Breaking News: Ron Paul gives up the race, but not The Revolution

Please sit down to read this.

We are very sorry to be the blog that breaks this news to you. But it's our job. Many of you will be saddened, even devastated, to learn this. Others will say, "What?" or "Who's he?"

But Rep. Ron Paul, whom we've affectionately come to call the Libertarian-like, 10-term, 72-year-old Republican representative from Texas, appears to be -- this is so hard to write -- if not quitting, then almost certainly sort of stopping his race for the Republican nomination for president. Probably.

It's true. No fooling here.

There, it's out. In a special message to supporters late tonight, the congressman, who Tuesday won an overwhelming 70:30 primary victory to continue representing Texas' 14th Congressional District in the House of Representatives, doesn't actually...

use the word "quit" or "stop" or "halt" or "surrender" or "give up" or "forfeit" or "walk away" or "submit" or "retire" or "abandon" or "cease" or "resign."

And, for unexplained reasons, he does urge "loyal volunteers" to keep up the struggle to gain delegates to the GOP convention in September, although John McCain already has acquired more than enough to win the nomination. Paul sounds rather like the general who got safely off the island radioing back to his stranded troops to keep up the good fight.

But it sure sounds like a farewell message that will be a big relief to McCain. Paul says things like: "The presidential campaign will soon wind down." And: "I will continue to make every effort to visit states where enthusiasm for liberty exists."

And also: "While victory in the conventional political sense is unavailable in the presidential race, many victories have been achieved due to your hard work and enthusiasm. For that I am deeply grateful and encouraged."

In a seven-minute, 38-second video, Paul also says: "We must remember that elections are short-term efforts. Revolutions are long-term projects." He says his campaign, which followers won't admit was hopeless from the beginning, was "a significant first step" in launching what many followers called the Ron Paul Revolution.

This would involve a radical downsizing of the federal government, an end to threats to personal liberties such as the Patriot Act, bringing all U.S. troops home, a strict interpretation of the Constitution and abolition of the Federal Reserve that prints too much money.

Although largely ignored by most media -- Fox News even barred Paul from a New Hampshire debate although he had already beaten Rudy Giuliani in the Iowa caucuses -- Paul's campaign was intriguing to The Ticket for its grassroots power and spontaneity and the involvement of many earnest people new to the political process. Because a few people claiming to be Paul supporters prowled the Internet around the clock leaving crude messages and threats IN BIG LETTERS WITH LOTS OF EXCLAMATION MARKS !!!! AND YOU K*** W*** WORDS AND MISPILNGS, Paulunteers got a reputation as a bunch of loonies.

But with little national organization, thousands of sincere supporters coalesced into some 1,400 diligent meet-up groups for discussion, door-to-door campaigning, letter-writing, sign-painting and, above all, fund-raising in a dedicated effort to work within the political system despite what they saw as biased media. They made a music video and some female Paulunteers even got mostly-undressed to pose for a Ron Paul pinup calendar.

Paul did capture some fourth, fifth and second places, including the Nevada, Maine and Montana Republican caucuses. But he was dissed by fellow GOP candidates and got noticeably less speaking time in debates, which the grandfatherly former OB/GYN quietly accepted. Still, Paul lasted longer in the GOP White House race than any of those better-known rich guys who were supposed to be front-runners.

In the third quarter of 2007, Paul raised $5 million, five times what Mike Huckabee collected. And in the fourth quarter, Paul raised nearly $20 million, more than any other Republican, including gazillionaire Mitt Romney. Paul's website boasts collecting another $6.15 million this quarter.

Paul said he has formed Liberty PAC to support like-minded candidates around the country. "I don't mind playing a key role in The Revolution," Paul said tonight. "But it has to be more than a Ron Paul Revolution." He suggested "a cadre of hard-core believers is the key to success."

Paul said for legal reasons his campaign could not sponsor a much-discussed march on Washington this summer to demonstrate their numbers, but he might attend if someone else organized it and suggested June 21 was a good date.

He also spoke of "a society slipping into chaos" and cited the ongoing financial turmoil as evidence to back up his denunciation of the Federal Reserve. "We live in dangerous and exciting times," the shirt-sleeved Paul said, cracking his familiar straight face. "The dollar crisis will certainly see the decline of the American empire. And that is no small event."

In his message, Paul urged followers to continue the struggle, adding: "Today's events should be seen as a tremendous opportunity to change our country for the good."

--Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Flo]

SHAME ON YOU FOR PRINTING NON-SENSE.
YOU USUALLY DO BETTER THAN THIS.

RON PAUL HAS NOT QUIT THE RACE. ABC SCREWED UP AND EVERY PARROT OUT THERE STARTED CHIRPING.

(I know. I refused to believe it myself at first. Did you listen to the video?)

[Andrew]

It's truly a sign post. That is, the fact that the presidential election has been officially relegated to a popularity contest. In 2012 the candidates will rant about who is the greater "slave to fashion" on their FaceBook profiles. All the while Ron Paul will be proposing concrete solutions to concrete problems. It's big business that owns the American people... and that's the way they like it.

Your post smacks of the typical small minded criticism so often extended by those who can't, toward those who are.

[Dan]

Whoa whoa whoa... he never said he was dropping out or anything... he admitted it was unlikely he'd win, and it's impossible to win through the primary process... but he's not dropping out, so why is that in the headline?

And I'm sorry, I'm not sure I buy into your sentiments... they seem awfully sarcastic and mocking. If that's the case then you really ought to be ashamed. There were a lot of people who believed in this man and it's not a laughing matter. It's almost as if you enjoyed writing this article, as if you were writing Paul's tombstone... but I've got news for you. He's been reelected and our movement is just getting started. If I were the political, corporate, and media establishment I'd be worried.

(I know. I know. It was shocking to us too. But we'll all just have to learn to live with the new reality.)

[James]

I will still write in Ron Paul on my California absentee ballot in November.. Better than not voting at all..

Not a Neo-Conned Republican...

James

[Nathan Carter]

LA Times, SHAME ON YOU! First Fox, then CNN, now the LA Times! You're all the same. He never quit. If he never said the word "quit" then he didn't. I hope you get sued for this false information.

(:) You're funny, Nathan. If you have a chance, read the actual words in the blog. It often makes the comment more relevant. Thanks.)

[TB]

Ron Paul has not left the race! You are absolutley incorrect, please retract this article. If your mother tells you she loves you. CHECK YOUR SOURCES!

Thanks,
Tim

(Take a minute, Tim. And read the item. Or have someone read it to you. it makes your comment more to the point. And be sure to send us the date, place and time for Dr. Paul's next presidential campaign appearance.)

[Blonduxo]

Andrew...did you listen to the Missouri radio broadcast??? That is all the proof you need Buddy!

The campaign is just changing tactics. In the meantime let McCain spend his money and get dragged through the mud. Dr. Paul is a statesman but he is also a shrewd dude when it comes to winning campaigns. I did not hear him thanking us and bowing out, did you? Fasten your seat belts...

(Changing tactics, you say? I know how hard it must be to accept. Disappoiunting here too. But we'll all just have to move on best we can.)

[Elizabeth]

Andrew,

You reported the words, but you missed the message.

Where does he say that he is "almost certainly sort of stopping his race"?

He says plainly that efforts should continue to gain the maximum number of votes and that we should continue the caucus process, and that he will visit any state where enthusiasm for liberty exists.

This makes you look bad, Andrew.

In the past I have appreciated the attention you gave Paul, but this looks like an attempt on your part to gleefully hammer a nail into the coffin of Dr. Paul's presidential campaign. On NPR I heard the same twisted message.

You make up stuff where none exists. You are going to catch hell from us on this one, Andrew. This makes you look like part of the Lame-Stream Media.

[MichelleCB]

First I want to thank you for at least trying to sound considerate when breaking this story, even though you are incorrect. If you have followed Ron Paul at all you should know that HE is one of the most streight-forward honest people you will ever meet. He is not one to beat around the bush. If he was dropping out he would have said "I HAVE DROPPED OUT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE" Which HE DID NOT! Slowing down is not stopping. He still encouraged voters and delegates to support him. AND I HOPE THEY WILL DESPITE THESE KINDS OF STORIES!

I know that you may think we are a bunch of crazies but don't count the good Dr. Paul out just yet. Those of us who still believe in personal liberties and responsibility, smaller government, a HUMBLE foreign policy, sound currancy and the Constitution will NOT yield, we will NOT roll over and play dead, nor will we vote for a candidate we neither believe nor believe IN. (this includes all 3 of the other "main-stream" candidates" ) We will write him in if we have to but Ron Paul has won MY vote, and I am not alone.
He even has a new song .

(Who said anything about crazy? Obviously, Dr. Paul is a political realist. He's very smart. It'll be interesting to find out about his next presidential campaign appearance. Thanks.)

[Jaynee Germond]

Shame on you! Dr. Paul did NOT say he was dropping. In fact, he is going all the way to the convention. Contrary to what the MSM wants us to believe, McCain does NOT have all the delegates he needs. It is not over until the delegates say it's over. The popular vote does not decide the primary election. get your facts right. Reports are supposed to REPORT not interpret.

[John Armstrong]

Count me in as a member of the cadre.

Ron Paul is to me what Playboy is to 12 year old boys: Something to get excited when initially viewed, but its only lasting impact was to open eyes to the naked truth and stimulate individual exploration.

While that exploration occasionally leads to heartbreak, when the right person does come along, the result is climatic.

Thanks Andrew. Well written.

I can't wait for the bandwagon to turn over to see who is still standing. I will be. And I'll not have one foot on the left and one on the right; I'll have them both buried deeply below that great divide in the soil of liberty. Faithless is he who says farewell when the road darkens--J.R.R.T.

JA

(Thanks, John. It'll be very interesting to see how the movement carries on and who steps up. Please keep us posted.)

[Michael Lee]

I'm curious why you say "Paul's campaign ... was hopeless from the beginning," particularly when you later say most media ignored him.

Had Dr. Paul gotten any serious media coverage, don't you think there would be justified hope?

Anyhow the "hope" you don't see was never just about electing one man -- it is about changing our nation for the better. Change how? For one, bringing real ideas of liberty back into the political discourse, and to percolate vast numbers willing to institute those ideas.

The delegates you wonder why Dr. Paul encourages are messengers of this change. Or did you think strong grass-roots is only good for cheerleading?

(Exactly, the election being, as he says, a shortterm part of a much longer process.)

[SafetyJoe]

Ron Paul states campaign continues and asks to keep electing delegates in this teleconference.

BTW Lincoln Won with Less than 10% of Delegates!

(Clearly, many of us are in a state of denial with this news. But the video is quite compelling and convincing.)

[vinceman]

he did not drop out of the race. shouldn't you check his offiical website www.ronpaul2008.com before you make such a comment?

don't stop believing!

(You're right, it is hard to believe after all this time. But the video on the website is pretty straightforward.)

[steve]

Andrew,
I appreciate your attempt to not sound sarcastic, though in some blogs it does come across. It seems you do have a real admiration for what Ron Paul has done, in spite of his lack lustre showing in vote totals to date. You do a fine job of balancing some reality with not insulting the many Paul supporters intelligence. However, if voters would vote their conscience, look at the real issues and real solutions being brought forth and voting for what they claimed to believe in, we would have a different result. I applaud the Paul supporters (of which I am one) for sticking to their guns (which they may not have in the not-to-distant future with the way things are going) and for adamantly voicing their stance. What Dr. Paul failed to realize or admit is that he is not welcome in the Republican Party. There will probably never be another (R) front-runner who has the convictions of Dr. Paul.
I urge all of his supporters to check out the Constitution Party, the fastest growing alternate party in the States. It is not time to end the revolution, it is time to shift gears. Some will not appreciate the CP stance on reliance on God, but have you read the founding documents lately? In any case, don't let one issue qualify, or disqualify, anyone. We will not likely ever find one candidate who has each of our own convictions on every issue, unless we run ourselves.
The Constitution Party www.constitutionparty.com
Our ONLY real hope at this point.

(Interesting, Steve. I'll have to read up on that. Thanks for the guidance.)

[Duke]

I always find it amazing how the media twists and turns things to try to sway public oppinion and of course some people will believe this article just as they believe that there is no vote fraud or that there is an Easter Bunny. Actually this is the most successful attempt at misleading information about Ron Paul I have yet seen. I was beginning to think there that Mr Malcolm was a freedom loving patriot but now I see he is just another neo-con Bush/Mcain defeatist.

(It's tough, I know, to watch that video. But if Dr. Paul can face the facts, I imagine his followers will too eventually.)

[Juliet Annerino]

Dear Andrew,

Thank you for this fair report of Dr. Paul's latest message to us, his faithful followers. Though I too, see signs of your maudlin humor and sarcasm here, I also sense a true simpatico for the movement itself, as you have become familiar with the spirit of this Revolution, as expressed so sincerely in the energy and enthusiasm of the individuals serving as its torch-bearers!

We must all remember that from the very beginning, Ron Paul himself told us that this New American Revolution was not about a single man, but about a philosophy, a movement, a People of Revolution. The thunderous call of this New American Revolution, is merely the echo of those fearless men and women who rose up before us. This is our legacy. It is now up to us to defend our United States Constitution and those audacious, tenacious individuals who had embarked on this brave experiment of Freedom, over two hundred years ago. These men and women who risked and sacrificed all that was dear to them for an ideal of a country that had never existed before on the face of the earth!

Indeed we are a privileged nation and the rest of the world knows this. Through my travels I have heard us referred to as bullies, fat children, credit-card wielding idiots. And like spoiled children, we have become soft, complacent, dependent, indifferent, lazy and jaded.

I know, because I was one of those spoiled children. When friends or family asked me why I didn't get involved in politics, I'd scornfully reply that it was too late, that the only solution was revolution. (They responded in alienation, disbelief or just shock). I just didn't care. This was simply an excuse for me to do nothing. The beautiful ideals of Freedom I had once held dear, had died inside me.

All that changed when I heard Dr. Paul's message and met my Brothers and Sisters of the New Revolution. At that point, I felt a sense of connection and profound awakening to the true meaning of my heritage as an American. I felt the great responsibility that comes with such an awesome and heroic inception and ideology as ours. For in truth, noblesse oblige. And "From whom much is given, much shall be required" (Luke12:48)

As I have said before, our Congressman Ron Paul was the Ignition of Inspiration. WE are the Fire of Revolution! Let us be a Light unto the World not only as Hope, but as Proof that a Free and Peaceful society can and will, exist and thrive once more!

This June 21st, I will be back in the United States after a two-month tour with musicians in India, but I will be ready to jump on a plane from Los Angeles to Washington, if my Revolution calls for it! And I know that my faithful Brothers and Sisters will be by my side as we stand tall together for the principles of our Beloved country.

For Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,
Juliet Annerino

www.Hotties4RonPaul.com
www.LibertyPoster.org

(Good points all, Juliet. And we'll be here to chronicle whatever the developments turn out to be. Thanks for reading and taking the time to post such a personal and eloquent comment.)

[Ward]

Ron Paul's gone
but not forgotten
nor his backers
each missing a button

[Norman]

Ron Paul represents the Libertarian movement which is doomed as the vested interests wish to keep government omnipotent and omniscient. The original intent of the framers of our constitution was to keep government small, specifically the Federal Government. Over the years as localities looked to Washington DC to cure all ills, finance every program and take care of our personal crises it has become cumbersome and threatens our individual liberties more and more. So rather than ridiculing the man cherish his dedication.

[Sandra]

Where did you see that he dropped out from the video?

[Myrica gale]

Anarcho-capitalist suckers,

This crypto confederate was simply on a book tour/PR junket on your dime. Dr. Pork is laughing all the way to the bank! Time to go back to your government job Ron.

[Keir]

He Hasn't quit, and neither have we- If you listen for the truth, sometimes you hear it. We Know what we are fighting for. Liberty or death. "Peace without freedom isn't possible, because No man can be at peace if he does not have his freedom"

(It is hard to accept.)

[rplat]

This dolt is an absolute moron and why the media even mentions his name is a mystery.

[Deeptoad]

*sigh*

He said he was continuing the caucus process and asked others to do the same. I think it should be a requirement of reporters and other journalists to complete some rudimentary comprehension training.

[Kathy Smith]

You just don't get it!

(It's tough to accept, I know.)