Breaking News: Ron Paul campaign donors set a record

Well, it looks like Ron Paul, the 10-term Republican congressman from Texas with the libertarian ideas, and his brave band of fervent followers have broken their own one-day online fundraising record.

Back in November, the Paul campaign reported raising $4.2 million online in one day with what they call a "money bomb," a fundraising gimmick devised by Trevor Lyman, a musician and self-appointed Paul fundraiser profiled by The Times' Dan Morain yesterday. Sunday's gimmick was to celebrate the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party on a website with a drawing of Paul that looks remarkably like that president on the penny.

As of shortly after midnight Sunday Pacific time, the Paul website was reporting more than $6 million raised on Sunday from more than 30,000 donors and an amazing fourth-quarter fundraising total surpassing $18.1 million. The little-known pro-life Texan, who favors abolishing much of the federal government and the Federal Reserve, could raise the most money of any Republican candidate this quarter. A spokesman said the average donation was $50.

If the reported number holds up when officially reported to the Federal Election Commission in early January, Paul will not only be the only Republican candidate to oppose the Iraq war, he'll be the only GOP candidate to increase fundraising totals each quarter this year -- from $640,000 to $2.4 million to $5.1 million to whatever this quarter's final total becomes above $18 million with two weeks to go.

Although Paul's poll numbers have only climbed from zero to the high single digits, the fundraising totals (he raised five times as much as Mike Huckabee in the third quarter) have brought "the Ron Paul Revolution" broader attention and credibility and the ability to advertise in the early voting states. With the funds his campaign has, among other things, produced a 30-minute TV biographical documentary to be broadcast across Iowa this coming weekend and available online here. Next Sunday morning a network TV audience will get a chance to see him grilled by Tim Russert for a full hour on "Meet the Press."

His legions of alert supporters scour the Internet for slights to right, frequently crudely, and any opportunities to promote their strict constructionist candidate. They dismiss the polls as slanted and the money-raising as the real indicator of the 72-year-old ob-gyn's growing national support among disaffected Republicans, Democrats and previous non-voters. The Times' James Rainey examined one Southern California meet-up group for Paul here.

We've written about these supporters here and examined hundreds of their comments here. No doubt there'll be some more to read down below here shortly.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Jason]

The article seriously brings tears to my eyes. It has been such a struggle to swim uphill, to believe so strongly in a candidate who will not be acknowledged by the mainstream publications. Your article, on the heels of our biggest success, gives me hope, that America is still the democracy we proclaim it to be.

I understand Ron Paul may or may not win. I just want him to have the freedom to play the game. Your article is a part of that. Thank you.

[craig seganti]

Even as other Paul supporters applaud you, I think you give a lesson here in the subtle ways the press bias readers while reporting 'objectively'. Words such as 'gimmick' with it's cheap, negative connotation, making your primary description of the candidate as 'pro-life' as if that is the basis of his platform when you are known as a liberally-biased paper, saying his fans 'dismiss' polls without giving reason when you are well aware of the fact that most readers (including myself before investigating) will find that flighty and 'wacko', and 'frequently crudely' to characterize supporters when 'frequently with great articulation and substance' would also be true. Abolishing much of the Federal Government and Federal Reserve, while true, are also concepts that flippantly mentioned without explanation are meant to appear off base, and you are well aware of how you spin things.

(This is a blog, not your Ron Paul bible. (Nor a newspaper.) That's why we include what are called links so you can go elsewhere for more info if you choose. You're not happy when folks ignore you. You're not happy when folks pay attention. So be it.)

[Bob]

This is the only news story I have seen so far about last nights fund raising that isn't slanted. The other publications downplay the campaign and supporters so far. Then again in the beginning our Forefathers were also thought to be crazy. I have no problem being compared to those great men and yesterday we remembered while the others shopped.

[myran]

I have never voted because I have felt that the current system is set up so it is always a choice between one bad politician and another. Ron Paul is the first person running for office that seems like a genuine person. Ron Paul is running for office because of the issues affecting our lives, not because of his ego. He may not be the most charismatic but I know where he stands on issues and he has 20 years as a member of congress that back up his consistent record. I agree with just about everything he stands for but more importantly, what he opposes. Although I am not a god fearing christen and many of his personal values are definitely not mine, it doesn’t matter, that’s the beauty. Ron Paul and I could be polar opposites politically and morally but we still get along just fine because we both believe in the sovereignty of the individual. We believe in leaving each other alone to live our own lives.

I am seriously considering voting for the first time.

[ML]

L.A. Times - Thank you for you for providing fair press coverage of Ron Paul's record breaking day.

[Brian]

This is a nice article, but since it is in a blog, does it show up in the paper?

(The blog is not in the newspaper, except some excerpts on Sundays. But the newspaper and website did publish an article on the event, though the blog is much better, of course.)

[Ed Croker]

Good column! I enjoyed it and thanks for being understanding. Freedom can be chaotic, but it sure feels good to be a part of it.

[zenpiper]

What is becoming increasingly apparent is that this campaigning process boils down to Ron Paul vs. the Darkside.

Paul represents: No more wars, no taxes, more personal freedom, the Constitution.

The Darkside: More war, more taxes, fewer freedoms, continued shredding of the Constitution.

That's what's happening, and why millions of people are waking up to Ron Paul's message. This may be our last chance to get our country back!

[Mel D.]

I was a registered Democrat, but with a guy like Ron Paul and the direction this country has been headed. How can you not like him.

I'll be cating my vote in the Iowa Caucus for Dr. Ron Paul. I hope others will too.

[Donar Reinblut]

Ron Paul is a man of integrity. Do you know that he is the only man in congress who refuses a paycheck? He is the only one running for president who even mentions the constitution. This is a man who respects the principals this country was founded on. The principals on which I was raised, the ones which my ancestors fought and died to put into effect.
For the media or any thinking person to dismiss the obvious will of the people is an outright disgrace. Our government has been hijacked by unamerican robber barons and "We the People" aren't going to sit by any longer.
While I think it is interesting that you are reporting on this, it is not a surprise. I am sure one of your editors called you up and said "Hey this Ron Paul clown pulled in 6 million last night, we better cover it someway." And here you are, dragging your feet thought this report. The tone of your post shows your arrogance and just how far out of touch with the American public you and the media in general are.
I also have to take issue with your reporting without really finding out any of the information. I find it hard to believe that any scholar or journalist would not even have the information given on the MAIN WEB PAGE of Ron Paul's site. You are a prime example of what has turned our country into this tyrannical nightmare, lazy minds.

(Trust me, pal, no editor called me up at midnight to order up an item on Ron Paul's record breaking fundraising. I stayed up to blog on it because it's our job. And we've been writing about this for weeks. Thanks for reading.)

[Paul]

Thanks for the story, Andrew.

"His legions of alert supporters scour the internet for slights to right, frequently crudely, and any opportunities to promote their strict constructionist candidate"

It is true. There are many Ron Paul supporters who have the people skills of a rock. However, we're the only visible supporters of any candidate online. (Sorry, the 100 or so Fredheads don't count.) If there was an online mass of Giuliani supporters, I bet they'd be jerks too. So I don't think we should be known as the supporters who have the monopoly on alienating.

[Don Hannaford]

Go Ron Paul!!! The only honest grass roots candidate out there!!!

[Jeff]

"Little known"? He raised 6 million in one day, nuff said

[Jon Powell]

Out here it's hard to describe the joy and sense of empowerment. It feels like I hear the American army coming to open the gates of the extermination camp camp where We The People have been held for so long by corrupt politicians, foreign interests. Sir, the biggest investment in this country to date has been the investment in our stupidiy. Thank you MSM. Now there is a new investment fund, The Ron Paul Revolution. We have set the political brothel on fire, the smoke is rising and the rats are squealing in great anguish. Bring a stick and marshmallows and enjoy the flames of freedom. Oh, and have a cup of tea.

[Nancy]

Just a simple "thanks" for recognizing our efforts!

(You're welcome. But it's our job to tell interesting stories and this sure is one. Maybe someone should Digg this blog item to broaden the exposure to the RP story.)

Thanks for a non-slanted article, I also really appreciate that you guys appear to read your site's comments and respond (unlike most MSM sites I've seen).

Some supporters have never been involved in politics before and don't do such a good job at convincing others to join their cause... Unfortunately, because Dr. Paul has such wide support, there's not much the rest of us can do to corral this (other than try to teach them when they've went off the ranting deep end). The biggest thing that shows is just how much passion those few supporters have, the rest of us just have to redirect it to something constructive. A lot of people are really angry with where the country is headed these days.

I don't believe many of Ron Paul's supporters voted in the previous primaries... There are many young people, many apathetic Republicans, and many people switching from other parties to vote for Paul; these people are never counted in a "likely Republican primary voter" poll, and don't discount the huge number of people with no land-line these days; The majority of the 18-35yr age block of people appear to have cell phones anymore. Out of the 200+ people from our meetup group, I'd say 90% are truly dedicated to participate in the primaries this year, and I know of only a small handful that have ever participated in a primary before.

This election season is the "perfect storm": civil liberties are being loss at a faster rate than ever before, the country is bankrupt, the people are taxed more than ever before, we're in endless wars against ideas, we give up freedoms for security, we have prohibition all over again (the drug war) except when it's part of the medical-government conglomerate, and the rest of the world sees us as self-righteous, bible-thumping, mercantilistic, bullies.

This election isn't completely about Ron Paul, it's about Freedom, Liberty, and the Constitution that makes it possible. The America we all learned about in school was lost before I was born, a great experiment that we must resurrect. Ron Paul just happens to be at the right place, at the right time, has more INTEGRITY than any politician I've ever known, and researches/understands the issues instead of just constantly pandering (name another candidate who can truly explain how our monetary system works in the US).

The fact that he's showing 8-9% among the hard-core Republicans who voted in the previous primaries (the same ones who nominated Bush) gives me hope that even they are not all lost :-). Our biggest problem is convincing people to look at the situation with their brain objectively and not with their emotions... Many people don't like to admit they were wrong, so they can't admit that George Bush was wrong. If we raise $18,000,000 in one quarter with so little name recognition (remember, poll numbers equal media coverage, it's a catch-22, though some lucky people are top tier from day one, ah well, that's "democracy"); imagine what would happen if we actually got a decent amount of coverage.

Ron Paul's support won't transfer to another candidate if he doesn't get the nomination, no one else stands for anything less than the status-quo. We are sick and tired of the status-quo.

Only one nit-pick about the article, it was an estimated almost 60,000 donors, not 30,000, it's an estimated 25,000 new first time donors though. Of course the specifics don't matter as much until the FEC filings (even then, certain incorrect numbers stick around forever, like Hillary Clinton's 6.2M number).

[Mike]

What you call a gimmick, others call strategy.

[Pumaz]

Thanks for the coverage and for not using the words "quixotic", "long-shot", "dark-horse", "kooky", or anything like "has no chance of actually winning". I'm glad your AP/Rueters overlord finally gave you permission to write a decent story.

(Correction: I don't want to destroy your conspiracy theories because I know how important they can be in forming a bad guy for a movement to push against, but no one tells us what to write or not write here.)

[TJF]

Thanks for the article. I've been saying for a few weeks that the tide is turning. Looking forward to Tim Russert next week. Cramer's mad momey appearance was very nice. This is not a foregone conclusion by any means, but the more people exposed to the message the more that will hear the call of freedom.

I don't mind if people support someone else, but I do mind when they do so because they are blindly following the MSM and have not done their homework.

[Steve Martin]

The truth is Ron Paul just broke the all-time record set by John Kerry for single-day fund raising ($5.7 million) and these were not PLEDGES but actual cash receipts. He raised anywhere from $6.3 to $6.5 million when the numbers settle, and is now most likely the highest-rated Republican in donations for the entire half-year, starting 7-1-07.

And what is the mainstream media's (CNN, MSNBC, etc.) headliner this morning? Neocon globalist warhawk Joe Lieberman endorses his good buddy, fellow neocon globalist warhawk, John McCain.

You need look no further than that fact to see the incredible media bias which they still try to desperately excuse by the "professional poll" numbers that they pay for, showing that the 6% of Republicans who bothered to vote for Bush in 2004--the most diehard, neocon-like Republicans--only give RP 6-10% in most polls. Big deal!

The fix is DEFINITELY in here, and all Americans will soon know it. CNN gives the Lieberman endorsement top billing and 10 minutes of coverage in their daily news cycle today, and Ron Paul setting the most breath-taking record in U.S. political history gets about a minute.

You don't have to take it anymore. Google "A petition for fair and equal treatment..." Sign it, and spread it far and wide!

[Tess]

Andrew,
Thank you Andrew, you are doing a great job of reporting on Ron Paul.
He will get more press down the road, and we supporters need to realize that. I would like to suggest to Ron Paul supporters to rally with your meetup groups or form one in your home town. Go out and wave signs for Ron Paul. All the money in the world won't get his name and message out, it helps, but to actively speak about Ron Paul with other people in your home town is what really counts, and will get him the votes. I have the opportunity to get his name out to roughly 25 people a day at our small family business, and I make sure I give them a flyer/slimjim with all of Ron Paul's information. Over the course of several months, I have reached thousands by doing this. There are more supporters for Ron Paul than people realize. I am ex-military as well and I have received many thanks from active duty and former military for sharing the message of Ron Paul. Ron Paul has my vote and support here in Central California. Thanks again Andrew, and I look forward to reading more from you on Dr. Paul.

http://RonPaul2008.com

[Rob]

On many an RV there is a Bumber Sticker which reads "We are Spending Our Kids Inheritance" The truth is that not only are we spending our kids, but in America we are spending our Grandkids and our Great grandkids inheritance. Many of us Paulites realize this. The Social Security Trust fund has been depleated not by hard-working retirees but by Big Gov politicians funding other programs out of it. RP's message is so attractive because young our old we realize that things cannot continue like they have been. There is a day of Reckoning Coming.. So young and old we have joined together in one-last-ditch-effort to save something of this country (our eroding freedoms for one, our National sovereignty for another) for future generations.

[Scot]

Great post...please excuse some of our hardcores for poor manners. They're a long-tortured bunch. Their early successes made it possible for us to have days like this, but after each one of those successes, their enthusiasm was met mostly by ignorance and disdain.

This post is all we can ask for - a fair shake. I agree that it's important to note the single-day fundraising records, but it's completely out of order for anyone to suggest that reporters should now jump on the bandwagon.

[Dr. Grassam]

Good Morning Mr. Malcolm. I think it would be helpful if you take a look at our (Dr.Pauls supporters) side of things for a minute. A recent news program compared the number of times McCains name was mentioned to Dr.Pauls over a period of time. McCain 95,000 Dr.Paul 5,000. Dr. Pauls supporters clearly see this for what it is, a MSM bias. What seems apparent to me is that a large base of disenfranchised republicans are leaning towards smaller government and ending this war in Iraq. I am a doctor and a republican who voted for Mr. Bush in 2000. I did not make that mistake twice. I don't buy the polls. I am 37 and no republican I know has ever been polled. It is time the people take back Washington from the special interests. One last thing, if you really want a good story( if you are truly open to fair and balanced reporting) look at Romney buying the straw poll in Florida. Ron Paul supporters out numbered every other candidate from 25 to 1 and up. Yet Romney supporters were voting for there candidate 20 times or more. You can find video evidence on youtube so it should not be hard to find. I look forward to your stellar reporting on this. Send me a copy of your article when it hits the frontpage of the LA Times.

(Well, as I said above this is a blog, not the newspaper. But as a matter of fact this item and your comments are on the "front page" (homepage) of this website and havve been since posting at midnight. Feel free to spread the link around, Digg it or whatever. We're running behind on posting comment due to the volume. Keep it up.)

[TX Patriot]

MALCOLM writes: "(Sorry, patriot. We're reporting that they're reporting that number, same as we do with every campaign. We have no way of independently verifying it. Sorry again, a campaign counter is not verification. Congrats. It's a lot of money and will draw a lot of attention.)"

You appear to be obfuscating the points I raised with your above response.

1. You stated, "And truth is, a fair number of PLEDGES are not lived up to. Hence, the phrase if it holds up." (cap emphasis mine) The definition of "pledge" is not the same as "contribution / contribute".

and

2. I discussed verifying the contribution methods, not the campaign counter numbers.

Come on, Andrew, you are a journalist.

Thanks for the recognition, though; your article was more accurate than most.