These “grassroots activists” who caused this whole mess are Ron Paul supporters who lied about their allegiance in order to get delegate slots. They truly believe in a Ron Paul insurgency.
I agree that changing these rules would have long-term unintended consequences and would not be a good thing, but the original intent was to shut down an infiltration by dishonest people who are trying very hard to make trouble at the convention.
That does make sense. When I first heard about it I thought it was kind of snarky on Romney's part, but if Romney was really going after the Tea Party types he never would have selected Ryan.
Only the naive believe they are unintended.
The first rule authorized the candidate to pick his own delegates, the 2nd enabled the candidate to set all the rules in secret with the power brokers, and the 3rd enabled the candidate to prevent future challenges.
Now, you tell me what rules 2 and 3 have to do with Ron Paul?
exactly , well said
Unfortunately this is the precursor for tyranny, which is worse.
Damn straight. If there was ever a reason to vote against Ron Paul it's his dishonest, petulant supporters.
You are lying about the lying. Liar.
No, it’s not just the Ron Paul people. This is traditional grassroots as well.
I agree that changing these rules would have long-term unintended consequences and would not be a good thing, but the original intent was to shut down an infiltration by dishonest people who are trying very hard to make trouble at the convention.
Doesn't matter who it's directed at. Just like obama, we do not need anyone have more power over us to take our voice away. I was suppose to be a delegate, but dropped out because Romney won. Look at all he has done already to prove his liberalism. Not 100% pro-life like he said, not 100% for traditional marriage like he said, and is not severely conservative like he said. Why take away the power of the voters and give it to someone who lied and can't be trusted? We are conservatives and not liberals who walk blindly lock step behind their leader.
The Ron Paul maneuvers are the GOP-E Trojan Horse to banish all opposition. This is so much bigger than the hassle of dealing with 186 Paul delegates in a sea of Romney convention delegates.
What a ruse, that this hatchet to kill a fly approach is being swallowed whole.
The Establishment has been itching to use something to retail to the galactically naieve in order to silence the entire conservative wing of the party. This has fallen in their lap.
“Trouble at the convention” should be the name of the game! The candidates and the RNC should ALWAYS have a healthy respect for and fear of what delegates may do at the convention.
5Over the years, the convention has turned into an orchestrated event to confirm the party’s man instead of an event for delegates elected by the states/people to negotiate agreement and elect a candidate.
It sounds to me, like a candidate’s campaign ought to be able to vet any delegate elected under their name. Seems like that should be done before they go on the ballot though.
I think letting rules changes be done outside of the conventions is dangerous and gives too much power to the GOP-e.
Absolutely correct. Paul is a lunatic snake-oil salesman with a lot of deluded and/or dishonest Paul-bots.
The silver lining, however, is that his duplicitous behavior has ripped the scab off the festering GOP-e sore, revealed Willard's true colors for all to see, and may, MAY (hopefully) finally light the (short) fuse on a new TRULY CONSERVATIVE third (no, make that SECOND) party for 2016. (IF we survive the Romney-Obama kabuki show.)
Sorry for the mixed metaphors ;)