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FRED THOMPSON SUPPORTS HITLER
{{otheruses4|the actor/politician|the silent movie actor|Fred Thomson}}
<!--ATTENTION NEW EDITORS: the language used here for his name was agreed to on the talk page. Please do not change it unless and until there is agreement on the talk page to do so. You are, of course, welcome to discuss the issue on the talk page or to be bold and improve the article in other ways. Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Introduction for more information about editing Misplaced Pages.-->
{{Infobox Senator | name=Fred Dalton Thompson
| image name=Fred_Thompson_Iowa.jpg
| imagesize=200px
| jr/sr=United States Senator
| state=]
| party=]
| term_start=] ]
| term_end=] ]
| preceded=]
| succeeded=]
| date of birth={{birth date and age|1942|08|19}}
| place of birth=], ], ]
| dead=alive
| date of death=
| place of death=
| spouse=(1) Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey (Knestrick), 1959–1985; divorced<br/>(2) ], 2002–Present
| alma_mater=], ]
| profession=], ], ], ], ], ]
| religion= ]
|
}}<!--ATTENTION NEW EDITORS: the language used here for his name was agreed to on the talk page. Please do not change it unless and until there is agreement on the talk page to do so. You are, of course, welcome to discuss the issue on the talk page or to be bold and improve the article in other ways. Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Introduction for more information about editing Misplaced Pages.-->
'''Fred Dalton Thompson''' (born '''Freddie Dalton Thompson'''<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-thompson6sep06,0,7136744.story | last=Matthews | first=Joe | title=Thompson wed his ambition | publisher='']'' | date=], ] |accessdate=2007-09-06}}</ref><ref name="Knoxnews">{{cite news | url=http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/sep/07/fred-freddie-8212-hes-still-fd-thompson/ | title=Fred, Freddie — he's still F.D. Thompson: New details emerge on personal life of newly announced candidate | first=Tom | last=Humphrey | publisher=Knoxville News Sentinel | date=2007-09-07|accessdate=2007-09-08}}</ref> on ] ]) is an ] ], ], ] and ]. He represented ] as a ] in the ] from 1994 through 2002.

Thompson is a member of the ] and a Visiting Fellow with the ], specializing in ] and ].<ref>
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, .</ref><ref name=MPA>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Fred | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20060908153602/http://www.mpa.utk.edu/thompson/ |title=Modern Political Archives: Fred Thompson Papers, 1993–2002 |publisher=] | accessdate=2007-04-08}}</ref> He resides in ], near ]<ref>, ''BBC News'' (]).</ref>

As an actor, Thompson has performed in film and on television. He has frequently portrayed ] figures.<ref name="NYT941112">{{cite news
|last=Bragg |first=Rick
|title=Grits and Glitter Campaign Helps Actor Who Played a Senator Become One
|publisher='']'' |pages=Sec. 1, p. 10
|url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20710FA3D550C718DDDA80994DC494D81
|date =], ] |accessdate=2007-04-08}}</ref> In the final months of his U.S. Senate term in 2002, Thompson joined the cast of the long-running ] ] '']'', playing ] ] ].

On ], ], Thompson asked to be released from his television duties,{{Clarifyme|date=September 2007}}<!--Asked who? What "duties"?--> potentially in preparation for a presidential bid.<ref name="lawandorder">''Associated Press'' and Cameron, Carl. , ''Fox News'' (]).</ref> Then, on ] ], he formed a presidential exploratory committee regarding his possible ]. On ], ], Thompson announced on '']'': "I'm running for president of the United States,"<ref name=Forbes20070905>{{cite news |url=http://www.forbes.com/leadership/2007/09/05/politics-republicans-presidency-lead-cx_sm_0905thompson.html|date=2007-09-05 |publisher=Forbes |title=Thompson Finally Steps Onstage |author=Steve McGookin}} Brief excerpts from the Tonight Show appearance are . The full Tonight Show transcript is .</ref> and he steered viewers to his web site for a 15-minute video announcement of his candidacy.<ref name="bond">Bond, Paul. (]). The 15-minute internet video that accompanied Thompson's televised announcement is available at and is .</ref>

==Early life and education==
Thompson was born in ] to Ruth Inez (Bradley) and Fletcher Session Thompson.<ref> via filmreference.com.</ref><ref name="thompsonancestry">{{cite web
|last=Reitwiesner |first=William Addams
|title=Ancestry of Fred Thompson |publisher=self-published, non-authoritative
|url=http://www.wargs.com/political/thompsonf.html |accessdate=2007-04-08}}</ref> He attended ] in ], ], graduating from ]. After graduation, he worked days in the local post office and nights at a bicycle assembly plant.<ref name="Lawrimore" />
Thompson entered Florence State College, now the ], becoming the first member of his family to go to college.<ref name="about">, via imwithfred.com (Official Site). Retrieved (]).</ref> He subsequently transferred to Memphis State University, now the ], where he earned a ] in ] and ] in 1964, as well as scholarships to both ] and ] law schools.<ref name="Lawrimore" /> He went on to earn his ] degree from Vanderbilt in 1967.<ref name="about" />

==Attorney==
Thompson was admitted to the ] in 1967. He worked as an assistant ] from 1969 to 1972.<ref>, Lawrenceburg Tennessee</ref> In that position, he successfully prosecuted bank robbery and other cases.<ref name="Lawrimore" /> At that time, he shortened his first name from Freddie to Fred.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2007/09/freddie.html|last=Malcolm |first=Andrew|title=Shocking truth about Fred Thompson revealed!|publisher='']''|date=], ] |accessdate=2007-09-06}}</ref>

In 1972, he was the campaign manager for Republican U.S. Senator ]'s successful re-election campaign, which led to a close friendship with Baker. He later served as co-chief counsel to the ] in its investigation of the ], (1973–1974), and afterwards wrote a book about it.<ref>Thompson, Fred. '''' (1975).</ref>

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Thompson worked primarily as an attorney, with law offices in ] and Washington, DC. Among the cases Thompson handled in his private law practice were ] claims and the defense of individuals accused of ]s.<ref>Vogel, Kenneth. , '']'' (]). Retrieved ].</ref> While in private practice, he also accepted appointments as ] to the ] (1980–1981), Special Counsel to the ] (1982), and Member of the Appellate Court Nominating Commission for the State of Tennessee (1985–1987).<ref name="Lawrimore" /><ref name="about" />

His clients included foreign corporations, such as a ] mining group and ]'s ].<ref name="MC961201" /> Thompson has served on various corporate boards. For example, in the 1990s, he did legal work for the engineering firm ], while also serving on its ].<ref name="Dilanian" />

===Role in Watergate hearings===
{{main|Watergate scandal}}
], and ] of the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973.]]

Thompson was appointed minority counsel for the hearings surrounding the ].<ref name="thompsoncooperates">{{cite news |last=| first= | |publisher='']''|title=Thompson cooperated with White House during Watergate |url=http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=6757748|date=], ]}}</ref> He was responsible for Baker's asking one of the questions that is said to have led directly to the downfall of ] ]: "What did the President know, and when did he know it?"<ref name="foxthompsonmulls">
{{cite news |last=Cameron| first=Carl | |publisher='']''|title=National TV Star, Former Republican Senator Fred Thompson Mulls '08 Presidential Bid|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,257858,00.html|date=], ]}}
</ref>
Thompson himself asked former White House aide ] at a public committee hearing about listening devices in the White House, although the committee already knew the answer to that question (Butterfield had been interviewed earlier by Senate investigators in closed session).<ref name="thompsoncooperates">
{{cite news |last=| first= | |publisher='']''|title=National Thompson cooperated with White House during Watergate |url=http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=6757748|date=], ]}}
</ref><ref name=MC961201>{{cite news |last=Cottle |first=Michelle |url=http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/archives/9612.cottle.html
|title=Another Beltway Bubba? |publisher='']''|date=], ] |accessdate=2007-04-08}}</ref>
Nixon was reportedly angry that Thompson had been selected as minority counsel to the Senate Watergate committee; Nixon believed the young Thompson was not skilled enough to interrogate unfriendly witnesses and would be outfoxed by committee ].<ref name="Lowy" /> According to historian Stanley Kutler, Thompson and Baker "carried water for the White House, but I have to give them credit — they were watching out for their interests, too... They weren't going to mindlessly go down the tubes" for Nixon.<ref name="Lowy">
Lowy, Joan. "," ''Associated Press'' (]).</ref>

In his Watergate memoir, Thompson acknowledged that he provided information to Nixon's lawyer even though he had no authority to act for the committee. Thompson "believed it would be in everyone's interest if the White House realized, before making any public statements, the probable position of both the majority and the minority of the Watergate committee" regarding the ].<ref name="Lowy" /> In response to renewed interest in this matter, Thompson says, "I'm glad all of this has finally caused someone to read my Watergate book, even though it's taken them over 30 years."<ref name="Boston Globe-Kranish-2007-07-04">{{cite news |last=Kranish |first=Michael |title=Not all would put a heroic sheen on Thompson's Watergate role |publisher='']'' |pages=Sec. 1, p. 10 |url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/07/04/not_all_would_put_a_heroic_sheen_on_thompsons_watergate_role/ |date =July 4, 2007 |accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref>

===Corruption case against Tennessee governor===
In 1977, Thompson represented Marie Ragghianti, a former Tennessee ] chair, who had been fired for refusing to release felons after they had ] aides to Democratic Governor ] in order to obtain ].<ref name="blanton">''. Retrieved ].</ref> With Thompson's assistance, Ragghianti filed a wrongful termination suit against Blanton's office. During the trial, Thompson helped to expose the cash-for-clemency scheme that eventually led to Blanton's removal from the Governor's office.<ref name=MC961201/> In July 1978, a jury awarded Ragghianti $38,000 in back pay and ordered her reinstatement.<ref name="blanton" />

Ragghianti's case would garner national attention and became the subject of a book, ''Marie'', written by ] published in 1983. The film rights for the book were purchased by director ], who, after travelling to Nashville to speak with the people involved with the original case, asked Thompson if he wanted to play himself in the movie; Thompson agreed. The resulting film, '']'', was Thompson's first acting role and was released in ].

==Lobbyist==
Thompson has been a ] intermittently since 1975, and has earned about $1 million from his lobbying efforts during that time. He said that criticism about his lobbying activities likely would intensify as he got closer to announcing his candidacy, but that he expected that such criticism would likely produce “the same results” as it did during his 1994 and 1996 Senate races.<ref name="DefendsLobbying"/> Except for the year 1981, his lobbying never amounted to more than a third of his income.<ref name="appeal">Locker, Richard. "Thompson tells why lobbyist pay rose with GOP-led Senate", ''Commercial Appeal'' (]).</ref> According to the '']'' newspaper:

<blockquote>Fred Thompson earned about half a million dollars from Washington lobbying from 1975 through 1993....Lobbyist disclosure records show Thompson had six lobbying clients: ], two ] companies, the Tennessee Savings and Loan League, the Teamsters Union's Central States Pension Fund, and a ]-based business coalition that lobbied for federal grants.<ref name="appeal" /></blockquote>

For example, in 1982, on behalf of the Tennessee Savings and Loan League, Thompson lobbied Congress to pass the ] which ] the ] (S&L) industry.<ref name=MC961201/> This Act was supported by President ] and a large congressional majority, but it turned out to be one of many contributing factors that led to the ] of the late 1980s.<ref>Leibold, Arthur. "Some Hope for the Future After a Failed National Policy for Thrifts" ''in'' Barth, James et al. '''', pages 58–59 (2004). Leibold cites Strunk and Case, ''Where Regulation Went Wrong: A Look at the Causes Behind Savings and Loan Failures in the 1980s'', pages 14–16 (1988).</ref> Thompson received $1600 for communicating with some congressional staffers on this issue.<ref name="appeal" />

Thompson also did some lobbying for free. For example, when ]an President ] was overthrown in 1991, Thompson made a telephone call to ], then ], in order to advocate restoration of Aristide's government.<ref name="lobbying">Vogel, Kenneth. , ''The Politico'' (]).</ref> In 1994, Aristide was restored to power by U.S. troops under President ].<ref name="DefendsLobbying">{{cite news
|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-06-26-thompson-lobbyist_N.htm |title=Fred Thompson defends lobbyist past |first= |last= |publisher='']'' |date=], ] |accessdate=2007-07-25}}</ref>

Billing records show that Thompson, ] as ], was paid for about 20 hours of work in 1991 and 1992 on behalf of a ] group trying to ease a departmental regulation on ] counseling in federally-funded clinics.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/19/MNGAGR38681.DTL |title=Thompson lobbied for family planning |first= |last= |publisher='']'' |date=], ] |accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref> President ] eased the departmental regulation when he sent a memo to ] Secretary ] stating that the regulation should allow referrals of women to facilities that perform abortion, but not to facilities whose principal business is providing abortions.<ref>, Wash Memo Alan Guttmacher Inst. 1991 Nov 22;(18):1–2, 4.</ref> With this easing of the regulation, Congress failed by 12 votes to override a veto by President ] of legislation that would have completely overturned the regulation.<ref name="clymer">Clymer, Adam. , ''New York Times'' (]).</ref>

After leaving the Senate in 2003, Thompson's only lobbying work was for the ]-based ] company ]. He was paid $760,000 between 2004 and 2006 in order to help prevent passage of legislation that Equitas said unfairly singled them out for unfavorable treatment regarding ].<ref name="Dilanian">Dilanian, Ken. , ] (]).</ref> Thompson spokesman Mark Corrallo said that Thompson was proud to have been a lobbyist and believed in Equitas' cause.<ref>Birnbaum, Jeffrey. , ''Washington Post'', June 12, 2007</ref>

==Character actor==
After casting Thompson in his first acting role in ''Marie'', Roger Donaldson then cast Thompson in the part of ] in the ] film '']''.<ref name=Hayes070502>{{cite news
|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/013/528aylls.asp |title=From the Courthouse to the White House
|first=Stephen F. |last=Hayes |publisher=]
|date=], ] |accessdate=2007-05-02}}</ref> Thompson would go on to appear in many films and television shows. A 1994 '']'' profile wrote that "When ] directors need someone who can personify governmental power, they often turn to ."<ref name=NYT941112/> He has portrayed a fictional president of the United States in '']'' as well as two historical presidents: ] in '']'' (2007) and the voice of ] in ''Rachel and Andrew Jackson: A Love Story'' (both produced for TV).<ref>Keel, Beverly. , ''The Tennessean'' (]).</ref>

In the final months of his ] term in 2002, Thompson joined the cast of the long-running ] ] '']'', playing District Attorney ]. Thompson began filming during the August 2002 Senate recess.<ref name="Lawrimore">Lawrimore, Erin. , University of Tennessee Special Collections Library (]).</ref>

He has also made occasional appearances in the same role on other TV shows, such as '']'', '']'', and the ] of '']''. On ] ], he asked to be released from the role, potentially in preparation for a presidential bid.<ref name="lawandorder"/> Due to concerns about the ], scenes with Branch will be excised from reruns shown on ], but ] episodes will be unaffected.<ref>, ''Seattle Times'' (]).</ref>

==Senate (1994–2003)==
]
===Two campaigns for U.S. Senate===
In 1994, Thompson was elected to finish the remaining two years of ]'s unexpired ] term. Gore had been elected ] in ], and resigned his Senate seat leaving ] as "caretaker" of the seat. During the 1994 campaign, Thompson's opponent was longtime Nashville Congressman ]. Thompson campaigned in a red pickup truck, and Cooper charged that Thompson "is a lobbyist and actor who talks about lower taxes, talks about change, while he drives a rented stage prop."<ref>Powers, William. , '']'' (]). There is some question about whether Thompson actually did the driving. According to Kevin Drum of the '']'', "Thompson didn't even deign to drive the thing himself." Drum, Kevin. , '']'' (]). Retrieved ]. Media reports in May and June 2007 said that Thompson still has the truck, which is "parked behind Thompson's mother's home outside Nashville." Chipman, Kim. , ''Bloomberg'' (]). According to ''Newsweek'', "The paint is peeling and its U.S. Senate license plates expired back in 2002." Bailey, Holly. , ''Newsweek'' (]). Retrieved ].</ref> In a good year for Republican candidates,<ref>Traub, James. , ''New York Times Magazine'' (]): "The Republicans shocked political professionals, including President Bill Clinton, by gaining 52 seats in the House, giving them a majority there for the first time in 40 years. (They picked up eight seats in the Senate to wrest control there as well.)"</ref> Thompson defeated Cooper in a landslide upset victory, overcoming Cooper's early 20 percent margin in the polls to defeat Cooper by an even greater margin.<ref>{{cite news
|last =Heilemann| first=John |publisher='']''
|title=The Shadow Candidates |url=http://nymag.com/news/politics/powergrid/30930/ |accessdate=2007-06-18}}</ref> On the same night Thompson was elected to fill Gore's unexpired term, political newcomer ], a Nashville heart surgeon, defeated three-term incumbent Democrat ], the chairman of the ], for Tennessee's other U.S. Senate seat, which was up for a full six-year term. The twin victories by Thompson and Frist gave Republicans control of both of Tennessee's Senate seats for the first time since Sasser ousted incumbent ] in 1976.

In 1996, Thompson was re-elected (for the term ending ], ]) with 61 percent of the vote, defeating Democratic attorney Houston Gordon of ], even as Bill Clinton narrowly carried the state by less than three percentage points on his way to re-election.<ref>, Psephos, Adam Carr's Election Archive.</ref> The GOP continues to hold the seat, as it was won by former Tennessee Governor and ] ] in ].

===Senate career===
].]]
While in the Senate, Thompson served as the chairman of the ] from 1997 to 2001. The committee investigated ] prior to the 1996 elections. However, Thompson was "largely stymied" during those investigations, with witnesses declining to testify, claiming the right not to incriminate themselves, or simply leaving the United States' jurisdiction.<ref name=JF070317>{{cite news
|last =Fund| first=John |publisher='']''
|title=Lights, Camera ... Candidacy?
|url=http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009798
|date=], ] |accessdate=2007-04-08}}</ref> Thompson's final report on the matter also pointed to another problem: "Our work was affected tremendously by the fact that Congress is a much more partisan institution than it used to be."<ref>Thompson, Fred. (]).</ref>

When control of the Senate passed from Republicans to Democrats in 2001, Thompson became the ranking minority member of the Committee on Governmental Affairs.<ref>Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, . Retrieved (]).</ref> Among his other assignments during his years in the Senate were the Finance Committee (dealing with ], ], ], and taxation), the Intelligence Committee, and the National Security Working Group.<ref> (via Archive.org).</ref>

Thompson's work as a senator included investigation of the ] involving the death of Tennessean Lance Fielder during the ], support for ], opposing ] of ], and promoting government efficiency and accountability.<ref name="Lawrimore" /> One of his more unusual acting roles was serving as a Clinton stand-in, to help prepare ] for presidential debates in 1996.<ref name="Lawrimore" />

].]]Thompson has an 86.1 percent lifetime (1995–2002) ] vote rating, compared to 89.3 for ] and 82.3 for ].<ref>"", ''Washington Times Editorial'' (]).</ref><ref> (including bio, positions, finances, interest group ratings, votes, and statements).</ref> Senator ] (R-]) characterized her colleague this way: "I believe that Fred is a fearless senator. By that I mean he was never afraid to cast a vote or take a stand, regardless of the political consequences."<ref>Theobald, Bill., ''The Tennessean'' (]).</ref> Thompson was "on the short end of a couple of 99-1 votes,"<ref name="federalism"/> voting against those who wanted to ] matters that he believed were properly left to state and local officials.

On ] ], the Senate voted on the ]. The perjury charge was defeated with 45 votes for ], and 55 including Thompson against. The ] charge was defeated with 50 including Thompson for conviction, and 50 against. Conviction on ] charges requires the affirmative votes of 67 senators.

With Thompson's decision to campaign for the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination, his Senate record has received some criticism from people who say he was "lazy" compared to other Senators.<ref>"" ''Newsweek'' (])</ref> Critics point to the fact that few of his proposals became law, and to a 1998 quote: "I don't like spending 14- and 16-hour days voting on 'sense of the Senate' resolutions on irrelevant matters. There are some important things we really need to get on with—and on a daily basis, it's very frustrating." Defenders say he spent more time in preparation than other Senators. Paul Noe, a former staffer, told the New York Times, "On the lazy charge, I have to chuckle because I was there sometimes until 1 in the morning working with the man."<ref>"" ''The New York Times'' (])</ref>

In the 2000 Republican presidential primaries, Thompson initially backed former Tennessee Gov. ], who eventually succeeded Thompson in the Senate, two years later. When Alexander dropped out of the presidential race, Thompson endorsed Senator ]'s bid and became his national co-chairman.<ref>{{cite news
|last=Neal |first=Terry M. |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/wh2000/stories/pmcmccain081899.htm
|title=McCain Re-Emerges; Receives Thompson Endorsement
|publisher='']'' |date=], ]}}</ref> Both McCain and Thompson were contenders to be ]'s running mate in 2000.<ref>, ''USA Today'' (]).</ref><ref>Zuckerbrod, Nancy., via oakridger.com ]). Retrieved ].</ref>

== Post-Senate activities ==
Thompson was not a candidate for re-election in 2002. He had publicly stated his unwillingness to have the Senate become a long-term career. Although he announced in the wake of the ] his intention to seek re-election ("Now is not the time for me to leave," said Thompson at the time), upon further reflection he decided against it.<ref name=Hayes070502/> The decision seems to have been prompted in large part by the death of his daughter.<ref name=JF070317/><ref name="TIME070524">{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1624881,00.html
|title=A New Role for Fred Thompson |authorlink=Mark Halperin |last=Halperin |first=Mark |publisher='']'' |date=], ]}}</ref>

===Political work===
].]]In March 2003, Thompson was featured in a commercial by the conservative non-profit group ] that advocated the ], stating: "When people ask what has ] done to us, I ask, what had the ] done to us -- before 9/11."<ref name="cnncitizensunited>{{cite news
|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0303/01/smn.10.html
|title=Interview with Mike Boos of Citizens United
|authorlink=CNN Saturday Morning News
|publisher='']'' |date=], ]}}</ref>

Thompson did voice-over work at the ].<ref>Goldsmith, Brian. , CBS News (]).</ref> While narrating a video for that convention, Thompson observed: "History throws you what it throws you, and you never know what’s coming."<ref>Thompson, Fred. , via YouTube. Retrieved (]).</ref>

After the retirement of ] ] ] in 2005, Bush appointed him to an informal position to help guide the nomination of ] through the ] confirmation process.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/08/AR2005090801691.html |title=Hill Veterans Light the Way for Nominee |first=Christopher |last=Lee |publisher='']'' |date=], ] |accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref> Roberts was subsequently confirmed as ].

Until July 2007, Thompson was Chair of the International Security Advisory Board, a bipartisan advisory panel that reports to the ] and focuses on emerging strategic threats.<ref>, State Department web site.</ref> In that capacity, he advised the ] about all aspects of ], disarmament, international security, and related aspects of public ].<ref>, State Department web site.</ref>

===Legal defense for Lewis Libby===
{{main|Lewis Libby}}
In 2006, he served on the advisory board of the legal defense fund for ], who was ] and later convicted of lying to federal investigators during their investigation of the ].<ref>
{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/09/washington/09notebook.html |title=Media Censors for the Jury Let a Style Item Get Through |first=Scott |last=Shane |publisher='']'' |date=], ]}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite news
|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/02/09/libby.grand.jury/index.html |title=Libby trial provides a rare look inside the grand jury |first=Kevin |last=Bohn |publisher='']'' |date=], ]}}
</ref>
Thompson, who had never met Libby before volunteering for the advisory board, said he was convinced Libby was innocent.<ref name=Hayes070502/>
The Scooter Libby Legal Defense Fund Trust set out to raise more than $5 million to help finance the legal defense of Vice President ]'s former chief of staff.<ref>
Loller, Travis. , '']'' (]).
</ref>
Thompson hosted a fundraiser for the Libby defense fund at his home in McLean, Virginia.<ref>
Copeland, Libby and Montgomery, David. , '']'' (]).
</ref>
After Bush commuted Libby's sentence,<ref>], , '']'', ], ], accessed ], ].</ref> Thompson released a statement: "I am very happy for Scooter Libby. I know that this is a great relief to him, his wife and children. This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life."<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,287790,00.html |title=Political Leaders Express Outrage, Support for 'Scooter' Libby's Commuted Sentence |first= |last= |publisher='']'' |date=], 2007]]}}
</ref>

===Radio analyst===
In 2006, he signed on with ] to serve as senior analyst and vacation replacement for ].<ref>Miller, Korin. , '']'' (]).</ref> He used that platform to spell out his positions on a number of political issues. A ], ] update to Thompson's ABC News Radio home page referred to him as a "former ABC News Radio contributor," indicating that Thompson has been released from his contract with the broadcaster.<ref>, ] Radio Networks.</ref>

==Controversy==
{{main|Fred Thompson controversies}}

Fred Thompson has seen some controversy, most notably allegations about ], allegations about ] to benefit his son, and allegations about ].

==Political positions==
{{Main|Political positions of Fred Thompson}}
] ] ].]]
Thompson has said that federalism is his "]," providing "a basis for a proper analysis of most issues: 'Is this something government should be doing? If so, at what level of government?'"<ref name="federalism">Thompson, Fred. , ] (]). Retrieved ].</ref>

He says that '']'' was a wrong decision that ought to be overturned and that he is pro-life,<ref>{{cite news
| title = Transcript: Former Sen. Fred Thompson on 'FOX News Sunday'
| url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,258222,00.html
| date = 2007-03-11
| accessdate = 2007-06-17 }}</ref> but that states should not criminalize young women for early term ].<ref name="hannity">, ''Fox News Interview'' (]).</ref><ref>Bailey, Holly. "," ''Newsweek'' (]).</ref>
He would not support a ] to ban ], but would support an amendment preserving each state's right to decide the matter for itself.<ref>{{cite web | publisher =CNN | title=Thompson: Roe bad law and bad medicine | url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/08/17/thompson-on-running-we%e2%80%99ll-be-in/ |date=], ] | accessdate=2007-08-13 }}<br />{{cite web |publisher=The Corner |title=Nix That |date=], ] |accessdate=2007-08-20 |url=http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NTY1MTQ1NWM3ZWQ5MTIxYjk3ZTIzNGJlZTI3YTBhZDA= }}</ref>

Thompson has voiced skepticism that ] is to blame for ].<ref>Thompson, Fred. , ], March 22, 2007. Accessed May 13, 2007.</ref> He says citizens are entitled to ] if they do not have criminal records.<ref name=ArmedWithTruth>Thompson, Fred. , ], May 10, 2007. Accessed May 13, 2007.</ref> Thompson's support of the ] campaign finance legislation brought criticism from groups such as ] (GOA), who said that the legislation limited their ability to inform the public about the gun rights voting records of incumbent politicians.<ref name=GOA>Fields, Craig. , Gun Owners of America (GOA). Accessed June 10, 2007.</ref> Thompson now says that the limitation on political speech within 30 or 60 days of an election was wrong and should be repealed.<ref>, Fox News, June 6, 2007. Accessed June 9, 2007.</ref> Thompson says U.S. borders need to be secured before considering comprehensive ] reform,<ref name="Lincoln Day">Thompson, Fred. , ], May 4, 2007. Accessed May 13, 2007.</ref> and federal law must be enforced in sanctuary cities which currently ban cooperation between local officials and federal immigration officials.<ref>Thomspon, Fred. , ''Townhall.com'' (]).</ref>
Thompson supported the U.S. ]
and is opposed to withdrawing troops from Iraq,<ref name=>{{cite web
| title = Thompson: U.S. must rebuild military
| date = 2007-08-21
| url = http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070821/ap_po/candidates_iraq
| accessdate = 2007-07-02 }}</ref> but believes that "mistakes have been made" since the invasion.<ref name= FNS311>{{cite web
| title = Former Sen. Fred Thompson on 'FOX News Sunday'
| date = 2007-03-11
| url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,258222,00.html
| accessdate = 2007-07-02 }}</ref>

==2008 presidential election campaign==
{{Future election candidate|Thompson, Fred}}
{{main|Fred Thompson presidential campaign, 2008}}

On ] ], Thompson appeared on '']'' to discuss the possibility of a 2008 candidacy for president. Thompson's March 11 announcement spurred a flurry of activity. One group of supporters organized under the banner "FredHeadsUSA" with a plan to build a grassroots political movement to expand on Thompson's support on the Internet.<ref>See the and the .</ref>

On ], Thompson published a video in which he declined to debate ] about ].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=611 |title=Thompson Responds to Michael Moore Challenge |publisher=Breitbart.tv |format=video clip |date=], ] |accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> On May 18, he continued his Internet campaign by posting a letter to ] acknowledging his online supporters.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://pajamasmedia.com/2007/05/fred_thompson_exclusive_story.php |title=To PJM and Friends |first=Fred |last=Thompson |publisher='']'' | date=], ]}}</ref> Thompson formed an ] on ], ].<ref name="whsvspeakinrichmond">{{cite news | title =Fred Thompson to Speak in Richmond | publisher =WHSV TV | date =2007-06-01 | url =http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/7800651.html | accessdate = 2007-06-03 }}</ref> Unlike most candidate exploratory groups, his organized as a ].<ref>{{cite news | last=Horrigan | first=Marie |title =Fred Thompson’s Long ‘Exploration’ Raises Money — and Confusion | publisher =Congressional Quarterly | date =2007-07-31 | url =http://www.cqpolitics.com/2007/07/fred_thompsons_long_exploratio.html | accessdate = 2007-08-08 }}</ref>

On ], ], Thompson appeared on '']''. He would not announce his candidacy, but referred to his presidential exploratory committee, which he stated had yielded positive prospects. ] mentioned that Thompson was #2 in the polls, and asked him if he would at least state if he would like the job of President. Thompson responded that, while he did not crave the job itself, there were things he would like to do that he could only do by holding that office.<ref>{{cite news | title =Thompson Tells Leno He Would Like to Be President | publisher =Fox News | date =2007-06-07 | url =http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,281596,00.html | accessdate = 2007-06-28 }}</ref>

A '']'' article cited Thompson's aides as saying on ] that he planned to enter the race just after ] (the first Monday in September), followed by a national announcement tour.<ref> Nagourney, Adam. , '']'' (]).</ref> On ], ], ] was named manager of Thompson's "testing the waters committee". Lacy had worked in the campaigns of Presidents Reagan and Bush, as well as Senator ], and had worked on Thompson's 1994 campaign.<ref>{{cite web | title =Bill Lacy Named Committee Manager | url=http://www.imwithfred.com/NewsRoom/PressRelease.aspx?ID=9d594519-30fe-4026-83e3-3d5eda6fb1d1 | date=], ] | access date =] }}</ref>
On ], ], Thompson made his candidacy official, announcing on ]: "I'm running for president of the United States."<ref name=Forbes20070905>{{cite news |url=http://www.forbes.com/leadership/2007/09/05/politics-republicans-presidency-lead-cx_sm_0905thompson.html|date=2007-09-05 |publisher=Forbes |title=Thompson Finally Steps Onstage |author=Steve McGookin}} Brief excerpts from the Tonight Show appearance are . The full Tonight Show transcript is .</ref> He steered viewers to his web site for a 15-minute video announcement of his candidacy.<ref>Bond, Paul. (]). The 15-minute video is available at and is .</ref> He also ran an ad on ] just before the ].<ref></ref> The ], ] issue of '']'' hit newsstands with a detailed ] about him.<ref>Bailey, Holly. , ''Newsweek'' (]).</ref>

As of ], ], state-by-state ] show that Thompson has strength in southern states such as Texas,<ref>]</ref> North Carolina,<ref>]</ref> South Carolina<ref>]</ref> (which is a key early state), Georgia,<ref>]</ref> Tennessee<ref>]</ref> (which he served as U.S. Senator) and Alabama<ref>]</ref> (his birthplace). Meanwhile, ] polls ahead of all other candidates in a majority of states including the delegate-rich states of California,<ref>]</ref> New York<ref>]</ref> and Florida.<ref>]</ref> Also, ] shows strength in the key early states of Iowa,<ref>]</ref> New Hampshire<ref>]</ref> and Nevada,<ref>]</ref> and is also polling well in Michigan<ref>]</ref> (which may be a key early state), Utah<ref>]</ref> and Idaho.<ref>]</ref>

==Personal life==

]In September 1959, at the age of 17, Thompson ] Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey.<ref>{{cite news | author=Mathews, Joe | url=http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-thompson6sep06,0,7136744.story?coll=la-home-center | title=Thompson wed his ambition | publisher=Los Angeles Times | date=(])| accessdate=2007-09-07}}: "In the summer of 1959….Lindsey told Thompson she was pregnant. He responded, friends say, by asking her to marry him…. Freddie and Sarah exchanged vows in a Methodist church during the second week of his senior year. Seven months later, in April 1960, 17-year-old Thompson had a son."</ref> Their son, Freddie Dalton "Tony" Thompson Jr.<ref name="Knoxnews"/>, was born in April 1960.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070506/NEWS0206/705060398 |title=Fred Thompson chronology |publisher='']'' |date=], ]}}</ref> Another son and a daughter were born soon thereafter. While Thompson was attending ], both he and his wife worked to pay for his education and support their three children.<ref name=MC961201/>

The couple ]d in 1985. They have two surviving children,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/02/us/politics/02thompson.html?ex=1341115200&en=090491f42de11114&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink |title=As Senator Rose, Lobbying Became Family Affair |first=David |last=Kirkpatrick |publisher='']'' |date=], ]}}</ref> as well as five grandchildren. Thompson's daughter Elizabeth "Betsy" Thompson Panici died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs on ], ].<ref name=JF070317/><ref name="TIME070524">{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1624881,00.html
|title=Has Fred Thompson Found His Role? |authorlink=Mark Halperin |last=Halperin |first=Mark |publisher='']'' |date=], ]}}</ref>

Prior to his second marriage, Thompson had been romantically linked to ] singer ], Republican ] ] and ] ].<ref>Baxter, Sarah. , ''Times Online'' (]).</ref> Thompson met Republican consultant ] in July 1996<ref>{{cite news
|url= http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/131015771.html?dids=131015771:131015771&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT |title=Reliable Sources |first=Lloyd |last=Grove
|publisher='']'' |date=], ]}}</ref> and the two married on ], ]. They have two children.<ref name=JF070317/>

Thompson has ] (NHL), a form of ]. "I have had no illness from it, or even any symptoms. My life expectancy should not be affected. I am in ], and it is very treatable with drugs if treatment is needed in the future — and with no debilitating side effects," Thompson said.<ref name=FN070411>{{cite news
|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,265271,00.html
|title=Former Senator Fred Thompson in Remission for Lymphoma
|publisher='']''
|date=] ]}}</ref>
Like many patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Thompson received treatment with ].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-apthompson11apr11,1,1455880.story
|title=Fred Thompson discloses past cancer diagnosis
|author=] |publisher='']''
|date=], ]}}</ref>
Thompson's cancer, though currently incurable, is reportedly ], the lowest of three grades of NHL.<ref name=FN070411/> The cancer is nodal marginal zone lymphoma, a rare form of NHL, that accounts for only one to three percent of all cases of NHL.<ref>Bloom, Mark. "," ''MedPage Today'' (]).</ref> Two other potential Republican presidential nominees have also had cancer: ] and ].

Thompson is a member of the ], a non-denominational group of ] churches affiliated with the ]-] ].<ref>Useem, Andrea. , ''Religion Writer.com'' (]). Retrieved ]. At least two former presidents were associated with the Restoration Movement religions, including ] and ]. After Garfield's time, the Restoration movement split; Johnson belonged to the ], which is another branch of the movement. Ronald Reagan was raised as a member of Disciples of Christ, but later attended ] services. See , Ronald Reagan Foundation.</ref> According to Thompson, his values come from "sitting around the kitchen table" with his parents, and from the Church of Christ. While talking to reporters in ], Thompson said, "I attend church when I'm in Tennessee. I'm in McLean right now. I don't attend regularly when I'm up there."<ref name="Chipman">Kim Chipman, , ''Bloomberg'' (]).</ref> He does not plan to speak about his religion during his campaign saying, "Me getting up and talking about what a wonderful person I am and that sort of thing, I'm not comfortable with that, and I don't think it does me any good."<ref name="Chipman" />

==Filmography==
===Movies===
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-1-of-3}}
* '']'' (1985)
* '']'' (1987)
* '']'' (1988)
* '']'' (1989)
* '']'' (1990)
* '']'' (1990)
* '']'' (1990)
* '']'' (1991) (uncredited)
* '']'' (1991)
* '']'' (1991)
* '']'' (1991)
* '']'' (1991)
{{Col-2-of-3}}
* '']'' (1992)
* '']'' (1992)
* '']'' (1992) (uncredited)
* '']'' (1993)
* '']'' (1993)
* '']'' (1993)
* '']'' (1994)
* '']'' (2004)
* '']'' (2005, voice)
* '']'' (2005)
* '']'' (2005)
* '']'' (2007)
{{Col-3-of-3}}
{{Col-end}}

===TV series===
* '']'' (2002–2007)
* '']'' (2005–2006)
* '']'' (11 episodes, 2003–2006)
* '']'' (2 episodes, 2005)
* '']'' (1 episode, 2006)
* '']'' (1 episode, 2000, as "Politician on TV")
* '']'' (1 episode in 1989 as "Gordon Lewis" and 1 episode in 1993 as "Prosecutor Mr. McGonigal")
* '']'' (1 episode, 1989, as "Keith Faber")
* '']'' (1 episode, 1989, as "Lt. Col. Reinhardt")
* '']'' (3 episodes, 1988, as "Knox Pooley")

==Electoral history==
<center>
{{Election box begin | title=Tennessee United States Senate Election, 1996}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Republican Party (US)
|candidate = Fred Thompson (])
|votes = 1,091,554
|percentage = 61.37
|change = +0.93
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (US)
|candidate = Houston Gordon
|votes = 654,937
|percentage = 36.82
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent (politician)
|candidate = ]
|votes = 14,401
|percentage = 0.81
|change =
}}
{{Election box majority|
|votes = 436,617
|percentage = 24.55
|change = +2.72
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
|winner = Republican Party (US)
|loser =
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Tennessee United States Senate Election, 1994 (Special)}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Republican Party (US)
|candidate = Fred Thompson
|votes = 885,998
|percentage = 60.44
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (US)
|candidate = ]
|votes = 565,930
|percentage = 38.61
|change =
}}
{{Election box majority|
|votes = 320,068
|percentage = 21.83
|change = -16.07
}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Republican Party (US)
|loser = Democratic Party (US)
|swing =
}}
{{Election box end}}
</center>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Fred Thompson}}
;Official
*, Friends of Fred Thompson, Inc. (official campaign site).
*, ] Radio Networks (official site).
* (official video site).
* (official photo site).
*, University of Tennessee (official archive).
* campaign finance reports and data.
*{{Congbio|T000457}}.
* (From ] retrieved 03 January 2007)
*{{imdb name | id = 0000669 | name = Fred Dalton Thompson}} acting career.
;Documentaries, topic pages and databases
* issue positions and quotes
*] (aka OpenSecrets.org) campaign contributions
**
*
* voting record
*{{dmoz|Regional/North_America/United_States/Society_and_Culture/Politics/Candidates_and_Campaigns/Presidential/2008/Candidates/Thompson,_Fred}}
;News media
* photo gallery
* biography from hometown newspaper
* Lobbying disclosures, 1975–1994.
* collection of news stories and commentary


{{start box}}
{{s-off}}
{{U.S. Senator box|
before=]|
state=Tennessee|
class=2|
years=1994–2003|
after=]|
alongside=], ]
}}
{{succession box
|title=Chairman of ]
|before=]<br />Alaska</br>
|years=1997&ndash;2001
|after=]<br />Connecticut</br>
}}
{{end box}}

{{USSenTN}}

{{2008 U.S. presidential election}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thompson, Fred Dalton}}
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Revision as of 00:57, 4 October 2007

FRED THOMPSON SUPPORTS HITLER