Do any Republicans support Paul?

[Minuteman2008]

I'm wondering how many who visit this forum have ever voted Republican before? It seems that Ron Paul mostly gets attention from the anti-war crowd (not that you can't be a Republican and not support the war), but nobody talks about conservative issues like immigration, gun control, and abortion.

If you listen to conservative talk radio, ALL they are talking about anymore is immigration, and I don't just mean Hannity and Limbaugh. I mean dozens of shows like Doug Mcintyre, John and Ken, etc. That is the biggest conservative topic, and possibly what will eliminate McCain and Romney from the running. Why don't people start playing up Ron Paul's strong position on this? The reason is that most of his supporters aren't traditional conservatives and don't really care about this topic.

When folks start posting that Bill Richardson could be Paul's running mate, I know I've entered the twilight zone.

It's great that Ron Paul generates attention from people outside the Republican base but unless he can also get votes from the normal base he doesn't have a shot. I listen to talk radio and visit a lot of conservative forums, and this forum is a far different place as far as what people talk about. Not that that is bad, it just makes me doubt his chances in the overall scheme of things. Though he'll still get my vote.

[DjLoTi]

It's crazy, I've felt republican my entire life. I'm starting to question the term 'Republican', because I suspect it's been exploited to a tool of mass media persuasion.

Maybe I am more liberal because I believe in the rights of the people, however until this point I always considered myself republican.

[Minuteman2008]

Are you serious? I've been Republican my entire life! I'm starting to question the term 'Republican', because I suspect it's been exploited to a tool of mass media persuasion.

Maybe I am more liberal because I believe in the rights of the people, however until this point I always considered myself republican.

So you don't think topics in this forum are much different than what is discussed on talk radio and other forums?

Specifically, what about sovereignty and open borders? What about gun control and the right to life?

How often has that been brought up here?

I don't mean you specifically, but Paul supporters in general, and the fact that he must appeal to the Republican base in order to get the nomination.

[DjLoTi]

So you don't think topics in this forum are much different than what is discussed on talk radio and other forums?

Specifically, what about sovereignty and open borders? What about gun control and the right to life?

How often has that been brought up here?

I don't mean you specifically, but Paul supporters in general, and the fact that he must appeal to the Republican base in order to get the nomination.

I think the more we become educated, the more we learn about issues. Majority of the American people have knowledge and feelings attached to the war already. When it comes to the other issues, it's a hit-or-miss ballclub. I think that's the truth.

[Pedrique]

I'm 33 and have voted Republican all my life - including for Bush twice. On a few rare occasions I have voted for a Democrat in local elections.

I'm guessing here, but I think the Republicans that Ron Paul will convert could be similar to me, and it really is as simple as this:

We're hearing somebody in our own party, who sounds intelligent and seems without guile, who is questioning the Iraq war and our foreign policies.

And that's it.

I think there are a lot of Republicans like me who have had a growing unease about the war in Iraq, and in fact were not all that "at ease" about it even from the beginning. But we trusted our party knew what it was talking about, and we trusted the conservative pundits were right about "the need to succeed" and "saddam was a madman bent on our distruction."

Sure there were some democrats complaining, but I'm trained to think they are idiots (and in many cases I think they are.) Only now, I'm finally beginning to see that there are just as many Republican idiots. I don't listen to talk radio much, but occasionally catch Rush or sometimes Michael Medved. Its not that I now think they are morons necessarily, but I recognize propoganda easier.

I tend to believe there are many others out there like me. And its not just the war in Iraq issue we find unsettling. Its the "war on terror". At some point I'd love to hear Dr. Paul address this issue in more detail. His logic that we shouldn't be fighting metaphors and tactics is appealling. I like the idea of re-analyzing our goals and our purpose as regards stopping terrorist efforts. I don't think its possible for Dr. Paul to talk about this idea too much. I'd love an open honest reevaluation of our overall policies.

So that's it for me. I think the immigration issue will resonate strong as well, but that issue doesn't make Ron Paul distinct. Some of the other candidates tout their strong positions on this issue. And honestly for me its not a big issue (and I'm from Texas!!!) But I recognize that probably puts me in the minority.

Anyway hope that answers your original question.

[Tin_Foil_Hat]

It's great that Ron Paul generates attention from people outside the Republican base but unless he can also get votes from the normal base he doesn't have a shot. I listen to talk radio and visit a lot of conservative forums, and this forum is a far different place as far as what people talk about.

I've been registered Republican for about 30 years and I don't find it unusual that he's picking up outside support also.

As far as "the base", I think right now they are led, for the most part, by the goofballs on radio, i.e. Hannity, Limbaugh, Beck, etc, who are essentially cheerleaders for the bandits who have hijacked the party.

I do believe there are many everyday people who at heart are conservatives and don't bother following the clowns on the radio. The "silent majority" of the base have common sense (or at least I'm counting on that fact).

[MsDoodahs]

It's quite simple now to find out about Dr. Paul's positions on gun control, abortion, and immigration - online. :)

I think the attention the MSM has paid to Dr. Paul's thoughts on foreign policy has driven people to seek him out so that they could learn more about him. It does not take too long to realize the man is unlike ANYTHING the GOP is offering.

I personally believe that Dr. Paul's positions on gun control, abortion, and immigration will appeal to the vast majority of republicans. NOT NEOCONS, as they are single issues bots who don't care about any issues other than war. However, the neocons have lost massive amounts of support of late and I don't believe they can maintain their deathgrip on the GOP for too much longer.

I would like to see the MSM question him on these other issues; perhaps in the next debate he can make headlines by stating his position on some issues beyond the war...and once again take the spotlight off Rudy McRomney.

:)

[SAVEamerica]

When folks start posting that Bill Richardson could be Paul's running mate, I know I've entered the twilight zone.

It's great that Ron Paul generates attention from people outside the Republican base but unless he can also get votes from the normal base he doesn't have a shot. I listen to talk radio and visit a lot of conservative forums, and this forum is a far different place as far as what people talk about. Not that that is bad, it just makes me doubt his chances in the overall scheme of things. Though he'll still get my vote.
See this is the whole reason he can win. He is liked by people on both sides. He just needs to make it more obvious how much he has in common with most conservative voters.

And since you seem to love pointing it out, I'll explain why I said he should run with Richardson. I really like Richardson's climate and energy plan, his support of gun owners, his pro choice stance, and his push to make medical marijuana legal. I really don't like his stance on illegal immigration or his support of NAFTA and the WTO. He has a lot of experience with foreign policy and energy issues, 2 things that are probably going to become extremely important in the next few years. Ron and Bill could balance each others crazy sides out I think.

[billv]

It's crazy, I've felt republican my entire life. I'm starting to question the term 'Republican', because I suspect it's been exploited to a tool of mass media persuasion.

Maybe I am more liberal because I believe in the rights of the people, however until this point I always considered myself republican.

I'd say it makes you more American =)

[Dave]

I'm 33 and have voted Republican all my life - including for Bush twice. On a few rare occasions I have voted for a Democrat in local elections.

I'm 40 and I've been in the GOP for probably the last 20 years. I think Pedrique just hit a home run.

It wasn't the war that led me to Dr. Paul - it was his economic teachings. These lessons lead you to his other teachings, including foreign policy, and ultimately to the foundation of all his teachings - individual liberty.

How refreshing to learn of someone from our own party who dared to challenge the status quo on principle (as opposed to the dems, who you're used to hearing challenge the status quo - until they win enough elections and become the status quo themselves). The dems and neocons repeat this cycle of questioning each other but there's NO foundation of freedom there - quite the opposite.

There's a lot of intelligent reps (and dems, et al) who will warm up to the teachings of Dr. Paul - if they are exposed to him long enough and often enough.

[lucky]

I am a Republican and have been for many years. I went and registered to vote as soon as I was allowed to at 18. I became a confirmed Republican with Reagan. I bought into the contract with America.

Ron Paul is my Congressman and voted for him happily. He got me many years ago to thinking about things from an article he was in after he left Congress and went back to his Medical practice. I was very happy he ran again for Congressa nd ecstatic when he became Republican. I felt we had a chance finally.

The Republican party betrayed me and I became disillusioned. I know all what Ron Paul's positions are and wholeheartedly agree with him ON ALL ISSUES.

It is not the Republicans I am wondering about but I am stumped on why so many Democrats are here. They need to go and read his site and do some digging I think. Ron Paul is totally against most of what the Liberals want done. He is way more in line with the Conservatives.

No bigger Republican than me here and if Ron Paul can get me on board then anyone can.

[murph]

I'm 48 and I have tended to vote Republican all my life. In the past several years I have been educating myself about the Fabian Socialists and how they have been maneuvering behind the scenes to corrupt various governments, including ours. When I wonder if I've become another conspiracy nut I simply have to look around at the direction the world is headed. The facts speak for themselves:

- worldwide abandonment of hard currencies
- transition of sovereign European nations into the ever-expanding EU
- loss of control of our border with Mexico
- the establishment of the SPP without any serious oversight or public input
- continuous expansion of entitlement programs
- consolidation of the world's media outlets into the hands of a few
- increase in the role of the UN in deciding our foreign policy

These trends indisputable facts and not paranoid delusions. The only debate is whether or not they are for the common good. My answer is a resounding "NO"! However, most people I talk to have been brainwashed by government education and too much television to understand where these trends are taking all of us.

I sense that there is a small but growing minority in the US who are just now waking up to this and paying attention. Is it too little too late? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, I'm 100% behind Ron Paul.

It's refreshing to see so many posts in this forum from thoughtful people and not just a bunch of ignorant comments laced with profanity. Thanks.

[SlapItHigh]

I'm 40 and I've been in the GOP for probably the last 20 years. I think Pedrique just hit a home run.

It wasn't the war that led me to Dr. Paul - it was his economic teachings. These lessons lead you to his other teachings, including foreign policy, and ultimately to the foundation of all his teachings - individual liberty.


I would have to echo Dave and Pedrique. I have always voted Republican out of voting for the "lesser of two evils" (with the exeption of voting dem once in a local election). I finally joined the LP after realizing that the Republican party left *ME*. I know there are many other people who feel this way. Some are still Republican and some are now Libertarian. Now I vote based on the issues which puts me voting Libertarian the majority of the time. There are a lot of Republicans who feel that the Republican party has "lost its way" as Ron always likes to say.

The problem is that most of Paul's time in the spotlight is focusing around the war. The war is the top issue for me (and others) but still, we need him to reach the public about economic issues and immigration. Many people would come around about the war if they could see his views on other issues (IMO).

[lucky]

When and if the board degenerates into a troll fest then I will leave.

I also have looked at conspiracies and what not and do not per se think I see one whole conspiracy from one group. I do several groups trying to win control and our hearts and minds. Any and all of the before mentioned conspiracy things seem very real when it gets all narrowed down and confined into details that are self evident.

Please do not become too confining. Look at our own country and see there are two main groups right now that dominate everything. We have just witnessed what one of the groups have done to dominate another group.

The Green party was starting to make head waves and get noticed. In fact when I looked at the votes and saw that if Al Gore had received the Green party votes in Florida (and another but can't remember which one) then he would have won the election and become our President.

Soon after I saw the Democrat party led by Al Gore adopt the Green parties positions and absorbed them as their own.

I also have witnessed the Republicans do the same with the Progressive party positions and also many of the Libertarism positions. It is hard to move forward when there are two parties so entrenched in every facet of our lives that they can go and absorb anything and anyone that they choose to.

It is a huge uphill battle that I may live to see in my lifetime but it is refreshing that finally one man has sparked a flame that reached across party lines.

[lucky]

Also I want the ones that see Ron Pauls stance on getting out of Iraq to be the only thing. Ron Paul is also about pulling most of our troops worldwide back home. The only reason any troops will be outside our borders is if they are needed for our National interests.

This means Korea, Nato, Japan and so on and so on. How does these people feel about this. I for one am for it and I am a strong Republican.

[Minuteman2008]

I am a Republican and have been for many years. I went and registered to vote as soon as I was allowed to at 18. I became a confirmed Republican with Reagan. I bought into the contract with America.

Ron Paul is my Congressman and voted for him happily. He got me many years ago to thinking about things from an article he was in after he left Congress and went back to his Medical practice. I was very happy he ran again for Congressa nd ecstatic when he became Republican. I felt we had a chance finally.

The Republican party betrayed me and I became disillusioned. I know all what Ron Paul's positions are and wholeheartedly agree with him ON ALL ISSUES.

It is not the Republicans I am wondering about but I am stumped on why so many Democrats are here. They need to go and read his site and do some digging I think. Ron Paul is totally against most of what the Liberals want done. He is way more in line with the Conservatives.

No bigger Republican than me here and if Ron Paul can get me on board then anyone can.

This is what made me post this topic. Just like you said, he is against most of what liberals what done. It was just my impression that sites like this and another one were attracting liberals rather than conservatives.

Possibly I was wrong. And of course, it is great to have an appeal outside the base.

[ARealConservative]

I'm 40 and I've been in the GOP for probably the last 20 years. I think Pedrique just hit a home run.

It wasn't the war that led me to Dr. Paul - it was his economic teachings. These lessons lead you to his other teachings, including foreign policy, and ultimately to the foundation of all his teachings - individual liberty.

How refreshing to learn of someone from our own party who dared to challenge the status quo on principle (as opposed to the dems, who you're used to hearing challenge the status quo - until they win enough elections and become the status quo themselves). The dems and neocons repeat this cycle of questioning each other but there's NO foundation of freedom there - quite the opposite.

There's a lot of intelligent reps (and dems, et al) who will warm up to the teachings of Dr. Paul - if they are exposed to him long enough and often enough.


Same here. I'm now agreeing with him on foreign policy as well.

I've been out and about quite a bit this weekend and I'be found some things that work well.

The best thing I I have found to resonate in Iowa in talking to people is that these wedge issues the republicans and democrats fight over are causing us to not focus on what the federal government really should focus on - protecting our nation.

Gay rights, education, unemployment and other programs - we trust that we can solve this locally and having 300 million American's fighting over it means we might be lecting federal representation for the wrong reasons altogether. Bring the point home - mention he is a Dr. who has delivered over 4000 babies and is personally pro-choice but the abortion issue can and should be decided by the states.

Play up his outsider status. Talk about how he refuses to particape in a federal pension program that is so much more lucrative then the bankrupt social security they offer us.

And mostly - bring up how those so called front-runners have received tens of millions of dollars - much of it to pursue policy that is not in our interests. Bring the point home discussing immigration and how out of touch they seem with what we want - HOw they continue to stress the danger of terrorism while doing nothing with our open borders. Make them understand it will never change as long as we continue to vote for politicians that rely on such influence to win elections. Even the ones that claim to be strong on one or two of those issues you like - are taking special interest money and they are compromised.

If the person you are talking to seems conservative - bring up how he was only 1 of 4 politicans to suppport Reagan initially. Talk about how he stood up for Star Wars programs and is very strong on defense of this country. Appease their fears of Isolationism by explaining he supports the constitution and congress declares war and he will stop the cowardice congress shows in this duty.

If they are liberal go into how nice it used to be when we had common ground to agree on - individual lliberty. Bring up how much support Reagan had with democrats. Talk about the Goldwater moment in history - when another limited government politician broke the stalemate and brought down Nixon.

If the listener is elderly - stress again how principled he is. Bring up nostalgia about fireside chats and how the president used to talk openly and freely about big ideas and how important freedom is. Discuss patriotism and how corporate interests are trying to ride on this concept. Mention how Ron Paul has been talking openly with us for the last decade about the problems and solutions, just as the presidents from the past.

If they appear to be struggling financially, try to mention how our montary policy is hurting them the most. Explain that when the fed creates new money it weakens the buying power of existing money. Explain how it takes money to make mopney and because the little guy can't keep up with inflation - he can't get ahead.

But mostly - be open - honest - and sincere. You aren't goiong to convince everybody in your brief encounter -getting angry or defensive only makes the awakening take longer - 6 years ago you wouldn't of gotten through to me!

Good luck everybody - Happy Memorial Day and God Bless our Troops and our Country!

[cujothekitten]

I've never voted for a republican on a presidential level but I have at a local level. I've remained pretty independent and vote third party more often than not.

If the candidate is pro-gun, pro-low taxes, and anti-big government I'll vote for him/her. I did vote for Obama in Illinois but that's only because Alan Keys is insane.

[lucky]

I've never voted for a republican on a presidential level but I have at a local level. I've remained pretty independent and vote third party more often than not.

If the candidate is pro-gun, pro-low taxes, and anti-big government I'll vote for him/her. I did vote for Obama in Illinois but that's only because Alan Keys is insane.

If you think Allen Keyes is insane then you may want to reconsider Ron Paul. They are actually in tune with each other.

[tnvoter]

Lifelong republican here, voting for ron paul. thankfully woken up.

[cujothekitten]

If you think Allen Keyes is insane then you may want to reconsider Ron Paul. They are actually in tune with each other.

They're not even close. I've listened to tons of Keys stuff, I know his daughter... they are nothing alike. They may agree on many issues but Alan is crazy.

During one of his speeches he said if we didn't vote for him we'd go to hell... When he lost to Obama he kept spouting off about how evil we were and how god doesn't like liberals. I'm no liberal but that's pretty arrogant.

[Brandybuck]

The Republican rhetoric has always been smaller government and freer markets. Their deeds hardly ever matched their words, but at least they were speaking the right words. On the other side, Democrats have never been for a smaller government and freer markets. Quite the opposite. Their campaign rhetoric is about new government programs, new regulations and new taxes. In deed, the two parties are very similar. In words, they are quite different.

But because the Republican rhetoric has traditionally been pro-liberty, it's still the best fishing spot for liberty minded individuals.

[PaleoForPaul]

I'm wondering how many who visit this forum have ever voted Republican before? It seems that Ron Paul mostly gets attention from the anti-war crowd (not that you can't be a Republican and not support the war), but nobody talks about conservative issues like immigration, gun control, and abortion.

I've never voted for a democrat. My biggest regret as a voter is not voting for Buchanan in 2000, even though it would have made no difference.

I think Ron Paul doesn't play up the conservative issues enough either. He's more conservative than all of the others. I've been reading Ron Paul since 2002 or 2003 on the web.

I actually don't agree with the 'pull out right away' approach to the Iraq war, but I do agree with his overall foreign policy. The way he really won me over is with his commitment to combat the welfare state.

While all of the conservative talking heads are talking about the war on terror, our upcoming demographic shifts...the baby boomers retiring, along with the import of unskilled workers and a falling birthrate among skilled workers is a larger threat to our country. I think someone with a sound fiscal policy is needed to get our house in order.



If you listen to conservative talk radio, ALL they are talking about anymore is immigration, and I don't just mean Hannity and Limbaugh. I mean dozens of shows like Doug Mcintyre, John and Ken, etc. That is the biggest conservative topic, and possibly what will eliminate McCain and Romney from the running. Why don't people start playing up Ron Paul's strong position on this? The reason is that most of his supporters aren't traditional conservatives and don't really care about this topic.


I've thought the same thing before. Ron Paul doesn't talk enough about the issues that he's aligned with Republicans on.

[lucky]

They're not even close. I've listened to tons of Keys stuff, I know his daughter... they are nothing alike. They may agree on many issues but Alan is crazy.

During one of his speeches he said if we didn't vote for him we'd go to hell... When he lost to Obama he kept spouting off about how evil we were and how god doesn't like liberals. I'm no liberal but that's pretty arrogant.

Better check the internet on Ron Paul. Many are saying he is nuts also.

They are both very much alike in talk but I always thought Keyes was just another Big government Republican but Ron Paul I KNOW is not. It was a horrid way how Keyes was thrown in at the last minute and get little financial support from the Republican machine after they had invited him to the state to run because no one else wanted to run.

He did not refuse to shake Keyes hand until after he had lost and that was after everyone had voted. He is arrogant for sure and he may have rubbed many the wrong way but he is at least a conservative. If he wants to be arrogant in the Senate with those windbags then great.


The only thing that puzzled me was you siad there were a few things that you look for in a candidate and believed in heavily. You used your vote to help elect the one guy who is going to do everything in his power to take away those things.

To me my vote is very important and feel it is my only weapon I have.

[Craig_R]

I was a goldwater republican, regan said many things I agreed with, however he didnt follow words with actions, his courting of the "moral majority" is what turned me off to the republican party. we've been electing presidents based on where they stand on issues they have no constitutional authority over and its absurd. I left the GOP for the Libertarian Party because thats where all the conservatives were, now that the LP leadership has ,in my book ,tried to court more liberals. I barely support that party either.

I think a large part of what they call the republican base, is largely clueless as to what conservative means. those that do know true conservatism are probably already here, or will be shortly.

[lucky]

I was a goldwater republican, regan said many things I agreed with, however he didnt follow words with actions, his courting of the "moral majority" is what turned me off to the republican party. we've been electing presidents based on where they stand on issues they have no constitutional authority over and its absurd. I left the GOP for the Libertarian Party because thats where all the conservatives were, now that the LP leadership has ,in my book ,tried to court more liberals. I barely support that party either.

I think a large part of what they call the republican base, is largely clueless as to what conservative means. those that do know true conservatism are probably already here, or will be shortly.


I am a true Conservative and fell for the BS. I should have known better but the Libertarian party platform that I read was bad news. I started to realize years ago but could not vote for Socialist policies of the Democrats and have always voted since I was 18 years old.

I kept it up until the Republicans had both the Congress and the white house and it was time to put up or shut up. They failed me big time. And yes I should have known better. The only man I have voted for that I am happy that Ron Paul has been my Congressman. The only man that I can say has been the bright spot.

What most do not realize is that Ron Paul is actually following the Republican platform to a "T".

[cujothekitten]

Better check the internet on Ron Paul. Many are saying he is nuts also.

I have personal experience of his craziness.


They are both very much alike in talk but I always thought Keyes was just another Big government Republican but Ron Paul I KNOW is not. It was a horrid way how Keyes was thrown in at the last minute and get little financial support from the Republican machine after they had invited him to the state to run because no one else wanted to run.

I didn't think he was treated very nice but OMG that whole debacle was embarrassing. He only had a couple months to run and it was pretty obvious that he wasn't going to win. Ryan's sex scandal pretty much took care of any republican chance. It didn't help that Alan was saying we were all going to hell if we didn't vote for him...


He did not refuse to shake Keyes hand until after he had lost and that was after everyone had voted. He is arrogant for sure and he may have rubbed many the wrong way but he is at least a conservative. If he wants to be arrogant in the Senate with those windbags then great.

He ran on abortion and god and that was his platform. I don't mind people being arrogant about abortion but I'm not going to just let a politician say we're evil simply because we don't agree with his beliefs. That kind of arrogance needs to be brought down a peg.


The only thing that puzzled me was you siad there were a few things that you look for in a candidate and believed in heavily. You used your vote to help elect the one guy who is going to do everything in his power to take away those things.

Gun control was the only specific issue I brought up, the others are pretty general. Anti-big government covers a wide range of issues as does taxes. I wasn't being specific.

[silvestris]

After 59 years, I had given up. I was on the couch watching the MSNBC debate when I heard words which caused me to sit up and take notice. Who is this Ron Paul guy? He was saying the things I had often thought of but never again expected to hear from someone involved in a major party debate.

In my 20s I read Rothbard and von Mises and eagerly awaited each issue of Reason magazine. I didn't agree with all, but most. I somehow stopped reading Libertarian publications, but my love of liberty from my readings as a young man never left me.

I voted Republican in all of the presidential elections but one. I could not pull the elephant's snout in 2004, rather voting for the Constitutional party in protest of Bush.

So, yes, many Republicans will be drawn to Dr. Paul's message.

[Silverback]

I've never voted for a democrat, I had the pleasure of voting for Dr. Paul in 1988 and Mr Badnarik in '04 but otherwise I've been a consistent republican voter for national offices my entire life.

There's a LOT of people like me out there, people who're registered republican but always leaned libertarian, and even more people who've become disillusioned with authoritarian collectivist neoconservatism, more every day.

There's a long time yet to discuss guns and such, all we need to do is pick up a little more momentum and GOA will endorse him, he's already their top-rated candidate.