FRED THOMPSON
Campaign Theme: Security, Unity and Prosperity
HEALTH CARE (No detailed Program)
Coverage--States that every American should be able to get health insurance that is affordable,
fully accessible, and portable. Rejects a one-size-fits-all Washington-controlled national program
as costly, inefficient, and delivering inadequate care.
Affordability--Provide individual consumers and patients with more information and more
opportunities to choose affordable health care options that best meet their needs and those of their
families. Provides no specifics
Cost-control—Increase market competition. Improve individual health by shifting to a system
that promotes cost-effective prevention, chronic-care management, and personal responsibility,
through increasing competition and consumer choice, while streamlining regulations. Modernize
delivery and administration of care by encouraging the widespread use of clinical best practices,
medical information technology, and other innovations. Encourage medical research and life-
sciences innovation.
Paying for the plan: No Details. Promises not to raise taxes to achieve a better health care
system.
IRAQ
Supports the war effort. Candidate’s website provides no information. Thompson voted for use
of military force in Iraq, but believes that the U.S. entered the war with too few troops and the
wrong strategy (CNN). Thompson believes America should stay in Iraq as long as there is any
chance of bringing stability to the country (Marc Santora, NY Times).
Supports tough line with neighbors. In a Jan. 2007 National Review Online editorial, he
supported the President’s tough line with Syria and Iran and rejected the recommendations of the
Iraq Committee that the President talk to them.
ECONOMY
Taxes and Fiscal Policies--Fundamental tax reform built on the principles of simplicity, fairness,
and growth.
o A new tax code built on the principles of simplicity, fairness, and growth.
o Dissolution of the IRS as we know it. (No details provided).
o Reduce government debt using market-based approaches to solve the fiscal crisis and by
cutting wasteful government spending. Work across parties to develop a comprehensive
solution.
No stated policies on job creation, credit reform, labor, trade.
NATIONAL SECURITY
A larger, more capable, and more modern military to defeat terrorists, deter adversaries, and
defend U.S. interests.
A missile defense system that can protect the U.S. and our allies from long-range ballistic
missiles.
An enhanced intelligence community, with robust human-intelligence capabilities, focused on
terrorism and proliferation.
Unless otherwise specified the positions on the issues were taken from the candidate’s website www.fred08.com
A robust approach to homeland security that will protect America from terrorists and WMDs,
regardless of origin.
A judicial system that deals with the realities of terrorists and unlawful enemy combatants.
IMMIGRATION
Secure our borders and enforce immigration laws.
Amnesty is not an option and tolerating “sanctuary cities” must end.
Review immigration laws and policies to ensure they advance our national interests.
Welcome only legal immigrants who are willing to learn English, assimilate into our communities,
and become productive citizens.
EDUCATION
Give parents more choices in education through voucher programs, charter schools and other
innovations that enhance education excellence through competition and choice.
Reduce bureaucracy in schools by reviewing federal programs for cost-effectiveness, reducing
federal mandates and returning education money to the states.
Encourage students and teachers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Promote transparency in assessing performance, increase accountability, and sharing of
innovations at all levels.
ENERGY
A balanced approach to energy security that increases domestic supplies, reduces demand for oil
and gas, and promotes alternative fuels and other diverse energy sources.
Invest in renewable and alternative fuels to promote greater energy independence and a cleaner
environment.
An energy policy that invests in the advanced technologies of tomorrow and places more emphasis
on conservation and energy efficiency.
Conducting research and development into technologies that improve the environment, especially
the reduction of CO2 emissions.
ETHICS, ELECTORAL AND REGULATORY REFORM
No policies on website
Advocates reforming government through strong leadership from the top, through attracting the
best Americans into government, increasing transparency and accountability of agencies and
improving information technology systems. States that our government is outdated, inefficient
and wasteful.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Nothing on the website, the following information is from www.ontheissues.org.
Women’s right to choose Believes life begins at conception. Advocates the reversal of Roe
versus Wade, believes it was a bad decision legally. Does not advocate a constitutional
amendment banning abortion, believes it should be a state issue. Opposes partial-birth abortion but
would not criminalize teenagers who had one.
Civil Rights—No information. Gave some support to affirmative action in 1995 when he voted no
to ban affirmative hiring with federal funds and also to ending special funding for businesses
owned by minorities and women.
Unless otherwise specified the positions on the issues were taken from the candidate’s website www.fred08.com
Marriage Equality—Opposes, and has voted against, gay marriage; but would leave civil unions
to the states Has voted against adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crime, and against
prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation.
FAMILY VALUES
Promote and strengthen marriage and traditional families, clean up obscenity in the media and
allow parents more authority.
OTHER CONSTITUIONAL ISSUES
Proponent of state rights. Would transfer authority to state and local governments and protect the
states and judiciary from federal intrusion.
Judges--Appoint only strict constructionist judges, not activist judges that are intent on legislating
a culture of abortion, redefine marriage and undermine families.
Opposes gun control and safety measures—is against gun control measures, believes the real
effect of such gun-control measures is to place onerous restrictions on law-abiding citizens who
use firearms for legal activities.
FOREIGN POLICY
No direct website information, information from National Security or from: www.ontheissues.org
A strengthened system of global alliances to better combat terrorists, proliferators, and traditional
threats to our interests.
Meet threats with threats, diplomacy works better when we’re prepared to use force.
Strong opposition to Castro.
Unless otherwise specified the positions on the issues were taken from the candidate’s website www.fred08.com