would have broad recognition while being well spoken. Another Reagan perhaps?

Posted by: Gary on March 22, 2007 10:35 AM
79. Fred Thompson.

The masked executioner of Saddam Hussein: Fred Thompson.

The reason Fred Thompson didn't want to stay in the Senate for long is because all the extra scrutiny kept him from doing his favorite hobby: Prowling the streets at night killing drug dealers.

Fred Thompson reconsidered running for reelection after 9/11 but later decided to handle things on his own. He was soon seen entering the Middle East with a bottle of tequila in one hand an a handgun in the other. They're still counting the dead.

Why does Iran want nuclear weapons? Out of fear of Fred Thompson.

And finally, If Fred Thompson was at Thermopylae the movie would have been called 1" and we'd all be wondering if Persia really ever existed


Yip Yip

Posted by: Coyote on March 22, 2007 10:37 AM
80. That Obama is an acknowledged empty suit won't stop you from supporting him if he's the leftist candidate, right, Cato?

How is Obama an empty suit? He seems to fill his suits quite well. I've got photos to prove it. =)

Posted by: Cato on March 22, 2007 10:39 AM
81. NO....

This forum is about Washington State issues...mainly Puget Sound (hence the name). DO NOT talk about national issues.

This directive repeats the protestations of the leasdership of this forum.

Posted by: StefanIsWrong on March 22, 2007 10:41 AM
82. Cato,
Thompson soft on immigration? Have you heard the Thompson interview on Laura Ingram? And don't point me to the website that lists his three votes regarding LEGAL immigrants.

That canard was floated and sunk a few days ago.

Posted by: Coyote on March 22, 2007 10:45 AM
83. Well, since Jack Bauer isn't on the list...

Fred Thompson.

Posted by: Smoley on March 22, 2007 10:57 AM
84. Cato:

Fred Thompson recently said that McCain/Fiengold was a mistake and that a better way is to fully open-up contributions and make it mandatory that contributions are reported within 24 hours on a central web site. Now that makes good common sense.

Voting to allow legal workers in isn't being "soft" on illegal immigration. It's called finding a solution to getting people here legally who want to work. And before you say that they are taking jobs from Americans, please note that unemployment is at historic lows and has been for some time now.

Look, most people don't agree with their wife 100% percent of the time so how can you agree 100% with some politician you don't even know? It's unreasonable and unrealistic to think that you can.

If extending funding to the NEA or banning union political money is all you have on him, he's my guy more than ever.

Another opinion from Fred is that he says government has gotten way to large and intrusive. With that single statement I'd follow his a** to the ends of the earth.

Fred '08

Posted by: G Jiggy on March 22, 2007 10:57 AM
85. Holy Smoly,
How'd I miss the Jack Bauer connection?!

Touche'

Posted by: Coyote on March 22, 2007 11:06 AM
86. Fred's also voted for tax cuts and for bills that curb government spending. He's actually got some fiscal conservative credentials.

The fact that the likes of Cato are arguing against him means he knows that he's a viable threat to Obama/Hillary, who we all know Cato is voting for.

As a Thompson run becomes more likely, you will see the factions on the left lining up hard against him because they know he's a threat. I'm sure they're already trying to dig up whatever they can on him right now.

Posted by: Palouse on March 22, 2007 11:09 AM
87. Another opinion from Fred is that he says government has gotten way to large and intrusive.

Reagan said the same thing in 1980 and ended up spending more money than any other president in history (at that point). He also ended his term with the highest debt to GDP ratio we've ever had in this country.

If you want a smaller Govt. elect a Libertarian.

Posted by: Cato on March 22, 2007 11:09 AM
88. Cato,
Are you seriously that niave?

Another old canard and I am hesitant to engage you on this because I am afraid it would end up hijacking the thread.

Reagan wanted to cut more spending however he was faced with a congress that was run by Tip O'neil. The Tippster basically said that RR's budget was DOA so RR decided to get the most important of the two items he wanted. That is the supply side tax cuts. Thus giving this country the longest running economic expansion in history AND providing the revenue to pay for the exhorbitant government expenditures offered by the Democrats.

What do you want? A king?

Didn't think so.

Now back to your regularly schedule programming.

yip yip

Posted by: Coyote on March 22, 2007 11:16 AM
89. I dislike him less that the rest of the field, but Giuliani is the only serious chance the RNC has got (the usual cannibalism of the DNC notwithstanding). The GOP can't continue to bellydance exclusively for the far right evangelicals like it has for the last 20 years or it will continue to slowly bleed out the centrists and moderates and deflate. Problem with Giuliani though, is when was the last time a New Yorker was elected President?

Posted by: Looking Forward to another Presidential Race like a Root Canal on March 22, 2007 11:26 AM
90. Fred Thompson - Gravitas, Gravitas, Gravitas.

Posted by: Tgething on March 22, 2007 11:31 AM
91. How about a big fat "NONE OF THE ABOVE"?

Can we get a real candidate?

Posted by: H Moul on March 22, 2007 11:49 AM
92. Halt's Maul, 'a real candidate' like who??

Posted by: Jefferson Paine on March 22, 2007 12:06 PM
93. Hey Jefferson, there's always Ron Paul. You can always draft Alan Keyes or Dan Quayle back from GOP obscurity. =)

Posted by: Cato on March 22, 2007 12:17 PM
94. I will not, under any circumstances vote for McKeeting. Should he win the nomination it will be the first election I have sat out teh presidential vote since becoming eligible to vote.

Posted by: JDH on March 22, 2007 12:43 PM
95. I think the term 'republican' will kill any solid candidates chances. Check out http://www.unity08.com I'm might be an idealist here, but the net is changing everything. I can only hope it'll change politics as ususal.

I also believe that Stefan's work will make a significant difference in future elections. That other shoe has really yet to drop....it may be civil and not criminal but it will drop.

Posted by: skyeyedgal on March 22, 2007 12:56 PM
96. Rep. Tom Tancredo. A Republican who actually votes his principles but I guess that makes you a whack job.

Posted by: M&M on March 22, 2007 01:25 PM
97. I think the term 'republican' will kill any solid candidates chances. Check out http://www.unity08.com I'm might be an idealist here, but the net is changing everything. I can only hope it'll change politics as ususal.

I also believe that Stefan's work will make a significant difference in future elections. That other shoe has really yet to drop....it may be civil and not criminal but it will drop.

Posted by: skyeyedgal on March 22, 2007 02:09 PM
98. Thompson/Hunter. Gonzo Republicans!

Posted by: sestamibi on March 22, 2007 02:12 PM
99. Huckabee and Hunter are my favorites. They seem to be the only ones who are true conservatives... in every sense of the word.

Posted by: CC on March 22, 2007 02:24 PM
100. true conservatives... in every sense of the word.

Care to define that, there seems to be a lot of disagreement on what a 'True Conservative' is. Is Dubya a true conservative? What about Barry Goldwater, Orin Hatch, Strom Thurmond, Newt Gingrich, or Abraham Lincoln?

Posted by: Cato on March 22, 2007 03:06 PM
101. Dino Rossi!

Posted by: WarmFuzzyPuppies on March 22, 2007 03:28 PM
102. Unity08 is astroturf.

Posted by: DisUnity on March 22, 2007 04:04 PM
103. Tancredo...yes; illegals...no!

Posted by: Susu on March 22, 2007 05:12 PM
104. Fred Thompson. I could also vote for Newt, but he's unelectable thanks to the media

Posted by: Right Wing Wacko on March 22, 2007 06:40 PM
105. ferrous @ 63

I totally agree with you. I actually have a Condi Rice / President / 08 bumper sticker on my car. I consider it a place holder though until she decides to run / or I settle on somebody else. I take her at her word, meanwhile, that she really wents to be National Football Commissioner. I have several realistic candidates that I'm following in the mean time.

Posted by: RBW on March 22, 2007 07:51 PM
106. For what it's worth, I think I forgot to mention why my post (I hope) mentioned the second amendment.

Condi Rice understands why the founders understood that everyone needs to be able to defee
nd themself.

Her father and neighbors needed to arm themselves with personal shotguns and other weapons to stand off the night riders that rode with the authority of the law enforcement officers like Bull Conner.

RBW


Posted by: RBW on March 22, 2007 08:28 PM
107. I like Newt and Mitt but I think Rudy might be our best chance of winning...but do we want a pro-choice candidate...

I think Newt has the best grasp of issues but would be killed in 30 second soundbites.

Mitt seems clever enough and has some of the right mojo but does he have grasp of issues...that is yet to be seen.

It is still early to decide.

Posted by: AHR on March 22, 2007 09:34 PM
108. Fred Thompson is experienced, is a strong and principled conservative, and he is able to express conservative views in an intelligent and intelligible way. He's a good leader and a smart man.

FWIW, I chaired the Snohomish County GOP caucus for Council District 1 last Saturday, and we held a straw poll. Being an off year for Council District 1, we had only 16 participants show up. The breakdown of our informal straw poll was 8 for Thompson, 3 each for McCain and Gingrich, and 1 each for Giuliani and Hunter.

Posted by: pudge on March 22, 2007 09:35 PM
109. You guys need to put up a poll that people could vote on. I know the presidential campaigns in the state would DEFINITELY pay attention to it. An internet poll with a one-vote restriction is about as indicative as any straw-poll. :)

I'd vote for RUDY.

Posted by: AD on March 22, 2007 11:56 PM
110. First of all we have to look at the dynamic of the Democrat candidates. Hillary is polarizing, more people say they'll for sure vote against her than will for sure vote for her. She also has this CLinton/Bush roalty working against her. As of 2008, we'll have had a Bush or Clinton as president for 20 years. This will work against her, just like it would TORPEDO Jeb if the REp's were stupid enough to run him. I like him, but he's unelectable at this time.
Obama is not as polarizing, but he has two things working against him. No Leadership experience, and a constant swirl of racial controversy. If the minority activists are going to be sitting around waiting to pounce when someone calls him "articulate" (oh no!) then he will just make Americans uncomfortable. They'd rather not deal with that uber-PC headache of a President Obama.
I don't think Edwards or Gore are legitimate, at least at this point.

I'll give a brief view of each on the list below.


1) Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani - New York
www.joinrudy2008.com
(Rudy is the best all around candidate the Rep's have, more on him late)
2) Sen. John McCain - Arizona
www.johnmccain.com
(John's a good candidate, but he's hated by the far Left for being a war supporter, and hated by the far right for McCain-Feingold and other liberal postions)
3) Gov. Mitt Romney - Massachusetts
www.mittromney.com
(I like Mitt too...he's sharp, smart, articulate, and attractive. But can't get traction right now. A very good VP candidate though)
4) Former Speaker Newt Gingrich - Georgia
www.newt.org
(He's sharp and smart. But too polarizing. The media hate him, so will NEVER give him a fair shake. He's better as a Presidential advisor or possible VP candidate to get some right-wing votes for moderates like McCAin or GUilliani.)
5) Former Sen. Fred Thomspon - Tennessee
www.fred08.com
(I like Fred. But he's a unremarkable Senator, and has nothing to distinguish himself other than some TV and movie appearnaces. I think he'd be a good VP candidate to get some more conservative votes for a McCAin or Guilliani, but couldn't win. He also seems too much like the Old Boy's Club that the GOP needs to get away from if they want to win in 2008)
6) Former Gov. Mike Huckabee - Arkansas
www.explorehuckabee.com
(Don't know him, no one does, and therefore, has little chance unless he can work a masterful campaign)
7) Rep. Tom Tancredo - Colorado
www.teamtancredo.com
(I like Tom, a good, solid conservative. But too polarizing like Newt, could never get elected President.)
8) Sen. Sam Brownback - Kansas
www.brownback.com
(Same with Huckabee...unknown and likely to stay that way)
9) Rep. Duncan Hunter - California
www.gohunter08.com
(See #8)
10) Rep. Ron Paul - Texas
www.ronpaul2008.com
(See #8)
11) Former Gov. James Gilmore - Virginia
www.gilmoreforpresident.com
(See #8)
12) Michael Savage, talk show host - California
www.michaelsavage.com
(One of the few people even MORE polarizing than GWB, Hillary, or Newt. Not chance in hell of winning, no credentials and WAY too many sound bites to hammer him with. Net sure I'd even vote for him. There's a lot of people that have views I agree with, but don't think could handle being President. He's interesting though)
13) Former Gov. Tommy Thompson - Wisconsin
www.tommy2008.com
(see #8)
14) Sen. Chuck Hagel - Nebraska
www.drafthagel08.com
(Couldn't win the primary. Too many conservatives don't like him because he sides with the Dems more often than note)
15) Gov. Jeb Bush - Florida *
www.jeb.org
(Unelectable because his last name is Bush. Hillary will have her last name working against her, no need to to run a candidate with the same problem)
16) Sec. State Condoleezza Rice - California *
www.4condi.com
(No executive experience, and never ran for a public office. Great future potential, but I don't think 2008 is her time. Possible sleeper VP candidate though)
17) Vice-President Dick Cheney - Wyoming*
(Are you serious? Even if he did want to run, even Hillary would win in a landslide against him)
18) Former Vice-President Dan Quayle - Arizona*
(Yea, right)
19) Former VP candidate Jack Kemp - New York*
(See #8)
20) Former Sec. State. Colin Powell - New York*
(could win in a route against anyone the Dem's could run, especially if he took a more conservative VP, especially if he's critical of Bush during the campaign. But doesn't want to run, so is a moot point)

So to summarize, unless there are some real changes, really Rudy, Mitt, and John are the only serius Presidential candidates. All are good, moderate candidates, which are needed if the Rep's want to win in 2008. Mitt's still trying to become know. McCain just seems old and grumpy, and his campaign has been horribly run thus far. Rudy's the only guy with recognition, broad appeal and star power. He has leadership credentials which I think Americans are genuinly hungry for after 8 years of no leadership form Clinton and other than a brief year there after 9/11, sorta spotty leadership from Bush (although I think the hostile media and rabid Demon-cats pretty much undercut any leadership he might have been able to really convey to the people. I don't think he's a bad leader, but he can no longer give the impression of leadership with the hostile Left going crazy)
Rudy is also "America's Mayor", he's even keeled and I think the media and Dem's will just come accorss and petty when they attack him. All he has to do is say, "I stand on my record of leadership, can the esteemed senator from NY/IL say the same thing?"

But here's why I really think Rudy is the guy. He has the potential to delivery the swing states, as well as some light blue states, and maybe even a dark blue state like New York. He kills Hillary in most polls in NY. And he puts states like Penn, Iowa, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Minnesota on the table. Maybe even Washington STate out here. That may be a reach, but Rossi won in 2004 (even though the Dem's had to stuff the ballots to beat him), and Cant-vote-well barely beat Gordon in 2000. Even uninspiring McGavick was at least in the hunt. Then Dem's know this and are afraid of him. While I don't think we'll ever see the old Reagan era landslides, I think Rudy wins narrowly at worst, and wins in a route at best.
If he took THompson or Romney or Condi as a VP, that could help shore up the Right to come out and vote. If Hillary is running, the far right will show up just to vote against her. :-)

Posted by: Brent in Spokane on March 23, 2007 09:01 AM
111. If J Paine or anyone else wants to know why I think Tancredo is a whackjob, I get to hear about him on Hugh Hewitt's show. And by the way, it's glowing, but it always comes down to one thing -- round up the 12 million illegals and bus them out of the country and then barb wire the southern border (the Tancredo types never seem to care about the northern border where real terrorists actually have come in!) and set up guard towers with snipers.

That, folks, is what I call a whackjob. Not only is it something that is not even feasible, it's just ridiculous not to mention borderline fascist. I don't like it one bit that millions have decided to be here illegally. But I also don't think they are overwhelmingly out to steal my job, rob me, or whatever.

A person like Tancredo (or Savage for that matter) is not electable to President. Whether you like it or not, that national office is going to require a little moderation. Staunch conservatism isn't going to fly to make it happen.

Posted by: ferrous on March 23, 2007 10:42 AM
112. I'm presently a Romney man. I've been concerned about how much love Thompson's been getting when the evidence was he's a McCainite, but now that someone noted he's disavowed MCain-Feingold I'm more interested.

Posted by: pngrata on March 23, 2007 10:58 AM
113. ferrous,
Rep. Tom Tancredo has never said we should round up all the illegal aliens. This is just another red herring argument used by liberal Democrats. Tancredo has only argued to secure the border and enforce the law against employers using illegals. Employment is the reason illegals come here. If they can't get a job they will return home.
By the way, President Eisenhower did round up all the illegals and sent them home. The process was easier because there were fewer illegals back then. Regardless, the operation was successful and the kicker was the name of the operation - Operation Wetback.


Posted by: M&M on March 23, 2007 12:35 PM
114. ferrous,

Sorry - The string of lies you've just spewed reveals your own whackiness.

You might want to consider changing your momiker to 'feral' ferrous.

Posted by: Jefferson Paine on March 23, 2007 01:00 PM
115. Best man not on the list--O'Reilly.

Posted by: Organization Man on March 23, 2007 06:42 PM
116. New interesting poll:
The results are surprising considering that Gingrich has not even announced that he would run for the White House. The popular conservative said he won't make a decision until the fall, although he has been raising money with his new organization, American Solutions for Winning the Future, possibly laying the groundwork for a presidential campaign.

NewsMax will provide the results of this poll to major media and share them with radio talk show hosts across the country.

Here are the poll questions and results:

1) What is your overall opinion of Newt Gingrich?

Favorable: 87 percent

Unfavorable: 10 percent

No Opinion: 3 percent

2) Is Newt Gingrich your candidate for president in 2008?

Yes: 68 percent

No: 32 percent

3) In the following field, who is your 2008 candidate?

John McCain: 2 percent

Condi Rice: 4 percent

Mike Huckabee: 2 percent

Mitt Romney: 6 percent

Rudy Giuliani: 12 percent

Tom Tancredo: 5 percent

Ron Paul: 2 percent

Newt Gingrich: 58 percent

Duncan Hunter: 1 percent Other: 10 percent

4) In a Republican primary of Newt vs. Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, who would you vote for?

Rudy Giuliani: 17 percent

John McCain: 5 percent

Newt Gingrich: 78 percent

5) If the 2008 President race was between Newt Gingrich and Hillary Clinton, who would you vote for?

Newt Gingrich: 95 percent

Hillary Clinton: 5 percent

Posted by: HW on March 24, 2007 01:21 PM
117. Newt is my pick. Amazing speaker with content and conviction, knowledge of the hill, sharpest mind of the bunch by far. Can america get past his affair, how abusive will the media be on him for it...those are his 2 biggest obstacles.

Posted by: Mark on March 24, 2007 01:24 PM
118. Since Pudge @ #108 is giving a report of the results from his county council district caucus, I'll add mine from Sno. Co. Council District 2 of which I served as Secretary (roughly 20 in attendance. I'm trying to get the count from HQ): Gingrich 5 votes, Tancredo 4 votes, F. Thompson 3 votes, Romney 2 votes, the rest were divided among other candidates receiving 1 vote each, specifics were not announced. An interesting note: whoever prepared the ballot did not list Tancredo who has a campaign, but listed Thompson and Gingrich who don't.

There was also a silly V.P. poll where the ballot included Mary Bono, J.C. Watts and Fred Thompson. There was an option to write in an other candidate. The results: F. Thompson 3 votes, Watts 2 votes, Hunter 2 votes, the rest were divided among other write-in candidates who received 1 vote. Mary Bono didn't receive any.

The NewsMax poll is interesting. Were only NewsMax readers polled?

The one thing all this tells me is that you'll get a different result depending on which group of Republicans you poll.

Posted by: Michelle on March 24, 2007 02:23 PM
119. McCain needs to continue to serve the population of Arizona as he is out of touch and will not be elected on a national basis.

Rudy was my man until Fred Thompson's began to get serious traction. Unfortunately, IMHO many conservatives will not give Rudy a pass on his stance on abortion, guns, and choices made in family matters.

Posted by: cardio on March 24, 2007 03:01 PM
120. Stefan

Newt won the Cowlitz County straw poll. the results were Newt 35%, Rudy 29%, Fred 12%, Mit 8%, McCain 6% all others under 5%. Fred was a write in effort

Posted by: Shannon on March 24, 2007 03:18 PM
121. Congressman Ron Paul is the the only politician on that list worth damn. But he doesnt stand a chance in the primaries, as he stands on principle. Republicans wouldn't like that.

Posted by: Difranco on March 24, 2007 07:21 PM
122. pregnant belly photo

Posted by: pregnant large belly on March 24, 2007 07:55 PM
123. Fred Thompson would be good, I can imagine myself supporting him with both dollars and work. He is my style of conservative. While I like Rudy's response to 9-11, I would have to hold my nose and would quite possibly stay home. Newt doesn't do well with the media. John McCain seems too unstable. The other candidates need to make their case and show the country the leadership and orginizational skills that will help me change my mind.

Posted by: Elaine on March 24, 2007 09:03 PM
124. Straw poll in Whitman county has Rudy by a large margin. That's depressing to me but it is still early. Rudy is very likable, but he is for more gun restrictions, gay marriage, pro-abortion and other leftist causes. Rudy is a very loyal American, but left-wing all the way. If our Democrats weren't so far out on the wacko left wing limb, he would be a Democrat. We are all he's got and I think we can do better.

Posted by: Elaine on March 24, 2007 09:21 PM
125. I like Fred Thompson for President with Newt as Vice President. Fred is a strong leader and Newt conuld hander the idots in congress. Thompson Gingrich ticket sounds like the Strong leadership and smarts America need NOW!

Posted by: HW on March 24, 2007 10:32 PM
126. Fred Thompson is the dream candidate of this election. I predict a landslide not seen since Reagan. He has the charm and likability to get elected and the intelligence and integrity to deserve the honor!

Run, Fred, Run!

(run, Hillary, run....right back to New York!)

Posted by: Margaret on March 26, 2007 04:23 PM
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