Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson told Sean Hannity on Fox News Monday night that he is endorsing Newt Gingrich for president.
Thompson declared that he likes Gingrich's low-tax approach which will grow the economy.
Thompson said Newt is "not afraid, he's tough," and added that his federal experience gives him a unique advantage of reforming Washington.
The former Tennessee senator added that the country is in a "colossal mess" and that the current political situation suggests that "normal rules don't apply."
In discussing his endorsement, Thompson said Gingrich was a strong man who "led a revolution in American politics" during his time as House speaker. He credited Gingrich with working across the aisle with both parties, particularly in passing welfare reform. "Newt has done his own tough, gritty work" to get things done in American politics, Thompson said.
Thompson said politicians must "stop apologizing" and stand up to the establishment of both parties and the news media to get things done.
"People are frightened," he said. "They want answers."
Thompson said he got into politics to improve things and "leave things a little better" and now he is "ashamed and embarrassed by what our generation is leaving behind."
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