Oh, that Jena Six

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TPM has the story.

By any reasonable measure, Fred Thompson, the actor-lobbyist-presidential candidate, is off to a rough start. Particularly on policy matters, Thompson has been confused and uninformed about everything from Social Security policy to drilling the Everglades for oil to the 2005 Schiavo controversy.

But this has to be my favorite.

NBC's "First Read' reports that when Thompson was asked Thursday about Louisiana's "Jena Six" protest of Old South racism on his way into a San Antonio fundraiser, he replied: "I don't know anything about it."

Bush fielded a question about it at his news conference the same day, saying the events in Louisiana had "saddened" him. Thompson's staff said he knew all about the issue but was unfamiliar with the expression "Jena Six."

Look, there are ways to try and spin a candidate's unfamiliarity with an issue, but this isn't one of them. If someone knows "all about" the racial injustices in Jena, La., then that person has to know about the "Jena Six." Those six young men are the point of the controversy.

When you don't know something, it's better to honestly say so. But if you're running for President it doesn't look so good if you're constantly stating, "I don't know anything about it." We don't want a know-nothing president.

Here's a current story on the Jena Six. This story has been one of the biggest items in the news the last few days. Without question, Fred should have known something about this. Does he not check the headlines every day?