Supporting Cast and Character Actors, Thursday. Leading Man, Friday.

Ten announced Republican candidates for President gaggled together Thursday night under the direction of Chris Mathews, he of leftish ADHD, as a sort of chorus line of supporting and character actors prepping the audience for Friday's main event at the Lincoln Club of Orange County.

Fred Thompson has played supporting roles. He knows character acting. After all, he's been described by real directors as having always played himself.

Fred Thompson knows that running for the presidency is not a role for second fiddles, that it requires a well-defined leading man.

Tonight, by himself on stage in front of the largest Republican club of its type in the country, he will begin to assert his claim to the leading role.

When Fred Thompson walks on stage it will be apparent who has the lead role and who will play the supporting cast.