[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ron Paul...could he be the one? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 8/13/2011 7:25:16 AM EDT
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Ron Paul could be a surprise victor in Ames straw poll
DES MOINES, Iowa — Texas Rep. Ron Paul has long been regarded as a somewhat entertaining distraction in his two presidential races over the past four years. But, on the eve of the Ames Straw Poll, the first major organizing test of the 2012 Republican presidential race, there is a strain of thinking that Paul could seriously challenge the likes of Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty for supremacy on Saturday. “He’s got the supporter passion of a Bachmann with the organization of a Pawlenty,” said one senior Iowa Republican strategist unaffiliated with any of the campaigns. Paul’s chances of pulling off an upset are entirely contingent on the number of people of voting. As he has demonstrated by winning a series of straw votes over the past few years, he has a very dedicated group of supporters who would walk over hot coals — maybe literally — for him. But Paul has also shown — and he did it again in the debate last night — that he has little interest in expanding beyond that base of people. As the electorate gets larger the ability of Paul’s supporters to dominate it recedes. It’s why he didn’t win a single primary or caucus in the 2008 race. |
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Supposing he wins it, the Ames straw poll is worthless, when predicting the eventual nominee. I take that back. Historically, those who win it are NOT the eventual nominee. So if he does win it, you can almost guarantee he won't be nominated. Well then, lets all pull for Ron Paul today 
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| Unfortunately he has no chance. I really like the guy too. I don't think he would be able to do the things he wants to do if he were elected anyway. It's sad that someone with some of the better ideas won't be able to utilize them. At least his ideas are permeating in to the Republican ground water. I think it's going to be Romney and Perry fighting it out to get the nomination. |
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He was absolutely 100% correct in regards to the Federal Reserve, something that I haven't heard any other candidate mention That's the thing about Ron Paul. As RP talks, you go from saying FUCK YES!, to GODDAMN HE'S A RETARD, every 17 seconds. His great moments can't overcome his derp moments. |
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He was absolutely 100% correct in regards to the Federal Reserve, something that I haven't heard any other candidate mention 3 of them did on Fox's debates on Thurs. ( I think it was Thurs.) Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich (I think) and one more. I'd have to rewatch the debate to say exactly though. |
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He was absolutely 100% correct in regards to the Federal Reserve, something that I haven't heard any other candidate mention That's the thing about Ron Paul. As RP talks, you go from saying FUCK YES!, to GODDAMN HE'S A RETARD, every 17 seconds. His great moments can't overcome his derp moments. 
Oh good God, I should use that as a sig line!
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He was absolutely 100% correct in regards to the Federal Reserve, something that I haven't heard any other candidate mention That's the thing about Ron Paul. As RP talks, you go from saying FUCK YES!, to GODDAMN HE'S A RETARD, every 17 seconds. His great moments can't overcome his derp moments. Well put. |
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Quoted:  There are only two contenders for the Republican nomination for the Presidency. They are Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Everyone else is window dressing. Cain is making good points and is looking solid. He isn't perfect but he doesn't have Mitten's baggage. |
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Quoted: Quoted: There are only two contenders for the Republican nomination for the Presidency. They are Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Everyone else is window dressing. Cain is making good points and is looking solid. He isn't perfect but he doesn't have Mitten's baggage. Yeah, let's make an inexperienced black guy President again. Worked out great the last time. |
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Quoted: Inexperienced how? He has tons of executive experience. Political experience, not so much (unless the Federal Reserve counts?)Quoted: Quoted: There are only two contenders for the Republican nomination for the Presidency. They are Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Everyone else is window dressing. Cain is making good points and is looking solid. He isn't perfect but he doesn't have Mitten's baggage. Yeah, let's make an inexperienced black guy President again. Worked out great the last time. The current oaf occupying the White House had a fair amount of political experience (I'll even count community organizing), but no executive experience. EDIT: I'm not voting for the guy, but still... |
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Anybody remember who won the poll last go around?
I don't recall McCain taking it. I would like to see Paul take the straw poll, if not for any other reason other then the shake up it would cause. Looks to me like Ron is doing exactly what he set out to do (a point that many of you rabid Paul haters miss). He is skewing the conversation towards the Constitution, sound fiscal policy and freedom. I seriously doubt even he thinks he can secure the nomination, much less win the election. Ron is being the ultimate anti RINO and IMO doing a good job of it. Think about how little you heard of Libertarian ideals 5-10 years ago.....Nada. IMO, him being a loud (sometimes annoying) megaphone of those ideals has caused them to bleed into Republican politics, given birth to the Tea Party and gotten guys like Beck, Stossel, and Nepalitano on the airwaves. Heck, even some of the traditional RINOS (Limbaugh and Hannity for example) skewing more towards those ideals (or at least discussing them). ETA: I had always been a pretty traditional Republican until I met my girlfriend and her family (all Libertarians). Discussing some of the issues with them has made me step out of my personal comfort zone and re-examine my stance on many things. While there are many things I still do not agree 100% with (foreign policy and immigration being the two biggies), I see a lot the Libertarian stance on things as making a shit-ton of sense. |
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Quoted: Quoted: There are only two contenders for the Republican nomination for the Presidency. They are Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Everyone else is window dressing. Cain is making good points and is looking solid. He isn't perfect but he doesn't have Mitten's baggage. Herman Cain is not a contender. Herman Cain supports affirmative action. Herman Cain is anti-gun. In the end it doesn't matter because even though he's been through two debates and is running, most people have never heard of Herman Cain. He's a pizza man and that's all he'll be. Your choices are Rick Perry and Mitt Romney. Pick one.
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Quoted: Quoted: Inexperienced how? He has tons of executive experience. Political experience, not so much (unless the Federal Reserve counts?)Quoted: Quoted: There are only two contenders for the Republican nomination for the Presidency. They are Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Everyone else is window dressing. Cain is making good points and is looking solid. He isn't perfect but he doesn't have Mitten's baggage. Yeah, let's make an inexperienced black guy President again. Worked out great the last time. The current oaf occupying the White House had a fair amount of political experience (I'll even count community organizing), but no executive experience. EDIT: I'm not voting for the guy, but still... Sorry no. Is it too much to ask that his executive experience be that of at least helming a significant firm? Godfather's Pizza to POTUS? But the pisser is that even that gives him more experience than Obama. |
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He was absolutely 100% correct in regards to the Federal Reserve, something that I haven't heard any other candidate mention That's the thing about Ron Paul. As RP talks, you go from saying FUCK YES!, to GODDAMN HE'S A RETARD, every 17 seconds. His great moments can't overcome his derp moments. Finally I got an answer to a question I have been asking for a while. |
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He was absolutely 100% correct in regards to the Federal Reserve, something that I haven't heard any other candidate mention That's the thing about Ron Paul. As RP talks, you go from saying FUCK YES!, to GODDAMN HE'S A RETARD, every 17 seconds. His great moments can't overcome his derp moments. Finally I got an answer to a question I have been asking for a while. What question? |
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Ron Paul is a fucking idiot that thinks it's ok to let Iran have a nuclear fucking bomb. He totally blew it when he said that. I was actually with him up till there. People are missing the larger point. He's saying that it's not our place to tell the rest of the world what they can and can't do. We throw a HUGE fit when the U.N. tries to tell us what we can do here so why do we think that others wouldn't react the same way? Do I want Iran to have nukes? No. Do I get why they are pissed off? Yes. |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. |
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There are only two contenders for the Republican nomination for the Presidency. They are Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Everyone else is window dressing. Cain is making good points and is looking solid. He isn't perfect but he doesn't have Mitten's baggage. Yeah, let's make an inexperienced black guy President again. Worked out great the last time. He brought a business from near bankruptcy to success. He's a free market capitalist as far as I can tell. Apples and oranges. |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. Anyone that thinks that the current field of candidates represent TRUE Republican values shouldn't be calling Constitutionalists idiots. Ron Paul ran as a Libertarian, true. He had to run Republican to make an impact. There's no "Libertarian debates." |
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Yay, another Ron Paul thread. Do you people hoping for that whackjob to be elected understand that he will never, ever be elected as POTUS? The left will not vote for him as he is too fiscally conservative, and 99% of conservatives will not vote for him as he says shit like he would not have ordered the attack on osama, and that its ok if iran gets nukes. He has lost his fucking mind.
Now his son Rand on the other hand would make a damn fine POTUS. Not Ron. I used to respect him, not any more. |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. The Libertarian Party? I think you and I are at odds as to what constitutes a RINO. Are you saying that Paul is a big government statist? |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. Anyone that thinks that the current field of candidates represent TRUE Republican values shouldn't be calling Constitutionalists idiots. Ron Paul ran as a Libertarian, true. He had to run Republican to make an impact. There's no "Libertarian debates." So you admit he's a libertarian, calling himself a Republican, and thus, a Rino? |
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He was absolutely 100% correct in regards to the Federal Reserve, something that I haven't heard any other candidate mention That's the thing about Ron Paul. As RP talks, you go from saying FUCK YES!, to GODDAMN HE'S A RETARD, every 17 seconds. His great moments can't overcome his derp moments. This! |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. The Libertarian Party? I think you and I are at odds as to what constitutes a RINO. Are you saying that Paul is a big government statist? I'm saying Paul likes to get plenty of tax dollars for things like minority only veterans clinics that turn away white veterans. A "RINO" is a "republican in name only" RP is a libertarian, not a republican. LOGIC states that he's a RINO. |
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Quoted: He's actually right. Ron Paul's positions are actually at odds with much of the Republican party's platform. So are mine. Quoted: Quoted: i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. The Libertarian Party? I think you and I are at odds as to what constitutes a RINO. Are you saying that Paul is a big government statist? A libertarian (small l, and I am one) is not the same as a conservative. I'm a Republican for reasons of pragmatism only. I suspect Ron Paul is similarly inclined. |
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He's actually right. Ron Paul's positions are actually at odds with much of the Republican party's platform. So are mine.
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. The Libertarian Party? I think you and I are at odds as to what constitutes a RINO. Are you saying that Paul is a big government statist? A libertarian (small l, and I am one) is not the same as a conservative. I'm a Republican for reasons of pragmatism only. I suspect Ron Paul is similarly inclined. I have a mix of both views. Full on libertarians tend to be moonbats, and full on conservatives tend to be as controlling as liberals, just for different reasons. |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. Anyone that thinks that the current field of candidates represent TRUE Republican values shouldn't be calling Constitutionalists idiots. Ron Paul ran as a Libertarian, true. He had to run Republican to make an impact. There's no "Libertarian debates." So you admit he's a libertarian, calling himself a Republican, and thus, a Rino? I don't know what a RINO is honestly, but no one has ever tried to hide the fact the Ron is a Libertarian. More so he's a Constitutionalist which is closer to the original core values of the Republican party. It wasn't until the Moral Majority take over that "republican" meant evangelical. |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. Anyone that thinks that the current field of candidates represent TRUE Republican values shouldn't be calling Constitutionalists idiots. Ron Paul ran as a Libertarian, true. He had to run Republican to make an impact. There's no "Libertarian debates." So you admit he's a libertarian, calling himself a Republican, and thus, a Rino? I don't know what a RINO is honestly, but no one has ever tried to hide the fact the Ron is a Libertarian. More so he's a Constitutionalist which is closer to the original core values of the Republican party. It wasn't until the Moral Majority take over that "republican" meant evangelical. As far as evangelicals go, (I hate that word) If they stay home, the republican candidate loses. |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. The Libertarian Party? I think you and I are at odds as to what constitutes a RINO. Are you saying that Paul is a big government statist? I'm saying Paul likes to get plenty of tax dollars for things like minority only veterans clinics that turn away white veterans. A "RINO" is a "republican in name only" RP is a libertarian, not a republican. LOGIC states that he's a RINO. Simple logic. I may be wrong, but I've always had the gut feeling that when people on this board say RINO they are referring to those who claim to be Republican but vote the 'moderate' position (e.g. more in line with liberal Democrats) than say a more conservative bend. As it exists now, Republicans may be more in favor of large government than against it, hence the Tea Party success. I mean I could see your POV if you are all in favor of the Statist philosophy... P.S. i agree with you Subnet, that Ron Paul is more in line with traditional American values and thus, out of necessity, sides with Republicans instead of the Left. |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. The Libertarian Party? I think you and I are at odds as to what constitutes a RINO. Are you saying that Paul is a big government statist? I'm saying Paul likes to get plenty of tax dollars for things like minority only veterans clinics that turn away white veterans. A "RINO" is a "republican in name only" RP is a libertarian, not a republican. LOGIC states that he's a RINO. Do you have a source to back up your VA statement because I've never heard of anything like that. Not calling you a liar but that sounds awful made-up. |
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Quoted: But Paul has also shown — and he did it again in the debate last night — that he has little interest in expanding beyond that base of people. As the electorate gets larger the ability of Paul’s supporters to dominate it recedes. It’s why he didn’t win a single primary or caucus in the 2008 race. I think they call that principle and integrity as opposed to just telling people what they want to hear to get elected. Unfortunately principles and integrity do not win elections. Promising a bunch of free shit you will never deliver, nice hair, smooth talking and unwavering media support wins election. Let me be perfectly clear, it's a brave new world. |
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But Paul has also shown — and he did it again in the debate last night — that he has little interest in expanding beyond that base of people. As the electorate gets larger the ability of Paul’s supporters to dominate it recedes. It’s why he didn’t win a single primary or caucus in the 2008 race. I think they call that principle and integrity as opposed to just telling people what they want to hear to get elected. Unfortunately principles and integrity do not win elections. Promising a bunch of free shit you will never deliver, nice hair, smooth talking and unwavering media support wins election. Let me be perfectly clear, it's a brave new world. Off topic, but the Sig line by your pic needs to be a T-shirt. "Carbine based life form." Love that!! |
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Quoted: Supposing he wins it, the Ames straw poll is worthless, when predicting the eventual nominee. I take that back. Historically, those who win it are NOT the eventual nominee. So if he does win it, you can almost guarantee he won't be nominated. I think that President Pat Robertson would like to have a word with you.  |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. The Libertarian Party? I think you and I are at odds as to what constitutes a RINO. Are you saying that Paul is a big government statist? I'm saying Paul likes to get plenty of tax dollars for things like minority only veterans clinics that turn away white veterans. A "RINO" is a "republican in name only" RP is a libertarian, not a republican. LOGIC states that he's a RINO. Do you have a source to back up your VA statement because I've never heard of anything like that. Not calling you a liar but that sounds awful made-up. 4th item down |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. The Libertarian Party? I think you and I are at odds as to what constitutes a RINO. Are you saying that Paul is a big government statist? I'm saying Paul likes to get plenty of tax dollars for things like minority only veterans clinics that turn away white veterans. A "RINO" is a "republican in name only" RP is a libertarian, not a republican. LOGIC states that he's a RINO. Do you have a source to back up your VA statement because I've never heard of anything like that. Not calling you a liar but that sounds awful made-up. Sources to back up Ron Paul bashing are required now? When the hell did that start? Ron Paul eats children too you know, but I misplaced the link. Oh, and he kicks little old ladies in wheechairs with oxygen tanks. Seriously man, I read that somewhere. It's true. |
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i'll vote for him before I'd vote for a RINO. Ron Paul is a RINO and anyone that thinks otherwise is an idiot. He's ran at the head of the ticket for another party. He follows another parties ideology more than the Republican party. HE'S a fucking Rino. The Libertarian Party? I think you and I are at odds as to what constitutes a RINO. Are you saying that Paul is a big government statist? I'm saying Paul likes to get plenty of tax dollars for things like minority only veterans clinics that turn away white veterans. A "RINO" is a "republican in name only" RP is a libertarian, not a republican. LOGIC states that he's a RINO. Do you have a source to back up your VA statement because I've never heard of anything like that. Not calling you a liar but that sounds awful made-up. Sources to back up Ron Paul bashing are required now? When the hell did that start? Ron Paul eats children too you know, but I misplaced the link. Oh, and he kicks little old ladies in wheechairs with oxygen tanks. Seriously man, I read that somewhere. It's true. My bad, forgot that the GD was a "fact free zone." 
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Inexperienced how? He has tons of executive experience. Political experience, not so much (unless the Federal Reserve counts?)Quoted: Quoted: There are only two contenders for the Republican nomination for the Presidency. They are Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Everyone else is window dressing. Cain is making good points and is looking solid. He isn't perfect but he doesn't have Mitten's baggage. Yeah, let's make an inexperienced black guy President again. Worked out great the last time. The current oaf occupying the White House had a fair amount of political experience (I'll even count community organizing), but no executive experience. EDIT: I'm not voting for the guy, but still... Sorry no. Is it too much to ask that his executive experience be that of at least helming a significant firm? Godfather's Pizza to POTUS? But the pisser is that even that gives him more experience than Obama. Id take a small business owner any day. They understand just hom much ovrhead the government causes and how it cripples them. Larger more important companies may remember all the hurdles of when they first started but not as likely. I won't vote for him in the primary though because he believes in affirmative action and that is a big no no in my book. The future of this country depends on breaking the race card and class warfare. Not perpetuating it. As for Ron Paul though. I think he could win if he won the primary. He wont win the primary though. He would gain a great deal of the moderate socialy liberal vote and ALL of the conservative vote because they sure as shit aren't voting for Obama. The only issue wopuld be if a third party social conservative stepped up to the plate and took him out. Pretty much and Republican will win if peopl don't vote third party. |