Posted on 07/29/2007 6:22:19 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Yesterday I looked at the Ron Paul phenomenon as an expression of the anti-big government sentiments among some people in each of the major parties. Such voters have limited options among the other candidates this year. While the Paul supporters commenting vigorously disagreed, I also expressed the belief that Paul cannot win the Republican nomination. What if I am right? What will his supporters do?
It is hard to see Paul supporters being loyal Republicans and backing their party’s winner–which should be a matter of concern for the Republicans. If I was a GOP leader I’d be questioning Paul’s loyalty to the party and pressing him for a pledge to support the nominee and encourage his supporters to do the same should he lose. Of course it is questionable as to how many votes he could deliver to the authoritarian war mongers who dominate the Republican field should he be willing to do so.
I don’t even know that Paul would agree to support another Republican candidate. Would Paul jump ship and run as a Libertarian again? If not, will the Libertarian Party candidate benefit from what Paul has done? That will depend partially upon the candidate, but the LP will have the problem that many people are reluctant to vote for a third party which has no real chance of winning.
If they are reluctant to support a minor party, will many Paul supporters back the Democratic winner as the best shot of having an anti-war candidate win? That will depend a lot on the nominee. Richardson already has some libertarian support but remains a real long shot. Edwards will have a real tough time attracting any libertarian support, between his previous support for he war and Patriot Act when in the Senate to his current populist economic policies. Clinton will also have problems here, but I could see Obama managing to find a way to bridge liberal ideas with libertarian ideals as he has shown he is willing to avoid pandering to traditional Democratic special interests.
While I don’t think Ron Paul has any real chance of winning the Republican nomination, his candidacy is doing far better than might have been expected initially, and he very well may have a lasting impact on the race. Between the out right libertarians, as well as the more traditional conservatives who are becoming increasingly outraged by the current Republican leadership, there will be a number of Republicans looking for an alternative. Whether the Democrats can become a majority party will depend partially on whether they can attract a portion of these voters. To do so will mean not only opposing the war but showing they recognize that the 2000’s are not the 1930’s and their old New Deal coalition is long gone.
Why is it that Ron Paul is a Libertarian until the elections roll around and then all of sudden he’s a Republican.
Thanks, I did not know this but I am not surprised.
Which FReepers? Jim Robinson, the founder of this site, has no use for Rudy, as I’m sure you know. Rudy=Hillary. Actually, Rudy would be more dangerous, because we’d be pressured to get behind his proposals “for the good of the party” and all that, whereas we’d naturally fight her programs.
Because I want true liberty as opposed to the election-year pandering to conservatives that Republicans normally do? Please.
He is a Kook because he wants to surrender in the war on terror and he blames America for 9/11. He is not only a kook but also a defeatist and a traitor.
You and I both know that's complete garbage. I'm not going to waste my time posting the facts because you don't care anyway.
Hello FRiend :)
“Yesterday I looked at the Ron Paul phenomenon”
Right off the bat this story is in trouble. I think to reach “phenomenon” status, one must actually REGISTER support in polls. Usually a number big enough that you aren’t sharing 5% with 4 other candidates.
Back at you JV! Always a pleasure to see you.
He’s a rare breed; he’s both a RINO and LINO, since if you check the record you’ll see he does waste government money for his district. I’ll find that.
Do you honestly think someone like Paul's caliber really care if he loses his seat?
Why do you think there are lots of folks supporting Paul? People are fed up with Washington. All of these federal government programs and taxes and sticking our noses into other countries' affairs are causing all the problems we're having today. Don't you get it?
No EEE, you are delusional for thinking that the GOP is afraid of Ron Paul, get real man, he is absolutely no one and the GOP is not losing sleep afraid that Ron Paul and his folks will take over the party.
What are you referring to?
“If Paul wins a couple of primaries...”
I’ll expect snow in Death Valley.
Yep, spying on terrorists is a bad thing according to Ron Paul.
He's 72, I doubt he cares. He was frail when I met him in 03.
Besides, republicans have a history of supporting the democrat over Ron Paul in his Congressional races.
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