Ron Paul, muffled by Fox, wows Jay Leno

Last week, Mike Huckabee gave up the last half-day of campaigning for the Iowa Republican caucus and flew to Burbank, Calif., to appear on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." Next day, Huckabee won.

So tonight, the night before the big New Hampshire primary, Ron Paul tried to pull a Huckabee. He flew all the way across the country for his own second appearance with Jay. And Leno, now a developing political kingmaker, greeted him with a most sympathetic hearing. You can see it on your NBC stations in a couple of hours. Paul's supporters, who financed a new eight-state ad blitz for their man, will be very happy with tonight's program.

It's not easy for a 72-year-old, 10-term congressman from Texas, who once before ran for president on the Libertarian ticket, to get much media attention. He's been polling a long time in single digits. But then a couple of things happened. Paul's thousands of outspoken, fervent followers set a new one-day fundraising record and reaped almost $20 million for him in the fourth quarter, likely more than any other GOP candidate. Then last week Paul came in fifth in Iowa with 10%, a lot better than the 4% of Rudy Giuliani, who'd criticized Paul strongly in an early debate.

But the best thing that happened to Paul in recent days was that despite his $20 million and his 10% showing in New Hampshire polls, Fox News excluded Paul from its Sunday night Republican debate with the big five -- Giuliani, Fred Thompson, Huckabee, Mitt Romney and John McCain. So Paul gets 10% in Iowa and gets excluded, but Rudy gets 4% and sits on the left end of the Fox Box desk. Hmmm.

There was quite an uproar and the New Hampshire GOP withdrew its sponsorship of the debate. Paul supporters, mocking the network's "Fair and Balanced" motto, flooded Fox with protests, calls and e-mails and are organizing a boycott of Fox sponsors. Never one to miss an opportunity, NBC's Leno invited Paul to appear and explain.

Introducing his guest as "a long-shot maverick," Leno said, "I'm trying to figure out why Fox News chose not to put you on."

"You know," Paul replied, "we tried to find that out. But they didn't return our call."

"You seem like a gentleman," notes Leno. "You don't seem like that type. But it seems like you should be kicking somebody's ass right now." [Laughter] [Applause] "You're being extremely polite for something I think you got screwed over, quite, you know, ....

I mean, I might not necessarily agree with you, but I think, as an American, we like to see everybody get an equal shot."

Paul speculates that Fox "didn't want to hear the message. Maybe they're intimidated. Maybe they're frightened. Maybe they don't want to hear the truth. Who knows?"

Leno asks about Romney's slide in the polls and attacks by other GOP candidates. "I'm a little bit afraid that they might be doing that for religious reasons," says Paul. "And I don't like that. I disagree with Romney on some of the issues, and he's gone after me onstage, but that shouldn't be the reason that he doesn't do well."

Paul noted that "nobody's ever accused me" of saying different things to different crowds. "I say the same thing, no matter which ear it is and which crowd it is." Paul corrected Leno that he had not collected all that campaign money but that "we" had: his followers and their 1,400 meet-up groups nationwide.

Paul said after his earlier debate confrontation with Giuliani "when he was confused about what causes terrorism [Laughter] I sent him some books, And I said, 'Please read these books.' But so far it doesn't sound like he's read [them]. He hasn't done his homework." [Applause]

Paul, the only GOP candidate opposing the Iraq war, criticized the Bush administration. "The trillion dollars went to the war," Paul said. "It should be here taking care of our people here at home." [Applause] Paul also noted how all candidates now say they're for change but nothing changes. "To me," he added, "that means the only significant change we ought to have is get enough people in Washington that read the constitution, obey the constitution, do only the things that we're allowed to do." [Applause] To read the entire interview, click here.

Meanwhile, across the country in New York, Huckabee was trying to pull another Huckabee of his own on late-night television, this time on "The Late Show with David Letterman."

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Geoffrey]

We should all boycott the fox network for hindering the democratic process. Paul is againnst the war and the fox network is owned by the military industrial complex, plain and simple.
Ron Paul is also the only one to address the real issues of our time, our huge deficits, over reaching military, and our falling dollar that is a huge inflation tax on top of what we already pay.

[th3lonius]

I just finished watching Leno's interview with Dr. Paul. I must say I am very impressed. I support the congressman and I've studied his positions extensively, yet this marks only my third opportunity to hear him speak on live television. The first and second were the St. Anselm debate and the ABC New Hampshire debate, both of which gave Dr. Paul very little time to educate his fellow candidates. The five other Republicans often resemble a mob or gang as they collectively hurl hurried talking points at the doctor. He never backs down, but his message is directly add odds with his opponents and clearly, to some extent, the news anchors and moderators as well. Thus, he is nearly silenced by the overwhelming majority opinion set against him.

At the New Hampshire debate I recall hearing applause twice. Once for Romney espousing a very simplified, and superficial abstraction of 'change', something you'll hear consistently from all candidates on both sides of the fence. The other for Ron Paul in reaction to his correctly identifying the United States government's key role in, many ways, inspiring violence against our nation in the middle east specifically, but also the impact of the Fed's arrogant foreign policies of nation-building and preemptive war on the lives of innocent people the world-over.

This short interview with Jay Leno granted Paul a broader platform to share his positions with the public sans the comic intervention of neo-conservatives with naive and often (I'm not afraid to say) ignorant ideas to address this nation's serious issues. He made very strong statements that carried more weight in this candid interview than have any of the prior debates.

The clock is ticking. As I write, the New Hampshire primary is less than six hours from now. I suspect a great many people will be very surprised tomorrow to discover a man from Texas, of whom they knew little or nothing, has pulled the carpet from under the party leaders and inspired the citizenry of New Hampshire to pledge their vote for a revolution and not just another 'change'.

[Allan Bartlett]

Thanks once again for a fair article LA Times. It's more than we can say for Faux News. I actually would like to thank them for giving Ron Paul all this free publicity. I think they are finding out themselves what blowback is.

[Jay Straw]

Hah, you know I've taken shots at you before for biasing negatively (mostly through poor use of context), but this was concise, contextual, and maybe just a little too good (I honestly think it's a bit positive--but I've only read it once, I'm probably just not used to it) Thank you very much for not going on about his rabid group of angry kids who get commands from HQ about who to spam next. Really thank you so much.

[Bill Rice]

Thank you for this story.

[Shawn Dawsey]

Considering that "change" is the theme-word for this presidential run, I think it might just be Ron Paul's year! Yes, the Democratic and Republican Parties hold different social beliefs on issues (which I mostly find trivial--abortion, gay marriage), but it seems the higher you transcend in the ranks of these parties, the more similar their ideas/positions. In 2006, the Democrats where overwhelmingly elected into office to end the unpopular Iraq War.....not rubber-stamp any war funds requested by Bush. When will the petty game of politics end, when will things change? Ron Paul embodies change....a change back to constitutional representative DEMOCRACY!!! Let the R EVO_I UTION begin!

- Shawn Dawsey

[MommaB]

It's about time main stream media talks about the FAUX SNOOZE censorship of OUR NEXT PRESIDENT, RON PAUL. Faux News "fair and balanced..." ha! How many of these other candidates seem sincere? McCaIN WILL STAY IN THE WAR FOR 100 YEARS, HE SAYS!?! cRAZY!

Help Elect Ron Paul. Join The rEVOLution today, and help us repair the damage that is being done to our country, our economy, and our families.

[Kate Lesley]

I said it before ... Fox gave Ron Paul Sour Grapes... but Ron Paul made Champagne out of them!

Thank you for this article. And Most especially, Thank you Jay Leno. Thank you for Giving a Great man some deserved respect and for the Fair time alloted him as Lead Guest.

Thank you Ron Paul. What a great show you made it! I am still laughing at his joke about the Mayor!

Cheers Everyone!
Kate

[James Moore]

All these TAX and SPEND politicians are afraid that the game is up. They have been stealing and lying for to long and I think the change we need in Washington is the honesty of Ron Paul.

[Chris]

Great article! Was a GREAT show, too!
GO RON PAUL!
TEXAS LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dan Alba]

Excellent write-up, Mr. Malcolm. Paul's showing seemed like another round-tripper, and you caught the essence of it nicely.

Leno sure did get right to the quick, eh? When Paul mentioned suing Fox, them there were some fightin' words. (Whether he means it literally—well—I don't know; but it sure did fire this supporter up!)

Kick their total A's, Ron!

[Eric]

That's why they call it fixed news.

[Lori]

THANKS ANDREW FOR WRITING THAT BRIEF STORY.
AMERICA NEEDED TO SEE THAT.
GO RON PAUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Roman Krajewski]

Thanks for a fair, accurate article on Dr. Paul. As you can see by some of the media coverage, it's hard to come by.

Dr. Paul IS NOT FRINGE.

--Roman

[bernie]

Thank you screenwriters strike!!!!! The timing couldn't be better. The late shows have no writers, no actors to interview. So... it gives Ron Paul a national audience with PLENTY of time to talk. Thank you, thank you screenwriters!!! You have done your part of the Ron Paul Revolution!!!!! America was able to hear truth, in whole, finally!!!!!

[Chef F]

To Jay Leno God Bless you for doing the right thing, we as a nation are sorry for the crap you will endure for doing the the right thing!!!!!!!!!!

You are truly a gentlemen and a patriot. Unlike that like Sean Hannity.

Fair and balanced my ass!!

AS FOR RON PAUL .......WAKE UP AMERICA AND TAKE NOTICE OF HOW THEY ARE TRYING TO SUPPRESS A MAN WHO SPEAKS THE TRUTH AND OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONSTITUTION!!!!!

.. WHAT MORE PROOF IS NEEDED TO LET YOU KNOW THE POWERS THAT BE ARE GETTING READY TO TAKE THE CONSTITUTION AWAY FROM THE PEOPLE AND INSTITUTE A FASCIST PRICKS.

SAVE US A BLOODY REVOLUTIONARY WAR WHICH WILL TAKE THE BLOOD OF HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DEAD AMERICANS. AMERICANS THAT WILL DIE AT THE HANDS OF FOREIGN TROOPS ON US SOIL SUPRESSING US.

VOTE RON PAUL FOR A PEACEFUL TRANSITION OF POWER. SAVE MY BLOOD, YOUR BLOOD, YOUR HUSBAND, WIFE, CHILDREN , LOVER , AND ANYONE ELSE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

NOT VOTING RON PAUL WILL ALLOW ROMNEY, CLINTON, OBAMA, HUCKLEBERRY AND OR WHOEVER ELSE. IF THE ARE A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS THEN THEIR GOAL IS TO STRIP YOU , ME, AND EVERYONE ELSE OF LIBERTY AND FREEDOM

BE STRONG, DON'T JUST TAKE MY WORD PLEASE INVESTIGATE FOR YOURSELF AND DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSION.

THEN IF YOU AGREE VOTE RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT.

[Phranq]

I am astounded over the power of the internet. I am a lifelong Libertarian and have seen numerous 'Paul's' run on issues only to be criminally blown out, including Dr. Paul himself! This disgrace was possible due to the Dems/Reps media monopoly and public apathy. The Internet has FINALLY offered a back door to force diversity of true ideas. Thanks Jay for taking note and all of us for taking note.
For new 'Libertarians', thank you for joining and remember that a Paul victory is vindication for countless other patriots squashed before the Web... the unseeable triumph of The Founding Fathers.

[stan bostich]

Plain and simple, Ron Paul stands for freedom. It's amazing to me that most of the voters think they are going to get any thing different but the standard washing status quo with the rest of the candidates.

[ed4RP08]

Great show! Jay Leno's jokes appear almost better without the writers...

But the political scene cannot live without Ron Paul, Glad he was invited by Jay, RP is so true, so sharp, so experienced, and he won't flip-flop, he's the hero

I am a bit disapointed that RP did not talk about illegal immigration with Jay though, as millions of californians are really concerned about California's and America's future, and Ron Paul could have sent a sign of hope to our ailing state

Now lets get ready to see the slow descent of Obama hillary and other dems, and the slow rise of Ron Paul until election! GO RON!

[lono1]

Mit can't needs a lawyer to know what to say, Huck doesn't know how old the earth is,julie is a shifty thug,McNuggets wants to kill, kill, kill...Hillary wants to sign us up to china,Obama has no spirance, mr. Ed is a talking horse...and Paul wants freedom, peace, prosperity ...I'm so undecided...

[j]

Bill Clinton got 3% in Iowa and went on to 2 Terms,So all this of who is In and who Is Out is nonsense this is just the First votes,we have a Long Long way to go..........

Ron Paul is The Only Real Change the rest are the Same ol Same Oll

[Sabrina]

I am appalled at the idea that Fox excluded a presidential candidate that won over Guilliani. That is just wrong!!!! Fox has done themselves damage. Everyone deserves a fair chance. Ron Paul is a true Republican and many Americans are still fooled by the same old tactics that all politicians use. As time goes by, and this election continues, I am quickly changing my mind about who I am going to vote for. Ron Paul is not sugar coating what is wrong with the country or the Iraq war. He clearly sees what Bush and his Administration have done, and what the other candidates will continue to do. This war was pointless and so will a war with Iran. So vote for peace and a better economy, Vote RON PAUL.

[Peter Morris]

With George Bush about to visit the Middle East what are we hearing from the candidates regarding policy towards israel.
One of Ron Paul's most interesting platforms is elimination of forign aid to Israel and many other countries.
Why does this topic never get discussed prior to elections yet after the election all the successful candidates will be falling over themselves to pledge allegiance to this other country.

[james]

RON PAUL isn't "pulling" (a huckabee) anything. He was INVITED to appear. awesome comments everyone. "THE IDEA OF LIBERTY IS ALIVE AND WELL, MUCH MORE SO THAN I EVER DREAMED.." -Ron Paul.

RON PAUL '08!!!!!

[Mike]

I'm not a big Ron Paul fan, but Jay Leno is right. I don't want the corporate media picking out who I should pick for president. The guy and his supporters have clearly earned their due. I sure as hell don't see anyone elses campaign having such a fervent mass of supporters like his PaulBots. I wish my guys crowd was this energized. I am amazed that Paul raised that much money and I had to read about it here. Who is sponsoring this guy? $20 million? That's some serious money.

Fox News is being shown for what they are and a serious media source is NOT what they are. I had to let them go a long time ago. That brings to mind Bill O'Rielly's little scuffle with Obama's people and the Secret Sevice guy over the weekend. What an idiot he is.

I'm going to give Paul another look, if Jay is giving him a chance, that's good enough for me to read up a little more on this guy. I've never considered a Repub before, but what the hell, these are strange days we are living in. He sounded pretty intelligent to me tonight, he's got some good ideas. Maybe I will, "Google Ron Paul".