Ron Paul supporters' magical disappearing act

Ron Paul, the Texas congressman who unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for president, has been said to resemble Gandalf, the magician from the movie version of "The Lord of the Rings."

Republican officials seemed to make Paul's supporters magically disappear during Wednesday night's roll call vote, in which the GOP convention officially nominated John McCain as the party's presidential candidate.

During the hour-and-a-half voting procedure, convention Secretary Jean Inman recorded each state's votes. Even though several states cast a portion of their votes for Ron Paul (among them Alaska, Oregon, Washington and West Virginia), none of those votes were repeated aloud by the secretary, and therefore they were not confirmed by the chair.

According to the Oklahoman newspaper, two delegates from Oklahoma also cast their ballots for Paul, but the microphone was cut off before their votes could be recorded.

The result of the roll call vote -- before it was made unanimous by acclamation -- recorded five votes for Paul, while a news reporter counted at least 15.

"There were several discrepancies," said Drew Ivers, Paul's delegate coordinator. "The RNC was roughshod, a little careless. They weren't as respectful as they could have been. I don't think that's very professional, and it's not a good reflection.

"They had five ladies keeping the score, plus the chairman, so they had six people and still couldn't get the numbers right."

The convention did not reject all dissenters to McCain's nomination. Two votes that the Utah delegation cast for Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, were promptly repeated and recorded in the final tally.

-- Ole Jann

Photos: Supporters of Ron Paul, right, disappeared as if by the magic of Gandalf from "The Lord of the Rings," played by Ian McKellen, left. Credits: New Line Productions; Todd Goodrich / Associated Press

Comments

[Brent Burk]

The democrats had the balls to count the vote. Even when someone said Dennis Kucinich, I believe, they counted that vote. Republicans, man, let's just say Paul and co are going to have a lot of trouble taking the party back.

[Pablo Escobar]

You've seen what the party hacks do to marginalise those they disagree with. Now do you trust your government to do the right thing on other issues, like Iraq, healthcare, or education?

Vote Libertarian to cut down on the power of the Republican and Democratic party machinery.

Imagine what a third-party president could do to restore honesty to the political system. Imagine a Libertarian president against a Democratic-controlled Congress in 2009.

[Chris]

Nah,
In the U.S.A.?
That could never happen here.
This is a free country. Right?
The people would never allow something like that to happen, would they?

[Liah]

"Magical disappearing act "

We all know that there is a lots, lots of CORRUPTION with the Republican Party.

Disappearing Votes for Ron Paul,

Disappearing Votes for Al Gore in past elections,

Exaggerated count of votes and supporters for the Republican Party.

Just look at the GOP Convention assistance about 20,000 and
Democrats Convention assistance 82,000
Can this give us any clue ??

[dave]

while the whole charade of these elections might not seem to make this come as a big surprise, it is still disappointing:
that the neocon hijackers of the party would not refrain from illegal and criminal means to achieve their goals, was to be expected.
that the delegates in their majority did not protest against these illegal machinations, that make them look like traitors to their country,
the constitution and their conscience, cannot be easily explained, and by no means excused.
they were informed, and chose corruption and perversion, over integrity and responsibility.
however, this is not the end but the beginning of the rEVOLution, and those who like RON PAUL strive for liberty,
will not go away. they are awake and see the obligation this entails, and they cannot be bought and sold.

[John]

That is a shame that the votes were not read aloud by the speaker.

[MrPitchfork]

Its too bad that they didn't have a Paul/Palin ticket. That would have been something to see. Talk about "gittin 'er done"...

[Lee]

This is disgusting. The RNC wants me to vote for their candidate, but then treats people's voices like they don't matter. Why are they so afraid of Ron Paul...oh wait...it's because he is a better candidate than McCain.well, this is one registered republican who is sick of the Republican's who try to control everything, even whether or not my voice is heard. There is no way I'm voting for McCain.

[Matthew]

I have no words for the stupidity of this report's opening comments.

[L. Step]

Anyone who has dealt with the cold zealots of the Republican neoconned right wing know that they have a way of making ideas and people disappear. Many years ago I was a member of the InterCollegiate Society of Individualists (I.S.I.) When Bill Buckley and his Young Americans for Fascism (Y.A.F.) took over the society, it was magically transformed into the InterCollegiate Studies Institute... keeping the same initials but radically inverting the original ideas of the I.S.I. The glassy-eyed gang of nationalists (a.k.a. "patriots") at the RNC are but the children of Buckley's I.S.I. -- and, as he feared would finally happen, they now have but one collective mind, and it is focused only upon more power and more money -- and it doesn't fear having a war to get what it wants. Well, in any case, Ron Paul in 2009!

[rokdevil]

And all that the RNC accomplishes with this kind of machine-party politics is to make us (paultards if you will) more determined than ever to see the regime crumble into the compost that it truly is.

[Cadavre]

This is a welcome sign from the MSM facts! Not only did they not read out the votes, it was also reported the McCain delegates were attempting to separate Paul delegates from their credentials with tactics like borrowing passes to go to the bathroom. It was also reported that Paul delegates were being searched and having their Paul paraphernalia confiscated by security, and even by the secret service. The so called secret service could have faux secret service (SS?) like the ruses pretending to be SS traveling with Romney during the primaries (still makes me giggle - talk about "padding your box"). Paul supporters had a legitimate right as republican delegates to be at the convention with any and all of any Paul "paraphernalia" (buttons, hats and posters) they had on their person.

It looks like the inadequacies of the less likely to be "chosen" really began to fade when it was learned that Paul's revolution packed in a sold out house of 18,000. And like any creature with an inferiority complex they began to bark and howl like dogs in the back of the catcher's truck.

Thanks and a tip of the hat to this LAT writer for not baiting with a headline to sell clicks to more rumor mongering!

[bill moore]

I'm so glad that us taxpayers paid for these conventions. It goes to show how the government truly stffles competition.

How much did fedgov pay toward the LP convention or Ron Paul's 15000 plus convention?

[Wolf Barger]

McMoron wants nothing to do with Paul after he got schooled by Paul in the debates. All the Neo-conservative ticket can do now is to save face .

[ron moss]

Magic cannot erase the effect Ron Paul has had on this country. Constitutional education for our nationall school system will reflect the Bil of Rights that was first agreed to prior to excepting the entire agreement. What agreement? The one we suposedly limited, the newly formed federal agency, that was supposed to be established, to represent our common interest, defense trade, and not to include royalty or nobility from our royal ancestors. Remember that? The government needs to be lawful to satisfy their part of that agreement.

[Paul Lucero]

Quote:
In a last-minute show of unity, Bay State Ron Paul supporters decided to throw their votes behind Sen. John McCain last night.

About a dozen Massachusetts supporters of the Texas Congressman and GOP upstart decided to back McCain only an hour before the delegates began to cast votes for the presidential pick.

“We decided the best course of action was to give a little to get a lot,” said Chris Blanc, a Cambridge resident who supports Paul. “The Massachusetts GOP really wanted to show unanimous support.”

Paul, shunned by the Republican convention because he wouldn’t endorse McCain, has been holding daily “counter rallies” in Minnesota where devoted supporters hiss when McCain’s name is uttered.

Rep. Paul Loscocco (R-Holliston) worked with Paul sympathizers to join the delegation so all 43 delegate votes would go to McCain.

“He really worked well behind the scenes to come to this agreement,” said McCain delegate Jack Roy.

[BrewCrew]

meh, par for the course.

[Marcello]

Diebold eats votes... why not the GOP?

[Fed Fraud]

I've about had it with my own republican party. I will not vote for McBama, as I can not support either of them. I hope Ron Paul runs for election anyway. I'm switching to the libertarian party. Are my candidates destined to loose? Yes, 100%, but its still the right thing to do, and I can sleep at night knowing that.

[Rahn]

I wish RP would just go independent. His association with the sad state of the GOP just brings him down.

GOP, Hypocrisy and hubris @ its finest.

[PainfullyAware]

Fools And Their Rights Are Soon Parted.

To Assume Benevolence Is Foolish.

The Media Has Chosen Either Socialism (Dem) Or Fascism (Rep) For America. The Money Party Continues (Both)

Wish More People Had Debated Ron Paul Rather Than Dismissed Him. Debate Is The Distillation Of Reality.

Things Are Bleak And The Media IS Complicit.

[spinnikerca]

Thanks for covering this. It is frustrating. All the same, it was a great rally! Did you get a chance to see his speech?

This is just Ron Paul's entrance to the rally: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfnD1Y-gLCY

[Dave]

"We have a greater moral responsibility to act than those who live in ignorance. Once you become knowledgeable you have an obligation to do something about it." -Ron Paul

[T Party]

They corrupt pieces of crap call themselves republicans, LOL! What a joke, they can't even count the votes right! They are scum of the establishment and traitors to the constitution!

[althusius]

McCain says he is going to fix Washington. He allows the RNC to hold a sham roll call vote.

Why should you believe McCain? Sounds like the same old bs.

[John]

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

It's become impossible to ignore Dr. Paul. The laughing happened during the campaign. Now they're fighting. Actively "scrubbing the record" goes way beyond ignoring - it's an actual struggle now.

[ron moss]

If you are aware of the IRS robery you're required to challenge their effort to steal your private income like they legally can from federal payroll. To quote our friend,former IRS fraud investigator, Sherry Peel Jackson, the last political prisoner to be sent to Quantantimo, Just Google her and Tom Cryer. you too will see what Dr. Paul was refering to with this statement. Rebellio! Thanks Doc. Well described.

[christian]

Libertarian ideology leads to feudalism.

[roxn]

I listened in on some of the Ron Paul Convention - I thought some of the things that they were saying sounded - like they made a lot of sense or were interesting to know.

[Dung Kung Pow]

It had all the authenticity of he Bejing olympics.

[blakmira]

Indeed, Marcello, the vote-stealing in the primaries did not go unnoticed either. Many screen captures verified Ron Paul's votes "going backwards" (DEJA VU???)

Diebold, ES&S, the GOP/Democrats etc. are not going to stop stealing our votes until we change the election process! Many things to accomplish between now and 2012 (if the USA still exists by then...)

Russia TV (yes, that's right) reported a mind-blowing nearly-18,000 people at the Ron Paul Rally and we're just beginning! (I think the CNN propaganda downgraded it to "hundreds")

Thanks to CSPAN2 for airing the Rally on Tuesday! And thanks for noting the theft of the votes at the "nomination."

CAMPAIGN FOR LIBERTY

[Dad for Life]

A huge number of us registered Republicans are going to switch our registration to "Independent", "Constitution" or "Libertarian" Party this 11th of September as a protest to the corrupt shenanigans pulled by the RNC. They should rot in hell for their immorality.

[AAAAANDRE]

Think I'll turn to Al Jazeera for fair election coverage!
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2008/09/200893194738167535.html

[Keston McCabe]

As someone who attended the Rally for the Republic and the anti-war march on the RNC, it is not at all surprising that Dr. Paul was blatantly ignored during the RNC Delegate Roll Call. McCain and the sheep who follow him are scared of Ron Paul and his horrible habit of telling and spreading the truth. Ron Paul will never plant his lips to McCain's ass like the other former candidates. Thank God we have patriots like Dr. Paul in congress. W/out his voice, our liberties and rights would be in much greater jeopardy. Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

[Mike]

People this dishonorable want to run the country? This is why they're not fit to be in office.

Ron Paul is the best leader America has ever had.

[J707]

"Here's some straight talk: we went to Washington to change Washington but Washington changed us."
- John McCain

Yeah, what a "maverick." So bearing this popular oft-repeated slogan of his in mind...any REAL reason anyone with more than two IQ digits to rub together should ever "send him to Washington" again? This time to the highest job in the country no less?

This whole election season has been one big ridiculously blatant and biased bad joke. I will never see either party nor the media the same way again...though Im glad I realize now that the Republicans, Democrats, and the Media are the same party.

[Publius]

I am very concerned about what I saw on TV during the GOP convention. People whooping and hollering waving signs that say "country first" and "service". Its scary how dissenters are summarily whisked away...at least there not shooting them yet.

I think it is only a matter of time before these Nazis start rounding up political dissenters within the US. This Ron Paul campaign has completely openned my eyes. Never trust the government. Never.

"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges"

[ellen]

I am a RP supporter who got a great and delighted laugh at the juxtaposition of your photos. Gandalf and Dr. Paul are similar in more than looks. Both are brilliant, time-tested,courageous, and wise. I love them both! And I'm glad one of them is for real!

[Teflon Ron]

Thanks for the Ghandelf comparison, not.

Have some respect, L.A. times is a rag and I tell all who I know.

Bush looks like an ape but you wouldn't publish or post that now would you?

Obama looks like...you wouldn't publish that either.

Man you guys really motivate me.

FREEDOM

[DBHarshaw]

Rather than "frustrating" or even "upsetting" I think this whole thing is HILARIOUS and very REVEALING.

Consider... that there was and is ZERO to be gained from such shenanigans. McCain clearly had a majority of the delegate votes. So what possible point (other than the fact that they CAN) would be proved by doing so?

I think instead that it reveals an inherent problems -- much like a cleptomanic steals things EVEN when they can easily afford to purchase whatever they want -- so the GOP establishment feels the need to cheat and lie even when it gains them absolutely nothing to do so. It demonstrates what it is... a pathological, unbreakable "habit."

Ponerology on prime time TV.

[Saskboy]

The 'respect' for democracy is palpable.

[Bruce becker]

Ron Paul has integrity and wisdom. I am grateful he submitted to run.
I think that even though CNN only reports two candidates, that a few percent of Paul supporters will vote for Barr and a smaller percent for Nader.
CNN tries to suppress minority candidates by not even including their poll data.
There is the illusion that McCain is even. He isnt.
Obama will win and the Constitution will be restored.
Restore habeas corpus.

[rocky]

Both Sr. & Jr. Bush had time & money to fight wars and policing the rest of the world. But they never had time & money to fight and solve domestic problems of USA.
Because of their bad decisions & policies, government kept on taking debt and they allowed the people who were on benefit to take debt as much as possible.
Those people who were already bankrupt got home loans. They never had repaying capacity. Bankrupted people made bank's bankrupt. The Executives of the bank's were greedy to make millions in bonuses and kept on lending to Dick & Harry.
Now what is the result?
Debt Debt Debt
This debt economy has taken USA atleast 20 years back from where they started during Sr. Bush came to power. Back to square one.
This has resulted in slowing down the economies of the rest of the world as well. Now every one is living in vicious circle.
In the name of democracy, the right people who can govern the countries properly have never got elected by the voters because voters never had the choice to select and elect the right candidate. Unfortunately, it is The Political Party who selects its candidate and ask voters to vote. In this process, voter is left with no choice, but to vote for the candidate selected by the Party Caucus. For example, today in USA, many voters would like to see Ron Paul as a candidate for President / VP, but he is not there.
The whole political system needs overhauling. The sooner the better.

[Old Ben Franklin]

The real question is what are McCain and the GOP con-men afraid of? They would only conceal or miscount if they were worried about something. Too much recognition for Ron Paul makes 'em nervous... Ron Paul put the scare on 'em, ya think? Could it be that Ron Paul is telling the truth? Oh, how deceitful men hate to be exposed! They will go to just about any length to keep from being exposed, like miscounting votes and delegates. Are you bums trying to rig another election? Yep! I'd have to say that's about it. Ron Paul is exposing that sack of rat snakes who have usurped our government and they don't like it! Hey, a new party (a truthful party for a change) is in town! McCain and his parasites don't like the idea of having to give up all that political power. Hear that loud roar behind ya, McDope? That's the Ron Paul revolution comin' at ya, like a 90 ton freight train!

[kay f]

I just want to set the record straight..... Both the Democratic and Republican parties used tax payer money to pay for their wonderful conventions

Ron Paul's R3volution Rally was totally paid for by the people who support Ron Paul.....not a dime of tax payer funds were used!

[Carol]

Just when I was wondering whether Sarah Palin might be enough to persuade me to vote Republican after all, I learned of Republican efforts to have third party candidates removed from the ballot. Now this dishonesty.

Republicans have become much too evil to get my vote. I'll be voting for Bob Barr. And if they manage to have Bob Barr removed from the ballot -- then my vote will go to Obama.

[Old Ben Franklin]

Ron Paul is the Mahatma Ghandi of our times! He is the most concentrated well-spring of truth and honesty in the U.S. government today! Long live Ron Paul!

[Cliff Adams]

This should neither be surpising, nor, after the first few minutes, upsetting. The government, including the one behind the scenes (if there is one), is only a reflection of the consciousness of the general population. We already know what it will take for the "Love R3volution" to succeed: that is, for large numbers of Ron Paul supporters to do a lot of work to educate and inspire a lot more people. When the tipping point comes, I think it will come with a surprising lack of fanfare. Complaining about insider dirty tricks is just a distraction and a waste of time and energy.

[rc]

The way I see it, the best choice left now for those who want and are willing to work locally for a Constitutional government is to join the Free State Project and move to New Hampshire, where Ron Paul's platforms have been in action the whole time the Republic was being manipulated and devoured by socialists and fascists - although many RP supporters are focussing locally in their own states, we need one state to lead the way, peacefully, by example, to be the beacon of hope this whole nation used to be and with only a few thousand more 'sign ups' needed to get 20k absolutes here, it would help the progress along quite quickly. If only a small percentage of those who voted for RP in their primaries signed up for the Free State Project, it would create the final piece of the puzzle needed so that a positive force to be reckoned with could come to total fruition in New Hampshire and share with other states the way to reclaim your own Republics - each state is sovereign, learn your state constitution and follow the instructions - start holding local level elected officials accountable for any broken oath to state constititions.
We not only can do this, we are!

[andy]

This is what life with John in the White House will be like. As long as you go along with his wars, you are ok. Otherwise, you will be evil and not patriotic. Because he owns all claims to being patriotic. So much for the big tent theory!