WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
  • Bookmark This Page
  • Site Map
  • Sign up for WebMD Newsletters

The content below was selected by the WebMD Editorial staff and is solely under WebMD's editorial control.

Candid Candidate

* Fred Thompson pulled out of the presidential race on Jan. 22, 2008 *

Fred Thompson (R)

Occupation: Actor, former U.S. senator from Tennessee

Birth Date: Aug. 19, 1942

Spouse: Jeri

Children: Fred Jr., Daniel, Hayden, and Samuel. Betsy died in 2002.

WebMD asked all the presidential candidates eight questions about how health affects them, from guilty pleasures to defining moments. Though Fred Thompson has not yet responded to those questions, here are some health issues he or his family has faced.

In 2004, Thompson was diagnosed with a slow-growing form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was treated with radiation and the cancer drug Rituxan. He told Fox News in 2007 that the disease is in remission.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Find out where Fred Thompson stands on the key health issues.
View full profile

Thompson's daughter Elizabeth "Betsy" Thompson Panici died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs on Jan. 30, 2002. He decided to retire from the Senate two months later.

The content contained in WebMD's "Health Matters in the 2008 Election" section is for informational purposes only. WebMD does not endorse any specific political party, candidate, committee, idea or belief.

The Candidates

Read the candidates' health platforms plus find out how health affects them personally.

McCain (R) Platform | Personal
Obama (D) Platform | Personal
Third-Party Candidates:
Barr (L) Platform | Personal
Nader (I) Platform | Personal

Your Vote Matters

Register to vote: