More Bad News for Thompson

Tweet

Jim Geraghty at NRO's The Campaign Spot reported the following:

Earlier today, somebody who insisted on anonymity offered me "some information on McCain-Feingold." At first I thought this was an oddly timed shot at the candidacy of John McCain, who has, er, hit on a bit of a rough patch lately.

Nope, it’s an effort to showcase Fred Thompson’s vocal support for McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform, legislation that tends to a level of support among NRO readers roughly comparable to the Ebola virus.

These dredged-up reports are from many years ago. But, that's exactly what the anonymous source wants us to do--look closely at Thompson's not-so-conservative past. Evaluating Fred's past will likely dampen his future as it relates to the Republican ticket (for which he's unannounced anyway).

The below is only one of many releases that Thompson proudly proclaims before Campaign Finance "Reform" became terribly unpopular among conservatives. In fact, Thompson has done nearly everything possible to distance himself from this legislation.

April 2, 2001
THOMPSON LAUDS PASSAGE OF McCAIN-FEINGOLD
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM LEGISLATION

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) today lauded Senate passage of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform legislation, which passed the Senate by a 59-41 vote. The bill bans soft money contributions, restricts corporate and union spending on campaign ads, and provides greater disclosure and stronger election laws. “This is a good day for the United States Senate. It demonstrates once again that this body can respond to a demonstrated public need,” said Thompson, an original co-sponsor of the McCain- Feingold bill and a supporter of the legislation since 1995.

This is only one of many bad, bad quotes associated w/ the above link. Check it out. This is what many of us predicted would happen to good, old Fred. Finally, some scrutiny would catch up to him. This anonymous source reminds Geraghty of James Carville, who said that when an opponent is drowning, throw him an anvil.

Update summary:

1. McCain-Feingold seriously impaired many vital First Amendment rights (the Supreme Court recently declared)
2. Thompson took credit for this bill repeatedly (he was original cosponsor of the bill since its first introduction in 1995. )
3. He now avoids this topic like the Ebola virus