[jyl]

Interesting guy.

His career:
- Lawyer 1967-1974
- Washington lobbyist 1975-1992
- Senator 1994-2002
- TV/movie actor 1985-1994, 2002-present

So, Rick, not sure where you rank lawyers and lobbyists relative to politicians and actors, but you've got it all in Mr. T.

He has cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, supposedly dormant. He'd be the second-oldest Republican candidate (65 y/o, oldest being McCain at 71 y/o). May be an issue to some.

On a cursory look, I probably like him about the same as Guiliani, less than Romney and McCain. I dislike G and R for their shameless flip-flopping. I think R is damn smart and business-savvy, think he'd run a very competent government especially on the economic side. I respect M for his gutsiness, outspokeness, and service.

My main issue with T is trying to figure out what he really brings to the table, besides a familiar face and voice via his character acting roles. Forget his acting career, which I consider irrelevant. If T were simply a former Washington lawyer and lobbyist who did a term and a half in the Senate, would you be all excited about him?

On the practical side, I'd think his acting background will be an even bigger asset given the accelerated primary schedule, which reduces the opportunity for face-to-face campaigning.