Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN) has responded in an online video to filmmaker Michael Moore's challenge to a health care debate. Moore issued the challenge in a letter to Thompson following Thompson's criticism of Moore for visiting Cuba in order to seek treatment for ailing 9/11 workers.
In the letter, Moore cited Thomspon's criticism as hypocritical, given Thompson's documented preference for Cuban cigars.
"Putting aside the fact that you, like the Bush Administration, seem far more concerned about the trip to Cuba than the health care of these 9/11 heroes, I was struck by the fact that your concerns (including comments about Castro's reported financial worth) apparently do not extend to your own conduct," wrote Moore.
Moore continued, "In light of your comments regarding Cuba and Castro, do you think the 'box upon box of cigars – Montecristos from Havana' that you have in your office have contributed to Castro's reported wealth?"
Moore went on to challenge Thompson to a health care debate, and suggested that the winner could be decided by a national American Idol-style vote.
In his videotaped response, Thompson, cigar in mouth, declined the offer to debate, saying, "I've been looking at my schedule, Michael, and I don't think I have time for you."
Thompson went on to to lecture Moore about another filmmaker, Nicolás Guillén Landrián, who was tortured by Fidel Castro.
"He did something Castro didn't like and they put him in a mental institution for several years, giving him devastating electroshock treatments. A mental institution, Michael, it might be something you ought to think about," said Thompson.
