“Well in fairness, a lot more people thought the same about an old actor they dug out of mothballs”
You need to pay more attention to current events, then you would know that Fred Thompson has been involved in the political scene at some level for much of the last 35 years, (he was an assistant U.S. Attorney before that).
As an example, this is what he was doing since he left the senate way, way, way back in 2002.
Post-Senate activities
Political work
Fred Thompson on July 25, 2007 in Dallas.In March 2003, Thompson was featured in a commercial by the conservative non-profit group Citizens United that advocated the invasion of Iraq, stating: “When people ask what has Saddam done to us, I ask, what had the 9/11 hijackers done to us — before 9/11.”[51]
Thompson did voice-over work at the 2004 Republican National Convention.[52] While narrating a video for that convention, Thompson observed: “History throws you what it throws you, and you never know what’s coming.”[53]
After the retirement of Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2005, Bush appointed him to an informal position to help guide the nomination of John Roberts through the United States Senate confirmation process.[54] Roberts was subsequently confirmed as Chief Justice.
Until July 2007, Thompson was Chair of the International Security Advisory Board, a bipartisan advisory panel that reports to the Secretary of State and focuses on emerging strategic threats.[55] In that capacity, he advised the State Department about all aspects of arms control, disarmament, international security, and related aspects of public diplomacy.[56]
Legal defense for Lewis Libby
Main article: Lewis Libby
In 2006, he served on the advisory board of the legal defense fund for I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Jr, who was indicted and later convicted of lying to federal investigators during their investigation of the Plame affair.[57][58] Thompson, who had never met Libby before volunteering for the advisory board, said he was convinced Libby was innocent.[30] The Scooter Libby Legal Defense Fund Trust set out to raise more than $5 million to help finance the legal defense of Vice President Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff.[59] Thompson hosted a fundraiser for the Libby defense fund at his home in McLean, Virginia.[60] After Bush commuted Libby’s sentence,[61] Thompson released a statement: “I am very happy for Scooter Libby. I know that this is a great relief to him, his wife and children. This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life.”[62]
Radio analyst
In 2006, he signed on with ABC News Radio to serve as senior analyst and vacation replacement for Paul Harvey.[63] He used that platform to spell out his positions on a number of political issues. A July 3, 2007 update to Thompson’s ABC News Radio home page referred to him as a “former ABC News Radio contributor,” indicating that Thompson has been released from his contract with the broadcaster.[64]
Yes, I am aware of Fred’s resume. You left out Lobbyist, Watergate counsel and a prosecutor in Tennessee. You missed my point and that was, regardless of the bona fides, no one knows who Thompson is a great deal more than anyone else. More people likely know him as Arthur Branch than Fred Thompson.
Few people knew who Romney was and I am still not sure. If he ever figures it out himself I am sure he will let us know. I am not counting anyone out at this point and I have no idea what the magic formula is. One would have to know the collective American mind and that in itself is a scary thought. It goes beyond just money, or just name-recognition. All help, but there is always that unknown, unexplainable quantity. Perhaps it is that battered-voter syndrome or something? We can’t elect a decent candidate because we don’t deserve one. When they crap on us it is probably our fault. Otherwise, what we would have to complain about for the next 4 years?