As a lifelong Tennessean and former constituent of Mr. Thompson, I am not going to immediately jump on the "Fred's all that and a bag of chips" bandwagon. I appreciate the article and found it informative. I'll wait until he announces his candidacy and things really get going before I come to any conclusions about what I think might make him a geat leader or not. I am an ardent Democrat, but at this point I have no desire to see Hilary Clinton elected. If Mr. Thompson can show me that he can make the changes that our country needs and do so in a manner that will be beneficial to us all, then I'll consider supporting the other party.

Sharon S., Covington, USA/Tennessee

Sen. Thompson has what it takes to be President. He doesn't play party politics and bows down to no one. He is the Ronald Reagan of the 21st century.

E.J. McDonnell, South Hadley, Massachusetts

Thank you for this wonderful piece on Senator Thompson. As someone who comes from tow very Democratic leaning states, Ohio and California, his candidacy is the only one that is not stuffed with rhetoric. He is a man with a vision, who does not apologize for what he believes, and is the best chance the United States has in restoring respect around thw world, keeping us secure and continuing in a direction of progress for all Americans.

He has shown us that he is not a career politician, as every single other candidate is. Fred actually has held down a job in the private sector and done pretty well for himself, unlike the other candidates who simply pay to play, he has worked hard.

The best thing about this article is that the writer asked smart questions, not the same old BS questions so many 'journalists' in the American MSM seem to always pose to him. Great Job. I look forward to more from The Times Online as the Senator pushes to the top of the pack.

Sunana Batra
Encinitas, C

Sunana Batra, Encinitas, CA, USA

Actually, I am looking forward to Al Gore to beat them all. He's the right Tennessean for the job.

Paul Stillman, Southampton,

Thinking Fred Thompson has even the slightest chance at winning the Republican primary is wishful thinking at best. He divorced his highschool sweetheart and married a hot young thing many years his junior. If the Lewinski-Clinton fiasco, 2000, 2004, and 2006 elections have shown us anything it is that the majority of the American electorate have a sexual and moral sense more fitting to 1608 than 2008. This is especially true amongst America's earnest theocrats in the Republican party. PACs associated with the Romney and Huckabee campaigns are already cheerfully attacking Rudy for his marital history, does Thompson really expect he will receive a different treatment. The Republicans have the same paradox with Thompson that the Democrats have with Obama, as both seem more attractive to the general electorate but seem to be unable to win over the party hardliners crucial to a primary victory. Watch closely and you will see America's Christo-facists burn Thompson at the stake.

Grant, Miami, FL, USA

Since I don't watch "Law and Order", I can't comment too much about Fred Thompson. But I do know that the last thing this country needs at this time is some bored actor, former polititian, former lawyer, self admitted womanizer, who wants to play president. This country is in one of the crucial times in it's history . We have almost been destoyed by our biggest enemy, George Bush and the goosestepping Republican Party, and they are STILL trying! Just look at the deteriorating, anti-american, political situations around this Earth. Now King George is starting problems with Russia! This guy is not going to be satisfied until we are in the midst of WWIII! No Fred, we need a REAL person to lead this country now. Someone committed to it's people and Truth, Justice, and the American Way! Personnally, the only Republican that comes even close is Ron Paul of Texas, and that will never happen because he is not in the multi-millionaire /big business clique that runs this country.

roger remy, ludlow, ma

Alan:"Senator Fred Thompson is everything we are looking for in a candidate: conservative, patriotic, smart, good at communicating ideas, against illegal alien amnesty, pro-defense and plain talking

Alan I can't imagine he is "everything" we are looking for in a candidate. How "conservative" is a question that will be vetted out in the next few months.

Also, it would be nice if we had a president that actually has experience in fixing things, turning things around and demonstrating true leadership at a national level. Unfortunately Fred comes up short on the most needed qualities for the times.

We need a president who can solve complex issues and be a driving force to get things done. If the country simply needed to be maintained, then Fred would be a great choice. However we need to change a myriad of problems and need someone who has demonstrated that ability before. As Republicans we can do better.

Jack, tempe, AZ

What an amazing man. If only America good get a good solid man of principals. I did my exchange program at the University of Tennessee when he was the state senator. I got to meet a couple of times. Everyone in that state loved, both african american and white, Democrat and Republican. In fact, my friend works for Democrat Governor Phil Bredesen of TN and he thinks that Thompson would make a fine President. At this point, I think a Monkey with AIDS would do better than Dubya!

Colin, Brighton,

I am a Democrat and there is not one candidate to date with the exception of Dennis Kusunich that I would even give consideration to. If the Republican Party can divest itself of everything that smacks of George Bush and Dick Cheney, I would be tempted to vote for Fred Thompson......there is an air of good old common sense about him that this present occupant of the White House has never had. And 18 months is not long enough for him to get it right. He will leave this country in a mess.....his legacy is already in a shambles and he should resign.Fred Thompson just might be able to pull this country together.

Mary Newlon, Fort Smith, Arkansas USA

Mr. Fred Thompson may just surprise a lot of people.

Emzy Veazy III, Aspen, Colorado/USA

"[W]ith his Southern drawl and cigar-chomping manner, he seems culturally in tune with the party base."

Nice little stereotyping you got going there, Mr. Baker and Mr. Thomson. Perhaps you should set down the crumpets and tea and spend more time learning about about the American electorate or even the fabled Republican "base."

Fred T. has two things going for him: he is personable and comes off as thoughtful. You might not find that to be special, but compared to Clinton/Obama/Edwards/McCain/Guiliani/Romney - it is. Compared to the other front runners, at least one can imagine Fred sitting in your own living room and shooting the breeze with you.

Dan, San Diego, CA

Senator Fred Thompson is everything we are looking for in a candidate: conservative, patriotic, smart, good at communicating ideas, against illegal alien amnesty, pro-defense and plain talking. He will be very much in the mold of President Ronald Reagan, arguably the best president of the 20th Century.

Alan, Des Moines, Iowa USA

As a very enthusiastic and vocal supporter of Senator Thompson's bid to be our next leader, I'd like to thank you for a very fair and thorough article. (Interesting that a candidate from over here has to go over there to get good press!) My only little quibble is that reference to his having been "divorced recently." His divorce was 22 years ago, and unlike some of his rivals, he was divorced for 17 years before remarrying.

Rev. Daniel J. Lemke, Ashley, USA / Ohio

Thompson is indeed the man. He is in tune with most Americans on the issues and seems to not only talk the talk, but his record shows that he walks the walk.

One terrifice advantage that Thompson has, is his ability to communicate. That trait was one of Reagan's secret to success.

If the man is right on the issues, his ability to articulate, should serve him well as he attempts to get the American people to follow where he leads.

The power of the American Presidency is greatest when a man is most effective at using it as a "bully pulpit". I really think that Thompson is the right man at the right time.

Calie Stephens, Dallas, TX

Fred Thompson will make a great President for America... he understands that Border Security is National Security. He tells you exactly where he stands on an issue and isn't afraid to respond to a yes or no question with a yes or no answer. Go Fred! Beat Hillary in 2008!

FRedStates.com, Palm Springs, California USA