[Wallace T.]

Have you thought that Ron Paul currently benefits Hillary Clinton insofar as he appeals to leftist Democrats who dislike her as a corporate apologist and for her refusal to commit to an immediate withdrawal from Iraq? If he were not around, many Paul supporters might vote for one of her opponents in the Democratic primaries. One of Obama's demographic strengths is supposedly his ability to draw younger, anti-establishment voters. Paul may well be taking traction away from Obama. OTOH, Paul's effect on the general election if he chooses to run as an independent is hard to assess. If someone other than Giuliani or McCain wins the GOP nomination, the conservative constituencies will rally to the party. Paul may draw votes from the same leftists who might otherwise hold their noses and vote for Hillary.

I heard Andrew Sullivan on Bill Bennett's talk show this morning. He said that it is best to treat Paul as a part of the overall "big tent" strategy and encourage his participation in the process. Sullivan's comments were sensible. Paul has yet to show any ability to get out of the single digits in any scientific poll, despite his undisputed ability to raise money. Having lots of money does not always correlate to votes, as Steve Forbes will attest. If Paul does not do well in the early primaries, he will fade away quickly.

[Martins kid]

Actually you give Paul more credit than he is due - Everyone with a leg in the real world knows he is a nut. The Dems have to be laughing histerically that we have to give that kook space on the stage when we have debates. Paul pulls down the stature of our candidates by being included with them. He is an embarrassment and needs to go bye bye with the nice men in their clean white coats.