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Fred Thompson steps into the light and readies himself for the (question) firing squad. After Tonight, people will be a little clearer about where Fred stands, no more guessing, no more dancing around the lines. Fred has a lot to gain, a lot to lose, either way you look at it today’s debate is very important for Fred. Perhaps Fred will dance around all the questions or look to take the stage and answer them all with ease. I suppose we’ll find out. I hope for something entertaining, this debates can be boring when it’s the same old questions and the same old answers. Someone needs to make a mistake, a great answer or come dressed as a clown.

Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Fred Thompson, a veteran actor but a newcomer to presidential politics, steps onto a debate stage Tuesday for the first time in a decade.

He’s been practicing for weeks.

Although nine Republicans will take part in the forum, which begins at 4 p.m. EDT in Dearborn, Mich., the focus will be on Thompson, a former Tennessee senator.

A late entry into the race, Thompson has sometimes struggled to answer questions on the campaign trail in his initial weeks as a full-fledged candidate.

He’s no stranger to the small screen. He spent years acting on NBC’s "Law & Order." But the last time he engaged in a political debate was 1996 during his successful Senate re-election campaign.

Over the past two weeks, Thompson has held seven to nine debate sessions at his McLean, Va., campaign headquarters outside Washington, aides say. In each session, Thompson would answer timed questions on a variety of subjects. Aides then would stop and review answers with him.

Among those helping: former New York Sen. Alfonse D’Amato, who has played Rudy Giuliani.

"We think that we’ll hold our own, but obviously every other candidate on the stage has been going to these debates all year long. They’ve already gone through their preseason. This is our first scrimmage," said Todd Harris, a Thompson spokesman. "The most important thing for us is for Fred’s message and answers to connect with Republican voters, and that’s been our focus."

During the two-hour Michigan debate, Thompson will be positioned between top GOP rivals Giuliani and Mitt Romney. The debate is sponsored by The Wall Street Journal, CNBC and MSNBC and will focus on economic issues.

Thompson entered the campaign on the same day as the fifth GOP debate last month. He chose to announce his candidacy on NBC’s "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" in Los Angeles instead of debating in New Hampshire, a decision that drew attention.

I expect Fred to sweat a little, this is the last place you wants to slip up. Fred seemed a little lost when asked about Terry Schiavo, I wonder if a situation like this will happen. I hope Fred does well, the higher he goes in the polls the lower Rudy goes. It’s nothing new that I don’t like Rudy very much, a conservative definitely needs to step up and knock Rudy down the ladder. No matter what I hope we all learn something about Thompson. Is it capable of winning the White House for Republicans in 2008? Whichever the case, ARBR (Any Republican But Rudy).

The debate will broadcast live on CNBC from 4-6pm EDT. It will rebroadcast on MSNBC at 9pm EDT.

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Tags:  conservative Debate Fred Thompson