Paul's $16M Haul... Impressive. No Buts.

There's no question that Ron Paul has tapped into a unique, hitherto hidden vein in the Republican body politic, and it's proved quite lucrative: he says he's raised $16M this quarter and pulled in a record $6.6M in a single day.

He's spending the money on television ads in Iowa and New Hampshire, radio ads, and, if you're driving through Iowa these days, ubiquitous billboards.

The challenge he'll face from us MSMers is simple: so far, he's proven that he resonates with a vocal minority of Republican primary voters -- a smaller minority than, say, the 40% of evangelicals in Iowa who are sustaining Mike Huckabee's rise, and the 20% of McCainiacs in New Hampshire.

It might not seem fair, but in the projective calculus of the Republican nomination, the ability to put together a broad coalition of voters is a necessary limit. This is harder than it sounds: "Ron Paul is pro-life and so he'll get pro-lifers when they tire of Huckabee" -- that's the start of the argument, not its end.

What's great, in one sense, about the Ron Paul phenom is that we don't know where it's going to end. We don't know how it's going to scramble the order of finish in the early states. And while we don't think Paul is going to win the nomination, we dismiss his impact at our peril.

Comments

For the umpteenth time, how can we trust the polls that are based on 2004 GOP primary voters, the hard core Bush supporters (unopposed) who have land lines? They say Republicans aren't that passionate this year and I think that's true, except Ron Paul supporters will brave snow and ice to vote for him? How come no one else has any signs or bumper stickers? Could it be that they only sorta kinda support Huckabee or Romney or McCain? The polls have shifted a lot so it seems clear the support is not that strong or it would hold for longer than a couple weeks at a time. Ron Paul's support in traditional polls continue to rise albeit small, but his support outside those traditional polls is far greater than all other GOP candidates combined. I think January will put the polls to bed, finally. They mean nothing in 08. Maybe in past years, but this is different.

Posted by Nick | December 17, 2007 9:28 AM

Um, right now, he is at $18.2 million for the quarter...

Posted by Michael | December 17, 2007 9:30 AM

$18,150,000 this quarter...so far! Still two weeks to go, so it will surely top $20 million from October to December. And it will continue into January and February until South Dakota in June, and our man will be well financed all the way. A Presidential candidate like Ron Paul is a once in 50 years.

Posted by Marc Scott Emery | December 17, 2007 9:32 AM

I question the validity of polls that don't offer you the ability to chose from so-called 2nd tier nominees, and too, the fact that many eligible voters today have dropped their land lines and moved to cell phones only. Many of the pollsters don't call cell phones. To get a real understanding of where Ron Paul stands in support go to:

http://thecaseforronpaul.com/

Mike Huckabee has raised income taxes, has offered to pay for tuition of illegals, will continue this fiasco of a war and empire building, and most importantly will not defend and follow the Constitution. The only candidate who consistently has for 10 terms is Ron Paul:

http://www.usaelectionpolls.com/2008/articles/ron-paul-voting-record-defends-the-constitution.html

If you believe in liberty the way our founders did, then vote for Ron Paul in 2008.

Posted by freemindsin08 | December 17, 2007 9:32 AM

It is statistically improbable that a candidate would raise around 18 million dollars from over 100,000 donors, maybe half of which are first time donors, and not have a much larger following of people who will vote for him, but have not donated.

Posted by Pliny | December 17, 2007 9:38 AM

6.4 million dollars in one day is the largest recorded fund raising day in the history of U.S. politics. That is a huge news story for a "fringe" candidate.

Ron Paul is approaching 10% in polls that often do not mention his name, never call cell phone numbers, and only poll people who voted in the last Republican primary.

Paul is polling at a minimum of 22% in all the college polls that I have seen. College kids often do not have land lines and rarely voted four years ago.

Ron Paul supporters will show up to vote. Double his polling numbers and then start adding the youth vote. If Paul reach 15% in any scientific poll, in any state, he has a real chance to win that state. He is currently winning in Alaska(27%), polling at 11% in South Carolina, 10% in Nevada, 9% in new Hampshire, and 9% in Iowa. These facts have been barely reported by the main stream media.

It is beginning to seem that the first honest poll we will see will be at the polls. All the experts will come up with excuses when Paul starts winning states. None will admit that they were spoon fed their "expert" opinions that Paul was a fringe candidate.

Ron Paul is currently the leading candidate in the Republican nomination process for a presidential candidate in 2008.

Deal.

Posted by Will Hayes | December 17, 2007 9:42 AM

RON PAUL for president - MSM is being left behind, who watches MSN for news? nothing but yesterdays tabloid TV.

Posted by lw | December 17, 2007 9:47 AM

The constant harping on poll numbers gets increasingly tiresome. There is a clear disconnect between what the pollsters are claiming (that Ron Paul is a second tier marginal candidate) and what is actually happening (that he has become an internet sensation, that he has taken the lead in fund raising, and that he wins most polls that are open to the public). It's not left versus right that matters any more. The real division is between authority and personal liberty.

I am a 49 year old college educated professional who used to describe myself as a P.J O'Rourke conservative. ( non-religious former devotee of the sex, drugs, and rock and roll lifestyle who opposes the nanny state and favored conservatism for primarily economic reason) This time around I am solidly behind Ron Paul

Posted by Kevin | December 17, 2007 9:53 AM

If McCain and Huckabee are so much more likely to win, where is his support on the ground? Why are they having trouble raising numbers like the monetarily? Do these people responding to the phone polls really care if they win? Are they going to get off their couch on election day? Perhaps their numbers are greater, but Paul's supporters are more devoted and you can bet every last one of them are going to be punching a ballot...or bleeping a touchscreen. The numbers that matter are the ones who show up. That remains completely to be seen, but I think the dollar signs give you the greatest prediction of representation.

Posted by Josh | December 17, 2007 9:53 AM

What a strange world we live in when a Republican candidate who calls for the end of an illegal war, abolishment of the income tax and the securing of our national borders would be considered a "longshot". The majority of Americans support these views. The media has latched onto Mike Huckabee hoping that they can foist this wolf in sheeps clothing on a gullable American public. Huckabee is a warmonger who will spread the war into Iran. While govenor he raised income taxes, offered a free ride to the illegals that were lucky enough to make their way to his home state. I do not agree with everything Ron Paul says. I am pro-chice and could care less if gay people get married. But I will no longer allow these wedge issues to lead me to cast a vote based on these things. I am a supporter of Ron Paul and have come to view him as the only hope for the once great country.

Posted by allison | December 17, 2007 9:55 AM

Of course, the Media is TOLD what to tell US, THE VIEWERS. Question How come when ron paul had only two million dollars, they used to call him the dark horse and so many other names. Now Huckabee has only one million , but he has debts, and he is the one that can manage the country? Ron Paul had two millions and no debts, now he has 18 million and still no debts what does that tell you?

Posted by vicky | December 17, 2007 10:05 AM

Who is Ron Paul?

Posted by Koh Choon Lin | December 17, 2007 10:05 AM

Does anyone believe the media's "polls" anymore anyway. Aren't they all just manipulations of the truth. Ron Paul has earned more money, has more volunteers than all the other candidates combined, has won the most straw polls, and has won ALL the online polls and text polls.

Don't believe masonic organizations like Rasmussen and Gallup pollsters. They are LIARS just like Frank Luntz. ALL the polls they mention in the MSM are bullshit, period.

Posted by Jeremy Trudell | December 17, 2007 10:06 AM

Here is a little anecdote about how the Plain Old Telephone Surveys (POTS) work:

Three friends and I were standing around talking politics and one asked the other "Who are you voting for in the primary?"

The one who was asked is a very pro-life RN.

She: "Oh - I don't know, Giuliani I guess."

Us (in unison): "Giuliani? But he's pro-choice." ("and publicly funded pro-choice to boot" I added)

She: "Oh I don't know, I just said the first name that popped into my head. I'm going to do my homework before I vote, but here and now, it's the only name I could think of."

And that is exactly how the POTS works. People are going about their day, with a million other things on their minds, when the pollster calls. "If the election were held today, for whom would you vote?" They say the first name that sounds familar.

If the election were really being held today, they would have done their homework last night, and they would give you a reasoned answer that truly reflects their preferences.

Later.

Posted by Kevin Houston | December 17, 2007 10:12 AM

First they ignored him, then they laughed at him, then they fought him, then he won.

Posted by Joe Reitman | December 17, 2007 10:14 AM

It has been quite a few years since I have read a printed newspaper, it has been years since I have watched news on the television, until recently, and that has only been because I wanted to see how much the msm is really ignoring Ron Paul. It is very obvious. I get my information from the internet, as do quite a few people in the world now a days. The old media once had it's place, but the people who really want information and those that will vote will turn to the internet, and that is why Ron Paul has such a big following.

http://ronpaul2008.com

Posted by Tess | December 17, 2007 10:23 AM

We have had the status quo for so long, it is easy to see why people view his campaign as a long shot. But changes do come, often suprisingly fast.

Ron Paul for peace and prosperity!

Posted by james m | December 17, 2007 10:26 AM

I'll get you Ron Paul, you and your little Paulinators too!!! Flying Huckabees ATTACK!!!

Posted by Hillary Clinton | December 17, 2007 10:30 AM

The thing is is that people were always "turned off" of politics prior to 9-11. Up to now, that's the way it's been, in comes Ron Paul and changes The People's perspective on how things "should be". America is standing up to everything that is and has been wrong with this country. Since RDr. Paul has entered the picture, the people that had given up are seeing the possiblities and are and will come out in droves. You di in fact, ignore us at your own peril. Fox News and CNN refuse to give credence to Dr. Paul and all of his supporters and are at the forefront of the MSM and its losing of credibility. The lobby-donors are already maxed out for all the other candidates but as for RP's donors, we can still give and give and....

Posted by Pleefer | December 17, 2007 10:34 AM

"...we dismiss his impact at our peril."

It's not too late. You can still be the first MSMers to say what more and more of find to be a fact, not only does Ron Paul have a chance to win the Republican nomination, but that chance is growing increasingly more likely every day.

There's still a lot of room on this bandwagon...or is that bandblimp? Come on aboard!

Posted by TJF | December 17, 2007 10:36 AM

Could someone educate me please? Is there a standard profile of an "average" Ron Paul supporter and will his financial support turn into votes?

It's amazing that he's raising the money he is but it's not translating into poll numbers.

Posted by Ben | December 17, 2007 10:38 AM

I freakin' LOVE Ron Paul. I'd take a bullet for that man.

Saint Paul with drive a stake through the heart of Hillary.

BTW: Who ever wrote "Flying Huckabees ATTACK!" LOL!, I almost blew my coffee out my nose.

Posted by Tim | December 17, 2007 10:49 AM

Ron Paul will be speaking at the closing ceremonly of the 2008 New Hamphshire Liberty Forum on January 6, 2008.
http://www.freestateproject.org/libertyforum
Prior to that, two days of speakers discusing moving liberty forward.

Posted by Jon | December 17, 2007 10:49 AM

"The challenge he'll face from us MSMers is simple..."

You have it backwards and are showing your elitist slip.

The challenge the MSM faces from the citizens is to get your butts on the train that's now leaving the station or be left behind. Ron Paul broke two fundraising records in two months and the MSM didn't see it coming either time.

The press exists to expose the corruption in government but thus far the MSM has been suporting it. Get it in gear or you'll soon be irrelevant and looking for a job.

Posted by Jamie | December 17, 2007 10:49 AM

Ben,
His support does not translate into poll numbers because polls only accept answers from people that voted for the incumbent Bush in the 2004 primary (about 4% of registered republicans). So essentially the polls track the opinion of the same people up until primary day.

Posted by pumaz | December 17, 2007 10:50 AM

But there is no way that Paul can even come close to winning. Some deep-pocketed libertarians do not make a political movement.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

Posted by matt | December 17, 2007 10:51 AM

A group of paranoid conspiracy theorists joined by another group of naive idealists following their leader who espouses throwback/radical/isolationist ideas that may or may not be good for America - but would never come to pass in the incredibly small chance that RP could win the nomination and then go on to become POTUS.

I admire the enthusiasm and the dream. But a bit of reality is is in order. Also, do something about the paranoia. Not everything is a conspiracy.

Just what America needs - the gold standard and isolation.

Posted by slick | December 17, 2007 11:06 AM

What many who worry about Dr. Pauls personal opinions on abortions, gay marriage, and so on and so forth, are missing the point. Remember that his goal is to limit the Federal Governments ability to force its one view and position over everyone in every state. States will have to decide where they stand on issues, local politics will become important again because so much more will be at stake.

Getting the Fed out of running our daily lives? Who can't get behind that?

I'm a 24 year Navy Veteran and former disenfranchised republican turned green party member. But Dr Paul has brought me to a GOP that has hope for tommorow and he has my Vote all the way.

Posted by David Harkness | December 17, 2007 11:07 AM

"Some" libertarians, matt? How about over a 100,000 this quarter. What other GOP candidate can say that. We have this assumption that, even though more people show up for Ron Paul rallies and speeches than anybody else, even though more Ron Paul supporters show up at most straw polls, pay their money, wait patiently through whatever stupid speeches they must endure and then vote for their man than anybody else, and even though more people actually give their hard-earned money to support Ron Paul than anybody else, yet still 'clearly' he has 'no chance' and the so-called 'frontrunner' have more of a chance. Where are all these voters for the front-runners going to come from? All these really bored people who don't even care to go a rally for Giuliani are going to show up like locusts at the primary voting booth? Maybe, but maybe not...

Posted by Xon | December 17, 2007 11:07 AM

slick, perhaps you could enlighten us all as to how the gold stnadard is a bad idea. And while you're out it you could defend the Fed for us. Good luck!

Posted by Xon | December 17, 2007 11:09 AM

This is not the movement of a few rich libertarians. Yesterday Ron Paul had over 25,000 new donors. November 5th, Representative Paul had over 40,000 individual donors.

His voters will show up to vote. They vote on every online poll and win every straw poll. Rudy McRomnabee is splitting up 6% of the Republican Party. Ron Paul is getting about 25% of the rest.

Food for thought.

Posted by Will Hayes | December 17, 2007 11:11 AM

Ron Paul can win! Read, President Ron Paul – Could He Really Win?

Learn how outside economic and foreign policy events just might elect Ron Paul.
http://www.ronaldholland.com/presidentronpaul.htm is a two part article on how current events outside the political process could elect Ron Paul as President.

Posted by Ron Holland | December 17, 2007 11:13 AM

Is the media counting on EVERYONE to be brain dead? There is a glaring disconnect in their every statement about Ron Paul.

How can he raise more money than the others and still be called a "longshot"? Even the all-powerful corrupted special interests cannot afford to fund the others to compete with the level Ron's grassroots fundraising.
So, who's the longshot??

And I just love the stupidity of the whole "he's popular online but not the real world" statement. Um, the internet IS THE REAL WORLD. The true uncensored voice of the people on the street. How can the media deem themselves credible and relevant when they are so out of touch with their own viewers?

The establishment polls are rigged and therefore meaningless. There are a few videos on youtube that illustrate this for the 99% of the population who have never been called. Basically, Ron Paul is not listed as an option - only the CFR "frontrunners". However, in unfettered online and locally held straw polls Ron Paul consistently wins by a landslide.

Ron Paul supporters are impassioned and educated.
With frequent rallies and thousands of meetup groups and many many millions in donations, how can the media keep a straight face while trumpeting the "frontrunners"? Indeed, where are the "real word" supporters of the "frontrunners"? I don't see any!

With such a bias media it is perhaps easier to communicate with them in their own language: Money. How can they expect to attract and retain advertisers to stay afloat with an ever declining viewership growing in awareness of their inept rationale and not showing who the people want to see?

The internet: 1
"Real world": 0

Posted by Human with Eyes and Brain | December 17, 2007 11:15 AM

you had to throw in .. "we don't think he is going to win" as your disclaimer?
report news we do not care what what you think.

I think I have never seen a field so divided and if ever there was a chance for someone like Paul it would be now.

If Huckabee can have no money and go from 0% to a front runner in Iowa in a few weeks why not Paul? Unlike Mike (and the others) Ron Paul has the record to back up what he says. The only place he is much different is on the war which is why Republicans lost last year...
It is a perfect storm for Ron Paul with tons of money, disatisfaction with the other 7 in the race who are all pro war, perfect voting record on key issues, 20 years in the house, HE ALSO HAS WON MORE STRAW POLLS THAN AYONE ELSE!!!!
just keep what you think based on the national polls because that is all that is a true measure right???

Posted by libertynow | December 17, 2007 11:18 AM

Can't you just picture a guy in a straitjacket rocking himself back and forth uttering over and over, "He'll never win.. He'll never win.. He'll never win..."

Posted by J.P. | December 17, 2007 11:21 AM

Xon,

I think you're confused.

1) It is up to those proposing the changes to convince us of the merit of those changes - not the other way around. As someone who has been around the loveable goldbugs for about 3 decades, they are great at tellimg us all the evils of fiat dollar - but never quite convince as to why the gold standard would be a good thing to return to.

2) The dumb shot about the Fed is really beneath you - I hope. Aren't you RP supporters supposed ot be openminded? Shouldn't that include not judging people without knowing where they stand. And while I'm on the subject, why is that RP supporters have such thin skin. That's always a bad sign when people can't handle being questioned or face the reality that other people dont' see things the way they do. It's funny, people have been accusing Romney's LDS of being a cult, but RP supporters frequently behave in a cultish manner. One thing I've seen plenty of is where they pretend that those who don't share their views are simply ignorant or unaware of Paul's positions - rather than having to face the uncomfortable reality that people just don't agree with RP's positions.

RP is against many things and would like to see change. Me too. But he doesn't have better solutions. I wish he did. e.g. Isolationism is no answer.

And the reason that RP won't go much further - no matter how much money he raises - is because the fringe is such a minority. I know you think you aren't, but you are. Most Americans are not isolationists, and won't buy what RP is selling.

I predict he'll do well in NH - but not win. Maybe 17%. 3rd place. And that's probably the best he'll do. Enjoy your 15 minutes.

Posted by slick | December 17, 2007 11:22 AM

"Not everything is a conspiracy."

In politics, most everything is the result of blocs working together to achieve a goal. When the goals and workings of those blocs aren't discussed in the media, it reeks of conspiracy. The media goes to town on a daily basis shrieking about the various "Islamofascist" conspiracies.

The Federal Reserve and the IRS are most certainly conspiracies against the American people. There's a reason that the history of the founding of these odious agencies aren't taught in government-funded schools.

Posted by Jamie | December 17, 2007 11:22 AM

Ron Paul already has over $18 million dollars raised so far this quarter. He will almost certainly raise $20 million or more by the end of the month.
The other Republican candidates will likely raise just half that amount. Meanwhile, Hillary and Obama will most likely raise about $20 million dollars.

NO other Republican can outspend Hillary. Only Ron Paul has enough fundraising to keep Clinton our of office.

A vote for any Republican other than Ron Paul is a vote for Hillary.

JM

Posted by James Maynard | December 17, 2007 11:23 AM

"Isolationism is no answer."

That attempted smear is no longer viable. You'll need a new one.

Non-interventionism isn't isolationism.

Posted by Jamie | December 17, 2007 11:24 AM

This 6 million bucks in one day is incredible. What it really says is Ron Paul's message is contagious. Tell you friends and family about Ron Paul at Christmas dinner. The freedom message resonates with everyone, but not everyone does their homework. We have to spread the word.

Posted by Steve | December 17, 2007 11:24 AM

Every 4 years, I see the same thing. One group or another of idealists jump on a bandwagon. And then it fizzles out or they become disillusioned (i.e. are sold out). This happened with the Deaniacs last election. This year it's Ron Paul's turn.

Best of luck to all of you. I sincerely hope you do well. I am all in favour of the establishment being rocked. All I ask is that you be REALISTIC.

RP does not have the answers. I think most of you want somethign different, and that you aren't really looking at what the replacement is. That's dangerous.

Posted by slick | December 17, 2007 11:27 AM

Ron Paul will enter the primaries and caucuses with the most money on hand, plus the most numerous, most geographically disbursed, and most passionate volunteers. He runs the most frugal and adaptable campaign. He pulls supporters from across the political spectrum because of his consistency and principles, and frankly, you can actually believe what he says. He is a 10-term Congressman from a District that is majority Democrat, so he knows how to not let partisanship get in the way.

Who is the most viable GOP candidate now?

Posted by Brian H | December 17, 2007 11:28 AM

>

Yes, that's why RP was excluded from the debates!

Oh, wait a minute....

"reeks of conspiracy"?

Thank you for proving my point.

Posted by slick | December 17, 2007 11:28 AM

Well, Matt who posted the www.political-buzz.com; you are sorely and completely mistaken about the connotation of the "few" supporters . . . "Some deep-pocketed libertarians do not make a political movement" is where the money is coming from. Even if if the $6.4 million was from the whole $2,300 available to each contributor, it would still be about 2,800 contributors, but keep in mind that the Ron Paul site reported that nearly 60,000 contributed an average of about $105. Wake up Matt!

Posted by Steve LaBianca | December 17, 2007 11:29 AM

"Some" = 100,000+ individual contributors
"Deep Pocketed" = $105 average contribution
Goal for the quarter at the start of the quarter=
$12M
Achieved by midnight Sunday night= $18M ( 50% over goal )
Contributed ( not pledges, real spendable FRNs) yesterday = $6 million+ from 55,000+ distinct contributions.
Goal for the quarter now = $20 million.
Debts owed = $0
Self Financing = $0 ( you might enjoy comparing the self financing number for Romney. And yes Mitt can easily beat the $6 million Dr Paul achieved just by loaning his campaign some more money.)

Posted by CK | December 17, 2007 11:29 AM

"All I ask is that you be REALISTIC."

Is this a Royalist quote circa 1776?

Posted by Jamie | December 17, 2007 11:30 AM

>

Of course it is!

Semantics?

Call it whatever you like, it amounts to the same thing.

I know you'll never accept this, because you have drunk the kool-aid, but RP does not have the answer.

I agree there are problems. OK? We all see that very clearly. We are on the same side in that regard. Please understand this.

But...RP has no idea how to really fix those ideas. I know you won't accept that, but it's the truth. Simple, outadted ideas are not going to solve the problems of the USA/modern world.

Posted by slick | December 17, 2007 11:32 AM

"RP has no idea how to really fix those ideas. "

Bringing all troops home from all countries, dismantling the Empire, dismantling the Fed and the IRS all sound like great ideas to me. What's your issue with them?

Posted by Jamie | December 17, 2007 11:36 AM

RP - the new religion.

Best of luck folks! Go Ron Go! lol.

Have a good one...

Posted by slick | December 17, 2007 11:36 AM

It's hilarious to see some ignorant people continue to parrot the Old Media's lies verbatim. There is a huge difference between isolationism and non-intervention, but some can't even figure out this very simple FACT. You don't have to believe me, just look it up in a dictionary. Furthermore, the current policies are in reality isolationist such as embargoes, sanctions, alienating allies while starting pre-emptive wars, etc.. But the real $6 million dollar question is why are some people incapable of thinking for themselves and instead have to rely on a higher entity to spoon feed them? Imo this is the crux of our problem, but fortunately this is changing, although not quick enough, as more people are beginning to feel the side affects of the current times. ie: The age of information.

Peace

Posted by USAforPaul | December 17, 2007 11:39 AM

Slick says:"RP does not have the answers. I think most of you want somethign different, and that you aren't really looking at what the replacement is. That's dangerous."

I've been following Ron Paul for nearly a decade. His answers are the correct answers. You can't fix a corrupt government using the tools of a corrupt government. The ONLY hope for America (the people) is to return the united States (the government) to its rightful place as the protector rather than usurper of liberty.

Posted by Justaguy | December 17, 2007 11:40 AM

Our blog entries and our financial contributions may or may not be of interest to journalists covering the elections, but Paul caucus and primary victories will be give a cold, rude awakening to the major media. The regional and local press are largely giving the major media a clinic on balanced, analytical, and varied coverage of the political candidates. Those of us observing this - supporters of any of the candidates - are waking up to just how much a tool of the establishment the major broadcast and print media has become. Think William Randolph Hearst on yellow journalism steroids.

Posted by Darryl Schmitz | December 17, 2007 11:41 AM

You know, the problem with the "MSMers" is the fact that you guys assume you know who is "electable" or who the American people want as their next candidate. But you guys assume wrong.

For some strange reason you hold inaccurate, very limited phone polls high up on some pedestal but completely disregard online polls, text messaging polls and straw polls.

Why is that? Why do you assume you know who Americans will choose as their next candidate. Well it's not your job to assume. It' only makes you look like an ASS! It's your job to report the news and provide ALL candidates fair and equal coverage until the first of the Primaries and Caucus's begin.

It's for this reason that you are no longer considered "Main-Stream media". Nope, you guys have lost touch. Organizations such as yours are now considered "Old Media" as you have completely lost touch with society.

Posted by Adam | December 17, 2007 11:42 AM

I find it interesting that the MSM catergorizes Dr. Paul's supporters as fringe nutcase elements from the right and left. On every message board that I read I come across nothing but thoughtful and intelligent arguments for Ron Paul's candidacy. I was going to donate $100.00 yesterday but decided to donate $150.00 instead. I am proud to be a small part of this rEVOLution! Stand up for FREEDOM and LIBERTY and vote for Ron Paul in 2008!

Posted by Jim | December 17, 2007 11:42 AM

wrong numbers

Posted by nick | December 17, 2007 11:46 AM

Just took a break from weed eating the UFO landing pad I have in back of my fallout shelter to read some of the comments here. I get tired of the stereotypes. You want to know a "typical" Ron Paul supporter? Someone who holds themselves accountable for their own actions, and would appreciate the courtesy of others to do the same. Someone who doesnt like their tax money wasted on the pet programs of career politicians that only serve to the increase the size of government. Someone who believes the constitution actually means something and isnt "just a god@#$% piece of paper" as our current President so eloquently referred to it. Someone who feels we should be rebuilding our country instead of everyone else's. So excuse me if my Aluminum Foil Beanie is sitting a little too tight on my head this morning, and by the way Slick, my Toaster just called you a JERK!

Posted by Jayson Gould | December 17, 2007 11:48 AM

Not isolationist, he is for non-intervention. Also if anyone has really checked out his stance concerning the gold standard, you see he is more against the fed artificially setting rates than he is about the currency. It won't happen overnight, but his idea of making gold and silver competing currencies along with treasury notes AND backing those notes with gold and silver and other things with intrinsic value (land for instance, priced in gold monetary rates) has a lot of merit. Today our dollar is backed by the military, and is the reserve currency for oil priced in reserve dollars. Very volatile situation, and we have paid the price for it, several times over.

Posted by Justin Smith | December 17, 2007 11:48 AM

115,000 people have contributed to Ron Paul's campaign this quarter. Many of us, like myself, have never donated to a candidate and have never voted in a primary. This is a campaign by and for the people, and we do not need the main stream media. Media outlets that continue to ignore Ron Paul will continue to look like fools when people hear everyone talking about him, see signs everywhere, and get on the internet.

The Ron Paul message is LIBERTY, PROSPERITY, and PEACE!

Posted by Allison Lukens | December 17, 2007 11:49 AM

The challenge Paul faces with you "MSMers" is getting you to put fallacious "scientific polls" into perspective and start reporting him in the same way and frequency as the others... you know, the ones who win far fewer real-world straw polls, receive less campaign donations from enlisted families, and don't raise $6 Million in one day? Yeah, you know... the "frontrunners." I challenge you to start covering Paul in the same articles as the others... see what happens then. What are ya? Chicken?

Posted by DRUMS of WAR | December 17, 2007 11:53 AM

Ron Paul was exculded from one of the debates in Iowa and this is also a fact, but someone who confuses two opposite words such as isolationism with non-intervetion might have a hard time understanding this also and thus label it a conspiracy theory. It sounds like this not so slick person is the one who suffers from the effects of the Old Media's kool-aid. And btw, that Republican debate drew 600 or so attendees combined while Paul's event next door drew almost twice that amount. I guess the internets spammers figured out a way to morph themselves into tens if not hundreds of thousand Dr. Paul supporters. Now that sounds like a conspiracy theory or how about the one where FAUX Lies claimed that George Soros was secretly funding Paul's campaign while in reality the owner of that network, Murdoch, is backing Hillary.

Posted by USAforPaul | December 17, 2007 11:53 AM

Has anyone noticed that RP gained in North Carolina in the "official" polls once the blimp started flying around that state? It generated a lot of local media coverage there. They're putting the second banner on it tonight -- it's unprecedented that that they got it off the ground as quick as they did. It usually takes months.

They need more money to keep it in the air. So, go and give them some!

http://ronpaulblimp.com/

Posted by Tracker | December 17, 2007 11:55 AM

So 'slick',

Speaking of kool-aid, are you one of those in the mainstream (soon to be fringe) who believe we can actually finance the .. we'll call it non-isolationism of which you speak?

Do you believe this can be done without us seeing the dollar collapse and economy crumble? The rest of the world is starting to refuse the dollar, allies unpeg weekly, and now they have the gaul to stop buying our debt (except for the good ol Brits. A sharp drop in the dollar will destroy the dollar denominated savings of the the soon to be retired baby boomer generation who are all supposedly so safe in their bonds, annuities and cash ... thereby causing a domestic crisis like we have not seen in our life time.

Dr. Paul's specific answer to try and shore up the situation is to apply the savings from a less extravagant foreign policy to our current domestic problems. With that, we would get the added benefit of reducing the level of hatred in the world in all of the countries/regions that we currently occupy.

And I suppose proposals of returning to sound money, or at least allowing it to be used competitively in the marketplace are kooky when coming from Dr. Paul, but sane when coming from a Nobel laureate like Hayek?

Would you have us continue to support another statist like Bush? To keep the growth in government on that exponential curve upward?

What does someone as knowledgeable as yourself think of candidates who don't even approach these topics?

National Debt 01/20/2001 : $5.727 Trillion
National Debt 12/06/2007 : $9.168 Trillion
National Debt Growth : 60% Since 01/20/2001

Social Security, Medicare and other Unfunded Liabilities
Major Fiscal Exposures 2000 : $20.4 Trillion
Major Fiscal Exposures 2007 : $50.5 Trillion
Major Fiscal Exposures Growth : 147% Since 2000

Presidential Budget Total Outlays 2001 : $1.863 Billion
Presidential Budget Total Outlays 2007 : $2.784 Billion
Presidential Budget Total Outlays Growth : 49% Since 2001

True GAAP Deficit 2006 : $4.6 Trillion

New York Board of Trade Dollar Index January 2001 : 112
New York Board of Trade Dollar Index December 2007 : 76
New York Board of Trade Dollar Index Loss : 32%

None, but Ron Paul will deal with this in the way that is required. The other candidates won't even acknowledge it

Posted by Chad | December 17, 2007 11:56 AM

I think its DISGUSTING that the censored media is under control of a few people...If any other Candidate had raised over 6Million in 24 hours it would have made the front page of every newspaper out there! It would have been the top topic of every network...
My prayer is that the average person will see this lack of mention in the news and ask why would the media ignore a Candidate that speaks on the issues of Americans soul, heart and given rights...
http://www.ronpaullibrary.org/index.php

Fellow Americans do your research on the issues we face and the Candidates actions...Don't fall victim to the placation of many Candidates as well as the media...Show them the people control this country not the corporations!

http://www.ronpaullibrary.org/index.php

Posted by ladiliberty | December 17, 2007 11:58 AM

The problem, Mr. Ambinder, is that it is not your job as a journalist to decide for the rest of us who is and is not a viable candidate. Your job is to simply report news. The level of editorial bias concerning Dr. Paul is disgusting. You don't dismiss him at your own peril. What you do when you categorically ignore a presidential candidate is stifle debate/dialogue. A dialogue, I might add, this country desperatly needs right now. You do the opposite of the very thing a healthy media is supposed to foster. You ignore him at the peril of all of us. Common decency should dictate that journalists give every candidate the same shot, at the very least you could give him some time on air or in print without the constant reminder that "he's not going to win the nomination." It's gotten old. Write something new.

Posted by Trout | December 17, 2007 12:00 PM

Since the establishment will almost certainly find a way to prevent Ron Paul from getting his party's nomination, those of us who love America and the U.S. Constitution as it was written and intended to be interpretted by the Founders need to be thinking of what to do next. All in favor of seceding from the Union and declaring Ron Paul our 1st president RAISE YOU RIGHT HAND!

Posted by Kurt S | December 17, 2007 12:01 PM

Slick,

In response to your comment about the proponent of change has the burden of convincing voters of his ideas, I agree. We are not upset that people might disagree, or that some are ignorant of his views. It is that he is not being given the same pulpit other candidates are afforded from which to preach his views. We are being shut out by lack of msm coverage. I appreciate the fact that you have thought it through and disagree. We need more voters to think it through. I would just like to see some fairness in the coverage.

Posted by Jim | December 17, 2007 12:02 PM

I am going to deny my child some expensive Christmas presents this year so I can financially support Ron Pauls quest to fight the "system" that has erroded our country. In effect, I will be giving her the best gift any parent can, A FUTURE.

Posted by Ready For A Change | December 17, 2007 12:02 PM

I keep hearing and reading comments regarding Ron Paul advocating "isolationism". That is simply ridiculous. It is about time that a true Republican patriot like Ron Paul is being heard. You talk about conspiracies...the conspiracy of ruling this nation through fear is about to end. This administration has used fear to take our country to war, and it is burying us in debt. I am an active duty member of the armed forces, and I am fed up with hearing various senators talk about "I was with the troops in Iraq on Thanksgiving, and the message I hear is, Let us win!" Sitting down with people picked to sit with senators because they are proven yes men, and toe the party line doesn't give one a sense of the situation. Everyone, from the public to the military want these wars to end. That is the truth, plain and simple. If these senators want to wage war, I suggest they either go themselves, or send their children and grandchildren off to fight. This isn't right, and I fully reject the premise of pre-emptive war as being in our national interest. Nobody in this administration has been able or willing to do anything that is truly in our national interest. Good, informed foreign policy, compassion, and intelligent diplomacy do not an "isolationist" make. I feel that Ron Paul is the only chance we have to dig ourselves out of this morass we are in, and restore the prestige of our once great country. Any other candidate will just carry on the business as usual.

Posted by Retro-con | December 17, 2007 12:05 PM

Honestly, I'm supporting Ron Paul because I love watching political commentators' heads explode as they try to dismiss his candidacy.

Also, I'm mostly following politics nowadays for its comedic value. Who needs the Daily Show when you have Alan Keyes's "womb" references, Mike Gravel's dadaist internet ads, and Ron Paul's blimp? Priceless.

And, btw, Ron Paul won't win the Republican nomination . . . do you really think that the machine will let him win all the caucuses? Remember, guys: they cheat. Sorry.

Posted by S.G.E.W. | December 17, 2007 12:08 PM

how come nobody talks about that freaking-cheating neocons operated diebold machine, please i urge all our young brainy computer scientist to try to invent something about it what i mean try to account the REAL votes, we can have the most money, the highest number of supporters for voting but the bottom line is who controls and double cheks or if there is a chance to supervise every single votes so the next big homework for ron paul supporters is to form a nationwide vote checking volunter groups just like we have meeting groups.
this is a dead serious issue and if we able to do that than hire the most experienced bodyguard group for ron paul, of course never let him fly commercialy and have an extra supermechanic 24hrs
with him when he flys privetjet, the neocons dont like he will withdraw financial aid to israel thats the first of the many things they are pissed off and of course all news madia controlled by jews thats why he will never get any fair treatment, wolf blitzer asked ron paul everytime if he will run independent ron paul should told him at the 10th times hey wolf which part of the no you dont understand...........
i just want my vitamins,and dont want to be chiped or vacunated so only ron paul

Posted by laszlo horvath | December 17, 2007 12:11 PM

How many candidates do you know that receives support from countries outside this one? If you youtube Ron Paul you will see his signs and billboards supporting him in countries like Germany, UK, Switzerland, France, etc. These are the people that sees through corporate media and understands what it takes to get this country back to where it needs to be. Peace with nations and sound economy. Ron Paul fights for us, not the special interests. And the polls?... History is repeating itself as we speak, and people look at polls to select their candidate for the primaries? sad...

Posted by Nik Dan | December 17, 2007 12:11 PM

"It might not seem fair, but in the projective calculus of the Republican nomination, the ability to put together a broad coalition of voters is a necessary limit."

Uh, Marc, ever been to a Ron Paul rally? You are whacking Ron Paul for being weak on one of his most impressive stengths: broadspread appeal. Come on, do your homework!

Posted by Paul | December 17, 2007 12:11 PM

It is about time that there is a Ron Paul that has been able to come out from behind the wall of the MSM and offer the American People a REAL option. I have been waiting for someone to restore the Republic and to help educate the people about the Constitution.

People, if you vote for anyone else, you are voting your own rights away. If you allow the IRS and the Federal Reserve to continue, you allow you and your children to continually be robbed. The social programs are living off of the money that has been forced from others. Charity is the result of money being given willingly, and having it taken from our paychecks to pay for others is stealing, it is wrong. Plain and simple.

We do not need Big government to care for the people, we can care for those around us. Our taxes are almost at 50% of our income! (When you look at all the real taxes on us) and the debt of this war is already being pushed off on the next SEVERAL generations!! Debt is BONDAGE. We are enslaving ourselves and our children's future to let it continue. It is time that we return to the Constitution, before Directive 51 is put in place.

(Directive 51, if there is an attack or emergency the US president can become a dictator, the Constitution tossed to the side, and Marshal Law in place. Congress cannot even do anything about it for 6 months, which is more then enough time to disband congress too)

There is so much more then this... But these things should be glaringly obvious to any American!!

Posted by Charity Angel | December 17, 2007 12:13 PM

Jayson, ROFL, nice post.

Dont worry about slick, he's jaded cause he really WANTS to believe, he LOVES the taste of the kool-aid, but he's been hurt before by other false prophets who didn't stack up, didn't walk the walk, couldn't cash the checks their mouths were writing. He doesn't want to be hurt again, and is afraid that if he investigates Ron Paul for himself for 10 minutes, he'll come to know what the rest of us know: Ron's the real deal.

Slick,
It's okay that your hurting, we feel your pain, we've all been let down before. Frankly I didn't think Ron would resonate as well as he has, I'm jaded in a different way: I have grown to believe that too many Americans are ignorant of their Constitution, of their history, and of the sacrifices of the past, and are playing out the role once played by the plebes when the Roman Republic transitioned to an Empire: selling their votes for bread and circuses.

I do have hope that the internet is awakening people to their own power to create the change they wish to see in the world, as Gandhi proposed. Will it be enough? I do not know, but I have to try, and if Ron Paul doesn't meet the challenge, I will try again with someone else. I am hopeful and positive that Ron is the real deal and can go the distance. "For evil to triumph, only requires that good men do nothing".

Posted by Mike Lorrey | December 17, 2007 12:13 PM

Final the light is going on, watch all the human/cockroaches scurry about. Ron Paul!

Posted by a | December 17, 2007 12:15 PM

Hey slick i guess you got your tail handed too you by RP.

Your right though he doesn't have all the answers, but he has more since than anyone else running

Posted by RPlover | December 17, 2007 12:20 PM

Ron Paul promises to "undo" much of what has been "done" to America. The minute I heard that message I began to breathe easier...liberty was mentioned. My load felt lighter immediately. Dr. Paul talks of restoring America's reputation and credibility around the world which has taken a beating for so long.

I have searched for all of my life for a politician who would promise me nothing more than restoring the rights endowed by my Creator as promised in the Constitution. Smaller government with less intervention in my daily life and the lives of others around the globe. Sweet fresh air!

I am not a lunatic nutjob. I own my own business. I have raised two children and know that this is NOT the America I want to leave to them. I never thought I would live to see a day when torture by Americans would have to be debated on the world stage. I am ashamed for being quiet for so long. That all changed yesterday when I decided that I could contribute to the change offered by Ron Paul and I did so. How much is this country worth to those who live here? Quite a lot judging by the numbers yesterday.

The msm is not the solution. It is part of the problem. People who write for it are are facing extinction in the not too distant future. Why? Because they cannot report plain facts anymore. Everything must be colored with their own opinions. Fine, they are entitled to those opinions but they are NOT entitled to report those opinions as if they are facts. That is the state of the msm today and it will be what brings about its downfall. No news reporter's opinion is worth more than anyone else's and I resent them using their broad platforms to push their opinion on me.

Polls are worth less than fake "opinion facts". I have voted since I became eligible to vote and have never been polled. I have two landlines. I have to ask just whom the pollsters are calling? Bush's Rangers? Hillary's Hellions?

Ignore the faith-based opinion reporters as we make our quiet but inexorable march toward Washington. I hope to see many of my fellow citizens there for a Ron Paul victory party. Until then, ponder what America is worth to you personally. Ask yourself if this the America you want your children to inherit; a bleak land of being spied upon where torture and war are acceptable and only the degrees of these conditions are debated.

If you find it unacceptable as I did, donate. If you can't donate, volunteer. Every person is important and it is your right and duty to take this country back from those who have damaged her so badly.

Posted by Edie Calhoun | December 17, 2007 12:23 PM

The reality YOU face from us Main Stream Americans is that you've proven that you are out of touch with reality and oblivious to a revolution and unprepared to face the reality of your impending demise.

Posted by Brian | December 17, 2007 12:24 PM

I am not a Retardlican. This isn't a hidden vain. This is the blood of American soldiers and Iraqi children haunting the military industrial complex.

This is the guilt of knowing it was a lie, and doing it anyway.

This is "I told you so" on tombstones.

This is the last stand of intelligence attempting to stop the inevitable fall into the new dark age.

RP 2008

Posted by Earl E | December 17, 2007 12:25 PM

"One group or another of idealists jump on a bandwagon. And then it fizzles out or they become disillusioned"

There is a difference. This year, some people have been educated on what it means to be American. Whether they continue in the fight after Ron Paul is gone remains to be seen.

Posted by Mike Conder | December 17, 2007 12:27 PM

Dems can love Ron Paul too!

The only way in which I disagree with Ron Paul is on the environment. But frankly, I loathe all the other candidates, I contribute to Ron Paul and I will vote for him, regardless of his lack of support for my preferred environmental program.

Posted by Cynthia Johnson | December 17, 2007 12:27 PM

Consider this: The Republican race at this point has six viable candidates, and no clear national front-runner. If no one delivers a knockout blow in January, the race could still be scrambled after February 5th.

If that were to happen, who would be in better shape than Ron Paul to contest the remaining states? He will have more cash on hand than anyone but Romney, and the ability to raise more at the drop of a hat. The big-dollar donors of the other top tier candidates are pretty much tapped out.

On top of that, Ron Paul has over 85,000 volunteers signed up in over 1,000 cities nationwide.

Why do political "experts" continue to look solely at the polls, when Huckabee just showed in the past three weeks that they are pretty much meaningless? If you look at any other objective measure -- dollars raised, donors contributing, volunteers signed up, bumper stickers, crowd sizes, straw polls, sign wavers, YouTubes posted and watched, Internet comments, and momentum -- Ron Paul is blowing the field away.

Posted by Doug D | December 17, 2007 12:31 PM

Slick You said not everything is a conspricey

Your right I don't belive the outrageous one about a few guys with box cutters that penitrated the most protected air space in the world and smashed into the pentagon .
who came up with that anyway

Posted by Bill L | December 17, 2007 12:31 PM

whether ron paul wins the election or not the message is getting out to the general public in regards to the status of our current political system. the wool is being pulled off and sitting politicians who do not respond to the will of the people will suffer at their next election. ron paul will be remembered for generations to come and deservedly so! the msm is being exposed as tools of big business. the internet is the only current medium for totally free and open discussion.

Posted by bob a | December 17, 2007 12:31 PM

Big Factor: Unlike Hitlary and Julie Annie, Ron's money is coming from a large swath of ordinary Americans, not a handful of wealthy contributors.

Posted by VMan | December 17, 2007 12:32 PM

All I have to say to anyone who trys to discredit
Dr. Paul, is Action speaks louder then words. Our Candidate has raised more money then yours! We the people rasied it for Dr.Paul. When people unite and work together, no government, no party, no media outlet, or Corporations can stop us. If history has taught us everything it's that a revolution of the people alway