For months speculation in the Republican campaign centred around Fred Thompson running for president. It's starting to look like he shouldn't have bothered. He was meant to be the Reagan-like candidate with conservative credentials, but his record (one low-profile term as a senator, two decades as a Washington lobbyist) is less than inspiring.
With the gloss wearing off his poll ratings and some downbeat performances on the campaign trail - including one in Iowa when he finished his speech and was forced to ask his audience: "Can I have a round of applause?" - combined with a disappointing fundraising total and lack of substance, means tomorrow night's Republican debate is a big one for Fred. If he flops, that may well spell the end of his campaign.
