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

[A Mom in America]

Hey, Andrew, I've noticed the way the comments on your Ron Paul articles have increased exponentially over the last several months. My guess is, so have you, and in turn you continue to write about him. Thanks for the latest!

I am a new precinct leader in my area, and have done some serious networking with the other leaders here to get the word out!

Restore the Constitution!

(Thanks for trying us out and returning and spreading the word. We think your story is a good one to tell. so let me know how the precinct work goes.)

[anon]

I like both Paul and Obama. I'm in a super Tuesday state. My beliefs are more (but not totally) with Paul, and I think the stronger showing Paul makes the more an impact he will have on the Republican party, with which I identify more. However Obama has more of a chance to win, so I am conflicted.

What is interesting to me is that if you look at the exit poll data in Michigan, Paul is in the top three with voters under 30 or so, almost even with McCain and Romney. (I'm going from memory; it's on CNN.com.)

This demonstrates that Paul's issues are issues that the maintsream Republican party will have to address or include to be viable in the future. Paul's message is a big part of the future of the party. Belittling it or comparing it to a cult isn't appropriate. Young people are always enthusiastic, if Paul supporters (or Obama supporters) seem unusually enthusiastic, it isn't because they are cultish. It is becase they (well, we) are young.

[John]

Dr. Paul wasn't on Meet The Press for the full hour. Russert* pulled off his pathetic, agenda-laden hatchet job in a couple of segments.

*( http://www2.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2007/0712.yglesias.html )

(Well you can use the link I provided to go watch it yourself.)

[David S]

The reason many in the media have/had written Mr. Paul off is because they have, I believe, decided to shut him out of any media coverage, thus hoping to shut down his message and hopefully his campaign. This has been to universally done, by all the TV news orgs, to not have been planned from "on high" by the media moguls and the Big business backers who support and own them. Evidently Mr. Pauls message, to "them" has to be kept from getting out. How other can people explain the smear tactics used against him at the debates with such questions about "viability", and does he have any,, when he, as the poll have shown is a more viable candidate, (even with his non coverage from the press) than Thompson and Giuliani. Even after he beat Thompson and Giuliani in Michigan they would not mention his name unless there was a snide derogatory remark added with it. No, I dare say if Mr. Paul had or would get even a PORTION of the coverage ALL the other candidates have received from the press he would be doing MUCH better, but the only coverage he will and does get is negative and derogatory. The press can not or will not even say that the other candidates are using some of Mr. Pauls message and making it their own. They even say Huckabee is the "only one" who has suggested getting rid of the IRS. Which was/is one of the main campaign points of Mr. Pauls message and has been from day one!!
Mr. Pauls message MUST be shut down and out. For "IF" it got out, it might change this country and place the power of the country back where it belongs,, To the people.

[Peter]

Mr. Malcolm,
thankyou!
Isn't this fun!! Come on admit it. Ron Paul isn't just another typical politician. He's different in oh so many ways. But he is a good man.

Don't you just love the old "Rocky Balboa" underdog against the world kind of stories? It just feels good when you can push back at something bigger than you. I don't know, I guess it's a human competition kind of a thing.

Anyway, all of your artices have been fair. I've always thanked you from the very begining. And I'm glad to see a lot of the others are coming around and starting to show you some respect. You deserve it.

Hey, as a return favor, how about this? The next time you feel that you are due for a promotion and you need a little help. Well you just call on us Paulites and we will get the emails going, sign waving and maybe even take up a collection and pressure that old mean boss of yours to give you a big fat raise!

And a new office with a window.... ;)

Peter

P.S . To the person named Wallace. Wallace, sit down and shut up. This is Paul territory,......... son.

[Patriot Henry]

Looks like Ron Paul may beat Rudy in NH yet - recount is on!

[krista]

yay ron paul! :)

[Roland W. Riddell]

Today, the day after the Michigan primary you could not find Ron Paul's name anywhere in the Washington Post or the Washington Times.
The Post had a picture on the front page of Guilianni with an article, and further on in the A section there was another picture of Guilianni with an article about his campaigning in Florida.It looks like pharma, big oil, Cheney and all the hen-house-foxes feel they can do business with Guilianni. Good luck

(Well, that's the old media. Just Google Ron Paul and see what you find, tons of articles starting with this one on top. Thanks for reading.)

[John]

"(Well you can use the link I provided to go watch it yourself.)"

Hmmmm. See, I watched it live. He was not on the whole hour.

[Ping]

How can you be both for Obama and Paul? They are completely opposite in almost every position except the war... and the reasons they are against the war are completely different.

[Jenny Bea]

Yea, who'da thunk it? Doesn't the media pay attention? I mean, we all know how well the politicians pay attention. But people have been pouring in support for Ron Paul, despite the medias complete negligence of that fact. Ron Paul raises several million dollars in one day. In small donations, not big union endorsements like her Thighness.

Who'd have predicted? Everyone but the people telling us what to think. They act like it's rocket science. Ron Paul is very favored. I bet his numbers would be higher, were anyone to pay attention to him in the MSM. (But they don't like him, so they won't.)

They can be surprised all they want. Regular folks are not.

[Joseph R]

In the Republican debate they (news media) are asking how we should proceed after H-bombs or dirty bombs wipe out one or more American citys. They act like it is going to happen, we should expect it since its only a matter of time. Are they crazy? Do you want bombs going off where you live/work or where your kids go to school? Mr. Bush is now going to take billions of tax payer dollars & give it to the Saudies. Taking billions of tax payer dollars & giving it to other countries hurts U.S. taxpayers, & should be against the law. Ron Paul spoke the truth when saying if we get out of all the other countries we could cut taxes, & take away motive from those that want to kill Americans. Politians will say anything to get elected, & when they start talking about the greater good, the American public becomes their sacrifice. Don't be lead off to be killed, take back your control, vote for Ron Paul and spread the word today.
Ron Paul 2008

[FreedomJoyAdventure]

"Texas congressman and ob-gyn who delivers babies and a strict view of the Constitution" - Cute. Accurate, too. I like it. Nice article, guys.

I guess Rudy's getting to experience 'blowback' first hand. He giggled and acted childishly during the debates when it was Ron Paul's turn to speak. I'm glad to see that Rudy isn't fooling too many people. I'm also glad that Fred isn't posing much of a threat.

The biggest enemy is Diebold, and all the other electronic vote-stealing machines.

[Josef]

Anybody who does not support Ron Paul is bought and paid for period.

[Fred Calaicone]

Great article. Thanks for the support Andrew. Fred Atlanta Ga.

[Mark Lathrop]

Thank you for the article Andrew!

The lack of media coverage on Ron Paul is just frustrating. I live in Idaho and have to search diligently to find something written on him, positive or negative. Although most of us realize that the mainstream media has a tinge of undeclared motives, we still need it to get the message out.

Let's help get the message out. Donate at www.ronpaul2008.com

The only campaign I've ever donated too!

[Maria from New York City]

Hurray for LA Times!!!!! Thank you so much for acknowledging Dr. Ron Paul.

The Wall Street Journal totally EXCLUDED him from their online report.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120045531986293771.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries=yhoofront

They talked about Guiliani and Thompson.

It's SO apparent what's going on here.

AGAIN, KUDOS to LA Times.

[Rojer]

Hey,

Here's proof of media bias against Ron Paul

http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/votes/index.html#1

Where is he listed among the candidates?

[Chris]

So far, I'm supporting Mike Huckabee because he is the "media darling" of the pack; however, with Citibank and others having to sell America to China and the Middle East just to afford our consumption. We might need to consider Ron Paul if we like liberty.

Remember: A borrower is a slave to his loaner.

I realized how biased Foxnews was when they showed the results for the "top 5" in Michigan and left out Ron Paul who took 4th.

Chris

[Carol]

Downright refreshing media honesty!!! Keep up the straightforward enlightenment. Makes me smile.

With what they're getting from media broadcasting and the great majority of print, most Americans don't even know we're in trouble. We need this man more than ever. Ron Paul is foremost an American. Forget the labels Republican or Libertarian or Independent--he's a statesman who realizes he works for us.

[Homa Pourasgari]

Ron Paul is the only candidate who has had anything meaningful to say. If we continue with our current internal and foreign policy, it will become impossible to turn our economy around. Giving Ron Paul a chance at presidency will bring about great changes that will benefit Americans as well as the people around the world.

[Chris in Silicon Valley]

Thanks for the article, Mr. Malcolm.

I became a Ron Paul supporter just under a month ago. I think the longer this race goes on, and the more people are exposed to his message, the more they will like him.

---Chris

[Maria]

Mr. Malcolm,

On behalf of ALL Ron Paul supporters and REALLY the American Public who deserve to know ALL they can about the candidates (not to mention who is actually running for President).

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tomas Estrada-Palma]

SAY YES TO DR. NO!!!

[Dick Legge]

Please keep up the good work. We need to give Ron Paul all the help we can.

People think he is against a strong military so:

Please emphasize that he is in favor of a strong military defense force but would keep it within our borders unless we are attacked.

[Patriot Henry]

Everywhere I go I meet Ron Paul supporters. More and more signs are popping up at houses (including mine today with a nice free two foot by four footer). It seems I find another highway exit every day or two with a Ron Paul sign. They even have Ron Paul at the farmers market! At first they were outside where the Obama people once camped, and that base has grown, but now more and more shoppers are carrying Ron Paul signs.

I go to the grocery store and the cashier is a Ron Paul fan. I go to my car and the guy next to it has a Ron Paul bumper sticker and waves and smiles at me. I go to get coffee and I meet more Ron Paul supporters.

Ron Paul 2008

[Scott Treadway]

I'm not sure which is more encouraging, this great piece or the growing anti-Paul screamers. Clearly his strong following is putting fear in the establishment-spouses. Ron Paul represents what the word Conservative Republican USED to actually mean. Take note how, with every good showing, the lemmings chalk it up as nothing more than internet blogging hackers. The fact is plain and simple, millions of Americans are ready, willing and able to give the Washington power brokers their just deserts, a genuine candidate who never danced to the same tune. Also note how, while they blame the Paul followers for manipulating the internet, the anti-Paul folks link the same ONE article on any and every commentary of the man. ONE ARTICLE ON HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE DISCUSSIONS. Hack away oh spooked ones.

The contents of the article did warrant comment, Paul has addressed them. He even accepted responsibility for what OTHER PEOPLE said in his newsletter. As the smear campaign has had some effect, the over-riding desire for a genuine change has yet again proved that the old tactical warfare in American politics has exhausted the common man from a.) the establishment major media, b.) the weary old party system and c.) the lazy straight party ticket system.

Ron Paul is as legitimate as any candidate and while the other guys become more and more like Ron Paul, because they can't come close to refuting his common sense, more Americans are taking the position that yes, he really does have a chance and we're not going to be told who "the real candidates" are anymore. We decide who the real candidates are based not by what the media tells us, but by the words of the candidates themselves. Keep it up fear mongers, you're only serving the cause.

Thanks for the article!

[Scott]

Wow, the LA Times, I call this a breakthrough even at 6.3%. We Ron Paul supporters do understand that this is a marathon and we have to keep our man in fresh shoes and socks to get the message out. Many supporters are realizing too that it can't be done without winning over some in the media in order to get MSM attention in a looking at our campaign for Ron Paul in a positive light.

[Patrick]

Us Repaulicans will now run for government. You haven't seen anything yet. Just watch and wait.

America is bankrupt: Morally, environmentally, and fiscally. Morally, because we've invaded sovereign nations, killing millions of innocents. Environmentally, because the Bush regime has destroyed our environment (read, Crimes against Nature, by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.). And fiscally, because the federal reserve (about as federal as the federal express), has printed counterfeit money in the guise of "cutting interests rates", which has made the dollar worthless.

End the fed!
Clean the environment!
Stop the wars!

Get informed. Do the research. and by all means, as Rage Against the Machine says:

WAAAAAAAAAAKE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUP!

and btw, good article... a little too late... let's just hear a good story 20 times a day, like you in the corporate owned media do to your candidate Hillary.

(Surely, if you read this blog regularly you cannot honestly say we're supporting H. Clinton, or anyone. we are an equal opportunity offender.)

[david loftis]

Dr. Paul is the only person worthy of being president! He predicted the recession of 1987 in 1983! Its the money stupid! The corporatocracy thats running this planet is afraid this man will upset their apple cart. Just look at history, the cia has been doing their dirty work since 1950's and beyond. Overthrowing elected leaders because they won't give up their resourses or go along with our insane foreign policies. 2-3 thousand civilians killed in Panama because they wouldn't go back on the canal treaty, iran in the 50's to help BP steal their oil... far too many to list here. Pay attention people to the underlying agenda of the world bank, the IMF, the federal reserve, "foreign aid" that funnels the money back to the corporatocracy. Educate yourself on this short list, then vote for Dr. Paul and restore our constitution!

[Steven]

The media are just pupits of the elite, used for propaganda, thankfully some people are waking up to this reality now, its my view they are scared to death of losing the control they have, so its been almost total blackout on paul coverage, it just goes to show how deep the corruption really is, people you got to think how many of the powers that be he is affecting, he is going to encounter alot more resistance, the only way people are learning of him is through his supporters, it just goes to show how important it is to get Ron in the whitehouse, Im still surprised when I talk to someone and they say who is that, Its about time the people had a real choice, instead of what they want to give us, united we stand people, vote RON PAUL 08

[BeaReady]

GOP needs to think long and hard about what a TRUE Republican is and get behind the man Ron Paul! There are tens of thousands supporting him who want return to small government and constitutional protection of individual rights. They are committing political suicide and a democrat will win the whitehouse if they don't wake up. The mainstream media has launched a smear campaign based on lies which proves their fear of losing control of the masses. Please see my video which shows their hypocrisy and reveals the truth.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DZwodzz2h44

DIGG: http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/VOTE_NOW_Biggest_Bigot_for_President_2008

[cb]

democracy? what? you mean, it's okay for the media to give the public more than one view of the election and the candidates as they stand?
thank you andrew.
i'm thankful that there are actually honest journalists.

[Bar]

Great article.

As for the racism issue thats been in the press recently, Ron Paul is the only candidate that even talks about ending the drug war, which is a blatant waste of taxpayer money. It's nothing but a shill to put minorities in jail while sending taxpayer dollars to prison systems that hold non-violent offenders! A true free-market libertarian cannot be racist.

[Tannim]

Reading through these comments, I noticed a trend. Most of the comments are informed and positive, about 2 dozen were ignorant and negative.

Of those two dozen, two (Jim Palasty @9:04 and Ryan @11:35) were directed at Andrew for his fair reporting. Those two need to lighten up.

Of those two dozen, two (Bethany @10:46, Mark @10:50) had issues with Paul positions, which were addressed by other posters subsequently.

Of those two dozen, three(Tim @7:33,cbh @7.59, ConcernedRepublican @9:01) bring up the debunked newsletter issue, but failed to figure out that it has been debunked, by Dr. Paul's 20-year friend, the head of the TX NAACP, no less. They also cite suspect and non-credible sources in The New Republic and The American Thinker.

Of those two dozen, four (BC @9:22, Tristen @9:36, open_eyes @9:2, Mark in Austin @11:31) showed they have no clue what they were talking about.

Of those two dozen, a dozen were simply namecalling.

Of those two dozen, one (Combatoverridebutton @8:23) had nothing substantial to say and was just ranting.

These two dozen posts are representative of what is wrong with America: no real dialogue, just ignorance and namecalling.

Those of us who have brains and use them properly have researched and support Dr. Paul because pf that research. He's not perfect (who is?) but he is the best we've got.

To those two dozen, I suggest you A) do some research, and B) grow up.

[louisiana]

Pay attention to Louisiana's caucus on Tuesday.

[Stanley]

For a man as completely insane as Ron Paul is, it's amazing how much support he gets. I guess it speaks volumes for the people who vote for him. That's not a compliment either...

[Larry]

All he has to do is hang on enough to get a brokered convention and we will have over 7 months to wake folks up to Dr. Paul's message. When he makes it that far the donations will really start rolling in. The pockets of Dr. Paul's supporters are filled with Federal Reserve Notes that are getting worth less by the minute. Might as well give them to Dr. No!

[Kevin G]

People call us CULT, KOOKS, LOONIES, PAULITES, PAULTARDS and ETC. What the masses don't know is the taste of TRUE FREEDOM feels like. We have been paying INCOME TAXES 2 years after my Grandfather was born(1911-1996). That all people know is pay income tax and if you don't you will be thrown in prison for income tax evasion. Is that truly being free? More freedoms are being taking away, almost daily. 20,000 gun control laws which only control law abiding citizens, Criminals don't care about laws. So why do they call us names? Its called the "PASSION OF FREEDOM" .....................

Sincerly,
Kevin G

[ProudKoolAidDrinker]

Thanks for the kind words Andrew, we might win you over yet!

Yep, I drink the Kool Aid and it makes me do strange things, like vote for the canidate I think is best for the job, instead of who I think is the most "electable". Remember folks, we're voting for President, not who we would most like to have over for Sunday dinner.

http://ronpaulchronicles.com/

[I hate Andrew Malcolm]

Andrew Malcolm writes his pieces like those printed in the Weekly World News or National Enquirer. It's obvious he hates Ron Paul and that is fine with me. Hate him all you want but please stop writing these horrible pieces about him. You sound like a child. Your pieces are so slanted, it cannot seriously be considered journalism. Do you work for the entertainment department of the LA Times?

Actually, I love it when a hit piece is done well but what you write is name calling and lowbrow humor. You show your ignorance everytime you write a piece. Do you think your 4 children are really proud of you Mr. Malcolm? I'll bet secretly they loathe you. Just a guess because you seem like a blowhard, bitter old man and a know it all.

(Get someone to read this item to you. You're obviously not reading it yourself, nor are you reading these other comments. And thanks for reading us again. We appreciate the business.)

[dd]

Good lord it is not gonna happen people. Time to take off the tinfoil and put down the kool-aid. Paul will not get the nomination nor will he be added as a VP candidate. I hear Ron Paul is opening a camp in Jonestown though. You guys always have that to look forward to.

[Ashley]

Go RON PAUL!!!! OHIO LOVES YOU !!!!

RONPAUL2008.com

[marty]

One by One the profits of doom are being chopped down by Ron Paul ,Thompson Guillian,Next Romney, McCain,Huckabee Then onward to Clinton ,Obama there crash will be heard around the world and if that Bloomburg dares to interfere in the American politics anymore He will be chopped down by the modern age George Washington just like a cherry tree

RonPaul2008.com Join the revolution

Fascism
Socialism
Freedom=X

[tsarina]

I think it just goes to show that people who take the time to research which candidate represents them the best and then vote for that candidate are a lot more powerful than all the media pundits.

I hope everyone in California remembers that on February 5th.

Vote for the candidate that you think will be the president who will work the hardest for you! It doesn't matter who the media thinks should be the winner. The people can decide for themselves.

Wouldn't it be nice if we surprised them with our choices?

[steve - san francisco]

Ron Paul can win. His supporters are much more intelligent than the average voter. People are going to want to be with us. Ron Paul is the Smart Choice for Freedom.

[Adam]

Thank you for reporting the way you do and the way you should at Los Angeles Times. It is greatly appreciated.

Ron Paul can and Ron Paul will surprise all the reporters when he will be nominated to be our next president, Ron Paul will be the president of the united States of America!

[Starting to like Ron Paul]

I thought I would never say it. I didn't like him at first because of what he says about Iraq but as I started to feel he wasn't doing this to start up a run for a third party I started to like him. That's the reason why no one supported him a long time ago (at least 80% of his current supporters) is that people thought he was going to run as a third party like 1988.

How about Giuliani as president and him as vice?

[FreedomJoyAdventure]

Tannim,

Thanks for doing that research and sharing it, it was an interesting read.

“Of every one hundred men, ten shouldn’t even be there, eighty are nothing but targets, nine are real fighters… We are lucky to have them… They make the battle. Ah, but the one, one of them is a Warrior… and he will bring the others back.”

[David Knight]

I don't know if beating Thompson and Giuliani by getting 6% of the vote shows you're a viable candidate or if it shows how unviable Fred & Rudy are.

BUT you've GOT to see this Fred Thompson animated PARODY on YouTube. Funniest thing I've seen lately!

Pass it around. Email it to your friends in SC. It really hits home on his hypocrisy and personality.

Cut and past this link into your browser:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2U4QrbauAYY