When Fred Thompson made a televised funny

With today's death of Republican former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee, I'd like to recall a memory of the man himself.

One year during the Republican National Convention - I believe it was 1996 - Thompson gave a televised speech in which he touted the notion that Congress had banned gifts to its members. Following this, I wrote in The Last Word that this meant Jim Bunning wouldn't be getting any 'Sesame Street' coloring books for Christmas! At least I think that was the joke I made. It was either that or something very similar.

Also, years before his Senate career, Thompson was an actor in an episode of 'Roseanne'. If you get old 'Roseanne' reruns in your area, watch for Fred Thompson sometime.