How Paul Could Change Race

WSJ ^ | Dec. 04, 2007 | By SUSAN DAVIS

[jdm]

Manchester, N.H. -- After shocking the Republican Party establishment with a surge in online support, Rep. Ron Paul is trying to translate his Internet revolution into real votes, particularly in New Hampshire.

The Texan's latest campaign swing through the early-primary state shows it is going to be a tough climb -- though he could have an impact on the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

"As a realist and as an experienced political person, I know that it's extremely unlikely he is going to get the nomination," says Keith Murphy, who runs an unofficial Paul campaign headquarters at his Elm Street bar. "Having said that, if he can win in any state in the nation, it's New Hampshire."

New Hampshire seems a natural fit for Mr. Paul, whose libertarian strain of Republicanism, fiscal conservatism, opposition to the war, and pro-gun record play best here. He also boasts spirited grass-roots activism and a healthy campaign bank account that, spent wisely, could potentially shake up the Jan. 8 primary.

This past Saturday evening, as Mr. Paul arrived at Murphy's Tap Room, the supporters erupted in a chant: "What do we want? Liberty!" Murphy's provides free wireless Internet access, an indispensable tool for a campaign largely organized on the Web.

[jdm]

"As a realist and as an experienced political person, I know that it's extremely unlikely he is going to get the nomination," says Keith Murphy, who runs an unofficial Paul campaign headquarters at his Elm Street bar.

Interesting.

[Hoodat]

Paul is not in the race to win the GOP nomination. He is in the race to bleed off as many GOP votes as possible in November. (See: Ross Perot)

[The Worthless Miracle]

Just an honest question - why does everyone hate him so much? I’m suspicious of him due to his supporters, which seem to be liberals and conspiracy “loosechange” types. I just never saw that he cam out and blatantly said we deserved 9-11, but i haven’t researched him that closely - just started a new job...

[jveritas]

He is a defeatist who wants to surrender to the terrorist in Iraq.

[svcw]

I am going to write this slowly, just because a person does not agree with a candidate policy statements does not mean they hate them.
It is a cute strategy frequently used on FR but it is juvenile.
The 9-11 statement was said in one of the debates.

[joebuck]

In 6 months Paul will be nothing but the answer to a trivia question.

[dighton]

In 6 months Paul will be nothing but the answer to a trivia question.

From your lips to God’s ears.

[Petronski]

I thought the title meant L.Ron wanted to become a brutha.

[big'ol_freeper]

You sure its a bar. More likely and opium den. Anyone who supports Ron Paul has to be smoking rope.

[svcw]

Oh man you mean we have to wait six months.

[jrooney]

He wants to surrender to al Qaeda and leave them alone worldwide, so they grow in strength and numbers and attack our allies around the world, until they come here again and kill 10 times more than on 9/11. Ron Paul would put us all in danger from al Qaeda with his cowardice and defeatist attitude.

[Hunton Peck]

How Paul Could Change Race

Been done. Hasn't this chick read "Black Like Me"?

[Doogle]

How Paul can change race

..he could share a space ship with Kucinich

[Vigilanteman]

..he could share a space ship with Kucinich

LOL! He could also change race by putting on blackface. OTOH, a little brown shoe polish might be more appropriate.

[Mygirlsmom]

New Hampshire seems a natural fit for Mr. Paul, whose libertarian strain of Republicanism, fiscal conservatism, opposition to the war, and pro-gun record play best here because one doesn't have to live there to vote so "Paulites" everywhere will emerge from their basements and head to the polls.

[Minn]

Ron Paul is trying to translate his Internet revolution into real votes

It worked so well for Howard Dean.

[RoadKingSE]

How Paul Could Change Race

Show tunes?

[matthew fuller]

"In 6 months Paul will be nothing but the answer to a trivia question. "

In 6 months Paul will still be a US Congressman (same as Duncan Hunter).

[SatinDoll]

Yeah, I agree he is there to bleed voters off of Conservatives. But I suspect much of that surprising financial largesse he is receiving comes from Democrats.

[pawdoggie]

"What do we want? Liberty!"

If they consider a descent into madness "Liberty", then their "Liberty" will be its own reward.