Once upon a time this was the traditional time of year when candidates for the presidency announced. With all of the changes in the political landscape on all levels, it feels as though we have been subjected to campaign mode since 2004 on a continuous basis. Every politician has weighed their words, couched their vote and avoided delving into any serious policy debate.

That said, there are those on both sides of the aisle who have been travelling the country, meeting with voters and working hard to secure delegates who will propel them to their party’s nomination.

I have made no decision personally as to the candidate (primarily on the right) I would support at this point in time. Fred Thompson has always been someone who has piqued my interest in one way or another but I must admit I am slightly disappointed in the theatrics he has planned to announce his entrance into the race.

As a veteran actor, Fred Dalton Thompson knows something about entering a stage. It’s all about the build up. The former Tennessee senator plans to announce his official entry into the Republican presidential contest on Thursday. But he’ll pique interest first on Wednesday with an ad aired during a GOP presidential debate from New Hampshire that Thompson will otherwise skip.

By then he will have taped an appearance on NBC’s “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” which will air about an hour after the debate ends in many U.S. households. Come midnight, he’ll post a 15-minute video announcement on his official Web site.

The face time with Leno and the debate ad on the Fox network are the coquettish moves of a candidate who has already proven his aptitude using the media, from television to the Internet. While his main rivals - Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and John McCain - parry debate questions, Thompson will pretty much control his own message.

So while others have been planning for the tough questions Fox moderators will pose, Mr. Thompson has planned an ad to do what? To my mind he is not a member of the field of candidates at this point. Is this meant to upstage the candidates who are addressing serious issues? Then Jay Leno, followed by the web announcement of some sort and an official declaration of his candidacy to follow on Thursday. I am tired already.

Call me old fashioned, but I prefer when a candidate declares for the Office of the Presidency with a strong speech (perhaps in their hometown) which offers some idea of where they would hope their tenure would direct this country, not some media blitz.

Do not misunderstand me, I have not written off Fred Thompson as my choice for the nomination, I simply am not pleased with the methods he has chosen to enter the field. I really do not care about Jay Leno, Web Cams or for that matter political ads. I care about issues, character and the morals of a candidate. Join the debate Mr. Thompson and let me know exactly who you are.