From The Road
January 12, 2008 8:10 PM

Thompson Talks Religion

By
John Bentley
Topics
Fred Thompson
(CBS)
From CBS News' John Bentley:

LADY'S ISLAND, S.C. -- Mixing theology and social issues on the campaign trail is rare for Fred Thompson, but he discussed it today answering a question from a member of the audience.

A woman asked him if he would "as a Christian, as a conservative" continue President Bush's programs to combat global AIDS.

"Christ didn't tell us to go to the government and pass a bill to get some of these social problems dealt with. He told us to do it," Thompson said.

"The government has its role, but we need to keep firmly in mind the role of the government, and the role of us as individuals and as Christians on the other."

He received a round of applause for his answer, and went on to expand on the role of government in fighting AIDS and other diseases.

"I'm not going to go around the state and the country with regards to a serious problem and say that I'm going to prioritize that," he said.

"With people dying of cancer, and heart disease, and children dying of leukemia still, I got to tell you – we've got a lot of problems here, and we all may have our one that's affected us the most, but it's a broad array. And a president who will tell you the truth is that we have to look across the board and do what we can and what we should based upon the severity of the problem and the chances that our research money will do some good in these areas."

Add a Comment
by ada95rules January 14, 2008 2:18 AM EST
Fred actually understand federalism and the proper role of the government. This is really going to confuse the media.

As for this silly fair tax business (comment a few before this) -- if you don''t repeal the 16th amendment, I''ll bet you that Plasma screen that we will end up with both an income tax and a national sales tax.
Reply to this comment
by ny4fred January 13, 2008 8:23 PM EST
Huckabee, while not my least favorite candidate, is in actually, a Liberal in Republican clothing.
AKA (RINO).
Mary in NY
GO FRED!
Reply to this comment
by ny4fred January 13, 2008 8:21 PM EST
We need to learn from history. When Hillary fought to have the vaccine makers lower their price, the vaccine makers stopped making the vaccine. Remember the flu vac shortage? (we had to go to France for more vaccines) That''s because we should let businesses make money - that''s why they are in business. Keep government OUT of the picture (other than assuring the vac is not going to hurt people).
OOOOOHhhh "big'' business is bad - I forgot. they only provide jobs, help people get health insurance and oh, yeah, FOOD.
Mary in NY
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by giantrobot2 January 13, 2008 4:52 PM EST
Alert *** Alert *** Alert ***

McCain, Romney, Thompson, Guiliani, Paul = 2 years
Huckabee = Only 3 weeks

That''s how long it would take you to save up for a brand new 60^ LCD / Plasma Flat Screen TV with reclining chair and large cup holder for your nice cold beverage if they were President.

Huckabee is the ONLY one willing to scrap the IRS red tape and switch to the Fair tax. The Fair tax allows you to keep 100% of your paycheck, not 70% you keep of it now. If you make say $75,000 year then your paycheck rises by $325 per week and in ONLY 3 weeks you can buy that awesome 60" LCD / Plasma TV to watch your favorite TV shows (Super Bowl, World Series, World Championship, Indianpolis 500, Olympics, etc...)

If you do not mind flushing an extra $325 every week down the toliet, then go ahead and vote for McCain, Romney, Thompson, Guiliani and Paul want to keep the current tax system. That gives them far less pressure to be try to run a lean government.

The Fair Tax can ONLY happen if you and your friends and family vote for Huckabee. He is the ONLY presidentail candidate commiting to this for the American people. Would you rather flush $325 every week down the toliet or would you rather save that up in ONLY 3 weeks and get that brand new 60" LCD / Plasma high definition TV with recliner and cup holder! :)

Vote for McCain, Romney, Thompson, Guiliani and Paul if you want to become Poorer.

VOTE FOR HUCKABEE if you want to become Richer!!!
Reply to this comment
by GMEllis625 January 13, 2008 1:24 PM EST
Another great answer from a great candidate!

And BTW, when there are two options to controlling the disease, one that costs practically nothing and one that costs billions, which should we as a society choose? How much money would we put into curing lung cancer so that smokers could continue smoking? Isn''t it smarter to put our money into getting people to stop smoking?

AIDS will go away when people stop sharing needles and having unprotected ***. THAT''s the cure!
Reply to this comment
by alekmassey January 13, 2008 4:27 AM EST
What''s this? A presidential candidate not willing to pander? Not even on social issues?

Get national geographic on the phone!
I do believe this is one of the first sitings ever of this kind. Perhaps a new species of political creature has been discovered. If so I hope their numbers grow.

Reply to this comment
by winghunter January 13, 2008 4:03 AM EST
%u201CChrist didn%u2019t tell us to go to the government and pass a bill to get some of these social problems dealt with. He told us to do it,%u201D Thompson said.

Fred Dalton Thompson - MY President and the 44th of the United States of America.
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