"Presidential" Fred Thompson Dazzles Congress

More positive coverage of the DC get together

Fred Thompson took the stage and gave a virtuoso performance Wednesday during a private meeting with House Republicans — leaving many star-struck and gushing about the prospect of the former Tennessee Republican senator running for president.

His audience of 53 included five members of the House leadership.

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"As he talked to us, he spoke as though he were a president, and it was very impressive to us," said Rep. Steve Buyer of Indiana. "I think he will do an excellent job as president."

Several House members who spoke to the media after the meeting talked of grass-roots support among Republicans in their home districts for a Thompson candidacy.

"When he makes that announcement, he will have a groundswell of support unlike any other candidate we have seen in many, many years," said Jeff Miller, R-Fla.

Others mentioned Thompson's personal charisma, the sense that he was talking from his heart and shooting straight.

"We are looking for somebody who is going to go out there and say, 'You look me in the eye and I'll tell the truth,' " said Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., "This is the time for Fred Thompson."

Courtesy of Bill Theobald, Tennessean Washington Bureau

Not much to add. The locals love him - and now apparently Congressional Republicans do too.