Over the last few days, much has been said about Fred Thompson’s possible run for President. Some say that “he is the answer” for conservatives… others are saying “Fred? Conservative???? What???”. Look, I for one will most definitely be supporting Fred Thompson if he chooses to run for President. Might I disagree with some positions that he may take. Maybe. Who knows?

I will be supporting Fred Thompson because he is the “real deal”… more so than any politician that I have had the opportunity to be associated with. In 1994, I was a college kid at Vandy. I went to work for Fred’s campaign, when he was waaaaay behind in the polls and nobody even knew who he was. Some knew him as “hard-ass” in “No Way Out” and “In the Line of Fire”. But, really, nobody knew who he was… except for insiders who knew his potential.For those of you who may not recall, Fred’s campaign headquarters was in the 1808 building on West End. Well, at that point in the campaign, Fred was rarely leaving the office and – in no way – was he in active campaign mode. In fact, he spent many of his days kicking back in the office. As I said, I was a college kid…. licking envelopes and making phone calls – asking people for money for a candidate that they did not know about.

Fred won me over during those months. He didn’t have to “hang out” with me. But, Fred routinely came out of his office, pulled up a chair and just sat down and talked. He asked me all about myself and the things I cared about. He told me stories… great stories… memories that I will always treasure. Fred didn’t have to do that. I was just a kid. But, after being around politics for many years, I have concluded that the way politicians treat “lowly” volunteers separates great leaders from poor ones. By that standard, I would have to rate Fred at the top of any of the politicians I have had the privilege of being associated with. That year – I became a Fred fan for life.

Forward the clock 13 years, I was in a car coming from the airport in Chicago (Midway). When the driver found out that I was from Tennessee, he asked me if I knew Fred Thompson. I was proud to say yes. He told me that he drove Fred and his bride from his wedding to his hotel, the night of his wedding. After speaking with this guy, I realized that he was a fan, too. He said that Fred was one of the most genuine, nicest guys he ever met. We both talked about how much we wished that he would run for President. To tell you the truth, I am giddy about a potential Fred candidacy. When I worked with Fred, I travelled with him and his “entourage” to help out at some of his “truck stops” – in the latter days of the campaign. I saw him deal with media and voters. I have never seen a politician with more ability. And, based on personal experience, I have never had the privilege of knowing a more genuine, charismatic man in my life.

Look, Fred knows that if he runs people will be critical of him. That is part of it. But, the people who support Fred know why they support him, and they respect and admire his common sense approach to goverment grounded in the values of common people… not Washington.

Clearly, there is a void on the Republican side in this race. Fred, please run. This country needs you, and this is your time.