Thompson Seeks Palmetto Revival

After Last-Place N.H. Finish, Ex-Tenn. Sen. Looking To S.C. To Jump-Start Campaign

(AP)  Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson said Wednesday he is drawing a "line in the sand" in South Carolina, hoping that familiar Southern territory can revive a campaign sputtering following his last-place finish in New Hampshire the night before.

The former Tennessee senator and actor arrived in this early primary state the day before New Hampshire voters went to the polls, and has steadily ratcheted up the importance South Carolina will play in the future of his White House bid. The Republican primary here is Jan. 19.

"I'm proud to say I am drawing a line in the sand in South Carolina," Thompson said Wednesday morning in Sumter, home to an Air Force base, on the second full day of his 11-day swing through the state

A day earlier, Thompson joked with a couple of hundred people at a barbecue restaurant that they should watch his "Law & Order" reruns because he can use the residual checks. But he also held out hope that his focus here could mirror results in Iowa, where he tied for third.

But Wednesday looked to be a reality check for Thompson supporters and the fence-sitters trying to decide between him and his GOP rivals.

"I think he just has to get heard more often," said Richard Anderson, a 56-year-old, Republican-leaning independent. "He's not a screamer. He's not a foamer."

Michigan transplant Sandra Miller said she also is drawn to Thompson for his seemingly more subdued personality, and discounted the importance of his New Hampshire loss.

"I don't think it means a lot," said Miller, 67, as she waited for Thompson to talk at restaurant packed with about 120 people.

Still, the South Carolina campaign is going to depend on less mellow and more sprint from Thompson than he's demonstrated to date. Some of Thompson's most influential supporters say privately that his delayed entry into the race lost him potential ardent supporters.

Recent polls in South Carolina show former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee leading, with Thompson's support tough to read. He placed second in one survey; in two others, he placed fourth and fifth.

Thompson on Wednesday didn't appear to be changing tactics, telling the crowd he's a laid back Southerner.

"What you see is what you get," he said. "If they like that, I'll be in great shape."

During a morning radio interview, Thompson said Social Security is heading toward being broke and people shouldn't expect money now being spent on Iraq and Afghanistan to be turned to domestic programs. Even with current spending there, military spending is low by historical measures, he said.

"We're going to have to have strength and unity and power and wisdom going forward," Thompson said.

[hwy71so]

His last place finish? They didn''t even show Duncan Hunter''s results. After Hunter made 3rd in Wyoming.

I guess the media just doesn''t have any "goods" on Hunter, so they''re not spotlighting him. Nothing juicey to talk about.

[allan_59]

In the 70''s, with a House & Senate and most State Houses controlled by his party, a Democrat President championed the ERA amendment to the Constitution. At a time less contentious than today this noncontroversial amendment could not be passed. That is how difficult it is.
Anyone that believes the Constitution can be amended to stop abortion is living a fool''s dream and any candidate that claims that a Constitutional amendment is the way to end abortion is playing us like fools. It can''t be done. Why do you think no one has ever tried?
Only Thompson has a practical plan to achieve that goal. The solution is to appoint one more strict constructionist to the Supreme Court. But the pro-abortionist know this, too. Winning confirmation for the right candidate will be the fight of the century. It will take every ounce of a President''s political capital to win the fight. Any compromise in selecting the nominee will allow abortion to continue for another generation.
Huck and Romney have both demonstrated their willingness to seek compromise whenever politically advantageous. McCain or Giuliani won''t even try. The only candidate we have that can be trusted NOT compromise his principles %u2013 or our faith in him - is Fred Thompson. If you really want the ongoing massacre of the unborn to stop - you need to get very serious about this election. Look at the facts. Look at the history of each candidate''s actions. Fred Thompson is our ONLY prayer.

[dj084]

Listen to this Fred interview two days ago:
http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2008/video-fred-thompson-on-the-oreilly-factor-010708/

Then read this report from today:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2008/01/new-taliban-lea.html

Fred knows exactly what he''s talking about...the only clear choice.

[denn034]

Remind those so-called Republicans what a Republican Actor can do, Thompson!

[quetzal666]

what we are electing rigormortis candidates now??

[candide777]

Why must we still endure this idiot? I guess the same brain-dead people that think GWB has done an acceptable job are supporting him?

[antoniof123]

He''s history.