Watching FRed Thompson's speech on C-Span last night, I had to snicker a bit when I noticed that the blurb beneath his name keep flip-flopping. One minute it said "Fred Thompson, presidential candidate---then, a few minutes later another blurb was put up that said--"Fred Thompson is expected to announce his candidacy sometime in September."

I guess in Thompson's case, it's possible to have it both ways, but I felt kind of funny about him being given the same platform as the people who have already announced. In reality he is not a candidate. He just might be.

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I wasn't all that impressed with Thompson's ideas or his delivery, though for some inexplicable reason the audience frequently applauded. The candidate (or potential candidate) brought up the standard Republican concerns--fear--too much government, that sort of thing. Mostly I think he was trying to showcase himself as a candidate who would bring Congress together and provide the country with a leader. Somehow though he didn't appear to be much of a leader. He looked old and somehow already weary.

Because Thompson was only discussing things in the most general terms, the essence of his thoughts and plans didn't take hold. It was as if all he had to do was be there and people got excited. I suppose this could be due to all the favorable press he has received comparing him to R. Reagan or because of his history as a Tenn. senator. I wasn't living in TN at the time, so I have no idea what kind of governor he was and what policies he worked towards that would qualify him to be president.

I have to admit to having a gut feeling of distrust for Thompson right from the start. The way he handled his entry into the race didn't exactly make him look like an up-front guy. His appearances, including the one where he had to be told to "pay attention" to the crowd, so far haven't sparked my interest at all. So what's all the big fuss over this guy?

If it's because he's an old timey type candidate from the South, that's enough to send chills down my spine. What with all the charges concerning backroom deals and nepotism floating around here lately, it would seem the last thing we need is someone who spends most of his time planning his campaign behind the scenes rather than offering strong and wise ways he would solve this country's problems.

It will be interesting to see the Fred Thompson campaign evolve. One thing in his favor is the lacksluster roster of competitors he has to face. McCain is too old and a re-run. Romney too slick and fey. Guiliani will prove to be too cold-hearted and cuffed to a number of questionable characters from his past. This could give Thompson an edge, but put him on stage with any of the Democratic candidates, and I think he will look like a vaccum cleaner salesman trying to get you to commit to buying an Electrolux.

Thompson's pitch seemed outmoded, but then the race has just begun. Well, then again, for him, it hasn't even started yet has it? He probably will...he might..he is expected to announce...

When? That's anybody's guess.