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

[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.

[Jim Palasty]

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

[Terry]

NOW IS OUR TIME!!!!

Ron Paul has beaten Fred Thompson and Rudy AGAIN!!

52,0000 PLUS Americans voted for Ron Paul!!!! The message IS getting out.

Think about this everybody, Huckabee, McCain, and Thompson – ARE BROKE. They can’t continue to compete without any cash. Rudy has his campaign staff working for FREE – to save money. How long do you think that will last?

Remember, to these corporate government elites - it’s all about money. They would sell their mother for a dime. They can’t get enough of it.

I truly believe that the Ron Paulers can get over the 10 million in one day mark. Imagine that! 4 million on the 5th of November, 6+ million on Boston Tea Party, and now with the Free at Last – MLK day money raising well…..

When Ron Paul gets $10 MILLION the Main Stream Media will be falling all over the Doctor… and his Message of Freedom and Liberty and Peace WILL BE HEARD by the American people.

We all know that when Ron Paul speaks, and his message is heard, people support him – hands down.

Of course vote fraud is a real possibility and we must be on the “watch” to ensure that Ron Paul gets every deserved vote, and we are making it happen.

www.FreeAtLast2008.com

I’m donating $100.00 dollars. Pass the word. We are not out of this run for President. We are just beginning and we already have a good start. We are in perfect position.

GO RON PAUL!!!

LET’S GO! We will not retreat. Let it be not be said we DID NOTHING!!!

Rise up and we will win.

[efftee]

Did anyone hear Huckabee's speech last night? It seemed like he was doing his best Dr. Paul impression! It was pretty unbelievable. His advisors must see the impact Dr. Paul's message has and have told him to co-opt the message in hopes of gaining some support from RP supporters down the road. Just another example of saying whatever it takes to get votes. Whether you like Ron Paul or not you can't deny that he's the ONLY candidate who has been consistent in his views/message and voting record/speaking record!

[Mike]

Ron Paul is the Anti-American candidate! Just kidding. I'm not stupid and that's why I fully support the Good Docter for President. He has the "repair kit" for America!!!

Help us Obi Ron! You are our only hope.
PAUL/POWELL 2008

[Eric]

The country is not going to vote in a pro-war candidate, and they are not going to vote in another Clinton. If the Republicans are stupid enough to keep ignoring and ostracizing Ron Paul, he will run as an Independent and probably win the election. Paul garnered more votes than both Guiliani and Thompson in the Michigan primary. He's raised more money than any candidate last quarter. He's on track to do it again this quarter. A large portion of undecided votes, and votes for the candidates that don't with both primaries, will go to Paul in the general election. It is highly possible Ron Paul will be the next President.

[Tracy]

JoeRogan...

That fake racist charge is SO played out and old now. All those rumors have been proven false. Even the NAACP has come out to tell the world RP is not a racist. Yes, Ron Paul took a picture with a supremacist, but it was at one of Paul's campaign speeches, where everyone vies for a second or two of a candidates time for a photo-op; and honestly, what candidate is going to screen every single person for a background ethics check just for a quick picture? Get real.

[Shannon Hatlestad]

"He got skunked in Wyoming where Romney won"

Did he? Or maybe not. Maybe there were shenanigans in Wyoming against Dr. Paul, too.

I live in Wyoming. Our local paper, the Casper Star Tribune, 2 days after our caucus, ran a story, "Some question Romney Victory."

Here's the link:
http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/wyoming/29a97b5a76bbf407872573ca000952e7.txt

Here's some excerpts:
"In Campbell County, Romney supporter Greg Schaefer won the delegate slot although Paul won the straw poll, according to published accounts."

Also:
"Osborn, a state GOP committeewoman, said in a telephone interview Monday that people were asking why the national news media were reporting Wyoming voted for Romney when her county's straw poll gave him fourth place."

"I've had several people say to me, 'Why did it come out for Romney? I'm not in favor of Romney,'" she said.

Also:
In Johnson County, for example, former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee came in first in the straw poll, while Romney was in fourth place.

http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/wyoming/29a97b5a76bbf407872573ca000952e7.txt

[Terry]

NOW IS OUR TIME!!!!

Ron Paul has beaten Fred Thompson and Rudy AGAIN!!

52,0000 PLUS Americans voted for Ron Paul!!!! The message IS getting out.

Think about this everybody, Huckabee, McCain, and Thompson – ARE BROKE. They can’t continue to compete without any cash. Rudy has his campaign staff working for FREE – to save money. How long do you think that will last?

Remember, to these corporate government elites - it’s all about money. They would sell their mother for a dime. They can’t get enough of it.

I truly believe that the Ron Paulers can get over the 10 million in one day mark. Imagine that! 4 million on the 5th of November, 6+ million on Boston Tea Party, and now with the Free at Last – MLK day money raising well…..

When Ron Paul gets $10 MILLION the Main Stream Media will be falling all over the Doctor… and his Message of Freedom and Liberty and Peace WILL BE HEARD by the American people.

We all know that when Ron Paul speaks, and his message is heard, people support him – hands down.

Of course vote fraud is a real possibility and we must be on the “watch” to ensure that Ron Paul gets every deserved vote, and we are making it happen.

www.FreeAtLast2008.com

I’m donating $100.00 dollars. Pass the word. We are not out of this run for President. We are just beginning and we already have a good start. We are in perfect position.

GO RON PAUL!!!

LET’S GO! We will not retreat. Let it be not be said we DID NOTHING!!!

Rise up and we will win.

[Jim Palasty]

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

[Lemur]

Google "Ron Paul Racism."

[Michael Quill]

It would appear at this time in the republican primaries no front runner exists. Lower tiercandidates as Ron Paul have no down side risk but much upside potential. Other than Mr. Giuliani the lower tier candidates will need only to win or place second in South Carolina, Nevada or Florida to be viable on Super Tuesday. The additional caveat is Money to compete on Super Tuesday if free air time is close to equal. Ron Paul has the money and the commitment to ideals that could carry the election into Super Tuesday.

Dr. Paul may be welcome out west with open arms. Here in Arizona because of his grass root support and McCain’s stance on immigration and taxes, the election here could be a toss up. John McCain is not necessarily Nevada’s favorite son and this may present problems for him. This leads me to believe Nevada is the key to viability for Ron Paul. If Ron Paul wins or places second above the current front runners in Nevada, Super Tuesday will bring on a whole new look at him. And what better time would there be to differentiate him from a group of candidates that the nation as a whole has failed to indorse in the primary process thus far.