Fred! is in. Finally — or actually — right on time.

Folks, and pundits, will laugh or already have. Whatever. The main question through all of this has been, “does this guy think he’s Ronald Reagan?”

Sure, the Reagan comparisons abound. Especially with the media, which likes to point out that Fred! was an actor-turned-politician-turned-actor-turned …

But that’s too easy. Every political conversation I’m in, and have been in during the last year (even in job interviews), has always come down to … what’s up with Fred Thompson? My answer, I like him.

First, I like him because he’s not Mitt Romney, he’s not Rudy Giuliani, he’s not John McCain. To be fair, I like Rudy — he’s tough. I would actually love to see a Giuliani vs. Hillary race (just like a good ill-matched professional wrestling bout is entertaining). But I don’t like Rudy THAT much.

What makes Fred! different? While clearly not Ronald Reagan, the comparisons do have some justification. And they go beyond the media’s obsession with acting careers.

Like Reagan, Fred! has been on the record for years, folks. Reagan spent a lot of time before entering politics hosting the “General Electric Theater.” In that role, the Gipper traveled the country speaking to factories about topics he cared much about — it wasn’t “oh, I’m an actor and I’m running for office.”

No, there was a paper trail. All of you out there wondering where Fred! is coming from, check out his radio spots for ABC Radio. It’s all in there. And it’s good stuff.

That’s what intrigued me. His announcement early this morning actually got me excited (and I don’t get that excited by any politicians any more … I’m more inclined to make fun of them).

It’s a long announcement, to be sure. It’s not the short, Hillary-announcement of “let’s begin the conversation,” and it’s not the polished, quaffed fakeness of the Mitt.

In his announcement Fred! grabbed the third rail (Social Security) with both hands! YES! My longtime readers will know that Social Security was one of the reasons I originally wanted George W. Bush (though he mangled it and cowered).

Another Reagan-like quality — suggesting government isn’t the solution to our problems (crazy, I know). Look, all the leading democrats have advocated raising taxes, socialized medicine and government-based solutions. I’m sorry, but I don’t want the folks running FEMA or Walter Reid giving a shot for anything.

Also like Reagan, Fred! shows faith in America (creativity and innovation), and from him it’s contagious. You can’t fake that, and when you do, it shows.

That’s perhaps what I like most about Fred! — he’s real.

Look, it’s just the beginning. But I must say, no other GOP candidate announcing actually made me feel hopeful. And while he is NOT Ronald Reagan, perhaps that’s where Fred! is most Reaganesque.

Here’s the announcement on Jay Leno:

And here’s the lengthy announcement on his Web site: