I've been underwhelmed by Fred Thompson since the initial talk of his presidential candidacy. His appearance last night on Leno to official announce his candidacy didn't change that impression.

What's keeping me interested is the fact that other bloggers whose work I appreciate, seem to find something appealing about him. Perhaps they know something I don't know.

Thompson was noticeably thinner, which I guess is mandatory for a presidential run and the Tonight show is probably as good a venue as any to announce--or is it? I'm not sure what Leno's demographics are, but for me personally, the only time I watch it is if he has a guest on that I would want to see, then I TiVO it and skip through the lame monologue and skits until I get to the interview. The musical act skews very young and almost never interests me. This raises the question of whether conservatives tuned in Leno to watch Thompson and if that's the case, why not look for a more advantageous forum--say the Rush Limbaugh show?

Why not announce earlier and then make the New Hampshire debates?

Thompson seems to want to avoid exposure, which is very weird because if he is going to have a chance to win the nomination, he has to play catchup.

Right Wing Nut House doesn't think Thompson has a chance. I agree.