The best man for the Republican nomination isn't even running. Former senator and current fictitious district attorney on Law and Order, Fred Thompson is by far the best candidate.
His resume consists of a law degree from Vanderbilt university, Assistant US District Attorney, worked on the Watergate hearings, served as special counsel to Lamar Alexander when he was Governor of Tennessee and eventually was elected to finish out Al Gore's term in the Senate in the biggest landslide in Tennessee history and was reelected to a complete term in 1996.
He decided not to run in 2002, he was a sure winner had he decided to pursue another term. He instead went back to acting and has played the DA's role on L & A for several years now.
He's a people person and a Conservative.
He's brilliant as shown when he absolutely eviscerated uber-lib Mike Farrell in 1993 on Meet the Press.He's not afraid to speak his mind as he did last week when talking about the changes in strategy on the Iraq War:
I'll bet that a lot of folks who support the president on this are asking themselves "what if we'd taken care of business this way two years ago?"
So, Thompson has kept his toes in the water by assisting President Bush in getting John Roberts confirmed and writes at NRO on a regular basis. He's recognizable, has no discernible baggage and would be a commanding presence in the White House. Let's face it, at 6' 6" and with great pipes, the guy looks and sounds presidential.

Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 6)
1. Fred is an interesting guy but you might as well suggharles Barkley. They have equal chancesest C
captruss at 9:20PM on Jan 25th 2007
2. I agree! Fred Thompson is a wonderful and highly intelligent individual. I had the opportunity to meet him at the Governor's Ball years ago in Tennessee. He is astonishingly striking in every since of the word. The most elequently spoken gentlemen that I have ever had the opportunity to meet. I would vote for Fred Thompson and would do everything in my power to promote his campaign!! He could be the man of the hour! I think someone should be contacted to let him know that there are people out here that would support him whole heartedly.
Janet at 10:01PM on Jan 25th 2007
3. I agree! I've known Fred Thompson for most of my life and have often discussed him as a true Presidential candidate. He is one of the most genuine politicians you will ever find. Speaks his mind and knows how to shape his message so it is clear. We need his style of leadership again in D.C.
David at 10:25PM on Jan 25th 2007
4. Fred Thompson has impressed me for quite some time. I was saddened by his decision to return to acting. To me, he was more of a "statesman" than a politician.
Leo Hammond at 10:39PM on Jan 25th 2007
5. I agree that senator Thompson would be the best candidate the Republican party has to offer! It wouldn't be the first time that an actor has been elected President on the Republican ticket!! Any ideas as to how to convince him to run?
Steve at 10:44PM on Jan 25th 2007
6. We need Fred Thompson to break up the "nepotism" and "cronyism" that plagues Washington D.C. We need a man with moral fiber, intellect, experience in how to get things (without the two afore-mentioned evils)and someone not tied to Big Oil, Big Drugs or Big Business. He would be perfect in new "role"- President. He'd get my vote!
Joe Cardosi at 11:01PM on Jan 25th 2007
7. Fred has the intelligence and
Fred has the balls.
D.O. Foreman at 11:44PM on Jan 25th 2007
8. I'm a lifelong liberal democrat and I would heartily vote for Fred Thompson. He has the intelligence, the wit, the presence, the knowledge and the background to be President and he doesn't seem to have any of the negatives of either Guilliani (who I adore) or McCain. The GOP should draft him anyway they can.
Sue at 12:02AM on Jan 26th 2007
9. Although I know very little about the man. I would have to agree with the fellow poster that he is a guy that looks and sounds presidential. Although I may not like some of his policies...I had to comment because he is one of my favorite characters in my all time favorite movie, DIEHARD 2, that I have seen more than 40 times and know all of the dialogue. I recently had to prove to someone that he was a US Senator, while watching Law and Order, and did look up his stats on line. Very impressive resume. He would be as good a Republican candidate as any, and would be very likely to win if he ran. Stack 'em, pack 'em, and rack 'em Fred.
Bryan at 12:41AM on Jan 26th 2007
10. I WATCHED FRED THOMPSON ON C-SPAN WHEN HE WAS A SENATOR. HE ALWAYS GOT RIGHT TO THE MATTER AND SAID WHAT HE HAD TO SAY WITHOUT A LOT OF BULL. I USE TO WATCH HIS FACE AND HE LOOKED SO DISGUSTED SOMETIME. I WAS NOT SURPRISED WHEN HE DID NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTION. I THINK HE THOUGHT IT WAS A WASTE OF TIME TRYING TO GET ANYTHING DONE IN THE SENATE. HE SURE WOULD HAVE MY VOTE IF HE RUN FOR ANYTHING.
NANCY MARION at 1:06AM on Jan 26th 2007
11. Yes, indeed! Sen. Fred Dalton Thompson for President. As others have written before me, I would totally and fullheartedly support Fred for the job. His statesmanship credentials are impeccable, as well as his ability to articulate and educate the American people about international and domestic issues. I believe that he would command the respect of other world leaders along with that of his fellow countrymen. Sen. Thompson if you're reading these endorsements, may I quote one of your characters in a movie? "Now is the time to come to Jesus", on this issue. Your country needs you now more than ever. May God bless your decision.
Don Naylor at 2:39AM on Jan 26th 2007
12. Having seen interviews with Fred Thompson, as well as seen him give speeches on C-SPAN, I've always felt that he took positions not based on polling data or religious convictions. His positions were based on logical thinking, political soul searching, and common sense pragmatism.
Would he make a great President? Yes. Does he want to be President? I don't know. I've heard him say that public service is wonderful, but should be done in small doses, in between stints in the private sector. So, the question is whether his time on L&O has been long enough, so that he can justify to himself a return to public service, as well as the time and effort of a political campaign.
Kent at 2:43AM on Jan 26th 2007
13. I would vote for him but I sure would hate to see him leave L & O. Think he could do both?
Sheila at 3:41AM on Jan 26th 2007
14. I agree with most of comments above. Fred Thompson would make this presidential race very interesting. I think that he would make the race very competitive because of his broad appeal to both Republicans and Democrats. This country is in need of a presidential personality that can unify the country again. A promise unkept after the 6+ years of the current administration. Fred Thompson just might be that man.
Will at 5:13AM on Jan 26th 2007
15. I agree, Fred Thompson would get my vote.. I often wondered over the years, why the most appropiate person for this tremendous position is either too above playing the games needed to get there, or doesn't have the personality to attract the backing or the votes.
Pat at 6:45AM on Jan 26th 2007