Fred Thompson:

Life story:

Freddie Dalton Thompson was born on August 19, 1942 in Sheffield, Alabama. He entered Florence State College (now the University of North Alabama), becoming the first member of his family to attend college. He transferred to Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis), where he graduated with a double-major in political science and philosophy in 1964. Thompson proceeded to Vanderbilt, where he earned a J.D. in law in 1967. After finishing with college, he spent time on various corporate boards, been special counsel to various Senate committees, and has worked as a lobbyist. He was elected to the U.S. Senate as a representative of Tennessee in 1994, and stayed until 2003. He has also performed many roles as an actor, most notably as District Attorney Arthur Branch in Law and Order.[1]

Thompson married his first wife, Sarah, in 1959, and they had three children together. They were divorced in 1985, and he married his second wife, Jeri, in 1996 (they have two children together). He has been a member of the Churches of Christ his whole life.[2]

Abortion:

Fred Thompson has maintained his pro-life views for some time, saying:

I think Roe v. Wade was bad law and bad medical science And the way to address that is through good judges. I don't think the court ought to wake up one day and make new social policy for the country. It's contrary to what it's been the past 200 years... That's what happened in this case [Roe v. Wade]. I think it was wrong.[3]

He also holds an F rating from the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL, a pro-choice interest group).[4]

National Security/Foreign Policy:

Fred Thompsons stand on national security is this:

The first responsibility of government is to protect the American people, the homeland, and our way of life. Today we face the urgent threat of radical Islamic terrorists. Al Qaeda is committed to attacking us here at home, and wants to use weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to kill millions. We must never give them that opportunity. We must defeat the terrorists abroad, and that begins in Iraq and Afghanistanthe central fronts in this global war. We must show the world we have the will to fight and win. A weakened America - or an America that appears weaker - will only encourage further attacks. We must persevere. As Commander-in-Chief, the president must ensure the United States has the means to achieve victory. Presidential leadership requires talking to the American people about these stakes, mapping out a clear vision for success, and devising a comprehensive strategy for achieving it. I am committed to:

A larger, more capable, and more modern military that can defeat terrorists, deter adversaries, and defend the U.S. and our interests.

A missile defense system that can protect the U.S. and our allies from long-range ballistic missiles.

An enhanced intelligence community, with robust human-intelligence capabilities, focused on terrorism and proliferation.

A robust approach to homeland security that will protect our nation from terrorists and WMD, regardless of where they come from.

A strengthened system of global alliances to better combat terrorists, proliferators, and traditional threats to our interests.

A judicial system that deals with the realities of terrorists and unlawful enemy combatants.[5]

Iraq:

Fred Thompson repeatedly has made the point that America must stay in Iraq to avoid weakness and betrayal of our allies:

We need to do everything possible to avoid the appearance of utter weakness. And that our friends and allies, in the end, cannot count upon us no one wants America and Americas allies to be perceived as weaker, which could cause a dozen situations to arise around the world that might not otherwise arise.[6]

Specifically, Fred Thompson says that, I would do essentially what the Presidents doing. I know its not popular right now, but I think we have to look down the road and consider the consequences of where we are.[7]

Thompson has also continually expressed his disapproval of what Congress is doing with regards to the war, saying this on a radio commentary:

The Houses emergency war-funding bill contains several conditions on how the war should be run. Theyll never become law but they send signals they say. Theyre big on sending signals in Washington. But what I was really surprised to find in the bill was what looked like $25 billion in pure pork. Since a lot of the people who voted for the bill campaigned against pork, I was puzzled.

Im puzzled theres $283 million for dairy farmers in an emergency war-funding bill. But theres also $74 million for peanut farmers so, I figured our soldiers are eating a lot of peanut-butter sandwiches; they need more milk to wash them down with.

Hey, Im trying to keep an open mind, here, okay?

But I also wondered why the bill gives $25 million to spinach producers. Our troops should certainly eat their vegetables, but unless it turns out that theres a scientific basis for that Popeye spinach thing, I dont get it.

Im also trying to figure out what $400 million for rural schools has to do with the war unless that money produces students smart enough to explain why this bill includes over $300,000 for the widows of two ex-House members, and $80 million for low-income rent subsidies.

Theres a lot in the bill I dont understand, but this sort of makes sense. Theres $50 million for repairs to the plant that supplies electrical power to the Capitol where Congress works. To fund and win the war, Congress does need electricity at least to do its job.

Ah, I get it. This bill isnt just about funding the war for democracy and freedom in Iraq. Its a political statement. And its about buying enough votes with pork in order to make that statement. Maybe it wouldnt be such a bad thing, if Congress did have its power cut off every once in a while.[8]

Education:

Senator Thompsons stance on education is this:

A well-educated citizenry is vital to our security, our economy, and our democracy. Despite the tens of billions of dollars spent on education by Washington each year, and the hundreds of federal education programs now in place, our children are still falling behind, particularly in subjects crucial to the global economy in which we live. At a time when America is behind other developed countries in education excellence, the federal role in education is too intrusive and too bureaucratic, and has become part of the problem. State and local governments are closest to the parents, the kids, and the schools, and best situated to implement changes and innovations that best educate children. I am committed to:

Giving parents more choices in education and schools less bureaucracy.

Reviewing federal programs for cost-effectiveness, reducing federal mandates, returning education money to the states, and empowering parents by promoting voucher programs, charter schools, and other innovations that enhance education excellence through competition and choice.

Encouraging students and teachers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathfields that are crucial to our security, competitiveness, and prosperity.

Promoting transparency to assess performance, promote accountability, and share innovations in education at all levels.[9]

Economy/Taxes:

Thompson expresses strong sentiments in favor of an efficient government and tax system, saying:

The U.S. tax code is broken and a burden on U.S. taxpayers and businesses, large and small. Todays tax code is particularly hostile to savings and investment, and it shows. To make matters worse, its complexity is a drag on our productivity and economic growth. Moreover, taxpayers spend billions of dollars and untold hours each year filling out complicated tax returns, just so they can send more money to Washington, much of it for wasteful programs and the pet projects of special interests. We need lower taxes, and we need to let taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned dollarsthey know best where and how to spend them. And we need to make the system simpler and fairer for all

Our government is outdated, inefficient, and wasteful. It is often unable to perform even the most basic tasks our citizens expect. It is no longer enough just to want limited government; the American people deserve more effective government. Given todays challenges, we cannot affordand shouldnt acceptanything less than a nimble, effective, and efficient government that is able to focus its resources on the important issues facing our country. It must be able act on behalf of the American people and our national interests in a timely manner. The key to competent government is strong, committed leadership from the top. The key to good government is good people who are well-managed and put the national interest first.[10]

Gun Control:

Fred Thompsons record on gun control is solid[11], and is best summed up by this quote:

I strongly support the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which protects an individuals right to keep and bear arms. Gun control is touted as a major crime-control measure. But some of the places with the strictest gun-control laws also have high violent-crime rates. Disarming law-abiding citizens does not prevent crime. The answer to violent crime is smart, effective, and aggressive law enforcement. The real effect of these gun-control measures is to place onerous restrictions on law-abiding citizens who use firearms for such legal activities as self-defense, sport-shooting, hunting, and collecting.[12]

Gay Marriage:

Fred Thompson is against gay marriage, as seen here:

Strong families are the bedrock of our nation and our culture.  They are built around the sanctity of life and the institution of marriage, which is the union of a man and a woman.  To counter coarseness in todays culture that oftentimes victimizes our children and undermines the traditional values parents want to instill, we must not only protect but strengthen the institutions of family and marriage. I am committed to:

Using the Presidency to encourage policies that promote a culture of life, strengthen the institution of marriage and traditional families, and advance freedom of religion.

Returning authority to the levels of government closest to families and communitiesthe statesand then protecting states from further intrusion by the federal government, the judiciary, and other states.

Combating the spread of obscenity over TV and other media by making sure parents can better exercise their responsibilities.[13]

Immigration:

Fred Thompson views immigration as more a security issue than anything else, and says on his website:

The United States is a nation of immigrants. Throughout our history, legal immigrants have brought energy, ideas, strength, and diversity to our country, our economy, and our culture. This must continue. But in the post-9/11 world, immigration is more of a national security issue. A government that cannot secure its borders and determine who may enter and who may not, abrogates a fundamental responsibility. I am committed to:

Securing our borders and enforcing immigration laws. Amnesty is not an option and the toleration of sanctuary cities must end.

Reviewing our immigration laws and policies to ensure they advance our national interests.

Uniting Americans by welcoming legal immigrants willing to learn English, assimilate into our communities, and become productive citizens.[14]

Other Notes:

Senator Thompson dedicates a portion of his site to the national debt and the fiscal tsunami it brings:

In a few short yearsnot a generation from nowa fiscal tsunami that could imperil our security and economic prosperity will hit our nation and place an unfair burden of debt on our children and grandchildren. The tens of trillions of dollars in debt that will be accumulated over the next few decades will do immense harm to our economy. This burden is now estimated at $170,000 per person and $440,000 per family. Time is running out to address this looming crisis. We need market-based approaches to reform that guarantee benefits for those who need them and embrace personal responsibility and cost-effectiveness without raising taxes. Given the scope and urgency of this problem, and the burden it will place on our children, reform is not only an economic necessity, it is a moral imperative that requires action now.[15]