We The People will get our message out and we will spend our money on our candidate's campaign. We ARE worried about our children's future so we look for the one candidate who will deliver our United States to them the way we remembered it to be when we grew up. Ron Paul is our only hope. Just look at the other candidates slinging mud yet no one is slinging mud at Ron Paul. WHY? NO MUD to throw. He is honest, family man doctor, congressman, Grandfather. He is AMERICA. Vote Ron Paul for our kid's sake. Thank you

bluejeanboomer-- I couldn't agree more. I too am a boomer, and an avid Paul supporter. I have a Ron Paul bumper sticker, right next to my Impeach Bush sticker. The difference between the democrats and the republicans is the difference between the Genovese's and the Gambino's, that is to say, none. The democrats showed their true colors when they were put in a position to make a change and did nothing. Politically america is at a nexus, and this next election could be the most important of our life. The only candidate that represents a true change to the status quo is Dr. Paul. He is a finger in the dike of the political insanity that has taken over capitol hill, but a finger is a start. My true fear is when Dr. Paul gains enough support that he can no longer be ignored, the powers that be will do to him what they did to the Kennedys. He is americas only hope for change, and he has my unwavering support.

For all that think the Ron Paul supporters are young, your so wrong. We are real Americans that want to have our freedom as in the past. We belive in the Constitution of our fore fathers, and to have the right to take care of ourselfs as we see fit. that's called freedom. Ron Paul is all that, please read his issues, it's that easy. If you think the politics of today are true, than there is no problem. We all do have the freedom to vote for who we belive in, and thank goodness he's not acting like a politition. He's an honest American... Oh yea, there's thousands of us baby boomers that have the sence to see what freedom and peace really is.......

I think we'd agree our great nation has some ills.

Another Lawyer, isn't going to help.

However I know a Doctor, who has diagnosed the problem and has the cure.

Doctor Ron Paul

He's the real deal, the Phenomenon of 2008.

Dr. Paul is more classically Liberal than the libs, and a true Conservative, which scares the heck out of the GOP.

He's America's choice. Champion of the Constitution.
God Bless Dr. Ron Paul! :)

I said that the disaffected that give money to Ron Paul don't vote, but I pray they do, and I pray he wins the Republican nomination because when he has to explain to people that it's a good idea to remove all federal funding for schools so that their local property taxes go up (check out his website), even Dennis Kusinich could beat him.

warobertson writes
"Ron Paul can win.... All that is necessary is that people vote their conscience, rather than political expedience."

Mr Roberton, with all due respect, let the dream die now. People don't vote their conscience. Never have, never will.

.

For those that claim he cannot win, what kind of showing would Ron Paul need in Iowa and/or New Hampshire to convince you otherwise? When he places top three in both of those States, will this foolishness be over?

Ron Paul can win. He can win the nomination, and perhaps more importantly, he can win in the general election.

All that is necessary is that people vote their conscience, rather than political expedience.

His is the only campaign that generates any passion... His supporters can be counted on to show up for the primary elections and caucuses, just as they have shown up to straw polls, and at the donation box.

Can Rudy's? Romney's? Isn't it interesting that the throngs of people showing up to Rudy's events are all carrying Ron Paul placards? Doesn't matter where he goes, the Paul's supporters are there in droves.

I cannot wait to see the look on the pundits faces come January 3rd, and then the following week on January 8th. Finally, America will win at the ballot box.

One thing that constantly amazes me is that the Ron Paul haters never have the facts on their side. They claim Ron is "crazy" or "nuts" but never back it up.

Ron Paul is not racist, he calls racism "misguided", "evil", and "sinful". When asked point blank by PBS on NOW if he wanted White Supremacists to support him, he said "No, who would want that?"

Ron Paul does not want to get rid of Medicare and Social Security overnight. We must take care of the elderly and the down trodden. No one has a better track record of doing that than Ron Paul.

How can Ron Paul totally dominate the Internet when 69% of the U.S. is online and be a "fringe" candidate?

Think for yourself and don't be a lemming. Study Ron Paul, research him and make up your own mind.

Yes, Ron Paul does need an appropriate showing in the caucuses and primaries. But he's not going to get it. The nomination process is a state-by-state fight, not a nationwide process. A campaign made up of lots of isolated pockets isn't going to do much of anything except maybe bring lots of out-of-state sign holders outside the voting booths.

Look at the Issues. Does he really look like a Democrat? I've been a long time Republican, and voted for Bush twice, but I feel that he has not lived up to his promises. I don't want Hillary, so I'm voting for the only Republican that can beat her. Yes, I don't agree with all of his views, but as an accountant I realize that anyone saying we're going to cut taxes and stay in the war is betting that most Americans failed 3rd grade math. Ron Paul is honest and has the right record to show me that he'll fight for Americans like me.

The reason Dr. Paul isn't near the top of the polls is that people don't vote, even in polls, for candidates they think can't win the election. And the conventional wisdom, constantly reinforced by the major media, is that Ron Paul can't win.

I am not a currently Ron Paul supporter but will be if he is nominated. Perhaps he should be, perhaps not. What's overwhelmingly more important is to keep the democratic party from gaining any more power than they already have. I hope the rabid Paul supporters will remain involved after the convention, work toward getting their issues (more important than the candidate) on the platform and, above all, do not attempt a 3rd party candidacy. That's exactly what the dems are hoping for so their socialist candidate can be elected, like in 1992. The message Ron Paul brings to the campaign are far greater than the messenger.

Paul success is large in part a direct response from the displaced two party system voter. This growing mass of voters neither agrees with the expansion of major social programs and at the other end of the spectrum, the complete anihalation of the programs. In a nut shell: Paul speaks to the large [and growing] independent voter, who represent restoration of our constitutional rights and the speaking out for the anti-establishment.

I am in that uncounted portion of voters who are fiscally conservative and socially moderate...
I don't agree with everything Dr. Paul says, but I sure as heck agree with more of his postions than any of the big two party candidates...
1. Protect our national interests FIRST...
2. Staunch the bleeding of tax payer dollars into ill conceived social programs, and fund only those programs which pass fiscal and Constitutional musster......
Make the Fed Gov live within its income (no deficits)
3. Term limit politicians and insist they spend their days representing their district instead of their own re-election - as they now do, exclusively...
If the Supreme Court disagrees with the majority of voters on this, then the Supremes have to be reined in...

Dr. O

"Once enlightened, so to speak, the freed prisoner would not want to return to the cave to free "his fellow bondsmen," but would be compelled to do so. Another problem lies in the other prisoners not wanting to be freed: descending back into the cave would require that the freed prisoner's eyes adjust again, and for a time, he would be one of the ones identifying shapes on the wall. His eyes would be swamped by the darkness, and would take time to become acclimated. Therefore, he would not be able to identify the shapes on the wall as well as the other prisoners, making it seem as if his being taken to the surface completely ruined his eyesight. "

r

"People see an honest politician. His solution to our problems is to follow the letter of the law, i.e. restrain an out of control govt with the law of the land. That's what's bringing the fierce devotion. It's good common sense. We're so out of balance, that it looks crazy to some people.

Posted by: silverxchange | December 21, 2007 09:56 AM
"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_cave

Paul supporters are not crazy. Normal people look crazy to cazy people.

fitzonetj writes
"I am really looking forward to January when the voting starts. Either I am deluded or the press is missing out on the biggest story in politics in a long time."

I too am looking forward to Jan. And I'm not trying to be mean when I say this, but I think you're deluded, if you think Rep Paul is going to have any significant showing in any of the caucuses or primaries. Here's why: his supporters are not members of the Republican party. I don't think they are going to bother showing up to vote in the various contests; and even if they do, I don't think there are as many of them as you guys think. I could be wrong; in fact I hope I'm wrong because I'd love to see Rep Paul do well - but to use your word, I think his supporters are delusional if they think its really going to happen.

"I have problems with him because he appears to care about laws and security for our country, then turns around and wants to abolish any law that he disagrees with. Programs that are set up and been in effect for years, SS for example, that provide some financial security to the elderly, Education, and Tax policy are way out of line with any reasonable analysis.

Posted by: lylepink | December 21, 2007 02:50 AM
"

thank you pink. If bush is a criminal like paul says, waht's he going to do about it? How's he going to ensure this criminality never happens again? I haven't heard him take on those issues.

Like you said. Like bush he wants to enfore the laws he likes and ignore those he disagree's. That's what got us here. Republcians these days. Hypocrites.

Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas) is the leading advocate for freedom in our nation's capital. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Paul tirelessly works for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies. He is known among his congressional colleagues and his constituents for his consistent voting record. Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution.

American Independence and Sovereignty

So called free trade deals and world governmental organizations like the International Criminal Court (ICC), NAFTA, GATT, WTO, and CAFTA are a threat to our independence as a nation. They transfer power from our government to unelected foreign elites.

The ICC wants to try our soldiers as war criminals. Both the WTO and CAFTA could force Americans to get a doctor's prescription to take herbs and vitamins. Alternative treatments could be banned.

The WTO has forced Congress to change our laws, yet we still face trade wars. Today, France is threatening to have U.S. goods taxed throughout Europe. If anything, the WTO makes trade relations worse by giving foreign competitors a new way to attack U.S. jobs.

NAFTA's superhighway is just one part of a plan to erase the borders between the U.S. and Mexico, called the North American Union. This spawn of powerful special interests, would create a single nation out of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with a new unelected bureaucracy and money system. Forget about controlling immigration under this scheme.

And a free America, with limited, constitutional government, would be gone forever.

Let's not forget the UN. It wants to impose a direct tax on us. I successfully fought this move in Congress last year, but if we are going to stop ongoing attempts of this world government body to tax us, we will need leadership from the White House.

We must withdraw from any organizations and trade deals that infringe upon the freedom and independence of the United States of America.

http://www.ronpaul2008.com

If Ron Paul seems crazy to you, you have to go to the founding philosophies of the country, then read von Hayek, "Road to Serfdom", to understand how the intention to use 'government for good' almost always is perverted by the political process into tyranny, and then spend a little time with Austrian economics, Murray Rothbard or von Mises, on the business cycle and hard currency, to understand how commodity money enables a population to keep control of a government, and thereby, their liberties. Then understand that the good Dr. has 30 years in the House. He understands the practical realities of government. And has voted and spoken consistently, in a principled way, throughout his tenure. Lobbyists don't even knock on his door anymore. People see an honest politician. His solution to our problems is to follow the letter of the law, i.e. restrain an out of control govt with the law of the land. That's what's bringing the fierce devotion. It's good common sense. We're so out of balance, that it looks crazy to some people.

I am really looking forward to January when the voting starts. Either I am deluded or the press is missing out on the biggest story in politics in a long time.

If you are not a Ron Paul supporter, all I ask is that you spend a little time and really try to understand his positions - if you do that and don't agree that's fine, but at least make an informed decision.

Patrick,

Do other candidates care? No. It is just that when something like this is found out they pander to the media and give it back.

This is what Paul thinks(best answer at 5 minute mark):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqPhrqllHzY

Perhaps Paul supports minority rights in general (such as gays, home schoolers, gun owners, pot smokers).

Its not Ron Paul's supporters that are in denial it is the MSM! This republican race is a six way split and all any candidate needs to win is 20% of the vote-- Ron Paul is aleady a major influence on the outcome. Ron Paul has changed the debate-- even if it were true he only has 6-8% of the vote (which it is not). I just registered republican. I have no landline. I will vote. I will not be polled. Paul's 6-8% are motivated!

I understand Ron Paul took campaign money from a known White Supremicist, and folks are OK with that. $500

Maybe that is just one example of why Mr. Paul is so successful in raising funds. He does not concern himself where the money comes from, and does not feel any connection to his donors, or does he.

Perhaps Mr. Paul does support the views of extremists and chooses to take their financing publicly.

Patrick

Well Chris, I see you did repost som edited comments re Ron Pauls record fundraising day, I just missed it since there was no link to it from the washington posts main page, lets keep it as low profile as posible!

Looks to me the number one GOP candidate, leading all others in EVERY poll is: NONE OF THE ABOVE!!

Sounds like it's wide open to me!

Is there a Doctor in the house?

It is pretty much accepted fact that any large population has within its numbers a small percentage of lunatics. In American politics they make themselves known by their support of twirly-eyed fringe candidates.

Fact two: most of the Ron Paul supporters are young and employed in decent paying high-tech jobs - ill educated in anything concerning the real world...only a small number are registered voters and fewer still have ever voted. Net result is 'virtual' not 'reality in the world of politics. Will they make a difference? History says not.

If anyone want's to see what Ron Paul is about, watch Tim Russart this Sun. on Meet The Press, Ron is his guess speaker...

Fools And Their Rights Are Soon Parted !!!

Socialism Sucks !!!

Power given away expecting benevolence with no accountability is Foolish. Do not be mentally minuscule. Do you not see that Both sides of the Isle are guilty of misrepresentation. Do not continue to volunteer for slavery nor sell your brethren as well.

America is being undermined on many fronts. The one most eminent is our Bankruptcy. Fueled by War, Empire Maintenance, and Fallacious Spending of congress; The economic Overtaking of America will not be far off. The effects are just now becoming evident. We will be sold to our enemies rather than forced into submission.

It irks me to hear people contend that failed programs that do not achieve their goals, and actually exacerbate the social problems they were meant to help, must remain in place. In the business world if things do not work you RESTRUCTURE or meet the doom of bankruptcy.

Forced Morals Never work and the unintended consequences of such action are exponentially detrimental. I can not think of one social program, operated by the government, that when scrutinized objectively is of net benefit. Government does nothing well. There is no accountability. Without accountability there is only Fraud, Waste, And Abuse.

Do Not Continue To Be Fooled By Your Emotion. Just because you think that charity is necessary does not mean that you can achieve it by force.

I feel sorry for those who can not use their minds for logic and reason. Emotion is only for guidance. It makes terrible decisions because it can not see beyond the moment.

America has come to a moment of great peril. The gift of what was made by our ancestors is in disrepair. To reinvigorate what once was, we must elect a president who gives more than just lip service to the constitution.

Ron Paul is of this character.

Join me to restore the republic; Vote For Ron Paul.

fuzzywzhe: Easy one, fuzzy. "Intense" is the one work answer. The supporters of Ron Paul, goes with him no matter what his proposals may be. This borders on insane worship when used or compared with other extreme beliefs, such as differences in religion, for example.

What I can't figure out is that:

* given 70% of the United States population is on the Internet:

http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats2.htm

* Ron Paul wins all the Internet polls, and is the most researched candidate on the Internet

How is it possible that the remaining 30% of America that isn't on the net dominates politics and Paul supporters are just a fringe group.

Anybody have an explanation for that?

I have problems with him because he appears to care about laws and security for our country, then turns around and wants to abolish any law that he disagrees with. Programs that are set up and been in effect for years, SS for example, that provide some financial security to the elderly, Education, and Tax policy are way out of line with any reasonable analysis.

so, perhaps this should be more widely known.

http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1996_1343749

anticlimacus

Chris,

I enjoy your work and think you are a pretty smart guy, but your statement in the previous post, that you were "totally stumped" as to Paul's support clearly illustrates the problem.

I mean this with all due respect, but you can't smell the shinola you are shoveling. You can't see the forest for the trees.

You, as a "pundit", and everyone else directly involved in the political world don't realize just how screwed up politics in this country have become...both Republicans and Democrats.

Is it really that hard to believe that a lot of people think that Ron Paul's platform makes the most sense?

Chris,

Let me get this straight. You solicit for opinions regarding Ron Paul, fund raising and the GOP and then you high grade the responses?

"335 comments were made on the original post. Obviously given that volume, we couldn't pick out all of the posts that made a good point or made a cogent argument. But, washingtonpost.com politics producer Sarah Lovenheim did her best to pool the best of your responses below."

I think that is the cheapest trick a blog master can pull and to think I was kind of sorry I had ran out of time to get mine in - but sure am glad I didn't bother now.

You can count me out on any future bogus cherry picking foray regarding Ron Paul. Just plain poor journalism ethics and really bad business practice. It will serve you right if you never hear from a Ron Paul supporter again, and I telling you ,by the way Paul supporters are joining the ranks - that will be about half the nation by late next year

Ron Paul is nucking futs.

I'd like to think that part of the reason is because of the MSM in general, specifically their treatment of those candidates not favored by the Polituro. See, for instance, Chris Matthews muttering under his breath during a Ron Paul answer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOgeJ7mPeWg

The view of IA from the "Economist":

http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10331499

"Economist" reporter does not much like Edwards or Huck...

"cement his beleifs that he is the last bastion of hope for america.
"

funny. I was thinking those exact words a few minutes ago. but it is not me that is the "last bashion of hope". It is Obama and or edwards that are our last hope. If they cannot do what they say, then we have zero hope and must go the way of ron paul. We can change, but the obstructionists sabotuer party loyalists must be marginalized and put in the political celler. I still have hope. It is not me, though I am fighting the fascists.

You always love to talk about the matrix zouk. i am not "the one". i am morpheus. I am "the one's" right hand man. I am the man protecting him. I am his/her shoulder to lean on. Who can you trust in a capitalist society? Nobody. That time is changing. "we are all in this together", thye say. time will tell. I'm holding out hope. for the future. for my children.

But I am the bad guy.

good luck and God Bless.

Oh and zouk is a fascist.

Give them heck paul. They refuse to listen to the opposition party. But they must listen to you. Bring reality to the cave. It hurts them at first, but just at first. They think the cave is better because it is safe. It is only as safe as the man behind the curtain makes it. You better off with your ambilical cord cut and on your own. In the real world. Cut the cord zouk. Cut it

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_cave

i'M NOT THE RULER OF ALL. I'm not the king of all libs :).

I'm just a young man telling you what others are saying, and waht's GOING to happen.

or better yet. I'M THE GUY TELLING YOU HOW IT IS.

don't hate blame of try and silence me. to hate what I say is to hate reality. To hate what I say is to hate chrsitianity. to hate my words is to hate america.

If you hate me and what I say, when I try and help you, then you have other demons and other enemies. your anger and hate is misplaced. Ignore me zouk and proud, please. I like that. you do not win by ignoring me. It just shows my strength. That i am uncomabtable. And that is true, most of the time. I told you. you can't win. Better to jsut do you. Stop the whining and complaing and start doing your homework.

Or listen to me, I'll help you. I'll tell you what time it is. But I have zero power. I'm just telling you what is coming to pass. you'd be well served to show some respect. You might grow. You might learn something. I know you republcians are terrrifed of cahnge and growth. But it's happening regardless. I will not let you people sabotage chagne any longer. I and my liberal universal consciousness

"really CC - don't encourage him. the rest of us regularly ignore him hoping he'll go away. you posting his name will cement his beleifs that he is the last bastion of hope for america."

really zouk, by "ignoring" rufus you're referring to the hundreds of posts in which you insult "rufas," right?

:)

Cry and whine away. It's all you guys got left. Enjoy your irrelevance come 08. don't blame me. The time for accounatability is at hand. Not by me or because of me. Your hate and crying is misplaced.

really CC - don't encourage him. the rest of us regularly ignore him hoping he'll go away. you posting his name will cement his beleifs that he is the last bastion of hope for america.

At least you didn't put rufus' comment first. sheesh. I demand a recount!