Ron Paul endorsed by Jane Roe, yes, THAT Roe

What a coincidence!

On the 35th anniversary of the Supreme Court's historic Roe vs. Wade abortion ruling, the Roe of that landmark legal case endorsed libertarian turned Republican Rep. Ron Paul for president. Paul, a 10-term Texas congressman from the Houston area, is a 72-year-old Air Force veteran and ob-gyn who has surprised many political observers with the fervor of his bands of followers, not to mention his campaign's fundraising prowess that has outshined other Republican so-called front-runners.

"Jane Roe," whose real name is Norma McCorvey, turned against abortion a decade ago. In her endorsement Tuesday she said, "I support Ron Paul for president because we share the same goal, that of overturning Roe v. Wade. He has never wavered....

on the issue of being pro-life and has a voting record to prove it. He understands the importance of civil liberties for all, including the unborn."

Not surprisingly, Paul accepted the endorsement and said, "As much as I talk about economic liberties, and civil liberties and trying to avoid the killing overseas, I think the issue of life is paramount."

As outlined on his website, Paul's positions, which generally involve drastically cutting the federal government and ending the Iraq war as soon as possible, have attracted an eclectic band of disaffected but determined Democrats, Republicans and libertarians who gather online and in some 1,400 meet-up groups around the country to plan all kinds of imaginative demonstrations of their support.

Their devotion and donations made Paul likely the most successful Republican presidential fundraiser in the fourth quarter, accumulating some $20 million while other alleged front-runners had a difficult time and, like Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani, are now forced to trim campaign operations. According to Paul's website, he has raised another $3.3 million this quarter, enabling him to campaign and advertise widely.

Paul has consistently lagged far behind in the polls, which his fans say are frauds perpetrated by a corporate media determined to crush him,. However, Paul beat Giuliani in Iowa and Fred Thompson (who dropped out Tuesday) in New Hampshire, despite being barred from the GOP debate by Fox News, and came in a distant second in Nevada, beating all the Republican contenders except Mitt Romney.

In Florida today, however, we saw another side to the Paul campaign's passion as a band of his followers, instead of trying to present their candidate's case, banded together with some antiabortion protestors to prevent a Giuliani news conference in Palm Beach Gardens. At first the Paul followers, who have shadowed Giuliani in an attempt to gather publicity from a media that largely ignores the long-shot Paul, simply waved signs behind Giuliani's head to get them in TV pictures.

But when the former New York mayor attempted to hold a brief news conference, the Paul supporters joined with some antiabortion activists to shout the candidate down. According to the Associated Press, after several minutes of attempting to answer reporters' questions on Iraq, the economy and his campaign, Giuliani gave up in the din. And the news session moved inside.

--Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Rebecca]

Thank you Andrew and the L.A. Times for your unbiased coverage of a very interesting story.

[Oscar DeGrouch]

Thanks again, Andrew!

I will tell you why we Paul supporters are so vehement; it's not entirely one-sided. Let me tell you a little story...

At the straw poll in New York City hosted by the Manhattan "Young" Republicans Club, we showed up, as usual, en masse and cast our votes for Dr. Paul after a spirited, yet civil debate session with representatives from all the candidates' parties. Imagine how things turned sour when Rudy's people discovered that we beat him - in Manhattan! Fast forward to the bar across the street, where we Paul supporters showed up, as usual, en masse to celebrate our symbolic victory. Apparently, some Giuliani supporters were there as well to drown their sorrows and ponder just what force of the universe could exist that would motivate Republicans to show up at a Republican event and vote for someone other than Don Giuliani. As I approached a couple at the bar to simply make polite conversation (thinking that this is what people of a like-minded political philosophy do), I was physically attacked by the woman, who had obviously had too much to drink, and she ripped the "Ron Paul" sticker I was wearing off my chest. Good thing it wasn't a button! Her long fingernails facilitated her actually drawing blood, and she was ushered out by her companion who, after making excuses for her drunkenness, told me that we should "just do everyone a favor and go away."

I could have made a big deal about this, but figured that karma would vindicate us eventually. I have to say, more and more it looks like I was right to do so. It didn't surprise me, then, to read about Bernie Kerik and John Deady, the former co-chair of Veterans for Rudy who told The Guardian that we should pursue ALL Muslims until "we defeat them or chase them back to their caves, or, in other words, get rid of them.”

So if you see an interview or press conference with Rudy, of which there are far too many given the proportion of his abject failure in the early primaries, have a bit of understanding for the Paul supporters waving signs in the background who are championing a campaign that is based on something other than cronyism, bigotry, and arrogance.

[Anna]

Andrew Malcolm, another balanced report! How refreshing!!

This is still America and the truth has a chance -- despite the neo-con owned mainstream media effort to squash the Ron Paul message a liberty, responsibility and justice for all.

The MSM would rather be cheerleaders for the now-documented neo-con / Bush lies. But watch out -- pro-neo-con Sam Zell leverage-bought your $8B company with just $315M of his own money last month. Now he gets to decide editorial tone. He loves Charles Krauthammer -- one of the lead neo-con architects of the lie-based Iraq war.

Let's return America to truth, decency, responsible government and the higher moral ground. Ron Paul 2008!

[lastnymleft]

Sometimes you have to shout to be heard.

If the MSM have a shut-out of Dr Paul going on, are we supposed to just like back and think of England, as the r3V0Lution gets cut down? NO WAY!! This genie is out of the bottle. The horse has bolted. The cat's out of the bag. This r3V0Lution will proceed, regardless of the MSM. And we will remember who stands in the way of liberty, and who helps.

(Yeh, right. That's a rationalization for thuggish behavior that Dr. Paul would not likely condone, despite his own frustrations.)

Support Ron Paul NOW - Before it's too late.

[Jake]

With a fractured Republican primary and the so-called "front-runners" running out of money and free media exposure fast (i.e. Huckabee, McCain, and Guiliani), it is looking more and more like Ron Paul is the genuine front-runner. I say this because he gets more donors that any presidential candidate, which means that he has more real support because his support is coming from real peopl rather than a small minority of support from rich folks with deep pockets.

It will most likely come down to Mitt (which can finance his own campaign because he is a multi-millionaire) and Dr. Ron Paul (who is getting his money from we the people). We need a statesman, and that man is Dr. Ron Paul!

[Jake]

With a fractured Republican primary and the so-called "front-runners" running out of money and free media exposure fast (i.e. Huckabee, McCain, and Guiliani), it is looking more and more like Ron Paul is the genuine front-runner. I say this because he gets more donors that any presidential candidate, which means that he has more real support because his support is coming from real peopl rather than a small minority of support from rich folks with deep pockets.

It will most likely come down to Mitt (which can finance his own campaign because he is a multi-millionaire) and Dr. Ron Paul (who is getting his money from we the people). We need a statesman, and that man is Dr. Ron Paul!

[Bruno]

Andrew, what's RUDE is the way Guiliani cackles everytime Ron Paul tries to make a point during the debates....watch any YouTube video and his "laugh" stands out in each one. I think when his supporters show up at Rudy's speeches, it's a kind of "blowback" if you know what I mean:)...when the entire media machine declares a "Blackout" on Ron Paul, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT HIS SUPPORTERS TO DO?????

[true republican]

Giggliani has no class or is on drugs . Why must he laugh at every serious issue? as for Roe, well take that you so called conservitive christians ...aka huckabee and romnoodle

[Doug D]

Thanks for your continuing coverage of Ron Paul.

I think it's way past time to stop calling him a "long shot", though. Was the term "long shot" ever applied to any of the following candidates, none of whom lasted as long as Ron Paul?

Jim Gilmore
Tommy Thompson
Sam Brownback
John Cox
Alan Keyes
Tom Tancredo
Duncan Hunter
Fred Thompson

Ron Paul has outlasted all of the above, and has more money and grassroots volunteers than just about everyone else who is left. Yet none of them were ever called "the longest of long shots" or said to be pursuing a "quixotic" campaign, or inaccurately said to be "dead last" in the polls, when they were in fact in the middle of the pack.

It makes you wonder why the media can't just report the facts, and leave out their mistaken preconceived ideas about who is "viable" and who isn't. Obviously, their track record leaves a lot to be desired.

[Anthony Cinelli]

There is no greater emotional topic as the pro-life, and in the realm of Republicans, Catholics, Guiliani is a complete sham. Guiliani is completely unelectable as a Republican as president with a pro-abortion view, period. Besides supporting Ron Paul is simply being Ron Paul, backing hhis views, true Republicans need to take a look at the polls (which seems endless) regarding how Americans view the war on Iraq (75% against, regardless of political party) and their concern over the economy. Ron Paul is the only TRUE electable Republican for President of the US in 2008. He's raised millions as a hopeful, imagine how much he'll raise as THE candidate.

[Marcie]

I just wanted to point out that the Jane Roe gal being celebrated in this article is someone who changed her mind on an issue -- flip-flopped as many now prefer to say.

Now, I am certainly not oppossed to anyone thinking about an issue and changing their views. In fact, thinking people and those who progress morally (as oppossed to those who stagnate) generally change their views on abortion twice in their lives.

I would like to see more acknowledgement of this fact in the electorate, who like to retain the privilege of changing their minds for themselves, yet are outraged when a public figure changes his stance on an issue.

[jeffrey]

look guys i want ron paul to win too,but coming off like obnoxious jerks isnt going to get him any more votes.they shouldnt go around shouting down people trying to talk.people see that and say well if his supporters are that obnoxious and annoying,well then whats their candidate like?

if you havent noticed ron paul currently doesnt have enough support.he needs all the support he can get.just because his support group is hardcore,doesnt mean he'll win anything,each person only gets one vote.the campaign needs to appeal to as many people as possible,and not alienate people.

actions like those at the giuliani news conference does not help ron paul,in fact its hurtful to his campaign

[GRD]

Ron Paul has always been a Republican he ran as a libertarian once he realized Bush Sr. would destroy the Reagan Coalition... Classical liberalism and fiscal responsibility are not incorporated in the neo-conservative manifesto sadly their omission will eventually destroy the Grand Old Party and leave many voters without a voice.

[Marco G]

Andrew, it seems that in your election coverage for the LA Times, you try to include Ron Paul , which is great, and appreciated.
From my perspective, and not everybody may agree with me, you try very hard to be "balanced", although, I would say that it's obvious that you are having a hard time, because the LA Times, of course, will have a candidate that they support. So any media coverage has to favor that candidate.
I see every other article you write with some of the stereotypical namecalling or biased labels for Ron Paul.
Please try to portray all sides of Ron Paul followers, why not mention the sacrifices they make to help out in this campaign, because they are sick of the status quo government, and the other candidates from the power establishment, and want fundamental changes that will improve the economy, foreign policy and restore our civil liberties. No other candidates have that kind of followers because they only have Big Corporate contributors that can afford to repeat to advertise their favorite candidates. Ron Paul is different, totally ignored by the media because he hasn't been bough out by the corporations, that's the big difference. He's for the people and the constitution. For Freedom!

(We appreciate your visiting the site and perhaps it's too much to expect anyone to read the dozens of items that habe mentioned Dr. Paul. But the subject of his supporters' dedication and sacrifice has been covered in the blog, and in fact, in the news pages as well. Thanks for visiting our blog. Hope to see you back soon.)

[Brenda]

I've never read this column before my interest in Ron Paul which just began about 2 months ago and since then, I've read several. I appreciate the balanced view for the most part but the phrase "libertarian turned Republican " really is misleading. That implies that more of a libertarian party relationship than is true. Since he was a republican before and after his one year as a libertarian, you could have put "one time libertarian" or you could have put "republican turned libertarian-for-a-year turned republican" or.... just something more accurate and less misleading than "libertarian turned republican".

[Old Ben Franklin]

A healthy new vine is often seen growing in the rubbish and manure of falsehoods. Ron Paul is just such a healthy new vine. His words are the truth and will grow like a new vine.

[John]

I'm enjoying reading your blog more and more. But get your editors to get Ron Paul on the front page of the paper; it's the American thing to do.

(I thought we didn't care about the old dying msm?)

[Leonardo]

And then I woke up, there it is; The Beautiful Land of the Freethinkers AMERICA. The land of (law and order) with good intentions from the founders. I vividly saw this compassionate man (a messenger) getting humble advices from the founders on how lead (the people of the free) and to be a patriot as a natural American. That day is now, that day is here! be proud America, a good doctor in the house...

[Leonardo]

And then I woke up, there it is; The Beautiful Land of the Freethinkers AMERICA. The land of (law and order) with good intentions from the founders. I vividly saw this compassionate man (a messenger) getting humble advices from the founders on how lead (the people of the free) and to be a patriot as a natural American. That day is now, that day is here! be proud America, a good doctor in the house...

[Andy in B-more]

Thanks Andrew, yet another topic that should warrant more attention.

That the center figure in the 35-year-old case has now decided to endorse the pro-life Dr. Paul is nothing short of facinating. I was floored.

You would expect to see this story on Yahoo or CCN, but alas there is another dead actor to obsess over.

(Ah, yes, well the American public has never been criticized for focusing too intently on serious issues.)

[sean truitt]

thanks again, andrew for the fair coverage. i'm looking forward to much more, as dr paul gains momentum.

[danhhill]

the colaspe of the doller and the usa economy is the feds fault for printing the money out of thin air, the congreses fault for spending the money printed out of thin air, the egsecutive branch and the dick chainny branch for going to unesesary war that we cant afford, and the legislative branch for not inforcing the suprem law of the land THE CONSTITUTION! you though you all new better than our founding fathers DIDENT YOU? 9.3 trillion in debt, 3 trillion for the iraq war with future canidates talking about the importance of nation building and going to war with iran the #3 oil producer in the world. it doesent look good with only one canidate talking about the root of the problem the imballance in our government.

[Lisa]

I am glad to see coverage for Ron Paul. The only candidate that seems to want the power where it belongs. Power belongs to the People not whoever owns the USA right now.

I shutter to think what will happen if he don't win. The people are tired of the rich war mongers standing on our backs. The people I know that are for Ron Paul are intelligent, and aware, many of them are Christians too they just don't wear it on their sleeves and we are disillusioned by the government and where it has taken us. I think there is a chance a lot more people feel this way than might be expected. Let this dark horse ride to the front.

Listening to Ron Paul is like listening to the truth for the first time. As far as listening to the government goes it might actually be the first time any of us have heard the truth from a politician.

Thanks Andrew and LA Times for having some integrity.

[Billy]

Lookup CFR sheeple.

[Peter]

Andrew,
you're winning my love and affection more and more each day!

And I'm not even gay!

Peter

(Thanks, Peter. You're a pal. I appreciate your return trips here.)