If we on Freerepublic are serious about stopping Mitt Romney we need to consider what our options are. First and foremost, there does not seem to be a viable alternative emerging in Gingrich, Perry or Santorum. The cyclic nature of their poll numbers suggest people are not overly committed to any of them.
Perhaps because after initial approval, a deeper look at records and past statements reveals imperfect and flawed records and perceived lack of steadfast conservative principles.
Ron Paul voters are different, they are not going to support another candidate. Paul is going to get 15-20%, and most of those voters do not have a ‘number 2’. Some are independents, a few confused democrats, a sizeable number of newcomers to the political process, and the greatest number being libertarian minded conservative and arch conservatives.
These folks simply cannot fathom Santorum’s Medicare expansion vote, right to work and other positions and Gingrich’s healthcare, global warming flirtations etc... Many support Paul’s proposal to cut $1 trillion from the deficit, abolish 5 cabinet agencies and eliminate the IRS. There is angst about the Republican establishment forcing their handpicked ‘controllable’ politician down our throats to enrich the Republican special interests (many of which are the same as the Democrat special interests).
Therefore, if the goal is to stop Romney from getting the nomination, it seem Paul is a likely choice because even a gain of 10-15% puts him equal or over Romney from his current.
Paul has a national organization in place and the only other candidate with enough funding (all individual donations so far) to challenge the front runner in all 50 states. There are multiple articles opining this.
However, many conservatives dislike Paul, we’ve heard the terms ‘kook’, ‘surrender monkey’. The question is, do they dislike Romney more?
The main issues seems to be with Paul’s foreign policy. In fact, at least here on Freerepublic, his domestic positions win constant accolades. The thought of Paul in Washignton vetoing every spending bill and generally mucking up the status quo warms many a conservative heart. If Paul wins the general election he will be able to accomplish at least part of his agenda in dramatically downsizing the Federal government, lowering regulations and taxes. We might also assume his son Rand may be Vice President, perhaps assuaging concerns about his age. Many conservatives who may not be fans of Paul, do admire Rand.
The last point is that conservatives may need to give Paul’s foreign policy a second look. Do we really need to provide for the defense of Japan, Germany and South Korea, so they can spend money on social programs? Do we really need to be chasing down ‘rouge’ African leaders and training African troops as Obama has done and ‘Republican’ congressional leaders applauded. Do we need troops in 130 countries around the world and thousands of bases.
Even if you don’t agree with this, you still need to ask yourself is the Mitt Romney alternative better? Can our country afford to keep going in this direction? Do we want four years of another phony baloney plastic banana good time rock-and-roller?
Code Pink is moving to backing Paul, you want freerepublic to follow their lead?
I bet you’d like this article:
http://nationaljournal.com/2012-presidential-campaign/paul-s-foreign-policy-views-not-so-dangerous—20120104?mrefid=deluxe3
Unfortunately ur gonna get flamed here. Brace yourself. Lol!
Paul has evolved into Romney’s sidekick. He is basically attacking Newt. There are a lot of really strange things going in behind the scenes in this election. I am getting whiplash from it. Folks we are being played with. I don’t know who to trust. Believe it or not I think Mark Levin and Sean Hannity seem to be up front.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Thorazine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest or throat; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in menstrual period; changes in sexual ability; changes in vision; confusion; dark urine; difficulty swallowing; drooling; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; involuntary movements or spasms of the arms and legs, face, mouth, tongue, or jaw; lip smacking or puckering.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.
Some using Thorazine have been known to post long rambling dissertations as to why NORMAL people should vote for Dr. Loon Paul.
GO NEWT GO.....
Actually, I don’t have that much of a problem with Paul’s foreign policy.
The fact is, Congress should be declaring wars - not the President... If congress declared war, the CIC would be expected to execute it. If not, he could and would be impeached.
Would any of the candidates coming in third or fourth drop out? Doubtful. Well, maybe Perry.
Ron Paul is not in Iowa or NH anymore. SC is not Paul country. Its not Mitt Country either. I just watched that movie Newt’s pac put together on Mitt and its going to have a big effect. I think Newt’s chances in SC are getting better and better.
The fix is in. It's going to be Romney vs. Obama in the General. And-among others-we have Ron Paul and his unwashed "revoloution" to thank. Conservatives will not easily forget those who threw us under the bus in 2012.
You both might be interested in the following article comparing the effect of information made available through the internet to information made available by the Gutenberg press:
http://thedailybell.com/3417/Ron-Paul-Has-Already-Won
Travis:
Great post #2.
FreeInWV:
Interesting article at link.
Gingrich is looking better every single day.
Sorry but Paul simply is not rational about American national defense.