by Evie Stone

Former Senator and Hollywood actor (and wildly overhyped presidential candidate) Fred Thompson stirred up some enthusiasm among RNC-goers tonight. His speech may have been lengthy, but it evoked frequent applause interruptions, including a few standing ovations.

Staying with tonight's introductory theme, Thompson presented some more detailed McCain bio, complete with a few lighthearted jabs at McCain's rebellious youth — including his many demerits at the Naval Academy and his exotic dancer girlfriend from his flight school days who went by the stage name "Marie, the Flame of Florida."

He also presented a graphic account of McCain's time as a POW in Vietnam (how often do you hear the word "dysentery" in a convention speech?) and talked up the candidate's "strength", "courage", "humility" and "wisdom." Then Thompson turned to the red meat, unleashing a series of zingers mocking Barack Obama (without ever mentioning the Democratic nominee by name), including this reference to Obama's recent speech in Germany:

The respect he is given around the world is not because of a teleprompter speech designed to appeal to American critics abroad, but because of decades of clearly demonstrated character and statesmanship.

The "critics" line got a big cheer from this crowd, which clearly hasn't forgotten Germany's opposition to the Iraq war in 2003.

 

Thompson also poked fun at Obama's tax proposals, to the delight of the crowd:

Now our opponents tell you not to worry about their tax increases.

They tell you they are not going to tax your family.

No, they're just going to tax "businesses"! So unless you buy something from a "business", like groceries or clothes or gasoline ... or unless you get a paycheck from a big or a small "business", don't worry ... it's not going to affect you.

They say they are not going to take any water out of your side of the bucket, just the "other" side of the bucket! That's their idea of tax reform.

But the biggest cheer came from this line, a reference to Obama's statement to Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren that the answer to "when does life begin?" is "above my pay grade."

And we need a President who doesn't think that the protection of the unborn or a newly born baby is above his pay grade.

Thompson's thick Tennessee accent and affably aw-shucks public speaking style give his attack lines the relaxed flavor of clever impromptu jokes told on someone's front porch. That's an effective delivery, making the hits come across as funny instead of angry. The audience here ate it up.