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Fred Thompson, the former Senator and "Law and Order" actor, was on Jay Leno last night.  That in and of itself isn't a big deal, except that he's running for President....we think...someday.

Wednesday was the day he finally said, "OK, I'm in," but it took forever (or so it seems).  But if you look closely, he accomplished the same thing as officially announcing and enjoyed all of the benefits of doing so:  He drew attention to himself, and is generating a lot of buzz in a Presidential race that is already starting to bore us.

From "The Caucus" blog on the New York Times' website:

"How much deeper can Fred Thompson wade into the presidential waters without actually announcing that he is a candidate?

He was up to his eyeballs tonight on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno.

Asked directly if he would like the job of president, Mr. Thompson said, “I’ve never craved the job of president, but I want to do some things that only a president can do, so the answer is yes.”

He said he was at the stage in life where he thought about what kind of country his children might inherit. He is expected to announce next month. Until an official announcement, he does not have to report how much money he is raising and can avoid debating the 10 other Republicans who have announced."

Some political opponents are critical of Thompson's tactics, but others are recognizing the brilliance in his strategy of waiting...and waiting...and waiting...

Here's a comment from the same NYT blog on "The Caucus" article:

"Folks might as well start getting used to the fact that Fred is not like anyone else and he won’t be treated like anyone else. The man marches to a different drum.

So far he has sailed above the fray without having to fawn for money or be put in a line up and asked to raise his hand like a kindergartner.

Now he is at the top of the ladder and no one has any rocks to toss so they come up with lazy. What about smart, shrewd, savvy? It amazes how they dig and dig to blast this man who has done nothing but sail above everyone and not spend more than pocket money."

Presidential politics is selling.  And to sell, you need sales leads and new customers.  Whatever your politics or what you think of Thompson the candidate, you have to admire the way that he's milking his decision and getting as much of the spotlight as possible away from his competitors.

As a business or sales professional, isn't that what you're aiming for?  Sure it is.  Are there lessons you can learn from the Fred Thompson when-the-heck-will-he-announce sweepstakes?  Probably so.