Posted on 09/21/2011 9:53:21 AM PDT by Sub-Driver
Ron Paul says he'd consider putting Dennis Kucinich in his Cabinet By Justin Sink - 09/21/11 12:02 PM ET
Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) says he would consider putting the liberal congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) in his Cabinet if he wins the presidency in 2012.
Paul said his libertarian political philosophy helps him connect with some on the far left — including Kucinich, who shares Paul’s general anti-war stance.
Paul joked that if he brought the Ohio congressman aboard in his administration, he might have to create a "Department of Peace."
"You've got to give credit to people who think," he said.
"Being pragmatic is about forming coalitions," Paul said at a breakfast sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor. "I probably work with coalitions better than the other candidates. I don't think I've said anything negative here about the president."
Paul’s bid for the GOP nomination has yet to catch fire, though he enjoys perhaps the most passionate following in all of politics. He has had difficulty elevating himself to the top tier of candidates and complained that the media is not taking his campaign seriously.
But the congressman said he’s playing the long game, and values bringing political change over winning the presidency.
"Politics doesn't drive me as much as economic policy," Paul said. "We're in a big mess, personal liberty is under attack."
Paul said his presidential campaign is more about an "educational effort" of libertarian philosophies than a reflection of his personal ambition.
"There are a lot of people who just don't want to hear this," Paul said. "Very few people understand this, they don't have an understanding of how free markets work."
The congressman said the fact that other Republican candidates are talking about the Federal Reserve or rolling back entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare are victories for his campaign. Paul also says his campaign — coupled with a financial crisis that has brought into question the stability of the American economic system — is changing the prevailing attitudes of voters.
"It requires a lot more education and a lot more inroads," Paul said. "But absolutely, I think the whole country has come this way."
And yet Paul continues to struggle in the polls, hovering around 9 to 10 percent of Republican primary voters. While his showing is consistently better than some candidates who have garnered more attention, he is unsure of how he will propel himself to the top of the field.
"The supporters believe it's possible, I don't know," Paul said. "There's no reason to rule out the fact this can explode. Something has to give here."
Paul attributed some of the problem to the media, arguing that significant campaign milestones and rallies were underreported. And he acknowledged that as a candidate, he is responsible for delivering his message in a way that voters can appreciate.
"It partially is my fault, and I think that's what I work on most, refining my message," Paul said.
But Paul rejected the idea that he should adopt a more pragmatic or conciliatory strategy that would enable him to either grow his base among those skeptical of some of his views — particularly in terms of non-interventionist foreign policy — or achieve smaller pieces of his domestic policy goals legislatively.
"If you give up your principles, you're not being very pragmatic," Paul said.
And Art Bell as Vice President.
The only “Cabinet” Paul will ever have is where he keeps his meds...
Laugh all you want and most of Kucinich’s positions rate laughter, but Kucinich is one of a tiny handful of pols who show any sign of understanding money and banking.
Paul/Kucinich
The libertarian dream ticket? Yowza!
I agree with Paul when he starts talking about the Fed. But he loses me when he gets on to just about any other subject.
I guess even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Once again, the lid has been left off the nut jar.
Actually, Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich are the only politicians that can make me laugh.
You do not give Palestinians(?)!, or osama bin laden(?)! a fair treatment ... blah, blah, blah
BOO LRon BOO.
PLEASE, you did not say Ron Paul, the GOP Front Runner, in your headline.
/
queer spinach for the cabinet?
One has merit. The Fed. The rest are moon bat stuff that can be heard at any generic Leftist rally around the country. Israel is the problem. Iran needs nukes to level the playing field. 911 was the US's fault. Legalize drugs. Reagan was a bad Pres. Et al. Hitler had fantastic ideas on highway design. It doesn't mean I will give him a pass on all the other stuff.
Ever notice that Paul is far more comfortable slamming the GOP than hitting Obummer and the leftists in debates? Notice how comfortable Paul is with teaming up with Kusinich and Barney Frank than with the GOP side of the aisle? Strange isn't it.
Don't forget the Nader/Paul progressive-liberaltarian alliance.
Dayum... that is frighteningly realistic!!
Forget it Ron Paul.
You are not going to be president.
Why is it that the kookiest wing nuts in our Federal Government are the only ones that consistently espouse rigorous adherence to the Constitution?
Why is Ron Paul the only one that really goes there?
Why isn’t he loudly echoed on any of the things we all know he is right about, by any of the other candidates?
Every useless jackass has a few good ideas.
It’s time to drop Ron Paul, can’t you people figure this out?
It’s embarrassing to see conservatives try to defend this fool.
THE TWILIGHT ZONE.
The only cabinet position I would put Kucinich in charge of would be the “Department of Finding Hot Looking Wives with Low Brainpower.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.