The Countdown continues...

Many have wondered why Fred Thompson has waited so long to enter the 2008 Presidential race.

In retrospect, it looks to have been the smart move. Rudy Giuliani has hung himself with the conservative base by reiterating his pro-abortion stance. And Mitt Romney has not garnered the trust of many evangelicals. It isn’t because of his Mormon religion so much as it is his “about face” on the life issue just within the past couple of years. And John McCain is…well, John McCain.

Since many evangelical Christians opted to stay home during the 2006 elections, it appears they are still waiting to be dazzled by the 2008 prospects.

Enter Thompson.


Several leading Christian conservatives say they will rally to former Sen. Fred Thompson, who they expect to announce "in a matter of weeks" that he will seek the Republican nomination for president next year.

"It's not 'if' but 'when,' he will announce," one Protestant evangelical leader says of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering for position in the 2008 race.

A prominent Roman Catholic social conservative says the three Republicans who have raised the most money and have led the polls -- former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney -- fall short of social conservatives' expectations, but Mr. Thompson doesn't. "He's right on the issues ... He's better than all of the above."

Both the Protestant and Catholic activist, like other Christian conservatives, spoke to The Times on the condition of anonymity.


You had better speak anonymously. Otherwise you might get CREW coming after you.

But I digress.

Come on aboard, Mr. Thompson!!