[George W. Bush]

He is far more likable than any of the other candidates. I will say both Hunter and Romney can be charming too though. Even less-known Ron Paul is a very sweet fellow and comes across well in interviews. McStain, Gilmore, Huckabee, well, I just don't get the same warm feeling toward them, having given them plenty of chances over time.

Thompson has a personality that wears well. Very unlike the leftwing ex-mayor or the Hildebeeste. Because of his acting jobs, people do connect with him. And the fact that he plays characters so similar to himself in movies like Hunt for Red October or in Law & Order really helps him. On issues like abortion, his L&O character Arthur Branch is probably the most conservative fictional character in network TV shows. And, as Branch, he's made strong conservative arguments but couched in the language of liberty and an inherent distrust in granting government too much power over the citizenry.

People want to vote for someone they actually like. Reagan was likable in this sense, even if you didn't really buy into all his policy ideas. Say what you will, it's always been true.

Likability gets you the benefit of the doubt at the ballot box and in pushing for policy in office. This is how Reagan managed to go right past a hostile press and past the liberal Rockefeller wing of the party (now foisting Giuliani on us) and speak directly to the public to get support for his policies.

[tenn2005]

I have a question. I know that Fred Thompson is presently married. Was he divorced or widowed prior to his current marriage?

[WOSG]

Wow. If we get Thompson, Romney *and* Newt running, we might actually have debates where Republicans say meaningful articulate things!

I'm all for any new candidate who can knock Rudy off his perch.

Only negative is can detect are:
1. only lege experience, what about executive background?
2. what about his age?

[RatsDawg]

Ron Paul?

Sure he is a nice guy, I like him on most of the issues, but he is anti-Iraq war, and thats why I don't have any fire for him.