by Lisa Anderson
ANGLETON, Texas -- No more Department of Education. No more Federal Reserve Bank. No more Medicare or Medicaid. No more membership in the United Nations or NATO. No more federal drug laws. And, no more U.S. troops in Iraq -- or anywhere else on foreign soil.
The Internal Revenue Service would be history in the first week that Ron Paul sits behind the desk in the Oval Office. And the dismantling of the above-mentioned entities and relationships -- plus a long list of others -- soon would commence.
Think that sounds eccentric, strange, even crazy? Many of the libertarian-minded, 10-term congressman's rivals for the GOP presidential nomination think so and have said so.
But, to a growing, Internet-based pool of supporters, the silver-haired obstetrician turned politician is the sanest man at the Republican debates and perhaps in all of Congress. Paul attracts an unusual political potpourri of people of all ages and viewpoints, including a sprinkling of conspiracy theorists and other extremists whose views Paul's campaign disavows. While most supporters ardently oppose the Iraq war, what they all share is a deep disenchantment and distrust of the federal government in its present form and a fervent belief in Paul's plans to change it.
On Nov. 5, they demonstrated their passion for Paul in spectacular fashion, raising $4.2 million, mostly online, in 24 hours, rocketing him close to his $12 million goal for the fourth quarter. In terms of 2008 GOP presidential candidates, Paul's take broke the previous one-day record of $3.1 million set by Mitt Romney Jan. 8.
See the rest of the Ron Paul profile in the Tempo section of today's Tribune:
And for video profiles of Paul and other candidates, see this Tribune file.
Hammering home a singular message of freedom, free markets, smaller federal government and greater personal responsibility, Paul, at 72, is nothing if not consistent. Personally, he seems very much the same in a one-on-one conversation as he does on the stump: earnest, serious and slightly stunned. Although pleasant, he, unlike most politicians, makes no effort to charm. He leaves an impression that he is out to sell ideas, not himself.
Politically, he also is relentlessly consistent: If it is not explicitly authorized in the U.S. Constitution, Paul opposes it, particularly if it involves spending. He has opposed so many things over his political career that he has been dubbed "Dr. No."
The money that would be saved from the elimination of many federal programs, not to mention the Iraq war, he contends, would more than provide a state-based safety net for those Americans who can't help themselves and for those depending on Social Security, which eventually he would phase out. States, not the federal government, should deal with issues such as abortion and the nature of marriage, he says. And, though he dreams of a day America returns to a gold standard, he would be happy just to see the country stop taking on huge foreign debt and running up deficits by printing money for which it has no solid backing.
Off and running
Money, specifically monetary policy, is a long-term Paul obsession, the foundation of many of his ideas and books and the catalyst of his political career. In his 20s, he became interested in the libertarian-flavored Austrian school of economics, which favors a commodity-backed currency and markets free of government interference. When President Richard Nixon effectively severed the U.S. dollar from the gold standard in 1971, Paul has said, he felt impelled to enter politics.
Emerging as an unlikely Republican rock star among young voters, Paul actually draws cheers on college campuses when he calls for abolishing the Federal Reserve System.
"It amazes me no end that they even have thought about it," he said in a recent interview.
Asked about his appeal to young people, he said, "They don't trust government. Government has been messing things up. And they respond favorably to not worrying about paying income tax and getting out of Social Security."
In terms of foreign policy, he said, "I make them feel good that you can be conservative and pro-truth and pro-American and pro-Constitution and not want to go to war for needless purposes. They've been made to feel ... that if you don't support all these invasions and all this fighting, somehow you're anti-American."
Paul has infuriated some, including his GOP rivals, by suggesting that U.S. foreign policy has fueled terrorism and contributed to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He often says, "They came over here because we went over there."
Meanwhile, he has proved not only more popular but more bankable than many -- including himself -- might have expected. Even before the Nov. 5 cascade of cash, Paul's campaign had more than $5 million on hand at the close of the third quarter,exceeding the coffers of such better-known White House hopefuls as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Republican former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
No fear
"I think one thing that appeals to the young people is that he'll speak his mind and he doesn't care who likes or doesn't like it," said Bruce Buchanan, a professor of government who specializes in presidential politics at the University of Texas at Austin. "That old saw that he'd rather be right than be president fits."
Long unafraid to take rock-solid stands on issues that would turn other candidates' knees to jelly -- witness his opposition to gun control and censorship of pornography or anything else on the Internet, and his approval of decriminalizing marijuana and prostitution -- Paul has developed the unlikely political habit of saying exactly what he thinks. All the time. Whether he's on the floor of the House of Representatives or on the couch of "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."
Down-home but passionate
A slight, craggy-faced man whose crinkly eyes and ski-slope nose might suggest an older version of commentator Bill O'Reilly, Ron Paul cuts a figure more down-home than dashing. He projects a mild-mannered demeanor but turns fiery when he talks about the need for change in the federal government. And there is a steely certainty to his views that even his fans concede sound radical on first hearing.
Some have compared Paul's formidable performance on the Internet with that of former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean, another maverick who also scored early success on the Internet, both in raising money and his profile. The majority of Paul's funds come from online donors, and his campaign Web site -- RonPaul2008.com -- is often a political traffic-topper in a crowded presidential field. For the week ending Oct. 27, traffic on Paul's site vied for the top slot with that of Sen. Hillary Clinton and handily trounced all other GOP candidate sites, according to Hitwise.com, which monitors Internet usage. "Ron Paul" was the most searched political term for the prior month.
Yet in most presidential race polls, Paul hovers in the low single digits -- often within the margin of error. In his best showing to date, 7.4 percent of likely New Hampshire primary voters supported him, according to a New Hampshire Institute of Politics poll released Oct. 25.
Although he ran as the Libertarian Party presidential nominee in 1988, Paul says he has no plans to run as anything other than Republican in 2008. He also says he has no intention of running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by his fellow Texas Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison. And he has no plans to quit the presidential race.
"What people are afraid of is Paul will never leave" the race for the White House, said Robert Stein, a political scientist at Rice University in Houston and a longtime Paul watcher. "You have to know Ron Paul as I do. This guy just keeps on ticking."
Ron Paul consistently draws enthusiastic crowds, often topping 1,500 people, during campaign stops around the country, particularly at colleges and universities. But name recognition remains problematic.
"Is Ron Paul the actor, the one who used to be an actor?" one student was overheard asking as she strolled past signs for a Paul event on the University of Southern California campus earlier this fall.
No, that would be Fred Thompson.
Paul's name can draw blank stares even in his own district. At the Brazoria County Fair in Angleton on a hot and dusty October day, it seemed most people were far more familiar with such signature delicacies as fried Oreos, fried pickles and Brobdingnagian-size roasted turkey legs than they were with their own representative in Congress, who happens to be running for the White House.
"I know he was a doctor in Lake Jackson," said Bubba Kettler, 44, an electric company lineman.
Teresa Petersen, sitting amid crates of the velvety, mottled chocolate-and-white Standard Rex rabbits her sons brought to show at the fair, fondly recalled Ron Paul. Mother of a child with autism, Petersen went to see Paul in a district office to persuade him to oppose the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Improvement in Education Act. Many parent groups at the time contended that proposed changes in the act weakened educational opportunities for disabled children.
Amiable and approachable
"He was just a really nice man. He was very easy to talk to," recalled Petersen, 45, who is a full-time student at Brazosport College. "He was very aware of the issue," she said, adding "He did end up voting 'no' on that.
"Actually, I found out later that he votes 'no' on most things, so there went all the air out of my bubble," she added with a laugh.
Representing the 14th Congressional District, Paul covers a swath of the Texas Gulf Coast running south of Houston from about Galveston to Corpus Christi. A mix of rural, suburban and beach communities, the district has a large petrochemical industry presence, cattle ranching, rice farming and numbers many NASA workers among its roughly 650,000 residents.
Although Paul steadfastly opposes farm subsidies, greater support for NASA and funding for FEMA in a famously hurricane-prone district, he continues to be re-elected comfortably. "It's not that kind of relationship," said the University of Texas' Buchanan. "It's more on the order of 'This is a man we trust,' as opposed to 'What's in it for us?'"
Born August 20, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Ronald Ernest Paul was the third of five sons born to a dairy farmer in the nearby tiny suburb of Green Tree. He began working for his father at an early age and delivered milk during his years at Dormont High School. There he met Carol Wells, daughter of a well-to-do coffee broker. They have five children, 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
"The first time I ever saw him, he was running a track event," recalled Carol Paul, 71, in a recent phone conversation.
"I think what impressed me too was that everybody liked him. But he was a serious student and a serious athlete. He spent most of his time doing that. He wasn't one of the big dating crowd. He was student body president his senior year. He didn't run for it. They wanted him."
Paul worked his way through Gettysburg College, initially planning to follow two of his brothers into the ministry. But an interest in biology led him instead to the Duke University School of Medicine. He and Carol married in his last semester at Gettysburg, and she worked to put him through medical school.
Paul was a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard from 1963 to 1968; he was not assigned to serve in Vietnam. In 40 years as an OB-GYN in the Lake Jackson area, he estimates, he has delivered more than 4,000 babies.It pains Carol Paul to hear her husband booed or criticized by rivals during debates, but she takes pride in his attitude. "He has no animosity to these people," she said. "He forgives. But I don't know if he can ever forgive about the war, the boys we've lost and the fact we went in for lies."
Ron Paul is the only GOP candidate unequivocally opposed to the Iraq war and was the only Republican representative who did not vote in support of it. He is also the rare congressman who refuses a Congressional pension, because he considers the use of taxpayer money in this fashion an abuse of power. For the same reason, he never accepted taxpayer-funded Medicare or Medicaid in his practice, nor did he allow his children to take federal loans for college.
Paul appears financially comfortable but not exceedingly wealthy, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. Most of his holdings are in about two dozen gold and silver firms, many valued at less than $15,000 and none valued at more than $250,000.
A turnabout
Paul likes to tell people that when constituents came to visit him in his Washington office, it would invariably be parents with reluctant children in tow. These days, he says, it is more often young people introducing their skeptical parents to him.
There are more than 260 Students for Ron Paul chapters around the country, and one of them is at USC in Los Angeles. There Paul stood under a blazing sun on a hot September afternoon speaking to a rally that swiftly grew from a few hundred students to more than 1,500. Among them was history major Luke Murphy, 20. Murphy found out about Paul from his twin brother, who discovered him on the Internet.
"My little brother is going to a Ron Paul rally in San Francisco tomorrow, and he's bringing my mother," he said, noting that septuagenarian Paul may be too "radical" for the "older generation."
Lorraine Clearman, a 67-year-old school administrator, admitted she was cynical when she arrived earlier that same day to hear Paul speak at a $500-a-head fundraising breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton in Pasadena. She went at the behest of her daughter, Holly Clearman, 47, who works with school drop-outs in Los Angeles, and her 14-year-old grandson, Anthony Iatropoulos.
Anthony, a 9th grader, said his mother had introduced him to Paul's ideas. But, he added, "I don't just blindly follow my mother. I feel with sincerity that Ron Paul is hope for America." "Hope for America" is Paul's campaign slogan.
By late October, Lorraine Clearman was sold on Paul. "These positive young supporters give me optimism for the future of our country," she said in an e-mail. "This election may well be bought, and the next ones as well, but the movement may prevail in the end. My conscience will only let me vote for Ron Paul."
No matter how things turn out in 2008, Paul believes he will have made an impact, or at least a dent, in the political landscape. "They can't silence us," he said. "The message is out of the bag, so to speak. The message is out there. I have no idea what's going to happen to the campaign. I'm doing so much better than I ever dreamed."
As he recently said on The Tonight Show, "There's probably a risk I could win."
Comments
I think the clincher for a lot of people is that he refused the lucrative pension. Any politician who would do that is clearly not for sale.
Posted by: Jim Peterson | November 13, 2007 8:55 AM
Great article! Thanks a million.
Posted by: Mitch C | November 13, 2007 9:01 AM
Best Ron Paul article ever. Fair, truthful, no misrepresentations as is often seen. Either the writer knows they would get railed if they were wrong, or he is starting to see the light. We'll take it. Hopefully, more articles like these will show the American people the man we support and why. The message is the thing. Than man is pretty good, too.
Posted by: Nick | November 13, 2007 9:07 AM
I wasn't political before hearing about Ron Paul. I have never believed in a politician until Ron Paul. I never thought I would register as a Republican before Ron Paul.
All that has changed. He *is* real hope for getting our nation back on track.
I am constantly being told he "can't win." This is often from people who have just admitted that they believe in what he has to say.
THANK YOU for not posting an article that furthers this baseless pessimism.
Posted by: Ted | November 13, 2007 9:13 AM
Fantastic article! Great job doing your homework and learning all about this candidate before labeling and writing about him. He is the only hope for America.
Posted by: Jake Denny | November 13, 2007 9:16 AM
I trust Ron Paul, and he has my vote.
Posted by: Melissa | November 13, 2007 9:19 AM
I was considering Ron Paul or Huckabee. Ron Paul is a good man but many of his followers are wierd and vulgar. I wouldn't want to be part of that bunch. I'll go with Huckabee. He's is intelligent, down-to-earth, real and reasonable and it he has more reasonable followers.
Posted by: Greg | November 13, 2007 9:21 AM
Thank you for an excellent article on Dr. Paul. When I vote for Ron Paul it will be the first time in more than 40 years of voting that I will not feel I am just having to choose between the lesser of two evils.
Posted by: J. Stephen Conn | November 13, 2007 9:24 AM
Nice write up.
Posted by: Andy | November 13, 2007 9:28 AM
"The Internal Revenue Service would be history in the first week that Ron Paul sits behind the desk in the Oval Office."
Maybe you could explain how President Ron Paul could eradicate the IRS in his first week, let alone his first month, without the support of Congress. Even the good doctor knows that he would need congressional support to implement such freedom restoration.
Posted by: R.S. Bell | November 13, 2007 9:29 AM
"No more Department of Education. No more Federal Reserve Bank. No more Medicare or Medicaid. No more membership in the United Nations or NATO. No more federal drug laws. And, no more U.S. troops in Iraq -- or anywhere else on foreign soil."
If you had watched his interview at Nashua, NH and others you would know he does not believe in abolishing this programs entirely and knows he does not have the power to do it by himself without congressional power. Ron Paul is running on many of the same positions as George Bush did when he was elected in 2000. The only real difference is Paul has the history to support his positions and people can just he will do what he says he will.
Posted by: Ira Kaur | November 13, 2007 9:29 AM
@Greg - yeah, I agree... better to be one of the sheeple, than to stick with your gut beliefs. /sarcasm
Before someone posts about Ron Paul Spambots... isn't that a conspiracy? Put your tin-foil hats to better use, like baking potatoes.
RP FTW!
Posted by: Jeff | November 13, 2007 9:29 AM
This is probably the most honest article to date that I have read. Thank you very much.
Go Paul!
Posted by: Larry Brewer | November 13, 2007 9:34 AM
fantastic article. As a lifelong democrat, I had been choosing among the democratic candidates we have now, leaning towards Obama. After doing my research, I gotta say Ron Paul will definitely have my vote. Even though I hate the repuglican party, he is truly the most qualified to lead this nation. He is the only one who seems to have a straight head on his shoulders and isn't caving into dirty politics. I just wish other Americans would open their eyes and see this as well.
Posted by: Tim Bergensen | November 13, 2007 9:41 AM
Greg: are you retarded? Who picks a candidate based on his followers?!? that's one of the most ignorant thing i've ever heard. you're not rushing for a fraternity, you're choosing a leader.
Posted by: superman | November 13, 2007 9:44 AM
I too have been torn between Paul and Huckabee...both are honest and well-intentioned men, but Huckabee's history of heavy taxes and big government spending vs. Paul's fiscally conservative voting record has tilted me in favor of Paul. Huckabee may have more reasonable followers, I agree, but Ron Paul has more reasonable policies.
Posted by: Josiah | November 13, 2007 9:45 AM
Greg,
I understand your concern, but I implore you to not let a few hotheads ruin the chance to finally elect a good person for president. To call people who follow Ron Paul "weird" is simply off-base. As always, few extremists ruin the cause for the rest of us.
Posted by: Branden | November 13, 2007 9:45 AM
Ron Paul or Huckabee? No comparison here. Huckabee is for expanding government ask the people in Arkansas were he destroyed the conservative base. Tax Hike Mike they call him. He will push a global agenda. Paul is for the American People.
Posted by: Flo | November 13, 2007 9:55 AM
Best Ron Paul article I've read. The only thing it didn't touch on is the fact that he is getting most of his support from disenfranchised Republicans that are unwilling to vote or the party that abandoned them.
Posted by: Tim Surber | November 13, 2007 10:05 AM
Ron Paul is a breath of fresh air. Not since Ross Perot has a presidential hopeful been so upfront, blunt, and honest. He is the only one who talks about the issues that actually affect main street America - inflation, gov't spending, the loss of civil liberties and private property, etc. More people should take a look at him as I think they would be interested in supporting him.
Posted by: Eric Dyson | November 13, 2007 10:20 AM
Dr. Paul cured my apathy.
Posted by: TONY | November 13, 2007 10:29 AM
great article.
i liked the quotes and anecdotes.
Posted by: Chris | November 13, 2007 10:34 AM
Thanks for one of the better researched articles I've read on Dr. Paul's integrity, ideas, values, and campaign. I've always considered myself an independent with a libertarian bent and have voted my conscience as opposed to who the media thought could win, but Ron Paul is the first candidate to inspire me to get involved. I'm not an 18 year old spammer or an anarchist. I am a self-employeed 47 year old father of 3 married to the same women for 26 years, and I now realize my political affiliation is a "Ron Paul Republican".
Posted by: les | November 13, 2007 10:35 AM
Great article. However, it is not true that the IRS would be dismantled in one week. It will take a long time and he has admitted this.
Excellent article though. Ron Paul in 2008!
Posted by: Kelly O | November 13, 2007 10:41 AM
As many others have stated...this is one of the best articles I've seen printed about Dr. Paul. Thank you so much for doing some actual research and honest reporting before writing a story. Also like many others, I have never given money to a candidate before until now and will continue to do so for him till the end. WE NEED THIS MAN IN OFFICE!
Posted by: Jay Bradshaw | November 13, 2007 10:54 AM
As an honest principled voice for small government for over 20 years, Ron Paul has, against all odds fought for freedom in this country against the most powerful and entrenched organizations that have monopolized the political process. He accepts no money from lobbyists, special interest groups or PACs. Even his own party the Republican National Committee funded a former democrat to run against him in the republican primary to try an unseat him from Congress. His success despite continuous attack from every corner of the establishment power structure gives hope to everyone that it is still possible for the people to decide who will run this country.
Posted by: Eddie | November 13, 2007 11:01 AM
Say what you want about the man, he's the only REAL REPUBLICAN that I can see out there today.
Posted by: jack | November 13, 2007 11:02 AM
If this writer would vote for "more of the same" I would be suprised. Once an individual has the light turn on about Ron , there is an affinnity with his message. Spread the news as Lisa has and indeed there is "Hope for America. Thanks Lisa :)
Posted by: Brad | November 13, 2007 11:04 AM
It's important for people to understand that as a physician, Ron Paul never turned anyone away...rather than charging taxpayers, he treated Medicare/ Medicaid patients for free or according to their ablility to pay.
Posted by: Janie | November 13, 2007 11:07 AM
It's really difficult to see much difference between the current crop of Democrats and Republicans. They all seem to be from the same country club and unable to talk about issues without consulting a campaign manager. No Democrat is willing to even discuss Iraq (a military and economic disaster). I like Dr. Paul's honesty and willingness to say what he thinks. It's just great that his record matches his promises. Is he a little extreme in places. Yes. Can the IRS disappear? Sounds like a great idea but it won't happen w/o support of Congress. He's got a lot of sensible, fiscally responsible ideas tho. I've voted as a Democrat all my life. I intend to change to Republican to vote for Dr. Paul. The current administration is corrupt and destroying this country economically. Vote for Dr. Paul and be part of the revolution.
Posted by: jim w | November 13, 2007 11:31 AM
No more IRS or Income Tax?
No more Department of Education?
No more UN?
No more Federal Reserve?
No more War on Drugs?
No more War on Terror?
No more Medicare? Medicaid?
No more policing the world?
Great! Good riddance!
I neither need nor want any of those things. And I don't want to be taxed to support them, either, and neither should anyone else.
Posted by: FreedomJoyAdventure | November 13, 2007 11:40 AM
I am a wacky Paulite. Thanks for a fantastic story. Months ago Stephanopolis said Paul didn't have a chance.
I used to let that stuff bother me.
Now I am converting dems and republicans to RP in a single night.
Its amazing how no other candidate says anything even remotely worth listening to, except Gavin. I liked him, he would make a great VP with RP. Paul and Gavin, 2008.
Posted by: Earl E | November 13, 2007 11:41 AM
Greg, the weird and vulgar people tend to draw a lot of attention in any crowd. Huckabee is my (distant) second choice, but I agree with him about 40%. I agree with Dr. Paul 90-95%, and he seems completely honest. My entire (quite conservative) extended family supports Ron Paul.
Posted by: Matt Garrison | November 13, 2007 11:44 AM
I don't personally know anyone who ISN'T voting for Ron Paul!
Posted by: Tieg | November 13, 2007 12:03 PM
Obviously, there is no simple answer and even if Ron Paul is elected the change will not be overnight, however, “We the People” are no longer willing to be we the sheepole and need to move the this Democratic/Republic experiment back several decades.
In an engineering or science environment the control of an experiment must be based on a valid and solid hypothesis. In this case, we are changing the experiment and chasing the results based on who is controlling the experiment. OUT OF CONTROL !!
Look carefully at the trend of where we were and where we are now. The government does not represent us anymore, and “they” are no longer “us”.
I am 53 and a previous Republican Navy/Vet. and the Republicans left me years ago to follow their own persuasions and promises.
Simply, its time to reset the experiment called The United States Government…..a revolution? Perhaps. Of course, our Constitution gives us this liberty to do just that. Take care my friend.
Posted by: Jeff Smathers | November 13, 2007 12:19 PM
Regarding drugs and prostitution it is important to understand the context of Dr. Paul's views. A free society does not dictate to its citizens that certain substances cannot be knowingly and willingly consumed by adults. Drug addiction and prostitution are problems that should be dealt with by families, churches, and communities, not police, judges, and prisons. Current drug prohibition encourages gangsterism and violence just like alcohol prohibition did, only this time it is on a vastly larger scale. Drug use is unhealthy, but drug prohibition is lethal to our nation and our communities.
Posted by: Matt Garrison | November 13, 2007 12:32 PM
Great article! I hope people vote for the best candidate, and not on 'electability'. Ron Paul is the best candidate hands down. Even if he doesn't win, the more people vote for him, the more of a statement we make. Go Paul!
Posted by: Tom Omer | November 13, 2007 12:42 PM
I'm a Financial Aid Administrator and if Ron Paul wins I stand to loose my job as he will eliminate the dept of education.
However, I support this man of integrity and moral values. I love his courage to stick to his beliefs regardless of popular opinion.
This is very rare in politics and I can't wait until the Boston Tea party on december 16th to donate to his campaign.
Great article accompanied by great research.
Posted by: Nedi Goga | November 13, 2007 12:47 PM
"Ron Paul is the only GOP candidate unequivocally opposed to the Iraq war and was the only Republican representative who did not vote in support of it. He is also the rare congressman who refuses a Congressional pension, because he considers the use of taxpayer money in this fashion an abuse of power. For the same reason, he never accepted taxpayer-funded Medicare or Medicaid in his practice, nor did he allow his children to take federal loans for college."
What more do you need to know to vote for this man? As someone else said, Dr. Paul has cured my apathy.
Posted by: Alicia Vance | November 13, 2007 12:53 PM
The man has got my vote. Politics and politicians had almost turned me off completely. All you could expect was empty promises and more government. Now I am excited about the future with Paul in the White House. And when he abolishes the IRS, Education Dept, and leaves the UN...it will make my day. By the way, when is the media gonna realize that his positions are not extreme and his followers are not extremists. Only in today's political environment would somebody call followintg the constitution "extreme".
Posted by: Brad | November 13, 2007 1:00 PM
Anyone who will not vote for Ron Paul because a few
"weird" people love liberty also.
Is Ignorant and Probably has the same attitude stereiotypical attitude about other races.
Huckabee can't beet Hillory or any other Dem nominee. Only Ron Paul can win for the Republicans.
NOT VOTING FOR RON PAUL IN YOUR PRIMARY OR CAUCUS IS VOTING FOR HILLORY AND OR GUARANTEEING A DEMOCRATIC VICTORY ACROSS THE BOARD.
IN CONGRESS, SENATE, STATE LEVELS ECT. A REAL BLOODBATH FOR THE REPUBLICANS.
AND IF THEY DON'T NOMINATE RON PAUL THEY DESERVE IT.
Posted by: Dale Legan | November 13, 2007 1:21 PM
I would remind the author of this article that Ron Paul is running for President of the US, not dictator. He wouldn't have the power to get rid of all of the departments and programs you listed without congressional approval. That said I still hope he wins. At the very least he could slow down congress from spending all of our children's money.
Posted by: Drew | November 13, 2007 1:27 PM
If we dont Elect this man (Ron Paul)
we will move towards a more fascist and socialist society.
And we will murder the journalists who did this to our country.
Posted by: Ryan from Philadelphia | November 13, 2007 1:35 PM
WOW Lisa great article! You have a great talent of writing and it appears you write the truth. THANKS!
I am so excited about Ron Paul and what he stands for, I have tried to find something bad on him and still have not. He is amazing, and I vote for him to be our next president of the United States of AMerica! He will uhold the constitution!
RON Paul 2008
Posted by: Liberty | November 13, 2007 1:40 PM
The New Hampshire poll was only likely Republican voters and did not take into account the 40%+ of Independent voters in that state.
For your next article, please address the age of his supporters. I think you will find that the average age is not as young as you think. My guess that the typical supporter is in their 30's or 40's, married, with 2 or 3 children.
The media is portraying that is just young people who have not thought through all the issues. First of all, the college age supporters can talk eloquently about Dr. Paul's platform and give you a historical significance as well. Secondly, I know way more people in their 40's, 50's, and 60's supporting Congressman Paul than I do of the younger generation.
In an effort to report truth and accuracy, please look into this story.
Posted by: Darren D. | November 13, 2007 1:44 PM
I'm not sure we're ready for a campaign of consistent ideals and ideas. It's unlkie any "successful" politician. The gist of the other GOPers with all their military experience (lol) is "we love war & hate Hillary" The lack of intellectual depth from that bunch is truly astounding.
Posted by: smb12321 | November 13, 2007 1:46 PM
See Also:
Operation Ron Paul ‘Live Free’ Hit NH With 1000 Volunteers
http://ronpaulnewsblg.blogspot.com/2007/11/operation-ron-paul-live-free-hit-nh.html
WIRED - Barack Obama's Supporters Emulate Ron Paul's
http://ronpaulnewsblg.blogspot.com/2007/11/wired-barack-obamas-supporters-emulate.html
Atlantic Online - Ron Paul, Rudy Giuliani and Double Standards
http://ronpaulnewsblg.blogspot.com/2007/11/ron-paul-rudy-giuliani-and-double.html
Tea Party 07 - 9,544 subscribers
http://ronpaulnewsblg.blogspot.com/2007/11/tea-party-07-9544-subscribers.html
Posted by: Alex Hammer | November 13, 2007 1:51 PM
www.teaparty07.com - Ron Paul for President, let's make it happen.
Posted by: Jimmy | November 13, 2007 2:02 PM
Excellent article and thread.
Ron Paul has my vote and support.
I do not think his supporters are "weird". I think they are, for the most part, highly informed and intelligent.
I am a 40 year old mother with one child. I was in education and love the idea of more state level and local control over our children's education. The Department of Ed is tainted and a waste of tax dollars.
Ron Paul restored my hope in our corrupt system. It can be corrected when Americans unite. We can make change.
Posted by: tt | November 13, 2007 2:12 PM
I am Ron Paul and I approve this message.
Posted by: Ron Paul | November 13, 2007 2:45 PM
You must see this New Ron Paul Video!! It will put a tear in your eye!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kll9-nR4uVs
Posted by: John | November 13, 2007 2:53 PM
Best Ron Paul atricle yet (especially the background info on his life). Unfortunately it took segregationist Governor Wallace to reveal the truth that "there's not a dime's worth of difference between" Republicans and Democrats. The Democrats willingly went along with the War in Iraq, suspension of Habeas Corpus, detaining protesters, banning books like America Deceived (book) from Amazon, stealing private lands (Kelo decision), warrant-less wiretapping and refusing to investigate 9/11 properly. They are both guilty of treason.
Support Dr. Ron Paul and save this great nation.
Posted by: Petey D | November 13, 2007 3:08 PM
Nice article. How did you manage to write so much about Dr. Paul without resorting to terms like "whacko", "nutjob", "second-tier", etc. Maybe you could give a clinic to other journalists on how to give a respectful hearing of his ideas and platform.
As government expands, liberty contracts.
Ronald Reagan
Posted by: Rob Holland | November 13, 2007 3:16 PM
No more IRS or Income Tax?
No more Department of Education?
No more UN?
No more Federal Reserve?
No more War on Drugs?
No more War on Terror?
No more Medicare? Medicaid?
No more policing the world?
Looks like unemployment will be up.
great write up fair and balenced
Posted by: Paul | November 13, 2007 3:20 PM
Let's see if I get this straight. He's a physician, the most privileged and protected occupation in America. He was a military physician. Paid by taxpayers using money collected by the IRS. Now he's a congressman. Paid by taxpayers using money collected by the IRS.
He didn't accept patients on medicare or medicaid. Well-off patients have got to be a nicer bunch to care for than the poor, the needy, the impoverished elderly. Other physicians had to care for them.
If the world contained only people who could take care of themselves, and all agreed on the same things, Ron Paul's vision of non-government might work.
On this planet, at this time, it amounts to America drinking the Kool-aid of simple answers. Society always has been endless competition for power, resources, wealth.
It's called King of the Hill. We played it as children. Most people who couldn't reach the hilltop argued for "leveling the playing field". So they could become King of the Hill.
I hope we don't let Ron Paul destroy us with his simple-minded ideas. At his age he probably wouldn't live long enough to see the outcome. But if he did, it'll would be on taxpayer dollars.
Of course, there is a more sinister interpretation to his gentle, simple approach. The only way those gold and silver investments of his are ever going to pay off is if the American economy is destroyed.
Posted by: Dick | November 13, 2007 3:39 PM
I love RON PAUL!!!!!!!!! HE is the best candidate and I
pray he wins......
Posted by: Tina | November 13, 2007 3:49 PM
Wow. I kept seeing people wearing "Ron Paul" shirts and thought it was a local guy running for the school board or something. I had no idea who he was. I had no interest in the 2008 election. Someone else said it was like choosing the less of two evils. This guy sounds absolutely fantastic though. So long as he keeps up with what he's been doing, he'll have my vote.
Posted by: DM | November 13, 2007 4:03 PM
Sounds like my type of guy! We need a Washington outsider! We do not need another dynasty in eaither party!
Posted by: JIm Crawford | November 13, 2007 4:17 PM
dick, you are soooo far off the mark on so many of your comments that I'm not even going to try to correct you. Ron's not gonna get your vote, no matter what, and it won't matter. Like someone else posted, I don't know anyone who isn't voting for RP.
By the way, my personal conversion rate of people who have no idea who ron paul is is about 85%. All I have to do is mention his principles and people are truly blown away. We can do without your vote, and I hope you enjoy the resoration of your liberties after Ron Paul is elected. That's all for now, I have to do some more campaigning. RON PAUL 2008-2016!
Posted by: sam | November 13, 2007 4:29 PM
thank you for this, in my opinion, very fair and accurate article about our guy. i do take great umbrage at your use of the term "Brobdingnagian", however.
Posted by: sean truitt | November 13, 2007 4:46 PM
As a member of the young college student demographic talked about in the article, I can say that most college students aren't REALLY "thinking about the issues" when it comes to abolishing the Fed, etc. They just don't want ANY government or anyone telling them what to do. Afterall, they are rebellious teens. As evidence that few college students REALLY care about and understand the issues, I say the following. I'm currently in a comupter lab with about 250 other students. The only sites I see being viewed right now are blog sites, facebook, game sites, and youtube. I'm the only person in this room reading "about the issues." So, Ron Paul, don't over-estimate your college fan base.
Posted by: Mike | November 13, 2007 4:59 PM
Voting for the first time in an eon for the only candidate who really deserves it. Ron Paul.
Posted by: michelle | November 13, 2007 5:04 PM
ron paul 2008 ... or the world will collapse
Posted by: jack handy | November 13, 2007 5:04 PM
For for Ron Paul-
Anarchist for US President.
Destroy from within.
Posted by: Anarchy Now! | November 13, 2007 5:16 PM
In reply to R.S. Bell's post. There's no way Ron Paul, or any other can change anything over night or one week, get real dude !!!
Posted by: John | November 13, 2007 5:20 PM
I am betting on Seabiscuit (Ron Paul)
War Admiral (fill in the name of your favorite can't lose corporate shill, dissembling candidate) will be left in the dust.
Posted by: Kash | November 13, 2007 5:42 PM
I really like a lot of what Ron Paul says, but without Medicaid helping pay my drug costs I'll be DEAD in a couple of years.
Posted by: David | November 13, 2007 6:03 PM
I was registered as a Democrat and I registered Republican just to vote for Ron Paul in the primaries.
Telephone polls aren't accurate. Straw polls and internet polls are.
Posted by: John D. | November 13, 2007 6:14 PM
Fantastic article! I am a big Ron Paul supporter. I have never given to any political campaign before, yet I have donated $500 dollars so far and I'm just a working class joe. He's everything that I've dreamt of in a Presidential candidate. He's honest and free of corruption. He cares about Americans and strives to be a public servant; he does not seek power. And even after getting so much attention, he remains humble. I admire his courage to stand by his convictions in the face of so much adversity. I wish I could be so brave.
Posted by: Peter Kay | November 13, 2007 6:32 PM
I know what happens when goverment becomes too powerful, you become a eslave of those who control that power. I came from such a country when I was 20 years old, I am an american citizen and I want the USA to remain a country where life liberty and the pursuit of happiness are protected. Supporting Dr. Paul represents the best opportunity we have to advance in the direction that will make us freer safer and more capable of pursuing happiness.
Posted by: EJA | November 13, 2007 7:08 PM
This is was the finest, most accurate, article I've ever read about Ron Paul. Thank you very much!
Posted by: Hale | November 13, 2007 7:09 PM
Electing Ron Paul would be a fatal mistake. If he accomplished half of what he proposed he would through the country into chaos. It would take years to undo the damage.
Posted by: jonathan | November 13, 2007 7:24 PM
I second the thought that this is the best article on Ron Paul ever.
The fact that it sounds complementary is just what you get when you cover Mr. Paul objectively.
Kudos to the writer and the editor.
This article should be the subject of a comparison analysis in journalism classes as against the biased N.Y. Times profile, which liberally engaged in misrepresentations, negatively connotative adjectives, and omitted vital contextual matters.
Posted by: Addison | November 13, 2007 8:12 PM
Dick-
You comments are goofy. For example, it's true that he did not accept Medicare when working as a doctor. But that wasn't to avoid caring for the poor. He just did it for free for people who couldn't pay.
I'm not inclined to spend more of my time refuting your absurd commentary.
I suspect that you are being paid by the smear machine of another campaign. Who else would take the time to write a post so perfectly in line with thought-out smear talking points? I.e. misleading, mean-spirited, and directed at the target's strongest point: The fact that he's the only candidate with any real integrity (unlike your boss).
Posted by: Addison | November 13, 2007 8:21 PM
This is the best Ron Paul article.
I live in Pittsburgh and any time I tell people that there is some one from around here running for President they look surprised. Next they say who? I tell them Ron Paul...blah blah blah...good by IRS...blah blah blah...and then I say Republican and they nod off into no where. :-(
Posted by: Mark | November 13, 2007 8:47 PM
Thanks for being real with the subject matter. I too get sick of slander and innuendo concerning a forthright, honest true servant of the people.
Posted by: Keith | November 13, 2007 8:48 PM
thanks baltimore sun for this great piece.
Posted by: Brian | November 13, 2007 8:49 PM
Thank you for a nice article. I have never been so enthusiastic about a politician as I am about Ron Paul. I just switched from Independent to Republican so that I can vote in closed primaries and make sure we get the president we deserve. People are sick and tired of special interest racket and business as usual.
And isn't it beautiful when people from so many walks of life come together (including ones that appear "weird") to rally behind a freedom message. When you don’t infringe on someone’s liberty to give it to others, there is no basis for grudge. Make sure you register Republican so that you can vote in the primaries.
And remember, the president will not fix the problems for you. Ron Paul will only give you back your constitutional rights. It is up to YOU to fix it. Without YOU nothing will happen.
Although Ron Paul’s ideas appear radical, and press likes to colorize them further, he is not a fatalist. He is a reasonable and very knowledgeable pragmatist, who understands how wheels in Washington are turning. Don’t expect miracles unless you get up and get your local representative in check. We need Ron Paul to set the right tone in Washington. Imagine, discover and get involved!!!
Can you recall the last time when you heard someone use words like “I love Ron Paul” in reference to a politician? I can’t, but this is precisely how most people summarize their support for Ron Paul. Something fundamental is happening.
Posted by: Vladimir B | November 13, 2007 8:57 PM
I am so happy about this article . It was really fair.
I think that Ron Paul is the most principled politician alive and i love him.
We must take a new direction in our country and he is the man to lead us.
Our founders would be proud.
Posted by: ALAN KLEIST | November 13, 2007 9:10 PM
Thanks for this great article on Ron Paul. It is great to see Ron Paul picking up steam. I have follow him for years. He is the only person with any integrity running for office. Ron Paul has my $200 dollars and my vote.
Posted by: aaron | November 13, 2007 9:13 PM
the momentum is growing. start believing! go Ron Paul
http://www.teaparty07.com
Posted by: Amit | November 13, 2007 9:18 PM
Greg:
"I was considering Jesus Christ or Adolf Hitler. Jesus Christ is a good man but many of his followers are weird, long haired and kind of dirty. I wouldn't want to be part of that bunch. I'll go with Hitler. He's is intelligent, clean cut, and he has more mainstream followers." -Greg
Posted by: letmapeoplgo | November 13, 2007 9:20 PM
Ron Paul never turned away anyone as a doctor. He just worked out a way to work it out without getting Uncle Sam involved.
He would like to get rid of alot of the things you noted, but he knows you have to work with Congress to do this stuff and win the support of the American people.
Anyway, great article! Thanks for being fair.
Posted by: Matt, Alabama | November 13, 2007 10:02 PM
An excellent article. Nicely researched, well balanced.
For the first time in around 15 years, I have returned to being politically active. I'm electric about this presidential cycle. It is true that Ron Paul has cured my apathy.
Posted by: Sean | November 13, 2007 10:05 PM
Yeah, this is the candidate I have been the most intrigued with also. If youll remember, I gave him a plug a few emails back. He is radical, but his ideas sound like they come from someone who is as sick of the bullshit as I am. And everything Ive heard about his personal life and personal conduct (including this article, thanks!) seems to support my impression that this is definatley your guy if you want some real change and a true political outsider thrown into the mix. His rhetoric is refreshing in alot of ways.
But I also consider the fact that certain reforms he is unwaveringly and unabashedly proposing are things that the REAL powers that be would never even bother to put up with. He is talking about wiping out more than half of the federal government in one snap of the fingers. I am all for that (even if the trickle down effect had some bearing on my own government employment), but I cant help but think this broad stroke would eliminate so much pork in one fell swoop that it would never be stood for. The REAL powers would have an answer of some sort, that would prevent him from breathing, let alone implementing any sort of real reforms.
My other concern is that the majority of the american people really are so weak, that if he WERE to take power and remain un-assasinated long enough to actually start following through with his vision, they would all become so deperate and disenfranchised, that they would be just searching for someone to take them back to the good ole days of "help me, provide for me, decide for me". There would be an adjustment period, and if the people didnt adapt and acclimate with relative ease and cooperation, there would be a gaping, unlocked window of opportunity for some calculating, power hungry group of fascists to step in, offer the people a second chance to return to the warm fold that beckons, the hand that feeds and punishes, and be under deeper and more complete control than ever.
All the contempalation aside though, Ron Paul is the only candidate so far that I would even CONSIDER voting for!
Posted by: joe | November 13, 2007 10:23 PM
That was one of the best articles I have read on Dr. Paul. He is truly "Hope for America" and people are waking up to him. If we Americans cared about our country as much as we cared about our homes we would not call him lunatic and educate ourselves to the immediate problems we are facing. I migrated to America 10 years ago and I can tell you the image of America now from what it was 10 years ago has turned 180 degrees. We are sitting here thinking the war and our foreign policy does not effect us because this war to us is waiting hours at the airports and paying a little more for gas but ask people who are losing their loved ones everyday for no cause. We need to stop this and we need to stop forcefully imposing American way of life onto people who already have a way of life and code of ethics they live by. "Islamofacism" as they call it is not about destroying American way of life. It is about preserving and protecting Islamic way of life. Please, wake up and educate yourselves for the love of America. The land of free people and free society.
Posted by: faa | November 13, 2007 10:27 PM
Hey Jonathan,
It's only taken a hundred years to destroy this country (at least the principles it was founded upon). We'll have a couple years of uncomfortable change but after that Americans might start to like each other again.
Posted by: Duane | November 13, 2007 10:36 PM
Ron Paul is worth the risk. Moreover, he has hurtled into the "top tier"...
http://truthalert.net/Republican%20Presidential%20Candidate%20Rankings.htm
Posted by: Mike | November 13, 2007 10:49 PM
Dick:
Instead of taking money from the taxpayers in the form of Medicare and Medicaid, Ron Paul treated poor patients at reduced cost or for free.
Posted by: Robert | November 13, 2007 10:53 PM
Ron Paul has indicated that if he fails to win the GOP nomination he is unlikely to endorse the nominee. He basically said that it would go against everything he has spent his life working for since none of the other candidates come close to his position. His supporters know this, too: the Democrats and Republicans (except Rep. Paul) are on the SAME SIDE.
Posted by: Alex | November 13, 2007 10:59 PM
Ron Paul is a stateman and a Hope of America. I am an independant but will register as a republican to vote in primary.
Posted by: Jay | November 13, 2007 11:53 PM
Thank you very much for the fair write up. I would only point out that Ron Paul does not want to abolish Medicare for those already dependent on the agency, but would rather allow younger people to opt out (e.g. take their 4+% withholding and commit it towards their own lives). It is very important for people to know that those in need would not be thrown to the curb under a Paul administration.
Posted by: Jon Mangin | November 14, 2007 12:56 AM
Great article! For once a fair and honest article about the good Dr.
Very much appreciated.
Posted by: Mike | November 14, 2007 2:22 AM
Anarchy Now? Ron Paul might destroy from within the Foreign Aid gravy train the anarchists have been living on. And to that I say Amen. Go RP! Restore the United States.
Posted by: Scott | November 14, 2007 5:26 AM
@Mike: "The only sites I see being viewed right now are blog sites, facebook, game sites, and youtube"
Could they be, blog sites for Ron Paul? facebook sites for Ron Paul? And YouTube videos about Ron Paul? I think there's about a hundred positive comments for Ron Paul and about 5 negative. Wow, a candidate America can actually fall in love with. Why is the main stream media trying to force Rudy and Hillary down our throats??? Oh right, the polls. Here is the phone number of Judith Keneman, the Executive Assistant to the Editor in Chief of The Gallup Poll. 609-279-2276
Call her up and ask her why they don't poll Ron Paul supporters. (Be polite!)
Posted by: Mark | November 14, 2007 6:24 AM
I hope America will discover this wonderful man and loudly demand to have the chance to have him lead us out of the abyss towards which we are rapidly descending.
Please America, don't vote for YOUR party, vote for the man who represents the right ideals.
VOTE FOR RON PAUL!
Posted by: Don Traub | November 14, 2007 8:26 AM
This article sums up perfectly why I support Ron Paul.Thank You for a great article.Lets take our country back!
Posted by: Scott Perry | November 14, 2007 8:44 AM
Thanks for a great article, Lisa! As has been pointed out by many, there's much President Paul can't do, but there is much he can do within his office. And all we have to do to make it happen is get enough of us to get up and vote for him: contribute to his campaign, write letters, chat with your neighbors, etc.
Dick: to answer your question, no, you didn't get it right about Ron Paul. Not even close.
But fortunately for this country, a growing number of us do get it. The revolution is growing every day.
Posted by: Simon9 | November 14, 2007 10:10 AM
A lot of articles start out the same way: "What would America be like without the Departments of Education and Energy, and with no IRS, FED, social security, or medicare? Paul wants to make this happen in his first day as president."
Paul has said that these organizations are poorly managed, but he deosn't see himself as being able to change any of these things immediately. Paul's first order of business in the white house, he's said many times, is to change foreign policy so that he can sure up the financials of all of the sacred cow programs.
He certainly wants to downsise a government that is currently $9 trillion dollars in debt, but most of those things will take a long time. For instance, he does not want to cut social security for anyone who wants to be in the program. Programs like Social Security and Medicare will take years to downsize to sustainable levels.
As for the department of Education, Reagan was an strong opponent of the creation of the department, and it is pretty apparent that in the 27 years of it's existence, it has failed to produce any results, while education costs have skyrocketed. The same can be said of the department of energy.
Posted by: Kris | November 14, 2007 10:24 AM