TV Guide to the White House

May 17, 2007 — -- Former Sen. Fred Thompson is waiting for his TV schedule to match his political timeline before declaring his presidential candidacy -- but he's not exactly staying quiet in the meantime.

Though still under contract with "Law & Order" through the end of May, Thompson is peppering the blogosphere with commentary, in addition to his regular ABC Radio dispatches.

Thompson's latest online effort blurs the line between Thompson the actor and Thompson the politician.

In a video clip filmed for Internet distribution, Thompson sucks on an unlit cigar while shrugging off filmmaker Michael Moore's recent debate challenge -- and gets in a shot at the liberal icon by reminding him that "your buddy Castro" once put a documentary filmmaker he didn't like in a mental institution.

"A mental institution, Michael, might be something you ought to think about," Thompson says.

He then places the cigar back in his mouth and spins his chair back toward his desk, looking very much like District Attorney Arthur Branch, his "Law & Order" character.

Thompson's associates said the video and his frequent blogging are part of a strategy to communicate directly with voters -- and to build anticipation over his possible candidacy to a fever pitch among Republican activists.

Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., said Thompson is displaying the instincts and humor he's prepared to bring to a presidential candidacy.

His new video has bloggers and activists buzzing -- and has members of Congress eagerly anticipating more, said Wamp, one of Thompson's biggest boosters in Congress.

"He's lighting the sky up with fireworks, and he's not even in the race," Wamp said. "You don't have to run from debate to debate with 10 other people. He can do it a different way and gain traction. People are saying, 'Man, that guy's got guts.'"

Wamp said he sees Thompson "preparing for the month of June" to take formal steps toward announcing a candidacy.