areafiftyone wrote: "A source close to Thompson said that Thompson will not run for president, period."
Politically, there is no closer "source" to Fred Thompson than Howard Baker. And according to TheHill.com:
"Thompson has told allies in recent days that he is exploring seriously a bid for president in 2008 in response to what he has described as strong encouragement from Republicans dissatisfied with the current slate of candidates."
"One senior Republican strategist dismissed talk that McCain, Romney and Giuliani have too great a head start in fundraising and organization for Thompson to catch up. The strategist said Thompson has an opening since many Republicans have concerns about the other three hopefuls. Giuliani has raised concern among conservative Republicans because of positions in favor of abortion rights, gun control and gay rights."
Any hesitancy FDT may have had to spare his friend John McCain's feelings have probably fallen by the wayside in recent days as McCain's numbers have tanked.
Run, Fred, Run!
LOL! I didn't write it. Hotline wrote it. Hotline is a political wire.