...as an actor.  Meaning that the Democrats are trying to imply that Fred Thompson is a racist because he once portrayed one on a television program.

Pathetic, isn’t it?  Of course, the racist accusation is couched in nonsense like “of course he was just an actor, but it sure is interesting that video of him being racist will be all over YouTube,” but the intent here is clear.  The Democrats see Fred Thompson as a threat, and there is no smear too trivial to throw at him to stave off that threat.