In his interview with CNN over the weekend, this is how Fred Thompson explained his imminent plans to get into the presidential race:

We're gonna be getting in if we get in, of course we're in testing the waters phase, legality, we'll be making a statement shortly that will cure all of that. But yeah, we'll be in traditionally when we get in.

Why the weird double speak? Because he knows the rules that govern "testing the waters" and he knows he's breaking them. As I wrote here, the Federal Elections Commission actually has fairly strict rules for what constitutes testing the waters and what doesn't.

An individual may conduct a variety of testing-the-waters activities. Certain activities, however, indicate that an individual has decided to become a candidate and is no longer merely testing the waters. Under these circumstances, the testing-the-waters exemption would no longer apply. For example, the exemption does not apply if the individual:

    * Raises funds in excess of amounts reasonably required for exploratory activity or amasses funds to be used after candidacy is established;
    * Conducts activities over a protracted period of time or shortly before the election;
    * Uses public political advertising to publicize his or her intention to campaign;
    * Makes or authorizes statements that refer to him or her as a candidate; or
    * Seeks ballot access.

How has he broken these rules? Let us count the ways here, here, here, here and here. Lane Hudson does a great job of tearing down Thompson's ridiculous  "testing the waters" facade in the complaint he filed with the FEC yesterday. Help him out by calling the FEC directly at (800)424-9530 and demand that they investigate Grandpa Fred.