A week and a half ago I had someone wander into GOP HQ looking for information about volunteering for Paul. While we gave it to him one of the people there couldn’t resist starting a “why?” arguement with him that more of us joined in on. He told us if Paul dropped out he was voting for Obama - the war was his single issue, although he professed opposition to bloated government and the like.
I’m from Iowa and were subject to many Paul supporters. They showed up at all the events for all the candidates. They were young, mostly college students, in my town. They were anti-war and anti-establishment. I just got this sense that they would have been Nadar supporters in 2000 if they were not in middle school at the time. It was weird seeing ‘legalize pot’ buttons in my caucus! This of course does not represent all of the Paul supporters but I am guessing that over half the Paul supporters would fit into this young, anit-war, anti-establishment, first time voter profile. Not really the type to vote for McCain. Despite their motivation to vote at the Iowa caucus, many of them had failed to register before hand or bring proper ID. Many had out of state driver’s license because they were college students on a border town but failed to bring other proof or Iowa residency. I would guess that most of them don’t vote or go with Obama.
Just a follow up on my last post - I got the feeling that many Paul supporters were not what one would consider a natural fit for the GOP. Paul did tap and energize that typical anti-establishment young crowd. Along with the anit-war and anti-establishment rhetoric they heard from Paul that attracted them to him, they also got a big dose of anti-government or anti-nanny state rhetoric. And, that is a good thing to hear instead of the normal drivel they hear from the professors and the normal anti-establishment types about how government should have the sole responsibliity to provide every need from cradle to grave.
Kavon! Paul’s not ending his campaign (not yet). Check his website; he’s just scaling it back, admitting he has no chance of winning, and finally making it 100% clear he’s not going 3rd party (to my disappointment). And if you trust Eric Dondero of all people for accurate information about Ron Paul…
Re 2: There’s no way I’m voting for Obama, Hillary, or McCain, and I expect most Paul supporters will say the same. Personally, I’m hoping for a decent Libertarian Party candidate. Bob Barr or Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson are my top two choices now, but I think Barr has said he won’t run and I doubt Johnson will reenter politics. That leaves Ed Thompson (Tommy T’s brother by the way), who is very popular in Wisconsin. If none of those three are on the November ballot, I likely will not vote.
Does this mean a Jmac endorsement is around the corner? Little known fact McCain and Ron Paul opposed Reagan in the 80’s when the country sent US Marines into Lebanon. The former two were vindicated.
I suspect many of Ron Paul supporters will flirt with if not hook up with Obama because of their opposition to the war and apparent youth. It will be interesting if Obama or McCain reaches out to Paulites.
This is a bold face lie. I know for a fact, Ron Paul is in it until the end. He has more supporters than you can imagine. The mainstream media and the neo-con nazi’s are hoping he will, because they have too much to lose. They want this great country to fall and become a one world dictatorship. I for one will stand with Ron Paul. He is the only candidate who tells the truth, stands behind what he says and the only candidate that can bring this country back to the american people. People have to stop listening to the lies and propaganda of the elite news media. They are doing their best to spead lies, hide Dr. Paul from the American people. But believe me, its not over and we are growing by leaps and boundss. The Race is far from over.
There are some official reports also saying he’s ’scaling back,’ ie; dropping out all but in name. He’s not technically dropping out. But he’s basically ending it…oh, Paul! I’ll have to change my Facebook Election ‘08 thing to Undecided.
Eric, as a disgruntled former employee of Dr. Paul’s who was basically let go, is understandably trigger happy for the Paul campaign to end.
This rumor, however, is not true. In fact, I just got an email from the Paul campaign in my inbox today that says:
Let me tell you my thoughts. With Romney gone, the chances of a brokered convention are nearly zero. But that does not affect my determination to fight on, in every caucus and primary remaining, and at the convention for our ideas, with just as many delegates as I can get.
Eric Dondero stop spreading lies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is in it till the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RON PAUL 2008!!!!!!!!!!
Ron Paul is NOT out of the race!!! In Fact I just finished caucusing here in WA and it was great to be selected as a Delegate for RON PAUL. If anyone thinks he is out, they are mistaken. Ron Paul is in to win.
This is not true. Ron Paul sent his supporters an e-mail just yesterday saying he is still very much in the race.
Eric Dondero is a disgruntled former Ron Paul staffer whose word cannot be trusted.
You idiot, Eric Dondero is a man that has a gruge against Ron Paul.
Check your sources.
Holy Christ!
I guess since our media outlets have lowered the standards it appears little kids with the journalistic integrity can just make sh#t up and all it news.
Ron Paul is not dropping out, please check his web site and the lastest report. He is the only true conservative speaking the Republican platform. His CPAC talk was was the best!!! Every conservative needs to listen to it.
BULL! When did the media start spreading lies about a candidate dropping out of a race
when that is an absolute lie?? This article crosses the line and a retraction and apology should
be made to Dr Paul. Go to his website and read that Dr Paul is going ALL the way to the
convention and has NO intention of dropping out. Hasn’t the media done enough to make sure that
the American people don’t hear a word about Ron Paul and now to say he is dropping out. Sorry
Mr Nikrad, you are a baldfaced LIAR and should be fired! This site is a disgrace to the American
people. I’ve always fought to keep the media from being censored (like McCain wants to do) but
after article like this, journalists like you need to be silenced. America no longer has a free
press.
Ron Paul is not dropping out. He is scaling back his campaign because he no longer needs people working in the states where primaries and caucuses have already taken place. Ron Paul is in this to the end, because he believes that this is about a message, not about a game to see who will take the nomination.
And to answer the question in the main post: Most Ron Paul supporters I know will refuse to vote for a Democrat or McCain. I for one will be writing Ron Paul’s name in come November if he does not get the nomination. I know many, many others are with me on that one. You will not find us settling for the lesser of two evils.
Can’t Drop Out Of A Presidential Campaign when there’s an actual movement behind it. Just wouldn’t make sense, you know. Oh, wait you don’t know because all the other candidates are fakes, bought off by the establishment, which owns the media and refuses to report on a candidate that has nothing to hide but much to tell. I smell freedom!!!!!
Wow, such viciousness from the Ron Paul kool-aid drinkers. Put down that fruity punch Paul fanatics. It’s true. Paul is essentially ending his campaign. No sensationalism about it. No hyperbole. It’s being reported all over the Blogosphere. I just happened to be one of the first to report on it. I guess that makes me a target for the wrath of the greatly dissapointed and saddened Paul Cultists.
The NY Times describes Paul’s decision as “concedes the race.” Jonathan Martin at Politico.com says he’s backing out to save his Congressional seat. Which really is in jeopardy.
Ask yourself this question. If Romney or Rudy or Thompson or some other major contender had said the same thing, “I am scaling back my
campaign staff,” how would that have been interpreted?
Would you have hundreds of screaming Romney/Giuliani/Thompson fanatics saying on Blogs, “Lies, Lies, Lies… Rudy, Mitt, Fred is NOT dropping out…”
Of course, you all would concede that so and so candidate was ending his campaign. Get real!
I can’t help it if you’re so enamored with Paul that you can’t face reality.
There’s no “bad info” about it. Fess up man. Your guy Ron Paul is stepping aside.
What politician in their right mind would have said the things he said in that release if they intended to continue with their campaign? Absolutely absurd!
Ron Paul facing a stiff GOP primary challenge to his Congressional seat backs off of Presidential run
Now compare my headline with other Political sites.
Here’s a few headlines I just Googled from Blogs:
Paul Concedes Race, Sort Of19 hours ago by Ariel Alexovich
In a late-night e-mail to supporters, Ron Paul, the antiwar Republican candidate, conceded his chances of winning the party’s nomination are “nearly zero.”
The Caucus - http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com - References
Ron Paul scales campagin back
3 hours ago by davidkirkpatrick
In a “Message from Ronâ€? dated February 8, Paul announced a scaling back of his presidential campaign. He intends to focus on his bid for congressional reelection, but will continue to seek votes in the GOP presidential primaries. …
David Kirkpatrick - http://davidkirkpatrick.wordpress.com - References
WHY HAS RON PAUL ALL BUT SUSPENDED HIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN?
17 minutes ago by Jason
Congressman Ron Paul’s decision to essentially suspend his presidential campaign and focus instead on safeguarding his Congressional seat will confuse and disappoint many of his supporters, while delighting establishment media debunkers …
CAN YOU SPEAK THIS - http://canyouspeakthis.wordpress.com
Ron Paul to return home
6 hours ago by Michelle
He may not be formally pulling out yet, but Ron Paul is most definitely pulling back. […] Read the rest »
Untitled - http://hotair.com - References
Is Ron Paul Finally Giving Up?
3 hours ago by Psycheout
Perhaps Ron Paul is finally facing reality. He has no chance whatsoever at the Republican nomination let alone the Presidency. It would appear that the good doctor has decided to pursue a more realistic goal: saving his congressional …
Blogs 4 Conservatives - http://blogs4conservatives.wordpress.com
Ron Paul Signals He May Drop Presidential Bid - What Now For His …
2 hours ago by Logan Murphy
Ron Paul’s campaign has been remarkable in many ways. Considered a second tier candidate from the start, one couldn’t help but marvel at his fund raising abilities and the veracity of his supporters. Paul held his own during countless …
Crooks and Liars - http://www.crooksandliars.com - References
Has Ron Paul Quit?
Now is my article out of line with the rest of the coverage and categorization of Paul’s move?
I think some serious apologies are in order from some of you looney tune Ron Paul fanatics here.
Just Google “ron paul” at Blogs and see what else you come up with. All the other headlines are in line with mine. In fact, some go farther and say he’s “essentially quit the race.”
You call that “straight from the horses mouth.” I call that website “straight from the Propogandists’ mouth.”
You don’t get any more hardcore partisan Ron Paul cultist than ronpaul2008.com. That’s Grand Central station for the Ron Paul cult. And you trust what they have to say on the matter, over the NY Times, Politico.com, CNN and numerous political websites and blogs who are now reporting that Paul is “stepping aside,” “backing off,” “scaling back,” and “suspending” his campaign.
RonPaul2008.com is the official website of the campaign. You think Ron Paul decided to drop out but lie about it on his official site? You’re really an expert Eric.
Again Josiah, I’ll ask you this question. And please don’t divert, or dodge, or ignore it.
Give me a straight answer please.
If Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain or any other major Presidential candidate had announced that they were “scaling back their campaign staff” how would that be received and reported by the media?
If rumors had been persisting for days that one of these campaigns was “nearing the end” and was about to “close up shop,” and then a release hit from the official campaign staff saying that the candidate was “diverting his efforts to his Congressional race,” and de-emphasizing his Presidential race, how would the media report it?
It would be reported the same way that it was when John McCain did the same thing over the summer, as a scale-back, but it wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) be reported that they are dropping out or suspending their campaign, especially if a press release appears on their campaign website that explicitly states that the news reports of a drop-out are false.
If Ron were dropping out, why did he confirm that he will be at the MSNBC presidential debate in Texas on February 28th?
And as far as being a “disgruntled ex-employee” you have no idea what in the hell you are talking about.
I was moderately supportive of Paul’s effort when he first announced back in February of ‘07. You an check that in the archives of my blog at http://www.libertarianrepublican.blogspot.com I wrote a nice article about his campaign saying how it would benefit the libertarian movement.
Ron and I kept our friendship long after I left his employ in late 2003. In fact, he called me numerous times to “shoot the sh*t” mostly about gardening. His banana trees are still in my backyard.
Til this day I’m good friends with both Ron Paul’s Chief of Staff Tom Lizardo and his Legislative Director Norm Singleon. In fact, I just got an email the other day from Norm.
Your characterization of me being “disgruntled” is incredibly uninformed and basically inane.
Never ceases to amaze me how people who know nothing about Ron Paul or his operation, think they know everything there needs to be known.
They are mostly totally clueless. And you Josiah are right at the top of that list.
My gosh. Isn’t that obvious enough?? And that debate is scheduled for right here in Houston of all places. Not Dallas, not San Antonio, not even Austin. But it’s being sponsored by the Greater Houston Partnership.
If you’re unaware, Houston touches on Ron Paul’s district. (Actually, a very tiny section of Houston is actually within the District.)
“Your characterization of me being ‘disgruntled’ is incredibly uninformed and basically inane.”
That wasn’t Josiah’s word. I believe RP himself has called you a disgruntled former employee. Give it a rest, seriously. You’re supposed to be spending your time urging Reasonoids to support Real Libertarians ™ like Mike Huckabee.
Really? Trust Ron Paul’s word? Like the good people of Texas Congressional District trusted him back in 1996 when he said he was a big supporter of Term Limits and would only serve 8 years and then step down?
Let’s see now. Ron Paul is now heading into his 6th term, 4 years longer than he promised.
And to Tim Russert he changed that to “put out.” He did not use the words “fired.” For obvious reasons. He knows he would be lying, and that I have the forms and paperwork and witnesses to prove it. So, he backed down.
Hey Josiah, notice you’re awfully silent about the subject of the Texas Debate? Cat got your tongue? Or, maybe your realized you screwed up, by not know that the debate was scheduled for Houston.
“Hey Phil, have you been hitting the crack pipe agin?”
No, actually. But you can probably tell that from my proper grammar, correct spelling and general coherence. Not that you would know anything about those.
Anyways, you don’t seem to be disputing anymore your status as a disgruntled former employee, so I’m glad we’ve finally come to an agreement on something.
“Really? Trust Ron Paul’s word? Like the good people of Texas Congressional District trusted him back in 1996 when he said he was a big supporter of Term Limits and would only serve 8 years and then step down?”
That last thing about him promising to serve four terms is new to me. Do you have a source for that?
However, there is nothing wrong with supporting term limits and not imposing a limit on oneself. This is known as nuance, something True Libertarians(tm) like George Bush and yourself are not familiar with. Ron Paul said he supported mandatory term limits for all members of Congress. As I understand it, he never supported a voluntary term limit on Ron Paul. Those are two different things.
Eric Dondero- a name that really rings out. It is amazing how one man can come from no where and raise millions of dollars and inject traditional conservatism into the political debate again, while another man comes from nowhere and establishes himself as a slimy lying political version of an ambulance chaser, all over the span of 1 year. How does it feel Eric knowing that after the way you’ve introduced yourself to the world over the past year that with the association to the name Eric Dondero you won’t ever be able to be elected Dog Catcher, let alone a real elected position. Maybe you could be assistant to the dog catcher, I have a feeling you’d be great at cleaning crap filled kennels. Ha, Eric Dondero, the punch line to a joke no one would even care to write.
You need to stop spreading misinformation, RON PAUL DID NOT END HIS PRESIDENT BID, HE IS STILL IN IT! Check http://www.ronpaul2008.com, Please delete this false post.
“Introduce myself to the world” in the last year? Really?
In 1990 I founded the Republican Liberty Caucus, and got a lot of attention for launching the group.
In 1992 I was featured in Insight Magazine for leading the libertarian wing at the National Republican Convention in Houston.
And in 1994, I was on the McClaughlin Group on PBS, in the Washington Times and Washington Post and numerous other media, for helping to push the Republican Revolution on Capitol Hill in a more “libertarian” direction through lobbying efforts for the Republican Liberty Caucus.
I’ve hardly “introduced myself to the world” in 2007/08.
Airborn, Ron Paul “pulled back” on his Presidential campaign according to HotAir.com and American Spectator this morning.
Now imagine if a Rudy Giuliani, or a Mitt Romney, or a Huckabee, or a Fred Thompson had announced they were “scaling back.” How would the press categorize that?
I’ll tell you how. “So and So announces today that he’s pulling out of the race…”
But since Paul’s a favorite of the liberal media for his Bush bashing and his opposition to the War in Iraq, he gets a complete pass. They give him the benefit of the doubt.
I suggest we delete Airborn, since he’s spreading lies on a public political forum about news that has been thoroughly reported in the NY Times, Polico.com, HotAir.com, the LA Times Blog, Reason.com, and the American Spectator Magazine.
The fact that “Airborn” is too damn lazy to check those sites himself and read how they categorized Paul’s move, speaks volumes about him.
Yikes! I’m a liberal who loves Ron Paul! Why? He is the ONLY candidate (maybe Kucinich did…) who clearly spoke out against pre-emptive war. He spoke out against the “federal” reserve system, the patriot act, the federal state ID, and restoring habeus corpus. He dared to speak the truth (which everyone in the world seems to understand but us) about our sickening foreign policies and how they leave us hated and vulnerable to attack. He spoke about rolling back the powers Bush has bestowed upon himself, much of those powers without the knowledge or consent of congress, let alone ours! I love Ron Paul for his gracious way of respectfully and intelligently answering questions, even when posed by rude, insulting tv interviewers. I love his guts and his honesty. He was the only candidate who truly inspired me with content - not fluffy feel good promises - and Ron Paul NEVER attacked an opponent. After all, he always emphasized it was about the Constitution and not about him. And now, as he’s being shut out by media everywhere and treated as tho he doesn’t exist, I love him even more! He is the only candidate I would want to emulate and the only one speaking the truth about our economic & foreign policies. And no, I am not a “college anti-establishment type”. Run Ron Run!!!
It seems the the once mighty internet brigades of Ron Paul have been reduced to hounding Eric Dondero wherever his name might pop up.
I wonder what happened to all the Paultroons who once proudly swamped internet polls on FOX and CNN. Where are the majestic Paulbot spammers who were kicked off site after site? Now they are down here in the bowels of “race42008″. Oh how the mighty have fallen.
The decline might have someting to do with Paul’s choice to openly and publicly accept donations and volunteers from the Ku Klux Klan, and other neo-Nazis. But I am glad so many surrender monkeys are still openly joining with the KKK to support Ron Paul. It is always good when white Democrats show their true colors. (Don’t limit yourself to the internet, proclaim your Klan-ness before the world! Wal-Mart has a great deal on bedsheets. Wear one next time you join a Code Pink rally.)
Or possibly the Jooooos came in a giant UFO–the same one they used to carry out the 9-11 attacks–and vacuumed up all the Paultards in order to prevent them from exposing the fact that the US dollar is worthless.
Yes, that’s it, the Jooooos.
That’s right Dondy. Ron Paul is an Islamo-fascist liberal isolationist commie, compared to such principled libertarians as Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Yep.
Mr X - if you can’t write anything intelligent, why bother? Equating Code Pink & Nazis?? Demanding that Ron Paul filter where his private donations are coming from? Does any other candidate do that? Of course, the KKK donations would get the publicity in RP’s case, because it fits to corporate agenda. The truly important issues RP raised, which should be the focus, went unheard with the exception of his online voice.
Since when does democracy = stifling the voice of dissent?
It is hard to believe that the Republican party has been reduced to mindless
gutless, sniveling sheep!!! If anyone here is so stupid as to believe
that a man who claims to be the best candidate for America’s security,
can honestly and with a straight face, suggest that we should give citizenship
to millions of illegals and (INCLUDED IN THIS NUMBER) terrorist who have
crossed our southern border, then you are absolutely dillusional. John
McCain ignored the American people on the illegal immigration issue last
summer, and he is still hell bent on doing what he wants with the illegals.
He says that, “The American people made it plain last summer that they
want a wall built first.” ….Yeah, well finish it traitor McCain, ….
tell the rest. Let me help you, “…the majority of American people are
against all forms of amnesty (i.e. your immigration plan), and we want
employers who hire them to be prosecuted.” That’s what the American people
want. Yeah, Yeah, I know about his service in Vietnam, SO WHAT, my father
served in Vietnam and he is fighting mad with treasonous McCain. It’s time
for someone to represent the American people and not the Mexican or any
other foreign government!!!
February 9th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
And then there were 2
February 9th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Will Paul’s people not vote? Will they vote DEM to end the war, or will they get behind McCain or Huckabee? Probably some of each.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
A week and a half ago I had someone wander into GOP HQ looking for information about volunteering for Paul. While we gave it to him one of the people there couldn’t resist starting a “why?” arguement with him that more of us joined in on. He told us if Paul dropped out he was voting for Obama - the war was his single issue, although he professed opposition to bloated government and the like.
February 9th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
In the West Virginia caucus the Paul people left rather than cast a second vote for someone else.
February 9th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I’m from Iowa and were subject to many Paul supporters. They showed up at all the events for all the candidates. They were young, mostly college students, in my town. They were anti-war and anti-establishment. I just got this sense that they would have been Nadar supporters in 2000 if they were not in middle school at the time. It was weird seeing ‘legalize pot’ buttons in my caucus! This of course does not represent all of the Paul supporters but I am guessing that over half the Paul supporters would fit into this young, anit-war, anti-establishment, first time voter profile. Not really the type to vote for McCain. Despite their motivation to vote at the Iowa caucus, many of them had failed to register before hand or bring proper ID. Many had out of state driver’s license because they were college students on a border town but failed to bring other proof or Iowa residency. I would guess that most of them don’t vote or go with Obama.
February 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Just a follow up on my last post - I got the feeling that many Paul supporters were not what one would consider a natural fit for the GOP. Paul did tap and energize that typical anti-establishment young crowd. Along with the anit-war and anti-establishment rhetoric they heard from Paul that attracted them to him, they also got a big dose of anti-government or anti-nanny state rhetoric. And, that is a good thing to hear instead of the normal drivel they hear from the professors and the normal anti-establishment types about how government should have the sole responsibliity to provide every need from cradle to grave.
February 9th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
No independent run by Ron Paul?! It is no exaggeration to say I’m shocked.
February 9th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Kavon! Paul’s not ending his campaign (not yet). Check his website; he’s just scaling it back, admitting he has no chance of winning, and finally making it 100% clear he’s not going 3rd party (to my disappointment). And if you trust Eric Dondero of all people for accurate information about Ron Paul…
Re 2: There’s no way I’m voting for Obama, Hillary, or McCain, and I expect most Paul supporters will say the same. Personally, I’m hoping for a decent Libertarian Party candidate. Bob Barr or Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson are my top two choices now, but I think Barr has said he won’t run and I doubt Johnson will reenter politics. That leaves Ed Thompson (Tommy T’s brother by the way), who is very popular in Wisconsin. If none of those three are on the November ballot, I likely will not vote.
February 9th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Does this mean a Jmac endorsement is around the corner? Little known fact McCain and Ron Paul opposed Reagan in the 80’s when the country sent US Marines into Lebanon. The former two were vindicated.
February 9th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Thank you for the effort, Dr. Paul.
February 9th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I suspect many of Ron Paul supporters will flirt with if not hook up with Obama because of their opposition to the war and apparent youth. It will be interesting if Obama or McCain reaches out to Paulites.
February 9th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Congratulation Kavon!
You just discredited yourself aligning yourself with Dondy.
February 9th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I just drove by his headquarters and his signs were all down. sounds like its true.
February 9th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
This is a bold face lie. I know for a fact, Ron Paul is in it until the end. He has more supporters than you can imagine. The mainstream media and the neo-con nazi’s are hoping he will, because they have too much to lose. They want this great country to fall and become a one world dictatorship. I for one will stand with Ron Paul. He is the only candidate who tells the truth, stands behind what he says and the only candidate that can bring this country back to the american people. People have to stop listening to the lies and propaganda of the elite news media. They are doing their best to spead lies, hide Dr. Paul from the American people. But believe me, its not over and we are growing by leaps and boundss. The Race is far from over.
February 9th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
There are some official reports also saying he’s ’scaling back,’ ie; dropping out all but in name. He’s not technically dropping out. But he’s basically ending it…oh, Paul! I’ll have to change my Facebook Election ‘08 thing to Undecided.
February 9th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Ladyhawk, the race is over.
February 9th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Eric, as a disgruntled former employee of Dr. Paul’s who was basically let go, is understandably trigger happy for the Paul campaign to end.
This rumor, however, is not true. In fact, I just got an email from the Paul campaign in my inbox today that says:
Might want to correct this post.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Eric Dondero stop spreading lies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is in it till the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RON PAUL 2008!!!!!!!!!!
February 9th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I don’t know where this started by Ron Paul is not dropping out of the race. Why spread lies? You people are idiots.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
THIS IS NOT TRUE…..NOT TRUe…. NOT TRUE…….Please stop the disinformation it is not true……….
February 9th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
*cackle*
Nice try, but no. He has not dropped out. His email simply said he had another priority as well: his congressional seat.
It also confirmed (again) that he will not run 3rd party.
I know a lot of people want this to be true…sorry to keep disappointing the neocons.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Long Live AIPAC our cause is just!
February 9th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Paul never said he was going to end his run.
I hope everyone here takes a good look at McCain and Huckabee and realizes that they are unacceptable.
Please visit http://www.apaulogist.com/others for more.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Here’s a follow-up to that email that people are twisting, decidedly proving them wrong. You might want to correct the mis-information here.
http://people.ronpaul2008.com/campaign-updates/2008/02/09/this-candidate-doesnt-quit/
February 9th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE! DONDERO IS A MISINFORMED SENSATIONALIST BASTARD! RP JUST SENT A NEW EMAIL DISCOUNTING OM ASSUMPTION THAT HE WITHDREW.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Ron Paul is NOT out of the race!!! In Fact I just finished caucusing here in WA and it was great to be selected as a Delegate for RON PAUL. If anyone thinks he is out, they are mistaken. Ron Paul is in to win.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I respect Ron Paul. He is a great statesman, I agree with his fiscal policies, but differ with him on foreign policy.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
This is not true. Ron Paul sent his supporters an e-mail just yesterday saying he is still very much in the race.
Eric Dondero is a disgruntled former Ron Paul staffer whose word cannot be trusted.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Mr Awesome #27,
If you get the chance, could you please give http://www.RonPaulIsWrong.com a look?
February 9th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
You idiot, Eric Dondero is a man that has a gruge against Ron Paul.
Check your sources.
Holy Christ!
I guess since our media outlets have lowered the standards it appears little kids with the journalistic integrity can just make sh#t up and all it news.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
“WE HAVE NOT YET BEGUN TO FIGHT” Ron Paul Jones
February 9th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Wow, posts like these sure bring the Paul supporters out of the woodwork. LOL!
I guess TLG and I aren’t the only ones around here.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
THIS IS FALSE HE DID NOT DROP OUT OF THE RACE AND THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN DOWN
February 9th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
THIS IS False Information
Ron Paul Is In IT To Win It
peace in 08
February 9th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Ron Paul is not dropping out, please check his web site and the lastest report. He is the only true conservative speaking the Republican platform. His CPAC talk was was the best!!! Every conservative needs to listen to it.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
BULL! When did the media start spreading lies about a candidate dropping out of a race
when that is an absolute lie?? This article crosses the line and a retraction and apology should
be made to Dr Paul. Go to his website and read that Dr Paul is going ALL the way to the
convention and has NO intention of dropping out. Hasn’t the media done enough to make sure that
the American people don’t hear a word about Ron Paul and now to say he is dropping out. Sorry
Mr Nikrad, you are a baldfaced LIAR and should be fired! This site is a disgrace to the American
people. I’ve always fought to keep the media from being censored (like McCain wants to do) but
after article like this, journalists like you need to be silenced. America no longer has a free
press.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Ron Paul is not dropping out. He is scaling back his campaign because he no longer needs people working in the states where primaries and caucuses have already taken place. Ron Paul is in this to the end, because he believes that this is about a message, not about a game to see who will take the nomination.
And to answer the question in the main post: Most Ron Paul supporters I know will refuse to vote for a Democrat or McCain. I for one will be writing Ron Paul’s name in come November if he does not get the nomination. I know many, many others are with me on that one. You will not find us settling for the lesser of two evils.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Can’t Drop Out Of A Presidential Campaign when there’s an actual movement behind it. Just wouldn’t make sense, you know. Oh, wait you don’t know because all the other candidates are fakes, bought off by the establishment, which owns the media and refuses to report on a candidate that has nothing to hide but much to tell. I smell freedom!!!!!
February 9th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Macky #36,
Please… calm down… you’re not helping. Kavon is an honest guy who honestly got some bad info, and I’m sure he’ll correct it when he gets the chance.
But your “You should be fired” comment to Kavon made me LOL.
February 9th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
[...] http://race42008.com/2008/02/09/breaking-ron-paul-to-end-presidential-run/ Kavon W. Nikrad 2-9-2008 [...]
February 9th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
You do have to wonder, though, why Kavon thought Dondy was a credible source. It’s more amusing than anything else.
February 9th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Wow, such viciousness from the Ron Paul kool-aid drinkers. Put down that fruity punch Paul fanatics. It’s true. Paul is essentially ending his campaign. No sensationalism about it. No hyperbole. It’s being reported all over the Blogosphere. I just happened to be one of the first to report on it. I guess that makes me a target for the wrath of the greatly dissapointed and saddened Paul Cultists.
The NY Times describes Paul’s decision as “concedes the race.” Jonathan Martin at Politico.com says he’s backing out to save his Congressional seat. Which really is in jeopardy.
Ask yourself this question. If Romney or Rudy or Thompson or some other major contender had said the same thing, “I am scaling back my
campaign staff,” how would that have been interpreted?
Would you have hundreds of screaming Romney/Giuliani/Thompson fanatics saying on Blogs, “Lies, Lies, Lies… Rudy, Mitt, Fred is NOT dropping out…”
Of course, you all would concede that so and so candidate was ending his campaign. Get real!
February 9th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Josiah, what bad info are you talking about?
I can’t help it if you’re so enamored with Paul that you can’t face reality.
There’s no “bad info” about it. Fess up man. Your guy Ron Paul is stepping aside.
What politician in their right mind would have said the things he said in that release if they intended to continue with their campaign? Absolutely absurd!
February 9th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Editors, please excuse this long post.
Here’s the headline on my website http://www.mainstreamlibertarian.com:
Ron Paul facing a stiff GOP primary challenge to his Congressional seat backs off of Presidential run
Now compare my headline with other Political sites.
Here’s a few headlines I just Googled from Blogs:
Paul Concedes Race, Sort Of19 hours ago by Ariel Alexovich
In a late-night e-mail to supporters, Ron Paul, the antiwar Republican candidate, conceded his chances of winning the party’s nomination are “nearly zero.”
The Caucus - http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com - References
Ron Paul scales campagin back
3 hours ago by davidkirkpatrick
In a “Message from Ronâ€? dated February 8, Paul announced a scaling back of his presidential campaign. He intends to focus on his bid for congressional reelection, but will continue to seek votes in the GOP presidential primaries. …
David Kirkpatrick - http://davidkirkpatrick.wordpress.com - References
WHY HAS RON PAUL ALL BUT SUSPENDED HIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN?
17 minutes ago by Jason
Congressman Ron Paul’s decision to essentially suspend his presidential campaign and focus instead on safeguarding his Congressional seat will confuse and disappoint many of his supporters, while delighting establishment media debunkers …
CAN YOU SPEAK THIS - http://canyouspeakthis.wordpress.com
Ron Paul to return home
6 hours ago by Michelle
He may not be formally pulling out yet, but Ron Paul is most definitely pulling back. […] Read the rest »
Untitled - http://hotair.com - References
Is Ron Paul Finally Giving Up?
3 hours ago by Psycheout
Perhaps Ron Paul is finally facing reality. He has no chance whatsoever at the Republican nomination let alone the Presidency. It would appear that the good doctor has decided to pursue a more realistic goal: saving his congressional …
Blogs 4 Conservatives - http://blogs4conservatives.wordpress.com
Ron Paul Signals He May Drop Presidential Bid - What Now For His …
2 hours ago by Logan Murphy
Ron Paul’s campaign has been remarkable in many ways. Considered a second tier candidate from the start, one couldn’t help but marvel at his fund raising abilities and the veracity of his supporters. Paul held his own during countless …
Crooks and Liars - http://www.crooksandliars.com - References
Has Ron Paul Quit?
Now is my article out of line with the rest of the coverage and categorization of Paul’s move?
I think some serious apologies are in order from some of you looney tune Ron Paul fanatics here.
February 9th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Ron Paul facing a stiff GOP primary challenge to his Congressional seat backs off of Presidential run
That’s my headline at http://www.mainstreamlibertarian.com
Just Google “ron paul” at Blogs and see what else you come up with. All the other headlines are in line with mine. In fact, some go farther and say he’s “essentially quit the race.”
February 9th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Eric,
Straight from the horse’s mouth: http://people.ronpaul2008.com/campaign-updates/2008/02/09/this-candidate-doesnt-quit/
You do realize that you have absolutely no credibility when it comes to reporting on Ron Paul, don’t you?
February 9th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Josiah, you do realize that you have absolutely no credibility when reporting on Ron Paul don’t you?
I worked for the guy for 12 friggin’ years as his Top Aide. You don’t think I can read him like a book after being his Personal Aide for 12 years??
Gimmee a friggin’ break.
How long did you work for Ron Paul? How is it that you know so much about him?
February 9th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
You call that “straight from the horses mouth.” I call that website “straight from the Propogandists’ mouth.”
You don’t get any more hardcore partisan Ron Paul cultist than ronpaul2008.com. That’s Grand Central station for the Ron Paul cult. And you trust what they have to say on the matter, over the NY Times, Politico.com, CNN and numerous political websites and blogs who are now reporting that Paul is “stepping aside,” “backing off,” “scaling back,” and “suspending” his campaign.
Just Google “ron paul,” and see for yourself.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
It’s about time. McCain/Romney ‘08!
February 9th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
RonPaul2008.com is the official website of the campaign. You think Ron Paul decided to drop out but lie about it on his official site? You’re really an expert Eric.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Eric, you’re a disgruntled former employee of Dr. Paul’s who got put out. You have no credibility.
RonPaul2008.com is the official website of the campaign. It says he’s not dropping out. I trust that more than I do you, sorry.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Again Josiah, I’ll ask you this question. And please don’t divert, or dodge, or ignore it.
Give me a straight answer please.
If Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain or any other major Presidential candidate had announced that they were “scaling back their campaign staff” how would that be received and reported by the media?
If rumors had been persisting for days that one of these campaigns was “nearing the end” and was about to “close up shop,” and then a release hit from the official campaign staff saying that the candidate was “diverting his efforts to his Congressional race,” and de-emphasizing his Presidential race, how would the media report it?
Answer the question please.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
It would be reported the same way that it was when John McCain did the same thing over the summer, as a scale-back, but it wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) be reported that they are dropping out or suspending their campaign, especially if a press release appears on their campaign website that explicitly states that the news reports of a drop-out are false.
If Ron were dropping out, why did he confirm that he will be at the MSNBC presidential debate in Texas on February 28th?
February 9th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
And as far as being a “disgruntled ex-employee” you have no idea what in the hell you are talking about.
I was moderately supportive of Paul’s effort when he first announced back in February of ‘07. You an check that in the archives of my blog at http://www.libertarianrepublican.blogspot.com I wrote a nice article about his campaign saying how it would benefit the libertarian movement.
Ron and I kept our friendship long after I left his employ in late 2003. In fact, he called me numerous times to “shoot the sh*t” mostly about gardening. His banana trees are still in my backyard.
Til this day I’m good friends with both Ron Paul’s Chief of Staff Tom Lizardo and his Legislative Director Norm Singleon. In fact, I just got an email the other day from Norm.
Your characterization of me being “disgruntled” is incredibly uninformed and basically inane.
Never ceases to amaze me how people who know nothing about Ron Paul or his operation, think they know everything there needs to be known.
They are mostly totally clueless. And you Josiah are right at the top of that list.
February 9th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
You’re kidding right? The “Texas Debate”?
My gosh. Isn’t that obvious enough?? And that debate is scheduled for right here in Houston of all places. Not Dallas, not San Antonio, not even Austin. But it’s being sponsored by the Greater Houston Partnership.
If you’re unaware, Houston touches on Ron Paul’s district. (Actually, a very tiny section of Houston is actually within the District.)
February 9th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
There is clearly no reasoning with you. You are so incredibly biased in your disdain for Ron Paul that you’ve lost all touch with reality.
Ron Paul says he’s not dropping out.
You say he is.
I trust Ron Paul’s own word over yours about his own campaign.
I’m not going to continue this laughable argument with you.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Dondy, have you been drinking again?
February 9th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
“Your characterization of me being ‘disgruntled’ is incredibly uninformed and basically inane.”
That wasn’t Josiah’s word. I believe RP himself has called you a disgruntled former employee. Give it a rest, seriously. You’re supposed to be spending your time urging Reasonoids to support Real Libertarians ™ like Mike Huckabee.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Really? Trust Ron Paul’s word? Like the good people of Texas Congressional District trusted him back in 1996 when he said he was a big supporter of Term Limits and would only serve 8 years and then step down?
Let’s see now. Ron Paul is now heading into his 6th term, 4 years longer than he promised.
But we need to “trust his word.”
February 9th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Re: #57
Ron Paul on Eric Dondero:
“He’s a disgruntled former employee who was fired.”
http://www.reason.com/blog/show/120338.html
February 9th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Hey Phil, have you been hitting the crack pipe agin?
February 9th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
And to Tim Russert he changed that to “put out.” He did not use the words “fired.” For obvious reasons. He knows he would be lying, and that I have the forms and paperwork and witnesses to prove it. So, he backed down.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Hey Josiah, notice you’re awfully silent about the subject of the Texas Debate? Cat got your tongue? Or, maybe your realized you screwed up, by not know that the debate was scheduled for Houston.
February 9th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
“Hey Phil, have you been hitting the crack pipe agin?”
No, actually. But you can probably tell that from my proper grammar, correct spelling and general coherence. Not that you would know anything about those.
Anyways, you don’t seem to be disputing anymore your status as a disgruntled former employee, so I’m glad we’ve finally come to an agreement on something.
“Really? Trust Ron Paul’s word? Like the good people of Texas Congressional District trusted him back in 1996 when he said he was a big supporter of Term Limits and would only serve 8 years and then step down?”
That last thing about him promising to serve four terms is new to me. Do you have a source for that?
However, there is nothing wrong with supporting term limits and not imposing a limit on oneself. This is known as nuance, something True Libertarians(tm) like George Bush and yourself are not familiar with. Ron Paul said he supported mandatory term limits for all members of Congress. As I understand it, he never supported a voluntary term limit on Ron Paul. Those are two different things.
February 10th, 2008 at 5:37 am
Eric Dondero- a name that really rings out. It is amazing how one man can come from no where and raise millions of dollars and inject traditional conservatism into the political debate again, while another man comes from nowhere and establishes himself as a slimy lying political version of an ambulance chaser, all over the span of 1 year. How does it feel Eric knowing that after the way you’ve introduced yourself to the world over the past year that with the association to the name Eric Dondero you won’t ever be able to be elected Dog Catcher, let alone a real elected position. Maybe you could be assistant to the dog catcher, I have a feeling you’d be great at cleaning crap filled kennels. Ha, Eric Dondero, the punch line to a joke no one would even care to write.
February 10th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Donderothon #64,
Jeez, that’s a little harsh. :S
February 10th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Both John Tabin at American Spectator Blog, and Michelle Malin at HotAir.com are describing Ron Paul’s move this morning as “Ron Paul pulls back.”
February 10th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
You need to stop spreading misinformation, RON PAUL DID NOT END HIS PRESIDENT BID, HE IS STILL IN IT! Check http://www.ronpaul2008.com, Please delete this false post.
February 10th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
“Introduce myself to the world” in the last year? Really?
In 1990 I founded the Republican Liberty Caucus, and got a lot of attention for launching the group.
In 1992 I was featured in Insight Magazine for leading the libertarian wing at the National Republican Convention in Houston.
And in 1994, I was on the McClaughlin Group on PBS, in the Washington Times and Washington Post and numerous other media, for helping to push the Republican Revolution on Capitol Hill in a more “libertarian” direction through lobbying efforts for the Republican Liberty Caucus.
I’ve hardly “introduced myself to the world” in 2007/08.
February 10th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Airborn, Ron Paul “pulled back” on his Presidential campaign according to HotAir.com and American Spectator this morning.
Now imagine if a Rudy Giuliani, or a Mitt Romney, or a Huckabee, or a Fred Thompson had announced they were “scaling back.” How would the press categorize that?
I’ll tell you how. “So and So announces today that he’s pulling out of the race…”
But since Paul’s a favorite of the liberal media for his Bush bashing and his opposition to the War in Iraq, he gets a complete pass. They give him the benefit of the doubt.
February 10th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I suggest we delete Airborn, since he’s spreading lies on a public political forum about news that has been thoroughly reported in the NY Times, Polico.com, HotAir.com, the LA Times Blog, Reason.com, and the American Spectator Magazine.
The fact that “Airborn” is too damn lazy to check those sites himself and read how they categorized Paul’s move, speaks volumes about him.
February 10th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Yikes! I’m a liberal who loves Ron Paul! Why? He is the ONLY candidate (maybe Kucinich did…) who clearly spoke out against pre-emptive war. He spoke out against the “federal” reserve system, the patriot act, the federal state ID, and restoring habeus corpus. He dared to speak the truth (which everyone in the world seems to understand but us) about our sickening foreign policies and how they leave us hated and vulnerable to attack. He spoke about rolling back the powers Bush has bestowed upon himself, much of those powers without the knowledge or consent of congress, let alone ours! I love Ron Paul for his gracious way of respectfully and intelligently answering questions, even when posed by rude, insulting tv interviewers. I love his guts and his honesty. He was the only candidate who truly inspired me with content - not fluffy feel good promises - and Ron Paul NEVER attacked an opponent. After all, he always emphasized it was about the Constitution and not about him. And now, as he’s being shut out by media everywhere and treated as tho he doesn’t exist, I love him even more! He is the only candidate I would want to emulate and the only one speaking the truth about our economic & foreign policies. And no, I am not a “college anti-establishment type”. Run Ron Run!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Well, Ron Paul quoted Trostky the other day in bowing out of the race. Of course, you as a Leftist would “love Ron Paul.”
Ron Paul is not a libertarian. He’s a leftwing isolationist populist.
February 10th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
It seems the the once mighty internet brigades of Ron Paul have been reduced to hounding Eric Dondero wherever his name might pop up.
I wonder what happened to all the Paultroons who once proudly swamped internet polls on FOX and CNN. Where are the majestic Paulbot spammers who were kicked off site after site? Now they are down here in the bowels of “race42008″. Oh how the mighty have fallen.
The decline might have someting to do with Paul’s choice to openly and publicly accept donations and volunteers from the Ku Klux Klan, and other neo-Nazis. But I am glad so many surrender monkeys are still openly joining with the KKK to support Ron Paul. It is always good when white Democrats show their true colors. (Don’t limit yourself to the internet, proclaim your Klan-ness before the world! Wal-Mart has a great deal on bedsheets. Wear one next time you join a Code Pink rally.)
Or possibly the Jooooos came in a giant UFO–the same one they used to carry out the 9-11 attacks–and vacuumed up all the Paultards in order to prevent them from exposing the fact that the US dollar is worthless.
Yes, that’s it, the Jooooos.
Read:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/11/the_ron_paul_campaign_and_its.html
Even those idiots at REASON mag have finally woken up to the Paul-KKK connection:
http://www.reason.com/blog/show/124265.html
http://www.reason.com/news/show/124417.html
February 10th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
That’s right Dondy. Ron Paul is an Islamo-fascist liberal isolationist commie, compared to such principled libertarians as Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Yep.
February 10th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
You see Phil, if you lay off the crack it will work wonders for your cognitive skills. Good to see you’re finally coming around.
February 11th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Mr X - if you can’t write anything intelligent, why bother? Equating Code Pink & Nazis?? Demanding that Ron Paul filter where his private donations are coming from? Does any other candidate do that? Of course, the KKK donations would get the publicity in RP’s case, because it fits to corporate agenda. The truly important issues RP raised, which should be the focus, went unheard with the exception of his online voice.
Since when does democracy = stifling the voice of dissent?
February 19th, 2008 at 12:52 am
It is hard to believe that the Republican party has been reduced to mindless
gutless, sniveling sheep!!! If anyone here is so stupid as to believe
that a man who claims to be the best candidate for America’s security,
can honestly and with a straight face, suggest that we should give citizenship
to millions of illegals and (INCLUDED IN THIS NUMBER) terrorist who have
crossed our southern border, then you are absolutely dillusional. John
McCain ignored the American people on the illegal immigration issue last
summer, and he is still hell bent on doing what he wants with the illegals.
He says that, “The American people made it plain last summer that they
want a wall built first.” ….Yeah, well finish it traitor McCain, ….
tell the rest. Let me help you, “…the majority of American people are
against all forms of amnesty (i.e. your immigration plan), and we want
employers who hire them to be prosecuted.” That’s what the American people
want. Yeah, Yeah, I know about his service in Vietnam, SO WHAT, my father
served in Vietnam and he is fighting mad with treasonous McCain. It’s time
for someone to represent the American people and not the Mexican or any
other foreign government!!!