No Illusions

In a way, this is sort of refreshing.

Fred Thompson seems to realize that he has no chance of becoming president.

Chatting off-air to a television reporter, a stunningly candid off-the-cuff quip from the Hollywood actor cemented the impression that his heart is not in the 2008 race.

Trying to encourage his studio to hurry up so an interview could start, Carl Cameron of Fox News said into his microphone: "The next president of the United States has a schedule to keep." Standing beside him, a deadpan Mr Thompson interjected: "And so do I."

As some Thompson aides looked bemused and others cringed, a taken-aback Mr Cameron, Fox's chief political correspondent, exclaimed: "You can't do that kind of stuff!"

The only question now is, how long will it take Freddie K-Street to take a bow and exit stage right? I mean, enough is enough. This little performance art piece outlived its novelty months ago.

_{Photo courtesy of bmcvey under a Creative Commons license}