Republican Ron Paul predicts a President Obama come January

Rep. Ron Paul, the House member from Texas who technically remains in the race for the Republican Party's presidential nomination against Sen. John McCain, predicts that Democratic Sen. Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States.

According to the campus newspaper of Maryland's Goucher College, the 72-year-old Paul made the surprising statement during campaign remarks Thursday at a school presidential forum.

The newspaper report said the auditorium was overflowing with students and parents, who interrupted the congressman with applause nearly two dozen times during his speech.

Paul was very successful in political fundraising during the past year, amassing more than $34 million, more than twice the amount collected by more prominent candidates such as ex-Gov. Mike Huckabee.

But Paul, whose views often run counter to standard Republican policies, had very disapppointing showings in party primary elections, with a couple of second-place caucus results but mainly third-, fourth- and fifth-place finishes in primaries. At one point in New Hampshire,...

...Fox News even excluded him from a nationally-televised GOP debate as politically irrelevant.

Paul has absolutely no chance of turning his handful of delegates into an upset over McCain, who already has sufficient votes to capture the nomination in Minneapolis-St. Paul come September. But he may hope to disrupt the candidate's coronation with platform or floor fights.

But despite the adverse numbers and his professed belief that a Democrat is destined to win on Nov. 4, Paul has continued to campaign sporadically, often on college campuses where he receives large crowds and enthusiastic responses to his message of drastically smaller government and an end to foreign military involvement.

His dedicated followers have scored some recent successes at county GOP conventions that his partisans hope will boost the number of delegates pledged to Paul at the national convention.

Paul, a former ob-gyn who is unopposed for his 11th House term in November, was the lone Republican presidential candidate to oppose the Iraq war and, as a result, refuses to endorse McCain, a strong proponent of finishing that job without a precipitous withdrawal.

As reported in The Ticket, Paul is also traveling to promote his new book, which was released this week and, propelled by the eager purchases of his dedicated followers, immediately soared to No. 1 on the Amazon.com bestseller list.

According to the Goucher paper, The Quindecim, besides his unexpected Obama prediction, in his nearly 40 minutes of remarks Paul touched on his standard strict constitutionalist positions, advocating much less federal involvement in citizens' lives. Many of the students were apparently more curious than they were devoted Paulunteers.

"I told my mom I was coming to see him," said Lindsey Rich, a senior international relations major, "and she was like 'Oh my God, that's the lunatic fringe!' "

-- Andrew Malcolm

                                                                                             Photo Credit: AP

Comments

[Alex]

"We have everything we need, here in the Zone, except a mind of our own."

from "This Perfect Place" : Pink World - Planet P Project

[J Brown]

I like the fact that more curious people are coming to the rally's. Paulunteers are great and all, but it's good that the message is getting out. I wish this article actually had the quote of what Dr. Paul said concerning Senator Obama.

This column has, in the past, been known to poke fun at those adherents to Rep. Paul's message; but it also is one of the most consistent in actual coverage of the campaign. And for that, this Paulunteer is greatful.

[Liberty]

Ru Paul -OOps! Ron Paul--you're such an idiot and loser.
Nothing but losers, backstabbers and wannabes are coming out for a half-American crackhead with a non-American name. LOSERS!

[Leonardo]

Hey Andrew,
From this article, you sound upset at Ron Paul supporters, are you?
You know, smearing the doctor are and still in full swing since day one.
It’s the ONLY way to draw traffics and the good name of this incorruptible man sells!

Let me ask you, is LAT is a limited press, free press or bias?
I've noticed that all Dr. Ron Paul articles from you, all end up in blogs.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/05/ronpaulpredicts.html
And your colleague Maeve Reston gets frontal news/nationworld/politics! Hmm..
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/la-na-trailgop2-2008may02,0,5989306.story

And of cause, the other three clowns are favorably front page almost daily but Dr. Ron Paul.
Is it possible that you are “limited” to ONLY blogs on the subject of Dr. Paul?
The only genuine man with ideas and sound solutions for this ailing country? Won’t be a hit title though :(

"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell

Bless you Dr. Paul for educating us about our Freedom, Prosperity and Peace.
In my eyes, you've ALREADY WON!

(Well, it's not surprising that what I write appears in the blog because I'm one of the 2 bloggers. That's what we do and where we work. There are blog excerpts published in each Sunday's paper and sometimes they involve Dr. Paul. Glad you're such a regular reader.)

[NH Republican]

the principles of limited (constitutional) government, low taxes, non-interventionist foreign policy and protection of individual rights is supposed to be the heart of the republican platform, as Ron Paul is the one who most closely adheres to these principles how is it that his views "often run counter to standard Republican policies" as the author of this article states? granted they often run counter to the policies of the war-mongering neo-con elitist puppets who have sacked the party and aggressively push the same disastrous policies as the democrats through bought-and-paid-for shills like Bush and John McCain, but there is nothing republican about big government, high taxes, hyper-interventionist foreign policy and the systematic institutionalized destruction of of our constitutional rights, and if anyone deserves to be called lunatics it's those who promote these policies that deserve the title, for they are promoting their own destruction and the destruction of America...

[V]

I think Dr. Paul is correct. If the miracle doesn't happen, this time, that put's Ron Paul in the oval office, then it will most likely be President Obama. That is, of course, assuming Hillary doesn't steal the nomination.

Either way, the ranks of people tired of voting for the evil of two lessers, will continue to grow, especiially as the economy deteriorates. The top three issues in November, are most likely: the economy, foreign policy (Irag war/national security) and health care.

Isn't it intersting that Ron Paul has studied and written books about economics for decades, the same for foreign policy, (advocating the traditional non-interventionist, Republican approach) and has been a practicing Ob-Gyn for four decades. ( a Doctor might be heplful in solving health care problems).

Are we not seeking the most qualified person to lead this country? Is Dr. Paul over-qualified?

Will we all be reading his book by candle-light next year, thinking, "Darn-it, the answers were right there in front of us...... and we made the wrong choice.?"

Go Ron Paul

[Dorian Jepsen]

If Ron Paul made such a prediction, then why doesn't your article back it up with a quote? The answer: Ron Paul never made such a prediction -- not about Obama or any other candidate. Nice effort though at trying to finish what Wolf Blitzer couldn't!

[paul t. burgos]

i am with paul, i think obama will be a winner and also be good for the u.s.a. God Bless the U.S.A

[Samuel]

So, where's his quote predicting Obama will win?

[J. O'Brien]

Andrew Malcolm: Paints One Million Americans and the Founders of the United States “Lunatic Fringe”.

Heaven help us when the founders of the United States are considered “lunatics” and the idea of spending less than you make is considered “extreme”.

Lunatic Fringe: “the members of a usually political or social movement espousing extreme, eccentric, or fanatical views”. You could have chosen a lot of quotes about Ron Paul, yet you chose the one describing Ron Paul supporters as “lunatic fringe”.

I am far from holding “extreme”, “eccentric” or “fanatical” views as a Ron Paul supporter. I run a technology company in Silicon Valley. I run my company in a financially responsible way which is demanded by my shareholders, stakeholders and employees.

How is my personal desire for our country to be run in a financially responsible way (like Ron Paul espouses) an “extreme” or “eccentric” view?

I am done with being a reader of your blog.

[TJ]

So wanting to follow the constitution is being lunatic fringe. Very sad for Lindseys mother.

[Ben]

Congratulations, Mr. Malcom. After your latest hit piece laden with insults, marginalizations, and snide comments, you have lost me as a reader.

I, and most likely others, will not click on your link to see the latest RP smear article. Nor will I click on the links of your advertisers due your complete lack of bias and integrity.

Have a nice life.

[Brian]

He is "campaigning sporadically ( your article would be a lesson on the maximum # of negative adjectives allowable in one short article) because he, unlike the other candidates, actually shows up to do his job still.

You are artful in your use of these negatives adjectives, but no less blatant that a hired gun out to hurt a candidate would be.

His "dedicated followers" were actually all delegates voted on by the people in the conventions you reference.

"Propelled by the purchase of his dedicated followers" - wow - if he has that many followers, shouldn't the GOP listen to his conservative ideals, which Reagan himself said were highly admirable?

Wonderful how you quote one person as saying, "That's the lunatic fringe", but of course fail to admit that it must be lunacy to follow the constitution.

If it is crazy to want to follow the constitution, you can proudly call me nuts.

"McCain, a strong proponent of finishing that job without a precipitous withdrawal." Of course, you are here insiuating that leaving our longest war in our country's history five full years after "Mission accomplished" and by the UN Resolution itself that all measurements have been met (Hillary Clinton said so herself two days ago) would be "precipitous". That's a laugh - 100 years - yeah, let's stay there forever, right?

So, Mr. Malcom - Any plans to actually read his book The Revolution: A Manifesto?

I suggest since you enjoy covering him so much to marginalize and use a lot of slanted words, you could manage to knock out the 167 page masterpiece pretty quickly - then come back here and do a book review for us to show us how much smarter you are on foreign policy, economic policy, monetary policy, civil liberties, and freedom.

I'll check back here tomorrow to see if you have a reply on the book. Unless you bother to educate yourself on his "kooky" ideals, I'll join the many other patriots who no longer read your silly blog.

[Tess]

I believe Ron Paul would make a great President, and he would make the right decisions for our country's economy, and most importantly the right choices regarding our foreign policies.

The fact that Obama says he would bring an end to the war in 2009 if he is elected is a plus, and if I had to choose between McCain, and Obama I would choose Obama. If given the choice between Hillary, and McCain, my vote would NOT go to neither one of these two Washington professionals, I would be writing in Ron Paul, or voting 3rd party. Personally, I see McCain, and Hillary as more of the same type of government that we have had over the past 20 plus years. McCain is another Bush, and Hillary is just another Clinton. One thing people forget is that WE THE PEOPLE are the deciders, and the government that we elect are voted in to serve us, not the other way around.

Another thing people forget is that these United States are a Republic. Obama's socialist tendencies do scare me, and I do not believe WE THE PEOPLE can really afford all the social programs he would want to continue, or add to our taxpayers. I say let's get rid of the welfare system, force those people to work in the fields, or do the work that immigrants would normally do, this would also solve our immigration problem as well.

America is broke, and we can no longer support deadbeats, we need to start cleaning up America before we truly become a third world country.

[BuckBurris]

I see also that Paul likes Obama's foreign policy. I thought he would.. It is the same as Paul's on most points. Obama will bnring us back the rerspect Bush and Clinton have lost for us. He'll be a great president.

[Tomás Engle]

Andrew, Thanks again for the fair article on Ron Paul, all real journalists should aspire to follow your lead. I would've liked to see the actual quote that RP made in re: to Obama though.

[Joe]

I wonder when the Ron Paul people are going to wake up to Andrew? He is just an extension of the print and TV media bias. Paul did not get hardly any TV coverage and when he did, most every story always reinforced how he couldn't win or what a kook he was. His wife of 50 years or his family never received any media attention. Nothing but negative stories or hit pieces designed to block his rise. Old stories of 25 year old news letters right before the New Hampshire primary and a media blackout in a major Fox debate, sure that’s fair reporting. I guess anyone who wants a decrease in federal spending, a balanced budget, less gov't, sound money back by something real, or more freedom is now the "lunatic fridge". Here's how the "lunatic fringe" fights back. Cancel your cable and never buy a copy of the LA Times or any MSM paper. Why read or listen to there lies?

[Tannim]

"Paul has absolutely no chance of turning his handful of delegates into an upset over McCain, who already has sufficient votes to capture the nomination in Minneapolis-St. Paul come September."

Come again? Greenpapers, and the state convention activities by Paulunteers and shenangians by the GOP leaderhsip and the McNuts say otherwise. Only in the MSM Fantasy League is McSame the nominee.

And quoting some uninformed voter as calling Dr. Paul lunatics fringe? Well, so then was Jefferson, Madison, Washington, Sam Adams, John Adams, Franklin, Paine, Locke, Adam Smith, etc...

Nah, Andrew, you do a fine job of reporting, then go off and pull boneheads like these? You can (and should) do better.

Yeah, the reality is that the nomination and White House are both Obama's to lose. And so far, he's soing a good job in losing them both, to both Hillarious and Dr. Paul.

McCain has no support in the GOP. He's being thrown under the bus, and he doesn't even know it! When the Black Mesa scandal hits and McCain is accused of Navajo genocide, he's done.

[Jerry Scott]

We have a choice! We can continue the failed politics of the recent past or we can revert to the principals of the founding lunatics. The choice will soon be made! I will write Ron Paul in as I prefer the founding lunatic’s thoughts about how America should be run. You know such idiots as Thomas Jefferson. Ron Paul is a man of vision. He says things that make sense and he talks about real issues. Go back to sleep now!

[Crow]

'"I told my mom I was coming to see him," said Lindsey Rich, a senior international relations major, "and she was like 'Oh my God, that's the lunatic fringe!''

This adds nothing to the article. It does sound like Rich's mother is the lunatic fringe, what with her total affective aversion to the US Constitution.

[NH]

Lindsey's mom is the 'lunatic fringe'. You can tell her I said so Lindsey. I'm older than she is.

Also, this was funny "...Fox News even excluded him from a nationally-televised GOP debate as politically irrelevant." FOX's attempt to marginalize RP did not work.

Because in NH we considered that 'round table' to be politically irrelevant -- I mean every one watched the REAL debate that went on the next day in which he was included as he was at all the others. And the NH GOP scorned FOX and withdrew their name from the round table debate which was not really a debate at all. So it made no difference whatsoever and you have overblown the significance of it. It did NOT make Ron politically irrelevant in any way..

But I see you forgot to include that information.
We in NH at the GOP take Ron Paul very seriously and this 'lunatic' crap -- well that is what we apply to McCain, Obama, and Hillary. If you could see some of their supporters you'd know why.

A good thing that happened was, true conservatives saw that FOX News is a phony conservative station working for the CFR just like the Democrats. The sooner people know this the sooner they will know why they have been brainwashed like Lindsey's mom to thinking anyone who goes against the agenda is supposedly lunatic.

Ron Paul was the only candidate who MADE SENSE.

[NH]

I love how the papers spin it to say RP is "coming out for" someone -- HE DID NOT SAY THAT. He just said the stupid people are going for this Hussein guy...not that he LIKES IT, Liberty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jennifer]

"Beware the streamlined men who think in slogans and talk in bullets" Orwell

These are exactly the people who are left in the race, with the exception of Ron Paul. This statement was not an endorsement. Don't expect people to just "fall in line" behind any of the other candidates , as that would be a compromise of liberty and principles that the Ron Paul campaign has revived. I refuse to waste my vote.

[1440 minutes]

The neocons are in denial, and Ron Paul is right. We could have had a real conservative in the White House, but the neocons screwed it up so badly that Obama probably will win. I don't think Obama will do much to change our foreign policy, much less restore the Constitution or save the government from bankruptcy. And 100-years-war McCain is itching to start the Clash of Civilizations -- another World War. Hopefully, the Ron Paul supporters will make big inroads asap...

[dave]

president (-to-be) RON PAUL probably never said it that way; so this is no news. and if he made some remark that the general bias of the censored media presentation of the respective election campaigns suggests that obama might be the favored candidate of the corporate elites, respectively their 'bosses' - well, he only stated the obvious. as he has been doing all along. and it's a good thing that so many young (as well as older) people are curious about his message, because it is then, after they listen to him and understand that his message is right at the CORE of the constitutional spirit of the american republic, and that the present neocon and neodem fascistoid corporate and bank-dictated corrupt socialist policies are really way off-center and extremely fringe, and set on self-destruct. and as much as they will admire RON PAUL's integrity and consistent, clearly focused dedication to his cause, they won't create a cult about his person, but will be persuaded and enthused by his example; and will emulate it voluntarily, to support the common cause of common sense: for liberty, prosperity and peace.

[Dave]

Do you have ANY facts in this article? What a joke!

[Alex Libman]

Ron Paul should be doing less predictin' and more endorsin' right about now. Mary Ruwart needs his support for LP nomination, or else the Libertarian Party will end up Republican Lite with someone like Bob Barr or Wayne Allyn Root...

If he's not going to be on the ballot himself in November, he should campaign for someone who will. (And we all know it wouldn't be for McCain / Clinton / Obama.)

[Andrew Austin]

One of the biggest myths this campaign season is that Ron Paul is a "strict constitutionalist" who advocates "much less federal involvement in citizens' lives." Moreover, the corporate media has pinned the label "libertarian" to Paul.

In fact, Ron Paul is a white nationalist and Christian extremist who wants to get the federal government out of the way of state governments bent on restricting personal liberty.

Paul believes that white property owners have a right to discriminate against black people in public accommodations. Paul believes the state should control women by criminalizing abortion and restricting contraception. He believes states have the right to criminalize homosexual conduct.

The fact that he believes states have rights shows us more clearly than anything could that he is an anti-constitutionalist.

States don't have rights. Individuals have rights. The federal bill of rights protects individuals from the tyranny of state governments. Paul doesn't believe the bill of rights exists for this reason.

The truth is that no presidential candidate running in this election seasons has a poorer grasp of the Constitution than does Ron Paul.

The myth that Paul is a constitutionalist and a libertarian has been largely constructed and perpetuated by a corporate media that has demonstrated a reckless regard for the truth. They have similarly constructed and perpetuated the myth that Barack Obama is a different kind of politician. Both Paul and Obama enjoy the support they do in part because of the media's efforts to repeat the propaganda of their campaigns.

Thankfully, Republicans saw beyond the propaganda. Increasingly, Democrats are waking from the hypnotic gaze, but I fear it's too late in the case of Obama.

[Pietro Cappello]

Are you kidding me?
if you listened to iwhat he said after he he was asked who he would vote for of the 3 he pretty much said that they are all the same with obama being slightly, slightly , slighlty more in tune with his view that the conflict in iraq must end. but also that obama's voting record isnt that consistent with what he is saying

[John]

Andrew, you're doing a fine job reporting on Dr Paul's campaign. Thanks for continuing the coverage.

[Scott Frost]

It is amazing to me that some people still feel so threatened by Ron Paul's ideas that they feel the need to leave insulting comments directed at him on myriad web sites. He has been out of mathematical contention for the Republican nomination for almost two months now and still we see, on this blog and others, comments stating that Ron Paul is a loser, a lunatic, a quack, an idiot or, as one commentor wrote on Top of the Ticket a few days ago, "a cook." Is that just an amusing typo or is there a show on the Food Network in Ron Paul's future?

The people who insult Ron Paul and his supporters (or who insult libertarians, in general) almost never explain WHY he is any of these things, however, so they don't have much credibility. And I doubt that any of them have a best-selling book to back up their point of view.

The article ends on such a note, with the words, "...that's the lunatic fringe!" But when did hitting number one on Amazon.com become "fringe?" When did double digit vote totals become "fringe?" When did having your supporters take over the majority of people at a state level political convention of a major party become "fringe?" Curious.

I am hoping that the Libertarian Party nominates somebody who is as liberty-oriented as Ron Paul. Right now, it looks like some of the prominent Libertarian Party candidates are much less libertarian than Ron Paul. I am thinking of Mike Gravel, Bob Barr, Wayne Root and a few others.

Wouldn't it be ironic (and embarrassing for those of us who are members of the Libertarian Party) if the Republican Party turned out to have had a candidate (Ron Paul) who was more libertarian than our own party's eventual nominee?

Personally, I am supporting Mary Ruwart for the Libertarian Party's nomination. Her platform differs from Ron Paul's only on immigration and abortion, though, even on abortion, if the states decided the issue, her personal opinions would be relatively moot. In fact, as you know, letting the states decide is also Ron Paul's position. Mary's rhetoric is more radical than Ron Paul's, but her platform is more or less the same.

The Libertarian Party nominating convention is May 22nd-26th. It should be covered by C-SPAN. It looks to be a convention that will be full of drama. But what else is new in this unusual election cycle? :)

[RogueMerc]

"Ru Paul -OOps! Ron Paul--you're such an idiot and loser."

The only idiot I see here is someone by the name of "Liberty".

[raza]

Oh okay Liberty....Ron Paul supporters are un-American crackheads? Hmmmm .....Ron Pauls top campaign donaters are the United States Army, Navy and Airforce and they are DEFINATELY not un-American. Might want to educate yourself before posting such ignorant slander, or you could just pin your flag or yellow ribbon on your lapel and go wave your change sign.

[raza]

Oh okay Liberty....Ron Paul supporters are un-American crackheads? Hmmmm .....Ron Pauls top campaign donaters are the United States Army, Navy and Airforce and they are DEFINATELY not un-American. Might want to educate yourself before posting such ignorant slander, or you could just pin your flag or yellow ribbon on your lapel and go wave your change sign.

[Joe S.]

The Establishment accused Barry Goldwater of being a lunatic by claiming that he wanted to launch a nuclear attack. Now they're accusing Ron Paul of being a lunatic because he doesn't want to launch a nuclear attack.

[Tominellay]

One of the refreshing things about Paul is that, after so many years in the House, he still speaks and acts like a doctor, calmly prescribing what will restore the republic to health. I admire him!

[Mike]

You have no video footage that it took place. Instead all you have is an article from someone else. Next time, do real journalism.

[Phil]

"Ru Paul -OOps! Ron Paul--you're such an idiot and loser.
Nothing but losers, backstabbers and wannabes are coming out for a half-American crackhead with a non-American name. LOSERS! "

I guess the level of intellectual discourse in the blog itself translates into equally shallow comments.

[Web Smith]

Ron Paul's Republican views often run counter to the neocon policies that the Republican party has adopted.

Hopefully, after Obama gets selected he will evaluate the situation, come to his senses and realize that there is no money for any typical Democratic feel good programs.

There wasn't $140 billion for the tax rebates, there's no money for Hillary Care, none for mortgage bailouts, and we don't have the $770 million that Bush has asked for as a meaningless contribution towards feeding the world. There's no money to give to Israel, Pakistan, or Saudi Arabia and there's no money to fight the war.

[Mike]

I would like to read your comments on his new book, AFTER you have read it. It would be interesting to read an article that either proves or disproves that "lunatic fringe" comment that you felt compelled to put in.

[Al]

Americans will rue the day they neglected to correct our very corrupt voting system , and wish they had elected the only man of integrity, honesty, and capability. That man being Ron Paul.

If getting rid of the bogus IRS and illegal banking that is being done by the Federal Reserve is "lunatic fringe", then the dumbed down American sheeple get what they deserve. No jobs, no money, more prisons, more taxes, more government interference, world empire, bankruptcy, and on & on...so long America, it was fun being a middle class citizen.

[Jabli Izvesti]

This only shows how vehemently Ron hates McCain.

[Carol]

I'm not upset with this article. Andrew Malcolm mentioned that more and more people are coming out to Paul's speeches out of curiousity. That's a great thing! Once they hear the message, they are converted.

It was the mom in the article who had no curiousity, and just wrote the Paul campaign off as the lunatic fringe. But the youth of America are not yet victims to the mental grooving that exists within the stifled brains of their parents.

[Jay]

When Ron Paul was asked a question of who he preferred of the supposed "top three", he hesitantly answered and said that all of them were the same except for Obama's foriegn policy was a little better than the others. He also said if you look at Obama's record that it did not support what he spews forth. And Mr. Malcolm your coverage of Ron Paul has gotten to the point where all you can do is criticize and make snide remarks about him. I am thouroughly disgusted with your lies.

[NH Republican]

re: ignorant troll RougeMerc

that's a brilliant argument, you are a master of linguistic skills and a fountain of constructive criticism... (moron)

[David Alan]

"Paul has absolutely no chance of turning his handful of delegates into an upset over McCain...."

Isn't making absolutist statements like that, acting as if you're gods ?

How about a bit of a qualifier, like, "Barring some unlikely turn of events...." or "Humanly speaking,....." or "Without Divine intervention......" nah that wouldn't work, you guys in the media ARE Divine, right ?

[And you've no plans whatever to assist Dr. Paul by allowing him to speak, un-interpreted through your grid !]

Ok maybe it's stretching to say you think you're Divine, but at least you're 'high priests" whose divine mandate includes framing reality, for the benefit of we, the benighted, ignorant masses.

This is why you find yourselves compelled to report regularly on interesting men like Ron Paul, but always have to spin it.

This is puffery. None of us know the future. At best, we guess based on limited knowledge.

Let God be God. He, alone, is the sole determiner of human affairs. We play a role, but it is secondary, and derivative, not primary & determinative.

The one reason Dr. Paul is a superior man is he KNOWS - and practices - the fact that TRUTH always wins, that men of PRINCIPLE endure while those who compromise or embrace faulty principles, in the very end, face shame & disrepute.

So this gives him boundless confidence that absolutely mistifies men who have either yet to discover this Truth, or who war against it.

The Biblical admonition and precept here should be noted: "Do not despise the day of small beginnings...."

Your continuing coverage of Dr. Paul is appreciated, but think on this: If or when a huge turnaround becomes Dr. Paul's reality, you guys may have quite a 'Lot of 'Splainin to do' ! , even compared to those who totally ignore him now.

thanks, David

[Frank]

It's obvious Lindsey Rich's mother isn't too sharp (to put it nicely) but is it really necessary to embarrass Lindsey by printing an irrelevant quote that makes it appear that she has a mentally challenged parent? That's low Andrew.

[NH Republican]

correction: it was "Liberty" who posted the idiot comments, not RogueMerc (my apologies)

[Republicae]

I am absolutely amazed at the actual ignorance exhibited by some on this forum, such as Mr. Andrew Austin. He proved his argument was foiled by the ignorant display of the Constitution, the Debates of the Constitutional Convention, the State Conventions, and all the ancillary documents that came afterwards.

If you read all the notes of the Constitutional Convention, as well as other writings, such as the Madison Papers, you will find that the Founders viewed the States as the People, both in Rights and Sovereignty. The doctrine of States Rights is corollary to Individual Rights and is perfectly structured on Constitutional Law and construction.

So, peddle your vile and ignorant ramblings elsewhere, along with the debunked racist tripe intended on smearing Dr. Paul.

[averros]

The real lunatics, of course, are the people who uncritically believe what newspapers, TV, and other mass-media franchises tell them. Which, sadly, is the majority of Americans.

[Todd]

So wanting to follow the constitution is part of being a lunatic fringe? Andrew Malcolm is apparently not too bright.

[Kent in Fla.]

The next president will be either a straight repuglican neo-con, a dimocrat who talks like a neo-con, or a former constitutional law professor. As one who has voted Libertarian for President every election since 1992, I hope to be able to vote this year for the professor (and that's what his law school says he was, neo-con rants to the contrary notwithstanding).

[belle]

The media giveth and the media taketh away. They are like petty dictators with delusions of grandeur. If you take them seriously, you are foolish. They say nice things about Ron Paul and then have to flex their muscles and say nasty things. This is what they do! Forget them and keep the revolution going. Don't get mad, get even.

[Charger]

Mr. Malcolm,

Although your pieces about Ron Paul are usually full of what you probably think is subtle sarcasm, I have to say that this piece, compared to most of your blogs, was quite fair.

I found the Lindsay Rich quote very appropriate, for it emphasizes the fact that the younger generation is much more open-minded than the older generation. Ms. Rich may not be an avid Paul supporter but, unlike her mother, she is willing to make the effort to go listen to what the man has to say before passing judgment.

Nice piece and thank you for it!

(You make a very good point about the generations. And thanks for the nice words.)

[Kilted]

Mr. Malcolm:

Hey, thanks for the continuing coverage. Some of my more enthusiastic brethren may pick nits, but I'm simply happy to see the way, from time to time, you cover Ron Paul.

Keep up the good work and semper fi,

Kilted.

(You bet. We'll still be here, nits or not, as we have been since last summer looking for interesting stories like Dr. P and his followers.)

[ellen]

I was at Goucher College when Ron Paul answered that question from the College President. In context, Paul had already answered many questions about his own policies, and established his own seriousness as a candidate. But he answered this late question in a relaxed manner, saying he doesn't usually like to answer that sort of question, but since he had been asked directly, he supposed it would probably be Obama, who would win.

It did surprise many of us to hear him cross that line of predicting a winner ( other than himself), but he made clear it wasn't his preference, just his realistic assessment. At least that is how I took it.

That experience of hearing Dr. Paul speak, in a college setting, with the evident popularity and respect he generates, was quite moving. The people who came with me were of the opinion he was "fringe" coming in to the talk, but were much more thoughtful, on the ride home. I think Dr. Paul's new book will have a similar impact upon a larger segment of the population. He doesn't sound so "fringe" if given the chance to explain his ideas.

[Kevin]

No quote from Paul, this seems like speculation.

Obama is the "most" anti-war of the others, but he has still voted for the war time and time again, and has not ruled out an attack on Iran or Pakistan.

Do we really just want to end the Iraq occupation and stir up another conflict to appease the military-industrial complex?

Obama is a D.C. insider, watch out!

[cdl]

That wasn't a Ron Paul endorsement, or even meant to sway voters to Obama. You are using broken toothpicks to pick up tiny crumbs in your oh-so-obvious attempt to spin the "news?" in favor of the candidate of your choice. How pathetic does it get?

[Arthur Banks]

Okay let's clarify here.... RON PAUL DID NOT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM ENDORSE O-BOMB-OUR BARRACKS HUSSEIN. It just seems enevitable the the kool-aid people following Obama are becoming more hypnotized and are spreading. Also LAT where is the quote? Or was this another factual aummption???

McCain cannot win. Hillary maybe could but she's got to kill some people to get in. Ron Paul (who can still win, technically, and totally could pull both sides) is unattractive to the beaurocratic socialistic society that governs the ignorant people of our country. So Barrak Hussein will more that likely, unfortunately, be our next president.

Get the message out Paul can still win it is NOT too late!!

RP O8

[Eric]

Hey, I love what some Democrats are proposing for the Idaho primary! Democrats and Independents who did not vote in the Democratic caucuses are allowed to vote in the Republican Primary. A Democrat is proposing that these folks all vote for Ron Paul -- just to embarrass McCain.

It won't harm their Dem candidate any, because only those who didn't vote can do this. It's win/win....

I'm all for this.... :-)

[Jive Dadson]

Precisely what "job" does McCain wish to finish in Iraq? Removing the weapons of mass destruction? Overthrowing Saddam? Instituting democratic elections? Those were the goals of the mission. Check, check, check. What is the "job" now? Does he wish to turn the Iraqis into Fox News-watching zombies?

It was un-American and immoral to attack a country that had not attacked us, and it is immoral to stay.

What is with this "spam filter"? Copying the smudged up text should be good enough.

[JONAS]

You make me i'll with your lies.
Ron Paul didn't say that.

[blakmira]

I found the headline and basic objective of your blog to be blatantly manipulative, and based solely upon recycled disinformation designed to convey the thought that Ron Paul is openly conceding defeat and Obama is the candidate of choice for America.

Paraphrasing and twisting what was actually said is poor, lazy and biased journalism. You simply lifted it from a campus newspaper blog with no details on what the exact quote was nor what the question had been that prompted such a response -- and then turned it into a sensationalist headline.

I do know that Ron Paul always responds very reluctantly -- albeit honestly -- to questions like "What other candidate(s) do you like/support?" and the ever-popular "Who do you think will win?" (overtly implying, "because we've made damn sure it's not going to be you").

Why don't you report that Ron Paul actually called Obama a *FRAUD* on CNN last month for playing politics and pandering with his so-called anti-war message?

Why don't you report that Ron Paul said he thought the other three candidates were basically the same, only that the Democrats had better "rhetoric"? Or would that go against your obvious pro-Obama slant?

Even while illustrating the amazing accomplishments of Ron Paul throughout his ["Doomed by Diebold and the MSM"] campaign, you made sure to insert your usual "absolutely no chance" phrase (as in loser, hopeless, etc.). I'm assuming that such a tag must accompany each blog you write about Ron Paul, or you wouldn't be doing your job.

How about this title for your next blog:
"ANDREW MALCOLM Investigates VOTE COUNT FRAUD and Mainstream Media PROPAGANDA and FINALLY Admits that AMERICAN Citizens are Being BLATANTLY RAPED of their CIVIL LIBERTIES and RON PAUL is The Only One That Can Save This Country as President"

[rnw2032]

Obama-Pres
Paul- Vice Pres

Ticket that unites in the interest of the constitution.

[Rhys]

That was terrible. It was poorly written, disjointed and contained no quotes of Dr. Paul saying those things. Who the hell made you start writing like this, Andrew? What's with the quote at the bottom?

[Tina]

The reason there is NO quote in this article is because
Ron Paul said he thinks Obama will win the presidential
nomination, but he will not vote for him. That is why. Do
your own research and you will find out.

[Alex]

Thanks for blogging, AM!

Some posters have complained that this is a 'mere blog', not the full-fledged LAT. I, for one, now definitely prefer blogs and especially the USG [user-generated content] present. The no-reg-required ones are THE best.

For example, if there's a blatant lie in the print edition, all one can say is "You bastards", but on a blog there'll be someone pointing it out.

And, BTW, are you planning to attend the convention? (So we don't have to rely on Lindsey's mom ;-)

[Talcott]

LOL

Still the shamefully obvious propagandist Malcom?

LOL

[ACUTS]

I supported Paul and I do not think he will be able to pull something off in the convention. He has helped set a course for many new young republicans to shape the party.

That being said..

The libertarians are about to nominate a pretender to the throne in Bob Barr...

Wayne Allyn Root would be a good party builder choice, but I do not think he can over take Barr..

So this fall

vote and support one person you can agree on foreign Policy.. we may disagree with other elements of his platform, but we all know even economics ties into our foreign policy.. and if the man polls 15% plus he will get in the debates and school Obama and McCain on just that issue and many more

Support and vote for RALPH NADER...

why because he has the greatest chance and name recognition to stick it to them all fall

www.votenader.org