Ron Paul's big chance for a modest splash

This could be a big weekend for Rep. Ron Paul's longshot but determined campaign to acquire some Republican delegates in the race for his party's presidential nomination.

The 72-year-old, 10-term Texas congressman has been largely dissed and dismissed by party politicians and the media in this lengthening primary race. But his loyal followers have been more than generous in recent weeks, donating nearly $20 million in the last three months of 2007 to make him the most successful GOP fundraiser then and the only one to increase his donations every quarter last year.

According to Paul's website, supporters have given an additional $5 million-plus since Jan. 1.

On Friday, Republicans started three days of caucusing in Maine, a largely ...

rural state where Paul's brand of independence and smaller government might well fit. He's got several hundred volunteers working the caucuses with the same kind of determination and imagination that drove Paul to a distant second-place finish behind Mitt Romney in Nevada's caucuses last month.

Paul is using his funds judiciously, traveling around the country and speaking largely under the major media's radar. He did well in the Louisiana caucuses and even beat out Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson elsewhere, though he finished dead last in the Florida primary.

Earlier this week Paul campaigned in Washington state, speaking to a sizable crowd of enthusiastic students in Seattle about the economy and a possible recession. "The most important thing you can do is nothing," said the onetime Libertarian candidate for president, who recently voted against the $146-billion economic stimulus package.

Paul holds that the market should be allowed to correct itself while a restrained and reduced federal government stops trying to protect millions from the economic consequences of their bad decisions.

Paul was the only Republican candidate to actually visit Maine, a fact that could go over well with locals. The nonbinding caucuses are the first step toward picking 18 Maine delegates who'll travel to the national convention in St. Paul in August.

A win in Maine on a slow news weekend as the only presidential preference voting underway just before Super Tuesday could garner Paul priceless free publicity.

Paul's message of strict constitutionalism has attracted an eclectic crowd of disaffected Democrats and Republicans and libertarians who've formed more than 1,400 meet-up groups across the country. They see their freedoms threatened by such legislation as the Patriot Act and want to bring the troops home from abroad and spend the money on domestic priorities.

Although Paul typically gets the least speaking time during GOP debates, if he isn't barred from participating altogether, he makes the most of his time. He drew numerous positive reviews after the recent Republican debate at the Reagan Library when he said it made no sense to bomb bridges in other countries, only to rebuild them with American taxpayers' money, while the bridges at home are falling down.

"The Constitution was written for one specific purpose," Paul recently told a Seattle crowd, "and that was to restrain government, not to restrain the people."

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[althusius]

This may be a good month for Ron Paul. Google Mercury retrograde.

[patty]

"So shines a good deed in a weary world." Andrew, I love you for telling the truth about some of Ron Paul's successes. In today's stifling media climate, where it's hard to believe the press really does have freedom, since they act like their mouths are taped so often, you are the big exception to the rule. No wonder you were a Pulitzer finalist.

Praying for a Ron Paul victory in Maine...

[Pablo Escobar]

Hey, this is a fair and balanced news piece... I'm surprised. Thanks Andrew!

Read this interview with Ronald Reagan from the 1970s and you'll see Ron Paul and Mr. Reagan aren't so far apart in their views:

http://www.reason.com/news/show/29318.html

The only difference is, Paul is a lot more forthright and willing to break political rules (as compared to Reagan). I guess that's part of the reason he hasn't been doing well in the primaries so far.

[Gary]

Is this the LA times that attached its name to the Romney- McCain dog and pony show? If you ever let Dr.Paul have equal time in a debate he will win in a landslide.
You should be ashamed (oops that requires a conscience}.

(Uh, no not that I know of. This blog doesn't run debates, except internally here in the comments section, and we're not the Editorial Board endorsing this or that candidate. But we do try to be equal opportunity offenders. So at some point all sides hate us--and at another point they love us. That's fine. We can all have an interesting dailogue here about this fascinating political year. Thanks for reading.)

[Max]

Clint Eastwood should now endorse Ron Paul

[patty]

Scott wrote, "Why mention that Ron Paul can barely connect with his party?"

Tell me, which of the Republican candidates IS really connecting with their party? The answer is: None.

Ann Coulter herself said that she will vote for and even CAMPAIGN for Hillary Clinton if John McCain gets the Republican nomination, because, as she says, "Hillary is more conservative, lies less, and is smarter." Half the Republicans I've talked to have serious misgivings about McCain, who is very tight with Democrats and votes as if he is one very often. HE does not connect with his party. He appeals mostly to people who are too lazy or inept to research who they're voting for.

How about Romney? Not only have a full one quarter of Republicans said they don't want to vote for a Mormon (give them credit for their honesty at least), but his flip-flopping on the crucial abortion issue leaves the sizable pro-life faction wary of him, and the healthcare plan he imposed on Massachusetts is a giant step toward socialism that Republican voters like me see as a deal-breaker.

Tax-Hike Mike Huckabee doesn't connect with most of the Republicans either, or he'd be doing better in the primaries. His appeal to Christians won him votes in Iowa but cost him in the long run.

None of the candidates is connecting with the whole Republican party, which is never a unified entity, anyway. The party is in shambles this election cycle and pretending otherwise is a show of ignorance.

[mistermr]

Put this article in the written print of the LATs, front page with a picture of the man. That would help our cause. We are all sacrificing out here my dear friend. You in the media, from the bottom up, must do like the rest of us trying to save our country from economic disaster and out of control government. Working against us is not helping. If you understand math then you understand that regardless of what the media does the message that Ron Paul is verbalizing is going to spread exponentially. I would think being remembered for reporting THAT event in history would be motivation enough.

[Jack]

To Ryan; Ryan, you must remember that the Presidednt and his staff took us to war and almost 4,000 Americans have died in ordere to make profits for the firiends of he President. Arguments such as "stay until it is safe to leave' just means hang in there to make more money.

[Jeffrey Allen Miller, NYC]

Keeping fingers crossed. I'm house hunting within 60 miles of New York City majority of yard signs I've seen (outside of "for sale" signs) are for Mr. Ron Paul. Don't see signs for Clinton thankfully.

[James]

This is a pretty neutral article, just basic information, I'm not sure why or how it would upset anybody.

I think the changes in the Republican party over the last 25 years, and fact that Paul isn't really connecting with the mainstream Republican party, is itself an interesting story.

[Don Anez]

They wouldn't vote for an electable candidate : John Edwards but they might vote for a radical such as Ron Paul in defiance of the face of the corrupt 2 party system. This man is a walking Joke and is about as much Presidential timbre as Pat Paulson was back in the 60's. Keep sending him your hard earned cash. He'll need it to sustain the Spartan lifestyle he's chosen.

[wgadget]

Andrew Malcolm for Ron Paul Press Secretary!

[marc]

Thanks for reporting on RP, keep up the good work!
Go RON 2008!!!!

[Jeremy]

Thank you LA Times for mentioning Ron Paul.

I am disgusted with how CNN moderated the most recent Republican Debate. It wreaked of the communist censorship we Americans have fought so hard against.

Instead of hearing all 4 candidates answer questions, the silly bickering between two lying candidates encompass the entire debate. I think that CNN’s TV ratings had more to do with this debate and shame on CNN for exploiting the process of electing our next President.

On a side note:
If McCain is elected, we will hear him say “Radical Islamic Extremist” at least 30 billion times (the US dollars given to Pakistan to protect the Radical Islamic Extremist).

What has happen to America? Have we lost our minds and our freedom?

[Dr Ward Ciac II]

We love the LA Times. It is now one of my links to check for the morning news. I would like to suggest to Mr. Malcolm that the Times might want to investigate what is going on in Hawaii. Someone from there mentioned on dailypaul.com yesterday that after Dr. Paul had secured a large amount of people certified to be delegates, compared to the other candidates, the locals changed the rules and extended the deadline. It sounds like another Louisiana. He writes: 'Here in Hawaii we've been doing very well with Ron Paul delegates. Now the GOP is changing the rules and allowing people to continue to sign up as republicans after the caucuses and still attend the convention.'

[dru]

ron rocks... whoever typed that long and exhausted page long criticism of Andrew Malcolm should get a life... RON ROCKS AND THE MEDIA SHOULD REPORT IT!!

[a Rocket Scientist]

With less than 10% of the primaries, if Ron Paul does win Maine, it'll just be much ignored by the Media going into Super Tuesday. It simply would be a non-event, broadcast softly, so no one hears, with all the wrong adjectives, and none of the hype. It would be portrayed as a loss, a bone, just like the fourth quarter campaign contributions report. Or, all the grass polls last year. Or, Rudy admitting Ron Paul won all the Republican Debates. The ignorant will remain ignorant.

And your little LA Times blog can go merrily along bashing the only candidate who would truely change out Country for the better. Eliminate the bubble and burst economy. Change foreign policy to make us a more peaceful country, less likely to be the target of enraged people half way around the world. Bring us back to the "Rule of Law", the a Constitutional form of government.

Yes, LA Times blog, you can feel all warm and fuzzy about being right all along, as the coming high inflation devalues your money, increases your reported profits (profits due to inflation) that you'll pay taxes on. Right that attacking another Democracy, Iran, was the right thing to do. Democracy for some, Dictators for others, oil for all, as the Globe slowly cooks.

Yes, LA Times blog, you have done the right thing, haven't you.

[Rick Toone]

Andrew —

Judging by reactions, many readers have misinterpreted the tone of your recent articles. When I read your articles, I see a commitment to good journalism, frustrated bemusement about an honest man (Dr. Paul) who is not getting his due, and a subtle sense of humor about the race.

As I've written before, I live in New Jersey — New York Times territory — where, until recently there has been a press blackout toward Dr. Paul. NYT coverage about him is, at best, deliberately denigrating.

Throughout these past few months, you have provided an invaluable service to us, as a MSM outlet who openly acknowledges Dr. Paul's candidacy, and who keeps him visible for the newbies to learn more about.

Thank you, sincerely, for your journalism.

I believe the ugly tone to some of the recent comments is due to pent up rage and frustration because Dr. Paul does not seem to be treated fairly. I know NPR (National Public Radio) did not get money from me during their recent membership drive, due to biased reporting. We all want him to do well, because his message is important to our country at this time. We want to "protect" him.

Readers — I urge us to channel our strong feelings in a productive direction. Attacking Andrew has no positive consequences. Be patient, read through his past articles, and take a deep relaxing breath.

Then go door to door in your neighborhood and spread Dr. Paul's message of hope with a handshake and a smile.

Cheers,
Rick

[Mike]

I appreciate the very fair articles that have recently been published here. Too bad it's just a blog and not in your actual newspaper. RP and this campaign have to take what we can get because of the media blackout and smearing of this good man's name and message. I think if he wins Maine the media will still give it very marginal coverage, if at all. Look at our showings in LA and NV, the record setting campaign donation money, the fixed debates, etc..

We are getting the word out, slowly but surely. It is SO IMPORTANT to get out and canvass. Ron Paul is spending his golden years out here fighting for us and fighting the biggest fight of his political career! How can we supporters do any less? It's our civil duty! RP knows he's having to come in under the radar, yet he keeps at it, day in and day out. Ya gotta work with what you've got! Let's keep hope that Main will get us some coverage and validity, but the fight is NOT over if it does not. We have a long fight ahead of all of us, keep your resolve to do the right thing! WE are making history here, keep it up. You really have no other choice for another candidate now. My vote is my small voice, but it is MINE and it will be heard! Thanks for the article LA Times!

The only way we can lose is to forget that we are winning!

www.WWRPD.org

[Judy]

Good to spread info to the general public. How could anyone resent this???? Should have happened long ago. Unfortunately at this point in the camapign it's beyond messages... It's who's supporting whom, what sound bite plays best, who has the most money to plaster over the media, and who doesn't trip. Glad to have this reporting, but sad that it didn't happen earlier. The up side is that many seeds have been planted and will grow. The message will become louder and more "mainstream." Already some of the candidates are using some of the concepts Paul has been carrying. Thanks Andrew for opening up the view.

[kara]

Down Scott Down.

[John Spartan]

RON PAUL IS CHANGE!

IT'S STILL THE ECONOMY STUPID!!

[Sascha]

I'll ask it again and again until some Paul's supporter answers me: why all this tremendous online support simply doesn't translate into votes?
Media censorship? Well, it may be, but should you care? aren't we in a new wonderful age of social networking and new media and free debate in which tv and newspapers are simply obsolete and irrilevant?
Unless there's some very big surprise on Tuesday this much is clear: all this enormous online support must be from people who doesn't vote or shout so much they seem much more than they really are-
Just like Howard Dean four years ago: what happens on the Internet stay on the Internet

[Guesswhotoo6]

More Blah blah from the media. The fact is that the GOP is dead in this race if there is no Dr Paul. McCain and Romney do not have a chance to beat either HillBill or Obama with a pro-war stance. Interestingly, the NeoConsters got themselves in a pickle, they can not support Dr Paul since he will cut off the trillions in cash flows to their group and end the war pronto. The motivation power of even the $1million million now supporting our empire is overtly corrupting. So now what? Maybe they do not even care. HillBill actually pointed out at the last debate that Bush et al is setting up a government operation outside the control of Congress. Maybe, we do not get a meaningful election, just the appearance of an election? Bush did say being Dictator would be easier! We thought the Democratic controlled Congress would end the war, did that happen? So why are we to believe the change-o-rama Democrats will actually follow through? What if we had another false flag event just before the election? Do you think Bush would call martial law? Since the bad guys are everywhere, so are excuses for such an event. One scary hypothesis.

The fact that Ron Paul is now married for 51 years is a testament to his integrity. It is hard to say that for the Clintons, McCain, or now defunct Guilani. The race just now is getting interesting. Vote Ron Paul 2008, clean this mess up, now.

[charles ranalli]

thank you Andrew
for another (truly) fair and balanced piece
about the only man (or woman for that matter)
who deserves to hold the high office of
President of the United States.
charles ranalli
albuquerque