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

[s]

I and many others will still write his name in on the ballot because we know that McHillobama surely doesn't deserve our votes nor will they get them.

[DouglasSavedFromApathy]

I Pledge Allegiance
To the Constitution
Of the United States of America!

One Nation, Sovereign,
Free from Foreign Control.
Of the People for the People,
To uphold Freedom,
Liberty and Justice
For All Citizens.

I will protect our Inalienable Rights
From all Enemies
Foreign or Domestic,
Regardless of Rank or Station,
Race, Religion or Gender.

With this Pledge I bind myself
To the Constitution
Of the United States of America.
Of its Ideals set by our Forefathers,
Until such time that Spirit has Perished.

- Written by Douglas D. West
February 2, 2008

I wont post the entire Constitution here as it is far too long, however please take time at some point to refamiliarize yourself with it here:

http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/constitution.html

The Bill of Rights: A Transcription

The Preamble to The Bill of Rights

Congress of the United States
begun and held at the City of New-York, on
Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.

THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.

ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.

Note: The following text is a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the "Bill of Rights."

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

[MJ]

We have to work hard PAUL folks. We are now delegates. McCain does not have all his delegates we know this. We will work on resolutions the whole way up. MY PRECINCT DID NOT ELECT MCCAIN!!!!

WE MUST WIN IN THE NONTRADITIONAL SENSE ---
AT THE CONVENTION!!!!

GO RON PAUL

[Aaron]

Geez....same message, same media. I wonder how many times this is that Paul has reportedly 'quit the race.' The press keeps making the same mistakes over and over again...why not actually watch the video? Get the words from the 'horse's mouth' instead of some other media outlet. We Paul supporters have A LOT of the GOP delegates....it will be interesting to see what happens at the National convention. If we see the GOP platform change their stance on things such as the gold standard, policing the world, and overspending, then we have done a great job. Hopefully, and only then, will more people begin to realize what a great policy he has.

Just Took over a Texas precinct convention and will do the same at the county convention for Paul's message!!!!

[MJ]

We will win! IN A NONTRADITIONAL SENSE!!!!

GO RON PAUL!!!

UPCOMING STATES PLEASE FIGHT HARD!!!!

[charles ranalli]

it seems that Doctor Paul
has given an uncharacteristically ambiguous
and even obscure message this time.
that seems to be the source of the controversy
in this blog.

perhaps i may be putting words into his mouth
but i suspect that
what Doctor Paul was trying to convey
is actually a double-edged message
to all his loyal supporters -
implying that each of us has the right
to decide what he or she wants to do
at this unique point in time.

for those who feel that his campaign
has effectively reached the end of the road -
he says -
go in peace -
with your head held high -
and thanks for all the wonderful work you have done.

and for those who have the stomach
for a long - drawn-out - glorious
but most probably futile
fight-to-the-finish -
he is saying -
God bless you -
my special ones.
thank you -
and go for it -
and know that i will be with you all the way.

Doctor Ron Paul is
first and foremost a man of
promethean integrity
sincere goodwill
profound humility
and most heartfelt gratitude.

his latest message -
which i think i have interpreted correctly here -
expresses his very essence -
and he knows that
we love him for who he is
as well as what he represents.

charles ranalli
albuquerque

(Thanks for your interpretation. The need for it may help explain why Dr. Paul did not connect too well with so enough voters anywhere to win a primary. Appreciate your help.)

[Lucas]

Wow, after all of your positive (if somewhat sarcastic) information given about and on the subject of Ron Paul, to sit and read some of my fellow Paul backers rip into you like this in the comment section, well, I've read almost every blog you've posted on Ron Paul, but never felt the need to comment. I'm commenting now, and the comment is 'Good job, you've reported the news as you heard it, filtered through you. You don't deserve the nasty remarks left here, though I"M sure you expected them.'

(Thanks, Lucas, for your kind words, but most of all for reading us so regularly. Look forward to having you back and commenting more often.)

[Bill Moore]

sounds like the news releases here in Texas the week before the election. They claimed he quit back then too.

[ABC LIES]

Cite your source.

I call shenanigans!

[Burt]

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.

IT ALL BS! THE YOU CFR AND THE MEDIA THAT THEY OWN.!

[Walt, Virginia]

Ron Paul should give up, as should his followers.

The country has spoken, and to ignore those that have voted in their tens of millions to reject him is an insult to their intelligence.

even in "Live Free or Die" New Hampshire, 90% of republicans and independants chose "death" rather than his philosophy.

that really should tell the paulists something.

[J. O'Brien]

Andrew Malcom, A Real Talent for Tabloid and Truthiness.

Yet again, you seek to ridicule Ron Paul. You always manage to avoid any real substance to the issues Ron Paul (and our country founders) stand for.

Your title says, "Ron Paul gives up the race" but then you go on to say he didn't actually say he was giving up the race. One of your statements must be a lie. Contrary to what you said in your blog and responses to reader posts, Ron Paul said in the video, "I will continue to make every effort to visit any state...". Yet again, more contradictions to what you write. Ron Paul also states in the video "The campaign will continue to be a grass roots effort and not a top down rigidly controlled central operation.". In effect, this means the campaign will be over when the grassroots support says it's over. This is also what Ron Paul has repeatedly said throughout his campaign. In giving you the benefit of doubt, I think you understand this but you chose to imply otherwise.

When I read your blog, you always seem to mix lies, sarcasm, satire, and distorted facts taken out of context. You then use just enough truth to stitch it all together and give it that "truthiness" feel. It occurred to me that this is exactly the kind of reporting and writing papers like the National Enquirer do.

When those 200 LA Times job cuts get names assigned to them, you might want to check out the tabloids. I think you have a real talent there.

[AndrewAlso]

Andrew,

Your "general off the island" metaphor is pretty close, although you forgot to mention that the general will still happily accept money from those still fighting the good fight. Can't have a r3volution without donations to the general!

Little do the Paultards realize, but they've just personally funded a decade's worth of re-election campaigns for this nut. He was never serious about running for President, and is now laughing all the way to the bank with their millions of dollars. Good example of how the free market works, though- some people will throw their money at the most ridiculous things!

[Cory B]

Nice article Andrew. Sadly some did not read more than the headline before commenting, thus giving credence to the notion that Paul supporters are often times delusional.

My advice: realize that the bid is over for 2008, that you made a greater than expected impact on the race, and move on to continue the "revolution". Do any more than that, (such as show denial like those above) and the loonie label will forever continue. One last tip, if Paul wants a chance in 2012, get him to spend part of that pile of cash on speaking lessons.

[Jake]

I love Dr. Paul and I love the United States. Andrew, I even love you for writing about Dr. Paul. I honestly can't tell what you think of Dr. Paul (which really shouldn't matter because true journalism is rooted in objectivity), but I'm thankful you write about him. I have been one of those faithful bloggers and Ron Paul organizers that heard about Dr. Paul last summer and my life has never been the same since. He has not only cured my political apathy, he has made me a better person. In the decades to come, I am so grateful that I will be able to say that I stood for what Dr. Paul stood for and that I fought for what he fought for, which is the cause of liberty.

(Jake, your story is one of the intreresting things that intrigued us about Dr. Paul's candidacy or rather the campaign of so many followers and their dedication. Thanks for reading and taking the time to share it.)

[Jim]

Mr. Malcolm,

I have been following your blog now for quite some time (yes, even articles that were *not* about Ron Paul) and I have a few comments that I have been holding that I would like to make now. First, however, I would address the readers:

To the few of you I have seen post and comment here with some respect and couth: thank you for speaking truth and maintaining dignity at the same time. The same goes for all the rest of you that supported RP in the conventional way -- i.e. respectably. Thank you.

To the others who are here simply to flame Mr. Malcolm: Shame on you. Your crass, rude, arrogant, and often ignorant postings are a big reason we didn't have a chance from the beginning (that's right -- I said it). From the jump people took notice of all of your crass and rude behavior. That never helped us. Other people read these comments, you know. If you are rude and hateful when you claim to speak for the Revolution, you HARM the Revolution. If you people could have kept your common sense about you and played this "game" like ADULTS we would have had better results, media be damned. All you people who stalk the blogs, foaming at the mouth, just waiting for an Andrew Malcolm or Don Frederick to pounce on, "SCARED" others who might have otherwise listened to Dr. Paul. I know because several people have told me that's exactly why they didn't support him -- because of his "crazy" and "rabid" supporters. They simply would not get in line with YOU.

Stop trying to blame others, and LOOK IN THE MIRROR.

Let this be a lesson to you -- we're not trying to make Ron Paul the Captain of a bowling team for Pete's sake, we're talking the PRESIDENCY! You can NOT act like animals and expect to be taken seriously! Chasing Hannity down in the street?! Yeah, brilliant move, guys.

There are probably a LOT of people like me -- conservative Republicans who support Ron Paul -- that are REALLY pissed off at the lot of you people who seem to live only to harass people about not covering Ron Paul, but never once posting a cogent comment with any SUBSTANCE. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Politics is a grown-up game. If you can't play like a grown-up, then go back to the sandbox and leave it to those of us who CAN.

Now then, Mr. Malcolm:

I have to give you credit -- you are one of the few "mainstream" blogs that kept up with the Ron Paul campaign, and for the coverage, I thank you. However, even bearing in mind the old adage "any publicity is good publicity," the tone in which you reported on those items was, shall I say, less-than-objective. You took every opportunity to mock or make fun -- though I have to give you that it was (at times) very subtle and probably glossed over by many in the rush to crucify you in the comments section. :)

Indeed, people thanked you quite often for belittling them and their cause... it was interesting and sad to observe.

I will not jump on the "bash Andrew" bandwagon; you sir are entitled to your opinion and you get paid cover the news. It is only natural that your personal opinions or feelings come through in your writing. You have a talent for writing, no doubt, and a sense of humor that is very keen and sharp -- forgive me for saying though that you come across a bit arrogant and condescending in your posts. especially when you brandish your sarcastic flavor of humor.

I will not argue that you posted false information -- because I do not feel it IS false. Indeed, the fact is that RP all but gave up the race after Super Tuesday. I am one of the RP supporters who are realists, and I knew since mid-to-late 2007 that RP didn't have a snowball's chance. Still, hope is a potent thing, especially for those who have had none for a long time. Ron Paul gave (gives) people hope -- hope that there really ARE politicians and people in positions of authority who DO care about the people and haven't sold their souls to the lobbyists and special interest groups; Hope that our country is not doomed to the whims of the corporations and neo-Cons. This campaign -- this Revolution -- is more about hope than anything else, if you think about it. People want real change, not just empty words and a stuffed shirt.

So -- listen to me Mr. Malcolm, this is just for you -- when you mock people's HOPE, as you have done repeatedly in this blog, even if it seems to you that it is funny and you might say to yourself: "wow, that was really a zinger! I'm SO clever!" It speaks more to the type of person you are than anything else, as far as I'm concerned. That you would take people's hope and either try to tear it apart, or just mock the s**t out of them for having the NERVE to feel hope and believe in something in this demoralized world of instant gratification, sensory overload and "news" that consists of which bubble-gum pop star is in court this week and for what -- it is a disgusting thing to behold.

At least you, sir, can report something worthwhile. I am pleased that I have never read the words "Britney Spears" on your blog. Kudos for that. However, I would urge you to think, before you wield your considerably sharp pen in this manner again, of people like me who see through it and thus, see the real Andrew Malcolm.

We are out there, and we are less than impressed.

Good day to you, sir.

[Jake]

Andrew, I think this is the first blogpost of yours that I have replied to, although I have read many.

I can tell that you've been hurt before. I know that you only act curmudgeonly because you are trying to protect your [political] heart. ;-)

Anyhow, I know that the "Ron Paul phase" of the Revolution -- or at least the "Ron Paul for President" phase -- has come to all but an official end (although he hasn't formally quit so as to hold out hope for any technicalities that may arise).....

But that's not really what this is all about, anyway.

Sure, it would have been grand and swell if we'd been able to deliver a knock-out blow to the glass jaw of today's GOP, and force it to return to its roots in Round One. But that didn't happen.

Who will fight Round Two? It will almost certainly not be Ron Paul, but he's a cagey old fighter (just ask Chris Peden). I would bet my annual salary that we certainly haven't seen the last of him.

[poppatml]

Andrew, I have to admitt you are consistent. The question I have for you now that you have completed Congressman Pauls campaign for President with wit and humor why not explain to your readers why Congressmen Pauls message missed the mark. Surely with your keen insight one edittorial piece could set the record straight on true conservtive values of modern day politics. Com'on I know you want to let him have it. Show us your stuff, we are such a easy mark.

[Jake]

I think this is the media's way to move to phase two. TOTAL blackout of Ron Paul, even on the LA Times Top of the Ticket blog.

Shame on you Andrew, you know he hasn't quit. We'll see you in St. Paul for Dr. Paul.

[blonduxo]

So Andrew you did not listen to the Missouir radio broadcast?

Not sure what CNN is reporting from Jessie Benton but my campaign for him, other RPR candidates, and the R3VOLution will never end.

Ron Paul Now More Than Ever!

[Will]

This is really sad news. I imagine this is especially hard on you, Mr. Malcolm; how will you get people to read your blog without including the words "Ron Paul" in your articles?

[Thomas]

Andrew, thank you for your kind and generous words in brining this to us.

Ron Paul showed many that they were not alone but had comrades. They were able to stand by side with others, the remnant, as Paul called it, a biblical reference. As lone coals in a fire die out, bunched coals keep burning.

Some of the revolutionaries will continue to work within the GOP. Harvesting votes and delegates might be part of that. Delegates can be a positive influence at the national convention.

Supporting freedom in those issues that Ron Paul brings to the House is related. It works for liberty and demonstrates Ron Paul's leadership in this nation and encourages it in the House. So is supporting like-minded candidates, though that can spill to other parties.

Paul's book will help continue the spread of the message. Is this the "cookbook" from the movie "Lady in the Water" by M. Night Shyamalan? Or is the "cookbook" from a new writer. Paul hinted that some are taking on projects communicating liberty through history and economics. Will economics and history departments be swamped come September?

Paul is a man of character and a man of faith. This attracted many, but was used to harm him and the campaign. Even with that, it was good to see a man who always told the truth, who assumed we were smart, who shows his creativity, who loves individuals, who did good. He spoke to ideas rather than attack people. He is a humble man, aware of his own limitations. He is generous with apprentices, even the revolution which took on his name. Minor parties would serve us well to nominate candidates like Ron Paul.

The campaign is winding down. That which continues does so for the growth of liberty, even as a Presidential campaign. New things are coming.

Things will continue on. How much? Will there be a growth of a love for liberty and simply good sense? I don't kno;; I wish the best for this nation. Paul has handed that to the Revolutionaries. He will be a part of many efforts. He will work in Congress. But, it is really up to those who love liberty. Many who see catastrophe on the horizon fear it is too late. Let us choose to believe it is not too late. Let us give the nation another chance.

The revolution continues, Andrew. Thank you for recognizing that we are here and for your generous recording of this phase of history. Your patient humor has led to wisdom for us as we figure out who we are and what we are doing, a fine and gentle mirror that showed our good features, sometimes repeating our own words in a manner much better than first blurted.

[Scott AM]

This shouldn't be so confusing and I believe that it's probably the fault of many parties not just one including the campaign itself, but with all the disinformation and slander already why should believe this to be entirely true. If McCain were to be disqualified an any way(yeah it won't happen right...) are you saying that Ron Paul would not have a chance. Are you saying that there would be no nominee for the republicans and they would have to either start over or pick someone at random.

[Kahuna]

Paul never had a chance of winning and, right from the beginning, he was regarded as a nut-case. Only in a true democracy could someone like him be a candidate for the presidency.

In any other country, he would already be in a mental institution.

[chris]

Still waiting on your answer...
-sigh-

In all seriousness I proposed marriage to you in total jest. I, for one, have appreciated your blogs on the subject of Ron Paul's campaign. I am somewhat bummed out you are receiving so much flack from some of my other brothers and sisters in the Revolution.

Thank you Mr. Malcom for your coverage.

Christina