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

[Erik]

It would have been even better had the LA Times been waiting for Dr. Paul outside of the Studio to ask Ron a few follow up questions before he got on the jet back to New Hampshire, I mean you have a press pass don't you Andrew. You had enough time and energy to write this article but no time and energy to drive over to Burbank to get the scope I mean you have spent enough time smearing the Congressman I would think you have something, anything to ask him in person I mean isn't that what journalism is???

(Nah.)

[Josie Wales]

In my opinion Fox TV News has losted its reputation as a fair and balanced news media, when it has rejected Ron Paul in the Fox News televised debate.

As Josie Wales would say....Fox News. You have just took the voters and people that firmly believe in the constitution ,on a "Missouri Boat Ride" ! Shame on you Fox Faces !.....You know that your rateings will definately go down the tubes on this decision to exclude Ron Paul .....

What Ya Say Now ??????

[Carol]

The LA Times just earned the highest honor by exposing and printing the truth about a candidate we are so fortunate to have in this Presidential race. Ron Paul is earnestly trying to save us from financial ruin as a nation. I applaud your integrity--so refreshing!! Thank you deeply for your honesty.

[Dean]

Excellent article, One that speaks the truth for once. Keep it up. And GO RON PAUL. He's the only person with enough intelligence to fix this mess we are in

[Sean]

Ron Paul is the only candidate whose views (i.e., following the Constitution (e.g., federalism, separation of powers, etc...) I wholeheartedly agree with, and he's the only politician currently holding federal office who I respect as a person. He actually seems to be a good person through and through.

That said, I think so highly of Ron Paul that I almost don't want him to succeed in his campaign. Imagine the hell he would have to go through from the media, the political class, and the "establishment" (i.e., big government) parties. Also, so many parasites would stand to lose government largess that Dr. Paul would almost certainly be assassinated. Dr. Paul is too good a person to deserve such a fate.

[Alan Smith]

I'm pretty sure he said "no matter which year it is", not which ear. lol.

[Dennis]

So sad that comedians now take charge in delivering news/explanations to our nation... Reminds me of the crash of The Roman Empire "Food and Entertainment!!!", while they are watching gladiators fight to death...

Most people don't even care that their loaf of bread now costs 4 dollars, their gas tank to fill-up soon-to-be a luxury, and that their fate has been pre-determined. They are asleep...

It's ok... Either way - Hillary will win... and than one day - it will hit them all like a Mack truck - but will be too late...

"Strong will lose their jobs, weak will lose their minds..."

[Kathleen]

Thank you Andrew and YAY Jay!

Ron Paul is the most pleasing, polite and pertinent candidate for President of these United States that was "conceived in liberty" and "shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

It's not too late for Ron in 08!

[John]

I've been a Fox viewer/listener for a long time. At first I found their commentary and the slant of their news refreshing.

There have been a few times I thought their commentators, particularly Sean Hannity, were using their platforms to manipulate their less informed listeners, but I still listened.

I believed Bill O'Reilly when he said he wasn't a Democrat or a Republican. That he was just a regular guy who cared about America. That he was really more of a Libertarian. At first I believed Bill when he said the LA Times was loosing circulation because they, you, were publishing liberal propaganda.

I get most of my news from the internet. I am aware that all print news media is loosing circulation to the internet, even the Wall Street Journal. The internet is becoming THE source of information for a majority of people.

I have a circuit of web sites I follow, not always because I agree politically with what they tell me, but because the sum of what they tell me helps me sort out the truth from the spin.

My current opinion of the Fox News Network and their commentators is this: what is important isn't so much what they do say, it is what they don't say. This is most apparent with Bill O'Rielly. Bill O'Rielly is one of the sharpest intellects out there. If he doesn't tell you the whole story, it is not an accident.

When Fox decided to exclude Ron Paul from their Sunday evening forum, two days before the New Hampshire primary, it was the ultimate example of not reporting what you don't want people to hear. I believe it was done with the intention of manipulating their audience and with the purpose of influencing the outcome of the 2008 presidential election.

There is only one thing more important than Ron Paul winning this election. And that is keeping the internet free from the control and manipulation of entities that currently control information in print, cable and airwaves.

(Well, we're glad to be on your news circuit. Thanks for reading.)

[Paul A Palooza]

Join us in Vegas for Paul A Palooza 2008 (Jan 12-13). We are going to invite Jay Leno as a thank you for the wonderful show tonight.

http://www.paulapalooza2008.com/

[bleepyou]

I am 27 years old and never voted, never contributed to a politician, and never cared. It took the honestly, economics, foreign policy, and message of liberty of Ron Paul to wake me up. I have learned so much listening to him about all these issues. I also see how Ron Pauls supporters intelligently talk about the issues we as a nation should really be concerned about. I am sending Ron Paul another check as we speak. I doubt he will win the nomination becuse how slow the message is getting to people. But I hope Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich(dem) run for an independent party. We are going to need a lot of changes and it will help the vice-president is from another party(dem). Go Ron Paul(P) and Dennis Kucinich(VP)

[Laura]

"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."

I watched Leno, but something about reading it here made me cry... Yes. This is the man we need as president. Dr.Paul, being ignored by media, is finally getting his message out... and he's so humble. It brings tears to my eyes.

Ron Paul '08

(Just pointing out the obvious: He's not being ignored here.)

[Chris]

This might be the first election in a long time where the people and not the media elect the president. GO RON GO!

[Dave Iles]

I've read all these posts and it's so heartening to hear the passion and fire in the hearts of my fellow Americans!

Few of you may know this but, I would like to give credit to another brave and courageous American who was all alone fighting for Ron Paul before most of you even knew who he was! Alex Jones, from Austin, Texas. at www.infowars.com.

Please, send Alex an e-mail and thank that great and passionate patriot for getting Ron Paul noticed to begin with. If it weren't for Alex Jones screaming RON PAUL, RON PAUL, RON PAUL and then, trying to convince the humble Doctor to run and save our nation...who knows.

We all might be trying to put lip-stick on one of these pigs!

[Ed Wood]

DONATE! DONATE! DONATE! GIVE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN GET FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO DONATE AND GIVE RON PAUL THE POWER TO WIN AND DO GOOD!!!! RONPAUL2008.COM

[Talcott]

Nice.....reasonable journalisim.

I support Dr. Paul for many reasons.

One being health freedom.

The Codex is vile, and should never be implemented in the USA.

[Ben]

The powers at large are running scared when they here a man of conviction; who tells the truth and walks the talk.This is un-heard of in todays lying spin twisting polo-tics. Ron Paul is the only person who can save the United States. The others are selling it out they are bought and paid for by special interest groups "Neo-con and neo-commie" are one and they same, and people must now wake up to that......Ron Paul Ron Paul for President. The USA's only hope thats why they are blocking him and locking him out! Its up to the people to force this man into the public domain or face the hellish alternative.

The people must vote for this hope Ron Paul or face a nightmare that's very real.

[Walter]

Ron Paul is amazing. What an extraordinary man you have there. If you don't want him as president, we will gladly take hime here in South Africa. We need his moral values and integrity.
Bless the Paul!

[Tom Parsley]

Ron Paul's message of peace, freedom and prosperity through Constitutional government is great, but the shocking thing is that he is the only political leader saying these things. This is not rocket science. Have none of our politicians read the Constitution? Are they all ecconomic ignoramuses? The things Ron Paul advocates are very very elementary. All he is saying is let's follow the principles that made America great. Every eighth grader should know these principles, but our great leaders do not. Todays leaders want to follow the path of all of the totaliarians of the past thousand years. There should be people like Ron Paul in every elected office in America.

[Kevin G]

Thanks to the editor and writer of LA TIMES. Thanks for not attacking Ron Paul he is a man of great intergrity. Lets hope more fellow Americans open their eyes.

Outfoxed Twice- NOT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dThAIw3lkOg

Ron Paul 2008

[Tony]

If Ron Paul is not elected, we are doomed by our own foolishness.
Didn't the extremists themselves say, that they could not attack our military might, but they would defeat us by attacking our economy. They seem to be winning the war at the moment.

[Elvis]

This should help those who are now considering Ron Paul compare him to his fellow Republicans:

Giuliani, McCain and Romney promise to bust the budget

In the ABC debate held Saturday 1/5/08,
http://www.youdecide2008.com/2008/01/06/video-abc-news-republican-debate-from-new-hampshire-1-5-08/

Giuliani said: “We should increase the size of our military…. [by] 25 - 30 percent… If I’m president I’ll do it immediately.”

McCain confirmed that he also wanted to drastically increase the size of the military.

And Romney echoed their desire for a much larger military.

All of this will cost a lot. How do they plan on paying for it?

How much will they raise taxes?
How much more money will they borrow?
How much more money will they create out of thin air?

Giuliani also said he would cut taxes & reduce the deficit.
McCain claims to be a 'fiscally responsible deficit hawk.'

But that's preposterous! Here's why:

Including all supplemental appropriations, FY2007/8 military expenditures are nearly $700 billion per year...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2008/defense.html

...and U.S. military spending is already higher than the rest of the world combined...
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/spending.htm

...driving us deeper in debt by more than a half-trillion dollars every year.
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/NP/BPDLogin?application=np

If Social Security and Medicare taxes & benefits are put in the famous mythical "lockbox," here's what it will take to stop this gusher of red ink: cut federal government expenditures by nearly 25%, or raise corporate & individual income taxes by almost 33%.

The truth is they can’t do any of this without making our financial problems a lot worse.
Any claim to the contrary, such as "growing our way out of this," is nothing but disingenuous spin.

Why do we need to spend even more to combat a few thousand radical jihadists, who have no conventional military? Why don’t we deal with terrorists in the way provided for in the constitution, as Ron Paul has advocated: Marque & Reprisal?

[independant in MN]

Ron Paul's campaign for president reminds me of Jesse Ventura's campaign for govenor here in Minnesota - the establishment was dumbfounded, and really had no idea of how to react - until it was too late....

GO RON PAUL - THE COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!

[Morton Johnson]

Ron Paul has been qualified for years to be the chief CEO of this country. The American People are now just realizing how lucky we are that someone so smart would actually want that job. Paul is crispy smart, articulate, doesn't waffle, knows the problems of the Pharmacuetical Industrial Complex because he is a OB/GYN who has delivered over 4,000 babies into the world. He is a military veteran and also knows more about economics and money policy that that guy Bernake who was at a loss for words in debates with Paul. Ron also knows what needs to be done. We need to return to the Constitution, and quite wasting all this money supporting the Military-Industrial Complex. The warnings of President Eisenhower back in the 1950's about that have come true. It is time to change.

Morton Johnson
USMC veteran of Viet Nahm

[TimM]

Thank you for the article. As a RP supporter it is nice to see more balanced news regarding his candidacy.
Tim - Missouri