Republican and Conservative political analysis and commentary

ThePolitico.com considers the possible Fred Thompson presidential candidacy:

Friends who are already mapping out his pitch say Thompson, 64, is likely to assess his chances around the beginning of May. Thompson will have access to a sizable conservative audience in coming weeks as the substitute host on Paul Harvey’s radio program, a heartland touchstone.  Last year, ABC News Radio named Thompson special program host and senior analyst, leading to speculation he might be the heir apparent for Harvey, who’s 88.

That reminds me of something I wrote two months ago:

For a guy who says he's not running for political office, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson sure is raising his public political profile lately.

The Politico's story by Mike Allen continues...

Thompson sees a potential opening in the unsettled field of Republican hopefuls as a no-nonsense, charismatic conservative who would offer reassurance at a time when voters are craving security, according to the friends.

Thompson faces numerous obstacles, notably a lack of groundwork in early-voting states where his competitors have been campaigning for years. He also would be way behind in the brutal contest to sign up key donors, and many analysts see his entry as improbable. About the only factor that makes his candidacy plausible at this late date would be his celebrity and the deep dismay that conservatives feel about the current field.

Well, yeah. That and probably that he's perhaps the best Republican campaigner on the national stage since Ronald Reagan.

Reporter Mike Allen notes that Thompson's speaking topics include such "red-meat topics" as "Why Invading Iraq Was Necessary," and also "Four Major Threats to America," the latter of which are terrorism, an emerging superpower, bankruptcy and "loss of faith in ourselves." Allen calls those "a healthy start on a presidential platform."

Big themes, a willingness to face harsh reality, and a healthy dose of optimism in America's ability to survive and thrive - Thompson's hallmarks are those that made Reagan so popular.

To see a few clips from different Thompson speeches, click the "speaking topics" link.