If You Believe in The American People You Should Want Fred Thompson to Win the Republican Nomination; If Not, Not

My God, look at that hair!

Fred was an actor long before he was an actor. But take in the bullshit too, in the article itself, and in every word and gesture this man emits, on Law and Order and on the stump. He generates a fog of attitudinal fumes. He combines the worst of Reagan with the worst of Bush--most of all, the lazy narcissism in both of them. But Fred is so complete a honking phony. He's a walking parody of gravitas. The ultimate empty suit.

That's why it would be the ultimate test of the American character if Fred got the nomination. If voters fall for yet another of these down home folksy poses after the burning they got these last 6 years, then, really--we deserve to be led by this egocentric sock puppet. The way his head bends under, and his voice rumbles inward, every time he utters. He's addressing himself. It's so obvious. He himself is the only audience that matters to him.

Lord knows the likely Democratic candidates are no paragons of authenticity--but they are sincerely engaged with the issues of our time, making their best efforts, according to their limited lights, to do what's right for the country and the world. In the midst of the circus play of politics, in their hearts, they cling to memories, at least, of principle. They are still trying to serve something other than their own roles in their own minds.

But Fred? He's auditioning for the part of President. And if he wins, he will act the part. But, as W's disastrous performance has shown, when Presidents act that part--actual action in the world follows.

Picture Fred. At his Oval Office desk: deciding something real...