Ron Paul, Dr. No-body, beats Rudy and Fred -- again

Well, he's hanging in there. Not only that, but Rep. Ron Paul thumped two reputed Republican heavyweights in the Michigan primary -- former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Who'd have predicted that a couple of months ago?

Giuliani, you may recall if you can remember anything as distant as last summer, was the longtime GOP national front-runner in polls. He ran strongly against everybody in his party, even former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who won one last night, taking his home state from Sen. John McCain, who won there in 2000. Everybody wondered if anyone had a chance against the hero of 9/11, who defied standard Republican theocracy with his liberal social views.

But guess what? Ron Paul, the 72-year-old Texas congressman and ob-gyn who delivers babies and a strict view of the Constitution, beat Giuliani in Michigan. And beat him good. Not only that ...

he doubled Giuliani's totals of 24,000 votes, or 2.8%, getting more than 52,000 votes, or 6.3%, of the total Republican ballots.

Paul even beat Thompson this time, the real consistent conservative who was supposed to be the next Ronald Reagan until he actually announced his campaign in September. Thompson got about 31,000 votes, or 3.7%, which is more than Rudy but still less than the nobody congressman with the libertarian views whom few people but his passionate partisans took seriously months ago. He's often called Dr. No for his consistent congressional votes against spending.

Paul was so written off that Fox News banned him from its recent debate in New Hampshire. Oops, now the Paulunteers are organizing a boycott of Fox sponsors in return for the snub, a move that Dennis Kucinich's fans are now calling for against MSNBC for barring him from Tuesday's Democratic debate in Las Vegas.

True, Romney killed all his Republican competitors in Michigan, as he had to, with more than 326,000 votes, nearly 39%, with McCain trailing at 29.7%, or 248,000. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee garnered less than half of Romney's votes, 135,000, or 16%.

And it's also true that Thompson and Giuliani didn't really campaign seriously in Michigan. Or New Hampshire. Or Iowa except for a last-minute Thompson bus tour. Obviously, both Giuliani and Thompson are intentionally laying back, trying to make the rest of the Republican field overconfident. No doubt.

Paul hasn't won anything yet, either, except the continued devotion of his followers and growing national attention, including two national TV appearances on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" plus a full hour on "Meet the Press." On Tuesday, Richard Viguerie, the noted conservative author, announced he's launching a website to support Paul. Viguerie called Paul "truly a principled conservative in the grand tradition of Robert Taft, Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan."

Paul just keeps picking up his 6% to 10% each time there's a vote. But Paul also beat Giuliani in Iowa. And he came pretty close to Giuliani in New Hampshire and did, in fact, beat Thompson there. And now in Michigan, Paul beat them both rather handily. He does it by going against virtually all the views of his GOP colleagues, including opposing the Iraq war.

Fueled by the generous donations of Paul believers, the congressman was probably the most successful GOP fundraiser in the fourth quarter, acquiring nearly $20 million then and, according to his website, more than $834,000 more so far this month. He's already launched an eight-state ad blitz and has been campaigning in recent days in South Carolina, where he has three offices and will return later this week, and across Nevada. He got skunked in Wyoming, where Romney won, but imagine if Paul scored big one day in the wild West, where many people believe government got too big about 100 years ago.

Paul's website and new campaign blog claim to have quietly organized more than 7,800 precinct captains around the country. Meantime, Giuliani's top staff is going unpaid this month to save dwindling funds. Is there a pattern here?

So, while the "front-running" Republicans each win one state and no one builds up a head of steam, Paul just keeps hanging around, like a bad cold. Some of the other Republican candidates should be careful, lest they get the sniffles one of these days.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Nash]

Andrew you Rock.

I'll be canvassing my precinct this weekend in my 4 block area in West Los Angeles. The nice thing is there are so few Republicans here I don't have that many houses to do.

[Taylor Buchanan]

"Who'd have predicted that a couple of months ago?"

We The People, perhaps?

His grassroots. Yes that one. The real grassroots out here that's actually working it's ass off through word of mouth, canvassing and donating. It really is the biggest political story of year.... if anyone will tell it. ;)

[fazsha]

Thanks for a nice overview of the Paul campaign so far. The worse the economy gets, the more people are going to check out Ron Paul's Texas Straight Talk website and realize he's been right all along.

[JoeRogan]

My thoughts on Ron Paul? google "JOE ROGAN TALKS ABOUT RON PAUL ON WEBCAM" Disturbing photos of Ron Paul at dynw[dot]com/ronpaulisracist/ I think these photos are Andrew-Malcolm-Blog-Worthy.

[DuncanHunter]

Censorship I tell ya!

[SamuelAdams]

It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather and irate, tireless minority keen to set the brush fires in peoples minds.

[RichardViguerieandPatBuchanan]

Why don't we endorse him already?

[Marco G]

America wants real change, not the usual status-quoa, establishment candidates who may give the illusion of change, but offer the same policies that are threatening the middle class,with foreign wars, civil liberties, etc. Ron Paul is the solution to many problems this Empire is accumulating by persuing over ambitious adventures. America is waking up,. Join the Revolution!

[Obama]

But I'm for my change! If you put my record aside, I'm the most for change. Some people lose change in their sofa, not me! I change my underwear everyday! I promise you my next kid will be named Change Obama. I'm black!I 'm black! look at me I'm black! NOW THAT IS CHANGE ! Please don't listen to David M. Walker I promise you the welfare+warfare state is sustainable. CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE!

[brian]

GO RON!

[Cole]

Thank you for the great coverage. You are reporting fairly and on something that you are wise enough to see is very important. You are rare. Thanks so much again.

[Ian Watts]

Great article! The conservative that actually believes in the things he says! Not surprising that he would be ahead of the talkers. Let's hope people catch the message.

[andyf]

It's good to know that 52,000 voters took a little time to study ethical politics and civil rights. it doesn't take long to appreciate Ron Paul for his wisdom and perception. (The same wisdom and perception of which the Constitution is based on, so I can't say he's original,-just wise).

[Paul]

And all this in the face of a televisual media blackout!

Now imagine what would happen if the networks actually gave anywhere near the coverage that the alleged "front runners" receive, to Ron Paul?

Sorry, for a moment I got caught up in the fantasy that those television networks would become fair, objective and balanced.

A crazy fantasy, I know.

[DenisL]

After 3 well publicized races in Iowa, NH, and Michigan, we have 3 different winners. Ron Paul has hung in there with 6-10% of the vote with his worst showing in Michigan at 6% where he did not really campaign. Interestingly in the county with Hillsdale College Ron Paul got 17% of the vote. Romney, McCain, and Huckabee split the vote fairly evenly with 27%, 27% and 21%, respectively. Hillsdale College is likely the most conservative college in America. Ron Paul's ideas are strongest among the young people according to the exit polling.

I see great things in the future for REAL limited government policies in the Republican Party. Go Ron Paul and the freedom message!

We shall see what happens now that we are going wholesale, if Ron Paul's money combined with his ardent supporters will help. California will be especially interesting, where there will be a county by county allotting of delegates, NOT based on population.

[Talcott]

Good Article ....Thanks for the links.

[RP supporter]

Thumbs up for quality journalism, cutting some slack for a guy who gets intentionally ignored by the media juggernauts.

[James Hebert]

Wow nice to see some decent Journalism for once. I appreciate your effort in showing how Ron Paul trumped some of the Media's Darlings. So far over 80k people have voted for him, and that number just keeps getting bigger. Just in case you didn't know Ron Paul raised the most money of any Republican Candidate last quarter. His next huge fund raiser is January 21st at www.freeatlast2008.com

Thanks again for this great piece

[SkepticTexan]

"Who'd have predicted that a couple of months ago?"
RONPAULNATION!

kOS is/was CIA :)

[Griz]

Hot damn! Good article Andrew! I like how you alternate between positive and negative articles about Paul. I think its funny but I think it's cruel to the Ron Paul supporters because you clearly see Paul for his merits but your criticisms can be sharp. Paul gets plenty of sharp criticism as it is so articles like this are a welcome refuge for supporters.

[SkepticTexan]

"Who'd have predicted that a couple of months ago?"
RONPAULNATION!

kOS is/was CIA :)

[Dallyman]

Wow, you almost wrote an unbiased column about the man who could save our failing economy and pull our troops from an illegal war (that means me, and it's no coincidence that more troops support RP over any other candidate)... so here's an almost "Thanks" .... you can't even mask the hate, huh?

[Josh]

Andrew, are you getting soft or something ?
I saw LA Times and thought, not again, another article from Andrew Malcom should I even waste the energy and read it ?

I got fully prepared to read and write a comment on another one of your not so unbiased pieces and zip, zam, bam this. Alright not exactly the most glowing article in the world but certainly not one of your other pieces.

This presents a dilemma, what should I do, how should I respond ?

What the heck...

Thank you Andrew and I am certainly glad I head your article today, it made my day.

(Thanks for returning and giving us a chance to write again. we just call 'em the way we see 'em.)

[Matthew Vrada]

Awesome. Lets keep it going people!!!

And PS; I'm an Aussie, but the world without horns is united!!!!

[susano]

You mentioned that Giuliani did not campaign and Thompson did a bus tour. Paul did not campaign, either. No TV (The Huckster, McCain and Romney were on several times a day, for a week), no personal appearances. It was just grass roots canvassing and some get out the vote calls. Not bad for no official campaigning.

[Mike]

Well, thank you Andrew. Finally, a fair and objective view of Ron Paul and his campaign from an "outsider". This is all we ask, ok? No more snowballs, we promise.

Now, if we could get the major's on TV to be a bit more fair to the American people, this campaign would get the coverage that Congressman Paul is due.

Keep up the good work on your very informative articles. The links that you provide are appreciated too.

www.FreeAtLast2008.com

Mike

[gia]

IT is amazing to me with all the media censorship or the downright nasty fox news negative campaign against Ron Paul that he manages to beat Fred and Rudy. The Nation just wrote a major article about the Michigan results and discussed everyone including Rudy and Fred, and did not mention Ron Paul once. So what most people don't realize is there is dirty pool going on in the media and that is holding Ron Paul back to 4th place finishes. Why on earth are we voting for warmongers and business as usual when we are in such financially bad shape and can't afford it. Why are we voting for candidates who are for the patriot act and our loss of habeus corpus and privacy. Bush just announced he plans by feb to start unlimited internet and email spying. I also dont understand why someone would vote for McCain who was one of the biggest proponents of illegal immigration. It makes no sense to me what these followers are thinking but obviously as someone who FLED the invasion in California it may well be that people in Mich and NH just dont feel the illegal alien invasion quite yet.

[Tom]

Well Andrew, we Paulites we're seriously wrong when we believed we would score higher and that the polls were wrong.

Anyway, we will keep on fighting till the end. We might surprise people in a few states.

(That spirit and turnout is part of what makes this such an interesting political and social story. Thanks for reading.)

[Lars]

Great article - thanks for giving Ron Paul some deserved coverage. He is a true leader who is telling it as it is and who is not changing his message according to who is listening at the time. Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King and others before him have shown what a daunting task this is.

As most freedom movements Ron Paul also attracts some followers who I for one am not proud to be associated with. It is unfortunate because the message of Ron Paul is one that I believe we all should pay attention to before the economy and the wars drag down USA further leaving an impossible burden for our children to carry.

You can post links to future articles about Ron Paul at www.WhatTheySayAboutRonPaul.com for all to see.

Thanks again for reporting the truth.

[Clif]

Ronald Reagan did not see Ron Paul as a "no-body". The GOP hero, Ronald Reagan, said that "we need to keep [Ron Paul] fighting for our country." http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=YyXW1hb-JQg&feature=related Ron Paul was one of the first people in 1976 to actually support Ronald Reagan. Even the son of another conservative hero Barry Goldwater is a big Ron Paul supporter.

I still see nothing in your blog to say that Ron Paul is a "nobody". You even had to add the word "probably" to your statement that Ron Paul was the best 4th quarter GOP fundraiser. You seem to be in denial. I am not asking you to support Ron Paul. But please do some research and come up with an argument as to why Ron Paul is a "nobody". I think you should write a blog about how the GOP has no chance of winning this year's election. I am sure you can come up with such an article with minimal research of looking at polls and the 2006 elections.

(The 4th quarter fundraising numbers are not official for anybody until they're reported to the FEC on Jan. 31, hence the probably.)

[Jason Wilson]

Well Well Well, And how much is 6.3% of the total that voted? That surely is impressive and let's take note ..he is being smart about this whole thing. Slow and steady and that is the motto...
I don't think McCain or Thompson can go the distance neither can Huckabee, Guliani is going to be found out for his 'drag queen' incidents and very ultra liberal positions...
Romney is a flip flopper, and believe it or not if you look at the last South Carolina debate, in all honesty I thought it was the most cordial they have been to Ron Paul, I even noted Romney getting cozy with him.
It may be Ron Paul/Hucakbee it maybe Ron Paul/Romney but one thing is for sure Ron Paul is going to be in the mix!

I think the wild wild west holds out some surprises for us all...and as more and more U.S companies are snubbed by China in their game plan to weaken the U.S , and bread and butter issues come home fast...
I got two words for the American people reading this...
RON PAUL

[Lucky]

Stop beating around the bush Andrew, I think even YOU want to see him win now ;)

[JC]

just goes to show you what we've been telling you all along .....THE POLLS don't mean anything....bet you'll miss all the attention when Ron Paul goes away won't you?

[Jim]

He's the Republican party's conscience, and few among us ever listen to our conscience. I sure like the guy, and I'll vote for him, but when it's over he'll end up with a handful of delegates and a convention speech at 2AM that no one will ever see. Just a footnote, and that's sad. So much for liberty. Now, back to our regularly scheduled program of crushing debt, police-state control and permanent global war.

[susano]

Interesting about The Nation article, on Michigan, not mentioning Paul. No surprise, though. The Grand Rapids Press (largest daily after the Detroit News) ran a full page on the candidates and their positions, the day before the primary. Ron Paul was not included.

How many other candidates could stand up to such blackballing (occassional) and the relentless attacks of Fox News, neocons and neolibs? If the MSM had fawned over Paul, as they have Giuliani/McCain/Clinton, he'd be running in the top three.

We shall see.......

[Eric]

Ron Paul did not even set foot in Michigan once either. He actually campaigned there less than Giuliani. It was entirely a grassroots effort.

[Praying for Pauls]

There is very little difference between the mainstream candidates, Democrat or Republican., Foreign policy under either part will never ever change with these "TOP TIER MEDIA DARLINGS" . Domestic fiscal policy, the welfare entitlement system will never change.

For years, both parties have been double teaming the American people. One gets in power and further advances of a New World Order agenda, and then falls out of favor and passes the baton to the other. Both parties are supported by special interest groups, and many are waking up to the fact that the Democrats aren't going to save us either.

[Chris McGraw]

Nice article. A great number of people say they'd vote for Ron Paul if they thought he could win. As long as the media keeps labeling him the long-shot candidate, the attitude won't change. If people actually looked at the numbers, though, and researched this man, I have no doubt he'd win a vast majority of voters.

[missourimike]

Thanks for the "no spin" for the Ron Paul Revolution!

[Matthew Brown]

Great article. It's nice to read about all the candidates, not just the ones that the big media decides we should hear about especially since there is no clear front runner. It's still any candidates game.

[Chad_Underdonk]

I just started reading Dr. Paul's book "Foreign Policy of Freedom" last night. Even in the early 80's the good doctor was explaining that we cannot continue going around the world stirring up hornets nests and trying to buy friends on every side of any conflict. Even in those early speeches he was warning about meddling in the middle east, and the dire consequences of interventionism on our economy.

Finally 25 years later a large chunk of Americans are starting to listen, and starting to spread the word themselves. Maybe another 20 years of educating the public and sending better informed and constitutionally principled leadership to Washington and we might be able to get back to a Jeffersonian foreign policy. That's of course assuming that this countries economy can suffer on long enough for the rest of its populace to wake up.

Perhaps if those paying real attention work hard enough, and talk loud enough we might wake up the other 90% of this country who aren't paying attention. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone in charge next year who understands all this? Personally, I'm voting for Dr. Paul even if I have to write it in. : D

[Steve L]

Clif: I think what the author was trying to reference was his reputation of being "Dr. No" and the general dismissive air that the media gives that dubs him as supposedly a nobody. I did not get that tone from this article - I thought it was fair.

Now lets get out and canvas!

[Mark Leclerc]

As the Fed cuts the rate, the dollar falls this spring and Wall St. continues reporting Billions in "sub prime" losses, the other candidates from both parties will look silly. Ron talks about WHY our country is in tough shape today... and how we can fix it. When the 30 sec timer in debates goes "ding", Ron is just getting started, while the others are already out of material. Doesn't AAA preach that you need to first admit the disease before you can reach for the cure? America's Comptroller General ,David Walker, has been on tour shouting about the $50 Trillion in unfunded entitlements. America, its time to step away from the punchbowl... we have 8 months to get our act together; please don't waste your vote on a candidate that won't even talk about our disease! There's a reason Ron Paul has been described as a latter day Thomas Jefferson, please endeavour to discover why. Are you going to vote for a puppet president or the real thing?

[TimM]

Kudos! I've read most of your articles, and do agree that you write a fair and balanced report.

[Rob in Minnesota]

>>And it's also true that Thompson and Giuliani didn't really campaign seriously in Michigan. Or New Hampshire.

Actually, that is false. Giuliani campaigned *hard* in New Hampshire. He had tons of events and spent a lot of money up there. I believe ABC News did an analysis of how hard he was working in N.H.

[Mark]

If you add up the popular vote in IA+NH+MI (Wyoming I could only find the delegate count), you get:

Romney 443,139 36.2%
McCain 361,546 29.5%
Huckabee 207,308 16.9%
Paul 84,554 6.9%
Thompson 50,925 4.2%
Giuliani 49,198 4.0%
Uncommitted / Other 23,070 1.9%
Hunter 4,567 0.4%
Tancredo 531 0.0%
Brownback 354 0.0%

[Robin Dicken]

I really like you Andrew. I'm not being sarcastic, although I think you can be delightedly so sometimes! Some of us have been in Ron's corner for a long time and have become sophisticated in the way journalist work. Some are truly amazing in their efforts to discredit and pick apart Ron's message/agenda. You my fellow American cast light on Ron Paul as all should do. READ, compare and decide on your own. Censoring just makes stubborn independent-minded people want to know more about this "forbidden" candidate. I understand your critical view of Dr. Paul. I hope and pray (I'm not even religious) that he is granted equal debate time at LEAST until super tuesday. Kudos Andrew!!!

[independant in MN]

Thanks for the report, Andrew.

People need to know that if you are for LESS government, LOWER taxes, and MORE individual liberty, then Ron Paul is the only logical choice. The rest of the candidates are mouthing change, but do not come up with any real solutions.

[Dave]

Andrew,

Thank you for being "Fair & Balanced". It is much appreciated.

[TD_Rachacha, NY]

........."lest they get the sniffles one of these days."

Wonderful comment to end this story. Worry not, the good Dr. can cure, apathy, addiction to spending money, and the sniffly noses of those frauds that the MSM is trying to push on us.

I watched a little CNN last night and for the first time in about a decade I heard actual meaningful discussion about our gov't's spending habits and how it's dragging us into the abyss of bankruptcy and how one of the candidates is going to have to break it to this entitlement society of ours that the free ride is coming to an end very soon. Now why is that all of a sudden a hot topic for discussion? I've never heard MSM discuss such hard hitting issues.

Hmmm... Let me venture a guess at who's been pounding away at this topic for years now. Oh yes they guy they say is a kook. Now there discussing the same topics they once called him crazy for discussing

RON PAUL in 2008

[Sandor Bors]

Is this piece in the paper version of the L.A. Times? Probably not! This is just preaching to the choir! Stop pandering with chicanery!

[L.Step]

Does anyone have any reason why it is that Paul has been so badly treated by FOX NEWS? On this, one of the more interesting theories is that Rupert Murdock is a closet Paulite, and that he was clever enough to know that if FOX NEWS would more or less "censor" Paul this would cause Paul to get a lot of attention.. it did. In any case, many of us decided to vote for Paul well before FOX NEWS played their hand -- I mean, do we really want McCain and his Grand Viser, Lieberman in the White House? Or another round of Clintonitis?

[Gary A]

Thank You Go Ron Paul
Go LA Times

[Tom]

Kudos from Mobile, AL. It appears to me that Congressman Paul is picking up steam. It seems slow, but it's like a bike race. You have front runners, and drafters. And there is going to be a point in time when he breaks free from the pack, by perhaps winning ONE state, no matter how small, maybe like Alabama, and the press will either have to report on him or not report the state at ALL! Every time he gets a little time on the networks, his numbers pick up. Make sure he wins YOUR state =)

It will be later in months ahead that this will happen, but the more you tell a friend about him, over a beer, via myspace, the bigger the cause will grow. Try soliciting ten of your myspace friends. Myspace boasts over 212 million user accounts. Ron Paul has 114k on his myspace. There is a lot of room for growth. Try to get your friends to put Ron Paul in their TOP 10. Nothing attracts a crowd, like a crowd. For your convenience, here is the direct link:

http://www.myspace.com/ronpaul2008

wwwDOTmyspaceDOTcom/ronpaul2008

[masterdmjg]

You have to check your facts. Giuliani did spend a lot of time and effort in Iowa.
I think his campaign just wanted to downplay that effort since he got trounced even though he had almost as many people on his paid staff in Iowa as Romney and Huckabee

http://mediamatters.org/items/200801050006

[michael]

If you're curious who supported a curtain candidate, take a look at this: www.recharts.com/misc/MichiganExitPolls.html

[Chris]

Paul did not campaign in Michigan either.

No TV Ads.

1 Radio ad on Nafta.

No Visit to Michigan since October.

He still beat Thompson and Giuliani. I think it is sad because Michigan was ripe for Pauls message, and he could have done even better had he actually campaigned.

[basiltaco]

As someone else commented, the worse the economy gets, the more that thinking people will take a serious look at Ron Paul's views, when they see the pablum that Romney, McCain and Huckabee are peddiling.

[JeffnDallas]

"Like a bad cold?" I actually laughed about that comment considering the early campaign catch phrase out of NH, "He's catching on, I tell 'ya" as well as the irony in the fact he's a DOCTOR!

In any case, those who support Ron Paul do just that-- support Ron Paul. Several co-workers I have kept shifting depending upon who is "popular" this week in the polls. When they periodically tease me about my support of Ron I just respond, "at least I have 'a' candidate to support." It seems most are about as committed in their choice of Presidential candidate as they were selecting their high school prom king/queen. Not so with Ron Paul supporters, we KNOW who our man is for the job.

Let's see what happens in Nevada, as the waters could become even more "muddied" with a Ron Paul win :-)

[Fred Smart]

Andrew:

Thanks for another great report!

You seem to be enjoying the popcorn as this "wild west show" continues to unfold!

Peace and God Bless!

[Fred Smart]

Andrew:

Thanks for another great report!

You seem to be enjoying the popcorn as this "wild west show" continues to unfold!

Peace and God Bless!

[Roger]

http://forpresidentronpaul.blogspot.com/

We the People need to awake; We the people need to grasp the depth and seriousness the main media role is in manipulating us the People of this beautiful country.
The majority of the main well known media are privately own and they serve their own interest do not believe by one minute they exists to serve ours. For many years they have been injecting their spin by silencing voices they do not want to gain any traction, it is done under the cover of many words which are nothing more than deceptions.

The sad part is that while we are sending our men and women soldiers to far and unknown lands, to kill or get killed, here at home the process established by the US Constitution, this master piece where 56 founding fathers full of courage signed knowing full well that if it fails they will pay with their life, that process is being tramped by those pretending to brings us the “news” thinking they know what it best for us.
I will leave you with some Thomas Jefferson Quotes to think about it.
Please note the word Newspaper in today’s era is also “Radio, TV and Internet”
- “Advertisements... contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper."
- "The press is impotent when it abandons itself to falsehood."
- "Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. The real extent of this state of misinformation is known only to those who are in situations to confront facts within their knowledge with the lies of the day."
http://forpresidentronpaul.blogspot.com/

[Arkham Angel]

Wow.. the LA Times wrote this? I'm impressed and thank you!

Go RP2008!!

[Chadlonius]

Great article.

[Sk00L]

And just think what would have happened if Paul had the media coverage he deserved off the bat. People are now still just finding out who Paul is. As soon as they take a moment to find out his positions people discard their weak half hearted support for the media darlings who change their tune to suite the audience at hand. The change occurs the second people hear Paul speak the truth from the heart and realize that what he is saying is common sense.

Thank you Andrew for your coverage.

[jb]

Thanks for standing up and writing this thoughtful article

[Pete]

Nice article Andrew. As usual I wish you'd drop the religious overtones (cult, believers, etc.) but it is a good article and Dr. Paul and his supporters are in it for the haul. The message is growing, follow the Constitution and protect our Liberty, and it is a great one.

Thanks for the coverage!

[Rick Toone]

Seth Godin wrote a great one liner yesterday: "The more people you reach the more likely it is that you're reaching the wrong people: who vs. how many."

The lesson for us I think is to stop trying to broadcast to the masses.

Instead, we should work nodes of influence. Recruit key people — influential people — and get them invested in talking to "their" people.

I work at the intersection of music, guitar building, and conservation. Instead of hammering at people with shouts of "Ron Paul" I've adopted the tactic of EDUCATING my readers about issues: http://toone.typepad.com/

Allow readers to make up their own minds.

Let them spread the word. With less effort, the effect multiplies.

[Dan]

Andrew, you are a true patriot my friend.
Thank you for providing fair coverage.
I encourage prospective voters to further research Dr. Paul through his wikipedia profile and campaign website (www.ronpaul2008.com)

[Rhonda]

I have studied this Ron Paul New Hampshire problem as much as I could and this is my conclusion….THE ENEMY HAS INFILTRATED THE MAIN CAMPAIGN OFFICE. I believe the responsibility of the five day delay in leadership is between both the official spokesman, Jesse Benton, and the chair, Kent Snyder. Obviously Dr. Paul cannot do everything and that is why all candidates have campaign offices. Therefore since by the second day after the election it was known that there was a rip in the ranks of the supporters, the delay was kept that way deliberately. Then it was made to seem that it was not delayed five days because the letter was pre-dated a day earlier. This way the archives will show only a four day delay.

I recommend that the official campaign office be sent letters (polite of course) demanding that someone’s head rolls. The issue of this dispute is not not having a recount. It is the FACT THAT NO ONE FROM HEADQUARTERS TOOK A LEADERSIHP ROLE AND TOLD US ANYTHING IMMEDIATLY OR BY THE NEXT DAY.

At the same time, since it is obvious that they also messed with Alex Jones, that he be contacted to demand the same thing, even if he does it privately by his internal contact numbers he has for them. The Ron Paul supporter divide could only have been stopped from within and someone there deliberately kept us without a word of guidance and reassurance. This is too large for someone not to pay the price, anyone, if not just to save face. Someone must take the fall!

Rhonda

[Rebekah L. Goldberg]

So? And the Daily Kos readers voted for Mitt Romney. Think they support HIM?

Face it, it was a three-way race between Romney (helped by Kossacks), McCain, and Huckster. The Democratic Party in MI completely farked their primary up, so of course Ron Paul did well there. If I were a Democrat, I'd vote for RP too just to screw things up for the Republicans. Or more likely, the Hamas elements in the Detroit area voted for RP. I am *quite* sure they're Paulbots--what's not to love with the common vein of Jew-hatred and insistence that we asked for 9/11 among you all?

But keep hanging on to that pointless hope, kiddies! Your Fuhrer Paul is, I'm sure, quite proud of your slavish devotion!

Rebekah
Whistler, Alabama

[Bill Rice]

You know, Andrew - you own this beat. Paul IS almost completely ignored by the Main Stream Media, especially the TV networks (not counting C-Span, God bless them!).

6.3 percent doesn't sound like much, but like you alone point out, four or five months ago who would have ever predicted that for Paul, who was a 0 percent when he started. And, to date, he's tallied more votes than Rudy and Thompson. And he's still ignored and he still keeps raising $.

Most thinking people who actually listen to him deliver his Goldwater-Reagan-esque message come away impressed. Or at least say: "He makes some good points and is at least sincere." It simply takes a while to introduce Paul but he does - believe it or not - have the message that could resonate with a lot more people.

California's financial crisis, Moody's talk of downgrading the USA's credit rating, stock market plunge, dollar plunge, inflation, growing federal deficit, never-ending occupation in Iraq, Afghanistan and bases everywhere - all of these stories could coagulate at the same time and - who knows? - perhaps force people to say, "Hey, we could be in REAL trouble here."
And then: "Well, Who's been consistetly warning us and talking about these things and actually has the free-market, small-government principles to maybe reverse some of these trends?"

Mitt Romney, John Mcain, Hillary Clinton, Barak Obama, Rudy? Yeah, right.

More wide-spread play for columns like Pat Buchanan's "Subprime Nation" and Paul could get a serious and fast second (or first) look from a lot of voters - who might also reevaluate the status quo "compassionate"/populist Republicans who currently receive all of the real attention.

Dr. Ron Paul is just plugging along under the radar, being polite, "showing his class," saying the same things he's always said whether it gets him votes or not.

I apprecicate that at least one journalist with a major newspaper has taken notice ... so thanks again. As I said, I hope the record one day shows that your were farming this terrain first!

Plus, isn't it fun to watch (when so many others are not)!

Bill Rice, Jr.
Montgomery, AL

[Dan Warner]

Ok so let's ask the question... When are Rudy and Fred going to drop out? If Ron Paul had been beaten so badly twice, the MSM would all be asking when Ron would drop out. As a matter of fact I have seen many articles asking when he would drop out or go 3rd party.

Do you think they will ask the same of Rudy and Fred or do they get a free pass?

[Aaron Benfield]

Y'all make it happen in California....Y'all can do it. Show the country that you want your country back!!!! Here in Texas, he has a great presence....no signs or stickers for the other candidates...all Ron Paul.

Remember that Paul is also attractive to independents and democrats. For example, I am registered as an independent and voted (blindly) all democratic for the last senate/house election here in Texas (because like many Americans I was so ticked off at the white house and congress). Now, I realize that I must vote fore the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation. PAUL IS IT...2008. Get out there and get voters...at work...friends...etc.

[Bob]

vote for RON PAUL
vote for FREEDOM

[Bob]

You want freedom?
vote for RON PAUL
vote for FREEDOM

[TIm Kitsos]

Soros paid candidate get support. Suckers and Democrats paid off by Soros pay for Paul.

[FreedomofSpeech911]

Even tho I pray every night Ron Paul wins the nomination but if he doesn't, I hope the movement continues to grow and we continue to spread the messege. It is hard to compete without the help of television and newspapers. But as we can see the media is part of the corporations we are trying to expose.

We are not getting the results we have predicted because most of the nation is still asleep. Citizens vote by name recognition not by issues. Unfortunatly, people that come home from a long days work depend on the television to tell them the world news and to be accurate about it. But we can all see that the corporations see this and choose their own candadates that would profit for them.

I hope one day this Revolution does grow strong and huge and takes down the media, greedy corporations, dirty politicians, and gives back America to the people. Remember the Revolution just a couple months ago, we needed more time to inform more and more people. The best thing I see is that over 80 thousand people that voted for Ron Paul are awake knew about the messege because they had to research him inorder to actually want to vote for his messege.

I just hope Guiliani or Romney do not win the nomination, I dont feel safe under both their hands. On the Dems side, I want Kucinich to pull it off but since they are silencing him I'd prefer Edwards over Hillary or Obama.

[Markustee]

There you go again - trying to make the news instead of reporting it. Andrew, you have got to be a top star for spin - and the bottom of the barrel for reporting. Lessee, now what have Ron Paul and Ron Reagan have in common? Well, one thing that they do not have in common - that is a sense of being secure in this country through strength. Cut 'n run Paul is not a conservative there - he's a wimp.

Something else? How about leadership? None of that with Paul. Nope, just, no no no no no - but no idea of how to "yes". His only principle for action is "not that, whatever that is".

Of course, you want to see him win. Or at least splinter the party - lest the Conservatives win. I pick your top candidates as the Liberal, McCain, the other liberal, Guilliani, or the Coward, Ron Paul.

That's because your real pick is Bling Bling Obama, or HillBillery.

[Wallace]

Dear psycho Ron Paul worshippers,

How far does Ron Paul trail the leading Republicans? I'll hang up and listen for my answer. Hope you guys enjoy the spaceship ride back to your home planet.

[Eric]

Wow. Real, unbiased journalism. Oh wait, it's just a blog. Of course something like this would never become "news".

[Bruce Rosner]

Its quite common, especially in smaller elections, for frivilous candidates like Donald Duck to get as much as 5% to 10% votes.

[Art]

Great Reporting! This process has been an array of polarizing candidates. Hillary thinking a win due to gender and a charming Bill. Obama thinks a Black Muslim can win! Another a strong willed veteran with immigration issues. Then throw in a couple with religious platforms...What do you have? A mix of no true candidate! But...as I look around and read about Ron Paul... the choice gets easier as we just continue to hear the others debate and cry! The more I read about Ron Paul, the more I like!

[Frank Castaldini]

Yes, there is a trend. I have not and will not give a penny to any candidate but Ron Paul. Mr. 911 doesn't inspire. Dr. No does. Enormously! I'll continue to contribute to Ron Paul as the other candidate go broke.

Ron Paul is an extraordinary man and this country would be 100 times better off if we can get him elected. I've never contributed to a candidate ever in my life. Ron Paul is the first. He's an amazing, principles individual. America needs the face of integrity again. I wouldn't not a bunch of stuff our leaders are doing. And Ron Paul wouldn't either.

Ron Paul is our real leader!

[Leane]

Andrew, someone else has already commented on this, but I'll repeat it. You rock. Thanks for fair coverage of events.

[Michael Tashman]

Fred Thompson is a "reputed Republican heavyweight?" That's news to me...

[Scott]

Paul may have beaten some of the more well-known names here and there, but until he breaks 15% he'll be no better than Buchanan in 1992 -- and Buchanan had a reason to stick around as a protest vote to Bush. I don't care how much money Paul's kooky supports throw his way so he can flush it down the toilet in a useless cause. The SC debate proved this guy is just not all there. He probably won't even win the nomination for his House seat this time around.

[DX10]

Thanks, Andrew.

I regularly ask folks who Ron Paul is, and almost without exception they never know. Here is a candidate who wants to end an unpopular war, rid us of the income tax and offset it with reduced government spending, implement a foreign policy of non-intervention replacing bombs and bullets with trade and friendship, empty the prisons of thousands of folks mostly Black who are there for non-violent drug related crimes, etc., and no one knows him.

I don't get it! I guess most folks just enjoy servitude. I will be voting for Ron Paul all the way.

[JP]

Just imagine..........a White House..............filled with..............................................Ron Paul ...............people.........!!

scary thought, huh............

[Aaron Andrus]

We "Paultards" (a term that ruffles my feathers seeing I have a Master's degree and working on another) are sticking with the good Dr because, well, over and over again his talking points are SPOT ON. Look at the stock market, gold, inflation, national debt, etc etc.

No he hasn't "won", but he has proven that he has more than "100,000" devoted fans who form an "echo chamber" and are "spambots". Yes, in four states he has 100,000 fans - and it scares the begessus out of the status quo. Imagine - 10% of the VOTING population actually wanting a return to the Constitution. 10% of the VOTING population not buying the 30-second soundbites and mantra of the big government Repulicrats. Imagine 10% of the VOTING population making enough noise to make 50% of the NONVOTING population stand up and pay attention. Oh, imagine how SWEET that would be!
Well, for "We The People" anyway -

Oh yes, the REVOLUTION is coming - actually, it's here - it just hasn't gone VIRAL, yet. That's why the mainstream media continually "long shot"s, "kook"s and leaves Dr. Paul's name off of its "lists" and "charts" purposfully - the medium is the message - and when the message gets attacked, the medium will fall.

Viva la REVOLUCION!

[Brad in College Station, TX]

Dr. Paul definitely cured my apathy!

[Abe C.]

Mr. Malcolm,
Thanks for this nice article. It's great to see Ron Paul hanging around throughout this primary process, and now seeing him get some positive coverage. Thanks again for the write-up. I look forward to reading more--maybe even after another good Paul showing in SC.

[Maxine]

Mr. Malcolm, thank you for writing this fair and very informative article about Ron Paul. We SHOULD be seeing many similar such articles about how Ron is beating Giuliani and Thompson, unfortunately I don't think most political writers are including this as a legitimate topic.

[Tim]

There are three viable candidates to run against the democrats: 1) Romney 2) McCain 3) Rudy.

Rudy should be the GOP nominee. Here is the reason why:

http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/01/rudy_giuliani_should_be_gop_no.html

[Robert Marley]

The field on the GOP side is wide-open and this is good for democracy. I am convinced that the main-stream media does not know what to do or say because this election is unlike anything seen in our lifetime. Objective evidence that the media is not made up of a lot of independent thinkers - rather it is comprised of lemmings who copy the talking points from years past and replay them again for the masses.

Based on the comments from the pundits, they continue to try to declare certain candidates (especially Rudy) dead. But he is still going. I have great respect for all of the candidates, including Ron Paul. However, why not let the race play itself out and see who wins without trying at every turn to tear down the guy who came below another guy, etc.

The irony in this article is that the author is apparently amazed that Ron Paul is still obtaining votes despite the lack of attention from the media. WAKEUP MEDIA LOSERS, Americans are finally realizing that they can make up their own minds without your sordid influence.

[Tess]

Ron Paul is in it for the Long Haul. Keep the Faith! Ron Paul for the Win!
Thank you Mr. Malcolm for this piece on Ron Paul and the Michigan Primary. I wish the headline had read "Foxnews/Murdoch's favorite - Mr. Giuliani (the fringe candidate) gets beat once again by the most Conservative, and Bring Home the Troops Now candidate - Dr. Ron Paul in the Michigan Primary", but I know that would have been too long.

If I were Giuliani, thank God I am not, but if I were I would totally be embarrased, especially with the way Guiliani has snickered and has openly laughed at Ron Paul regarding important issues our nation is facing, and Giuliani has done this on national television during debates. Shame on you Giuliani, and shame on you Foxnews and the Murdochs.

http://RonPaul2008.com

[Steven]

So what? He beat the guys who didn't campaign in the contests. This is an accomplishment? Sounds more like desperately spinning the Racist's pathetic poll results. I guess the Paulians learned the hard way that you can only vote once in actual elections instead of spamming them like they do online polls.

Paul will soon be relegated to the trash heap of history where he belongs!

[Sharon]

Thank you for not snubbing Ron Paul like CNN! You Rock! My family thought I was crazy for thinking that the Main Stream Media was avoiding Dr. Ron Paul, but when CNN was reading off the candidates names in ranking order for Michigan, they said: Romney, McCain, Huckabee, Giuliani, then Thompson... Where was Ron Paul? Later on, they even took him off of the Pie Chart that they had his name on. Is Wolfe Blitzer an American or Israeli?

[Abbybwood]

To DenisL:

I believe you are mistaken in your thinking that California will be alloting delegates county by county. I think that state proposition to change the way California splits it's electoral college tally was dropped due to a lack of signatures. Check the website for the Secretary of State on the status of propositions and you'll see that I am correct.

And thank you L.A. Times for giving us some unbiased information on Dr. Paul. I am a Democrat who is not only voting for Dr. Paul, but I'm waiting to receive my yard sign so I can place it on my lawn. He is the only candidate who is speaking the truth. He is the good doctor who can heal the American psyche and undue the horrible legislation that has savaged our civil liberties since 9/11 with a healthy dose of THE CONSTITUTION!!!

He is the only candidate (besides Kucinich), who I trust to end our illegal occupation of Iraq and to put our economy on sound footing. He is the only candidate who REALLY understands how the economy is teetering on the brink of a recession. Actually, we have one collective foot in a recession right now! Ask yourself this question: Am I financially more secure now as compared to eight years ago?

NO OTHER CANDIDATE CAN BE TRUSTED TO TAKE THE OATH "TO PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION" except Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich.

[patrick henry]

Awesome finally a little truth. Keep up the good fight all you LIBERTY soldiers, we MAY not win this one, but Dr. Paul's message of LIBERTY and peace has awoken a great social conscience in this country. This my friends (Im gonna puke if McCain says that again) is just the beginning. We the People need to take Dr. Paul's ideas of LIBERTY and the CONSTITUTION and campaign like hell to get more like minded Americans in office in 2010.

Get MAD. I know Im am so pissed at myself for being one of the sheeple. 3 years in Iraq opened my mind, 1 year of reading about Dr. Paul opened my eyes. Once I was blind and now I see.

Andrew, I have read alot of your pieces in the past and it seems like you, glenn beck, lou dobbs, chris matthews are starting to wake up to his ideas of LIBERTY and the constitution. Do our country a favor and spend 2 hours, hell 30 minutes at www.ronpaullibrary.org and we will see you in our ranks.

VIVE LA REVOLUTION

"I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me LIBERTY or give me death"- P. Henry

[Culture Change]

I was wondering if some media outlet would finally point that out. Guliani ridiculed Ron Paul after the debates too. I'll bet Guliani is not laughing now. Him and Thompson might as well bail out. They dont offer anything.

[Bruno]

Andrew, The LA Times should endorse Ron Paul for President! Ron Paul continues to beat guys like Rudy and Fred, and that is with CNN, FOX and MSNBC under explicit orders to not mention his name. You should write an article about THAT!

[tekdif]

Once again the media (as in this newspaper) is smearing and censoring Ron Paul. Come on, Mr. No-body? Wake up and get over the fact that Dr. Paul has the support of the AMERICAN PEOPLE. The elitists (and mainstream media) can rot. We're tired of the abuse and oppresion being piled on us by this criminal government and Dr. Paul is the answer. His support will only grow.

[Joe Dokes]

I'm surprised that Ron Paul didn't win in MI. He had more signs up than anyone else. In fact he had about the only signs up.

[JK]

Except for Paul, the rest of the candidates sound and look like some robotic props coming at you with the same dumbing fable-babbles.

[1440 minutes]

Dr. Paul is dumb like a fox. He has laid low, letting the others run out of money (unless you count Mitt Romney's personal fortune). He is in fourth place in the number of total votes across the early primaries. Now he can turn it up a notch, and how are the others going to respond without any money? Hang on for the ride.

[Carter]

Andrew convenient "forgot" that Thompson came in third in Iowa. Thompson beat McCain and Gulilani.

Just come out and say you don't like conservatives who want border fences, and we can move on to the next item on your agenda.

[Shane]

There seems to be an up rising across the world. One that is much different than the past. Humanity seems to be developing a conscience. Whether its Kenya, Myanmar, Pakistan, or America people seem to be rising up against the powers that have keep them under control for too long. It seems that technology and human consciousness are evolving at the same rate. This is unnoticeable until the rate of change is increased and the numbers begin to get large. When society learns something new that enlightens them to a better understanding of how something works they evolve. Technology allows that information exchange to take place. So as this ever increasing rate of technology is evolved so to will humanity.

Ron Paul and is supporters are signs of the same surge of evolvement happening in America. Here is a man denied access by the main stream media but is growing tremendously on line. The main stream media cannot control the online information exchange. The exciting part for those who like this trend and the scary part for the FOX fans out there is this. The statistics show the amount of people on line today will doubled by this time next year (2009). Now hang on it gets better. That 2009 number will then be doubled again in 2010 and then that number will be doubled again in 2011. Finally the 2011 numbers are predicted to double again in 2012 before showing signs of slowing down. WOW!
So imagine what we know now, and what we may learn over the next 4 years.

Ron Paul represents more than a presidential candidate with a strong internet following. He represents an evolution of change that is taking place at an ever increasing rate. That evolution also has a conscience that will be growing in humanity at the same rate as technology. Remember as one learns something new they evolve. As society learns that the main stream media has been altering the news to sell the wealth’s agenda, they too will evolve. Ron Paul will go down in history as being a major contributor towards the evolution of peace and humanity.

God Bless America

[cbh]

Ron Paul is crazy. The New Republic did a grerat piece about his "libertarian" views. http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=e2f15397-a3c7-4720-ac15-4532a7da84ca

[brian]

Alrighty!!!! Thanks for the good article, Us Paul fans are not crazy, we just get a little spirited when the world seems so steadfastly opposed to reason. Hopefully more people can become believers if we get some more press like yours! I'll be canvassing here in Colorado in a couple days......after all, every generation deserves a revoloution!!!!!!!!

Go Ron!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[anitacris]

Ron Paul is the best candidate to be president, however many news organizations have been keeping him out of the news. Iwonder why? Could it be because he speaks the truth? The "powers that be" would not want him to be president because their "gravytrain" would come to an end!

[Three Chord Monte]

Thank you, Mr. Malcolm, for this forum and your attention to this phenomenon. It seems to me that the longer Dr. Paul hangs on the more his message will grow beyond "anti-war". That is very important if the Republican Party is to embrace the traditional position as the party of small government. Now that this anti-war novelty is wearing off, pundits, other Republican candidates and voters seem to slowly understand not only the cultural, but also the economic reasons that Dr. No is against America’s aggressive policy of foreign intervention and “nation building”. Many may not agree with Paul's position here, but if Dr. Paul’s foreign policy motives are digested as plausible by Republicans, then the man has more of an opportunity to be heard when he speaks so eloquently about domestic policy matters. I honestly never thought he would have this chance. Hopefully his popularity will continue to grow and stronger libertarian ideal will take hold with all voters.

[Seth M]

I knew in my gut that Ron Paul was more popular than the media was letting on. His message is resonating, despite the tampering of the MSM. We can all agree to that now right? No longer are Ron Paul supporters the only ones aware of the established media trying to undermine his campaign.
I guess we'll just have to wait for the other candidates to run out of money, as they are, before they'll be fair to Dr. Paul.

[Duff]

Ron Paul is a simpleton, nit-wit and an inane drone! He has no business being in the race. He is an embarrassment to himself and anyone who is conservative! He has never seen a double digit % throughout his whole campaign and has no sense of reality. He is just another "blame America" spokesman. Time to go out to pasture Pauly-boy!

[ryan]

WE WANT PAUL!

[DatONEfoo]

Yay! Good Excellent Article!!!

[Artus Register]

This is a really fair piece that for once was written without the cheap shots. Thank you!

[russ n]

Thanks Andrew. I have never before in all my years seen the media so desperately trying to pick the candidates. Tim Russet and Shawn Hanity, in my opinion, have been disgraceful. And these guys are from both ends of the spectrum. Why is the media so openly trying to direct the nomination process. Ron Paul has not been given the time a day from any of the media and he is moving up. As you have point out, this a story. And why is the media so biased against Hillary. To me it is wacky. No one has asked Obama any difficult questions. My point is is that most unbiased media folks recognize the unusual role the media is taking, but seem afraid (maybe political correctness kicking in or simply business) to queston or respond to what is going on. And the amazing thing is that Ron Paul continues to rise no matter what goofiness is thrown at him. Thanks for an honest article reporting what is actually happening in the race for presidency. This is the most important job in the world. These are the most trying of times, and the candidate must be bright, experienced, honest and trustworthy. I believe that America trusts Ron Paul. They may not agree with him on every point, but the trust and honesty will pull him through, at least I hope so. My vote goes to Ron Paul.

[John Frum]

Andrew, thanks for getting RP some drudge time, however why don’t you or anyone else in the media give Ron the lip service you do the other candidates? You point out that Ron, ‘the nobody congressman’ ‘thumped’ Guliani and Thompson, then say they didn’t campaign seriously in Michigan or New Hampshire. I’ve never heard a reporter call Fred, the Scooter Libby apologist or McCain the Keating 5 senator, but I digress. Ron (unfortunately, I think he lost some votes here in MI because of it) was nowhere to be found in Michigan. He visited New Hampshire just a few more times than Rudy. Hopefully the risk his campaign took will pay off in NV. You then go on to say that Guliani and Thompson are holding back waiting. Do you think they would be holding back if their campaigns weren’t broke? I don’t think so. There is little doubt that Guliani’s staff is staying on with no pay in hopes of a cushy administration job. Thankfully that won’t happen. Then you end with the obvious hit on Paul calling him a cold that just keeps hanging around. How about calling him David who stands tough and keeps pelting Goliath with his stones? See how the story can all of the sudden become very positive for Ron. Unfortunately this article does nothing but continue the anti-Paul drivel that adorns the rest of the pro-corporate welfare American rags.

[Cleaner44]

When we look at all of the votes cast nationally so far it is clear that Rudy is a fringe candidate that is unelectable. Fred is not doing much better. Both have been consistantly beaten by Ron Paul as he is not only getting more votes but also has a more passionate following.

Vote count after IA, WY, NH and MI:
Romney       441,602 37%
McCain        359,882 30%
Huckabee      206,575 17%
Paul               84,082 7%
Thompson     50,847 4%
Giuliani          48,857 4%

Fred Thompson was never really in this race and Rudy has the problem that the more people see of him, the less they like him.

[OldGOP]

I am ashamed to live in the same country as Rudy Guiliani and the Republican leadership that embraces him. I am ashamed of their fear mongering for endless war in support of U.N. resolutions and corporate interests while they sell our country, our freedoms and our Constitution out.

As a recently separated veteran, I feel even more ashamed that our troops have to put up with his (and the Republican leaderships) self serving agendas.

The Democratic party is just as much to blame also.

For too long both parties (and their main-stream candidates) have put the interests of the CFR, petroleum companies, and Military Industrial Complex ahead of the American People. And now they have the gall, and the plans (SPP, TTC) to sell our children's future into a Corporate owned and Socialist North American Union behind our backs.

What a disgrace they are to our country and what it stands for!

Do yourselves, your family and your fellow countrymen a favor. Don't take Rudy Guiliani or the mainstream media's word, learn more about Ron Paul on your own. Then share your knowledge of Ron Paul with your friends, family, loved ones and neighbors. You and your country will be glad you did. He is the only candidate that is worthy of our votes for President in 2008!

[Combatoverridebutton]

Yawn. 6% and the Truthers that follow Paul are ready to claim victory. Paul has consistently polled in the single digits and is consistently drawing the same in the primary. Still there are claims of "lies!" about Paul, bad coverage, etc. No amount of extreme and vocal minority giving their paycheck to Paul is going to make people vote for him. He has to win the people over in the arena of ideas and he hasn't done that. He has been on the same stage in the same debates and the people aren't convinced (except for 6%). Soon he will be back in Texas representing the 94,000 people that gave him this stage and the world will go on.

[James]

Voters are waking up to the spin that Fox News and now the Wall Street Journal have put on the campaigns. Rupert Murdoch aggressively uses his ownership of the media to push pro-war candidates and to smear others.

Voters are talking about the Federal Reserve, inflation tax, and the Constitution because Ron Paul has already won. Ron Paul woke up America.

[TM]

Too bad that Paul probably had more votes from Demos in Michigan than Repubs. Since the delegates don't currently count in Michigan, it means very little. I guess this crack reporter failed to mention that demo turnout was VERY low. Hmmm....I wonder why?? Do you think it could have been because of the large demo led campaign to have their sheep vote for Paul in order to encourage him to run as a third party?? Nah, couldn't be.

What a joke.

[rudys kewl]

RUDY! RUDY! RUDY! GO HOME!

[R.J.]

I'm glad Bloomberg isn't running as an independent. Hopefully Ron Paul will. He would be real change. But who would he take more votes from, Hillary or McCain? I think there are plenty on both sides that can't stand the dems or repubs any more. Face it, both parties are responsible for the mess we have.

[Kemp]

Greetings from the Bay Area!

Thanks for the solid article on Ron Paul handling a couple of the so-called front runners.

If he would only get a few more scraps of media attention, these numbers would double easy...

[Muckraker]

Andrew Malcolm: Thank you, sir; I applaud you for taking notice of what everyone else is trying to ignore.

We are in the beginnings of a complete financial collapse thanks to the massive welfare state, unsustainable debt (9 TRILLION; a million dollars a minute added to that debt), continuous "injectiions" of billions of monopoly money dollars, endless, senseless warmongering while PURPOSEFULLY leaving our borders WIDE OPEN, and corruption of our illustrious plutocracy. Our "elites," through our phony free trade policies, have completely plundered the manufacturing might of our once fiscally healthy nation. They continue to sell-out the American workers by importing 1.75 million foreigners through a myriad of fifteen assorted "Visa" programs.

Yet, we learn yesterday that Nancy Pelosi has managed, like our contemporary Nero fiddling while Rome burns, to upgrade the Senate cafeteria with haute cuisine fare. Meanwhile, 10,000 Americans lined up for 300 job openings at a new WALMART.

That anyone would consider voting for any of these cretins running OTHER THAN RON PAUL (or Dennis Kucinich) should not be voting AT ALL. This American patriot and freedom lover is FED UP.

[jma]

he needs to win a state big. Most people havent heard of Dr. Ron Paul, but i bet if they learn more they would fully support him for president. He has the right ideas and direction for this country. What he says makes sense. We all know the media has an agenda...gotta wonder why the media is snubbing him.

[Donna M. Rode]

Thank you, sir, for your "fair and balanced" report on Dr. Paul's victory over the "front-runners", Thompson and Guiliani. I am an ardent supporter of Dr. Paul, and I know we, the people, armed with such a knowledgable, intelligent and principled leader, will move mountains for freedom, peace and prosperity to once again be seen in our land.

[Mike]

Let's see this article put in the hard copy of the LA Times!

How 'bout it, Andrew? Fair is as fair does.

Maybe I'll buy some of YOUR books for gifts to my circle of family and friends this year. Not that I'm trying to pay ya off, I'm just sayin'.....

[Lisa Mallory]

Interesting comment about the "Old West" perspective having the potential to change the outcome of the election. Having been born and raised in California, I agree. If you look closely at Iowa, you'll see the one County where Paul won, Jackson County, is in the heart of what they call "Silicorn Valley" -- with a higher percentage of tech savvy, naturally curious people who tend to get their news from the internet vs. traditional sources. Those who actually receive an unbiased look at Dr. Paul's views tend to agree with them. I suspect with the Microsoft folk in Washington State and the Silicon Valley folk in California, the other candidates could be in for a big surprise.

Andrew, I hate being on the other side of your biting sarcasm, but seeing the sarcasm take a bite at the others, I have to admit that it feels nice.

[Steve Sponar]

WOW! I'm going to cancel my 30 year subscription to the NYT and order the Los Angeles Times!!

Thanks, Malcom. Ron Paul is a man of amazing integrity, rarely found in politics today, he at the very least deserves our respect. He certainly has my vote. As a matter of fact I'll be in SC this weekend and I'm going to volunteer at RP Headquarters for 8 hours.

I'm 60 years old & my wife and I are enjoying the exuberance of the youth surrounding this amazing campaign!

[Shawn Boy]

Andrew, I already said basically all this on a previous article fo yours, but thanks again for reporting fairly and unbiasedly, as any respectable journalist should do. Again, i apologize for all the heat you may come under when you are just trying to get a full understanding of RP and his platform. I know it must get annoying to see over zealous RP supporters calling you a nobody, unpatriotic or even sometimes terrorists, and again I thank you for understanding that RP and his supporters are 2 different entities. RP supporters having nothing but good intentions I am convinced, it is just easy to get over excited sometimes over something as important as the future of our country. Thank you and please continue to report factually and accurately as you have been doing.

[Paul]

Thanks for the article, Andrew!

[bill]

Folks, our dollar is worth less than the Canadian dollar, let that sink in. The ONLY candidate with a plan to right the economy and save the dollar is Ron Paul. A crisis is looming, don't believe me look at what the GAO is saying. Our standard of living is at stake.

Ron Paul in 2008

[Paul]

Thanks for the article, Andrew!

[Concerned Republican]

Will Ron Paul please address the racist newsletters that were published under his name for more than two decades? Is he a racist, or is he so ignorant of what is going on around him that he did not notice what was being published under his name?

How come Dr. Paul does not want it known that the newsletters were published and many articles in the newsletter were written by his "longtime ideological mentor, business partner, and former congressional aide Lew Rockwell" that James Bidinotto, editor of The New Individualist, calls a "pro-Confederacy, "paleolibertarian," blame-America-first, Rothbardian-anarchist kook who founded and heads the Ludwig von Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama".

Perhaps Dr. Paul can refute all the issues revealed in The New Republic article, http://tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=e2f15397-a3c7-4720-ac15-4532a7da84ca.

Maybe Dr. Paul could explain how his crackpot economic and foreign policies will not cause incredible damage to the United States.

[Trey]

Umm.... Richard Viguerie is not noted as an author but as a direct mail fund raiser.

Andrew,

I'm not sure what's worse, your inaccurate references or your labeling of a TEN TERM Congressman as "the nobody congressman:. 1st off, Congressman is suppose to be capitalized. And how dare you call someone who is serving their state and country a nobody. How dare you call a doctor and former flight surgeon a nobody. If those experiences still rank someone as a nobody...lord knows what that makes you. Less than nobody?

For the record and accuracy, Dr. Ron Paul is called Dr. No "for his habit of voting against just about anything that he sees as government overreach or that interferes with the free market. No to the Iraq war. No to a federal ban on same-sex marriage. No to a congressional gold medal for Pope John Paul II and Ronald Reagan and Rosa Parks. He says the medals are an unconstitutional use of taxpayer money and once suggested each House member instead contribute 100 bucks from his or her own pocket."

How about trying to do a bit of research before pounding away at your keyboard?

Just some advice from a reader!

Jim
www.debutstudios.com