Auditioning for President: Fred Thompson, Leading Man or Part Time Player?

Abstract

This brief essay assesses the resources and liabilities that Fred Thompson brings to 2008 Republican presidential nomination politics. It examines facets of Thompson's Senate career, as well as his work as a lobbyist and actor. Although Thompson benefits from a political context in which social and religious conservatives find flaws in the first tier candidates and from national visibility, his relatively centrist voting record among Republican senators, reputed, but largely, untested campaign skills, lobbying activities, and late entry in the contest present significant obstacles for him.

Recommended Citation

Oppenheimer, Bruce I. (2007) "Auditioning for President: Fred Thompson, Leading Man or Part Time Player?," The Forum: Vol. 5 : Iss. 2, Article 6.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol5/iss2/art6