Republican White House hopeful calls for blockade of Iran FRED Thompson, the actor and former senator widely seen as the Republicans’ best hope for keeping the White House, called yesterday for a “blockade” of Iran.

The screen veteran, whose announcement as the eleventh contender for the Republican nomination is expected within days, also gave warning that “jihadists” were trying to bring the West to its knees. Mr Thompson starred in ‘Die Hard 2′ and ‘The Hunt for Red October’ before serving as Republican senator for Tennessee.

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Fred Thompson Report:

Well, you’ve heard by now that Senate leader Harry Reid insulted one of this country’s brightest military minds, Marine Corps General Peter Pace — calling him “incompetent.” Let me take a few moments to put this in context.

First, Harry Reid voted for the war, like a majority of our legislators. America decided as a nation to free Iraq and the region from Saddam Hussein’s tyranny. I have friends, both Democrat and Republican, who questioned the decision at the time, but the Republic made a commitment based on constitutional and democratic procedures. So they are now a hundred percent committed to moving forward in a way that’s best for our country. None of them, by the way, believe surrendering to the forces of terror in Iraq is what’s best for our country.

Read and listen to the rest here.

CBS:

Even while former senator and Law & Order actor Fred Thompson hasn’t officially started his bid for the White House, his online presence would make you think that there isn’t even a question.

Thompson’s website (www.imwithfred.com) is multifaceted, enabling users, for example, to find their local media to contact newspapers and talk radio to show support.

Thompson launched a YouTube channel on May 15 featuring not clips from his popular TV show but videos of speeches and one from an appearance with Tim Russert on Meet the Press.

Tennessean:

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani continues to lead the Republican field in the USA Today/Gallup Poll, but former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, who hasn’t yet formally entered the race, for the first time edges into second place over Arizona Sen. John McCain.

The results show a Republican race that could be roiled by Thompson, who is targeting conservatives unsatisfied with their choices in the field so far. He is costing Giuliani most: A third of Thompson’s supporters say they would otherwise back the former New York mayor.

Among Democrats, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has regained a double-digit lead over Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, two weeks after the survey found the Democratic presidential rivals essentially tied.

Politico:

Fred Thompson, the actor and former Tennessee senator who is expected to announce next month he is running for president, flew to London on Monday to meet Margaret Thatcher and deliver a foreign policy speech, his advisers tell The Politico.

Fred Thompson Report:

It’s funny how things change. Well, not always, but in this case, the story involves one of America’s best humor writers — Dave Barry.

There was a time when American universities were known as havens of free speech, places where controversial ideas could be expressed and discussed. Unfortunately, political correctness has crept into the halls of academia. Then it chained the doors and started duct taping the mouths of anybody who voiced unapproved opinions.

Read and listen to the rest here.

News Max:

Rudy Giuliani’s past problems with some influential New York Republicans may be coming back to haunt him 13 years after he crossed party lines to endorse Democratic Gov. Mario Cuomo’s bid for a fourth term.

“America deserves a leader who has the courage to lead our country through challenging times,” said New York’s Alfonse D’Amato in a statement announcing his endorsement of his fellow former senator, Fred Thompson of Tennessee, for president.

Lincoln Tribune:

While Rudy Giuliani is still in first place in the race for the Republican preference for President, he has dropped by eight points from last month and former Senator and television star Fred Thompson is catching up. Three in ten adults who say they will vote in a Republican primary or caucus say they would vote for the former mayor while 22 percent say they would vote for Fred Thompson. Not all of Giuliani’s losses are Thompson’s gains. Mitt Romney also sees a small rise this month - up from eight percent last month to 11 percent this month. Even with all the discussion of his “2.0 version” of his campaign, Senator John McCain’s showing has not changed from last month and is still at 18 percent.

Watch at CBN.

NY Press

Though he remains in the catbird seat among Republican contenders, a new Harris Poll released this morning finds former Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s lead has slipped to just eight points. Who’s gaining? Actor/statesman Fred Thompson, who trails Giuliani 30-22 in the poll.

John McCain remains steady in the poll at 18%, and Mitt Romney is up just a small bit to 11%. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who’s not in the race, gets eight points. No other Republican contender crosses the five percent mark.