Here we go again, not ignoring Ron Paul

Don't worry about the Ron Paul people -- they'll find something to complain about in these last glorious days before the reality of the actual primary/caucus voting starts, even though it can't be about being ignored by the big media anymore.

The 72-year-old, 10-term Republican representative from Texas with the libertarian ideas has been on just about every conceivable broadcast outlet in recent times. He's getting so much attention he's now starting to be criticized for some things, including accepting funds from and not returning them to some white supremacists.

That's what raising $18 million in the still unfinished fourth quarter ($6+ million of it in one day) will do to your political obscurity. That and the online and local meet-up group work by thousands of fervent fans who profess to be newcomers to the political process, so inspired are they by the ob-gyn who represents the Galveston area and his strict constitutionalist ideals and the simple clarity of his goal to return government to its strict constitutional boundaries. No more Department of Education, for instance, or many other federal departments.

Paul is on a roll, up in some polls, down significantly in others, which Paul people don't care anything about because they say they don't believe in polls because nobody's going to tell them how to vote, even though polls aren't orders for anybody, they only reveal how a few hundred people say they're going to vote at that moment in time.

Because everybody Ron Paul supporters say they talk to either already are or immediately become Ron Paul supporters, they believe the Ron Paul Revolution will sweep the country sometime shortly into the New Year, starting perhaps in New Hampshire where they have so many yard signs and the license plates say "Live Free or Die." Also, the new Ron Paul blimp is flying around there.

Anyway, today was Ron Paul's turn to be waterboarded by Tim Russert on NBC's "Meet the Press." As one sign of how the Iraq war surge's recent success has made it a non-issue, Russert didn't even ask him about his stand (Paul's the lone GOP candidate who opposes the war, saying it creates much more trouble than it's worth and that maintaining an empire always bankrupts the colonial power).

Paul wants to bring home all American troops abroad to save money and avoid making ....

enemies. Russert asked him how many U.S. troops there are abroad. Paul didn't know. Russert told him 572,000. "And you'd bring them all home?"

"As quickly as possible. We -- they will not serve our interests to be overseas. They get us into trouble. And we can defend ourselves without troops in Germany, troops in Japan. How do they help our national defense? Doesn't make any sense to me. Troops in Korea since I've been in high school?"

Russert asked, "So if Iran invaded Israel, what do we do?"

Paul replied, "They're not going to. That's like saying, 'Iran is going to invade Mars.' "

Russert asked if Paul would cut off aid to Israel. "Absolutely," he said. "But remember the Arabs would get cut off too and the Arabs get three times as much aid altogether as Israel. But why, why make Israel so dependent?"

Russert asked if Paul wanted to abolish the IRS and income tax. "That's a good idea," he said. "I like that idea." He said the U.S. got along fine without an income tax until 1913.

Russert asked if he knew how much lost government revenue that would be. "A lot," said Paul. "Over a trillion dollars," said Russert. "That's good," said Paul. He suggested cutting spending would save a lot of money, reducing federal departments, not being involved overseas as we are.

Russert asked him about the apparent inconsistency of being against federal involvement, yet regularly inserting dozens of earmarks into legislation representing billions of federal dollars going to his district. Paul said there was no inconsistency because he always voted against the earmarks he'd inserted, although they usually passed.

"If you were true to your philosophy," Russert said, "you would say, 'No pork spending for my district.' "

"No, no, that's not it," replied Paul. "They steal our money. That's like saying people shouldn't take Social Security money."

Russert asked about term limits. Paul said he'd voted for them many times. Russert noted he'd been in Congress more than 18 years. Paul said he hadn't agreed to any voluntary term limits, but he supported them.

Russert asked about many other things including whether defeat in the GOP primaries might cause Paul to launch a third-party effort. "I have no intention to do that," Paul responded. But he would not guarantee it, just said he was 99.9% sure but didn't like absolutist statements.

Paul supporters will say anything that sounds critical or dumb about their candidate was taken out of context. So you can read the entire interview transcript here and view the entire video here.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Gary A]

Thanks nice job of reporting! I will vote for Ron Paul, Tim did not change anything for me. I have found that the LA Times Reporting is one of the best and they are always Fair even if they dont agree with the person they are reporting on. Thank you for a job well done!!!!!

[Tony L]

How come so many articles I see on here try to preempt the comments of the Paul supporters? The ironic thing is, it's this site that got me wondering if Ron Paul was crazy or if he really is just the target of numerous hit jobs. Needless to say, I'm now voting for Ron Paul. Thank you for your coverage!

(Don't know what you mean by pre-empt, but the only comments that go unpublished here on Dr. Paul or any other item are the ones that use curse words, obscene suggestions or threaten people. Since this is supposed to be a place for discussion and dialogue, even if some RP people consider "You are a jerk" discussion.)

[Tom Brown]

BTW-a little something I noticed at the end of the interview. How many other candidates (honest question here) does Tim Russurt tell to "be safe on the campaign trail" ? Just curious.

(You'd have to check the transcripts, but don't think it's that unusual in modern American public life.)

[Phillip Smith]

I think its so funny these articles that try and put down Dr. Paul. They know we're going to come and comment, because we actually care about being told the truth. Unfortunately here is not the place. I guess we know where the journalists that get caught cheating go. If he would have actually payed attention to what was going on behind the scenes (instead of copying the closed captions) he would see that Ron was able to school Tim about History then sold him that troop bit hook line and sinker. What a great salesman. Tim didn't even see it coming. It made Tim feel smart and helped people realize that there are over half a million of our men and women protecting other countries, with our hard earned money, while the borders go un-protected. Oh, and that comes directly from Tim Russert.

(Oh, I see Dr. P was feigning ignorance about how many troops there are overseas because he knew Russert knew and would then put the number out for all to hear instead of Dr. P. having to say the number? That is a real double-bank shot.)

[smartherthanawriter]

(You're hilarious! THIS is venom to you? If this was venom, I'd have said Dr. Paul looked like a nice tired old man who was in way over his head and didn't even know how many troops he as president would have overseas to want to bring home, that he counts on Iran to not make trouble because it has no navy. that he would give up the Korean peninsula that more than 50,000 Americans died to keep democratic and that he was completely unable to explain his way out of a hypocritical paper bag in which he's all for less government but inserts earmarks in legislation to spend millions in govt money in his district and then votes against his own proposals, knowing they'll pass anyway, so he can fraudulently claim to be against spending. That would have been venomous to write. But I didn't write that.)

But the reason you didn't say that is because you know you would be ripped apart for typing an uneducated rant that would further prove how meaningless your writing is, and what little grip on reality you have.

Looks like you couldn't help it though.

(I was simply showing you what I could have said if I'd wanted to be venomous, which I didn't. You asked for it. You're so tender and naive. That's obviously why you hide behind a false name and email. And if you think this item was venomous, you've got a real awakening coming in a few weeks from all over if Dr. P. wins something. That's the weird price of success in this free land.)

[Joaquim Salazar]

The charge of flip-flopping against Paul is ludicrous, especially in light of the incomparable flip-flopping from Giuliani, Romney, and Clinton. The guy put a few benign earmarks in for his district (serving his constituents), and then voted against them (serving his conscience). Yet you'd rather hate the player than the game.
Does anyone understand the constitution anymore? How about Paul making a fool out of the ever-stupid Russert? "What's unconstitutional about amending the constitution, amending an amendment?" Russert: Duh... (looks for help from the producers that obviously write the show for him.

Nation of idiots, and Paul is too smart for most of them.

[Agent Smith]

"Paul supporters will say anything that sounds critical or dumb about their candidate was taken out of context."

How amazingly generalizing. Don't you have better things to do than rile up Paul supporters? Surely there is more to your career than grabbing their attention? I mean recent.

[Elizabeth]

I think Ron Paul did a great job on MTP today and did some research on the Internet. I think he's just become my new hero! I'm re-registering as a Republican so that I can vote for him in the primaries. We need Ron Paul. We need to take our country back. Go Ron Paul!!!

[Dave]

Let's see, I'm lifelong GOP and I've never been called or asked to participate for a poll! I vote every year. No one calls me. I donate to the pary and various causes and no one seems to give a crap. I'm voting for Ron Paul. I'll tell you this from life long GOP friends of mine. They have been called and when they press Ron Paul they are disconnected. Go figure? I've had enough! two words! RON PAUL!

[K]

Some of the other commenters are correct. This piece basically assumes that Paul is wrong without actually giving any reasons why. The standard "Paul is low in the polls and he's gonna have to face reality come primaries" spiel dragged out. The problem is, Andrew, that some people vote on principles, not polls. Be sure to tell us if you ever get to that point.

(Go complain where you can find something real. There's nothing in here about polls. Vote on principles. Vote on a whim. What's that got to do with this item? If RP wins anything, it'll be a great story. If he doesn't, you'll be disappointed. Happy holidays.)

[Josh S.]

"How amazingly generalizing. Don't you have better things to do than rile up Paul supporters? Surely there is more to your career than grabbing their attention?"

Yeah. On the whole I thought it was a fair enough piece coming from someone who doesn't seem to care much for Ron Paul. Though I don't care for the generalizations. Doesn't it kind of perpetuatue the whole quarrel?

Anyway, it will be interesting to see if Paul comes in the top three in Iowa. Or if those who say Paul really blew it here are correct. I'm kind of hoping for the former.

[lewis johnson]

Andrew Malcolm- congratulations, people are now reading what you have to say, too bad it's only Ron Paul supporters. Hey Malcom, you know who you remind me of? My television, which is about as worthless as a white house briefing. Was it neccessary to write this article given your certainty of
Dr. Paul' s demise? How's the fair weather up there at fox news, er, I mean Los Angeles Times? Hey, next week you mind mowing my lawn? I figure you might be needing some work after ten thousand hate comments come your way. Tommorow I'm telling people to jump off a bridge I thought you might be interested.

[David]

Well you just did write it venomously. Why point at Dr. Paul that voted against the earmarks, why not point at the other congressmen that voted for them. You stating that Ron Paul is being fraudulent about wanting to cut spending is outright slander and libel. Iran won't invade Israel because Israel will rain nuclear warheads on them, just like we're likely to get from Russia when we start invading Iran.

[James]

If the media has to go back 20 years to find dirt, then that is evidence enough that he is our man!! Go Ron Paul!!

[Jonathan Stillman]

You are a joke of a journalist Andrew,

You would be wise to wash out your mouth from the filth you so often spew, and try some good ol' honest writing for a (gargantuan) change...

[Tess]

Andrew:

Thank you once again for the write up on Ron Paul. He and his supporters are getting the word out to the right sources because he sure has been on MSM quite a bit lately. Anyway, I will say I was once again pleasantly surprized with all the Ron Paul signs I saw this last weekend as I was driving from Utah to California. I saw Ron Paul signs in front yards, at businesses and billboards driving down the freeway. It was awesome, the message of Liberty and Freedom is thriving in America and I love the fact that Ron Paul is the messenger. I am liking you more and more Andrew.
Keep up the good work, oh and look at the poll on AOL, this is a nationwide poll and cannot be taken more than once by the same IP address. Guess who is leading on the Republican side, none other than RON PAUL.

http://RonPaul2008.com

[NH]

Ron is right about getting rid of the CIA. They are the terrible operatives of the shadow government which must come to an end and soon.

This is a Revolution much needed.

[Dr. Kibble]

Do not go after the article's author...he is doing his job and has done at least one article that praised Ron Paul (I don't have the exact reference). I am an ardent Ron Paul supporter and thought that he did quite well in this interview.

Mr. Malcom has to do his best to provide information and insight, while not coming across as a shill for one candidate or the other. If he doesn't do this, his reputation is finished. Tim Russert has the same responsibility. Bring on the tough questions for Ron Paul! The more they probe, the more they'll find out how true his message is and how much better it is than the other candidates' messages!

The messages of liberty, small government, and peace are popular and deserve to be covered more!!!

[Margie]

Well, that's real big of you -- not ignoring Ron Paul. I guess this sarcastic piece makes you feel real good about yourself. You've really sunk to new levels, though nothing different from the usual boring, meaningless drivel one can expect in a bought and paid for newspaper. How does it feel to be mediocre?

[Abhishek]

Ron Paul came out clean and on top as usual in this "dirt-splashing" interview.

[Andrew]

I disagree completely about Ron Paul getting attention in the media (in the past week he's gotten relatively better coverage but he certainly is not treated like the candidate with the most cash on hand which he is).

On the day after Ron Paul raised more money in one day than any candidate ever the media chose to talk about some worthless newspaper endorsing McCain and questioned whether Hillary's strategy for presenting a softer side would work (they ultimately didn't anwer that one).

And when they mentioned Ron Paul's 6 million (with only like two or three exceptions) they treated it like it's something that happens all the time.

In previous elections straw polls were important. Now that Ron Paul wins most of them, they're not. In previous elections money was important. Now that Ron Paul is getting more than anyone on the Republican side, all of a sudden it is not.

The only thing left that the MSM can point to and say, aha!!!, Ron Paul can't win are these telephone polls. And yet this is the one thing that MSM has direct control over and the polls can be easily manipulated. Anyone who knows anything about how polls are conducted knows that who you call and how you phrase the questions have a huge impact on the results of the polls. And there already are signs (on youtube look up a few videos) that these polls have been tampered with. Seeing as the MSM is already in the pockets of the military contractors, they have both the incentive and power to keep Ron Paul in the single digits.

I have to say that if I was in the MSM, I would get down on my knees and pray to God (Even though I don't believe in God, I would want to take no chances) that Ron Paul supporters don't show up in mass because if they do they will DESTROY the MSM's credibility. But seeing how the MSM is no longer there to inform but rather to distract us as this country goes to hell, they deserve no better than to be utterly and completely humiliated.

(Why don't you complain about the lack of coverage of the big fundraising day somewhere that ignored it? This place covered it and has mentioned it several times since.)

[Cameron]

Andrew,

Kudos to you. Although I am a Ron Paul supporter, I recognize that you are using your valuable time to cover this story, and I respect that. A lot of fellow supporters who comment in these sections may attack you for your so-called negative bias, but I don't see it that way. Our vote this February may differ, but at least you are giving an analysis on his story, and I appreciate it... good or bad.

To my fellow Ron Paul supporters out there, I say that the only bad coverage is no coverage, so don't kill the messenger! I've seen far worse written/said about Ron Paul, and it would suit his chances of being elected much better if we *respectfully* agree/disagree in these kinds of forums. The media has chosen to highlight negative about with Ron Paul's supporters, rather than focusing on the important issues, which is his platform. Ron Paul's conduct is very respectful and statesman-like, even when he is dealing with rabid interviewers. Shouldn't we be the same? Lets be the bigger people :-)

[Kyle]

hilarious article, always gives me a nice warming belly laugh to read your stuff. anyway, Ron Paul 2008 woo hoo!

[Sam Marsh]

The blimp is in North Carolina, not New Hampshire. Thanks for the article, and the gratuitous blanket statements about Ron Paul supporters. Quite revealing.

[Grizzle]

I like you and your work Andrew, but I think you could be more charitable. I am sorry that not all Ron Paul supporters are as corteous as they should be. They aren't always to me in my comment sections. But when you're combing through hundreds of online posts, it's not always easy to see who is malicious to Paul (American Thinker) and who is not. And people's first foray into politics is usually the most pationate one, so that could account for a lot of it. Most of all, I think that Paul supporters feel like there's no outlet. They get it from the liberals because he's so extremely conservative and they get it from the neoconservatives because he represents an end to their monopoly on the GOP market.

There's plenty of people who support Paul for thought-out, respectable reasons. And there's plenty of reasons to think that the polls are inaccurate. I'm sure you've heard them all before, so I wish you'd just run another article that discusses more of the positive sides.

(Thanks for your interest and thoughtful comment. And for reading. You're probably right. I'm sure we'll be revisiting the Paul Revolution in the coming days. It would be good to get some more balance from Dr. Paul's crowd, but if they don't want to comment, I guess we can't stop them. Happy Holidays.)