Republican Presidential Primary II

[Kea]

Things are really getting interesting:
Ron Paul over the weekend won:
Alaska: plurality won, although bound to Romney first ballot
Virginia: 4/6 today, although bound to Romney first ballot
Louisiana: 111/150 delegates going in to the state convention
Massachusetts: 19/27 delegates with 14 more to be selected at the state convention

[JMcNeill]

I tend to ignore anything that anyone says after they resort to changing names or name calling. That means that I don't get to finish reading most of the posts in the International Politics forum. If you can't rise above third grade name calling, it already proves that you aren't capable of being objective.

[Kea]

I tend to ignore anything that anyone says after they resort to changing names or name calling. That means that I don't get to finish reading most of the posts in the International Politics forum. If you can't rise above third grade name calling, it already proves that you aren't capable of being objective.

IF you are referring to me linking Romney with Obama (Romama), then that's a mild pejorative, and I can easily rise above it. Fixed.
Romney is certainly better than Obama given a choice between two politicians with inconsistent positions and funded by big banks. Ron Paul is much better than both.

[Kea]

A bargain for a gamble at 21 cents, although was at 4 cents previously. He's a long shot for the nomination, unfortunately.
intrade...

[Jaboney]

He's a long shot for the nomination, unfortunately.

A long shot? I've got a better shot at the Miss America crown.

[Cooperations]

He's a long shot for the nomination, unfortunately.

A long shot? I've got a better shot at the Miss America crown.

I gotta agree...Jaboney is not Miss American material.

After reading the top post on this page, I thought "Wow, how did I miss all this." Then I went and looked at the numbers and the post is a bit fluffed. Sure, Ron Paul has a lot of very eager supporters and Romney is going to have a huge problem in the general if he can't somehow electrify his base without scaring off independents and women, as evidenced by the move of unpledged delegates in Paul's direction. But Paul has not won a single state and for whatever reason, the media ignores him completely. He has won less delegates than any other candidate and even lost to Santorum after he dropped out in a few races.

Paul could still make a big splash by, say, getting a top speaking position at the convention and announcing at that speech that he is running as an independent. THAT would make news. He could still be a huge thorn in Romney's side if he runs as an independent. While some have stated that Paul would take as many votes from Obama as Romney, I don't buy it even a little. Paul could be a complete spoiler for Romney, not that I have ever believed that Romney has a chance of winning the general with or without Paul running as an independent.

Paul suffers from the excitement he generates in a lot of ways. His supporters are VERY enthusiastic and that buzz creates the false impression that his numbers are greater than they are. He won't win the nomination, he won't win as an independent, but he could completely change the face of the general. I certainly hope he makes a splash and creates a situation where he can no longer be ignored. I like much of what he says and I think he represents a voice that is missing from US politics in general. If he made a strong independent run I might even vote for him, not because I think he will win (nor do I necessarily believe he would be best for the job), but to do my part in changing the direction of discussion.

[Kea]

But Paul has not won a single state and for whatever reason, the media ignores him completely. He has won less delegates than any other candidate and even lost to Santorum after he dropped out in a few races.

He has won several states and will probably have plurality in 6-7 by Tampa.
Do not believe the CNN / AP / mass media numbers, Paul has many more delegates than that. Unfortunately, probably not enough. But it's going to be a tougher fight than you think. If his stealth delegates are able to abstain voting MR on the first role call, then he can possibly get the nomination.

I in no way agree with everything he says, but for liberty and freedom he's much better than the other two establishment candidates.

[Kea]

He's a long shot for the nomination, unfortunately.

A long shot? I've got a better shot at the Miss America crown.

You must be a pretty boy.

[ChewDawg]

If Ron Paul wins the nomination, I'll apply to the Communist Party for membership. There is just no way in hell he'll win. His foreign policy more accurately matches that of liberal Democrats, he's for almost no government, and his social conservatism scares country club Repubs (the good kind).

The same people that vote for Ron Paul, voted for Jesse Ventura and are often conspiracy minded. I don't deny that Paul has a few good ideas and was good to have in the House. But as president? Fuck no.

[GuyInTaiwan]

Okay guys, you read it here! I think this is a case where even Chris would briefly change his party affiliation and vote Ron Paul (if his state hasn't already voted). Chewy is correct though. There's no way anyone would ever let him get the nomination. If he got it, I would not be at all surprised if Ron Paul had a nasty accident shortly thereafter or if he quietly bowed out of the race for "health" or "family" reasons.