Fred Thompson: A Candidate with Nothing to Lose

by Joel Thompson

Fred Thompson's late arrival to the Republican presidential field will not hinder his chances. Since he was first mentioned as a potential candidate, the title of front runner has changed hands, with John McCain now apparently trailing both Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney proving that designation can change quickly.

Thompson brings to the table something that his three closest competitors do not: his candidacy has not been a foregone conclusion for several years. As a result, Thompson, the 65-year old former US Senator from Tennessee, will not have his career defined by the events of the next 15 months.

This could free Thompson from having to straddle the fence on key issues because he essentially has nothing to lose.

The situation is similar to that faced by Gen. Wesley Clark in 2004, and to some extent John Edwards or even Ralph Nader.

These candidates, as they are not currently serving in Congress or a state's executive branch, are not beholden to lobbyists who they might need for key legislation in their current office.

David Broder intervied Thompson for yesterday's Washington Post, and they touch on this "nothing-to-lose" mentality.

The interview concludes:
Thompson readily concedes that he does not know "where all those chips are going to fall" when he starts challenging members of various interest groups to look beyond their individual agendas and weigh the sacrifices that could ensure a better future for their children.

But these issues -- national security and the fiscal crisis of an aging society with runaway heath-care costs -- "are worth a portion of a man's life. If I can't get elected talking that way, I probably don't deserve to be elected."

Thompson says he feels "free to do it" his own way, and that freedom may just be enough to shake up the presidential race.


With the combination of this presidential run not necessarily defining him and not being tied too deeply to PAC's, Thompson could present a very real challenge to his fellow Republican candidates. If he wins the nomination, he would receive plenty of support from the far right and be a tough out for the eventual Democratic nominee.

If he does eventually gain office, I just hope Sam Waterson is available to become White House Press Secretary.