Thread: What's the dealio with GOP candidate Ron Paul?

How's the view from that nice Hot air ballon?

Prove it...

Originally Posted by SolSkye

How's the view from that nice Hot air ballon?

Prove it...

I can see more from my balloon than the ant's eye view you have.

Bush didn't plan 9/11. Prove it othewise....

Man, you all actually think you're going to solve anything here? You're both clear on where you stand with the issues, and show no signs of budging - so let it go. Agree to disagree and move on.

To respond to the topic of the thread, Sol - I heard of Ron Paul about a couple months ago (?), something like that. Was mentioned in another thread. I looked him up and got a quick overview of who he is etc. What I think? I do like what I'm hearing from him. Now with all the links provided in this thread (specially by big O ) I'll be able to get a bit more in depth info.

However, as much as I'd like someone like him to step up and get a shot at this mess of an administration we got - the reality is that he (at this point in time) doesn't have much of a chance to make it. So, voting for him would really be taking away votes to the candidate of which I'm currently a (reluctant) supporter of.

Every four years we here in the US seem to have the same problem: we don't vote FOR a candidate, we simply vote AGAINST the that which we feel is the worst of the choices.

Originally Posted by Tornado Joe

Every four years we here in the US seem to have the same problem: we don't vote FOR a candidate, we simply vote AGAINST the that which we feel is the worst of the choices.

That is a huge problem with US politics. The job of the politician is not to point out what is good about himself, but what is bad about the opponent. Have you ever seen the commercials on TV that just point out the bad stuff about some guy? And at the end it says it was paid for by the opponent. So freggin stupid.

Originally Posted by Tornado Joe

However, as much as I'd like someone like him to step up and get a shot at this mess of an administration we got - the reality is that he (at this point in time) doesn't have much of a chance to make it. So, voting for him would really be taking away votes to the candidate of which I'm currently a (reluctant) supporter of.

Every four years we here in the US seem to have the same problem: we don't vote FOR a candidate, we simply vote AGAINST the that which we feel is the worst of the choices.

You can't think like that. If you like someone you have to take a risk and back them 100%. The biggest killer of candidates are people who want to vote for them but don't because they think its some how wasting votes. How is voicing your opinion a waste? You don't always have to win, you just need to speak up loud enough for people to hear your opinion.

Personally I think he would easily win in the election. His biggest problem is in the primaries however. That will be a challenge but if he can get though that he will have it wrapped up.

Half/Dreaming - mud slinging is as old as elections themselves. Unfortunately among all the strategies in campaigning, it seems to be the easiest to do and therefore most widely used.

Alric - I understand what you're saying about the attitude of a 'wasted' vote. However, if a candidate is trully as good as he/she comes across as, he should be alble to rally up enough people to form a substancial following. Even then there is the biggest hurdle - finacing. Bet there's a good handfull of great potential leaders out there, just no money to finance a good campaign. Sad, but apparently money is what "makes" a candidate these days (just look at Obama). Anyone remember Ross Perot? And where does that money come from? Special interest groups and corporations (oil, energy, etc). The same people that run the government today.

So, you want to rule this great nation? You gotta sleep with the devil first.

I don't really think any vote is 'wasted' (except those which were tossed out with the whole "hanging chad" fiasco ). Yes, voting for neither of the major parties would send a message. But who'd hear it? Who would care? All I'd be left with is four years of a leader of which I could have prevented from coming into office- all for the sake of a message or voice.

In my opinion this country has taken a severe beating for 8 years (or more) economically and globally - the healing is still a long way off. But we need to at least stop the bleeding.

Question: Would Ron Paul run as a Republican or what? Wouldn't he be better off as an independent?

You answered your own question. Unless you are in one of the two main parties people don't take you seriously, which is why he is running as a Republican. While a lot of his views don't line up with the majority of neocons that run the republican party, he is in fact a conservative republican. As so it is appropriate for him to run as such. He could have very well ran as a libertarian and had the support of the entire group but thats not how you get elected.

We have a ways to go before we can know however. He doesn't have a lot of money but he does have a great grassroots campaign and its growing everyday. He has a great message as well, its all of a matter of getting it out for everyone to hear. There is no question he is doing very well, the thing is, will be it be enough?

- why can't I delete posts?