Thompson: 'I'm the man for the times'
Gerard Baker
Fred Thompson, the actor and former US senator, has given his strongest indication yet that he is preparing to launch a presidential campaign in the next few weeks.
In an exclusive interview, his first with a non-US news organization, the former lawyer and star of "Law and Order", the US detective show, told The Times that his presidential bid would be based on his belief that Americans wanted change and that he was uniquely placed to provide it.
“I think they perceive the reality and the reality is that perhaps this is the occasion where the man meets the times.”
He said he had the experience for a tough presidential campaign in an already crowded field for the Republican nomination in next year’s presidential election. “As we say where I grew up this ain’t my first rodeo. I’ve seen it up close and personal. I’ve had good friends run for president. I've campaigned for them. I’ve known a few presidents. I understand what the job is about and I wouldn’t run for it if I wasn’t willing to pay the price”. ...
Fred’s Remarks to The Policy Exchange in London
Update: Below is the full video of the speech.
Fred’s remarks to The Policy Exchange as prepared for delivery on June 19, 2007:
Thank you very much. Charles Moore, Anthony Browne, Dean Godson, distinguished guests: I appreciate the cordial welcome to London. I always look forward to visiting the United Kingdom, and this time around I couldn’t ask for a better host than the Policy Exchange.
We have a few policies back home that we’d like to exchange, and think tanks like this are the place to come. After just five years, the Policy Exchange ranks among the best, and the fine reputation of your work has reached Washington as well. I congratulate all of you, and I thank you for the hospitality. ...
