Actor-politician Fred Thompson makes it official – he is going after Oval Office for his next set

By Lagan Sebert

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 9/1/07 — Labor Day is historically when presidential primaries get going full steam, and although candidates have been going at it much earlier this year, actor/politician Fred Thompson appears ready to kick the Republican Primaries into high gear with an official announcement.

The ex “Law & Order” star and former senator Thompson said that he will officially enter the presidential race Sept. 6. Thompson has been quasi-campaigning for months, however he has been vague as to his intentions. When he asked to be released from his role on the NBC show “Law & Order” this May many took it as proof that he would indeed run, however until now it has only been speculation.

In a June 4 poll conducted by the Pew Research Center Thompson registered second to Rudy Giuliani as the most appealing Republican candidate, and the most appealing to self described conservatives. Thompson has often been cast in stately rolls in his acting career and it seems that he may have an upper hand in catching voters imaginations due to his Hollywood Star power and conservative credentials.

“When Hollywood directors need someone who can personify governmental power, they often turn to [Thompson],” wrote Rick Bragg in a New York Times article in 1994.

Ronald Reagan, also an actor, was called the great communicator and democratic leader Barack Obama was recently complimented by actor George Clooney as having the aura of a rock star. Both President Bush and former President Clinton have been praised for their ability to communicate with “average Americans”. Thompson’s stately manner and natural communication skills may be a forceful weapon in his bid for the republican nomination. Even though McCain is a war hero and Thompson has only played one in the movies, he may in fact be a more convincing figure.

“I believe that there are millions of Americans who know that our security and prosperity are at risk if we don’t address the challenges of our time,” said Thompson in a statement Thursday.

Thompson cited terrorism, small government and decreased taxes as focal points of his campaign. He left politics in 2003 to pursue an acting career after nearly ten years of representing Tennessee in the Senate.