Evangelicals Hesitant About Thompson

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Associated Press

By ERIC GORSKI

Prominent evangelical leaders who spent the summer hoping Fred Thompson would emerge as their favored Republican presidential contender are having doubts as he begins his long-teased campaign.

For social conservatives dissatisfied with other GOP choices, the "Law & Order" actor and former Tennessee senator represents a Ronald Reagan-like figure, someone they hope will agree with them on issues and stands a chance of winning.

But Thompson's less-than-clear stance on a federal gay marriage amendment and his delay in entering the race are partly responsible for a sudden shyness among leading evangelicals.

"A month or two ago, I sensed there was some urgency for people to make a move and find a candidate," said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, a Washington-based conservative Christian group. "Right now, I think people are stepping back a little and watching. The field is still very fluid."

Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20070909/D8RI2P2O0.html

[Olney Blue]

1. Maybe Tony Perkins hasn't prayed hard enough.

[ginnyinWI]

2. he's a "figure" all right.

He's a cardboard cut-out with no substance. Fred "Aw Shucks" Thompson is an illusion.

[Mz Pip]

3. Why the hell not???

He should be their wet dream. The guy is against more socially progressive positions than anyone in the top tier. Yeah, his views are the same as Brownbutt's and Tancrapo's but they don't have a chance. There's just no pleasing those idiots.

Well, that's fine with me. THeir 'perfect' candidate would be so outside the mainstream of America that the Dems would for sure kick his butt in 08.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[Ilsa]

4. My dad says he's heard now on Pat Robertson's show that Freddie is a

southern baptist. I heard that he had no church allegiance because he never goes. The evangelicals will probably assign him to an evangelical church, start spreading that lie, and then proceed to pass the koolaid in the communion cup.

[yellowcanine]

5. Hell St. Ronnie hardly ever darkened a church door. That didn't stop the RW Christians form kissing

his feet.

[maseman]

6. We need to remind the public

about the divorce, the new wife with the huge fake rack, the lack of going to churhc, the lobbying for the gay rights, etc.

[Mz Pip]

8. Neither does Bush

except when he needs a photo op. That seemed to be good enough for them when they supported the born again idiot.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[yardwork]

7. The articles use of "evangelicals" is misleading. Not all evangelicals are right-wing.

Not all evangelicals are fundamentalists, either. The article isn't really talking about all evangelicals. It's talking about the right-wing conservative fundamentalist protestants.

I hope they keep chasing their tails until after the election.

[Kolesar]

11. I'll recommend this thread just to note your post

:thumbsup:

[yardwork]

12. Hey, thanks!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

16. I will agree

I read their intention as meaning fundamentalist. Which is reinforced by the fact that fundamentalist are represented by the mentioned Family Research Council.

[tinymontgomery]

9. Jesus himself

Jesus himself couldn't win an election with todays rightwing evangelicals.

[ladym55]

10. Well, yeah

Jesus wouldn't be allowed in their churches, much less get their votes. What with long hair, beard, sandals, and hangin' out with sinners ...

No WAY they'd have anything to do with him. Oh, wait, they don't now!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

13. He better learn to pander real fast, or the GOP may pick a new knight in shining armor.

The Republican base is ever dwindling and they have to pander to what they still strongly hold. At any cost.

Consider yourself warned Thompson. If you have any real desire to get the nod you'll start saying you're on a mission from God.

[ProudDad]

14. "a Ronald Reagan-like figure" ?

Naw, too fat...

[classof56]

15. Fred just needs to mention that his favorite political philosopher is--

His Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Hey--worked for Bushie!

Just sign me,

Tired Old Ex-Southern Baptist Cynic

[The Stranger]

17. Seeing the GOP so divided over their stable of morons, hypocrites and bigots is too good to be true.

Maybe there is a goddess. If so, please let this continue.

[SharonAnn]

19. They didn't need a competent, honest person the last two elections. Not now either.

[Wednesdays]

18. Nah, all he has to do is say that Jesus is his favorite philosopher

...because "He changed my heart," and all will be well with them. :eyes:

[Arugula Latte]

20. What? Second thoughts about Frederick of Hollywood?

:rofl: