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

[Tyrell]

Ron Paul is a certifiable lunatic. Just one look at those manic eyes and his rambling speech pattern and you just know that there's something wrong with him. I wouldn't be surprised if he was on some sort of medication.

[Kevin]

Shouldn't the headline be "fourth place the new first!"?

[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.

[Ronulan Kabob]

"standard Republican theocracy"? Be a genius and pickup a dictionary before you write such tripe.

[megan]

thank you, andrew. i am one of dr. paul's michigan supporters. braved the cold (and a cold) to show my support for him. somehow number four seems lovely today... :)

[jb43]

Interesting that you say that Romney had to win, even though at that point (Pre-Michigan) he led the delegate count and the popular vote, not to mention the vote amongst self-identified republicans. The media wants to steer the primary the way they perceive it to be, instead of how the American people actually know that it is. I think that Ron Paul is an incredible person, and will do great as he jumps to the independent ticket in the general, I just think that the downplay of how well Romney has done in the primaries to date is disappointing unecessary. May the best candidate win.

Go Romney (and if not him Dr. Ron Paul).

[jack]

Thank you Andrew Malcolm.

Well said, and true. Ron is appealing to those of us that see the United States becoming like socialist Europe or mega-controlled China. We believe in our right to live free and determine our own destiny. We are tired of war and the destruction of our wealth through Federal Reserve currency debauchery. This government is like a locomotive at full throttle while the drivers are in the dining car getting drunk - para-phrasing William E. Simon, former Treasury Secretary.

The Global New World Order agenda is not mine or my children's. Americans need to take back what belonged to them: A nation concerned with individual liberty and the right to self determination .

Jack M.
West Virginia

[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.

[kevin]

i proudly voted for Ron Paul in Michigan yesterday

[aaron]

what crap - osama bin laden could get 5% in a republican party primary too running against jews, blacks and paper money... lets see ron paul win just one state before he is annointed anything more than a magnet for fringe wackos and star trek fans

[Brian]

“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a RƎVO˩UTION before tomorrow morning.” ~Henry Ford

I understand our monetary system, that's why I support Ron Paul!

Every American should watch and understand this;
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1656880303867390173

[JBP]

He's the only principled canidate and actually believes what he says. He hasn't and won't flip flop on ideas or proposals and his policy remains unchanged regardless of the polls. Look at his voting record.

Keep it up Ron, the truth will set us free.

We need him now more than ever!

[asdf]

LA times, we appreciate the coverage.

[Pete, South Carolina]

You guys need to get a grip. Take a look at the exit polls...and remember, these have been states where independents can/do vote for anybody, and specially in MI where the Dems were off the table. When real republicans vote you'll see some striking changes. No Huckabee, No McCain, and certainly no Paul. Just wait and see and get over yourselves for your keen insight and witty banter.

[MC]

Why is it that I can only find the good news about Ron Paul by specifically searching for him on the net, AND THEN, it is only on a BLOG!?!?

weak.

[BC]

Wow, what is the color of the sky on the planet of the Ronulans? Contrary to what many posting here seem to think, EVERYONE knows who Paul is, and in every state thus far he's managed single-digit percentages. That means he's entitled to exactly and nothing less than zilch, zero. But if you guys want to beat the drums because he beat Thompson and Giuliani in Michigan, then go ahead. More power to you. Everyone should feel good about themselves for a few minutes each day. One guy posted that Paul might be selected as someone's VP running mate. Are you kidding me? You might see things a little more clearly if you weren't stoned on your "medicinal use" marijuana. You guys would be laughable if you weren't kind of sad too. But hey, it makes you somewhat fascinating, though, I have to admit; like a bunch of tiny individual train wrecks.

[Tim V]

My wife's father, a huge Hillary campaigner in Indiana just yukked it up with me last nite. They have standing instructions from the DNC to quietly promote Ron Paul and Huckabee, believing them to be the easiest candidates for Hillary to beat in the general election.

I would venture that most of the votes Paul got in Michigan were crossover democrats following the DNC plan. Hillary ran unopposed in MI so they didn't have to worry about Obama there. The two candidates they absolutely have to sabotage are Thompson and Romney. I'm an Election Judge in Illinois. It's been inferred by others that the "fix is in" here already for Hillary. I have some doubt's, though. Obama has too much support here and may be able to overcome her machine.

[VMS]

Gholian laughed openly at Ron Paul for opposing the war in the early debate, so far looks like Ron Paul is the guy who laughs last - and is laughing best. Anyone else notice Ron is the only one who seems to be able to smile?

[Craig Combs]

The New York Times has a watered down version of Andrew's article, but the amazing thing is that even though they acknowledge Dr. Paul beat Giuliani and Thompson (again), the link they provide shows all GOP results except for Dr. Paul's!

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/paul-beats-giuliani-again/

The LA Times and Andrew, on the other hand, are to be acknowledged for the comprehensive links.

Are people waking up to the fact that inflation is killing this country? When the Federal Reserve increases the number of dollars in circulation each dollar we earn buys less. Each dollar we save is also worth less.

Look at the price of oil over the last 10 years. According to the Wall Street Journal (and Dr. Paul) oil has risen 350% in terms of dollars, and 200% in terms of Euros, but it has stayed flat in terms of gold. THINK ABOUT IT.

Now the Fed wants to create more inflation by lowering interest rates. The news today is that Inflation is already at record levels:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080116/economy.html?.v=8

Will enough people swallow the Red Pill and see the matrix for what it is? Our dollars are simply increasingly useless paper tickets issued by a quasi-governmental banking cartel.

Only Dr. Paul is addressing these fundamental issues.

[Dwight]

"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."

Actually, it is NOT true, at least not for Iowa (but the myth-machine keeps churning).

Visits to Iowa, and votes received:
- Huckabee - 86 Appearances, 39,814 votes, 463 votes per appearance (v/a)
- Paul - 27 Appearances, 11,598 votes, 429.5 v/a
- McCain - 38 Appearances, 15,248 votes, 401.3 v/a
- Romney - 109 Appearances, 29,405 votes, 269.8 v/a
- Thompson - 75 Appearances, 15,521 votes, 207 v/a
- Giuliani - 35 Appearances, 4,013 votes, 114.6 v/a

Ron Paul had fewer appearances in Iowa than either Thompson or Guiliani, but gathered more votes per appearance than anyone but Huckabee.

[Paul]

Dr. Ron Paul is honest.

[RonPaulNation]

I am in constant disbelief that the news media think that they can choose our next President for us. Even guys like Colbert and Stewart are not saying a word that is just sad. Nobody on TV seems to have any guts. Isn't that what is going on? Just advertise the guy they want over and over again until we think that there is no hope for anyone else and then we don't want to 'waste' our vote and end up voting for a lesser evil. We as Americans need to put our heads together to come up with a plan to get the word out at an even bigger scale. Ron Paul 100%

[Mike]

The Truth Alert rankings have consistently placed Paul in a more realistic position... http://truthalert.net/Republican%20Presidential%20Candidate%20Rankings.htm

[MC]

RON PAUL IS MY HERO!

He stands for the people, as I was taught the government is supposed to do, when I was in elementary school. Only when I grew up did I realize a true statesman may only come through once in a lifetime.

WE LOVE YOU in NC DR. PAUL!!!

[Skip]

Like a bad cold, indeed. It is as if a freedom virus is taking over this country!

Everywhere I go, I see Ron Paul signs hanging or posted somewhere, especially on the internet and on forums.

Admiral Yamamoto stated he feared they had awoke the sleeping giant... it wasn't the U.s. Federal GGovernment, it was "We The People".

We The People are beginning to see that there is something terribly wrong with our country... and what's more, there is something wrong with our ability to change it.

Take note: It is called the "Ron Paul Revolution". I don't think Ron Paul wants a revolution, I think the We The People do.