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 m
eantime, 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 go
vernment, 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
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!!!....
Posted by: Steve | May 12, 2008 at 12:13 PM
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..........
Posted by: Nino | May 12, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Ron Paul is a psychotic lunatic and anyone who supports him is a nut too.
Posted by: Lionel | May 12, 2008 at 12:16 PM
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.
Posted by: mroberts | May 12, 2008 at 12:17 PM
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.
Posted by: Nathan | May 12, 2008 at 12:18 PM
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!
Posted by: Ster | May 12, 2008 at 12:19 PM
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.
Posted by: Peabody | May 12, 2008 at 12:59 PM
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.
Posted by: Brandi | May 12, 2008 at 01:08 PM
To the author:
Please go read the US Constitution. You are obviously brainwashed by the Main Stream Media.
Get a clue.
Posted by: Debbie | May 12, 2008 at 01:09 PM
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......
Posted by: Steve_NO | May 12, 2008 at 01:10 PM
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.
Posted by: Rich | May 12, 2008 at 01:15 PM
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.
Posted by: Branden | May 12, 2008 at 01:16 PM
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.
Posted by: D. Charles Shiderly | May 12, 2008 at 01:18 PM
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.
Posted by: Walt, Ohio | May 12, 2008 at 01:19 PM
VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!!
Posted by: George Rose | May 12, 2008 at 01:19 PM
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.
Posted by: Lori | May 12, 2008 at 01:21 PM
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
Posted by: RaferJanders | May 12, 2008 at 01:22 PM
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.
Posted by: Jason | May 12, 2008 at 01:23 PM
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..
Posted by: Beeej | May 12, 2008 at 01:24 PM
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?
Posted by: Just passing by... | May 12, 2008 at 01:24 PM
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.
Posted by: JP | May 12, 2008 at 01:25 PM
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!!!!!!
Posted by: My name | May 12, 2008 at 01:27 PM
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
Posted by: Blues Bob | May 12, 2008 at 01:29 PM
"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.
Posted by: Josey | May 12, 2008 at 01:32 PM
"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.
Posted by: Mike | May 12, 2008 at 01:33 PM