— Though one gets the sense that the “objective” AP isn’t really buying it:
Fred Thompson, a likely Republican presidential candidate, on Tuesday defended his work as a Washington lobbyist, telling The Associated Press that lobbying is an important part of life because “government’s got their hands in everything.”
The actor and former U.S. senator from Tennessee added, “Nobody yet has pointed out any of my clients that didn’t deserve representation.”
Thompson, who likes to cast himself as a political outsider, earned more than $1 million lobbying the federal government for more than 20 years. He lobbied for a savings-and-loan deregulation bill that helped hasten the industry’s collapse and a failed nuclear energy project that cost taxpayers more than a billion dollars.
[my emphasis]
As Powerline’s John Hinderaker points out, however, “deregulation delayed the collapse of the S&L industry and allowed some S&Ls to survive.” Similarly, in describing Thompson’s effort on behalf of a “failed nuclear energy project that cost taxpayers more than a billion dollars,” the AP article doesn’t speak at all to why the project failed, the relative merits of the project, or the role of a lobbyist in lobbying on behalf of such a project.
In the first example, the AP misrepresents the role of deregulation, and therefore ties Thompson’s efforts to the S&L collapse; in the second example, the AP engages in bias by omission: what was Thompson’s role in the loss of more than a billion taxpayer dollars? How, exactly, were those tax dollars lost? What does a lobbyist even do?
In the case of the nuclear energy plant, for instance, Thompson, working for Westinghouse, lobbied on behalf of a local concern looking to bring a European-style breeder reactor to Tennessee.
Given all the talk lately about the need for alternative energies, this makes Westinghouse look downright prescient — and those who worked to scuttle the project less so. Which shouldn’t reflect on Thompson either way, given that he was acting as a paid advocate.
Here, again, is Hinderaker:
There’s a reason why people in public life generally become lobbyists after they’ve run for office, not before. Lobbyists are like lawyers (many of them, like Thompson, are lawyers) in that they are available for hire by clients who may or may not be “right” in a public policy sense, but who deserve an opportunity to plead their case. A lobbyist need not agree with all of his clients’ positions as a policy matter, any more than a lawyer need agree with all of the postitions his clients take in litigation. But it’s easy to make a lobbyist look bad by associating him with his clients’ causes.
Which, if these early broadsides represent the beginning of a long-term trend, would seem to be the mode of attack the “objective” media plans to use against Thompson.
For his part, Thompson need only admit readily to the activities, explain to the American people what it is lobbyists do, suggest that the campaign to tie him to scurrilous activity by implication is a symptom of the media’s bias and its own political advocacy — and in doing so, round out his rejoinder by noting that, unlike lobbyists and lawyers, the media is not being paid to advocate.
That, I think, will take the starch out of this particular tactic — and will evidence the very kind of straight-talk that Americans respect and admire, and the kind they associate, not surprisingly, with “political outsiders” or, to borrow from another, less viable Republican candidate, “mavericks.”
****
update: see also, “A Response to Ramesh Ponnuru,” posted on Red State by Fred Thompson. Is federalism ready for its close-up?
In related news, protein wisdom believes he will be able to persuade Dan Collins to post something about Jessica Alba’s honey pit.
Which, that, too, is quite a “get.”
So don’t go thinking Red State has cornered the market as a conservative go-to site just yet.
I really did not want to pay any attention to the Presidential campaign this early. While the conventional wisdom is that the campaign is starting earlier and earlier because of the need to raise money, I think its to feed the news media’s need to say something constantly about nothing. However, it is looking more certain that Thompson is going to be my candidate.
Okay. We’re kinda dumb, but I don’t think we’re “teh” American people, yet.
We don’t have much choice but to pay attention (or at least be aware) what with the 24/7 coverage in the media already. That said, I’m going with Thompson, not a hard decision when evaluating the rest of the field — in fact, with the parade of Rinos in general (not just the candidates for Prez), he’s about the only one I can consider.
After today’s cloture vote on the Amnesty Bill I contacted my state election board for the paperwork to change from a Rep to “non-affiliated.” I’ve had as much as I care to swallow from them and no longer care to be counted among their minions.
If they had more, they woulda used it, so you’re right, this points more to a strategy of tarring lobbyists per se, rather then an expose of any particular lobbying Thompson may have done. From the same people who pimp a one-term senator/trial lawyer as presidential timber. You have to wonder if this is the life Erik Schelzig wanted for himself.
HE’S MAKING A DIFFERENCE, HAPPYFEET!
FOR THE CHILDREN!
When Thompson ran for Gore’s seat in Tennessee, they ran all this stuff about the lobbying and no one here cared at all. Thompson won in a landslide. He could have remained a Tennessee Senator today easily, but he pledged he would do two terms and then leave, which he did (this to me is amazing, I can’t think of too many politicians who stick to the terms pledges that they preach- I love the line he uses “After 8 years in Washington I longed for the sincerity and realism of Hollywood”).
The thing that amazes me about Fred is that I keep reading and listening to the podcasts and essays he posts concerning things like the War, and the economy, etc. and I find myself disagreeing with him rarely if at all. I can’t remember the last time I could honestly say this about a politician.
One vote of interest about Fred we are sure to soon hear about- he was the lone senator to vote AGAINST the highway bill that required all states to lower their DUI levels to .08 instead of .10 in order to received Fed highway money. He thought that should be up to the states, and he always leans states rights.
I’m waiting to see how he reacts to someone hammering him about this.
If Thompson does make it to the White Houseâ€â€and he has as good a chance as anyâ€â€it will be fun watching him feed force-feed the left it’s own bullshit for breakfast. After eight years of firing at will at the inarticulate, defenseless Bush administration, I believe the left has completely forgotten how vulnerable they are to being hoist by their own petard.
yours/
peter.
“The impact cratering community does not accept structures as craters unless there is evidence of high temperatures and high pressures.”
So by this standard I don’t think they laid a glove on Fred.
Interesting essay by Fred defending his Federalists stances in response to a stab by Ramesh Ponnoru.
http://www.redstate.com/stories/policy/my_retort_on_torts
This is the kind of stuff I keep reading by Fred and thinking to myself “why is he the only guy running who sounds this reasonable?”
Yup. The AP don’t take a crap without a plan, son…
Hmmmm.
@ Jeff
Actually they are, through paid advertising.
Remember a lot of liberals are on boards of directors and are CEOs and they can certainly determine where advertising money goes.
I think it would be great for Thompson to explain that for 20 years he was a DC corporate lawyer/lobbyist. He can do it folksy too. Maybe with a red pickup truck.
Shine, look at Thompson’s whole career and it will be instantly obvious that he’s got a lot more talent than you do.
“I think it would be great for Thompson to explain that for 20 years he was a DC corporate lawyer/lobbyist.”
Maybe we can help, shine, what part of it don’t you understand?
I don’t doubt that he can quite convincingly — and much better than me — act. And that goes a long way in an election.
“Maybe we can help, shine, what part of it don’t you understand?”
Its not that I don’t understand it. I know how that stuff works. You get out of politics, you sell access to politics. Completely normal, and everyone should totally hire lobbyists.
It’s just that he needs to keep saying that for 20 years he was a DC corporate lawyer / lobbyist. Folksy-like, though.
Luckily, lobbying is a main component of big tent conservatism. Screw “limited” government; cornering ‘K’ Street is what governing is all about. Well that and being pro-life.
“It’s just that he needs to keep saying that for 20 years he was a DC corporate lawyer / lobbyist. Folksy-like, though.”
He has got the media and plenty of other people saying it for him, I think the word will get out. Maybe you should be reminding Hillary to tell us about her husband and daughter.
Don’t confuse “Bureaucracy” with “Government”
Just ask the Chinese.
“I think it would be great for Thompson to explain that for 20 years he was a DC corporate lawyer/lobbyist.â€Â
He already did. We in Tennessee didn’t care. I suspect the more that people in the other states hear what he has to say, they won’t care either. They might even think the truck thing is kinda neat.
We bein’ simple folk and such.
“He has got the media and plenty of other people saying it for him, I think the word will get out. ”
Ok. Jeff was kind of suggesting it too. I think its a good idea that he do it lots. You know, highlight his inside DC experience.
Alan – How is lobbying associated with conservatism any more than it is associated with the Dems. Are we to assume that the NEA, NAACP, all of the unions, and the trial lawyers do not lobby on behalf of their own interests ?
“You know, highlight his inside DC experience.”
Just be careful you don’t over do it, makes it hard to play the “he is just an actor” card if you overplay the DC insider bit. But as long as you steadfastly avoid addressing anything he actually says you should probably be okay.
Why do you fear the Fred so, shine?
Alan – How is lobbying any more closely aligned with conservatives than Democrats? I get it, the NEA, trial lawyers, all of the unions, and the NAACP do not lobby on behalf of their own interests ?
“Why do you fear the Fred so, shine?”
Whats not to like about him? Good actor, all that DC experience, loses polls to frickin Hillary.
Indeed, highlight it. It is essentially paid advocacy — like lawyering — and he made, what, $1 million in 20 years?
That’s $50K a year.
Don’t know how he’s going to explain that one away to the Other America, but I say he give it a go.
But I demand that he do it in a Boston Brahman accent. Just to test his range.
Watch out, shine. We know you’re just taking the Talking Point®™ around the block.
s/Thompson/Edwards/*
Regards,
Ric
Dan did Jessica? Wow, now I’m impressed.
Does this mean I have to be nice to Dan from now on?
“s/Thompson/Edwards/*”
Except I think they worked for different sorts of clients. But close. Everyone should have lawyers and lobbyists.
Man, you’d think they’d at least get more of the facts right if they’re looking to make the hit job stick.
Once more – the loosening of cash reserve requirements on S&L’s wasn’t a willy-nilly enterprise, it was based on the calculation that commercial real estate would remain an attractive investment. When Congress decided to stick it to the eeeeeee-vil corporations and eliminate tax deductions for mortgages on commercial properties, the commercial real estate market suddenly tanked. A whole pantsload of S&Ls (not to mention banks) were suddenly left holding property that was underwater in terms of debt / market value. Regular banks, with substantially higher cash reserve requirements, were able to absorb the enormous losses. S&Ls, with lower cash reserves, tanked. Pretty simple, another story about the unintended consequences of ‘well meaning’ anti-corporate populism.
I mean, God calls Fred Thompson to get permission to make it rain, but even Fred isn’t powerful enough to drive hundreds of banks out of business.
Well, okay, fine, he is. But he didn’t. The Dems did. Accidentally.
So we’re basically saying a man, who has been actively working Hollywood for over a decade, only fault was when he was a lobbyist, doing his job. Strong stuff there.
Yeah, Edwards tapped into doctors’ pockets using now debunked science. Laudable, yes? Pity he couldn’t have made a run at Dow Corning over silicon implants – poor guy will have to settle for having harvested a few tens of millions instead of hundreds of millions. The Other America indeed.
“Yeah, Edwards tapped into doctors’ pockets using now debunked science.”
Don’t forget the Jacuzzi manufacturers. That was a good one.
I was already looking for forward to voting for The Fred, but knowing he was the only one to vote against the tyranny of MADD and the Fed Governments encroachment on state speed limits is just icing on the cake.
I’ll settle for voting for him (if I get the chance) because it’ll mean every news anchor working on election night will be under orders from the network to wear Depends® while on the air.
Everyone should have lawyers and lobbyists.
Well, everyone who wants to get anything done in Washington should have them.
“I was already looking for forward to voting for The Fred, but knowing he was the only one to vote against the tyranny of MADD and the Fed Governments encroachment on state speed limits is just icing on the cake.”
Too bad he didn’t get a chance to weigh in on REAL-ID.
Ah, yes, Phred, the Phish of the self-styled populists. He’s a regular Lonesome Rhodes.
Gribblefritz snortaloon commupstagheetiwhiz. Feedonia! Feedonia! Nonsekweeterz amukuputus.
And also Fred likes … women. You know, that way.
Mary Katharine Ham could probably cover the Alba angle for you, having already done it on the immigration issue.
Hey, when’s Phred’s big Phrat party doodz? Gotta rinse mah thongz.
Boy. That southern drawl really does cause the prejudice to come a-bubblin’ up like Jed Clampett’s crude, doesn’t it?
You conservatives are so square-jawed you perforate a box. So, nyahhhh.
I don’t think you really have any thongs. I think you’re just saying that for effect.
Jeff, I’m dealing in chavspeak, which will shortly be the language of all the attillaclass rhetoric. It sure throws people off.
TEH LOBBYIZTZ = TEH SUXXORZ!!1!1one!!
“atillaclass rhetoric” – sorry, Cynn, but I don’t see you as a Hun. Which, actually, is kind of a good thing, I would think.
Can someone link an essay or speech excerpt by any other candidate as clear, concise and substantive as A Response to Ramesh Ponnuru? Fred’s main threat is he makes it clear what vapid poseurs the rest of the field is.
Vapid poseurs? The guy makes two inconsequential votes and earns his federalist bona fides. And he does say he has voted in favor of preemption. We won’t be seeing that go away. For the reasons Ramesh likes it.
Hey, go easy on us vapid poseurs, wouldja?
If you’re going to throw around what you think is an insult, at least spell it right. Attila has only one “l” not two.
P.S. What’s up with the comment box? I had to do the HTML manually, and I won’t know if it’ll work until 5..4..3..2..
Unlike Silky?
Vapid poseurs? The guy makes two inconsequential votes and earns his federalist bona fides.
Goddamn it shine, will you please learn to fucking read? I am not talking about the votes themselves, I am talking about the way he explained the votes, the consequences of the votes and the bills, and his guiding philosophy on the decision. Can you or can you not show me something this substantive from another candidate?
Ho-boy, does it ever! Apparently the only acceptable southern accent is one coming from an anti-semitic, dictator-loving, traitorous peanut farmer.
It’s just that he needs to keep saying that for 20 years he was a DC corporate lawyer / lobbyist.
He wasn’t much of one if he only rolled a million-three in 20 years. A really good lobbyist makes that much in a month or two, sometimes even without double billing. A good senior corporate lawyer (what the hell does that mean? transactional work? corporate lit?) like a partner at Morgan Lewis or Gibson Dunn makes that in a year, if it was a decent year for the firm & practice group.
This isn’t much of a ding, unless the point is to try to show that he wasn’t a very good lawyer or lobbyist…
Which would explain the absence of photographic evidence.
Unless Cynn is calling flip-flops “thongs.”
But what about the vital question of the day: Which Jessica is hotter?
But what about the vital question of the day: Which Jessica is hotter? Alba or Biel?
Alba….and I’m still waiting on the honeypot…
Didn’t Fred recently melt-down the DNC websight after they ran a hit piece on him? About half the comments were like,”Hey, lay off this guy–we like him.”
Alba or Biel huh?…….I will take two of each please.
IMHO the reason people like Fred so much is he just comes out and tells it like it is. No bullshit, no fluff, no sidestepping and he does not apologize for things he shouldn’t apologize for, unlike the current White House admin.(ie Scooter, George, Alberto).
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C’mon guys! To lease a red truck to pretend to be one of us for his Senate campagn? Isn’t that a little _ay? Not to mention Fred Thompson pretending that he isn’t aware the Council on Foreign Relations, of which he is a member, is behind the Security Prosperity Partnership? Remember when George Bush met up with the prime minister of Canada (Martin) and Prez of Mexico (Fox) to sign a formal agreement towards the SPP? Look it up and see for yourself how Fred Dalton Thompson is a card carrying member of the CFR. You all willing to give up our sovereignty for this Elitist? Wake Up!
sounds like a lively debate