MC touts Thompson's 86% American Conservative Union rating and 100% pro-life voting record.

Entry music: Johnny Cash! "I've been everywhere, man..." Same as the Southwest Airlines commercials.

Man, is he easing into this. Nothing but intros and platitudes for first two minutes. Fred is third speaker to mention Declaration of Independence, first to mention Constitution. He is a fan of federalism, doesn't mention separation of powers.

"We are steeped in honor and sacrifice for the greater good." It was self-sacrifice that led him to the Senate in 1994. He said that.

Reminds us of his 100% abortion record. Hearty applause, but butts remain in seats. Fred's not the kind of guy who makes you jump. He himself has never jumped.

Says he was always pro-life in his head, but he arrived at it in his heart after losing a child and later seeing a sonogram of his new daughter. Emotional, borderline weepy. He pledges to veto anything that provides funds for abortion.

Keeps the streak of "judicial activism" condemnation alive. This is an absolute requirement.

Gets an "amen" to "marriage is between a man and a woman" line. No one else got that. Fred can really deliver, even if he's not making them jump.

He will "stop judicial activism in its tracks." Pledges more John Robertses, even if it takes repeated nominations of conservatives. "That's a fight we can have with the American people, er, in front of the American people, all day long." Paging Dr. Freud.

"One of the great moral issues of the day is that we're bankrupting the next generation."

Touts economic growth and strength created by conservative economic policy. Greeted by the sound of one hand clapping. Very muddled message, but "I will bring an end to this irresponsibilty" gets some hearty applause.

Hints at Social Security privatization, but ever so gently.

Iraq is the current front in the global war on islamic extremism. It's a long war. What that means exactly is unclear.

I have no idea why people are whistling and clapping right now. (11:21)

Fred is the first to mention 11-year-olds getting birth control. This is surprising.

"I don't know what I'd do in my first 100 days [seriously!]...but I know what I'd do for the first hour. I'd close the doors to the oval office and pray for the wisdom to do what is right."

Loooooooong ovation, whistling, everyone standing. I stand corrected, Fred Thompson can make 'em jump.

Fred's shock troops are cheering "Go Fred, Go!" holding flourescent blue signs as Johnny Cash plays again.