Fred Thompson Flies to UK for Margaret Thatcher Photo-Op

Fred Thompson is trying to bolster his foreign policy cred by flying to the UK to give a speech on the transatlantic alliance and meet with Margaret Thatcher.

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.

Thompson’s advisers aim to use the London events to bolster his foreign policy credentials and elevate him above the increasingly contentious fray of the GOP race. On Wednesday, he will pose for photos with Thatcher, which his advisers hope will enhance his support among devotees of former President Ronald Reagan.

Thompson will deliver the foreign policy speech, “Strengthening the Transatlantic Alliance,” on Tuesday at the Policy Exchange, a conservative think tank based in London. It will stress the importance of American alliances abroad, his advisers said. “The speech is mostly about the unique and special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K,” an adviser said on condition of anonymity, because the prospective campaign has not publicly announced details of the address. “It is about how we have a responsibility to stand together and lead the Western democracies, protect our civilization and stand together for freedom.”

While the symbolism of meeting with Ronald Reagan’s partner in fighting the Cold War is powerful and should resonate well with the base, I don’t see how this bolsters his foreign policy credentials. He’s a polished actor; I have no doubt that he can deliver his lines (although, in his defense, that would be a marked improvement over the status quo). For that matter, I don’t think there’s a serious candidate in the race — Democrat or Republican — who would not maintain a strong relationship with the UK. Our interests and values simply overlap too much for the Special Relationship to fade.

UPDATE: The text of Thompson’s speech is up at Townhall.

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James Joyner
About James Joyner
James Joyner is Professor and Department Head of Security Studies at Marine Corps University's Command and Staff College. He's a former Army officer and Desert Storm veteran. Views expressed here are his own. Follow James on Twitter @DrJJoyner.

Comments

  1. ken says:

    While the symbolism of meeting with Ronald Reagan’s partner in fighting the Cold War is powerful….

    Given the current situation Reagan is more likely to be remembered for his coddling of Saddam Husein, his illegal trading arms for hostages with Iran, and his having our marines blown up in Lebanon and then turning tail and running.

    Republicans don’t do themselves any favors by reminding people of Reagan.

  2. legion says:

    Thatcher? Thatcher? Well, I guess that might buy him some cheap cred with the GOP crowd that still thinks Reagan was the Messiah, but I expect it’ll do far more to send independents running madly away from him if he were to (ye gods) get the nomination…

  3. Jim Robinson says:

    Note to Fred: If you have to manufacture experience..you just dont qualify!

    NO SALE ON FRED THOMPSON….i dont care who you get your picture taken with.

  4. Mike says:

    Our interests and values simply overlap too much for the Special Relationship to fade

    It is foolish to take anything for granted. The Muslims are slowly taking over England and Europe. We need to strengthen ties at any opportunity we can.

  5. Mike says:

    Note to Fred: If you have to manufacture experience..you just dont qualify!

    Fred Thompson has tons of International policy experience. Thompson is the chair of the International Security Advisory Board. Your ignorance is showing again.

  6. RepublicansAgainstFred says:

    Oooooohhh he chaired a committee. Big effin deal. If he had the experience you claim he has he wouldnt be groveling at Thatchers feet begging for an endorsement. Im not one you of sheeple who are so star struck and turned on by his deep voice that you cant see the man for the fraud that he is.

    FRaud Thompson in 08! YEEEEE-HA~