Ron Paulites SPEAK OUT !

Some of you may recall an item we published a week ago tonight on Ron Paul. It was a brilliantly written spoof alleging to expose the massive nationwide conspiracy behind the campaign of the 72-year-old libertarian ob-gyn who's been elected to the House of Representatives 10 times from Texas.

The blog item was tied to publication of a revealing feature by The Times' James Rainey on a particular group of Southern California Paul supporters and their earnest campaign efforts.

Although Paul's vociferous, heartfelt, defensive and offensive supporters, who patrol the Internet at all hours and will be on this item within minutes of its posting, will cite encouraging bookmakers' odds from somewhere, the political reality is that Dr. Paul, as they reverently call him, has, let's call it, realistically a very longshot chance of actually winning the Republican presidential nomination.

So what? It's a fascinating grassroots political story in which a widely diverse collection of dissatisfied Americans have spontaneously congregated via the Internet and some 1,200 meet-up groups to organize and proselytize for their man. It really is grass-roots democracy in action, never mind the outcome. In some TV appearances Paul seems almost bewildered by the wildfire support.

But it's there, as evidenced by growing fundraising numbers that totaled a near-record one day $4.2 million last month. And Paul supporters aim to break Hillary Clinton's one-day record of $6.2 million come Dec. 16, which is the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and probably as good a day as any for rebels to try to make news for their candidate. A counter on Paul's website puts the quarter's fundraising at nearly $10.8 million.

But the point of this item is to examine some of the comments submitted here in recent days by Paul boosters and opponents (yes, there are some willing to say so). Hundreds of readers -- 60+ pages of printouts -- shared their opinions, most of them printable. They reveal an eclectic mix of people, who identify themselves as lawyers, Democrats, housewives, first-time voters, young, old, suspicious of established institutions like the dreaded MSM (mainstream media) who resent being portrayed as fringe fanatics.

"Yikes!" one wrote, "you let everyone know that we are mostly normal people with a sense of concern for the direction of the nation." Trevor Winton wrote, "We are ordinary citizens who seriously want our country back." There are many enemies to the Paul Nation -- an overblown federal government... 

that curbs freedoms with the Patriot Act, usurps state powers, the IRS, big banks, the Federal Reserve, a military-industrial complex that makes money involving the country in costly foreign entanglements like Iraq. Many Paul supporters admit they do not agree with him on everything -- say, a return to the gold standard or the perceived threat to American sovereignty of a proposed super-highway across Texas. Paul supporters find it hard to believe that others don't see that threat.

They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq. They like his plain-spokenness, states' rights and America-first attitude. "The choice for America," one reader wrote, "is simply, follow the Constitution and the rule of law, get the Govt out of your bedroom, and your wallets and live your life as you see fit."

Many Paulites see no difference between the two major parties. "I'm a 46-year-old SAG actor and US Navy veteran," wrote Bruno Amato. "I haven't voted since 1980, when I voted for Ronald Reagan, and never donated to a campaign, but I have contributed and will continue and I will definitely be voting for Ron Paul."

They don't trust the polls, which show Paul's support up from 1% to the 8% range, because, they say, many Paul supporters have no land phones. (The L.A. Times Poll does factor in cellphones, by the way.)  "The supporters of Ron Paul have brought me faith in America again," Chris said. "It is a wonderful, energizing feeling. Hope is powerful. Our power when we work together is stronger than any defense contractor or lobbying groups."

"Ron Paul is the only candidate out there who really wants to take the country in a totally new direction," Heather Czerniak wrote. "Forget about policing the world and sending our kids to die for someone else's freedom."

"I can't wait to see what happens in New Hampshire!" Chris Foster said.

A lot of other people -- Paulites or not -- feel the same.

(UPDATE: Extreme Mortman now takes all this Top of the Ticket interest into account too.)

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Dann McCreary]

"... within minutes of its posting..."

Wait for it... wait for it... wait for it...

Hello Andrew!
Yes, very astute, here we are!

And yes, I for one am far more impressed with the responses of "the common man"
who is fed up with our massively bloated federal government leviathan than I am
with your assessment of Dr. Paul's chances of being nominated.

Dr. Paul's candor and artless sincerity in presenting the truth has finally awakened
a force even greater than the overbearing power of the federal government -- the
power of "the poor huddled masses, yearning to breathe free."

[STEVE]

No what Ron Paul supporters are for the most part are educated people like myself that actually know the facts about him and not the lies that are being printed and stated on the news networks, for instance your lie you just printed

"They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq. They like his plain-spokenness, states' rights and America-first attitude."

This is a lie he has never said that America invited the attack and i dare you to show me any such proof because it does not exist because know what he said i will link the video here of the debate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKITUOl0NBc

Listen carefully to what he says and never does he say we invited the attack.

What he said was that our foreign policy of us having bases in the middle east contributed to the 9-11 A STATEMENT CONFIRMED IN THE OFFICIAL 9-11 COMMISSION REPORT.

Maybe if you so called journalists would actually print the truth once in a while we would't have to complain the way we do and all we are asking for is fair reporting not special treatment.

[STEVE]

why do you keep deleting my comment?

(Because posting the same comment four times doesn't mean it gets posted four times. Yours is here once like everyone else's.)

[Mitch C]

"They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq."

Nope, not bothered by that because it's only one of many reasons cited by Paul for the attacks, which were subtantiated by several other government agencies and high ranking officials. Don't you research before writing an article?

Other reasons began in 1953 when we overthrew the Iranian government, supported Sadam Hussein in other conflicts, supported Bin Laden in other conflicts, we have bases on their holy land, etc., etc.

[James D]

"They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq."

There you go again Andrew. There you go again. You write a good fairly-well balance article about the phenomenon of this Presidential candidate and then you go and spoil it all by injecting this viral untruth and asserting it as fact.

Ron Paul did not suggest that. Fact. If you think otherwise be a good journalist and do the research and find the evidence. You won't find any because it's not there.

Just the facts ma'am. Just the facts. We'd all appreciate that immensely.

Thank you and good night.

[Brent Burk]

that curbs freedoms with the Patriot Act, usurps state powers, the IRS, big banks, the Federal Reserve, a military-industrial complex that makes money involving the country in costly foreign entanglements like Iraq. Many Paul supporters admit they do not agree with him on everything -- say, a return to the gold standard or the perceived threat to American sovereignty of a proposed super-highway across Texas. Paul supporters find it hard to believe that others don't see that threat.

1) Ron Paul wants to make it legal to have competing currencies backed by gold and silver, he does not want to "return to the gold standard", at least in the sense of backing the US Dollar with gold.

2) If people looked it up, they'd realize a NAFTA Superhighway / North American Union are at least being legislated. State Congresses, like Texas and Oklahoma, have passed bills that would bar such a thing. The US Congress has too. The previous president of Mexico confirmed such a plan on Larry King, and Canadian government websites even list the map, calling it "NAFTA Super Highway".

3) Let's get this straight, Ron Paul did NOT say America "invited" the attacks. That was Rudy's words, it's annoying to say such a thing. Paul said our US Foreign Policy is flawed and incites hatred, the hatred that leads to suicide terrorism. Occupation is the #1 leading cause of suicide terrorism. That doesn't mean American invited it, it means we have a flawed policy that has unintended consciouses and it needs to be fixed.

But ya...

[xtrabiggg]

'Brilliantly Written Spoof', eh... nothing like giving your own writng a blockbuster review! Sarcasm aside, it's geat to see an article in the 'Dreaded Mainstream Media' that actually acknowledges the diversity of the supporters of Ron Paul. Many in the media are waking up to the fact that the reason they get so many posts and replies to a story on Ron Paul is because HE ACTUALLY HAS A LOT OF PEOPLE SUPPORTING HIM! They also might be talking to someone who actually understands IT protocols who explained to them how ignorant they sound when they talk of 'spambots' and 'spamming websites'. As an IT professional, it's easy to spot a bot-driven program, and I have yet to see one tht can initiate individualized and specific messages and posts. Those type of arguments are usually used by lazy and uninformed writers who don't bother to research or fact-check their stories.

Now, I'm sure I'll get someone parroting the party line 'but he's almost non-existent in the polls!'. I have quite a few years experience in market research as well, and I've found that as technology and personal communications habits have advanced, the reliability of polls to accurately measure REAL opinion strength has declined dramatically. I'll spare you the droll explanations about methodology problems and sampling errors increasing, but the bottom line is, when you commission a poll, you get what you pay for. Major media outlets want a horse race 'American Presidential Idol' style, so they skew the questions to either minimalize Ron Paul's supporters, screen them out or eliminate his name from the poll entirely! And the fact that they ask only 'likely Republican Primary voters' is telling. In poll-speak, that means people who voted in the last primary. If you remember, George Bush ran unopposed in almost every primary the last time around. That means these so-called 'scientific' polls of 'likely voters' should REALLY say 'a poll of supporters of president Bush' if there were truth-in-advertising laws for these polls. And for one more piece of evidence, how about how well the polls worked in the last two Presidential elections? Pretty sad, huh?

As for measurenment of real strength, look to the number of actual supporters who show up for rallies and meet-up groups. Look at the fundraising- not from large, big-money PAC donors, but from individual citizens. Hell, even Rudy Giuliani was on TV yesterday talking about how he 'sees Ron Paul supporters wherever' he goes. I've heard many national reporters comment on how they see mostly Ron Paul yard signs- sometimes exclusively- wherever they go in New Hampshire and Iowa.

So while the 'mainstream media' continues to treat Ron Paul and his supporters as a 'fringe' group of 'wackos' and 'spambots' (whatever THAT meaningless term is), out in the real world there is a very strong and deep vein of support for Ron Paul and his solutions for the ver real and difficult problems this country is facing. He is the ONLY candidate with the courage (and intellect) to discuss solutions that will stop the economic bleeding-out that our country is suffering from. He is also the only candidate to talk about a REAL end to the Iraq war, unlike every other supposed 'anti-war' candidate, who promises publicly to end the war, then takes campaign donations and support form the very people who are profiteering off the war!

Once again, thank you for the relatively balanced story on Ron Paul and his supporters. Welcome aboard the reality train- it's leaving the media wonderland station and headig=ng to victory for ROn Paul in 2008!

xtrabiggg
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=

[Jeanette Doney]

Proudly reporting to duty within minutes of Andrew Malcolm's post. I'll even buy the print edition when you publish the majic words: RON PAUL

[Keith]

Ron Paul is the only candidate that has not been bought and paid for. He is not well rehearsed because he allows his principles to guide his speech (something no other politician dare do). That is what is so entrancing about him. Those qualities are we need most as a nation right now. An ethical, principled, and visionary leader. Much to the consternation of the MSM, many of us have become immune to their programming and are seeking the TRUTH.

[Jon Duran]

We don't need American hating posts like this in a time of war. I've reported it to the proper authorities and I hope something is done about it. When Paul rants about freedom he's really talking about Surrender.

Freedom, you see, is slavery.

[Terry]

Actually Hillary's single largest one day donation was $1.9 million on March 28, 2007 according to the FEC reports.

Also, perhaps the story about the so-called scientific polls that MSM keeps pointing to as a measure of the candidates success ought to be investigated. First of all, they do not even add RP's name to a huge portion of the polls and his support is reflected in "other". Second of all, maybe you can investigate and do a story on this fraudulent poll. Not only did they not give Ron Paul as an option, they actually removed peoples names from the call list when they choose "other": Ths is hardly the frst time, just someone finally managed to record this particular polling company. Here's the post, YouTube video of the recording, and the name of the polling company. How about an investigation of that or do you prefer to perpetuate the myth that these polls actually mean something? They are rigges to the gills.

Post dated December 7th on the Ron Paul forums:

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=49063

I just got a phone poll call at 11:33 AM. It was exactly like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPpCvF7N3Vg
and this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSYiUAaBd1U

I pressed 6 for other and was told I would be removed from the list, which was choice # 7.

Caller ID identifies the caller as, Info Cision Man and caller # is 1-330-670-8676.

[Informer]

We "will be on this item within minutes of its posting" because we are educated adults who know how to make a Google RSS feed sorted by date.

[Chris Johnson]

Thanks Andrew I really enjoyed the article. I believe RP can win but even if he doesn't the movement will continue. It never ceases to amaze me how many people of all political backrounds have come together to fight for liberty. RP doesn't promise us anything other than the freedom to live our lives the way we want.

Win or lose I and many others are going the distance with this man. I have to tell you it is a really good feeling.

RP08!

[Mike]

God bless Ron Paul, the champion of the Constitution!

[Ryan from Philadelphia]

The Philadelphia Inquirer mostly relies on AP releases. Thank you, LA Times, for forming a conscience opinion.

For Liberty!

[leanne]

It's a freedom movement, and I suspect that this is the early stage of history in the making.

[Elaine McKillop, Esq]

Very condescending tone, it is what I call a soft gloved smear. We don't believe the polls because we know the numbers are cooked, a lot us have advanced degrees and know about statistical relevance. Here are some facts for you. Ron Paul has more meet-up groups than all of the other candidates combined, with about 90,000 attending members all over the world. Ron Paul will probably raise the most money this quarter, except if Romney writes himself a check. Ron Paul has the most Google hits of any candidate. Ron Paul has the most signs and billboards, put up by grassroots organizations than any other candidate he. He has a blimp. More Ron Paul shirts yard signs, slim gyms, ect have been sold Ron Paul has more campaign songs. . Ron Paul has more u-tube post. Ron Paul has crowds show up when he appears larger than the other Republicans, at St Pete for instance 1,000 Ron Paul supporters to about 100 for all others combined. Ron Paul has had great success at straw polls, in spite of the fact that Romney has been paying off the Republican Party and stuffing the ballots and tampering with the voting machines, so we don't believe that our candidate is not going to win, Not one real vote has been cast and Ron is leading the pack in many measurable way. The Revolution is growing. The taste of Freedom has invigorated our troops, it is too late for the likes of you to stop us now.

[Flo]

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-330-670-8676 More info on this so called poll that is calling you.

Why Paul? Integrity. Something the politicians lost a long time ago. I have studied Paul for 15 years he is absolutely TRANSPARENT

I would trust him with my children, my checkbook and my country.

[NSB]

Andrew,

there is quite a bit more to it than...

"They don't trust the polls, which show Paul's support up from 1% to the 8% range, because, they say, many Paul supporters have no land phones."

This article (link below) is a good breakdown of the problems with polls.

http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig8/lindgren2.html

Seriously...pollsters often manufacture results....landline vs. cellphone only accounts for a small portion of the real discrepancy.

[Mitchell Thompson]

My wife & I are in our late 40's. We drive trucks cross country for a living. Have always voted but never given to a campaign. We plan to give on Dec 16 for the first time. It is time to send a message to big government. We don't want you any more.
Ron Paul has my vote and I an encouraging everyone that I meet for now until the election to vote for him.

[John in FL]

So funny to see when the journalist wake up to what is going on.

To be honest, I love adding comments with an array of Ron Paul supporters because its proof that Freedom and the true spirit of America is alive and well.

There is a revolution going on out there and its just beginning!

Ron Paul 2008!

[Joe Lawson]

Within in Minutes of your posting I want to let you know that we don't need to use oddsmakers - although they have been right all along, but according to Fox News says some polls are now showing Ron Paul in 3rd in Iowa.

(Thanks for reading the blog. Puzzled over how oddsmakers could have been right all along when there haven't been any elections yet.)

[Paul Supporter]

This is just another MSM effort to steer voters away from Paul. Comments like "realistically a very longshot chance" try to play to would-be-voters' natural tendancy to vote for a candidate who, according to the polls right now, has the best chance to win.

Comments like this perpetuate MSM suspicion. Before you got to the supposed real story (about readers' comments), why did you inject that statement? To further your agenda is the only realistic explanation - although it was veiled as a segue into the real story.

No one has cast a vote and there is evidence that polls are at best, inaccurate and at worst, rigged. You're entitled to your opinion on his chances of winning. But your opinion is read by, and believed by, many readers. This baseless influence is bothersome.

But not to worry. Ben Franklin said all that needed to be said:
"Printers are educated in the belief that when men differ in opinion, both sides ought equally to have the advantage of being heard by the public; and that when Truth and Error have fair play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

MSM will never control the Internet so Truth will have its fair play.

(Glad to be here for you to read and discuss and to disagree and to publish your opinion uncensored. Doesn't seem like this msm blog is trying to control anything.)

[Elizabeth]

Dear Mr. Malcolm,

Thank you very much for the story on our candidate.

You cannot imagine the degree of admiration this man generates.

I have found, in my travels to speak with people about Ron Paul, that there seems to be an inverse relationship between one's age and one's capacity for believing in the possibility of change in our entrenched and perverted system. In plainer words, the younger you are, the more possibilities you can see for moving into a new reality. The young people "get" Ron Paul; they see into his depth, his brilliance, his authentic leadership. I invite you to take a deeper look and see what they are seeing and feel what they are feeling. I myself never realized how jaded, hopeless, cynical and resigned I felt about our country until I discovered Ron Paul, and felt a surge of new hope. This is not an intellectual construct; this is an actual physiological experience, and a most uplifting one at that. It gives me hope in each individual's potential and in mankind's future.

[Jack Russell]

Greetings from Australia

It is interesting to see what is happening in 'grassroots' America. The Ron Paul Movement is doing more to repair attitudes towards the US than anything else. The attempts to supress and 'put-down' Dr Paul and his supporters just served to amplify the (lack of) values that those outside the US see as hypocrisy.

Have a good day y'all, Vote Ron Paul

Regards

Jack

[Paul Supporter]

wrt "Glad to be here for you to read and discuss and to disagree and to publish your opinion uncensored. Doesn't seem like this msm blog is trying to control anything."

I commend you for having the decency to allow readers to comment. I agree with you that the BLOG is not trying to control anything. But I respectfully still believe you are trying to control public opinion. Do you believe you are trying to control public opinion?

The reality is that most people hardly have the time to get to know Paul. When reading about a lesser known candidate, oftentimes, all readers have time for is the first few paragraphs, if that. You know this. You also know that your comments, by simply being in your position, carry more weight. Because of this fact, I find your comment about his longshot chances bothersome because they do influence readers - and in an unfairly negative fashion, in my opinion.

It wouldn't be so bad if the vast majority of MSM outlets weren't doing it, but they are. I'd be perfectly content if the public knew who he was and what he stood for and then voted against him. But when all of the MSM outlets
1. make comments like yours,
2. talk about his |insert negative adjective here| followers,
3. don't give him equal time in debates, and
4. take Paul's comments out of context,
I can't help but feel Paul's candidacy is slighted. This being the case, the American public are the losers for never even having the chance to get to know him.

Regards.

(Appreciate your comments and your visiting us to read the item. Hope you had a chance to read last week's item too and some of the dozens of others that have mentioned the "obscure" Ron Paul here in recent months. He happens to be the only candidate, by the way, who has his/her own Subject category to search on this homepage.
Probably not what someone would expect if we really were trying to ignore or suppress him. But understand such movements need to have something unifying to push against. Doesn't look like the msm's 'suppression' efforts are working too well, does it? Wouldn't that please Paul supporters?)

[Polls are blah]

Of course we don't care too much about the polls! Polls said that Howard Dean would win the Democratic primary and that John Kerry was going to win the '04 election. Polls are like the boy who cried wolf... they are quite often wrong....especially when it comes to politics. So why should anyone trust them? They are NOT truley scientific by any means. They are designed to generate artificial promises and hype and can easily be minipulated or designed to perform a certain outcome. Look how many polls have already removed Ron Paul's name simply because they don't like the results he *fairly* received...

Polls....seriously, why do we still use them and worship them. Thats been the ONLY weapon the MSM has attempted to use against Paul...doesn't seem to be working too well.

[J. D. - Redlands, ca]

Why I WILL vote for Dr. Paul:
Ron Paul is conservative in his views. However, he would not be a "conservative" president. He would not pursue plans and initiatives to institute "conservative" values.
His desire is to protect the individual liberty of his family and the rest of us.
To do that he will begin, and 8 years would only be a beginning do not delude yourself of the difficulty of the task, to return our federal govt. to the constraints dictated by the constitution.
The constitution is nothing more than a set of rules that if followed will guarantee the individuals inherent liberty. The constitution does not give that liberty to the individual; for the men that wrote the constitution did not have it to give. It is ours by Birth. It can never be given, only taken if we allow it to be.
Our liberties are fading bit by bit as one person or another uses the Fed Govt. as a stick to impose their agenda on the rest of us; with total disregard for the constitution.
Ron Paul believes as I do and I have complete confidence that he will not act in any way contrary to the law that is the constitution. I also sincerely believe that he will ACT to bring our Republic back from the precipice upon which we now totter.
In my view murder is less of a crime than imposing unconstitutional laws on the people of the republic. Doing so limits the freedom of the whole populace; Murder only steals freedom from one.
So, while Dr. Paul thinks that life begins at conception, he recognizes that to use the Federal Govt. to address the issue is to step outside the bounds set by the constitution and that to do so would be to open the door to much more interference in our lives.
I am supporting Dr. Paul because he supports my inherent right to live my life as I choose, in as much as others right to do the same are not infringed upon by me. That is the bottom line for me. After that, all other things follow.
Anyone who would use or support with a vote the use of the Fed Govt. as a bludgeon to do "good" aka Health care and other entitlement programs, I suggest that they are very shortsighted and act in direct opposition to their best interest by doing so.
Consider: As long as those who think as you think remain in power than you are alright. However, things change and what results when those who think much differently than you come to power and begin imposing their "good" upon you?
Let’s follow the rule of freedom of the individual to pursue life as they choose; let’s support the constitution and let us do so by supporting Dr. Ron Paul.

[mookrit]

Ronald Reagan said many of the same things as Paul, just in a more eloquent way.

I don't see why the founding fathers' views are suddenly classified
as "fringe". Do Americans now consider a candidate who bases his entire campaign upon strictly following the Constitution as holding "fringe" views? These were once mainstream back in the days when Presidents at least paid lip service to Constitution.

The only thing it tells me is that journalists have a very shallow understanding of the issues they report. And as a consequence of their superficial reporting, the people who consume mainstream media (many of whom aren't interested in politics, economics or law beyond the information the media offers) elect their representatives based on an equally poor understanding of a candidate's positions. Hence Paul's support is low in the polls.

I would have thought the media would like Paul, but it turns out they like the candidates who can smooth talk and have presidential mannerisms rather than one's that tell it like it is, warts and all.

[TJF]

The tide is starting to turn my friends. The people are out in force behind Ron Paul and the media is slowly picking up on that reality. Articles across the board are becoming more even-handed and fair. I think the blimp might be the turning point.

Go Ron Paul!

[Mike Creech]

It is about time the government takes responsibility for its self, and its actions. As I see it Ron Paul is the only candidate truthfully willing to do so. Everyone else reeks of empty promises and fluff designed to "tickle ears."

As for Ron Paul being a long shot, where do you do your research? A mantra does not become true the more times it is repeated by the media. If you turn to phone polling, start acknowledging that the vast majority of such polls do not have Ron Paul's name, but fit him into the "other" category.

Instead try looking at his fund raising. Not only is he raising unheard of numbers, through numerous small donations (instead of fewer large donations from special interest groups), but his supporters fund and organize other events and fund raisers. The most recent of which may be the $200,000 dollar blimp.

Not to mention his numerous meat up groups (not on the internet), or the staggering numbers he pulls in when he speaks, or outside of debates.

Also, take a look at the straw polls, in which he is doing very well.

Please, educate yourself.

[Bill]

Darn, these automated spambots sure do have a lot of human intelligence. The LA times should consider installing some. They do better research than their current staff.

[Evan]

How do you people come of with these brilliant predictions?

Man have low poll numbers therefore man is long-shot.

This just in: Lots of people don't actually know what Giuliani stands for. But he is the mayor of 9/11.

Its the same with every candidate. People don't know what they are "voting" for in the phone polls, nor do they really care.

Phone polls don't mean anything until people start paying attention. Until then they might as well vote for the cool looking dude who claims to be a conservative (Romney) or the mayor of 9/11 (Rudy)

Its funny that you guys call Ron Paul a long-shot over and over again to let the masses know they would be wasting their vote if they voted for him, but you don't call the more apparently long-shot candidates a long-shot over and over again.

It must be due to the fact that so many people support Ron Paul that you have to keep saying he's a long-shot in order to inform everybody of their wasted vote if they vote for him, There are so many Ron Paul supporters out there that don't see the writing on the wall. The writing must have been covered up with the RonPaul2008 signs that represent more free advertising then all other candidates combined.

This is all really funny because the reason you have to say that Ron Paul is a long-shot so often is that there are so many people out there supporting him: giving him a very good chance of winning the nomination that he has no chance of winning.

[Mick Russom]

Your lies against Ron Paul prove you are a yellow journalist and part of the military industrial complex and a slave to your wage masters.

WE the PEOPLE will not stand to be suppressed by your Propaganda outlet! The only person in the lead in Iowa right now IS RON PAUL, and you can LIE about this all you want, but we shall see come election day if your minions in the complex dont Rig it like Putin's election.

Even Chavez, hell, even Pinochet had lost a RIGGED election, BE PREPARED TO LOSE your strangle hold on america!

[will raleigh]

First about your article. Its certainly one of the more balanced ones from the MSM but as has been promptly pointed out by other replies, there are a couple of 'more subtle than usual' factual errors and baseless negative opinion that leads me to concur with another post in categorizing the article as a 'soft gloved smear'.

Understand that people can see this from you now!
They can see it clearly on the news channels and that is why by most reasonable measures, Ron Paul should win.

By the way, i'm English. Like many others around the world I've always loved the American ideal, defended it to the last. I began to believe like so many others that it had become the 'Evil Empire' last year but my eyes were opened up to the wider issues by the energy, insight and dedication of Alex Jones, who in turn introduced me to the man & message of Ron Paul.
They have driven hope for Free Humanity to continue in this world!
The American constitution in THE world standard on what freedom is & how it can survive.........if the American people fail to act to protect it, they will fall!
....and the world will follow!

[Angelina Alongi]

I voted for Bush twice and I am also a long time listener of Rush Limbaugh. This presidental election, I am voting for Ron Paul. I feel like I have awoken from a very long sleep. You have to admit that Liberty is infectious and can spread like a brush fire. Can't wait to get my rights back when Mr Paul is elected!

[Lucia SChmitz]

Thank you for writing a fair article about Ron Paul and quoting Paulistes who are normal people.
If you go back to history, Winston Churchill until right before the war was considered by parliament (specially his own party) and the press as quixotic, eccentric and out of reality and all because what he said was the truth. But the people loved him and he became prime minister, because he was the only true leader who had been loyal to his principals and convictions for years and had the courage to face a very grim future for Great Britain. Read: The Last Lion Alone.
I believe Ron Paul is that kind of leader. What he says is the truth and people love him for that. His voting record in congress speaks by itself.
It is very sad for me to see how he is mistreated by the press. A perfect example is the last GOP debate on CNN. He was completely ignored, was never asked about the war, the economy, etc and I believe that is because when he talks people listen to him and why the press in general don't want people to listen to him,? Well I leave it to each reader or journalist to come to their own conclusions.

[Matt C]

I was astonished that you repeated the old "invited 9/11" canard, but I think your responses to comments in here are excellent and even handed.

[F. Smart]

Andrew:

You've done a pretty good job of trying to capture some of the core energy of what's driving this movement. To understand this in more depth I think you should do a personal interview with G. Edward Griffin. He's a very well known author, researcher, publisher, businessman and documentarian who lives just north of San Diego. He's also the founder of "Freedom Force International" - see freedom-force.org

If you read Ed Griffin's "Creed Of Freedom" you will have a much better understanding of the energy that's powering this "Ron Paul Phenomenon". It's FREEDOM!! Pure and simple.

Keep up the good work!

Peace and God Bless!

[David]

Thanks for your article.

J. D. Rockefeller, Sr. ( a silent leading founder of the Federal Reserve Bank)stated that "Competition is a sin" ie, a banking cabal. Ron Paul is the only candidate who correctly sees the true roots of freedom, economic liberty and personal liberty! Remember Yorktown!

[vegas]

I doubt there is any cellphone bias in polls, but remember that on primary/caucus day, nobody just calls you while you sit comfortably at home. You have to drive to a location, perhaps in inclement weather, and put effort into it. So a greater fraction of Ron Paul supporters are likely to put in this effort, as evidenced by the fact that a greater fraction call in text message polls and write comments on blogs. Also, many Ron Paul supporters just registered to be Republican recently because of Ron Paul, and almost all of these people will show up to vote, while supporters of other candidates were most likely already registered, and typically about 15% of these people actually show up to vote.

[Tess]

Ron Paul stands for Our Constitution, Our Liberty and Freedom, and the American citizens. He has my vote and support here in Central California.

[Pliny]

The media keeps repeating things like "longshot" and "cannot win" as if they were talismanic charms, the mere incantation of which will stymie Dr. Paul's ability to be elected. The polls that they keep pointing to are almost worthless at this point. The electorate has not rallied behind any one person as seen by the constant flux surrounding the alleged "top tier." The polls are also narrowly drawn from a tiny pool of Republicans that voted in the past primary. They show none of Dr. Paul's new supporters who are getting ready to turn out from all sectors of the electorate. Conservatives who don't want to vote for liberal "Republican in name only" candidates, independents, Reagan Democrats, and others who want small government and liberty more than they care about being party hardliners.

[Chris]

At least you didn't focus on freaks like me who hold out the small possibility that there isn't even going to be an election.

[Sac Mars]

So, Andrew.... you want to be a pundit. Ok..And I love your zingers.

Listen here son, if you want to see 'reality' you have to get off your hiney, off the computer, tell your mammy you'll get your Coke by yourself from now on, and go outside and see what's happening on the grass. Because that is the ONLY reality.

Take care, son.

[Mark McDonough]

Regarding Presidential hopeful Ron Paul; whatever your personal views are, they don't change the fact that the majority of our elected officials, both Democrat and Republican alike, don't respect the Constitution of the United States as the rule of law, or the guiding philosophy for the people. Keep in mind that every elected official, and most appointed officials take an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect us from our enimies, both foreign and domestic.

What does this mean to you? Well, if they don't respect the Constitution which grants you inalienable rights, and control of you life, and directs them on how to handle economic and foreign policies, and elightens them on what their responsibilities are to you and me, then they must respect and follow some other sort of philosophy, or rule of law, so what is it?

Well, don't take my word, or Ron Pauls word for it friends, investigate it yourself, and you be the judge. Google Council of Foreign Relations, North American Union, Texas Trans Corridor, Texas Super Highway, Trilateral Commission, and the Amero for starters. This should help.

Allow me to submit, while average Americans like you and I have been arguing over, and being tied up over small issues, our government has been moving forward with bigger plans without you, that will affect you.

So, like Ron Paul or not, we have a real problem that we must unite on. it's my opinion that Ron Paul, although not perfect, is the only candidate wiling to soud the alarm and alert us to what's going on.

[John Dennis]

Always a breath of fair air for Ron Paul and his folks on this blog. That's all we ask of the MSM, fair treatment and time. Thanks!

[Douglas H.]

Ron Paul will be the next President of these United States. Who am I so say this?

As 82ND vet, it is disturbing to me that many in our great nation seem to favor candidates who are so eager to sacrifice individual liberties for “The Common Good.” I have sworn an oath to support and defend The Constitution of the United States, against ALL enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC. That compels me to speak out against candidates who would treat our founding documents with disdain. That is precisely why I support Ron Paul.

[Throatpoker]

Ron Paul is gaining even in the far right conservative territory. Those considered for the polls are the ones who voted for Bush last elections, so they are both a very small group of people, and very stubborn in their belief. Nonetheless, we're making ground on that field too.

[John Howard]

Our author writes of Paul supporters that

"They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq. "

The use of the term "invited" hints at "deserved" which has nothing to do with Ron Paul's position. This is the word that a Fox moron and the Giuliani campaign has used to misrepresent Paul's position.

Condescension, misrepresentation, and dismissive predictions seem to be the substance of the major "news" outlets when they are dealing with Ron Paul. Their arrogance is tiresome and transparent and they are losing market share at an ever-increasing rate. They may succeed in their desparate attempts to make sure that not enough people learn the truth about Ron Paul for him to win this election. But they will fail to stop the revolution that is going to crush big government and big media, for the simple reason that liberty and truth are more popular than a "terror" driven police state and its snide corporate propoganda producers.

[UK HOPE]

Hi from the UK.

I hope for the worlds sake that the people of America wake up to whats going on and vote for Ron Paul. America will be a country that people will be very jealous of if he wins. Unlike the hatred caused by the current government.

This revolution has changed alot of people's views of America. The government does NOT represent the people.

Its such a shame the media wont report fairly on Ron Paul and his supporters. It just shows how deep the corruption goes. It doesn't take much researching to see whats really going on. I just hope enough people can open there eyes without the mass media doing it for them.

Good luck America
Vote Ron Paul

[Marvin Lavertue]

I think a better description of Dr. Paul's (I do refer to him this way as a sign of respect, "The Good Doctor" if you please) stand on the 9/11 attacks would be that those in our government who have decided to occupy and wage silent war on the Middle East for 10+ years gave these people little choice but to strike back. I think he would argue (and has argued) that if China sent troops into our troubled country to "help" US see the way, and started building massive bases here in OUR country (as though they intended to stay a while, occupy), that there might be a few "True Patriots" who would take exception to this type of holier than thou bullying. I mean, come on, who the hell do these people in the government think they are. Who asked them to play God with the millions of lives in these foreign lands? What kind of ego does it take to ..... OK , next
Where do the pollsters get there calling lists? Are thy calling the "never voted or donated before" crowd? Are they calling the "I was a Democrat/Independent but am now going to convert and vote for Dr. Paul" crowd? Are they calling the "I'm a Republican, but haven't had a good reason to vote in recent elections, but now have a good reason to vote for Dr. Paul" crowd. OR are they only calling the "I voted in the last primary/Presidential election because I'm a good drone/Republican" crowd. And If the last is the case, then I'd say we're doing pretty good having woken up 1-8% of the drones.
Still a decent article, just pointing out a few differences in perception, Thanx.
M.

[Bo]

A "brilliantly written spoof."
Is that what the Times calls a badly written article when they are called on it?

Your political writers are comedy writers. Obviously you couldn't get a good one , they are all on strike.

[Mark Leclerc]

Dear Andrew,

I, like the many hundreds responding here, have very busy lives to lead. I resent being categorized as an internet mole, waiting to pounce on the media in defense of Ron Paul. At the same time I recognize that so many in our country finally feel that it's worth their time and inconvenience to finally stand up as say "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

Watching the media's prepackaged "presidential race" makes us sick to a tipping point. As we all witness yet ANOTHER trillion dollar scam and bailout occuring on Wall St. and in Washington while feeling the vice of inflation crushing our lives; we watch the "mainstream candidates" attempting to use "issues" to divert and divide our attention away from the cause... The fraud codified through the Federal Reserve Act and creation of the IRS has been exposed. We as a nation of common citizens are now awake and united are coming to SHUT DOWN THE FED AND IRS.
Please, anyone!!! Watch "Money as Debt", "Freedom to Fascism", etc. Read about the REAL history behind the controlling class and how they've taken up residence in our countries' institutions... then you may begin to see Ron Paul supporters not as noisy inconveniences, but as patriotic citizens from ALL walks of life uniting to FINALLY expose and end the corruption, get our troops out of harm's way and return to the respectful guidance of this nations' founding fathers.

Mark Leclerc
Registered NH voter

[Freedomexplo]

As an Australian I'm a little perplexed by this article. I don't really know who Ron Paul is, but if like the people say here, that he has raised more money, has 50 times more meet.up groups, signs and support at straw polls and has a better record at straw polls head-to-head with any other candidate, why would you take a "phone poll" of what you call "likely voters" as fact of Ron Pauls 3rd tier status when it's been proven here by following just one of the links posted that his name is left off many of those very polls?.

This to me screams of a form of popularized propaganda, and the writer here seems to be smug and proud of his false assertions, and I'm quite sure is the type of insecure personality that would read the comment section. It's clear you are not interested in true and factual reporting. before you criticize Ron supporters read what they say, they just wanted to be treated fairly, not special. It seems he gets blacked-out by the Media, and when they do talk about him it's full of misconceptions "he can't win" and down right smears and lies, and then the journos complain when Ron Paul followers point out those lies. I guess Ron Paul supporters can't win, just the way you want it to be. It's obvious now

So what have you got to say for yourself? I bet you feel pretty stupid, the Ron Paul supporters have shut you down here, your integrity as a writer -someone who is supposed to be balanced, un bias is gone. You are a part of the problem and everything the founders warned America about.

Go Ron Paul, anyone the Media hates must be a man of honor of the highest order.

[Tracker]

Can't wait to see the look on the faces of the "frontrunners" when RP wins primary after primary.

REGISTER TO VOTE NOW!
http://votesmart.org/voter_registration_resources.php

[Orlando]

Let's clarify some mistakes Andrew printed here, shall we:

ANDREW: "Many Paul supporters admit they do not agree with him on everything -- say, a return to the gold standard"

FACT: No where does Ron Paul ever mention that he wants to return to the gold standard. Wikipedia quotes Ron Paul's position on the Gold Standard as follows: "Paul says he "wouldn't exactly go back on the gold standard"[23], but would push to relegalize gold and silver as legal tender and remove the sales tax on them, so that gold-backed notes (or other types of hard money) and digital gold currencies[24] can compete on a level playing field with fiat Federal Reserve notes, allowing individuals a choice whether to use "sound money" to protect their purchasing power or to continue using fiat money.[25]"

ANDREW: "or the perceived threat to American sovereignty of a proposed super-highway across Texas."

FACT: From Alberta's Infrastructure and Transportation website you can see the planned highway for yourself: http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/2760.htm

ANDREW: "They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq."

FACT: This is not Ron Paul saying this, and he never phrased it as "the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks". He blames our foreign policy, not the US as a whole. His statement comes from our government's 9-11 Commission Report -- something Giuliani did not even read, and Andrew fails to mention about the fact that we've had military bases in their land and have been overly involved in mideast politics. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/18/martin/index.html

Please research a llittle more thoroughly before you misrepresent a candidate.

[Brett]

I just wanted to express my distaste for you mischaracterizaion of Ron Pauls stance on our foreign policy and its correlation with the 9/11 attacks.

All we ask for is an accurate representation of facts from the people who are SUPPOSED to be taking care of their people.

[Brian]

"Hillary Clinton's one-day record of $6.2 million" Can you provide some evidence that Hillary is the one holding the record of one-day fundraising? It is my understanding that it is Ron Paul that is holding it. I guess from reading your article, you aren't much of a fan of facts. Like Stephen Colbert say, you like th "gut reporting" It is just amazing they hired you at the LA Times. What were your qualifications exactly on your resume? "Gut writer seeking position as a smear monger"?

[leslie]

I am a democrat and don't currently support Ron Paul's candidacy, however, I find him very refreshing. He seems to be the only candidate who does not believe that somehow Sadaam Hussein was behind the 9/11 attacks. I admire the fact that he voted against going into Iraq when it was an unpopular stance within his own party. (Those who dare speak truth to power will always be remembered as heros when the history books are written). He also understands the connection between our insatiable need for oil and that it is the real reason for the Iraq invasion.

[Nancy Murphy]

The Federal Government has gotten way too big. Ron Paul will downsize it.

[Steven]

With this being my first presidential election that I can vote in, I am so excited to vote for Ron Paul. I have followed him daily and am determined to see him win!

[Kimberly]

The media is against Ron Paul. The Washington, D.C. establishment is against Ron Paul. It's the best endorsement a candidate could ask for.

Dr. Paul has awakened a sleeping, apathetic country, and his intelligence, honesty and patriotism have reignited the flames of liberty that had almost gone out in the hearts of Americans.

I think he has a good chance to win. And if there were no chance at all, I would still vote for Ron Paul.

"It does not take a majority to prevail...but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." Samuel Adams

[Michael]

The last line in the article is misleading. The American people do care about the people of the world. What Ron Paul supporters object to is sending our military to police the world. The oath that our military takes is to defend the U.S.A., not to setup democracies in other countries. The government has no authority to use our military the way they are being used today. It is an abuse of power and furthermore puts America in a compromised position.

[David Imberti]

As I take it, there are two things that stick out in my mind:

-Saying a candidate is better because of higher poll numbers is bandwagoning.

-Discharging on the people supporting Ron Paul and trying to get a 'fallacy by association' is also a known fallacy.

In other words, I'm not looking at his poll numbers, nor his supporters, nor do I care. I like his principles, and that's what matters, that's what is fair.

[Elle Anee]

The reason Dr. Ron Paul doesn't show up in the polls is because many of the polls simply don't have his name on the list. Someone posted one of the calls s/he got on YouTube and guess what? Ron Paul wasn't on it AND it was a recorded poll, so there was no human to talk to.

These polls are fixed and please stop using the no land line thing. There is a concerted effort to prevent Ron Paul's message from reaching the American masses. We're not fools. In fact, we're the people who are awake, aware, and calling you for what you are--propagandists of the worst kind.

[Doug D]

What's really been the most frustrating for Ron Paul supporters is the media's single-mindedness in focusing on poll numbers to determine which candidates to give coverage to, treat as a serious candidate, and even give speaking time to in the debates.

Accurate or not, the polls are a very poor predictor of success in the primaries. Most people don't make up their minds about who to support until the last few weeks. Predicting who will turn out for the primaries is very tough, since turnout is so low. Many poll respondents are really undecided, but just give a response to get rid of the pollster/pest. Most of those polled barely know anything about the candidates, yet their opinions are treated as the scorecard, when no votes have been cast.

Meanwhile, the media ignores or dismisses other obvious signs that Ron Paul is a very serious contender, such as actual volunteer sign ups, crowd sizes at his unreported rallies, yard signs, straw poll victories, and the like. The media has mentioned his dominance on the Internet, but treat it as a curiosity, rather than what it really is -- a leading indicator that shows people who know more about Ron Paul become strong supporters.

[liz]

A Correction! The Ron Paul campaign revealed on Nov. 5 that Hillary's supposed one day total of $6.2 million claimed to have happened on June 30th of this year is, in fact, a lie. They checked FEC reports, and news reports, and found that she took in an aggregate amount of 6.2 million for the week, but not in one day. Though they provided detailed informationto the media that could be easily checked, no one in the mainstream media seems to have noticed, and they continue to report misinformation as if it were accurate. The bigger story, if one cared about the truth, might be why Hillary's campaign, like Romney's, felt they needed to lie about it.

[Chris Robertson]

How old are you Andrew Malcolm? Characterizing the size of our comments by saying it took "60+ pages of printouts" also leads one to believe you aren't skillied in using the internet either.

Ron Paul has the perfect message for the American people. Usually this wouldn't matter, since the media chooses our candidates. We're living in a different age sir, and there is no lock on information. The people will find the message now - and the message will bring us the country we've always wanted.

Ron Paul will be the next President.

(Since the post itself says how many Comments there are, thought it would be interesting for Ron Paul supporters and others to see how much people actually have to say about their man.)

[Karl]

We are speaking out!
The latest and greatest Ron Paul news anywhere:

http://www.ronpaulforpresident2008.com/
YEAH!

[CD]

Andrew,

Instead of pointing out all the stuff you stated so incorrectly, I'm going to go ahead and write my third comment to you in months. You are slowly changing your mind about us, aren't you? We are changing your mind aren't we? Thanks again for the article on Ron Paul. You know you love us and we love you too! This political season would have been the most boring ever without Ron Paul.

[Dorothy]

Guiliani said "are you suggesting that we invited the attack". Dr Paul answered that "they attacked us because we are over there". The 9/11 report agreed. Stop twisting things. It is more sloppy journalism like that "wipe Israel off the map" quote. That was a prediction not a threat. We are seeing now how our president ignores intelligence information and pursues the neocon agenda without regard for the truth or the best interests of our troops and our nation. The press is abetting him by distorting facts. A new broom sweeps clean. We need Ron Paul.

[JamesM76]

" They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq. "

How can one consider themselves a NEWS outlet if they constantly distort the truth? Ron Paul never said any such thing; Rudy had been the one to say it in his ignorant understanding of Dr Paul’s comments. What Ron Paul said was that the motive of our attackers on 9/11 came from our bases in Saudi Arabia as well as the constant bombings of Iraq over a period of 10 years. This is also stated by BOTH the CIA and the 9/11 commission report. It was our American foreign policy that had fueled the flames for the 9/11 attack, not the American people.

FACT CHECK PLEASE!!!

[Matt D]

It's blatantly obvious, even for those too lazy to read the 9/11 commission report, that if you just spend 5 minutes, and look at a list of terror attacks in the world from 1950's to present it goes like

1950-1980 : Latin American pro-communist groups
1980-1991 : Attacks in lebanon against US forces and against isreal by muslims
1991-Present : Attacks against western societies that were involved in the Gulf war and have a continued presence there.

Anyone with half a brain and an ounce of logic can see the connection between middle-eastern military interaction and subsequent terror attacks.

[Thom Jenkins]

More Ron Paul spoofs...funny...who knew, they're coming out with Ron Paul cologne!

[John]

9 of 10 articles from mainstream always mention that Ron Paul doesn't have a chance, yet his campaign is breaking records and winning straw polls. Can you say, "operation: mocking bird"? You're analysis is weak Andrew. By the way, you and your senior editors have done more damage to America than any Muslim. By under reporting REAL issues, you guys (mainstream media) just repackage the same bull, and you know it. The fact is there is a real revolution, an awakening, if you will, going on NOW and it's right under your nose. All you mainstream media people are out of touch with Americans and with the tool of the internet, you are no longer the gatekeepers of information. Take your weak political analysis and shove it where the sun doesn't shine.

Ron Paul was one of 6 republicans to vote against the Iraq War resolution. What about Hillary?

Ron Paul is the clear choice. Compare his stand on issues (ronpaul2008.com) to any of the other candidates, republican or democrat.

Paul will probably run as a Libertarian. This election is shaping up to be the 3rd party election many of us have been waiting for.

[Metin]

Republicans who still don't realize their identities have been stolen will not vote for Ron Paul.

Ron Paul has a better chance winning a general election by receiving Republican, Democrat, Independent, disillusioned, protest, as well as Libertarian votes cross the board, if he elects to run as a third party candidate.

And I hope he does!!!

TalkTurkey.us

[RuthieM]

I think Ron Paul supporters need to take a chill pill and morph into Barack Obama supporters. He is a defender of The Constitution, he wants to take our country in another direction, he wants to take our country back, but he is for ALL people where Paul is not. I think the Paul supporters have much of the same sentiments as Obama supporters, it's just that Obama goes with HOPE and RULE OF LAW and Paul seems to push these too but with RADICALISM. Paul supporters remind me of the 1960's hippies, and civil rights and black panther awakening moments where youth were angry about what was going on in their country and demanded their rights and demanded change. I think Paul is right about Iraq, the government, taxes, and more perhaps but Obama believes like this too only Obama is best to lead this country because he is true democracy where Paul is true Republican, and I beileve the reason the people who are supporting Paul are doing so because he is white and they have found their radical ideologies and government oppositions in this white candidate and that is why they are so excited about him too, he is one of them. I think it's just like the blacks who have found this same voice in Barack Obama at this time in history and why those who are, are supporting him. Ron Paul makes a lot of sense, he is correct about what he speaks and I thought so from the very first Republican debate I saw. It's just that he's not doing something right, and I can't put my finger on just what it is that's missing with him -- yet.

[Vlad]

You have to ask yourself where all the "mainstream" candidates' supporters are. Ron Paul supporters come from all over the country and they are very enthusiastic about his candidacy. Aren't the people who are just this energized the only people who vote in primaries? There is a number of technical reasons why the old-style polling is not accurate at the moment. And yet the media keeps ignoring this. Why compare Ron Paul to either Dean or Kucinich? Some similarities exist, sure. But their level of support from such a cross-section of political spectrum was never there. The last candidate to get such a support was, in fact, Ronald Reagan. So some aspects of Paul's support (the technical ones) are similar to Dean, some to Kucinich, but some are also similar to Reagan's. Why dismiss the real people who want to vote him and concentrate on numbers which by all accounts are inaccurate at the moment?

[TxSundance]

I am a 47 year old father of 3, married for 26 years, and self employed as a Realtor for 22 years. The most important thing I look for in a presidential candidate is honesty and sincerity. Someone who votes based on their principles not on which way the political winds are blowing. No other candidate of either party comes close to his integrity and consistent voting record.

I live in central Texas and the first leg of the "NAFTA Super Highway" known here as the Trans-Texas Corridor has been hotly debated over the last couple of years. There have been ads recruiting Realtors and appraisers to travel across Texas to work for sub-contactors of the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to determine the market value of land that will be bought or taken through eminent domain for the Trans-Texas Corridor. So whatever you call it there are plans for a highway system to run from Mexico through the US and into Canada. This is not some paranoid figment of people’s imagination. There is plenty of documentation and it is really not hard to find, but it may require a few hours of research if journalists still do that sort of thing.

"GIVE ME FREEDOM OR I'M GOING TO GET UP AND GET IT MYSELF!"

VOTE RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT!

[Theresa]

Well all I have to say is look at the real polls, the straw polls taken from flesh and blood real people. I think you'll be surprised. They don't report this. They only report when Mitt wins one. That ain't nice. http://www.ronpaul2008.com/straw-poll-results/

[Terry Jackson]

"They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq."

- BIASED reporting.. very unethical.. author should be ashamed

[Walter Reddy]

"... realistically a very longshot chance of winning..."
We hear this over and over again in EVERY MSM piece done. The ONLY basis for this false statement comes from the FALSE "UNscientific" polls. The most ACCURATE polls today are the GOP straw polls. These are the MOST likely primary voters. These are the voters whom have taken the trouble to spend their time and money to drive to the polling place and cast a vote. They are the same voters who will show up on primary day!

[Andy White]

This article seems sligthly disrepectful and given your own words,

"Hundreds of readers -- 60+ pages of printouts -- shared their opinions, most of them printable. They reveal an eclectic mix of people, who identify themselves as lawyers, Democrats, housewives, first-time voters, young, old, suspicious of established institutions like the dreaded MSM (mainstream media) who resent being portrayed as fringe fanatics."

it seems odd to me you would want to offend so many people, if that is the case. That being sad, I do appreciate you writing this article. Thank you very much for covering the Ron Paul R3volution.

You said "(The L.A. Times Poll does factor in cellphones, by the way.)" How do you factor in cellphones? Its not some math equation.

[Kash]

The 2008 election isn't about Democrat versus Republican.

It is really a contest between sheep and wild geese.

Both sheep and wild geese like to dine on green grass.

Sheep need a shepherd to guide them to green pastures. The shepherd controls his sheep so that he can either fleece them or make mutton stew.

Wild geese can find the next green pasture on their own. The wild geese poop on the shepherd's head as they take flight to fly in a V for victory formation with the Ron Paul blimp.

Those who support Ron Paul will appreciate this metaphor. Those who don't are sheeple who like to be chased around by the shepherd's border collies.

The cackling of the wild geese is rising in a deafening crescendo as they prepare to darken the skies and blot out the sun on the coming election days.

And they will manage this phenomenal feat without air traffic controllers! The FAA could learn a thing or two from these wild geese.

[John]

All you mainstream people are old fools. My Christmas wish is for the baby boomer generation to just retire and leave the country to the hands of the next generations. You guys have caused enough problems for our generation. Since you guys just love this entitlement system, foreign entanglements, off the charts taxation, and big government, why don't you all just retire, get your checks and ride off into the sunset? I beg you PLEASE! Since you're not helping this cause of freedom, please RETIRE and just go away!!! Please just go away and let us keep our income, protect the borders, and have sound currency. Is that too much to ask?

[barry b.]

Glad to see the positive press. It's been a fun ride for ron paul. And all of us.

[Tom]

Will Terrorists "Follow us Home" if we leave Iraq? Have they ever said they would?

No.

They just want us out of their country just like we would want them out of ours.

No terrorist have ever said "we will follow the American's home".

Why are we afraid to unilaterally pull-out, then?

[tomo]

Hillary never raised 6.2million in one day. If she realy did she violated champaign finance laws galor because there is no record of this 6.2million dollar day with the FEC.

[funny]

This guy is a joke. In one article he mentions thousands of meetup groups, huge fund raising events and massive internet support, yet in the same article he claims Ron Paul doesn't stand a chance?

Did you even read this article after you wrote it?

[True American]

Support the troops
Support America
Support Life
Support Freedom and Liberty
Support Ron Paul for President

Enough said!

[Nicolas Martin]

I'd be surprised if Dr. Paul used the term "state's rights." He knows that people have rights and states have powers.

[Edward]

My household has two democrats and one Independant. All three of us CHANGED our party affiliation to Republicans in order to vote for Ron Paul in the Florida Primary. Do you think the pollsters call people like us? How many others are like us?

[Matt Goodley]

This is what American politics are all about everyone. Real people supporting their candidate because we actually believe in him and the message. Not supporting a candidate because he or she is the lesser of two evils. I'm simply tired of that mentality. This election will be a defining moment for the United States. Is the government truly OF, FOR, and BY the PEOPLE, or is it determined by a party system no more legitimate than that of Russia?

Thank you for writing this article. You are a saint.

[Hope]

Andrew Malcolm,

Thank you for your coverage of Ron Paul!

I very much enjoyed your ‘brilliantly written spoof’ from last week as well as James Rainey’s truly outstanding Ron Paul article:
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-ronpaul1dec01,0,678486.story?coll=la-home-center

The Los Angeles Times has provided some of the best Ron Paul coverage of the MSM.

It is the internet, blogs, YouTube, as much as Ron Paul’s message that gives me hope for America. Traditional passive TV and print media did not allow for feedback and corrections. All we could do is yell at the TV or crumple the newspaper. But this new media is changing everything allowing the truth to find it’s way to the surface through debate and discussion.

Your willingness and courage to discuss politics and allow uncensored statements of opinion speaks highly of your integrity. Keep up the great work!

(Thanks for your kind words. That's what we're here for. Hope you and others return often.)

[Richard]

Let's put this Ron Paul coverage issue to rest once and for all.

The claims by the older established media are that Ron Paul is not being ignored; i.e. he is being given the same prime-time coverage as all the other candidates, and the real reason his poll numbers are so low, is simply because his ideas only resonate with a very small group on the internet, and are being rejected by everyone else. Conversely, the claims by the newer internet based media and RP supporters are that he is being ignored by the older established media, and that only if more people could be given a opportunity to discover Ron Paul and his ideas, his support outside the internet would grow substantially.

O.k. then, let's have a test, if the older established media really believe what they're saying is true, and want to prove that the internet based media and RP supporters are mistaken, the older established media should do the following.

1. For a period of one week, as a public service, every news media outlet; print, network, radio and cable, should run the following announcement during prime-time, or front page:

'An open letter to the American voting public. It has been alleged that we, the media, are purposely ignoring and censoring the news coverage of the presidential candidate Ron Paul. As a result, his popular support is much lower that it would be if the same media coverage, given to all the other candidates, were given to him. We disagree - we believe that Ron Paul has been given proper coverage, and that all our viewers, listeners and readers know who Ron Paul is, and know where he stands on the issues, and the only reason his support numbers are so low, is simply due to the rejection of his ideas.

To end this controversy once and for all, we want everyone to visit Ron Paul's web site at http://www.ronpaul2008.com, search his name on Google, and on YouTube. Read and view the material presented on these sites, good and bad, then draw your own conclusion. If you agree, support him, and or donate to his campaign, if you don’t agree, support one of the other candidates. To be fair, we want you to visit the web sites of all the other candidates also, search their names on Google, and YouTube, then make up your own mind. Here are their names and web sites (…list of names and web sites…).'

2. Just prior to conducting step 1, record the campaign contribution dollar amounts for all the candidates.

3. For the weeks following step 1, track the campaign contribution dollar amounts for all the candidates. If Ron Paul's contributions don't get a bump, then we'll know he has been given proper coverage, but if they do get a bump, then we'll know that a lot of new people have just discovered him and agree with his ideas.

Well anyway - just a dream.

[Jill G]

Just wanted to say - thanks to all the Paulites out there making this happen! The MSM is the 'old' news. Go Ron Go!

[Drew]

It's a well written article. Kudos. Count me among the RP supporters who are veterans, professionals, and love their country.

Sure RP has a slim chance of winning but I don't see that as a reflection of him or those who support him. Instead it's a sad reflection on what's wrong with America. People are weak-minded and accept dumb-down news and commentary with challenging it. People are more interested in appearence than substance. Ron Paul is the only unique candidate, all of the others desire power and are willing to sacrifice the truth or their principles to obtain it. Although I do not think that RP will win the nomination I will not go away quietly while our elected representatives destroy the country I love by bankrupting our children in debt and tarnishing our name abroad in new and endless wars. Our constitution is what makes America great, unlike any other it defines the limited role of government and the supremacy of individual rights. When we ignore or corrupt our Consititution we cease to be Americans.

[Erik Tyler]

Entangling Alliances have caused us untold amounts of trouble and cost us billions, if not more. Our first President warned against it, and our next president will avoid it.

Ron Paul can not lose this election, because Ron Paul carries our message.

[George Niiranen]

I laughed and cheered frequently while reading this blog, and come away with a more clear understanding of Ron Paul supporters. We are just people who are patriots on behalf of LIBERTY!!!! Give us the liberty set forth in the constitution and America will once again be the envy of the world instead of the pariah. Only Ron Paul has a 30 year record of voting to protect our liberties. Why should I trust anyone else with my vote for President?

George Niiranen

[Dave]

Motivating voter turnout is what primaries are all about.Paul voters will turnout.

[Dave]

Ron Paul is sitting right where he needs to be at this point. Some polls have him 3rd in Iowa and moving up in New Hampshire.
Don't forget where John Kerry was a month before the Iowa caucus, well behind Dean and Gebhart.
Ron Paul's catchin' on, I'm telling ya!

[Michael D]

It would appear that this reporter is looking for notoriety on the search engine hit relevance by using Ron Paul for ratings. What an underhanded way to get affirmation. When/if you ever grow writing skills, this article will haunt you.....

[Jennifer]

I live in a small rural town. We had a Christmas pick up truck parade last night; we decked the truck all out in lights and Ron Paul signs. It was breathless to witness; we received many compliments on the decor.

We thought we were up against a hard time as I heard one person say, "Ron Paul, is that some kind of joke?" I instructed the children to only smile and wave and say "Merry Christmas".

What a shock! People were chanting "Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul" Police were stopping us and talking about Ron Paul. People, men and women, were running up to the truck asking for information. They were saying things like, "We love this man" and "We need Ron Paul in the White House."

People even asked about voting and if they were other than Republicans were asking us how to change their status.

Longshot? I think NOT! I have never seen anything like this before. It is the power of the people in action!

[Carl PIvonka]

Ron Paul is THE ONLY CANDIDATE who voted AGAINST THE WAR, and who wants to SECURE OUR BORDERS by bringing our troops home & putting them on the BORDER.

Ron Paul is THE ONLY CHOICE.....for Americans, and if the majority of them find out about him, he will be the NEXT PRESIDENT, and I have NO DOUBT about that.....

You, the LA Times & all mass media types HAVE A DUTY to the American citizens to bring the UNVARNISHED TRUTH out about Dr. Paul's beliefs, but primarily HOW HE IS DIFFERENT than all the rest. That would be true & honest journalism. We need the Media to quit editorializing the news. We need them to report it, and leave the opinions to the "Letters to the Editor" page. It's been way overdone for years now, and we are frankly sick of it.

Ron Paul is THE ONLY CHOICE.

[Hol]

It's funny that I'm excited when I see an article that is somewhat fair to Ron Paul, actually the best part of the article or at least the part I get excited about is when you wrote why we support him. Allowing an currency backed by gold to compete with the Federal Reserve currency could change everything for the average person, nowadays you have to have a job and be a partime investment banker to think you could ever retire because of our devaluted currency. The other thing that so impresses me is the level of intelligent response to the article. Ron Paul supporters are the very informed. I learned something everytime I read responses to articles about Ron Paul. The world has become so brutal that I find myself and many others thinking we could never have someone with such integrity make it to the Presidency but I don't believe that anymore.
Also I would like to request that reporters tell us what we need to know, and we need to know that facts. What are the actual facts, how did candidates vote and why, but most importantly who is lobbying who. The fact the Ron Paul accepts no corporate lobbyist's money is major and also the public should always be reminded what copporations donate to the other candidates.

xtrbigg posted the following and I'd like a reporter/fact checker to verify this statement:

" He (Ron Paul) is also the only candidate to talk about a REAL end to the Iraq war, unlike every other supposed 'anti-war' candidate, who promises publicly to end the war, then takes campaign donations and support form the very people who are profiteering off the war!"

Which candidates and how much to the get and from who?
These are what the public need to know, and yet nobody in big media every touches the subject.

Help America be informed.

Ron Paul 2008

[Joe Mellon]

"(The L.A. Times Poll does factor in cellphones, by the way.)"

Andrew -

The question was raised earlier yet so far you haven't answered it:

How does the L.A. Times Poll "factor in cellphones?" Factoring implies manipulation of raw data, does it not? Surely the L.A. Times won't do that.... hmmmm.

[Lokaz]

Dr. Paul is certainly the most astute of politicians . You can tell the caliber and breadth of his supporters just by simply reading the posts here and on the many, many Ron Paul forums. This long shot issue is a figment of the MSM's imagination. In a fair election, with proper counting, Dr. Ron Paul wins hands down. The only reason he may not win is because the election process is skewed from the very outset by the MSM fiction. This, as an astute observer commented here, is not American Idol. These are matters of life and death; MSM and everybody else have no business ignoring that basic fact.

RON PAUL ROCKS!!!

[Ben Shooner]

What is truly amazing about Dr. Paul's push is that his ideals destroy the left/right, Rep/Dem dichotomy that we've been accustomed to. He is drawing support from both camps without fading to the middle. The fact that he has been so steadfast in his constitutional values makes him attractive to a diverse group of Americans who realize that the America of today is a far cry from the America envisioned by our founding fathers.

In '04, my own family was torn asunder politically-we have an eclectic mix of anti-war hippies, Vietnam vets, small business owners, Catholic anti-abortion advocates, and FDR Dems. Yet now we all find a champion in Ron Paul. It will fun to see how it plays out-but I see it as a snowball that has just started rolling.