Some insight into Fred Thompson's own opinion about his fatuous campaign for president:
Even Fred Thompson doesn't think he will become president. Chatting off-air to a television reporter, a stunningly candid off-the-cuff quip from the Hollywood actor cemented the impression that his heart is not in the 2008 race.
Trying to encourage his studio to hurry up so an interview could start, Carl Cameron of Fox News said into his microphone: "The next president of the United States has a schedule to keep." Standing beside him, a deadpan Mr. Thompson interjected: "And so do I."
Of course, it was meant to be funny, but you have to wonder why Thompson is even bothering at this point. His visit to New Hampshire yesterday was only his third, and he's polling a dismal fifth there and fourth in Iowa. Nationally (and inexplicably) he's polling second to Giuliani, with 17 percent, but it's not by virtue of any stunning campaigning thus far. His few public speeches are long, meandering, and unfocused, and he consistently looks like someone just woke him up from his afternoon nap. He has to plead for a round of applause on the campaign stops he does make. A few months ago his candidacy was somewhat intimidating; now it's just sad. Will everyone please just let Fred Thompson go back to bed?
--Kate Sheppard
