Go get them Fred. I can’t help but like this guy.
That doesn’t mean I’ll vote for him.

Not yet a 2008 candidate, Fred Thompson energized young Republicans with a speech Saturday that was heavy on rhetoric and short on policy pronouncements. He branded Democrats as “the party of despair.”

Chants of “Fred” and “Run, Fred, Run,” greeted the actor and former GOP senator from Tennessee from many among the 350 people at the Young Republicans National Convention. The crowd interrupted his nine-minute speech with wild applause and mobbed him when he left.

Actor and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, right, followed by Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Fla, left, arrives at the Capitol Hill Club on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this April 18, 200 file photo, where he was to speak to Republican House members. Thompson, who has yet to clearly declare his candidacy for the the presidency, has an easy-going style has helped him soar in presidential polls; sooner or later, however, he will have to answer the question: What does he have to offer?

“It makes me feel like the waters are pretty warm,” Thompson said afterward. He has formed an exploratory committee to gauge support for a White House run and raise money. He is expected to announce presidential campaign plans to run soon.

Hours later, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney also addressed the crowd and spoke about foreign policy, Iraq, the economy, health care and other issues. The substance of his remarks impressed some undecided voters.

“He touched on a lot of different issues _ the terrorists, immigration, families,” said Brianne Goodwin, 24, of Chicago, who is undecided but leaning toward Romney. “Fred Thompson, he didn’t really provide strong material.”

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