More on Fred's candidacy...

With respect to Fred's announcement today that he had been diagnosed with cancer in 2004, Bill Pascoe, who among other things worked on the Diana Irey campaign to try to unseat John Murtha, says:

"It doesn't take too much reading of the tea leaves to recognize that his acknowledgement is a house-cleaning on his part," Pascoe said. "I take that as a sign that he's gearing up to run. Why else would he choose to reveal that?" Pascoe said it's not too late for Thompson to get in the race, calling him "very Reagan-esque in a party looking for a 21st-century Reagan."

Look for much more of Fred Thompson in the not-too-distant future:

He has a slew of high-profile appearances coming up. On April 18, he is to meet privately with House Republicans interested in his candidacy. On May 4, he is slated to speak to the Lincoln Club of Orange County, Calif., one of the largest Republican organizations in the country.

The Politico has learned Thompson is likely to appear the night before the dinner on NBC's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno." In May, HBO Films will debut "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," featuring Thompson playing President Ulysses S. Grant, complete with Oval Office scenes. The film has a large promotional budget, a source said.

And the juggernaut rolls on!

Fred Thompson diagnosed with cancer in 2004.

After revealing to Fox News' Neil Cavuto that he was diagnosed with lymphoma more than two years ago, Fred Thompson maintains a "business as usual" approach.


"I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't satisfied in my own mind as to the nature of it and the fact that not only will I have an average lifespan but in the meantime I will not be affected in anyway by it," Thompson said.


In a post at "Red State" blog, Thompson expressed optimism for a full recovery.


I have had no illness from it, or even any symptoms. My life expectancy should not be affected. I am in remission, and it is very treatable with drugs if treatment is needed in the future--and with no debilitating side effects.

I am one of the lucky ones. There are many lucky ones today. And for all of our diversity, we share one thing in common--a deep appreciation for the fact that we live in the United States of America and have the best medicine and the best doctors the world has even known.

Leo adds:

Just as Thompson has been said to be able to melt steel, and that he's bald only because his hair is afraid of him, in a similar vein:

Fred Thompson--he's not in remission--even his cancer is afraid of him :o)

The good LORD is saving you for a purpose, Fred!

Run Fred, Run!