Ron Paul's campaign may be out of T-shirts but not dedication

This just in: The Ron Paul 2008 campaign store is closed indefinitely. Apparently this week's special "End of Primary Season Blowout" sale decimated the inventory.

The special offer was $25 for a Ron Paul T-shirt plus an unspecified collection of Ron Paul buttons, Ron Paul stickers, Ron Paul key chains, Ron Paul magnets, Ron Paul wristbands, Ron Paul hats and Ron Paul mouse pads.

It looked like a campaign close-out.

But with his $5-million remaining political kitty, the 72-year-old, 10-term Republican representative from Texas continues to make his combination political-book signing rounds of the country and speaking to crowds of his determined followers, many of them new to the political process.

Paul will have ample time to do that this year because he's running for his 11th House term unopposed. There simply is no Democrat in southeast Texas stupid enough to take on the old man who inserts bounteous spending earmarks for his home district into legislation certain to pass and then votes against the bills so he can maintain his anti-spending reputation.

Paul didn't do all that badly in the meaningless Republican primary votes this week, if you deal in percentages. Paul captured ...

... 17% of GOP ballots in South Dakota, 14% in New Mexico and 22% in Montana. Unfortunately for the Revolution, that adds up to something around 50,000 votes total.

But that's about 50,000 more than awarded to that ex-New York mayor fellow who the know-nothing media dubbed the Republican front-runner for so long. Same goes for that ex-Massachusetts governor, that ex-Arkansas governor, that ex-Virginia governor, that ex-Wisconsin governor and that ex-Tennessee senator. They've all gone bye-bye.

And Paul proudly remains standing. Or sitting when he's signing book after book.

But in case you think a million or more Paul votes and a million or more votes for Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party candidate, don't matter, just remember the name Ralph Nader and the words: Florida 2000.

In case you've fallen behind on your Ron Paul news because you were paying attention to the endless silliness over on the Democratic side of the country's political spectrum that may well determine the Nov. 4 outcome, the Ron Paul campaign has assembled a 22-minute and 35-second videotape of the former ob-gyn signing lots of his books at the head of long lines of excited fans.

The tape also includes adoring excerpts of his extemporaneous, repetitious remarks before modest but enthusiastic and cheering crowds.

Paul says he is even more optimistic today about the prospects of revolution in America than he was when he reluctantly began his presidential bid a year ago and found himself the beneficiary of nearly $35 million in donations from hundreds of thousands of vocal supporters and trolls who prowled the Internet on his behalf, provoking some political websites to ban them as comment-posting pests.

The Ticket, on the other hand, welcomes all commenters except those who swear a lot or write about bodily functions or talk about our parents, who weren't from Texas. To be honest, most of the Paul people are great.

We'll put a copy of that special video at the end of this item in case anyone needs a nap.

Paul, who was the unsuccessful Libertarian Party candidate for president in 1988, is against a lot of things: big government, the Iraq war, abortion, the Federal Reserve and giving up any rights whatsoever in the name of national security. Also, Paul is against the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party that he refuses to leave, Sen. John McCain.

Paul is in favor of drastically downsized government and bringing all U.S. troops back stateside. He's also in favor of selling his new book, "The Revolution: A Manifesto." And he's been quite successful at that, according to numerous best-seller lists.

Even if each of the 1-million-plus primary voters who supported him bought only one copy of the book, Paul will do better than those smarmy, New Age authors that Oprah chooses for her book club. (And we all know which candidate she supports, and which Democrat she does not support.)

Many Paul backers have left comments on The Ticket saying they've purchased six or seven copies of Paul's treatise to foist on friends.

On the videotape, Paul says he is also in favor of countless thousands of his supporters descending on Minneapolis in September to demonstrate calmly and peacefully but in extremely large numbers to show the Republican National Convention and the national media the scale of those people who truly want the lost GOP to return to its conservative, strict constitutionalist roots.

Unfortunately for Paul, if those countless thousands do indeed show up as he urges in Minneapolis, no one will notice. That's because the Republican National Convention is next door in the city of St. Paul.

--Andrew Malcolm

 

Photo Credits: Associated Press; Nick Wass/Associated Pres

Comments

[Name]

Brian Randall:

These are called libertarians. You should look it up.

[The Rat]

Andrew, why do you hate us so much? Your sarcasm in this article is biting, to say the least. We agree with Dr. Paul. You apparently do not, but we should not know this, for as a journalist, isn't objectivity an absolute?

Still, thank you for the press. I hope that rabid Paul supporters didn't get your goat and cause your objectivity to go out the window... but if such is the case, perhaps you should seek employment elsewhere. It's hard to keep one's personal opinions out of their writing. You have failed to do such. It's a damn shame, as you are a fine writer.

Many Paulites may disagree with me on this, but the best press is that which doesn't take sides. The opinions of the doctor will hold their own weight without sarcasm added, either for or against. Sure, it's not all that exciting to simply report the truth, but at least it's honest.

I'm not a paid blogger, so I can say this. Thanks again, Mr. Malcolm. At least you're writing about us.. and it is appreciated. I just wish you could remember your journalism courses and the lessons therein.

(You bet. Ron Paul people would find the dark side in the Second Coming. And don't look for objectivity in blogs, especially this one. We've covered Ron Paul probably more than most others. You like some. You hate others. Appreciate your reading.)

[TruthIsTreasonComplianceIsPatriotic]

Malcolm, you old bore, when are you going to realize that the old ways of pandering to the elite and corruption in Washington do not cut it in the age of the internet? You're becoming totally obsolete by reporting these non-events and hiding the real issues facing this nation and the world. We can all see through your lies and distortions thanks to the alternative press.

Oh, I know you'll come back with some cynical comment because you still share that mindset that only the establishment journalists have the ability to deliver the news but please understand that we don't buy it any more and you're only fooling yourself.

Why don't you report on the Bilderberg conference that's going down right now in total secrecy under a complete media blackout? Oh, it's not important that government officials, European royalty, heads of state of foreign nations, representatives of the international banks, Kissinger, Brzezinski, James Johnston, Ben Bernanke the chairman of the private Federal Reserve and chief editors of the major establishment media outlets are meeting together with those same government officials violating the Logan Act. And Hillary and Obama just happened to meet last night in the immediate vicinity of the conference in Chantilly, Virginia. Wow! What a coincidence!!

Why would we want to know about that when you can give us all manner of trivial news instead?

Man, you just don't get it Malcolm and you can't teach an old dog new tricks apparently...

[Ethan]

You call this journalism? Lame.

[Peter]

Guys please!

Thanks again for the article Andy!

You should be used to this by now Andy. Kind of like being married to a mean but really good looking woman.
She's sweet to you just enough to keep you hanging there.

I really wish that you would do an interview with Ron Paul someday. I finally got to meet Paul in person.

I had to take a break from all of this for a while. I was getting politically fatigued.(spell check)

Hey Andy, I may flying out to San Fran soon. There's a record company out there that's thinking about signing me.

I also have a plan when I get there. If I'm able, I may come down to L.A. And then early in the morning when the monsters are still sleeping, I'm going to drive around east L.A. and spray paint "Ron Paul" over the top of all of the Gangster Graffities.

" Let me tell you bout the birds and the bees and the Crips and the Bloods" - The Rascals

Peter :)

[RP Supporter]

I don't care if we lost THIS election...

I'm happy and proud to be a Ron Paul supporter. This video makes me smile even if it is a little boring

:-)

RP08!

[Rhys]

"You bet. Ron Paul people would find the dark side in the Second Coming."

There is a dark side to the second coming. There's supposed to be pestilence and plagues and scary three headed dogs and shit.

I only point this out to not let you down. :-)

[Ryan]

Ron Paul's fan base is nothing short of fascinating. It is remarkable how much support he has garneredfrom the youth crowd. The facts don't lie, according to www.spartaninternet.com, Ron Paul's website has had more activity than Hillary's for almost the entire campaign! No small feat. Lots of other cool stuff on this website, they've been tracking these candidates and their web activity and popularity since last July, even predicted Obama back then when he was a longshot!

[Jean DeSanto]

My vote for Dr. Paul may not be wasted, I am still praying that McCain dies of natural causes.

[Timmo]

What would happen to the Republican party if all of the Ron Paul supporters just left? If John McCain really wants to win, why doesn't he just ask Hillary Clinton to be his running mate?

(Thought you were gone already. No?)

[RustyJohn]

Dollar falling, oil prices through the roof, housing market still in depression, budget deficit at around $500 billion this year, more dead in Iraq, Iran next, unemployment rising....

Yup, so glad those two candidates who fail to address any of the economic issues in any substantive way shape or form got the nomination...

My choice is I vote for a dude who is a continuation of the current moron occupying the WHite House or some guy who was nominated because all his speeches sound like a cross between Hallmark greetings and Covey books.

Oh that's right, I have a 3rd choice- Barr in 08.

[Scott Harmon]

Mr. Malcolm,
I still haven't figured you out, although I've read and written your postings for nearly a year.

First, I do not subscribe to the negative commentary from some of the Paul people, even though I am 100% behind Paul. I think you have done a decent job of putting the "issues" on the table. You're sarcastic, true--but I like that. And, you're not mean, unlike many of the blog sites out there which are obviously reading talking points and attempting to trash various candidates (Paul and others) by deliberate and well-recognized techniques, such as guilt by association, political correctness, unattributed commentary, smearing, and so forth.

Second, though I suspect you lean liberally democratic (which is fine), most of my gripes with your articles are about headlines. But I know these are the fault of editors (managers); so, please forward my disdain about "headlines" to your editorial staff.

Third, this Ron Paul fight is serious and long-term. It is not about "isolationism," the gold standard, or other buzz-words that are put forward by the establishment media and the government. The fight is about people's ability to choose their destiny and to live in peace without tyrannical government and business interests ruling our lives. I've listened to Bill Clinton lecture on the efficiency of mercury-filled light bulbs, the evils of global warming, and so forth. Bill's wife talks a good game about the village (as in, "it takes a village) to "manage" the populace. This kind of talk and activism is not only ridiculous, but hostile toward American society and its background as a Constitutional republic. McCain is more of the same, in a different guise. And Obama talks a lot about change, yet shows little for the rhetoric.

So, while your article "headlines" T-shirts, it would better headline "straitjackets." That is, the insane illusion of normalcy that is being created by the government and its corporate and media lackeys is far afield from the truth. Thus, your article should headline "straitjackets" for McCain, Clinton, and possibly Obama. This fight is not about T-shirts, but straitjackets. Just keep that in mind.

(Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Scott. Don't worry, I haven't figured me out either. Not sure i want to. Having too much fun writing this blog. Well, one thing you won't see isolationism and Ron Paul together here. You guys educated me on that one real quick a long time ago. :-) )

[Garry]

I notice you didn't bother to include IDAHO,(may 27 primary) 30000 votes, and 24%. You pretend to be neutral, but you are bias sum.

(Who said we're neutral? Never claim that in a million years. This is a blog, Garry. It's got an attitude built-in.)

[joel palmer]

much better. thank you. or maybe I am in a better mood as I read this blog entry. wondering if we should cuss you out more often (o:>*

[A Mom in America]

After more than a year of reading your blog,the streak of affection in your writing for Ron Paul is unmistakable; hopefully the abusive comments left by some of our fellow supporters haven't turned you off completely.

[Jeff]

It is nice to see a video showing all the different types of intelligent rational people (& how many there are) that are behind Ron Paul.

If the media gave him the proper attention like giuliani & thompson (instead of the media blackout), he would have a nation behind him.

Maybe there is hope for this liberally (thumbs down) educated country yet.

[John]

Remember Article II section I clause 5 cannot legally be changed by a non-binding McCaskil, Obama and Clintion Senate resolution. If Cain wants to be president legally Article V needs to be passed by 2/3 of the states.. NEO-Con Bush legacy of the corrupt contract anti Republican contract on America does not deserve to go on. We really are feeling the credit corruption in the system.... THANK YOU RON.

[Web Smith]

It's nice to listen to a politician saying the same things that he said yesterday. If gives you confidence that he will say the same things tomorrow.

Do you really want things the way they are? I know you've been distracted by the MSM special interest groups talking about race, gender, reverends, sniper shootings, and a whole list of other things that have nothing to do with some pretty consequential issues that are facing the country. Let me refresh your memory and then you decide if you want more of the same.

We are $10 trillion in debt, the dollar is collapsing, the jobless rate grows every month, the oil companies have a death grip on us, we are sending $750 billion per year to foreign oil producing companies, we are involved in an illegal war, we are supporting 20 million illegal aliens with our social infrastructure that we already can't afford to pay for, our educational system has been regulated to mediocrity, we are spending and giving away money we don't have, and where is the money for this universal health care going to come from?

[Chris]

Millions will write in Dr. Ron Paul, on the November ballot. I know I will!

[Denise Johnson]

.

Um reality check time:

The person who wrote this article is apparently very ignorant and uneducated.

Sad indeed!

If anyone actually cares about the truth and wishes to learn the reality of what Ron Paul is about please go here. http://ronpaullibrary.org/

Ron Paul does not just talk the talk
HE ACTUALLY WALKS THE WALK!

For the first time in many years I am actually excited about voting. Finally have someone whom has REAL solutions and doesn't say what they think Americans want to hear.

Ron Paul is clearly the ONLY candidate not looking to line his own pockets or agendas. He is looking out for our present times and our future.

He is bravely exposing all the illegal government control over people and awakening our spirits again.

Sadly, ignorant and uneducated media coverage such as what has been provided here, only harms US ALL, future generations will look back to this and honor Ron Paul's Revolution and those supporters that helped provided a FREEDOM path for them.

The author of this article no doubt will be ridiculed for "stupidity" *shakes head in utter disbelief!

[V]

Thanks for the coverage, nice to see the media control is not ,yet, 100%.

-The Ron Paul Freedom Rally will be held in Minnie rather than St. Paul because the city has "Banned" any demonstration near the convention. Paul supporters obey the law.

-Of the last 8 primaries, Dr. Paul garnered double-digit votes, from 13 to 24%! People are responding to the message of freedom....they want their country and constitution back.

-To "decimate" something is to take 10% of it (originating with failed Roman Legions that were forced to kill 10% of their troops) The Paul Sale was 100% successful, they sold out!

-Paul "remains standing" because he stands on Principle. His ideas are firmly rooted in our founding virtues and the constitution.

-The Montana caucus was held months ago and Ron Paul placed second, behind Romney and beat Mccain.

I believe a democrat president is almost certain. On the outside chance the Paul becomes the repuplican nominee....maybe, but the likelyhood is that Mc same will snub him and the Paul voters will walk or write in.

Either way, the true conservatives/constitutionalists will have to endure four years of decline and destruction, before we can restore peace, prosperity and freedom to our beloved America.

"Freedom...... an Idea that will Return"

[Kathl33n]

Well Andrew, everyone here seems to be bashing your story. I, a Ron Paul supporter, say THANK YOU. Marketing 101 says "any publicity is good publicity" keep up the good work. You're just what the Dr. ordered!

In Liberty, Peace and Freedom,

Kathl33n

(Yes, that is terribly surprising. And on the Ron Paul item too? Can hardly sleep at night. :_) Thanks for reading.)

[Todd - Sacramento, CA]

Andrew, that video didn't put me to sleep at all... I loved it. There are a lot of us who are going to the July 12th event in Washington D.C.

I hope all the Ron Paul supporters will come and share in the unity for the cause of freedom and liberty.

Ron Paul is awesome!
His message is powerful!
His people are patriots - not party loyals.
He walks the walk.
It is time to take the country back from the elite bankers.
David Rockefeller should be having sleepless nights....
I wonder how the Bilderberg meeting went this weekend.
Maybe they talked about us.... lol... I hope so.
Those guys are the movers and shakers of world events and the enemy of our Republic and our freedom.

Speaking of enemies of freedom, for anyone who can't make the rally in Washington D.C. and who would be interested in a protest at Bohemian Grove on the Russian River get in touch with meetup groups in the Sacramento / Santa Rosa / S.F. Bay Area.

A large group of these elite CFR, RIIA (Chatham House), Bilderberg, Trilateralist, Skull & Bones globalists fly right into Sonoma airport in private jets, then escorted by limo and camp (get wasted) in the Redwoods at the Bohemian Grove just north of there on the Russian River. If you don't believe me look it up on Youtube or just google it.

REVOLUTION BABY!

[Rucdelaspook]

The first thing I do whenever I click on a Ron Paul story from the L.A. Times is look at the author. When I see Andrew Malcolm's name, and then look at his 'smug mug' they have posted on the side of the page, I know I'm going to be in for a bumpy ride. And boy, do you deliver!

You know, even if I do disagree with the sardonic/mocking tone of your blogs, I still would like to express my appreciation and graditude for going so far as even writing about my candidate. I try to look at the bright side. I've noticed that in all of your articles concerning Dr. Paul, you've interspersed little details about his platform and positions. I like to think that occasionally SOMEBODY gets turned on to the good Dr. because of the information you've laid out for them. Thanks.

See you at the Revolution march, Mr. Malcolm.

-Isaac
21 El Paso, TX

[Brian Randall]

Quick! Seal the borders!!! Lucifer has left our Fatherland for Europe. Get your tickets now for the whirlwind 'Axis of Exil' tour.
I jest of course. Lucifer may have killed more than anybody in Texas and perhaps Iraq through his actions but he is an 'honest to goodness' Christian so that makes it fine and dandy. Hey, who stole the US Constitution and the US flag from the cookie jar?

Andrew, when do we hear from you about Bob Barr?
He says the President is not above the law. A novel concept. I tend to agree that government is not God. How about you?