These days, I’ve often read that many conservatives feel lost with the current GOP frontrunners, especially Mitt Romney, John McCain, and Rudy Giuliani. Romney is often accused of being a flip-flopper in the mold of John Kerry, McCain seems to be a RINO (Republican in name only) and simply too liberal, and Giuliani doesn’t match up with conservatives when it comes to social issues like abortion or gay rights. Thus, conservatives feel they need to find someone with enough Reagan-likeness and conservative backbone to win the White House. Many have found former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson to be that man.
In my opinion, Fred Thompson is a straight talking, republic loving guy that could be strong for the conservative cause. However, the problem with many conservatives is that they are simply holding out for this man to enter the presidential race, believing that Thompson can somehow save the Republican cause and turn our country around. I’d even say many consider Thompson to be the next Ronald Reagan. The whole idea of Fred Thompson somehow coming to save the GOP from itself is more or less absurd.
Don’t get me wrong, Thompson has a great conservative record, being rated at 86% by the American Conservative Union. But here’s the point - there WON’T be another Ronald Reagan. Not to be drastic here, but Reagan is dead. That is not to say his brand of conservatism or optimism is dead, but in my opinion, there will never be someone else who matches up exactly to what Reagan’s beliefs were or how he communicated to the people. So if conservatives are trying to find the ultimate candidate in the mold of Ronald Reagan, I predict they’ll be disappointed with ANY GOP candidate, including Fred Thompson (who isn’t even in the race yet).
The 2008 GOP lineup may not be perfect, but it is still strong and showcases a number of candidates willing to be bold and take the necessary steps to continue our country’s greatness. If you’re holding out for Fred Thompson, that’s fine with me. But if you’re holding out for another Ronald Reagan to come sweep you off your feet, I predict you’ll be sorely disappointed.