Where is Fred Thompson?

I think everyone knows that I lean heavily toward the "conservative" side of politics. And right now - I'm supporting Fred Thompson for the republican presidential nomination. I'm really supporting him because I think he is the only possible republican candidate that could win. But that's just the problem - Fred is only a "possible" candidate for becoming "the" candidate. So I'm asking . . . Fred, where are you and when are you going to declare?

Fred Thompson appeals to me and other conservatives, because of his "tell it like it is" approach. That approach will help him when he finally gets into the race. Still, not declaring worries me for two reasons. First, given his "shoot'em straight" approach - why doesn't Thompson just say "here is my timetable" ??? (I'm not going to get into the whole Republican and "Timetables" debate.) Second, not coming out with a timetable takes away from his "shoot'em straight" appeal. Don't you think? I mean - I like the guy because he seems so "tell it like it is." I'm curious to see how the percieved "lag" in declaring will reflect in polls. There are a few of us asking: Fred, tell it like it is, when are you gonna jump in?

Even though Thompson has been adamant in not playing by the rules of typical campaigns - not declaring yet allows him to abide by the number one rule of campaigns - MOMENTUM. I realize that when he finally does declare, though late in the day, it will likely give Thompson a tremendous push that others have already used up. It's a delicate balancing act that Thompson is playing right now between keeping up momentum and not actually declaring. Fred would likely answer the "when" question by saying "when the time is right." "The right time" might not be clear right now.

One thing is clear - Fred is going to do it his way and in his time. He's taking his time fundraising and organizing. My advice - be careful - the cowboy, maverick image might alienate moderate voters that have tired of "Texas" over the last few years. Still, I admire Thompson's willingness to step out of the box with all the risks it includes . . . it reminds me a little of a Willie Nelson lyric "he's not wrong, he's just different and his pride won't let'em do things to make you think he's right." He won't declare just because I'm ready for it - Thompson will declare when it's most beneficial to his campaign.