Mitt Romney's Green Sense of Humor

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH FRED? Romney (Photo: Getty Images)

When news surfaced early this week that fightin' Fred Thompson would forgo last night's Republican debate in order to hang with his buddy Jay Leno and make some sort of announcement, reporters instantly used it to bait other Repubs. Mitt Romney bit, cracking a lame joke about the former Senator's prolonged period of waters testing. "Well, I guess the only comment I'd make to Fred Thompson would be: Why the hurry? Why not take a little longer to think this over? From my standpoint, if he wants to wait until January or February, that would be ideal," Romney told reporters.

But like the faithful former-liberal that is, Romney refused to throw the joke away after one use. A little worn, but still in good shape, the joke was recycled for last night's Republican debate. When Fox moderator Brit Hume asked Romney what he thought of the way Thompson has handled his campaign, Mitt brought the funny once again, saying, "You know, the only question I have for Senator Thompson is: Why the hurry? Why not take some more time off? Maybe January, February might be a better time to make a final decision about getting in this race."

One more time and Romney will hit on the same-joke trifecta unseen since Pres. Bush's insecure jabs