Could Fred Dalton Thompson win role of a lifetime?

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The opening for a new TV series called ‘Law & Order: Washington, D.C.?

No, but it could be. And it could be a political ad for a possible candidate for president in 2008.

Former U.S. senator Fred Dalton Thompson said recently on ‘Fox News Sunday that he has not ruled out running for the White House in the upcoming election.

Thompson is a lawyer by training who served in 1973 as minority counsel to the Senate Watergate Committee and in 1994 was elected as a Republican to replace Vice President Al Gore as senator from Tennessee. He chose not to seek re-election after his daughter died suddenly.

But Thompsons real fame has come from his many appearances in movies and on television. He has one of the most recognizable faces and voices around, and is best known for his role as New York District Attorney Arthur Branch on NBCs hit ‘Law & Order franchise. He is also the man who fills in for Paul Harvey on radio when that icon takes a break or falls ill.

But the political bug dies hard. Despite a heavy professional schedule, Thompson has kept active in public policy since he left the Senate. He is a fellow of the American Enterprise Institute and speaks across the country on issues ranging from national security and intelligence operations to faith and values.

He was also called upon by President Bush to help U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts win Senate confirmation in 2005.

The possibility of a Thompson candidacy is generating a lot of excitement among conservative Republicans. He is considered a straight shooter for the most part, and tough as nails on conservative principles. The fame doesnt hurt, of course, and he steals every scene he is in, no matter whether he is on screen or in front of a bully pulpit, with that Southern accent and forceful, confident manner of speaking.

In short, there are a lot of people who think he could win. They see that Ronald Reagan magic in Thompson.

Certainly he would be impressive as president. We could replace the traditional ‘Hail to the Chief introduction music with the familiar ‘Law & Order theme song and every time he made a speech, his press crew could punctuate the key points with that distinctive ‘Law & Order ‘DUN-DUN! sound effect.

I can hear it now. President Thompson takes the podium and says: ‘If Iran doesnt stop working on that nuclear weapon, were gonna turn all that sand into glass!-DUN-DUN!

That would scare the hell out of em.

Maybe Thompson could even bring some of his ‘Law & Order co-stars along for the ride. Sam Waterston, who plays hard-charging Assistant DA Jack McCoy, could be solicitor general and argue for the United States in front of the Supreme Court. Dann Florek, who plays NYPD Capt. Don Kragen on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ would make a great Homeland Security director and S. Epatha Merkerson, who rides herd on the detective squad in the original franchise as Lt. Anita Van Buren, could become the first woman to head up the FBI.

It doesnt stop there. The various ‘Law & Order series have a slew of brilliant crimestoppers who should be able to clean up the streets and ward off terror threats for years to come.

But to make sure of that, Thompson would need to bring along the writers as well.

Seriously, this is real life and not TV. The script hasnt been written and the outcome far from certain. Thompson faces a problem in the finance department. A lot of big money is already committed and he would be playing contribution catch-up.

Still, political supporters like to bet on a winner. And considering the current crop of contenders, Fred D. Thompson certainly stands out from the crowd.

His candidacy wouldnt be bad for NBC, either. ‘Law & Order is known for its ‘ripped from the headlines scripts. One can easily imagine the show explaining DA Arthur Branchs absence by having the character make a run for the White House.

And if he were to win?

Well, first off, ‘Law & Order would have to find a new DA. But that shouldnt be too hard. After all, former federal prosecutor and New York mayor Rudy Giuliani would be looking for something to do. And he has experience on the small screen, too.

Giuliani has played himself on you guessed it ‘Law & Order.