Ron Paul's forces quietly plot GOP convention revolt against McCain

Virtually all the nation's political attention in recent weeks has focused on the compelling state-by-state presidential nomination struggle between two Democrats and the potential for party-splitting strife over there.

But in the meantime, quietly, largely under the radar of most people, the forces of Rep. Ron Paul have been organizing across the country to stage an embarrassing public revolt against Sen. John McCain when Republicans gather for their national convention in Minnesota at the beginning of September.

Paul's presidential candidacy has been correctly dismissed all along in terms of winning the nomination. He was even excluded as irrelevant by Fox News from a nationally-televised GOP debate in New Hampshire.

But what's been largely overlooked is Paul's candidacy as a reflection of a powerful lingering dissatisfaction with the Arizona senator among the party's most conservative conservatives. As anticipated in late March in The Ticket, that situation could be exacerbated by today's expected announcement from former Republican Rep. Bob Barr of Georgia for the Libertarian Party's presidential nod, a slot held by Paul in 1988.

Never mind Ralph Nader, Republican and Democratic parties both face ...

... potentially damaging internal splits that could cripple their chances for victory in a narrow vote on Nov. 4.

Just take a look at recent Republican primary results, largely overlooked because McCain locked up the necessary 1,191 delegates long ago. In Indiana, McCain got 77% of the recent Republican primary vote, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney, who've each long ago quit and endorsed McCain, still got 10% and 5% respectively, while Paul took 8%.

On the same May 6 in North Carolina, McCain received less than three-quarters of Republican votes (74%), while Huckabee got 12%, Paul 7% and Alan Keyes and No Preference took a total of 7%.

Pennsylvania was even slightly worse for the GOP's presumptive nominee, who got only 73% to a combined 27% for Paul (16%) and Huckabee (11%).

As Politico.com's Jonathan Martin noted recently, at least some of these results are temporary protest votes in meaningless primaries built on lingering affection for Huckabee and suspicion of McCain.

Given the long-since settled GOP race, thousands of other Republicans in these states, who might have put up with a McCain vote, crossed over to vote in the more exciting Democratic primaries, on their own for Sen. Barack Obama or at the urging of talk-show host Rush Limbaugh, who sought to support Hillary Clinton and prolong Democratic bloodletting.

According to a recent Boston Globe tally, Paul has a grand total of 19 Republican delegates to Romney's 260, Huckabee's 286 and McCain's 1,413.

In the last three months, Paul's forces, who donated $34.5 million to his White House effort and upward of a million total votes, have, as The Ticket has noted, been fighting a series of guerrilla battles with party establishment officials at county and state conventions from Washington and Missouri to Maine and Mississippi. Their goal: to take control of local committees, boost their delegate totals and influence platform debates.

Paul, for instance, favors a drastically reduced federal government, abolishing the Federal Reserve, ending the Iraq war immediately and withdrawing U.S. troops from abroad.

They hope to demonstrate their disagreements with McCain vocally at the convention through platform fights and an attempt to get Paul a prominent speaking slot. Paul, who's running unopposed in his home Texas district for an 11th House term, still has some $5 million in war funds and has instructed his followers that their struggle is not about a single election, but a long-term revolution for control of the Republican Party.

So eager are they to follow their leader's words, that Paul's supporters have driven his new book, "The Revolution: A Manifesto," to the top of several bestseller lists.

While Paul has consistently refused a third-party bid, he has vowed not to endorse McCain, a refusal mirrored by hundreds of his supporters who have left comments on The Ticket in recent weeks. And, no doubt, they'll flock back here today to spread the gospel below.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Photos: Associated Press and RonPaul.com

Comments

[krzee]

See you on july 12th =]

[terribly smart]

Correctly dismissed? By Fox News in New Hampshire? I guess when a guy is getting 10% in the polls, before any primary has been conducted, it is okay to exclude them from the process.

Why don't you wake up?

[Regnad Kcin]

It makes some sense for the GOP to consider Dr. Paul as the eventual nominee instead of McCain. There are over one million Ron Paul Republicans who will never vote for McCain and will write in Paul or vote 3rd party for Libertarian Barr or Constitutionalist Chuck Baldwin if Ron Paul is not on the ticket. At least half of the Huckabee vote will not go for McCain. On the other hand, Ron Paul could get almost all the McCain GOPers plus the Huckabee vote and also get Independents and steal Democrat votes. The anti-war vote will go to Ron Paul. Its time to wake up to the Revolution.

[Neil Mathieson]

Too bad that Paul didn't get an equal amount of media attention as the other candidates. He had the best platform of anyone running.
It's not the first nor the last time the media has screwed with the process.

[terribly smart]

What's a million votes?

*twice what Bush lost by

* more than twice the victory margin this year--if MSM has its way.

[Neil]

...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security...

From The Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776

[free]

@ terribly smart

He has to say 'correctly dismissed' otherwise he will feel embarrassed for not following the herd.

[Joe Lawson]

Not sure if the author really understands pledged delegates, but thats all they are is pledged. By simply winning delegate slots to the National Convention Ron Paul supporters and Huckabee supporters only need to abstain in order for McCain not to get the required amount of votes.
These are the people showing up at the local caucuses and state conventions and are taking the national delegate spots. However it can go deeper - its estimated that Ron Paul has over 600 delegates to date that will either switch thier votes from McCain to Paul or just abstain. These are delegate votes that McCain will not get and put him back under the magic number. While Ron Paul may not have enough votes to win the Republican Nomination, he probably will have enough to broker the convention.

It really does not matter who wins the primaries, it matter's who shows up at the State Caucuses - because those are the people that end up going to the Republican National Convention and voting for the Republican nominee. So in your article when you say McCain locked it up long ago, you mean in theory, but the problem with McCain is that he has no ground support, he was a media made nominee that was basically voted in by people who have no idea how the system works and do whatever the media says like robots. They DO NOT show up at caucus because they think its all over, little do they know.

Abraham Lincoln went into his nominating convention with 32 delegates and came out the nominee.

Look out - its not over folks

[Ethan F]

According to AP, Obama camp has scheduled a meeting with Christie Todd Whitman, former Gov. NJ, frmr EPA sec. Additionally, the website obamawhitman2008.com was purchased just yesterday... might be an interesting wrinkle...

[southern]

I thought Ron Paul had some good points,mixed in with some that are absolutely idiotic.

But as I was sorting through all of this, it became apparent that Ron Paul and his backers are a bunch of spoiled brats.

They will gladly cut their noses off to spite their face.
If Ron Paul can't win, ain't no republican gonna win.
We will just take our ball and go home and cry. Ain't no adults gonna tell us how to vote.

I hope you Ron Paul backers like President Obama.
You will be the ones most responsible for his election.
Congratulations, you did make a difference.

[Ray]

"He was even excluded as irrelevant by Fox News from a nationally-televised GOP debate in New Hampshire."

You say this as if Fox News was justified in excluding Ron Paul at such an early point in the race. They clearly were not justified. Or maybe you mean to imply that Fox News wouldn't treat a Republican unfairly. I'm not sure. Interpreting from newspeak to English can be tricky.

[Soapboxgod]

Paul's biggest fault was placing far too much emphasis on the War(s) and its subsequent cost. He beat this drum incessantly to the point where it turned people off. Defense spending only accounts for about 20% of the Federal Budget. Had Dr. Paul been a stronger advocate of reigning in the entitlement costs and transfer payments (something he was hesitant to address in one of the debates when he backpeddled on cutting benefits) he might have been able to garner stronger support from a much broader base.

[French Tickler]

I'm an independent, leaning slightly left and slightly libertarian. I voted for Paul in Michigan since my vote supposedly wouldn't count in Michigan (oops, Hillary changed her mind ... maybe it *should* count). Anyway, more power to Paul - over 10% of the vote in many places certainly makes him legitimate in my mind. Furthermore, taking the Republicans back to their roots could actually cause me to vote for them again. Get rid of the religion BS and the warmongering BS, and you've got a pretty good party.

[OmboBombo]

This whole pre- election process has been a sham. Forcing a weak and elderly (unfit) McCain candidate on the Republicans while shunning Ron Paul and then giving 24-7 coverage to the "worse 2 candidates in history". If ever there was a sham election process (and there have been many), this is the Mother of All Deceptions.
Ron Paul is the only honest person who tells the truth and has a very large following the other candidates are liars and mis-leaders who will drive the final nail in the coffin of freedom we call America. VOTE FOR A REAL AMERICAN RON PAUL!!!!

[sean truitt]

this is an auto-generated response. please do not reply.

[Depeche]

Republicans will not vote for Paul.

Paul did not even get relatively close to winning any contest.

Thus he should not be considered for nominee

[kmne68]

I am not enamored of John McCain though I much prefer him to HRC or BHO. Ron Paul is not without his appeal, but once a majority of people hear his platform they will run him out of town. Abolish welfare? Abolish Social (In)Security? Abolish student loan programs? Abolish the IRS and the current tax code? And as a constitutionalist, he wouldn't dream of government sponsored universal healthcare or greenhouse gas taxes.

We could use a constitution-oriented president, but too many people eat out of the public trough for it to ever happen.

[Jason H]

I don't know what's crazier - A Scientologist or a Ron Paul supporter. Flooding on-line polls, buying multiple copies of books to drive up sales, and general harassment isn't the making of a popular revolution, but rather a sign that the Information Age has sapped all concept of realityfrom far too many people. Ron Paul's chances are about as equal to a cheesecake at a fat camp. Please do America a favor by taking your meds, staying away from firearms, and relocating to Easter Island.

[Jill]

The author states that Paul's candidacy was "correctly dismissed" by the media. Just another self fulfilling prophecy by arrogant media. I'm not a Paul supporter, but I hope conservatives and libertarians in the party kick out the socialist, one world order swine that have killed the party. That includes bigot Huckabee, the big spender.

[10010010101000010]

Yes, let's seal up our borders and bankrupt our country over night! YES! Dr. Ron Paul, he used to deliver babies, he used to make racist newsletters, now he wants to make our general government services privatized! I can't wait to call the local fire department and then find out that Local Fire Stoping Inc. won't put out my burning house because I can't afford their bill! I didn't need my house anyway, it was just forclosed on by the bank after we found out that there isn't enough gold on the planet to revert to a gold standard!

It's corportacular! It's Paulicious!

It's stupid and and so are the people who think a rich, racist white-man from Texas can lie his way into a seat of inscrutable power...oh...wait a minute...

[NoCheechako]

"Paul's presidential candidacy has been correctly dismissed all along in terms of winning the nomination."

Simply amazing that Mr. Malcolm feels arrogant enough to write such a line. Mr. Malcom like so many seems to think it is the media's job to provide us with a candidate.

[Artemis]

I am writing in Dr. Ron Paul for President in November. There is NO WAY I am going to waste my vote for Obama, Clinton, or McCain-they are a joke, and more of the same old same old.

Wake up, people! You know the saying, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results." Stop being insane!

[Leroy Jenkins]

I think if the Republican establishment had treated Ron Paul's candidacy in the same manner as those of the other candidates you would not be seeing this situation arise. When people are ignored they feel powerless. When people feel powerless they become more determined to make their voices heard. The Republicans, to their detriment, have ignored and mistreated the Paulites, and are now facing the consequences of that arrogant, condescending and elitist attitude. And if it costs the Republicans the White House in 2008, I, for one, am a Republican who will say, "So what?? Maybe next time they'll listen. Temporary inconvenience, permanent improvement."

[Robert]

You Ron Paul supporters scare me with your identical talking points and bizzare, absurd rantings about the constitution peppered with eccentric facts and figures.

He didn't win the primary despite all the money his donors were sending in, because people thought he was nuts with his dietribes during the debates on the constituation, like someone who forgot his meds. He even acknowledged that McCain was the winner, and that he was in the race to influence ideas.

So, all of you Ron Paul suppprters - he lost. Get over it. Time for YOU to wake up!

[Colin]

"So eager are they to follow their leader's words, that Paul's supporters have driven his new book..."

I bought one copy for myself and my fiance to read just for fun. Am I now a crazy fanatic? I guess so!

[Todd]

Give it up Paul-ites! We do have a democratic process-- Paul never could get enough votes, despite more media coverage than his popularity demanded.

He has some great ideas, but is still sort of a wacko. Take his ideas forward, but don't get hung up on him as a person.

[Patrick t]

Ron Paul never got republican support because of his stance on the war. He is not aligned with the majority of the party on this issue. You can't be the head of a party while holding a polar opposite view on a major issue. Ron Paul and his supporters should concede defeat or they should run on a third party ticket. Protest if you want to to push your ideas, but don't try to hijack the process because you think your candidate should have won. Dust yourself off and try to win the next election.

[Patrick Henry]

LIVE FREE OR DIE

[Pragmatist]

Let's see now. All choices have consequences. Even the refusal to choose is a choice and has consequences. So to refuse to vote for the Republican candidate is automatically a vote for a liberal. How intelligent is that?

[Analytical Thinker]

Call me crazy, but doesn't Ron Paul in 2008 seem much like the campaign of Barry Goldwater in 1960. The seed is planted now, but will take a few years to grow into a massive movement of the people. If Dr. Paul is still serving and healthy for 2012, doesn't he emerge as the voice of the new conservative movement, and viable candidate for the entire Republican party?

[Nick Danger's My Hero]

1% of the population has little legitimacy to up-end the government of over 300 million? Neil, you're gonna need more than 1% to lay any legitimate claim to being "the people".

Revolution? Please. If you're looking for change, look to somebody whose answers lay in projecting a better future on the basis of the present realities.

Turning back the wheel isn't allowed in Wheel of Fortune; it's certainly not possible in history.

[Alfred in Dallas]

I understand the dissent among some voters with McCain and his oh too often tendency to moderate his views to appease the dems. It drives me crazy all the time to see him give up his principles and side with the Lib Teddy or even LIberman or any number of other dems...Even I thought about not voting for McCain in the primary, he is our only viable candidate.

At least on one front, Mr. Paul has some sense, in that he wont divide the party by taking on a silly 3rd party role in the election. I do admire the tenacity of his supporters, but to commit subterfuge to commandeer delegates is uncalled for and will only serve to vilify Paul and his supporters and further marginalize him and others in the future from challenging party platform ideals.

To continue in this manner only harms the party, Paul can stand on principle with his dozen or so delegates at the convention like a MAN and voice his objection to the party's platform as anyone else with delegates can do as well.

This fantasy of taking over the convention floor needs to stop before we begin to view Paul much as the world looks at Kucinich as a nutcase.

[L.A. Daneman]

1 million voters . . . or 1 million kooks? A platform of eliminating the Fed Reserve and pulling out of Iraq is tantamount to outlawing gasoline in favor of hay.

A viable leader? What, in his decades of representation in a sparsely populated Texas district, did Ron Paul ever accomplish?

Oh, 'He voted for earmarks, before he voted against them.'

I know 'Dr' Paul supporters, and they are fringe radicals missing the 60's, or unable to remember them. They now support Obama.

[tj]

The reason Paul supporters comment on here is because so few media outlets cover him. It is newsworthy that Paul, who the media cast as a kook, is winning delegates and fighting McCain supporters at conventions of all levels. This is democracy at its best. The people willing to fight for change are the ones who win.
Are there any Brownback, Tancredo, Hunter, Tommy Thompson, Fred Thompson, Romney, Guiliani, Gilmore Hunter voters doing the same? No, they just step in line with McCain and throw their principles out the window.

[Matt]

If you've read the constitution, and you know Ron Paul's policies, you have two choices. You can either support Ron Paul or support a unconstitutional form of government. It's that simple. True patriots will continue to support Ron Paul and others who stand up for the constitution to the convention and beyond!

[Frank]

Rep. Paul claims he's the leading advocate for freedom in Washington, D.C. Yet, his firm belief in free trade and free markets is fundamentally against his own Immigration Policy. If he believes in free trade so strongly, he should be advocating freedom of labour. Labour - a huge part of any market - should be able to move freely across any country's border. That's the logical extension of the argument for free markets. If Rep. Paul is against the idea of labour moving freely across all borders, then he should stop his freedom rhetoric. Right now, he contradicts himself. A house divided against itself cannot stand. And please don't pass me off as some angry minority. I'm a white member of the Sons of the American Revolution on both sides of my family. I desire logical thinking in my politicians.

[Tom]

I will never vote for the three stooges, McCain, Obama, Clinton, Long live RON PAUL! The news media in the good ole USA is the 4th branch of government.

[Jeanette]

I'm so sick of hearing that Ron Paul got 8-10% in primaries! Am I the only one who knows that the selections in this country are TOTALLY compromised!!!! Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate I see signs for, bumpers stickers for, have volunteers knock on my door for. He has my vote even if I have to write him in come Nov. If ya'll don't want to die on your knees with your family's heads blown off before your eyes, I suggest you do the same!!!!!!!!!!!!

[William]

I am a lifelong republican and will bite the bullet so to speak and vote for John McCain come November. I am not happy he is our candidate but I will take him over Obama any day of the week. At least with McCain he wants to control spending which is very important to me.

Dr. Paul should have talked more about controlling spending instead of harping on the war. It would have helped him more in the long run in my opinion.

[A whiff of common sense]

Not a Paul supporter, but when I read something like "correctly dismissed" I have to laugh. And not in a happy or amused way either.

I don't know what's worse -- Paul supporters or the media-programmed status-quo swallowers like Robert who fear him.

[Linda Rayborn]

I feel just as strongly about Mike Huckabee as Ron Paul supporters do for their candidate, but we are down to the final two and we have a choice, between John McCain and Barack Obama. Any way you look at it John McCain is 1000 times better than Obama. If Paul supporters continue to fight against our nominee, you are offering the presidency to Obama!!! Please, reconsider what you are doing and do the right thing, as Huckabee supporters have done. If you want to spend your time constructively on something to help the party in November, work with us towards advocating a McCain/Huckabee ticket. The party will be better for it and we will have a better chance for victory in November. PS Congressman Paul, please speak out for Senator McCain in support of his candidacy and urge your supporters to do the same. You are hurting the party at this point, to continue......

[Tom]

I will never vote for the three stooges, McCain, Obama, Clinton, Long live RON PAUL! The news media in the good ole USA is the 4th branch of government.

[Margaret Schaut]

Voting for proven CRIMINALS who violate the laws THEY WROTE, or for those who made the top corrupt politicians list is what is INSANE, especially if you think they'll suddenly be 'loyal' to their oaths when they take office. Thinking 'business as usual' is good enough for America is INSANE. We are headed down the path of DICTATORIAL FASCISM where all 'petty issues' will be meaningless if we don't take some sort of action NOW. http://www.squidoo.com/american-fascism

It is so-called professional journalists like YOU and your colleagues who are supposed to EXPOSE these things for the benefit of the American Citizens. However, for some reason you are in the pocket of the party line and ignore the grave danger we are all in. Shame on you and all the professional journalists who ignore this at America's danger and the worlds perpetual danger!

[Jules]

Whitman is not going to run..get over it. Ron Paul is nothing but a spoiler (put up by conservative republicans and and lib dems.) just like Ross P...was (by the clintons).
There are far more hillbilly democrats than republicans

[abbybwood]

I hope the Ron Paul Revolution does take over the Republican Convention and I hope they vote McCain out.

There's a good reason the Republican Convention is being held in "ST. PAUL", Minnesota....

Ron Paul is the ONLY anti-war candidate. I will vote for Ron Paul one way or the other in November, even if I have to write him in.

[RIP]

Sponsored by Obama for President--lol

[Tom Hosmanek]

Plain and simple, Ron Paul is a nut job. He is less than a patriot if he lets this dopey disruption take place.

[Mike]

This article is a perfect example of 1940s German propaganda.

[JonC]

I have voted republican in the past, but I will vote for Obama if Ron Paul is not on the ticket. George Bush 3rd (McCain) will continue bankrupting the country with wars we can't afford to fight.

[dave]

there is growing consent in the ranks of the gop leadership that it is inevitable that the constitutional candidate for PRESIDENT RON PAUL receive the nomination; seeing his overwhelming popularity and support with the people, and that the preemptive shot of the neocon fringe fraction that initially had pressed for mccain's premature and baseless presentation as 'presumptive nominee' did and does not generate, in the manner of a 'self-fulfilling prophesy' as had been their hope and expectation - a surge of subsequent support for the widely, and even wildly, unpopular mccain; but instead, has led to massive increase in awareness, of the intended plot and coup against ron paul; and keeps alerting many millions more of guileless people, to the scope of anti-constitutional and illegit censoring and biased media agitation, against ron paul and his clear and vital message; the 'numeracy' too of certain fascist leaning corporate media now has become a laughing stock, as the majority of people are waking up from their previous gullibility as to the repetitive deliberate misrepresentations, misassignments and confusion, e.g. of numbers and percentages of polls and votes, in certain media. the anti-constitutional fringe of the gop have tried to whip up a storm - and a tornado's coming back at them.

[jules]

when you talk about biggots...lets remember history and the democrat slave owners. Lets remember that blacks used to be republicans until the desperate dems use $$ as a carrot on a stick. many blacks voted for Eisenhower but then the hillbilly kennedys came into office and gave welfare new meaning and taxes skyrocked

[Andy]

Go get the book and read it, and think about what Dr. Paul is saying. Think about what has happened to us. Think about what will happen to our children if we don't change it. The Constitution was written to restrict government, not to enable it to do anything the bureaucrats and their lobbying pals might want it to do at a given moment. Seriously, read the book.

[wholly cow]

"now he wants to make our general government services privatized! I can't wait to call the local fire department and then find out that Local Fire Stoping Inc. won't put out my burning house because I can't afford their bill!"

I'm guessing your inability to spell "stopping" correctly is in no way due to a failed public education system...

[Angela]

It is funny how anyone that voted for Ron Paul is a "Follower". I guess you can call those who vote for the Clilnton, McCain, or Obama, "Red Kool-Aid Drinkers". They only do what the media tells them.

We people who voted for Ron Paul use our brains and look at the history of our Nation to make sure that it stays a free nation. We are a great nation because of the rules and laws that the forefathers put in place. Why do people want to distance themselves from the Constitution? Is it too old-fashioned? Want the new change of which Obama speaks? Well go live in another country if you don't like our Country. There are many other countries that have what you want.....socialism and tyranny. We are a blessed country and have been far different from the others.

[James Cooke]

I'm glad to see some papers like the LATimes are getting that there's a struggle going on in the GOP.

But I'm tired of the potshots taken at Ron Paul and his supporters.

A Republican that wants to impose greenhouse gas emissions that would cripple U.S. industry?

A Republican that would open the doors to illegal immigrants?

A Republican that would impose limits on free speech by imposing spending limits on campaigns?

A Republican that would keep American troops in Iraq for 100 years?

Any Republican who espouses those types of ideas is whacky in my view and out of step with the GOP... hence the nominee of this party John McCain -- thurst on the GOP by independents and media - does not represent real Republicans.

There is a revolt brewing among the GOP rank and file and Ron Paul just happens to be the figurehead.

[steve]

Oklahoma's GOP convention was pretty rowdy, read about it here:

http://www.coupbymemo.com/convention

[Apeweek]

Unfortunately, any expression of enthusiasm and excitement for a political candidate (Ron Paul and Barack Obama both come to mind) is treated as cult-like or insanity simply because few people can imagine being thrilled by a political candidate.

That's a sad commentary. Apparently we are supposed to support only candidates we can barely tolerate. Take your tranquilizer, return to your apathy. There's nothing to see here.

[Bad Journalism]

Correctly dismissed?

Among other inferences indicating a political agenda, Andrew demonstrates why mainstream journalism is losing readers and viewers. Andrew, just write the article straight down the middle and leave out innuendo's and personal opinions. Leave it to the reader to form their own opinions.

[Stan Sikorski]

Paul = REAL change

The others just offer more of the same at least, total destruction at the most. They all work for the same master. Paul doesn't. The choice is simple if you want to remain a free America.

But I get this feeling that most of the lemmings don't have the attention span to even understand a 100th of what the above means. As long as you have your sports, SUVs and full bellies, you'll buy anything. Even the insanity of the other candidates.

Well, your SUVs will be rusting in the driveway soon, your bellies empty, and even your bums living in a tent because you can't afford your house anymore. Maybe then you'll see who was better for you and the nation. Too little, too late though.

Have fun with that you 'fanatics'.

[Swamp Dog in FL]

Delusional wacko nutjobs. On so many levels. It's scary that so many believe this crap.

[Incarnate]

Elections are not about choosing a winner. They are about choosing who most closely represents what you want from your government. The only vote that is thrown away is voting from an anointed few in the hopes that you picked a winner.
The election process is NOT a lottery. Picking a winner, who does not share your points of view is only picking the one who sets the screws to your thumbs. Should you be happy that you get to pick the one who continues to send the bus down the wrong alley?
I plan on voting for Paul whether he has the nomination or not. He represents what I want from this country. Those who are closed minded enough to not actually hear his points but say "OOH he's crazy, I like the pandering of HRC or Obama, or the non-coherence and misdirected ramblings of McCain" are the real vote wasters.

[Jim DeGraffenreid]

Just a point of fact - as of today, McCain has 874 pledged delegates. These are delegates who are pledged to vote for McCain on the first ballot at the convention, and as balloting goes on they will be released from that pledge. Not sure by what math you calculated that 874 was more than 1,191, but here in Nevada it's pretty easy to see that McCain does not have the nomination locked up, and that it definitely didn't happen long ago. The debate for whether or not McCain is the appropriate choice for the Republican nomination is alive and well, and will be as long as there are two candidates in the race. The primary results numbers that you show are evidence of this. Look at the showing that Huckabee and Romney are getting as candidates that have officially withdrawn, and imagine what kind of support they wil have if they re-enter the race by adding their names to the convention ballot, which both are eligible to do. It's going to be an interesting summer...

[acroso]

the new GOP is run like communist Russia. Even if Paul does well at a state convention, the chairman almost ALWAYS cheat.

Just looks at Sue Lowden and Bob Beers in Nevada.

[Leonardo]

I know a selfless true patriot when I see one...
He is incapable of corruption; it is in his nature…
He’s found peace within which he will promotes and righteousness will guided him and his fellow countryman…

[sssysioux]

What is most sad is the blatant lack of concern for what the people want at even the grass roots level by the entrenched leadership of the GOP. These leaders use parliamentarian procedure games to thwart the message and desire of the people, they are no more a friend or 'THE' party than the dems. A Revolution is the only answer and some very clever and patient men have started that ball rolling. They can dumb down the school and grow the kids on TV propaganda, somehow they still get the bigger picture, not even Hannity can stop it.

[Bob]

The essence of successful politics is compromise. No one gets everything they want all the time. Ron Paul's supporters are doing the right thing to voice their views strongly within the nominating and convention process. But, when it's over, they have an obligation to support the nominee.

[Roggie]

"A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example." Niccolo Machiavelli

It's time to return to the first principles of our republic, to prevent the otherwise inevitable collapse into complete despotism and tyranny. At one time Liberty and Self Determination meant something in this country. We have watched it slip away into domesticated slavery and dependence upon the government. It's time to return to the first principles of our republic.

[Van]

"correctly dismissed"?!

What is correct about the media prematurely dismissing a candidate - especially a sitting 10-term congressman! - from America's biggest election? And then Paul doesnt do well in the primaries, and the media says "See, we were right!" No, you weren't right. You're GUILTY of keeping a GOOD candidate in obscurity.

[Celumnaz]

Republicans would vote for Hillary if she were on the (R) ballot. Party platforms are not reflected in the leadership and they don't care.

"There's just the "Republicrat" party with 2 factions, "Democrats" and "Republicans"." The effect is once again Party Men show themselves to be Lemmings and/or Useful Idiots.

Yes I'll be writing him in if the old guard can't find the sense to put the good doctor as the nominee.

But I actually think the Republicans WANT to lose this time around. Losers.

[JJ]

As someone who voted for Huckabee in Pennsylvania (I was delighted to see his name still on the ballot), McCain need not worry about Paul or others taking votes away from him.

I will not vote for McCain no matter what.

-JJ

[liz sipfle]

I'm glad to see Ron Paul supporters are still active. I think McCain is a horrible choice for the GOP nominee. The only hope we have of keeping the white house is for McCain to pick Huckabee as his VP nominee. Or for the Ron Paul group to prevent McCain from getting the nomination at the convention -- go Ron Paul Supporters!

[sssysioux]

Can someone please answer for me why it is that in every other part of the Federal government one must retire by age 65, but the GOP runs with great force and against the solid base of the party, John McCain, makes me wonder who they plan for as the VEEP, that is probably the guy to be more concerned about...time for equality in age limits!!!

[McCain is your candidate]

The Ron Paul folks better get in line behind John McCain, if they know what's good for them. Paul lost. That's it.

[Aaron]

The people who vote for Ron Paul won't be to blame if McCain doesn't win, that fault rest solely on the Republican party for pushing a weak nominee who is out of touch with the party's platform.

And Ron Paul's fans aren't going away. The conservative part of the Republican party has been quite long enough and its time to take back our party and repair the damage Bush and his gang has brought on this once great party.

He might not win the White House this year but his presence in the race is going to be felt for years to come.

[Oh the irony!]

Wouldn't it be funny if the Democrats -- after Limbaugh's attempt to screw them up by promoting Hillary -- turn out to be the ones all peaceful and settled come summer? And the Republicans are the ones with the in-fighting problem? Tee hee!

It would make for some grand TV to see the Repub convention all in chaos. You go Ron Paul! Grab your popcorn.

[OGReadmore]

We do not live in a democracy, fools! We live in a Constitutional Republic. Unfortunately, our republic has been hijacked by corporations. Only those who the corporate powers deem worthy will ever find themselves in high political office. It is corporate america who pays for the elections, and it is corporate america who elects our leaders. Just ask Diebold. Our votes don't really count, because the corporations count the votes.

[I am 12 years old. Stop me.]

I'm just checking in to see how good this system is at stopping me from participating.

We kids have a voice too, and you should hear us!

Peace to all mankind!

W00t!

[Frank Wessley]

I am voting for (and writing his name in on the ballot) Ron Paul as president of the United States because I have done a lot (!!!!!) of research on him, and he knows what he is doing. He is easily the best choice for our country, for president.

Ron Paul (unlike McCain, Obama, and Hillary) is not a member of the pro-war and pro-North American Union Council of Foreign Relations, and he is not taking large campaign contributions from large investment firms like Goldman Sachs (unlike McCain, Obama and Hillary).

If you have a conscience, morals and ethics -- if you are Christian -- you will vote for a peace candidate who stands for real American values. You will vote for Ron Paul in 2008.

[Wake Up]

I am utterly amazed at the mindset of the Ron Paul bashers in this post.

I mean WAKE UP.

If you simply take away your prejudices agaisnt "Ron Paul people" and listen to the message...I am not sure a person who has control over their mind and thoughts can say he is wrong abotu our current state of affairs in the USA or where we need to go in order to save our great country.

Perhaps we ought to start referring to all the Ron Paul bashers as "Commies".

In my opinion if you vote for any of the other candidates or refuse to hold them accountable for their lack of support for the Constitution...you very well may be Commies. Perhaps it is you who they are making the camps for....

[Sam]

So what if I'm 12. I want to write on this cool blog, too.

PEECE BROTHAAZ!

[John]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people want to discount Ron Paul. This article is laced with loaded language in reference to Ron Paul's campaign, notably "revolt against McCain", "guerrilla battles with party establishment officials" and "take control of local committees." Even though objectivity is clearly not the strong suit of the Author, that kind of sophomoric spin-doctoring is exactly the kind of writing that is indicative of the lack of legitimate counter arguments to Ron Paul's platform. Ron Paul wants to run the country using the rules and laws our country has agreed on. He wants to keep our military from losing their lives in ways beyond protecting our country. It should be clear exactly what kind of people would oppose that ideology. Frighteningly there seems to be a large number of citizens who are not seeing the consequences of their dismissal of Ron Paul.

[Edmund]

Seems to me the lesser of two evils still takes us to hell in a handbasket. And I wonder how much "less evil" he really is. Honestly, if our We the People cannot understand where we are going, we do not deserve liberty and really do belong in an all-expense paid trip to Club Stalin (soon to be Club Hillary).

Sure, there are some things I do not like about Ron Paul, ie his stance on foreign policy and his being anti-death penalty. But there are a lot more things wrong with our government. My government treats me more like a criminal than they do those at Club Gitmo.

The choice is near at hand.

[Peter Kondos]

Ron Paul is nuts! Anybody that gave money to Ron Paul's campaign is nuts. Go ahead and help Obama get elected and see what that will get you...probably small change in your pocket and you will have helped to elect a man who hates America.

[Steven Stipulkoski]

Since we have survived Bush for two terms, we can survive Obama for one. Obama probably does not have a clue as to what will fix the American economy so he will probably be a weak candidate by 2012.

Let's write in Ron Paul's name this November so he can't be ignored by the MSM in 2012.

[orlandocajun]

OGReadmore | May 12, 2008 at 10:02 AM
"It is corporate america who pays for the elections, and it is corporate america who elects our leaders"

I agree that corporate America pays, in large part, for elections, but corporate America can't register to vote. It is people who vote and the vast majority are too uninformed to exercise the privilege. We can't blame corporate America for selling what the gullible are buying.

Personally, I would like to see Limbaugh start a "write-in Thompson or Hunter" campaign rather than waste his time on the Democrats. I don't care if McCain loses. We'll get a liberal either way. Anyway, the real power in this country is in Congress...not the White House.

[brad]

MR. MALCOLM - Read the Revolution: A Manifesto yet? It's a quick read. I challenge you to read it and refute his platform policies here.

It'd be much better journalism than you are doing right now.

[Micah Burnett]

"Correctly dismissed..." Um, really? Is that why he broke all the fundraising records. Man those Internet bloggers/spammers sure are rich! Go back and bury your head in the LA Times Malcolm, and let the real men steer the future of our country.

http://www.zeios.com/OurRepublic/

[Akerasi]

It's a sad, sad day when the Democrat's presumptive nominee is more fiscally conservative than the Republican one. As a registered Libertarian, I tend to vote for the most fiscally conservative candidate for president, as that tends to be most helpful.

[Steven Stipulkoski]

Since we have survived Bush for two terms, we can survive Obama for one. Obama probably does not have a clue as to what will fix the American economy so he will probably be a weak candidate by 2012.

Let's write in Ron Paul's name this November so he can't be ignored by the MSM in 2012.

[Mike]

As a Paul fan, I'm against the Iraq War. If Obama wins, the Iraq War ends (not that I would vote for him). But why would I vote for McCain? If he wins, liberalism wins, abortion continues, and the war goes on. Why would I expect a member of the "gang of 14" to appoint judges to overturn Roe v Wade?

[SillyBoy]

A large percentage of Paul supporters are no more Republican than Ralph Nader. Paul himself is more or less a Libertarian who's grafted onto the Republican party.

The Democrats have a real, deep, and serious divide. Paul's candidacy has become a sideshow, as radicalized as some of Paul's proposals.

If some Democrats want to comfort themselves by imagining a fantasy Paulista takeover of the Republican convention, I'm sure Michael Moore could slap together a script and film it. As for reality, other than a possible inbterruption or two (as Paulistas are as persistent as they are logically inconsistent) don't hold your breath.

[parke]

Want to play fair? Then get your folks to show up to the caucuses and vote. Dont cry because Paul supporters are activists.

'Advertisements are the only truths to be relied upon in newspapers.' Jefferson

I turned the TV off a long time ago. After FOX pulled the rug from Paul the day before the primary in NH I canceled my cable. Jefferson is correct. The media crowns the king of America. Im with Howard Beale.

America needs a doctor. We are in deep shit and there is only one man focusing on our rights, the value of our dollar and ending the OCCUPATION of Iraq. The others are nothing but the status quo.

[bilzabub]

When I went on a five day road trip not long ago, I noticed that there were, by a large margin, more bumperstickers, signs, and even billboards in support of Ron Paul than for any other candidate running. I firmly believe that the American mainstream media is completely out-of-touch with the American people and only pay attention to politicians who are willing to support their greedy corporate slimeball agendas. The media doesn't care a single bit about the liberties of the American people. And shame on the Republican Party for propping up Bushs' 3rd term candidate instead of the candidate that The People actually want. Just take a road trip and see for yourself.

As they say,
You can fool some of the people some of the time.....

[DH]

Enough! Hey Ron Paul supporters, your candidate LOST. Hey Bob Barr supporters, your candidate is an ego maniac desperately craving attention and has no shot of being President. Sorry, but it is time to move on. We need to unite under our common beliefs as Republicans and not divide the party because your candidate LACKED THE SUPPORT OF THE MAJORITY. That is how our system works. We need to gather behind McCain for the sake of our future or we will live with regret as Obama or Hillary run our great country into the ground.

[Gregg Stanley]

I've waited 30 years for one decent major party candidate.
Not that there were any decent candidates in the last 100 years. Grover Cleveland was the last OK president.

With Ron Paul we have a good candidate. Viva la revolution!

[Kris]

I'm tired of how large and inefficient the federal and local governments have become. That's why I vote against just about everything, I don't even care if it's schools asking for more funding - they aren't working anyways. Our system is about due to collapse. I'm guessing in the next 15-20 years the population will be fed up and revolt. Of course Dr. Paul could be the catalyst to speed it up even quicker.

[Bob in TX]

I personally like Ron Paul, and agree with much of what he has done during his tenure. He is the only one who brought up the issue of issuing letters of Marque and Reprisal against Osama and the Taliban. That single act by Congress could have really made a difference since they frankly haven't the guts to deal with the issue. On the issue of the War, however, he is dead wrong. It makes no difference that troops were committed based on faulty intelligence or a lie. They are there, and they are dying. To pull our without achieving victory - i.e. a self sustaining Iraqi Republic, is to throw the sacrifices of our troops on the refuse pile. They are having an effect there, and the fact that our troops demonstrate on a daily basis that they are not a bunch of monstrous evil-doers, bugs the living Hell out of the bulk of Muslims in the region and the rest of the Muslim world. Muslims are seeing that perhaps they have been fed a bunch of crap by their leaders and Imams their entire lives. Yes, there may be an initial backlash of Islamic terrorism, just as there was a backlash of Nazi terrorism in Germany after the war (all they way to 1948...that's three years folks!).
Do I agree with what the Paulistas are planning? Sure. But anyone who believes Paul will walk out with the nomination is crazy. His effort represents 10% of the 30% of the voting populace that constitutes the Republican Party (that means his national support is basically 3%). Last I heard, you still need over 50% to win in a two party race and even though it's less if more parties are involved, it's still a lot more than 3%. I am still very torn about whether or not to cast my November ballot for McCain. His close work with McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, illegal, immigration, and the "Gang of 14" have not endeared him to me. One need only to read the Constitution to see what should have been done on the Justices. And one need only look at recent developments in Oklahoma to see the proper stand on illegal immigration (if you haven't paid attention, the Oklahoma legislature has passed a bunch of anti-immigrant legislation...Result: They are leaving Oklahoma in droves...AND...The unemployment rate has dropped! Guess there are a bunch of Americans who are willing to do those jobs that only illegal immigrants would do!). As to the issue of Supreme Court Justices, McCain is a maverick. What assurances does anyone have that he will appoint Scalias, Thomases, Roberts, or Alitos? None! I see more Souters in the hall standing by. Perhaps I'll cast my presidential vote elsewhere, or sit that one out as I don't want the Conservative Right to get the blame for the upcoming debacle. After all, we did have to endure Jimmy Carter to get Ronald Reagan.

[Aaron]

"Ron Paul could get almost all the McCain GOPers plus the Huckabee vote"

Are you serious? The Republican nomination is going to McCain without any serious debate or problem in Minnesota. There will be crazy Uncle Paul supporters, the same exact people who are at other Paul events; they don't represent a a majority of the Republican party at all. Look at the numbers: he received 19 delegates. That doesn't even work out to a minority, let alone a majority. Those who would have voted for Paul aren't supporters who would have ever supported another Republican nominee, so nothing is lost with them turning to another party.

[Evil Bankers]

"If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and the corporations which grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

~ Thomas Jefferson

[James Ligenfelter]

I've been in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I've been with the US Special Operations forces for nearly 15 years and no one has spoken to us about how we feel about the war or the candidates. EVERYONE in my unit endorsed Ron Paul and wish he had media attention. The media will soon change because WE the PEOPLE are changing. The marketing adage that you can exploit people and control their conversations and decisions is no longer valid in a society where the internet can refute the media lies. We now challenge the lies and look for integrity. Ron Paul has integrity. The writer of this piece was sorely out of touch and may still be with his apologetic tone towards the mass herd.

[Steve]

I will continue to support Ron Paul and our constitution!!
and if you truly care about your country you will do the same!!!...Wake-up people!!!....

[Nino]

last time we voted as advised..lesser of two evils and we got...golly guess what..evil..a no win war..open borders,illegals working off the books and the hero grins...nafta low pricing american made products and hillary giggles....poisoned food stuffs from china and lead based painted toys for our tots,and the haaarvard grad talks of change...sure,toss the baby away (he is pro abortion of course) but keep the diaper..what a hobsons choice again..our rulers take us for morons..wonder why..........

[Lionel]

Ron Paul is a psychotic lunatic and anyone who supports him is a nut too.

[mroberts]

The Paul detractors on this board seem to have one thing in common: they have no clue about what Paul really supports and why it is relevant to their lives. If you want to see why Paul's platform is the ONLY TRULY American one, and the one that will best preserve your liberty (hopefully you still care about that), then read Paul's new book, then the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, Story's Commentaries on the Constitution, The Law by Frederic Bastiat, The Jubilee of the Constitution by Adams, and anything by Murray Rothbard and Ludwig von Mises. The stuff in these documents is essentially the original philosophy of our nation's Founding, and it is not taught in our schools anymore. Do you want to have less government meddling in your lives? Do you want to keep more of your monthly income? Would you like to put your money in the bank and not worry about inflation ravaging it? Are you tired of the boom and bust cycles that enrich Wall Street crooks and destroy the middle class? Then READ and understand and expand your minds. Learn to think for yourselves. Tell me, you Paul detractors, when was the last time you actually turned off the TV and bothered to to take the time to read and study (expanding your mind in the process) the philosophy of our nation's Founding? Or do you obtain your "knowledge" in 30 second soundbites from the ignorant and biased pundits in the mainstream media? The knowledge of our Founding has been lost by the general public and we place the future of our nation in great jeopardy if we do no regain it. Ron Paul is the ONLY truly free market, limited government candidate in today's campaign. Your children and your grandchildren will live better lives, and be freer, if we return our nation to it's roots. This is EXACTLY what Paul's campaign is all about.

[Nathan]

In 2000, the same thing happen with W vs. Alan Keyes. It's no different this time, and all it is is just protest votes by people who'll probably vote for McCain in the Fall.

[Ster]

It's sad that one of the few people running that have at least some real conservative views (Paul) is a racist.

You think Wright is hurting Obama? ha!
Wait till the guy running for prez (Paul), who is white, gets vetted with his racial past.

There's plenty of it and it'll come out right before the vote. Ron Paul will only make it look like conservatives are the racists... just like Democrats and the media have portrayed them to be for decades, even though that's not only false, but it's the left that are really racist.

Paul will make every left leaner believe that all conservatives are racist and convince many in the center. The Conservatives will be harmed and branded for decades.

I like some of Ron's ideas.... but we cannot promote a RACIST... PERIOD!

[Peabody]

RP is the worst candidate in a long time. He has money and almost all of the debates and because he was a horrible orator his messsage was garbled in his stutter. This, stick it to them, the world is ending, save my constitution bull also pushes people away. Since you can't win within the system disruption is your answer? Again you push people away. Its all very juvinille and middle america is very awake and taking notes. You think they are asleep but they're taking notes on your "antics". It doesn't help youor cause. A marginal candidate was marginalized by middle America. Eyes Wide Open.

[Brandi]

I think it is sad how some journalist’s and T.V/Media portray Dr. Ron Paul and his supporters. This whole political race has become nothing but one HUGE JOKE, and guess what the joke is on you. I doubt that many people that are voting McCain, Clinton, or Obama are even the least bit educated as to what it means to have a Constitution or abide by the laws of it.

Dr. Paul is the Champion of the Constitution, and still believes that We The People should be able to enjoy our freedom & civil liberties. I doubt that most of you even know what our civil liberties are. I encourage you to read up on the Declaration of Independence 1776 (the original draft of our founding fathers), as well as the Constitution which includes the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights, along with articles in the Constitution defines for us what our civil liberties are. Without these documents we would not be able to have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, rights to peacefully assemble, and to petition our government for a redress of grievances. Some other civil liberties include the right to bear arms, the rights of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

I would also like to point out that the Constitutional Amendments ABOLISHED SLAVERY, and GAVE WOMEN and MINORITIES the RIGHT to VOTE and be seen as EQUALS.

If We The People, let the government start taking away our Constitutional Rights such as freedom of speech, right to keep and bear Arms, and rights to be secure in our persons, houses, privacy and finances, then what makes you think they won’t take away a women’s right to vote, or go back to slavery?

The Constitution is a LEGAL binding document, and was not intended to be changed without the consent of a majority of Congress and the People of the United States. Just because you don’t happen to like one or more parts of the Constitution doesn’t give you the right to ignore this beautiful LEGAL DOCUMENT, nor does it suggest that our elected officials can swear an oath to uphold the Constitution to the best of their ability, and then basically do whatever they want without having to be accountable for their actions.

Most of our elected and presidential “presumptive” nominees, including McCain, Clinton, and Obama are stomping all over your rights and civil liberties, and they are doing it with great big smiles on their faces. Not one of the three has suggested a solution as to how they are going to “change” the problems we are facing today. Instead they are running around acting like a bunch of school kids pointing fingers, slandering their opponents, and breaking their own laws.

I challenge you to look into ALL the candidates past records and find one (besides Ron Paul) that has voted consistent throughout their political careers, or that has not been in front of a jury for possible crimes, as well as treason, or committed political and religious heresies. Are those the people that we really want running this country? I think both parties have embarrassed themselves and this country long enough.
It’s time to take responsibility for your country, your family, and yourself. I don’t understand how people can judge others for something they simply can’t understand, when most people would rather watch Britney Spears and Paris Hilton than look up some actually history which could save the entire United States from serious repercussions.

Vote your Principles and Vote what is right, not what the media tells you to do. Doing the right thing is not always the most popular or the easiest thing to do, but you have a moral responsibility to do it anyway.

[Debbie]

To the author:

Please go read the US Constitution. You are obviously brainwashed by the Main Stream Media.

Get a clue.

[Steve_NO]

Nice to see the Ron Paul loons are still out on their passes......but off their meds, apparently. They've been quiet for a few months.....its easy to forget how deeply detached from reality these people are. Let me know how that "600 delegates ready to switch" thing works out for you, Paulites......

[Rich]

I guess I'm just one of thos Ron Paul internet wackos.

Ron Paul supporter.

I'd love to see a shake up at the convention. I'm also interesed in Mr. Barr now as well.

[Branden]

I'm amazed at all the people who are calling Ron Paul a "whacko." It shows how far our nation has come from the days of the early Republic. Do any of you critics remember the purpose of the Revolution and the Constitution in the first place?

Unless you answered "To limit the power of government," you flunk the test.

Do any of you Paul-haters ever complain about the ludicrous amount of taxes that Americans pay? We're not just talking about the federal income tax either -- look at state income taxes, property taxes and sales taxes and many people are paying close to HALF of their income to the government!

You are either blind or a socialist if that doesn't outrage you, and Ron Paul is the only candidate who will try to make a real difference.

[D. Charles Shiderly]

To Ron Paul's detractors:

Isolationism: His point has always been one of military isolationism, not isolation in the traditional sense. We will continue to trade with everyone, just as we do today, but without the expensive military presence. Why do we have a base in Belfast?

Gold Standard: It's painfully obvious that there's not enough gold to make this happen, Paul's point has been to move away from a pure fiat currency and to abolish the Federal Reserve (federal in name only, it is in no way beholden to the US government) as only Congress has the power to manage the currency.

Your Burning House: The Federal government has no business in local issues, and is in fact explicitly barred from getting involved. That is an issue for the municipal or state government. Why'd you get the foreclosure anyway? Didn't pay your bills on time? Then it's your own fault.

Racist newsletter: All of them ghost-written, brought back into the limelight by a sensationalist media. Paul's voting record and bill introduction record speaks volumes against this smearing.

Like it or not, we are in need of a reset of government, and he's the only candidate advocating exactly that.

[Walt, Ohio]

Anyone who would consider voting for McCain should watch this video. Pat Buchanan does not support John McCain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y395Tftgz0E
Ron Paul is the best chance for the Republican party. Too bad he doesn't get more recognition.

[George Rose]

VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!!

[Lori]

If you only read Ron Paul's campaign info, you would tend to believe that he may have the right idea on some issues. Then read further, research him, listen to his rabid fanbase and his frenetic babbling on talk shows and radio interviews and you'll get to know him a little better.
You'll also find that he refuses to disavow the 9/11 Truthers, who follow him and are a large part of this 'revolution'. And that his not-so-distant newsletters, which are near impossible to find online now, are filled with anti-semitism and racist crap. If his followers were so PROUD of every word that has passed his lips, they'd make sure his newsletters and his other writings, articles and pamphlets were available online for all to read. BUT they don't want you to know EVERYTHING about Ron Paul, just the stuff they think will get your vote.
A lot of his followers are Libertarians, BIg L, not little l, and are Pro-choice, non-interventionists (really isolationists) who want to return to the Gold Standard. And you want to say that this is the sentiment of mainstream Republicans? NO thank you, it is not.
They live in a nice little cloud city, where we have privatized the military so we 'hire' solders to defend us, privatized all government services, etc. Yes, government is too big, but these people don't live in the real world. You're NOT going to undo all these years of liberal free-thinking. And trying to do so will only tear apart the Republican party, which conservatives are trying to save in spite of itself.
So yes, a vote for Ron Paul is a vote for Obama, and we'll have a greater hell to crawl out of in 4/8/12/16 years than if we have McCain and his subsequent VP choice in the White House.

[RaferJanders]

Andi, Howz it mon, I liked this one, I still can not get over
the fact, A man as well educated as you seem to be cannot or refuses to see the writing on the wall? Well I see
from some of the comments people are so blind to
what Ron Paul stands for, I blame that mainly on there
ignorance but a share does rest with the media and there lack of objective reporting, The Republican party
of Skagit Valley probley has broken the law, That is for
a court to decide, I know this elecition is just a jedi mind
trick just to keep our minds focused on something a kin to Springer, Meanwhile the world burns, Well I am out, afternoon in the cannoe bass fishing with my 4yearold
daughter, Have a Great day, and Peace to all

[Jason]

some folks don't think he will win? He Already Is!! Millions of young people are seeing a face put to all the wrongs we see in this country everyday. Ron Paul has inspired me to fight to take this country back and give it to the people. Doing the right thing is just that, doing the right thing. Supporting mccain just because u are a republican is not what this country was founded on. Do what is right and push for Ron Paul, one day your children will thank you. Otherwise, you will just concede your freedom, and when that is gone, what will we be left with? If you can't get behind Paul, I challenge you to just read the Constitution. After he is gone, it is still supposed to be our government.

[Beeej]

I agree, Ron Paul is the man. I love my country which is why I am voting for Paul...As for fox news, about 2 years ago I removed the fox channel from my tv box at home due to a false and biased report. I have yet to watch anything that deals with fox which includes movies and tv shows as well..

[Just passing by...]

It's amazing how so many people against Ron Paul supporters have to revert to insults of lunacy and idiocy...can they not think of a decent argument for their own ideas?

[JP]

Amazing the number of posts I see that actually think McCain is some sort of improvement over Obama. I wish people would wake up and realize that there is no 2 party system anymore. Its now liberal or ultra-liberal. You figure out which one is McCain and which is Obama and you let me know.

[My name]

I'm writing in Ron Paul come Nov.4... period.

If the retards who cannot correctly identify him as the only statesman in the running it is because they no ears with which to hear the call to liberty. To those who would not take Dr. Paul seriously I would say that they are blind by choice to the change happening before their eyes.

When I encounter someone who laughs at Dr. Paul, his supporters, myself, etc., I only smile and tell them that they are truly the product of a broken education system, and have as much comprehension for American & World history as they have respect for the Constitution. They are neither American in their ideals, nor in their loyalties.

I cannot accept the "Three Stooges" as serious candidates for POTUS - they are just not acceptable.

If my vote for Paul "causes" Obama to gain the Presidency, I say good! McCain has already shown his disdain for the borders, language and culture of our Nation through his treasonous Amnesty proposal. He needs to apologize to the American people for his betrayal and resign from the race as well as the office that the good people of Arizona entrusted him with.

Go Ron Go!!!!!!

[Blues Bob]

Let's see...names?, dates, locations? How about documents, emails, quotes? Gee...another anti-Paul article doing what all articles about Ron Paul have done...painting his supporters as dangerous, disenfranchised "whack-jobs" without any proof to back up the claims

[Josey]

"Paul's presidential candidacy has been correctly dismissed all along in terms of winning the nomination. He was even excluded as irrelevant by Fox News from a nationally-televised GOP debate in New Hampshire."

Wow! Some f**king idiot from a nearly defunct newspaper is blogging that Paul's candidacy was "correctly dismissed". I've heard it all.

[Mike]

"Those who would have voted for Paul aren't supporters who would have ever supported another Republican nominee, so nothing is lost with them turning to another party."

I voted for Bush twice. I'll be writing in Ron Paul this year.

[FTIFWARP]

Ron Paul is not a racist. This has been proven wrong time and time again. You have absolutely no proof. He is not a lunatic. He was the only good candidate and YOU screwed it up. THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[migtex1234]

WHAT A SELFISH THING TO DO! WHY IS PAUL DETERMINED TO HELP THE DEMO RATS? HE WILL RUIN ANY POSSIBILITY, FOR REPUBLICANS AND FOR WHAT? I AM A REPUBLICAN & I WOULD NEVER HAVE VOTED FOR THIS STRANGE PERSON.

[mike]

Ya lets bring Ron Paul in and abolish the corrupt federal reserve, and central banking system completely so we can revisit the times between central banks when there was a depression (not recession) every 4 or five years. While we are at it lets get back on the gold standard so we can have huge fluctuations in unemployment and deflation instead of inflation. Ya thats better than a small recession every now and then and the terrible secret hidden tax of inflation that only top government officials who grew up with you know about. The gold standard will keep us fiscally sound and not allow us to spend more than we make right! Oh unless we go off it again. How about just enforcing a budget like any other business does (ya) the U.S. is pretty much a big business. Lets get rid of taxes we were fine before lincoln instituted the income tax right we don't need taxes gas tax, income tax, sales tax (my mistake there was sales tax. Oh ya roads, schools communication and the rest of our infrustructure and military was so great before all this government stepped in. It would be great, me being a developer with no rules or guidlines I would be able to build anywhere without the government stepping in. I could just put dirt roads to all the houses I build and forget about sewer and power the owners can have an outhouse and candles and blankets

[Zack]

Many Republicans will not get behind John McCain - who need I remind you sponsored a bill with Ted Kennedy to give amnesty to illegal immigrants.

I for one will not be voting for him because he wants to continue fighting a war we have already lost. He will also shill for the entrenched special interests in Washington, despite his platitudes about cutting pork and earmarks. We will still have inflationary fiscal and monetary policy, benefiting the fat cats while those of us at the bottom get soaked.

I often hear Republicans play the fear card, about what an Obama or Clinton presidency will do. In my mind, pretty much the same as a McCain presidency. Both will continue bankrupting this country for future generations, but the Dems will spend most of our money on healthcare while the GOP will spend it on futile war.

Either way, both are wrong for the country, and I will be voting 3rd party if I cannot vote for Ron Paul come Nov.

PS - Just to offer some context, I work for a fortune 500 company as a business consultant, and recently earned an MBA from a top school.

[cyborcat504]

Ron Paul is a wonderful person and candidate is the only one whom stands up for our constitution and is actively trying to protect it. People generally don't like change and Ron Paul means change! I'm sorry so many in this comment section sees him as threatening, or worse, but he will heal America! We need to get back to basics ! Let's get on board folks ! One Nation, Indivisible . with LIBERTY & Justice for all ! Let's take back our country!
VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!!!

[karl]

First of all, to the Paul supporters, where have you been forever? Maybe if you'd been involved in some grassroots politics prior to 2008, the GOP wouldn't be in such supposed need of change. Yeah, I agree with a lot of of what Paul says, but I admit to being pretty conservative. Not THAT conservative, but I'll concede he has some points. But those points and the just plain wacked out ones, just won't resonate with the voters at-large. If thru some fluke he wins the nomination, you'll see a lopsided election that will make Johnson-Goldwater look like a photo-finish, and a Democrat White House, Senate and House, followed by a liberal Supreme Court. That will just do all of us a lot of good, won't it?

[mike]

Oh and inflation is so terrible if my wages somewhat keep up it allows my house payment and other credit payments to at least get some sort of break from interest. Oh ya its that secret hidden tax the gov. keeps us from knowing about but somehow lets us use it to our advantage just like them.

McCain is a flip flopping wimpy judas!

I'd vote for whatever loser the Dems pick, before voting for John "I sold my spine" McCain.

Why is Rush doing this Operation Chaos crap, when he could be trying to help us instead!?

Did B