The Ron Paul Juggernaut

AOL News ^ | 11/6/07 | David Knowles

[George W. Bush]

The Ron Paul Juggernaut

By David Knowles
Nov 6th 2007 8:14AM

This morning, a collective gasp of dismay was heard coming from the Republican party candidates for president. The news? Texas congressman Ron Paul has set a new GOP single-day fundraising record. In a 24-hour period Mr. Paul raised $4.2 Million dollars through on-line donations. The astonishing total suddenly has people wondering: Is this guy for real? Though he may not win the Republican nomination, his candidacy can no longer be written off as "the longest of long shots." He's raising top-tier money, and attracting thousands of new supporters every week, in part due to a strong performance on the Tonight Show (see below). Much to the disdain of the GOP establishment, one thing has become certain about Mr. Paul, he will have an effect on the race.

So how did Paul do it? Who are these hordes of internet supporters that he is reaching? Well, according to Reuters they are all around us. A recent survey found that 80% of adults now regularly use the internet. And many of them are impressed with Paul's candor and consistency. Say what you will about the merits of his positions, but he is nothing if not steadfast in his reasoning.

Greg McNeilly had a good post about Mr. Paul's transparent approach to fundraising and spending, and it underlines a central aspect of the Texas congressman's appeal. With "Dr. No," as Paul is known, you know what you're going to get. He's certainly not a flip-flopper.

As to whether abandoning Iraq and Afghanistan, or abolishing the IRS and the Department of Education are good ideas (never mind whether the latter items have a snowball's chance in hell of passing muster in congress) almost seems beside the point. Mr. Paul has become a symbol of revolt for voters tired of politics as usual. This modern day Guy Fawkes is rising in stature faster than any other candidate. Will he play the role of spoiler? Win the nomination out right? Even become president? Yesterday showed that ignoring Ron Paul (Ron Paul George and Ringo, as i like to call him) is not a smart move.

More information on the author can be found at his website.

[from occupied ga]

Don’t even bother.

You're probably right. I just don't understand the intensity of the hatred displayed toward Ron Paul and anyone who supports him here. I despise Juli Annie, Romney and McCain but I can give sound reasons starting with their attempts to destroy the first and second amendments and going to their unbridled arrogance in saying that they're something that they're not (like Romney the "lifelong" hunter, and McCain's "road to Damascus" conversion on illegal immigration) thinking that we're too stupid to look at their history.

[George W. Bush]

"Since the prefix ir- means ‘not’ (as it does with irrespective), and the suffix -less means ‘without,’ irregardless is a double negative."

Mental midgetry. Stupid candidate. Stupid supporters.

The usage is accepted but disapproved by language purists.

Oxford Dictionary:

ORIGIN early 20th cent.: probably a blend of irrespective and regardless
USAGE Irregardless, with its illogical negative prefix, is widely heard, perhaps arising under the influence of such perfectly correct forms as: irrespective. Irregardless is avoided by careful users of English. Use regardless to mean 'without regard or consideration for' or 'nevertheless': | I go walking every day regardless of season or weather.

[LesbianThespianGymnasticMidget]

Hmmmm..... “Irregardless is avoided by careful users of English”

Feel free to not take care in your use of English. Feel free not to take care in your choice of candidates.

Bless your heart, in the Southern sense of the phrase.

[George W. Bush]

Actually, I was pointing out that only language purists would criticize your use of the term and taking a tolerant and moderate position.

I guess to the Paul-haters, when all they have is a hammer then everything looks like a nail.

[mainerforglobalwarming]

I think it will be hillary.

[wolfcreek]

Those supporters are out there. They will vote. They will make some sort of impact.

We just need to make sure it’s in Conservative’s favor.

[glide625]

Yea, but I won’t be supporting the gov’t chosen by the “Unseen Hand” if that’s the case!

[glide625]

I don’t need all that Oxford dictionary crappola. I make up my own words and use them as I like. Word freakery is just elitist tom foolery!

[glide625]

“when all they have is a hammer then everything looks like a nail.”

LOL

[George W. Bush]

I make up my own words and use them as I like.

Me, too, gadblast it!

[sandiegopatriot]

Now if you want to know who is funding and supporting the enemy (Hitlery), look at Rupert Murdoch who is funneling huge money to Hitlery and who's Fox News is a complete free ad from the leftwing mayor and look at the donations of Fox News employees who, as Dr. John Lott has investigated and reproted, are donating to Dim candidates at a rate of over 80% currently.

Do you have a link for this? I think my Fox Noise-addicted father would find it pretty shocking.

[George W. Bush]

Here you go:

Fox News Channel isn't conservative: "Even employees of Fox News, which is widely regarded as a conservative channel, donate 81 percent of their contributions to Democrats."

Felons Smarter Than Liberals (Ann Coulter Early Bird Special Alert)
WorldNetDaily: Studies show: Felons smarter than liberals
Jewish World Review: Ann Coulter

You can probably find more quotes of this and the documentation of his investigation elsewhere. Undoubtedly, he got a roster of employees and started using the FEC database to check on them.

Gee, why are we so surprised to see Fox News operating as the Giuliani Channel. All Rudi, all liberal, all the time, no charge to Rudi's campaign.

Rupert Murdoch has given millions to Hitlery and the Dims. He's given nada to Republicans. So this is all very consistent. Remember, Murdoch funded Blair and his Labor Party in Britain too. You might argue he's more conservative than Soros but the evidence is pretty thin.

FNC is the Pied Piper but this time, the Piper is leading the children to the Rats.

[sandiegopatriot]

Those are just quotes from Ann. Did you read his book? There’s nothing about this on his website, in the book reviews on amazon.com or on Mr. Google. Unfortunately, the book is not in our library, either.

[Mankind]

Ron Paul talks ten times faster than any other candidate.