Just a side comment.
You’re up to bat, big boy. What makes Fred so great?
Committed limited-government federalist. Solid conservative positions. Demostrated ability to win statewide races, even when a Dem wins the state in the presidential election. Ability to convey conservative values to non-political types. Charisma.
Other than that, I can't imagine why anyone would want to support Fred.
I’ll pinch-hit.
1. Fred Thompson is an orator who can communicate conservative principles in the way Reagan could. No, he’s not a Reagan clone, but he “gets it” the way Reagan did.
2. He has recognized threats from China and Mexico, and said so, something no one else has done.
3. He understands the concept of Federalism. Even Reagan was disappointing in that regard sometimes.
4. Solid pro-life record, but doesn’t come across as “too” pro-life, so that pro-choice, but otherwise right-leaning voters would have no major issue voting for him. In practice, every bit as pro-life as Bush or Reagan.
5. Ardently pro-second amendment.
6. Only candidate besides Rootie who was tied with or leading Hillary in a recent Ohio poll. He can win and we’d actually like the results, unlike Rudy.