My, my, I really didn’t start out the day saying, BigJolly, by golly, let’s talk about the good doctor today. Nope, things like this just happen.
So, I’m browsing around the news, looking for items on another candidate and what do I find at The Corner? A link to an article in The Hill, stating that Ron Paul will “likely” lose his congressional seat to Chris Peden.
If Paul files to run for both Congress and the presidency by the Jan. 2 deadline, he’ll likely lose to Peden on March 4.
I don’t know what this guy’s been smoking but he’s nuts. As Freddoso says at The Corner, Mr. Hill makes that statement with some very skimpy evidence. I think this statement by Mr. Hill leads us to the truth.
Angst over Paul has been building for years. In 2004, disgruntled Republicans asked me to find encouragement for challengers. We polled his suburban Houston district and found that voters resist his contrarian and stark libertarian perspective that even sells out local interests. When told that “Ron Paul consistently opposes taxpayer funding for NASA and wants to eliminate the agency,” 61 percent of Republican primary voters said this information would make them less likely to vote for Paul’s reelection.
Looks to me like a pollster trying to encourage someone without much basis in fact. I’ve been reading about Ron Paul being vulnerable for years, but come election time, he wipes out the field. CD-14 is more than just Friendswood and NASA. Telling the rest of the conservative district that they should spend more taxpayer money is going to be a tough sell.
I’d put my money on the good doctor in this one.
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I don’t know what this guy’s been smoking but he’s nuts. As Freddoso says at The Corner, Mr. Hill makes that statement with some very skimpy evidence. I think this statement by Mr. Hill leads us to the truth.
David Hill is a highly respected pollster and thoughtful commentator on politics. I’d be hesitant to call him “nuts,” and I’m really surprised to see it on THIS blog of all places!
Maybe David Benzion could set you up with an interview with Dr. Hill and he could elaborate on this topic. I think that would be interesting!
Geez, Dr., do you guys ever chill? I know who Dr. Hill is, his bona fides, etc. Yeah, he’s qualified and “he’s nuts” was used to get a reaction. Worked pretty good, eh?
Now that you’ve calmed down, how about it. Would you put your money on Peden?
In all fairness to Hill, I think a primary contest with Paul and a credible challenger would be interesting to watch. I think the odds are generally against an upset, but it could be done if the right campaign was run.
That said, the “right campaign” is not going to happen this year. I’ll make two observations about this one:
1. CD-14 is, unsurprisingly, a notoriously quirky congressional district and a very difficult one to poll. This has been the case since 1996 when Paul ousted Greg Laughlin despite the conventional wisdom that Newt Gingrich’s personal backing of Laughlin would deliver him the seat. The Dems have also run three well funded challengers to Paul based directly on the premise that his votes on NASA funding and farm handouts make him “out of touch” with the district. They supported this claim with polling not unlike Hill’s, but Paul ended up cleaning the clock with them in all three cases.
2. If there’s a challenge to be made to Ron Paul, Chris Peden is not the guy to do it. He’s a small time one-termer city councilman who’s only claim to fame is failing to secure passage on an illegal immigrant ordinance that he sponsored. He has demonstrated absolutely no fundraising ability, has a website that looks like it was designed by a high school student circa 1998, and has built his campaign around issues that make him look like a flaming hypocrite, viz. he rails against Paul on NASA funding and farm handouts while claiming to be a “fiscal conservative.”
BJ said:
“I’ve been reading about Ron Paul being vulnerable for years, but come election time, he wipes out the field.”
Right you are. He keeps getting elected even without bringing home the bacon (er.. shrimp..)
Geez, Dr., do you guys ever chill?
Who are “you guys?”
I am one guy, and I’m chillin’ quite nicely on this beautiful November day!
I know who Dr. Hill is, his bona fides, etc. Yeah, he’s qualified and “he’s nuts” was used to get a reaction. Worked pretty good, eh?
I can’t deny that you are clever with the rhetoric!
So how about getting more than a reaction from me — i.e. a response from Dr. Hill? As I said previously (in all seriousness), I think that would be interesting.
In fairness, Fredoso on NRO also does a pretty solid job of rebutting Hill’s article.
I do believe that I noted that.
Well, if anyone ever needed evidence that LST offers its contributors pretty wide-ranging editorial independence, this post should be Exhibit A.
Big Jolly– you DO know that Dr. Hill is my BOSS, right?
Since I’ve got about 18 different current and potential conflicts of interests on this subject, I’ll simply weigh in to the extent I am comfortable and able, and will then crawl under my desk in the fetal position for the rest of the afternoon.
First, Freddoso is far too accepting of Paul’s press-shop talking points.
Accepting the claim that NASA is actually “based” in Nick Lampson’s district and that only “several NASA employees and retirees” live in Paul’s CD 14 is as absurd as arguing that since Fairfax, Virginia and Prince George’s County, Maryland are technically located outside of the the District of Columbia, the folks that live there don’t really have an economic or emotional investment in the size and scope of the Federal government.
Paul has done well in CD 14 in the past because (a) he has kept his libertarianism in a largely socially conservative package; (b) he kept in touch with the folks back home; (c) Republicans ruled the House, so it didn’t really matter too much policy wise to have one Crazy Uncle go to D.C. to preach the Old Time Religion; and (d) Tom DeLay was around to deliver for and protect NASA.
All that has changed. What impact that will have on CD 14 GOP primary voters, I don’t know.
But I can’t imagine it helps Paul to be spending so much time out of district riding an iPresidential 2.0 wave of pot-smoking college-age urban hipsters, moonbatty 9/11 conspiracy theorists and radical-right-wing white supremacists.
Finally, I’d just like to express my appreciation for the Chris Peden campaign’s blogAd on LST, and Dr. Hill’s gracious willingness to continue to provide a paycheck.
[pushes chair back from desk while reaching for bottle of vodka]
Liberal
/peeking out from behind secure fence
Is it safe to come out?
As a CD14 voter, I will vote for RP (again.) My hesitence to support him in the presidential run is primarily due to the paulbearers we see spamming any discussion. I also don’t think he has the executive experience necessary. Every time I have contacted his office he has responded immediately. I even got a phone call from RP himself when I sent a follow up letter to some legislation I didn’t agree with that he was supporting. Chris is good for Friendswood and I will look at him a little more closely when he gets some experience, but in jumping from local to national, I can’t see how he would be effective. On the other hand RP has raised his political capital on a national level and will be able to put that extra clout into play for the district. I am of no illusion that his pres bid will actually go anywhere, but I think it has made some establishment republicans take note and maybe start listening again.
8. If I looking for a research consultant, this alone would encourage me to look elsewhere:
It’s not about objectivity. It’s about facts.
bob42; I’m going to need a clarification of what you mean before I can offer a response.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! He actually supported a piece of legislation???
bob42… I want your business… help me out here, how do you think what I wrote was incorrect?
13. You have a valid point. Any incumbent who seeks a higher office must necessarily spend less time with their constituents.
I’m simply pointing out that the rest of your statement lacks any realistic factual basis, and indicates that you have either not done your homework on the Ron Paul Revolution, or have done it poorly.
LST does get an editorial hat tip for the more recent discussions of the Ron Paul phenomenon.
In fact, it’s earned a DNS referral from http://RonPaulTimes.com
OK, so if I understand you correctly, you DON’T think Paul is “riding an iPresidential 2.0 wave of pot-smoking college-age urban hipsters, moonbatty 9/11 conspiracy theorists and radical-right-wing white supremacists.”
“Facts” have nothing to do with it. I’m not expressing my opinion about whether I think that description of the Ron Paul RLOVEolution is accurate or fair or not.
The issue is, how many truck-driving, socially-conservative Ron Paul constituents are watching the news as he frolics around the country and are starting to say to themselves “What in the Hell is going on here?”
How many League City soccer moms with husbands who are engineers at NASA (or with a subcontractor) start to get dissatisfied that their “voice” in Congress is being supported by some pretty unsavory characters (whether he asked for their support or not)?
In politics, perceptions matter.
I’m not claiming to know that Paul will be “punished” at the GOP primary voting booth for these things… only that changes are occurring both in the district and with the Ron Paul “brand,” and NONE of us know what that will mean on March 4th.
Correct. I don’t think Ron Paul is “riding an iPresidential 2.0 wave of pot-smoking college-age urban hipsters, moonbatty 9/11 conspiracy theorists and radical-right-wing white supremacists.”
Such a characterization is completely at odds with what I’ve seen both online and in the streets. Ron Paul’s supporters are clearly a very diverse group. Attempting to paint them with a broad and biased brush is as futile as it is fallacious.
We’ve been called nutjobs and weirdos for well over six months. We’re used to it, and it will do you no good whatsoever.
I could tell you much more, but then I’d need to charge a consulting fee.
bob42,
so you rather support a corporate lobbyist? Fred Thompson.
A liberal that supports tax payer funded abortions? Giuliani
Tax hiking Mike Huckabee?
We don’t need uninformed voters voting.
RP doesn’t frolic. This is frolicking.
re: 19 - Uh oh. They eat their own, too!
bob42–
Again, the issue isn’t what you’ve seen or experienced or know to be true… it’s what a majority of GOP primary voters in CD 14 can be convinced of, assuming (which I don’t know to be the case) that they are hit with a substantive direct mail, radio and TV campaign “educating” them with a message that you, no doubt, will consider a lie.
It may be they never even get hit with that campaign.
It may be they get hit with it but don’t buy the message.
It may be they get hit with it and enough of them are persuaded that they decide to pull the lever for Peden.
That’s politics. I don’t got a crystal ball.
How about Romney? He was pro choice and pro gay marriage before his bid for President LOL
youtube them!
There is no alternative.
Dr. Ron Paul is the most principled candidate, the most fiscal conservative candidate and Ron Paul is the Jefferson of our time!
Ron Paul 2008!
oops. I was replying to monkeyincognito
Ron Paul is the Thomas Jefferson of our time!
David Benzion,
A politician does not choose their supporters. I bet every candidate has fringy supporters, so why focus on Ron Paul. Is the status quo establishment scared of being disturbed? Sir, you are a mental midget.
Glad you cleared that up, Joseph. I thought this was to who you were referring
Is that a swoosh I hear?
JTL, you are arriving very late at this party.
As publisher of this website, I don’t choose my readers or commenters.
But if a bunch of racist bigots and/or moonbat conspiracy theorists start hanging out here and claiming the place as their own, I have a choice– ask them to leave, force them to leave if they won’t comply, or look the other way.
Similarly with Dr. Paul. No fair-minded observer– of which I am one –is going to hold it against him that unsavory people have flocked to his campaign (along with many wonderful people, of course).
But in the Real World, he will be judged and evaluated by how he responds. Does he make it clear the haters and loons aren’t welcome? Does he take simple, practical steps to show them the door?
He’s free to choose.
The rest of America will decide what they think of his choices.
David Benzion,
every supporter attracted the fringe. You’re apart of the establishment, so you’re scared, it’s understandable. Ron Paul is mostly popular among the fringe due to his interview in “Freedom to Fascism.”
I don’t care who supports him, I like Ron Paul because of his views and I think he’s awesome on the issues, why would I care if a few neo nazis and 9/11 theorists support him as well? We need all the votes we can get.
Ron Paul doesn’t see people in groups, that’s what separates libertarian from liberals.
Plus, he’s so dreamy!!!
Im sure that you are not surprized that a pollster might be a push poller. Unbiased polls might actually be of some worth.
Davd B, He can’t be as bad as Pat and Edd seem to think. I do appreciate them, nevertheless.
Yes they are. Some are pot-smoking college-age urban hipsters, while others are moonbatty 9/11 conspiracy theorists. Still others are radical-right-wing white supremacists.
David,
I’m sorry, I take offense at your definition of Congressman Paul’s supporters. I am a 51 year old woman, who has been a Republican, all my life. My mother was a delegate for Barry Goldwater and I myself still believe in those traditional conservative principles. This is exactly why I hold Paul in such high regard. He is the true conservative in this Presidential race and I have been proud to have him as my Congressman.
I find it very curious that you have deemed it necessary to slander we who support Dr. Paul. Since his presidential campaign has received more donations from the active military and veterans, than any other candidate in either party, do you hold the same disdain for them too.
Every campaign has a few weirdos in it, David. I am more than sure you know that. What exactly are you suggesting that Paul do? Run a background check on each and every person that contributes to him? Would you like it to be YOU who determines the criteria of who and who is not, acceptable? Why don’t you lay out for us right now, David, what exactly those criteria would be? I would be extremely interested in seeing them.
Who was it that once said… I do not agree with what my neighbor said, but I will fight to the death for his right to say it?
Paul has made his positions more than clear on the issues and they are available for all to see (www.RonPaul2008.com). He however cannot dictate who votes for him, and I’m not so sure I would want to live in a country where a politician had that power. Would you?
22. David, I appreciate the discussion, but at this point I’m compelled to send an invoice for consulting services to 5315 B, FM 1960 W #169
You’re beating a dead horse by pushing the truther/nazi connection. It just isn’t real, and it doesn’t work.
I don’t have a crystal ball either, but I do have an ice cold six pack of Shiner Bock that says if Ron Paul wants to retain his seat in congress, he will.
btw, If referring traffic to LST from RonPaulTimes.com bothers anyone, please let me know.
NKK, for the ten bajillionth time:
No one is suggesting we reform the U.S. political system into one where politicians dictate who may vote for them. All we’re saying is this:
Nazi money is dirty money.
That’s it.
NKK– I don’t doubt that you are a fine person, as are many (I’ll even go ahead and say MOST) Ron Paul supporters.
You deserve better than to have your candidate sullied by bigots and loons. The cause of limited government–of which I am a long time, deep and sincere proponent–deserves better than to be sullied by bigots and loons.
No background checks necessary– just common sense.
If I own a restaurant, I open my doors to the public and welcome them in.
If someone points out to me that one of them is a Nazi, I ask them to leave.
They are still free to be a Nazi, just not in my establishment.
37. And all I’m saying is that the sum total of contributions from white supremacists wouldn’t be enough to put a down payment on a new double-wide.
Gee whiz dude, give the dead horse a break!
If you want to fight the Ron Paul Revolution, you will have to find some substance. (For that advice, I’ll be tacking on another 15 minutes to the invoice.)
And yet, the Good Doctor is holding onto them like they’re the last gold-standard dollars in the world.
Rudy Giuliani only has *one* accused pedophile ex-priest on his consulting firm’s payroll, but that doesn’t stop Phil M from complaining about it
Dear Mr. Benzion,
You make some odd arguments. One of the greatest things that our troops ever fought for was the right to free assembly and free speech. It is not as if these nuts are working for Ron Paul, but to tell people that only a “certain type” of person is an acceptable supporter is just a slippery slope from eliminating the first amendment altogether.
The beauty about Ron Paul is that he brings people together, even the odd ones. Perhaps under his tutelage they will learn some tolerance as I would hope you would too.
No candidate can screen all of their supporters and if you are really upset about who is representing Ron Paul then you really won’t like who is helping good old Rudy.
The white supremacists have to go somewhere and as much as I abhor their policies, I do not deny them the rights that our soldiers gave their blood to protect.
Thank God we live in a free society, sometimes however, that comes with costs that we just have to learn to accept.
I am a 65 year old ex-political science professor who is Jewish and has had an awful lot of time to think about people who say simply terrible things. I have come to the conclusion that freedom is worth the price.
Hopefully, you will too.
Hating people for hating others is really no different than what they do. I try not to fall into the same traps as those kinds of people.
Plus, I am supporting Ron Paul and have been a staunch Democrat my whole life and have decided to put my ideals ahead of my political party this time.
Ron Paul is a man of great principle and we can all learn a lot from him.
Benzion’s First Iron Law! [/inside joke]
HO-LEE-COW
It’s absurd to think that our soldiers gave their blood so that it is acceptable for presidential candidates to take money from neo-Nazis.
DB says this:
Granted, my only exposure to RP supporters is on the internet. I’ve seen nothing…NOTHING to indicate that is an accurate representation. I could count the RP supporters that fall into the category of “fine person” on one freaking hand.
8. DB
Sweet.
25. JTL
My, you have a fabulous sense of humor. Are you one of those Hollywood writes out on strike?
Tell us another one. Please.
Mr. Benzion
As to your characterization of RP’s unwillingness to shrug undesirable support being indicative of a lack of proper judgment– I have to disagree. RP has principles(unlike the vast majority of politicians), and one of those principles is freedom of speech, and the ability of every non felon to participate in the political process and have their voice heard. That resonates with elements of every single niche and crowd, group or community. So yes, we have a couple of overzealous truthers, and neo nazi whackjobs, but honestly how much control does he really have over that?
I tell the truthers and neos to shut up on youtube all the time. They are a marginal few, and perhaps the “spammiest” people in the net roots. RP doesn’t advocate their causes, and that should be enough for any reasonable voter to distinguish.
His support is growing, he polls above Thompson in 2 early primary states(NH & NV). He is the only candidate in the GOP with a growth trend period at this point. That’s not 911 truthers, and neo nazi’s. It’s people who are sick and tired of politicians lying to them. Plain and simple. Both parties (especially R’s) have many disenfranchised voters ready to pull the lever for the first person to be straight with them. It’s an ideological rebellion, and RP is just the catalyst.
#41
Rudy has made more questionable associations than just the pedo-priest. Don’t forget Bernie Kerik, and his known mob ties…
I’m not asking Ron Paul to restrict the free speech rights of Nazis; I’m asking Ron Paul to exercise his private property rights in an honorable manner.
The Ron Paul campaign is the private property of Ron Paul. Just like a house. He owns it. He gets to decide who come in. He gets to decide who stays.
If Ron Paul throws a party, open to the public, in his home, he has the right to ask people to leave. His guests aren’t denied their liberty if they are told to get out of his house. It’s his house. No one has a right to stay in his house against his will.
I don’t fault the man because some (it’s more than a few, let’s be honest) white supremacists and 9/11 Troofers have crashed his party.
I’m just wondering– now that he knows they are walking around inside his home, is he going to ask them to leave?
What kind of man is comfortable with Nazis and conspiracy theorists wandering around inside his home?
What to think of someone who appears to take the attitude that…
“Well, I’m not going to pass judgment on their views–they keep their lawn neat and brought some beer, so who am I to tell them they aren’t welcome? Wouldn’t want to create any tension in the neighborhood.”
In real life, if I were at a party and the host refused to show Nazis the door, I’d (a) think poorly of that host, and (b) get up and leave myself.
It’s the Doctor’s house; he can party with whoever he wishes.
But I’m free to form a judgment based on his actions (or lack of action).
That’s not oppression or censorship.
That’s life.
48. IMHO, That’s about the lamest argument I’ve seen all day.
The Ron Paul campaign is a herd of cats. Sincere, intelligent, motivated, and sometimes loud cats, that are determined to make a difference.
(…adding another 15 minutes to the consulting fee.)
Sorry Bob– this might be part of why the free-market rewards me with actual (if admittedly fiat-only) compensation for my consulting services, while you stand in line behind 41 other “bob”s to comment on LST.
The Ron Paul “Revolution” might be a heard of cats, but the Ron Paul CAMPAIGN is private property. It is a corporation. It has a physical address. It can take on debt. It has a legal registered agent. It can hire and fire people and make expenditures.
All at the sole discretion of its owner– Ron Paul.
Neo-Nazi Don Black didn’t just post an article saying he supported Ron Paul– he sent him a $500 check. Mailed it to Ron Paul’s house. The good Doctor shuffled out to his mailbox in his slippers and bathrobe, opened the check, took it to the bank and cashed it.
Nazi’s money is sitting in Ron Paul’s bank account. Will stay there if Ron Paul chooses. Will exit there if Ron Paul chooses.
Everything determined by an exercise of freewill by Mr. Ron Paul.
A is A.
Private property.
Cats’ got nothing to do with it.
Stop beating me!
Hat tip to Golden Adam in another RP thread. Bad news, kiddies. This is much bigger than Don Black’s 500 smackaroos:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/11/the_ron_paul_campaign_and_its.html
#48
Since we’re having a party now instead of an open electorate…
I have seen some unsavory folks around these parts. The kind of people for whom concepts like snarky, and ad hominem are commonplace. They disgust me as much as neos and truthers… Too bad this isn’t my house, or I’d kick them out… Oh wait no that would be censorship. Where do you draw the line?
Nazi money, he has held it too long and it is stuck to him.
He has taken and knowingly kept Nazi money, what more does one need to know?
There jus’ ain’t no respect I tell u
http://lonestartimes.com/2007/11/13/tuesday-open-comments-36/#comment-216103
#53 I’m surprised you’re not more familiar with the pocket constitution you surely carry on your person. This may come as a shock but the First Amendment does not guarantee you (or me) the right to comment on this or any other blog.
Sorry Nat, I missed that yesterday
In my defense it is a different article than the one in #52.
#56
Freedom of speech is viewed by many as a principle rather than just a law. But continue to be contrarian if you must…
So I take it you disagree and you think you do have a constitutional right to comment here?
And yet all you Paul supporters come here in hoards demanding we shut up “slandering” the Right Honorable Dr. Ron Paul. A bit duplicitous don’t you think?
60. In all fairness Hamous, I don’t see any hoards demanding anyone to shut up. As a favor to the blog owner, I’ve suggested that they are beating a dead horse. If they continue to do so, that’s between them and the horse.
(But I’m still sending them an invoice.)
#59
Oh, I’m quite aware that I can be deleted with a single click, and I defend the right of the property owner to do so. However I feel that a) there is a definite respect for free speech which makes censoring even on private property distasteful and, b)If you are going to post topics that can be inflammatory you should expect opposing viewpoints. I’m not sticking up for the whackos, I’m just here to point out that RP’s unwavering respect for the principle and legal interpretations of free speech are unwavering. So you can shout at the top of your lungs all day, but I wouldn’t expect him to disavow any American(whacko or not) from participating in the process and making their voice heard. That said, I wish many of them would shut up.
bob42 - since we posted the first negative RP article 90% of the commenters (you excluded) have been demanding we stop our “smear campaign”. You, Jaime, and little mike are the only ones I can think of that haven’t done that. And you guys don’t see all the comments not fit for posting or the hate mail the contributors get. I’m telling you it would curdle your milk.
On the dead horse thing, it may seem that way now because with RP at less than 2% in the national polls no one is really listening. But if your predictions come true and his support starts growing all these questions will become more relevant. They certainly won’t go away. Rising popularity comes with a cost of increased scrutiny.
# 64
“Rising popularity comes with a cost of increased scrutiny.”
Increased scrutiny is always a good thing.
#37
Hey, no fair. I want a
red color
too!
litte mike - once again, we are in agreement. But will you feel that way when the MSM starts asking the questions LST has been asking for a couple of months? What about if they’re brought up in a debate?
#49 bob42
So I guess we can assume since Mr. Paul is not really responsible for the Big Party or any participants - the herd of cats - then we also shouldn’t hold him to account for the white supremacists, 911 truthers, the morally lame racists, the helplessly blind Nazis who will inevitably turn up in his administration. It will be, after all, not his fault. It’s their fault, of course. It reminds me of the parents who provide the premises, the booze and the protection for the teenagers and then claim they knew nothing about it. This is really sick.
#66
Thanks. :>)
What about pedophile money?
Contributions to Political Committees
PLACA, ALAN J MR.
GREAT NECK, NY 11023
GIULIANI PARTNERS L.L.C./ATTORNEY
GIULIANI, RUDOLPH W.
VIA RUDY GIULIANI PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE INC
05/04/2007 500.00
06/27/2007 500.00
09/19/2007 1000.00
09/26/2007 300.00
Total Contributions: 2300.00
I hereby demand that Rudy Tutti donate $2300 to an organization for abused children. Here’s a suggestion.
66. Better dead than red
(I tried to wrap the above in tags that would cause it to be shown in H2 and red. My bad. No offense intended.)
Maybe you need that html coder on the OC.
According to some perceptions, I am that html coder on the OC (or worse.) But I do appreciate the depth of discussion here.
# 67
“But will you feel that way when the MSM starts asking the questions LST has been asking for a couple of months?”
Realistically, after Iowa and NH I think it will be a moot issue. If it comes up in a debate I believe Ron will answer honestly and straightforwardly. I have no idea how he would respond.
I’m sorry. Where exactly is it on the donation form where they ask you if you are a neo-nazi, a nazi, a fascist, stupid, marxist, socialist, etc?
I do see occupation, but I doubt they get many that write “KKK leader” in that box.
So just what would you want him to do? Interview every person who donated to him? And if he reads somewhere that a group of Nazis - real Nazis did donate to him, should he speak to each one to see why they are in the group? Is it for the philosophy or the snazzy tats?
Just what are you advocating here? These are not people Dr. Paul is inviting into his home. He is not joining their associations. He has nothing at all to do with them.
And why stop at this group? Why not every other group in the country?
And to that idiot above, Yes our soldiers are fighting for our rights and freedoms and liberties, they better be or they are just a bunch of murderers. They fight to uphold the Constitution, if they are fighting for any other reason they should be court marshaled. That same Constitution guarantees anyone the right to donate to a political campaign.
Texpat you are dangerous and slightly insane. What you want is a dictator not a President and you are living in the wrong country.
We don’t force our citizens to be accountable to anyone for their beliefs. If we did, you would be in Gitmo so fast it would make your totalitarian little head spin.
Do you have any idea what the difference is between a political supporter (a person who donates money to a campaign) and a member of Dr. Paul’s staff? Do you really think he is planning to run out into the crowds and ask “the first ones to the stage get to be in the cabinet”?
The fundamental flaw in your thinking is that you are a collectivist. Ron Paul does not absorb the character traits of those who support him. He is a principled individual. Your life would be better if you were one too. Dr. Paul also does not absorb character traits through the dollars that come into his campaign. He spends them as he wishes, regardless of the ideologies of those who sent the dollars.
#72
No offense taken.
Well, there you go bob42. Those are the ones I was talking about. They outnumber you 10 to 1.
Looks like “George too many nines’ proves my theory about yer basic RPAcolytes. They come in all polite and stuff and sooner than later turn into total jerks in the discussions. Name calling, character assinatation and all this from
Hmmm lemme see
Texapt is dangerous and slightly insane
Some guy is an idiot above.
Muhwahahaha and one wonders why we would like to hear RPs stance on accepting these donations. Yep this has been instructive to me, discovering who is “truly” supporting Ron Paul. I do not want any part of the man.
Yep makes me appreciiate the few supporters that I have engaged in civil debate with. Shame there are so few.
I was thinking he should be more specific.
But I gotta give at least one Stormfronter credit for his observations.
I especially liked his “republican” observation.
Funny thing about truth. Truth is truth no matter where it may be found or even who speaks it.
Wow, I should have expected this and it reflects the statements in my earlier post about the presidential Paulbearers. Yes Hamous, I have had a lot of correspondence with RP on various bills and we have not always agreed. Also, I said he was supporting it not sponsoring it.
#8 - David - a quick issue to consider:
I don’t think this analogy is very accurate. Wheareas the DC suburb counties you name all neighbor DC and have many federal facilities of their own within their borders, Paul’s district is anything BUT clustered around NASA on the map. The closest places it comes to NASA are Friendswood and League City, and they are on the northeast border of the district save a bunch of swamp in Chambers County.
In 2006 Galveston County supplied only 14% of the Republican Primary electorate in Paul’s district. They were well behind Paul’s home county of Brazoria, which supplied 37% of the Republican primary turnout. The closest match to Galveston is Victoria, which is hundreds of miles away from anything even remotely connected to NASA.
NASA may play big with Chris Peden’s neighbors in Friendswood. It isn’t going to resonate anywhere else though - even with Hill’s 61% poll number. Why? Because NASA isn’t even remotely near a top priority on the electorate’s radar screen outside of a narrow pocket in Galveston county. Even if voters in Aransas and Victoria think NASA should get more funding when asked specifically on that issue they aren’t going to go to the polls and base their entire decision on it.
Phil–
Clearly Peden will have to increase and GOTV in Friendswood and League City. Open question–how much have those areas (which were still just getting used to being in District 14 back in ‘06) started to wake up and become dissatisfied with Paul being their Representative? How much less patience do those folks have for his Prairie Populist shtick vs. the folks back in Victoria?
Don’t know; those are just open questions.
I agree though that Peden’s race can’t be won on “bring home the bacon to NASA” arguments alone– although they DO provide him with a certain base constituency, and money, and volunteers.
Most campaigns ultimately boil down to little more than referendums on the incumbent. And the issue is rarely this or that particular issue or policy position, but rather an “on balance” assessment of whether the folks back home want to continue with the status quo, or are ready to roll the dice on someone new because they don’t appear to be too big a knucklehead.
First we’ll see if Peden can gather enough money to get his message across; then we’ll see if enough folks buy it.
My biggest observation is that I think all of us can agree that the Ron Paul “brand” is gathering a lot more attention and being put into a context it has never been before.
No one really knows how that’s going to play back home unless and until he’s tested and the results come back in.