October 1, 2007

Fred Thompson Waxes Unintelligible While Condemning Equality

“Factually, the Judeo-Christian heritage of the United States is certainly factual.” Huh?

Thompson Defends Gay Marriage Stance

Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson … favors a constitutional amendment that bars judges from legalizing gay marriage, but also leaves open the door for state legislatures to approve the practice. He said social and religious conservatives who would prefer an amendment that also bars legislatures from legalizing gay marriage can live with his view.

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“I think they prefer their own wording. They are primarily concerned about marriage being a union between a man and a woman,” said Thompson. He said his solution strikes a balance. …

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“What I have done is fashion something that says judges can’t do that any more,” said Thompson. He said the practical effect of his proposal would be a ban on gay marriages.

“It’ll stop the process in its tracks because it’s all judge-made,” said Thompson. “No state legislature accompanied by a governor’s signature has gone down that road.”

The former Tennessee senator opened a three-day campaign swing in Iowa, where precinct caucuses traditionally launch the nominating season. He mingled with evangelical conservatives over the weekend, and moved aggressively to ease worries that he doesn’t favor a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. His alternative, Thompson said, “is a good, sound, conservative thing.” …

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Thompson said his plan “will work more in our favor than if we totally eliminate the concept of federalism.” …

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Meeting with reporters, Thompson was asked about comments from rival John McCain about the U.S. being a Christian nation unlikely to vote for Muslim candidates. Thompson steered a middle course.

“Factually, the Judeo-Christian heritage of the United States is certainly factual,” said Thompson. He warned that not all Muslims are radical and warned against stereotypes. …