Posted on 01/11/2012 5:28:57 PM PST by traviskicks
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) said Wednesday the Republican presidential candidates need to listen to Ron Paul and would benefit from integrating some of his libertarian ideas into their platform.
"One of the things that's hurt the so-called conservative alternative is saying negative things about Ron Paul," DeMint told conservative radio host Laura Ingraham. "I'd like to see a Republican Party that embraces a lot of the libertarian ideas."
Paul's views on foreign policy have taken plenty of heat from his rivals for the GOP nomination, who have slammed his views on the topic as outside of the mainstream of Republican thought. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) called his views "dangerous" before dropping out of the race.
DeMint said he does not agree with the Texas congressman on everything but that the rest of the GOP presidential field should capture some of what Paul's been talking about for years because the Republican Party "needs" the libertarian movement.
"You don't have to agree with everything he's saying, but if the other candidates miss some of the wisdom about what he's saying about monetary policy ... that will be to our detriment," DeMint said.
DeMint, who is an influential conservative lawmaker with a key role in the Tea Party movement, said the debate within the Republican Party he's most comfortable with is between conservatives and libertarians.
IMO the Tea Party should make Gov. Haley prime target #1.
She was given total TParty support and her first majory political process act is to endorse a RINO.
I will send dollars and travel to SC to help unseat her.
Despicable.
Perish the thought.
Its more fun to drive away people who want to reduce the scope of government than it is to actually have an open debate.
“I wish I could promote his ideas without getting zotted. But I will obey the rules, just saying..”
I’ve seen the same, but I’ve noted a couple of things about the anti-Paul zots: first is that they’re usually n00bs coming here solely to post pro-Paul articles, and second that the long term FReepers zotted have been very unwise in allowing themselves to get dragged into urinating matches with the anti-Paul howlers. The official policy, and this is a quote, is that “paultards suck.” It doesn’t seem to be zot on sight yet, although I think that was coming until about a week ago. Things seemed to cool down a bit when Sarah Palin spoke up.
This is a private website and JR can ban anyone he wants for any reason or no reason. In general, though, and to his credit JR has been fairly tolerant. So long as what you’re saying isn’t contrary to the basic principles of the website and you’re not getting in flame wars or otherwise violating the rules, he’s usually pretty good about letting you stick around. If a certain group is about to be zotted, it’s done after warning goes out.
As far as I’m concerned, I’m happy to post here and will continue to do so as a grateful guest as long as I’m welcome AND so long as I can voice my views in a polite manner. Including my belief that the Paul faction represents the best set of tradeoffs amongst the remaining candidacies. When I can’t voice my views anymore, then it’ll be time to go.
Why is he trying to help Paul split the votes for?
He supported Romney. I don’t trust this.
IMO the Tea Party should make Gov. Haley prime target #1.
>>She was given total TParty support and her first majory political process act is to endorse a RINO.
It was a shock to see this happen. They are all lining up for the insiders. Just like Brown did in Mass.
“Just heard the same on freedom watch, what can Romney give Paul to get his support? Rand Paul on the ticket was the thinking.”
Yup. Makes a lot of sense from both factions perspective. Mittens gets access to supporters who are motivated by something other than his checkbook, who are very cheap to keep, very tech savvy, and who will actually show up and vote and try to convince others to do the same. He also gets a VP with great tea party creds. And he ends the threat of a 3rd party spoiler.
Rand Paul gets the catbird seat for 2016 or 2020. Libertarians get their views discussed and probably get some nice planks in the platform, particularly regarding the Fed. Plus, they get at least a mild advocate for Fed reform.
Viewed logically, it’s a win/win. Other than the fact that mittens is a snake.
DeMint has not endorsed anyone and isn’t planning to. I love it that all the young voters like Paul. They are pretty conservative and not stupid idiot liberals. I really like alot of what Paul says but am afraid he could not beat BO and the Mooch. I think DeMint is right and should embrace many of his ideas. He has a huge conservative/libertarian following that could translate into alot of votes.
I’ll say this about Ron Paul:
I admire that he sticks to his convictions and I wish more Republicans would instead of being so wishy-washy. Paul is willing to take the heat for an unpopular position rather than be squiahy about it and I admire that about him. You’ll never question where he stands, good or bad.
Of course, when you have represented nothing more than a congressional district, you have more liberty to be a gadfly than if you hold statewide or higher offices.
I would choose him over Romney, though.
Is this more about organized chaos, Republican style? Seems Senator DeMint could have come up with this bright idea at a more opportune time and earlier on than now, while the Establishment sees zero enthusiasm for their annointed one, Romney, and we are at the door of South Carolina already. That is too deep into the primary to leave the Establishment comfortable, what with the sheeple still boosting between three other conservatives, who neither hate Israel, nor worship at the feet of business as usual.
The best and ONLY shake up man among them is Newt, for all his flaws of the past. He has been known to burn even his own in the past and that time has come around again. Be banished all of them who have bought this sorry outcome and now are squirming in fear.
Absolutely. Even if we disagree with a Republican candidate we need to attract as many of their supporters as possible to whoever is the final Republican candidate - assuming that candidate is conservative enough for us to want them to win. That's simply politics 101.
Insulting the supporters of another candidate who is in your party is generally a bad idea if you want to win elections.
John Bolton just wrapped up his SOS gig
by
ENDORSING MITT ROMNEY
Conservatives are selling out in huge numbers, all of them.
Time to throw out the teapart for a TEA Party.
Another hero to many here just indorsed Mitt, John Bolton 5 minutes ago on Gretta. But I don’t think Mitt is going to win. Gut feeling.
Conservative? Paul voted to repeal DADT and force the military to allow homosexuals. Paul is also pro”gay” marriage. How is that conservative? Or thinking that abortion should be left up to each state? If Paul by some shysterism got the nomination he would lose, just as Romney would.
Bolton is pro-fags in the military and fag marriage.
Sssssssh! The more over the top the comments are, the better.
Establishment is all in for Mitt. Which is fine with me, I am hopeful. Newt and Perry are going to suicide on Romney with Bain and in doing so will seriously damage him. That makes it a 3 way race with clear choices, anyone can win.
Pauls vote on DADT was bad, other then that everything you say is false.
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