Take a dump already

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Fred Thompson is "close to joining the '08 race," reports The Hill, citing key supporter Zach Wamp (R-TN).

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Is he in yet? No?

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

**********

Actually, I'm quite looking forward to the Thompson candidacy. It's such a huge joke, but desperate Republicans, meaning pretty much all of them these days, are taking it oh-so-seriously, so unenthused are they by the current crop of candidates -- Giuliani, Romney, McCain (wait, is he still in the race? is he running sans staff?), etc. -- and understandably so.

But is Thompson the answer? Maybe.

It depends on the question, I suppose -- is he the sort of social conservative who will ignite the base? (no -- but his act may be good enough)? is he the next Ronald Reagan? (no -- but Reagan was also a joke, if an immensely popular one) can he beat Clinton or Obama or whomever the Dems pick? (maybe -- never underestimate the rat-fucking GOP machine) is he more desirable than his soon-to-be competitors? (yes, unless the act gives way to reality, unless the image crumbles, unless he is seen for what he really is rather than for what he plays on TV and in the movies).

He's got a shot, I'll give him that. And it'll be fun to watch.

For a party that long ago succumbed to the allure of fantasy and to the delusions that come with abandoning reality, recent electoral success notwithstanding, why not line up behind a candidate who is himself largely a fantasy? It all makes such perfect sense.

**********

I've written a great deal about Thompson -- mostly about his dubious past and fictional present -- see here.