Fred Is Out

According to the Associated Press and CNN, Republican candidate Fred Thompson is dropping out of the presidential race.

Bloggers of course, like Marc Ambinder, had the news first. Per Ambinder: Thompson does not plan to endorse any rivals for now, even though one of his best friends is Sen. John McCain.

Developing . . .

Chuck Norris Endorses Huckabee; Fred Nabs RTL

Action star Chuck Norris (can he still be considered an action star?) endorsed Mike Huckabee for President today.

"Mike hasn't lived an isolated, out-of-touch life like so many politicians. He was raised by his Dad who was a firefighter and always had a second job to make ends meet. Mike and his sister grew up poor, not privileged. Mike worked two jobs in college and graduated in two-and-a-half years. He is an outdoorsman too – an avid fisherman, hunter and a long-time member of the NRA," Norris wrote in a fundraising plea to supporters today.

Meanwhile, Fred Thompson, who has been sagging in recent state and national polls, picked up a much needed endorsement from National Right to Life.

"As the first major grassroots organization to enter the Republican presidential race, National Right to Life is proud to endorse Fred Thompson," said Wanda Franz, Ph.D., president of National Right to Life. "Our endorsement is a testament to Senator Thompson's long-standing pro-life record, his commitment to unborn children, and our belief in his ability to win."

So how do these developments shake up the Republican race?

The Norris endorsement probably doesn't mean as much unless you're a Walker, Texas Ranger fan.

On the other hand, Huckabee's movement in Iowa is something to watch.

The Washington Post writes that Huckabee is moving more staff and resources to Iowa, and is getting more accustomed to being attacked.

"Suddenly, I seem to be in the cross hairs of every predator who is out there," Huckabee told the Times. "As a hunter, I know that a good hunter never aims his gun at a dead carcass. You only point it at something you want to put on the wall as a trophy."

Marc Ambinder of Atlantic.com contemplates Right to Life's gamble on Thompson. "Duncan Hunter can't win; Mike Huckabee is too independent and allegedly alienates fiscal conservatives; Mitt Romney is going to be beaten and the abortion policies of his Mass. health care plan are a problem; Thompson will win in the South," writes Ambinder on the political calculation.

Maybe they also read Salon.com's darker portrayal of Mike Huckabee, that hasn't hit the mainstream press . . . at least yet.

Enter, Fred

The first Republican debate including Fred Thompson is now history.

The headline seems to be Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney clashing over taxes. But not all the reviews are kind to Thompson. NBC's Chuck Todd called Thompson's debate performance "uneven" and his first answer "shaky."

But others have more favorable takes.

The Politico blogs about Thompson passing a pop quiz foreign policy question about Canada.

ABC's political shop "The Note" deems Giuliani the winner, and maybe even Thompson, for not fouling up majorly.

Conservatives over at Redstate seem to be cool with Fred's performance. Erick writes, "Fred held his own. He showed he's a real conservative. He showed he could be President. He also showed an unwillingness to get into the weeds and instead focus on the big issues."

The Washington Post notes that Thompson avoided the Giuliani-Romney clash on purpose. "He seemed to relax considerably as the debate continued," writes Chris Cillizza.

I didn't get to watch the debate yet. So I'm kinda doing this backwards.

The replay of the debate airs from 8-10 p.m. on MSNBC.

Any other Fred fans happy with his performance (or not)?

Buck Up For Fred in St. Louis

Fred Thompson is coming to St. Louis next week to raise money for his soon-to-be-announced campaign for President.

But it ain't cheap to say hi.

For $1,000 bucks, you get to "meet and talk" with Thompson about "Americas issues and greatest opportunities." Buck up $2300, you get a photo with Fred.

The fundraiser is being hosted by Anne and Tom Walsh on Tuesday, Aug. 21st at 6 p.m.

Fred Thompson In Osage Beach Friday

From Johncombestblog.com:

Probable Republican candidate for President Fred Thompson is scheduled to speak at the Missouri Bankers Association conference in Osage Beach on Friday.

Thompson is scheduled to speak at 9:45 a.m. at the Tar-Tar-A Resort.

UPDATE 1:08PM Tuesday: Bill Ratliff with the Missouri Bankers Association tells us the event is private, only open to "trade press." No media availability for Thomspon prior to or after the event. Too bad -- we've love to ask him about this Rasmussen poll which has him tied with Giuliani for the lead.

Politico: Fred Thompson Will Run

The Politico reports Fred Thompson will jump into the 2008 Presidential Race in July.

(Finally! We can get on with our lives!)

Here's the conventional wisdom on how it will hurt Rudy McRomney.

Then there's also the argument that Thompson's entry actually helps Giuliani. The more social conservatives in the race to splinter that group of voters helps the moderate.

Fred Thompson Polls in Missouri

He's not in yet.

Every indication is, he's getting close.

But a new SurveyUSA poll shows Fred Thompson getting beat by all 3 of the top tier Democratic candidates for President in the Show-Me State.

Now, supporters of Thompson (and the G.O.P.) will dutifully point out that it's ridiculous to gauge his support yet -- he's not even in the race! They might say, "look how well he does, without having spent a dime!" And they're probably right.

But others might question whether Thompson has the high name-identification that some have been saying he has.

Now, to the numbers in Missouri:

Hillary Clinton 49%
Fred Thompson 41%

John Edwards 53%
Fred Thompson 32%

Barack Obama 47%
Fred Thompson 41%

These numbers tell me that both Hillary and Obama could be beaten by a formidable candidate in Missouri, but what about John Edwards? Dang, he looks strong for the Dems here.

SurveyUSA polled Thompson versus the top 3 Dems in a total of 16 states. The full results are HERE.

Fred Who?

With all the talk about Fred Thompson entering the GOP nomination race, the latest USA Today/Gallup poll should be somewhat sobering. In telephone interviews with more than 1,000 adults, 50% of respondents said they had never heard of Thompson. (They should have asked if they'd seen "Die Hard 2" or "Law & Order.")

The same poll puts Rudy ahead of McCain and Thompson (among 427 GOP leaners). Among 491 Democratic leaners, it's Clinton, Obama and Gore (he's running?). Take Al out of the mix and John Edwards runs third. In a head-to-head between the senators from New York and Illinois, Hillary holds her lead over Barack. Why they asked? Experience. Obama supporters cite his fresh ideas, his positions, and not liking Clinton as reasons.