Ron Paul: Forget The Third Party Thing

Ron Paul has said it before (to me back in January, for one), but people keep asking, so he's said it again: the end of his GOP nomination ambitions will be the end of his presidential ambitions, with no third party bid as back up.

Comments

[Edward]

The end is the end, then. Well, that's a relief.

[Hugh Akston]

Not to mention any place in the Exectuive Branch. I cannot imagine anyone from either party who would want a troubemaker like Paul as a runningmate or secretary of anything.

[crimethink]

That's what we said when you first announced you were leaving H&R, Edward. Unfortunately, the end sometimes isn't the end...

[bill]

Paul should run for the Democratic nomination. I think it's easier to make a social liberal a fiscal conservative (hey who wouldn't want to keeep more of their hard earned money?), than to make a fiscal conservative a social liberal.

[crimethink]

Hugh,

It would be awesome if Ron Paul were nominated to be the Ambassador to the UN.

[Edward]

crimethink

It would be awesome if Ron Paul is remembered by anybody outside Texas and libertarian circles two years from now.

[Hugh Akston]

Funny you should mention that, crimethink, I was thinking it as I wrote that post.

Of course, such a move would come about as the end result of the question, "Where can we put Ron Paul where no one would ever hear from him again?"

[iih]

It is very sad to learn about his intentions. He has certainly inspired me a lot. I am currently enjoying his book.

Paul should run for the Democratic nomination. I think it's easier to make a social liberal a fiscal conservative (hey who wouldn't want to keeep more of their hard earned money?), than to make a fiscal conservative a social liberal.

I really do agree with this statement, especially how blinded social conservatives are becoming nowadays. They are a scary bunch. Just look at the choice of GOP front runners.

[crimethink]

Hugh, I just formed a picture of Ron Paul vetoing a UN Resolution for the 1,295th time, because it wasn't consistent with the original intent of the UN Charter. It's so perfect, it has to happen.

[Cesar]

How about Ron Paul as chairman of the Federal Reserve?

[crimethink]

Edward,

He'll certainly be remembered in contrarian troll circles. I'd imagine he's been seared -- seared! -- into your memory by now.

[crimethink]

Cesar,

Heh. "In stock market news today, the Dow dropped 8,000 points when new Fed chairman Ron Paul announced a 1000% increase in interest rates to combat inflation."

I think Tyler Durden would be pleased.

[sage]

I'll write him in. Better than "none of the above"

[Sandra]

I will remember Ron Paul for getting me involved in politics for the first time in my life. Ron's courage and conviction to a higher purpose than himself was a wonderful inspiration to me. Dr. Paul's love of the Constitution and his attempt to preserve our country as a sovereign nation impressed me. I think Ron Paul is a great patriot. Young men and women who have heard his message will come forward because we need Dr. Paul's message of "Hope for America" now more than ever.

[BakedPenguin]

I think Tyler Durden would be pleased.

"The first amendment of constitution club is... you can talk about constitution club"

[SIV]

I hope he "throws his support" to the eventual GOP nominee. The left needs an anti-war candidate-guess if they really care about the issue it will have to be third party.

[SugarFree]

True story (would anyone on the Internet lie to you?)

Overheard in the University of Kentucky library, in front of a Ron Paul sign:

Girl: Who's Ron Paul?

Boy: Don't you follow politics? He's got a huge cult following. It's like if Chuck Norris was running for President.

Also, Edward is a liar. Ignore him.

[Bruce Lee]

Who's Chuck Norris?

[iih]

SugarFree:

Really really true story:

On the Storrow Drive in Boston: Two cute young girls driving a hybrid Toyota Yaris, with a big Ron Paul for 2008 hand sprayed across the back of their car. I was stuck by the fact that they were quite young, excited, college students. I guess the hybrid small Yaris tells you something about RP's following, too.

[Cesar]

I hope he "throws his support" to the eventual GOP nominee.

I'm sure you do, since you're pretty much a Republican partisan.

[Elijah M]

"Two cute young girls driving a hybrid Toyota Yaris..."

There's no such thing as a hybrid Toyota Yaris. No big whoop, I'm just saying.

[Edwardian]

I guess the hybrid small Yaris tells you something about RP's following, too.

ie, that it doesn't exist and you're making this up?

[iih]

Elijah: I guess I meant the Prius. It was certainly a hybrid, certainly small, and certainly a toyota. Thanks for the correction.

[iih]

ie, that it doesn't exist and you're making this up?

No I am not making it up.

[iih]

Off topic, but I jusy came across this:

http://www.ocala.com/article/20070917/NEWS/70917006/1053/BREAKING_NEWS&source=photoclick

Probably to be posted on H&R soon.

[Reggio]

Look, Goldwater set the stage for Reagan in '64.

Ron Paul is having a lasting impression on the youngest voters. He has made a significant impact and I'm sure he will continue his fight for the nomination right up until the convention. I've never seen a more dour group of Libertarians. Ron Paul is setting sowing the seeds of a libertarian takeover of the Republican party and all I hear from you all is that the end is near.

[rho]

Anybody else think Edward is trying hard to convince himself? It's so cute to watch.

[Mike]

If, Ron Paul does not get the nomination he will secure his seat in Congress and set it up for one of his sons to run when he retires.

If, he does get the nomination and the presidency, this country will be all the better for it!

End of story.

[SIV]

I'm sure you do, since you're pretty much a Republican partisan.

I'm certainly less of a Republican partisan than Ron Paul! I'm not a member of the party nor have I ever registered as a Republican(yeah open primary States!)

That said, I do favor some candidates from a Party that is ostensibly less collectivist than the slightly more evil alternative. Fortunately I am registered in a very red State so I can vote third party, nota, Donld Duck, Thomas Szasz, or not vote at all with a clear conscience(full disclosure,I'ne never voted for a winner in the POTUS election).

To digress: exactly what MSM conspiracy led to the Democrat states escaping the "Red" stigma?

[Anonymo the Anonymous]

SIV: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_state_vs._blue_state_divide#Origins_of_current_color_scheme

Appears to be no real reason.

[Cesar]

You hope Bobby Jindal becomes President, a man that has voted with the Republicans some 95% of the time. That speaks volumes.

Name three major policies you disagree with Team Red on, SIV.

[Guy Montag]

Damn! I was hoping for another John Anderson moment, from the other side!

Background: I was an Anderdroid back during the 1980 election. Only person I knew who voted for him. One of 3 people in my voting district who voted for him!*

Was hoping, in that silly juvenile way, that I could see others have the same experience from the distance.

*Was not the same deal with Ross Perot, I met others who admitted to vote for him.

[SIV]

Anonymo,

From your link.....

However, it may be argued that a color scheme associating red with the Democratic Party would have never become widely popularized since Democrats would have been just as reluctant to associate themselves with a color that has been historically perceived as associated with "un-American" communism.

[SIV]

Guy,

My first election, when I was 18 ,I voted for John Anderson. In retrospect, I'm glad Reagan won. I think my concerns were largely personal.Jimmy Carter was poisoning foreign marijuana crops with paraquat and had revived Draft registration. I thought Reagan was an empty suit ex-actor/former Governor of a loony State.

[SIV]

You hope Bobby Jindal becomes President, a man that has voted with the Republicans some 95% of the time.

No I am predicting he is elected President in 2016 or later(especially if we get a messy fascist/socialist healthcare policy-look at his resume).I would prefer someone much more libertarian.I am supporting him for Governor of LA. Although it doesn't matter as I am not an LA resident and would never donate to a politician(except maybe $20 for a BBQ dinner or fish fry).

[Brian Defferding]

I'll write Ron Paul even if he doesn't get the nom.

[prolefeed]

Really really true story:

On the Storrow Drive in Boston: Two cute young girls driving a hybrid Toyota Yaris, with a big Ron Paul for 2008 hand sprayed across the back of their car. I was stuck by the fact that they were quite young, excited, college students. I guess the hybrid small Yaris tells you something about RP's following, too.

Ummm, iih, I googled the Toyota Yaris hybrid, and it appears that there isn't any such a car. Maybe call it a "sorta true story"? Sure you didn't confuse a Camry with a Yaris?

[prolefeed]

Sorry, Elijah M beat me to it. My bad.

[Clinton]

While I do not agree 100% of the time with Ron Paul, he has dramatically increased the awareness of the Libertarian Party and the challenges that the nation faces with taking back the power from the banking elite. Hopefully media coverage of him will increase when people start waking up a few months before the next election. He is by far the best chance this country has in 2008. It may be hard for pure libertarians to shower him with praise, but he is certainly doing some good educating the younger generation and getting people involved. We definitely don't want Hillary as POTUS or any of the GOP "Front Runners." If he doesn't get the nomination, while he is known not to change positions, he has never definitively stated that he wouldn't run on a third party but that he just "doesn't want to." A third party ticket with his name on it will cause a lot of ruckus which is just what this country needs before it is too late. His message, which is mostly the libertarian message, will live on. He did not create that message but he has spread it much further than anyone else has in a long time and we need to support him.

[Cesar]

Name three major policies. you disagree with the GOP on. No, cockfighting is not a major policy.

[prolefeed]

Name three major policies. you disagree with the GOP on. No, cockfighting is not a major policy.

The Cliff Notes version:

1) Iraq
2) WoD
3) Spending like drunken sailors on unconstitutional stuff.

I could go on, but anyone not disagreeing with the GOP (and the Dems -- plenty of blame to go around on here) on at least two of the above can't afford a Libertarian Secret Decoder Ring.

[Brandybuck]

Who do I vote for if Ron Paul doesn't get the nomination?

I guess I could vote Libertarian, again, but I'm getting tired of voting for the "vote for me because I'm weird" candidate. I'm still waiting for the LP to nominate someone who takes his candidacy seriously. Their last candidate who did was... Ron Paul!

[iih]

prolefeed:

One small typo and a man's credibility is forever lost? 🙂

[NY State voter]

So I joined the Republican Party to add my vote toward nominating RP. Today is local Primary Day. Any creative ideas on how to use my new power locally?

[Guy Montag]

OT: Did anybody see/hear the Sen. John F. Kerry meeting disrupted by someone who 'just wanted to be heard?'

Mr. champion of our 'civil rights' just droaned on as the cops immobilized and tazered the loud mouth journalism student* right there.

I wonder if Sen. JFK went out for a Philly Swissecheese sandwich at Lambert Field later?

Sen. Kerry, the gift that keeps on giving!

*This hilarity in no way reduces my belief that journalism students need to be watched carefully, just like the 'humanities' students.

[Eric Dondero]

Ron Paul has accomplished one thing for sure. He's gotten otherwise partisan Libertarian Party members active within the GOP.

Remember last Fall when all the talk and the memes were about the rise of a "libertarian-Democrat" alliance. DailyKos was doing back flips over libertarian Democrats. Some guys at Cato joined in.

Now we're not hearing much about that anymore.

I think Ron Paul deserves some credit for destroying that whole "libertarian Democrat" deal. Because of his campaign it's clear, the natural home for Libertarians of all stripes, is within the GOP.

The Libertarian Party was founded by Republicans. Now, LPers are coming back home. And as ironic as it is, Ron Paul deserves a great deal of credit for that.

[SVF]

Yo, Dondero -- as an "otherwise partisan LPer" supporting Ron Paul, I can assure you that if/when someone else gets the GOP nomintation, I will be "coming back home" to the Libertarian Party, NOT the GOP.

What are you smoking, and why isn't it decriminalized?

[Jake Boone]

Because of his campaign it's clear, the natural home for Libertarians of all stripes, is within the GOP.

That's pretty funny.

[iih]

Because of his campaign it's clear, the natural home for Libertarians of all stripes, is within the GOP.

No.

[Finkelstein]

Though it was obvious that the leftoids call for "hey, we're really 'Libertarian Democrats!' honest!" was just bs to get votes, fitting into today's GOP is just as much a stretch.

[Chancellor]

DONDEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[Chancellor]

Maybe Dondero should wear a bell so we can hear him coming...

[Warren]

Ron Paul, has done great service to our country, and to the libertarianism. I voted for him in 88, and I am supporting his candidacy now. If he fails to get the GOP nomination, I'll "come back home" and vote for the LP candidate in the general election.

Had Ron Paul retired and done nothing else, he would have earned the gratitude and respect of all friends of liberty. This candidacy has been so much more than I could have hoped for a year ago.

THANK YOU RON PAUL

[Mr. X]

I guess I could vote Libertarian, again, but I'm getting tired of voting for the "vote for me because I'm weird" candidate. I'm still waiting for the LP to nominate someone who takes his candidacy seriously. Their last candidate who did was... Ron Paul!

George Phillies takes his candidacy seriously. In fact, he's about the most serious and credible candidate the LP has had since Ron Paul.

[SPD]

I'm tired of backing George Phillies. He hasn't been to the playoffs since 1993, and his cigars suck.

[BakedPenguin]

Yeah, SPM, but otoh, he does make a decent cheese steak sandwich.

[BugsBunny]

"Name three major policies. you disagree with the GOP on."

So someone is automatically partisan if they agree with one party? Dictionary.com says a partisan is "an adherent or supporter of a person, group, party, or cause, esp. a person who shows a biased, emotional allegiance."

Seems like less a question of how often you agree than a question of how you make that decision and those arguments.

Dammit, kyle. Die already.

[VM]

Bugs -

do you know about Kyle's mom?

hier you can hear all about it.

[T]

I'll just say that Eric Dondero isn't as nutty with his "Libertarians belong in the GOP" schtick as all y'all seem to think. The GOP still has a noticeable number of Goldwater conservatives at the local level around here (Houston 'burbs). It's just that they aren't running for office. The base isn't real happy with the elected national party, but they don't see any real alternative.

Take it with a grain of salt, but I watch the local R's pretty closely since my wife is the precinct chair/election judge. If more of them would just get off the WoD kick, I might hold my nose and vote for one in the general. I also always vote in the R primary, since the wife makes asks me to work it with her.

[rho]

Because of his campaign it's clear, the natural home for Libertarians of all stripes, is within the GOP.

That's hilarious. Where do we fit? In-between the drug-warriors and the NCLBers? Dondero, you so crazy!

[Jake Boone]

I'll just say that Eric Dondero isn't as nutty with his "Libertarians belong in the GOP" schtick as all y'all seem to think.

Oh, no, he's far more nutty than one would imagine, if one were exposed to only this most recent statement of his. Actually, he has a history of full-throttle whackaloonitude (not to mention the emergent douchebaggery) stretching back a good long time.

[Warren]

Whackaloonitude? Jake that's inspired. Did you coin that just now?

[Jake Boone]

As far as I know, yes... but if I Google it, I fear there'll be like 75,000,000 hits or something.

But thanks!

[Jake Boone]

Looks like I came in second. Someone called "Xtinpore" apparently coined it before I did.

[meant to post yesterday]

September 17, 2007

Today is Constitution Day! It marks the 220th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

For Ron Paul every day is Constitution Day.

To celebrate, we have a special campaign that ends Friday. The quill pen on our website will fill up each time someone makes a donation to the Ron Paul 2008 Presidential Campaign. Our goal is 1787 donations.

If you believe, as Dr. Paul does, that the Constitution should be defended, please help us meet our goal by sending your most generous donation today: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate?c=1787

And don't forget to check back on our website to see our progress. Help Dr. Paul defend the Constitution as our next President.

Jonathan Bydlak
Fundraising Director
Ron Paul 2008

[Brandybuck]

Yo, Dondero -- as an "otherwise partisan LPer" supporting Ron Paul, I can assure you that if/when someone else gets the GOP nomintation, I will be "coming back home" to the Libertarian Party, NOT the GOP.

I'll stick with the GOP for the time being. I've spent twenty years with the LP, with no results. Even at the local level they're a joke. Ron Paul has done more to advance liberty in nine months than the LP has done in nine years.

[Warren]

I've spent twenty years with the LP, with no results.

I am SO much happier with the no results I get from the LP than the cock up my ass I get from the GOP

[SIV]

I am SO much happier with the no results I get from the LP than the cock up my ass I get from the GOP

Mark Foley or Senator Larry Craig?

And to answer Cesar's question there is a lot more than 3 things I disagree with the Republicans on.Here are three:
Constitutional amendments to ban....
Flag burning
Abortion
Gay marriage
I disapprove of all three but there should be no law against flag burning,there should be no criminal penalty for first trimester abortions and no law against abortifacient drugs, the State should get out of the marriage recognition business completely.

[Cesar]

SIV-

I completely agree on all your points., and have much more respect for you now than I did before. I take what I said back, you are not a partisan Republican, I was wrong.

I especially agree with you on marriage. I've heard very few people say the government should be out of marriage 100%. I say, make everything with regard to the government "civil unions". Marriage is a religious issue, no one needs to go to the government to get recognition for baptism. Why should marriage be any different?

What about federal restrictions on second and third trimester abortions? I don't believe they should exist, but instead be left to the states.

[Brandybuck]

By "no results", I mean no visible efforts at rolling back the tide of government. It has done nothing to advance the cause of liberty. The GOP isn't any better, but in my naivete I imagine that it might be possible to change it in some small way.