The Ron Paul Express keeps rolling

Certain numbers keep calling attention to the phenomenon that is Ron Paul.

The most obvious one, of course, was the more than $4.2 million that his campaign reported raising in a single day via the Internet earlier this month.  This week, other figures stand out: He attracted a crowd of more than 1,000 people in Nevada, and a new poll showed him doubling his support in New Hampshire.

As is increasingly the case with Paul, the audience that came to hear him speak Monday in Las Vegas was not only large, it was enthusiastic.  A story in the Las Vegas Review-Journal has the details and the atmospherics.

In New Hampshire, the survey of likely Republican primary voters by CNN and Manchester-based television station WMUR found backing for Paul jumping from 4% in a September poll to 8% now.  In July, Paul was at 2% in the poll; the geometric progression clearly is a trend the Paul camp wants to see continue.

Will it?  The "smart" political money would bet against it.  Then again, who would have predicted a few months ago that Paul would be closing in on double digits in a New Hampshire poll.

GQ today joined the growing list of those paying more attention to Paul (though likely not enough to satisfy his ardent band of followers).  The magazine named him an honoree in its annual Men of the Year issue; he's part of a truly eclectic roster that includes Bill Clinton, actor Daniel Craig, hip-hop musician Kanye West, "Sopranos" creator David Chase, tennis star Roger Federer, baseball's Alex Rodriguez and flamboyant artist/filmmaker Julian Schnabel.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Brent]

Oh, we like the fact that he's in GQ :). Also, one supporter paid 85,000$ for a full page ad in the New York Times. And, a recent Zogby poll had 4 Republicans poll against each other in a blind-poll (read biographies) with 1009 voters (Republicans, Independents, and Democrats) and Ron Paul got 33% - the compared to 19% for Giuliani, 15% for Romney, and 13% for Thompson.

Things are looking up!

[Cleaner44]

Ron Paul is gaining ground every day. He has clearly surpassed John McCain and is now a "top tier" candidate. He dominates in Straw Polls, Debate Polls, Fund Raising, Web Traffic and Grass Roots Networking. I have created a website to support this statement.

Please visit www.thecaseforronpaul.com and judge for yourself.

[James]

GO RON GO! It is such a breath of fresh air to see positive things about Ron Paul and hear people admidt that he 'may be going somewhere'. While the other contenders are knocking each other out, Paul pushes past with his honesty and sincere message. With Paul, its not just the man, its the issues.

[J.P.]

Barry Goldwater Jr., former congressman and son of the founder of modern conservatism, endorsed Ron Paul this week. If you call yourself a conservative--you should too.

For some reason this major endorsement did not make the news.

I am a career Naval officer who has always been politically neutral, but voting for Congressman Paul is about voting for America and our Constitution--which I took an oath to preserve.

[Roger Pariseau]

Who are (were?) America's statesmen? When was the last time you heard no fallacies emanating from a person on the stump? Dr. Paul writes prolifically about the country he loves. Nary a fallacy in the thousands of documents of his I've read. He cares about people. He cares about our country. He cares to take care when taking about other nations. What's wrong with all that? We are presented with a true leader willing to assume greater responsibilities -- not greater wealth. After listening to the debates and visiting each contender's website, I find Paul has no real competition as far as true patriotism and objective leadership are concerned.

[Nash]

I live in West Los Angeles, I usually "lean Republican". I don't own a ranch or a firearm. I have a full time job that pays pretty well. I don't believe in conspiracy theories and I've never been arrested but I'm sick and tired of the government taking a massive chunk of paycheck when I'm still trying to pay off student loans with my wife and we can't even afford a house.

I don't attend political rallies or marches. I don't even have a bumper sticker on my car.

I'll be voting for Ron Paul.

[Brad]

Freedom And Liberty Are Popular !!!

Why is that so amazing to everyone in the media?

Those who actually take the time to review the rational and reason behind Ron Paul's stands on the issues become enamored with the honesty and integrity of this man. Logic and reason guided by the constitution; Root Cause and Corrective Action analysis.

He is a breath of fresh air in the sewer of politics.

I Vote For Virtue; I Vote For Ron Paul !!!

[Karl]

Is it so surprising that once the media allows Ron Paul's message to actually be heard that the people of America support him? This is just the beginning. Join the Revolution!
The most Ron Paul news here:
http://www.ronpaulforpresident2008.com/news/

[Tom Walls]

Good post, Don. A lot of us are disgruntled Republicans sick of the Administration's reckless foreign policy. We support pursuing the bad guys who hit us on 9/11, but we think the Iraq War was both unjustified and unrelated to the War on Terror. History has borne us out, yet establishment GOPers are still telling us to shut up and follow. Lord keep us out of Iran.

I have always known Texas Rep. Ron Paul to be a man of integrity and no compromise! Like the candidate himself, I was a little skeptical of a Presidential bid at first, but whoa, boy! It's good to see independents and Dems coming out for a man who's up front about cutting back government across the board. He's now tied with other candidates among voters under forty. There is hope for America yet.

[Travis H.]

There's a big fundraiser coming up to. As everyone knows, Paul's grassroots fueled campaign has chosen the theme of "revolution" as a carrier of the message. One of the most successful revolutionary acts of our forefathers was the Boston Tea Party. On December 16th, the Ron Paul grass roots will commemmorate this act by conducting the most successful one day fundraising effort in the history of the United States:

http://www.teaparty07.com

[BMW111]

Ron Paul is the answer to our economic woes and the falling dollar. Read this article on the 2008 Presidential Candidates and The Fourth Turning -- very interesting.

http://truthalert.net/2008%20Presidential%20Candidates%20and%20the%20Fourth%20Turning.htm

[H Spencer]

Things are getting interesting, I think the battle for the actual soul of the GOP is between Huckabee and Paul. Though both are unlikely (not impossible) to get the nomination. I will vote for Ron Paul. Though I'm a republican I haven't voted for the nominee since 1988 (after i read Bush sr's lips and got hoodwinked).
Huckabee will probably get asked to be VP if Rudy or Romney get the nomination, in that case it will be one more time i don't vote for GOP or Donkey nominee.

[a nadon]

Thanks Don! I look forward to more.

[TheIns]

It's due time that the nation started paying attention to Ron Paul and his pure message of truth .

He brings a refreshing new element to American Politics and the other candidates don't know quite how to handle it .

I have never been so enthusiastic to cast my vote for any other candidate .

The world is watching our next election and it is time that we show them that as Americans we are peaceful people and take out the trash in Washington .

Ron Paul Has my vote !

[John]

It is no surprise to me that his crowds are large and excited. Why shouldn't we be? RP delivers the message of freedom, justice, and rule of law; something that is missing in our government today. I'm an So Cal, Arcadia resident and love his message. I've been following him before he announced to run...what we have is a genuine, contemporary American hero. God bless Ron Paul.

[Amit]

http://www.teaparty07.com

keep it rolling! Go Ron Paul. Believe!

[Jess]

GO Ron Paul. Yea he has a good chance. Remember the 16th of Dec. It will make history Donate 100$ to Ron Paul.

[Brian Middleton]

Good article.

It is time for change. It is time for RON PAUL 2008

Let's show our Government that WE THE PEOPLE are still in charge!

Donate now. We need to win!

[bgodley]

Any great endeavor in history has usually been an individualistic push against the status quo. Yes, he is still not the highest in the polls. Yes, the odds are well stacked against him. Yes, he has a motley crew off supporters. Yes, yes, yes. Those stories are getting as old as last week's bread.

The true story about this man starts well before his current run. Here is a man who, often with only his personal conviction aiding him, fought against the tide for many years. While the Republican party was being hijacked with big government, big gun so called conservatives, he stood out as the lone voice of reason. He was busy researching and writing legislation while the good 'ol boys were at the barbeque laughing at his expense.

The road he chose was definitley the one less traveled. It was probably filled with much heartache and a dash of loneliness as any greater leader will profess. However, he stuck to his guns and never wavered. That my friend is the definition of a real man and patriot. Of course there are those very few who would like to say that he is a kook or try to peg Ron Paul supporters as fringe voters. However, nothing would be further from the truth. These individuals who get off the derriers and stand out on street corners and passionately speak their minds ARE what America is about, they ARE what has always seperated this country as the pursuer of freedom of spirit and individuality. Yes there are going to be a few oddballs in the camp but that is a by product of a message that resonates. Again, they too are in the extreme. By and large I have found most Paul supporters to be intelligent and concerned. Persistance and tenacity to purpose are the hallmarks of a sane group - not nutty.

These Paul naysayers lurking in the shadows throwing pot shots are indeed probably just a handful but through usurping the simple minded they find a conduit for their unpleasantness.

By whatever grace of god Paul has broken through the roadblock and his message is coming. For all our sakes I hope he wins.

[Stephen G]

Thank you very much for not having a condescending tone towards Paul. I've read a plethora of articles concerning the doctor and most of them contain one of these words: Crackpot, loon, loony, kook, crazy, crank, flake, nut job, nutty, nut, kooky, long-shot...

Thank you for actually being a journalist without injecting snide descriptions of him like so many do. I appreciate your maturity.

:)

[Gerudomar]

It seems strange that a candidate with such anti-semitic views as abolishing the FED, opposing income tax on labor to fund the FED, opposing the idea of sending billions to Israel to support the right of Jesus' homeland to exist, replacing fiat money with "honest" currency backed by some gold standard would get so much attention. We should make sure that the country is not taken over by anti-semites. Thanks God we have the neocons to protect us.

[Aaron Brooks]

Hi Don. Your title is quite right for today. "The Ron Paul Express keeps rolling." Today the grassroots Ron Paul group decided, around 2PM EST, to out-raise the several weeks planned fundraiser for MH. Within hours Ron Paul's fundraising had surpassed the other group. Have a look at the graph I included in this post.

cheers!

http://www.ronpaulgraphs.com/rp_vs_huck_today.html

[PK]

Don,

Thanks for the update on Dr. Paul's campaign as it continues to grow. It looks as though his 4th quarter fundraising total will double the previous quarter once again. Be sure to also check out -
www.operationlivefreeordie.com and www.teaparty07.com.

PK

[/////ANDRE]

Whooo Whooooo! Chugga! Chugga!

The little engine that could...

;-)

[Christopher Thurow Sr.]

Thanks for this nice article. All of us Ron Paul supporters are working hard.
Our candidate works harder than any of his competitors! We're just getting cranked up!

[Tannim]

Actually, Brent, I think it was $120K for USA Today tomorrow 11/21.

BTW, Huckabee tried a money bomb today, 3 weeks in planning. Unplanned, word-of-mouth donations to Dr. Paul because of the HuckaBomb poured in, and the fundraising came up from behind and passed him at 7 PM EST, showing once again A) just how lousy Huckabee is at fundraising and B) just how real and dedicated Dr. Paul's supporters are...the HuckaBomb was a fizzle.

[Goldman Sachs]

Goldman Sachs is #1 contributor to Hillary, Obama, and Romney.

The Federal Reserve is hyperinflating the currency. Our economy is a giant debt bubble that is about to crash.

VOTE FOR RON PAUL , LETS DEFEND THE US DOLLAR

http://ronpaul2008.com

PS
Register for the Republican Primary, Contact campaign to get Signature Petition for your State

Thanks

[Republicae-Seditionist]

"Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government."--James Madison

Ron Paul is well aware that is exactly what has happened and now in this country we have a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government. Because of the use of such arbitrary interpretation and therefore application, I think we should not be surprised when someone like Bush overtly trespasses against the Constitution. The Constitution’s standing in this country has been neutralized by a variety of political philosophies, the least of these are those who advocate original intent based upon a Christianized view of the founding of this country. Others have simply sought to render it so flexible that it no longer retains the viability of protection that they claim to support. These factions fail to see the meanings behind the principles, those both philosophical and practical. The principles, upon which the Constitution was structured, in a real sense, are neither totally static nor dynamic, but both and are essential to good government and to the pursuit of happiness by the people.

This country has not seen such a critical a time in our political concerns as we now face and it is primarily due to the fact that we have allowed various political ideologies to arbitrarily interpret the Constitution to fit their particular ideological points of view. Today, our country not only stands before a period of extremes, but dangerous extremes that could, with ease, erase what we have always considered as particularly and essentially the American guarantee of the individual’s claim to Liberty. Instead of a country filled with free people, who assert their dignity through Liberty, we have become subjected to the will of a government that sets its own parameters of its reach and authority through the arbitrary interpretation and application of law. Principles are no longer considered inviolate, but are subject to the political whims of the day, whether those whims are Liberal, Conservative, Neo-Conservative or any other political ideology. Today we happen to be witness to the “living Constitution” as the Neo-Conservatives view it; tomorrow we might be witness to another group and their interpretation. Therein is the danger of such an arbitrary interpretation.

When any political ideology or philosophy extends an arbitrary utility over a Constitutional principle, it does so at its own peril. I say that because, as we see with the Bush Administration, it is then easy for any group to take liberties with those principles and thus affect one or more sections of an opposing party or interest. Once the door is open to accept and approve the arbitrary interpretation and application of the Constitution, and then it becomes much easier for abuse to ensue. If the principles found within the Constitution are not foundational to both government and the People, then those principles will always be usurped, abused or denied. When the principles of the Constitution are no longer viewed as essential and therefore open to any interpretation, then they provide no protection from potential abuse by those of any political agenda.

One amazing fact is that the various political ideologies always seem to support some degree of Constitutional stretch when it follows their own particular political agenda, but when an opposing agenda stretches beyond the bounds of the Constitution there is an uproar and condemnation. It was easy for the Republicans; for instance, to condemn the Clinton Administration over its Constitutional abuses but not its own abuses now that Bush is in office. Likewise, the cry from the Democrats is equally as adamant when a Republican abuses those powers and reaches beyond the Constitution in one way or another when those breaches are contrary to their own agenda. The government seeks the ease of power and yet the Constitution was created to make it cumbersome to govern, thereby removing the potential for both consolidation of powers and the abuse of such powers. Checks and balances are extremely cumbersome, viewed as outdated and inapplicable in our day and age, is it any wonder that the view of foundational and inviolate principles is looked upon with such disdain? It is symptomatic of all centralized governments to seek power for it eases its ability to rule, a fact that history bears out to be true.

When we allow a very relative interpretation and application of Constitutional principles to prevail then not only will power seek the level of its own expression, but, in every case, the People will end up being the ones to eventually suffer the consequences of such relativity. Government bureaucrats prize relativity, for it removes restraints regarding the application of government statute over the principles designed to constrain such powers.

This government cannot do anything unless we cede it the power to do so, that includes the abridgement of our Rights. The Bush Administration is only following a path that was already well beaten when it came to power. Granted, it has extended its power beyond anything seen since the Wilson Administration, but never the less, it is far from being an action beyond precedent.

Political decentralization, a key structure found within the Constitution, is interwoven with the ideals of Individual Liberty. While it is the responsibility of the individual to place demands upon government for the appropriate execution of the Rights that foster such Liberty, it is not without precedent for any government, limited or not, to usurp and consolidate power to the bereft of the individual. Today we are witness to a vast number of powerful interests, both social and economic, manipulating government to the benefit of their particular agendas, all done, of course, under the carefully crafted guise of democratic freedom. People have always clamored over the promises of politics rather than the reality of politics and politicians are all too eager to oblige such inclinations of the People thus gaining their allegiance and support. The political reality of the day however, is far too disturbing to be spoken by the majority of politicians today; it is simply not palatable to the electorate.

Currently we are asked to “voluntarily” relinquish a great many of our Rights, in one degree or another, for the sake of security. It is not the first time the government has made such requests, doubtless it will not be the last, but we must remember what we do when we allow such license to government. When extra-Constitutional license is ceded to government, the government will always willingly accept for it is in the nature of government to govern more by force than by consent.

It is easy to see that the decline of Classical Liberalism in our society is mirrored by an increased power and centralization of The State as it takes advantage of the decline of citizen action and influence. The philosophy of Classical Liberalism that once prevailed in this country has been silent for far too long and thankfully it is experiencing a revival of sorts, partly out of necessity and partly out of the utter disgust with the quandary that passes as government in this country.

Until the People openly oppose all attempts to evade Constitutional Order then we will all continue to be in jeopardy from those who have shown no qualms at its usurpation at the expense of the People. Unless we oppose all efforts to abridge our Rights and Liberties by any government, political party or ideology then we will continue down the road where our Rights are totally contingent upon the winds of political expediency. If the People take those vital principles for granted or if we continue to excuse them as outdated or ineffectual for our time, even though they were specifically designed to protect all of us, then why should we be surprised when the government takes advantage of our own complacency as we readily cede such power and grant such license to those are only too willing to accept a power with far less restraint then is ordered by the Constitution?

In Liberty-Bravo Ron Paul
Republicae-Seditionist

[Jeanette Doney]

Reno NV has "Ron Paul for president" on 16 billboards, and a full page ad was in the Back Pages Weekly. I challange you to beat that! My Ron Paul rEVOLution banner has been up since July and still lookin' good! I'm seeing allot of "thumbs up" for my "Ron Paul for president" bumper sticker. I'm sure glad I'm voting for Ron Paul; I wish everyone did.

[Carmen]

Thank God we have Ron Paul to protect us against the Neo-CONS and the fallacy of supporting foreign nations to the detriment of our own. Ron Paul is FOR America which is more than I can say for any of the other candidates. He will keep our nation alive.

[mazz]

Simply put......We will not be contained.

Yours in the Message

Mazz

[Dale Legan]

"The truth that makes men free is for the most part the truth which men
prefer not to hear." -- Herbert Sebastien Agar - (1897-1980) Source:
The Time for greatness, 1942

Ron Paul speaks the truth to an insane political world where black is white and the constitution is an imaginary document with no meaning. People have been asleep , hypnotized in this backwards world. Ron Paul is waking them up. There is no differece between the other candidates "other than Ron Paul". Ron Paul is America's best hope for real change and getting back on track.

~~~~~~~~~~
"Preventive war was an invention of Hitler. Frankly, I would not even listen to anyone seriously that came and talked about such a thing."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower

[David Propst]

I just had a look at ronpaulgraphs.com. I noticed the number of donations is way up today compared to the previous two days. So, I had a look at the donor map for the day. Alaska is showing strong support, as usual. What's interesting is that many of today's donations are coming from Nevada and New Hampshire. Iowa is also looking pretty good. Perhaps this is further indication that many people become Ron Paul supporters once they hear his message, which is based on a principled philosophy. I don't see this happening with the other candidates, on either side.

[Cesar Perez]

Ron Paul 2008! The only hope left for America!

[Lorenz]

Good Job :D Ron Paul is my hero

[Jimmy Jones]

It was never Ron Paul's idea to use Guy Fawkes Day as the "Money Bomb" date, yet, a few Neo-Cons managed to label Ron Paul and his supporters terrorists. I even heard someone compare Guy Fawkes to Timothy McVey.
But what are they going to say when Ron Paul raises at least 5-6 million on December 16th? Will they say people are just throwing their money away (because its will soon be worthless) and betting that the US dollar collapses? Will they call Ron Paul and his supporters economic terrorists because of Paul's 'radical views' about monetary policy? When they ask Ron Paul who is donating all this money, he shouldn't have to say anything but "Americans". No other US presidential candidate has brought people together like Paul and thats something that will be hard to match.

[Elle]

I haven't been this excited about a presidential candidate in as long as I can remember. I always vote because I like to feel like I'm contributing to this country. I've been a Democrat my whole life and I've never waivered from voting Democratic, even though in recent years, I considered myself an Independent. 2008 will be different. I'll be voting Republican for the first time in my life. I have to get over the gag factor when I think of voting Republican, but finally...FINALLY there is a candidate who is exciting and inspiring me, and whose writings actually choke me up. And when I march with my fellow Ron Paul supporters, I feel like I'm helping make history and it never fails to touch my heart. Ron Paul is so honest, so courageous, so smart, so caring, and incredibly refreshing. He's bringing hope to the disenfranchised of this country and he's uniting people of all creeds, colors, and backgrounds. I can't say enough about it. God bless you, Ron Paul!!!

[Michael Skaven]

I am 35 years old and Ron Paul is the very first politician who I can vote for in good conscious and know that he represents my ideals and values.

With the dollar falling like a rock and the housing bubble about to implode, people are starting to understand that the things Ron Paul has been saying for the past 20 years are coming to fruition. He's our only hope.

Remember, liberty has two first names, Ron Paul!

[Henry T.]

Radical view on monetary policy? No! Just bringing it back to what we had, for the people, by the people! Not a monetary policy for special interests!

[Shane]

All of these comments and only one that was negative to Ron Paul's campaign! I have been seeing that a lot lately reviewing the internet for support of The Campion of the Constitution! Might as well face it this is a Revolution! About frickin time!! It's about time we had someone to take back this broken nation. Broken by war mongers and special interests. Finally we have a man who cares about the people of the United States!

God Bless Ron Paul!

[Jeff Smathers]

Ron Paul 2008 'It's not your father's campaign'

[Jennifer]

I'm a 38 year old mother of 3, with my eldest son aged 10. How long have we been in Iraq? And you know we're going into Iran-- the administration is itching to do it. How long are we going to be stuck there as well? Our military is already stretched thin-- and the National Guard isn't supposed to be around the world, they are SUPPOSED to be protecting the U.S.! When is the draft going to start? Right as my child is approaching 18. Does that sound alarmist? Can anyone tell me this won't happen? The sickest part of that is that my child wouldn't even be fighting for OUR liberty, OUR safety or anything that has to do with patriotism. No, he'll be fighting for oil. Ron Paul is the only candidate that assures us this won't happen.

[Jennifer]

I forgot to say God Bless our soldiers....

[Cameron]

Full Page Ad in USA Today this morning for Ron Paul.

Ron Paul can win this thing, New Hampshire is 45 percent Independent, and half of them are strongly opposed to the Iraq War.

Join us and make December 16th the largest fundraising day in history for ANY Presidential Candidate.

Ronald Earnest Paul, the only candidate for me.

[Cameron]

Full Page Ad in USA Today this morning for Ron Paul.

Ron Paul can win this thing, New Hampshire is 45 percent Independent, and half of them are strongly opposed to the Iraq War.

Join us and make December 16th the largest fundraising day in history for ANY Presidential Candidate.

Ronald Earnest Paul, the only candidate for me.

[Rusty John]

The weekend of December 1st will be National Canvassing Weekend for Ron Paul. This is the anniversary of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus. The plan is to have each Paul supporter canvass 200 households in their neighborhood. When 20,000 Ron Paul supporters turn out in the country to do this will the Neo-Cons label Rosa Parks a terrorist?

[Craig Combs]

Dr. Paul is the only candidate with a sufficient understanding of economics to be president. As he frequently says, you cannot isolate foreign policy from our economy. The Federal Reserve continues to print up money out of thin air and the inflation is going to hit the dollar hard.

The Gulf oil states are starting to suffer from inflation because they have pegged their currencies to the dollar and will be forced to strengthen their currencies as more countries dump the dollars on the open market.

Did we really think we could keep printing money out of thin air for nothing? Ron Paul is the only candidate even talking about this most fundamental of issues.

[Sheila]

Ron Paul's Constitutional message has given me and others hope for America.
The New World Order is now trying to interpret the Bill of Rights to their liking.
They've already legislated the thought police and the media to include those who believe 911 was an inside job and those who support the Constitution and thus Ron Paul supporters as home grown terrorists.......that's bass ackwards.
Wake Up !!! The second amendment is under attack NOW..
Once our right to keep and bear arms is gone, so are we.

[Tom]

Great article, great candidate, PERFECT message of liberty.

[NH]

We aren't waiting for Dec 16th because the NH primary may be over by then. Please donate NOW!