Ranking the Republican Contenders, Part II

“Fred Thompson. The current hot candidate for conservatives, he recently announced that it’s possible that he will run. Ironically enough, he and John McCain are almost political clones, but Thompson’s much more popular with conservatives. Who says that politics is fair? He doesn’t have an inner circle of advisers, but would instantly jump into third place and start pushing McCain hard for second place.”

“This is the closest thing to a genuine draft I have seen since I have been in politics.”

Chris Mathews on Hardball: “Lynn, let‘s talk for a minute - because I want to talk when we come back about Fred Thompson. It looks to me - and this is my seat-of-the-pants judgment - he looks like the daddy figure the Republican Party has been looking around for. He looks classic wise man. He has gravitas. He‘s no Dan Quayle, a guy when he says something‘s got that Colin Powell feature, where you just sort of trust him. Is he going to jump in this race and take over?”

MITT MOVING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

“Of course, the equation could change if Fred Thompson decides to throw his hat in the ring. Then the race will be a two-man contest between Thompson and Romney for the nomination. I’m not ready to predict who would win that battle. But there is no doubt in my mind that either man can beat Hillary or Obama unless a third-party candidate (other than Nader) jumps in as well.”

We will be linking to the best draft Fred-related blog posts on a daily basis (or as often as we have time). If you write a Fred post, let us know and we’ll link to it. Here is today’s best stuff:

Why Fred Thompson’s Day Has Arrived

“So, with mainstream America expectantly awaiting the entrance of a true Reaganite candidate into the presently wanting field of Republican presidential hopefuls, Thompson’s best bet is to simply be himself, and make no apologies for standing as firmly as he has.”

Robert Novak: The Rising Tide for Fred Thompson

“So, here’s one voter who can’t wait for him to pull the trigger. In my county, I’ll be first in line to be a Thompson delegate - because that’s who Republicans need to offer as a candidate. It’s time for Republicans to get our own rock star candidate. And from what I’ve seen, that Rock Star’s name is Fred Thompson.”

Draft Fred Thompson Rally — confirmation

A Draft Fred rally will be held in Cookeville, TN on April 18th. Zach Wamp and Steve Gill have confirmed that they will attend.

Great Fred Thompson Quotes

Sample quote: “”After two years in Washington, I often long for the realism and sincerity of Hollywood.”

This Is A Man I Can Get Behind

“Tennessee House Bill 0393 presently before the Tennessee Legislature would rename U.S. Highway 43 in Lawrenceburg, TN ‘Fred Thompson Boulevard.’ Except it won’t now. Rep. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald) is withdrawing the bill. Why? Because he got this letter in the mail… ”