Will Thompson’s “First Principles” Win the Day
September 17, 2007
On the campaign trail, Fred Thompson talks a lot about “first principles”. This is the core of it right here:
“In 1994 when I first ran, I advocated the same common sense conservative positions that I hold today. They are based upon what I believe to be sound conservative First Principles -- reflecting the nature of man and the wisdom of the ages. They are based upon the conviction that our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution are not outdated documents that have outlived their usefulness. It is a recognition that our basic rights come from God and not from government. That government should have its power divided, not only at the federal level but between the federal government and the states. Federalism is the belief that not every problem should have a federal solution. Essentially it's about freedom. A government that is big enough to do everything for us is powerful enough to do anything to us.”
Rewind 25 years. This was Ronald Reagan in 1981 :( see the bolded words)
“We've gone astray from first principles. We've lost sight of the rule that individual freedom and ingenuity are at the very core of everything that we've accomplished. Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”
This was Reagan in his 1989 farewell Speech:
“As long as we remember our first principles and believe in ourselves, the future will always be ours.”
And then Reagan in 1993:
“Presidents come and go. History comes and goes, but principles endure...”
Folks, this is pretty simple. Mitt Romney may have more detailed white papers, Rudy Giuliani has his well laid out twelve commitments and those strategies seem to be working well for those campaigns. But Fred Thompson is going in another direction. He’s not going to compete with them on who has more 10 point plans on every issue. He’s going to attempt to do what Ronald Reagan did. The philosophy here is that when you’re President, circumstances may change but your principles must not.
Thompson believes there’s an opening to differentiate himself here by essentially saying “Here are my principles and I’ll be consistent by in making every decision based on them.” It could very well position Thompson above the rest of the candidates as someone who is talking more about broad themes and vision rather than policy wonk talk. Reagan had an ability to do this and communicate it well and connect with voters. Thompson seems like he has that ability too. Someone who can speak the language of voters, come across as sincere and stick to conservative principles.
Remember, at the end of the day, the person with the most ideas doesn’t necessarily win. The smartest person in the room doesn’t either. It’s the person who connects emotionally with voters. That usually makes the difference. Sometimes we in the media over think it and it’s actually rather simple. Maybe Thompson’s first principles will resonate with America. It reminds me a little of “School House Rock.” Remember those cartoons from the 1970s? Maybe the Thompson campaign should cue up this clip and insert their own words. Click here.
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