American Republic Online

(I’ve put this off long enough…although I was sick for a while.)

I was recently invited by a friend of mine (Party Lines contributor Chris) to Fred Thompson’s homecoming in Lawrenceburg, TN. I packed up the family and made the drive for an evening with Fred. Chris’ family graciously hosted us (homemade chili even!) for the night. The household was clearly in the Thompson camp: right before we left for the rally, everyone put on a Thompson t-shirt. Having never really supported a candidate enough to wear a shirt or put a sticker on my truck, let alone volunteer for them or go to a rally, I felt a little out of place. However, Thompson had piqued my interest and I thought this might be a good opportunity to get to know him a little bit better.

When we arrived at the town square, it appeared most of the town had shown up. Thousands were gathered to see their hometown boy. As we searched for a place to settle in, we were suddenly whisked to the front, right past a statue of Davy Crockett and into the bleachers. Within a minute, we were sitting right next the entrance ramp Thompson would take once he arrived. With the Red Hats for Thompson on our right and the Teens for Thompson on our left, I felt more out of place sans campaign shirt. Oh well, they were incredible seats.

As we waited, John Rich from Big and Rich played for the crowd, then Congressman Wamp and Senator Baker both addressed the gathering in support of Fred. The crowd grew restless and anticipation grew as we waited for his arrival. Then he came.

The crowd roared and everyone took pictures. I had our camera out as well, and I took some shots, but as Thompson approached, I lowered the lens and watched. I wanted to see his eyes. You see, growing up, one of my mother’s favorite Bible verses was “eyes are the window to the soul.” Over the years I have always tried to look people in the eyes: they tell you a multitude of things unsaid. This night was no different. I wasn’t sure what to expect or how to describe it: weary, artificial, saccharine, etc.

What I saw was sincerity. He did not seem rehearsed or fake, and it was refreshing to see this in a politician. Perhaps it was the home town, or that he was only really starting his campaign, but he seemed to be the real deal.

His speech was along the line of what one would expect as he promoted his candidacy and his campaign tag line of security, unity and prosperity. However, he stressed two things that really stood out to me. 1. Federalism. This is something we have totally lost sight of: that we are a collection of individual states and that the federal government is meant to be the link between them, not the sole governing body. 2. Our rights are given to us by God, not by the government. Government is formed to protect them, not provide them:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…

These points really hit home with me (which should come as no surprise).

When I look at all the candidates and the issues, if it really came down to it, I’d probably vote for Fred today. However, not being a registered Republican, I won’t have a say until next November. It would really be great to see Fred debate Hillary. Talk about a contrast: one of the most plastic people I have ever seen versus the good old boy.

I have a concern though: I think Thompson may be four years too early. By that I mean, people are tired of the Republicans (I think because they are no longer conservative; others for other reasons), and the Democrats may really have the election in the bag. I’m not trying to be pessimistic, but it’s a real possibility. And if that’s the case, I would hate to “waste” a federalist candidate now. If a Democrat is elected to the Presidency, I think that may finally be what wakes people up, revitalizes an interest in smaller government, and allows for a candidate who believes in what Thompson says he does. I’ve heard some argue that that is why another Clinton Presidency would be good for our nation (I’m not in that camp, but I can see their point).

However, a friend pointed out that this may work to Thompson’s advantage. If he loses the election (or nomination for that matter) it would be on principle: he stuck to his guns. Or, as Henry Clay once said, “I’d rather be right than president.” And then if a Democrat wins and promotes a “progressive” agenda, he can point out his unflinching conservative principles, and float to a win in 2012. Or something like that. I concede the point. If he is willing to run again.