Remember Fred Thompson: A Maverick in Politics and Entertainment?

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SUMMARY

Fred Thompson, a former Republican U.S. senator from Tennessee and actor known for his roles in television and film, including "Law & Order," passed away at the age of 73 after battling lymphoma. He initially declined to seek re-election, citing other priorities, but later attempted to secure the Republican presidential nomination in 2007. Thompson's notable political moments included his critical stance during the Ruby Ridge ATF investigation and his refusal to participate in hand-raising polls during the 2008 GOP primary debates, which ultimately ended that practice.

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  • Understanding of U.S. political history and the role of the Senate
  • Familiarity with the Ruby Ridge incident and its implications
  • Knowledge of the 2008 Republican primary debates and their format
  • Awareness of Fred Thompson's contributions to both politics and entertainment
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Political analysts, historians, fans of political cinema, and individuals interested in the intersection of entertainment and politics will benefit from this discussion.

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Former Sen. Fred Thompson, had TV and film roles, dead at 73
http://news.yahoo.com/former-sen-fred-thompson-had-tv-film-roles-231012877.html

Fred Thompson, a folksy former Republican U.S. senator from Tennessee who appeared in feature films and television including a role on "Law & Order," died Sunday losing a battle to recurring of lymphoma.

"I simply do not have the heart for another six-year term," Thompson said in a written statement at the time. "Serving in the Senate has been a tremendous honor, but I feel that I have other priorities that I need to attend to."

However, he returned to politics in 2007 by announcing that he would seek the Republican presidential nomination.

Peace be upon him.
 
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Great actor too. I liked his performance in The Hunt for Red October.
 
Two memorable episodes in Thompson's poltical tenure endeared me to him.

First was the Ruby Ridge ATF investigation in his Senate committee, where government agents accidentally shot and killed the wife and child of an illegal gun suspect in Idaho. The ATF spent much effort justifying their particular tactics on the day, when Thompson finally loudly reminded the ATF that it was not supposed to be involved at all in such a case, that theyre mandate was the like of larger illegal gun smugling operations and not, as Thompson said, some single guy "under a shade tree" with a hacksaw, which was the purview of the local sheriff.

Second was Thompson's performance in the 2008 GOP primary debates. Media personalities in debates had taken up the ridiculous habit of polling the candidates on issues by show of hands which for some reason candidates had gone along with. In response to such a query on stage, Thompson replied "I'm not doing any hand shows". Pressed by the moderator, he requested a minute to explain his position, was refused, and stated that then he would do no show of hands. The incident immediately ended the practice, to the applause of many other candidates and the audience, thanks entirely to his lone action.
 
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