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

[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.

[Marshall]

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 Bush put Reagan's ghost in GitMo!? The republican spirit is not shining very bright anymore...

[Paula]

Hey Ster, Your the racist one to be even talking like that...its obvious you were just researching the sound bites from the National Review. The black leaders in the NAACP said Ron Paul was not a racist, when the newsletters came out over 20 years ago written by someone else. Get your facts straight. Ron Paul is for the AMerican people period....its people like you who try to segregate everyone into groups....glad your not running for president.

[G-MAN]

While I disagree heavily with his foreign policies, I am still a supporter of Ron Paul. He is the only true constitutionalist.

[Ed]

Ron Paul..idiocy, fanaticism, and brainwashing, all wrapped up in one nice neat disgusting little package. Paul and his group of brainwashed forum toadies remind me way too much of Appelwhite and his group of comet hopping buddies from a few years back. Do us all a favor and hop the next comet that comes along please guys...we are trying to have an important election here, and your candidate doing the "pee-pee" dance every five minutes was cute at first but now it's got to go.

[john]

Ron Paul is not RACIST ... Go back to the stormfront

[Jimmy]

If McCain supporters dominate the convention, we might well see global warming and McCain-Feingold because national GOP policy. I think many on here do not appreciate how powerful the platform will be—it sets the national agenda for Republican candiates down to the state and local level.

McCain will be the nominee, but hopefully there will be lots of conservatives at the convention thanks to the efforts of Ron Paul supporters. If they are able to ensure a conservative platform, it will bring them back into the Republican fold and strengthen the party in the long-term.

I disagree with Paul on the war and I think he is a bad candidate in terms of campaigning (I've never really heard him give an optimistic speech), but I support him nonetheless because he is the only authentic conservative.

[Terry]

If you have done your homework then you know that their is only one TRUE AMERICAN that is a candidate in the presidential race. If you think differently then obviously you haven't done the research. Read the constitution of this United States and compare the candidates. Suddenly there is only one choice.... Ron Paul. As many have said previously - WAKE UP BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! If his name isn't on the ballot and you can't spell, cut this out and copy... RON PAUL.. Yes you can write him in and Vote for America.

[Dorado]

You DO realize that Dr. Paul is older than Sen. McCain, right????

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!!!!

Posted by: OmboBombo | May 12, 2008 at 09:06 AM

[sbez]

right on, Fight on Paul supports!

the chances of him winning the nomination are slim but he is the only politician I have ever seen talk honestly and he brings serious issues to the debate

let's take back America and remind this country about the Constitution and what made this country great...

and all those who still believe the Red vs Blue state paradigm and think that the two roads(republicans/democrats) to tyranny equals freedom it's about time you wake up, turn off your TV and think for yourself and do the math, if you really want change then don't vote for the lesser of two evils and vote for someone who deserves your vote and has America's best interest in mind, not some power hungry sell out globalist... wake up people

Ron Paul in 08!

[John]

Ron Paul is the only hope to getting whatever belongs to us back, equally. The fuckers with the powers at hand think that they deserve a bigger piece of the pie and are starving this country. Look at all the globalization that is happening under your feet.

If you don't understand what I am saying then you are hungry for Ron Paul R3VOLUTION. Go to RonPaul2008.com

[kyle]

Glad to see my fellow paulers still have some fire in the belly. I signed up to help Bob Barr; hope others will too. The Constitution hangs by threads. With gas goingg to be $5 or $6 by elections, and the coming war with Iran that will cause more US KIAs than either Nam or Korea -- due to another False Flag a third party may have a chance.

Watch for another false flag; an earthquke to suspend the Constitution; they have too much blood on their hands from 9-11, to just walk away.

[migtex1234]

IS IT EGO? WHY WOULD THIS REALLY ODD PERSON, WHO, NEVER EVEN SCORE IN DEBATES, DECIDE TO DESTROY ANY REPUBLICAN CHANCE?
COULD HE BE BACKED BY DEMOCRATS, SEVERAL
VERY LEFT WING DEMOCRATS WERE SINGING FOR HIM??
HE SHOULD HAVE DISAPPEARED! VERY VERY
STRANGE FELLOW. MORE TO THIS THAT WHAT APPEARS...
PLEASE SEND HIM A MESSAGE ON HIS WEB SITE
TO DISAPPEAR, UNLESS YOU WANT THE MOST LEFTIST OF ALL TIME TO WIN.

[Sean]

"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."

How about YOU wait until the media really latches onto McCain's "Gook" comments?

And if you don't think Wright is hurting Ovomit, then you're not nearly as smart as you think you are.

[Daniel]

Vote for McCain because he's better than Barak? That's the worst campaign slogan I've ever heard.

I'd rather vote my conviction and write in Ron Paul for President.

[Luke Knows]

it's astonishing how many commenters seem to think Ron Paul is the only anti-war candidate available. BHO has been adamantly opposed to the war since before its inception. The strength of his position is in his strong anti-war platform and anti-politics as usual platform. BHO encompasses many of the principles and philosophies of Dr. Paul except the principle that goverment should be significantly scaled back. This is not a feasible approach as this country and the world have grown dramatically larger and more complex since the time of the writing of our constitution that the original framers could not have possibly invisioned the world as it is today. If Republicans who like Dr. Paul were true to their principles and not hung up on the color of BHO's skin they would get on the BHO bandwagon and support him over John McBush who will continue the war ad nauseum, continue to run up billions (if not trillions) in debt, and continue this insane policy of saying "fuck you to the world, we do what we want". Only a dumb school yard bully (W or JMc) would take that approach. Dr Paul has some very good ideas, just not the backing to take them to the white house. Voters need to look beyond the man (or woman) and the party, and ask themselves "how do we get the best ideas to move forward?" With the choices available right now BHO offers us the best option to move the best ideas forward. Stop responding to your fears (which have been stoked by this administration) and stop thinking with your genitals and use true reasoning and logic......John McBush will only drive us deeper into a hole, Ron Paul can not get elected nationally, HRC has sold her soul to the big corporations....BHO is our only viable option.

[smoker1]

I left the GOP a couple of years ago. They had moved so far from anything that I recognized when I signed on originally, I just could not even imagine voting for any Republican right now.

So, maybe Ron Paul is worth a look. Maybe.

[Curt]

All the Ron Paul supporters I've met so far were decent hard working Americans, and don't forget that more people in the armed forces donated to him than all the other candidates combined. As I read these boards it seems to me that the only racist hateful "Kooks" on here are the ones speaking against him. Well them and all the rich bankers scared to death that he might put a stop to all their corporate welfare. Seriously our government is giving away money to help the entire financial industry for making silly investments and bad business decisions?! No wonder we cant compete with the rest of the world anymore. I don't mind paying taxes to help those truely less fortunate than me, but I'll by damned if the government definition of those less fortunate now includes helping them make their boat and H2 payments along with buying their overinflated 3.5 million dollar home. And that's why I voted for Ron Paul.

[some guy]

Weird: this is similar to the 1964 Republican race. Back to the future...

Maybe we'll come to see U.S. politics since 1980 as less of a belated triumph for Goldwaterism, and more of a Religious Right cooption of it?

The Republicans are increasingly acting like the Dems in the '80s: feeding off of (misguided) nostalgia, unable to move on to their next phase.