People like Fred Thompson. So far as I can tell, that is currently the prime rationale for his candidacy for president of the United States. He doesn\u2019t need to launch a media blitz to achieve this level of public fondness. His avuncular, crumpled tower of a personage is well known from many episodes of Law & Order.<\/p>\n
In this year\u2019s race, only one other Republican candidate has even minimal charm \u201d\u201c the obscure Mike Hucka-bee of Arkansas, who is obviously (and rather successfully) running for vice-president. Rudy Giuliani is many things, but likable isn\u2019t one of them. Mitt Romney has failed to win over many conservatives despite an impeccable family life and a platform largely dictated by the far-right activist base. The slickness and eagerness to please seem to glide past any political traction. John McCain is too prickly to be cuddled. But good old Fred has the shtick down.<\/p>\n
Last Wednesday he lolloped onto The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, skipping the Fox News Republican debate in New Hampshire, and announced for president. It was an unconventional entrance, disdained by even conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh for its celebrity-driven aura. But it worked well enough.<\/p>\n
The way Thompson drawls backwards into an answer, the manner in which he almost fails to finish his sentences because of boredom or his easy-going way, the gentle, inclusive humour, the effortless stage presence of an actor\/lawyer: all these came across beguilingly. I\u2019ll admit it: I like him. He\u2019s been charming when we\u2019ve met; and once you get over craning your neck upwards to see his lofty face, you find yourself wanting him to do well.<\/p>\n
Of course, you\u2019re not too sure what exactly he would do….<\/p>\n