Decision Time: How to Proceed

[tbone717]

If you want Mitt Romney as president then I suggest THIS site: https://www.mittromney.com/donate/fi...183369814%257c
Otherwise, in my opinion, you can go pound sand.

Who is saying they want Romney for President? We are simply looking at the reality of the situation. Hiding your head in the sand and pretending that Paul is going to win the nomination is not being realistic. The chances of Paul winning the nomination are extremely slim, so then if he doesn't what do you do? Do you pick up your toys and go home crying or do you continue to fight on and continue to advance this movement?

[Louise]

I had a brief flirtation with the CP several years ago. They have no money, little organization and do not have 50 state ballot access. It barely qualifies as a third party and is a borderline minor party.

The CP says if Ron would run as CP, he could simply be written in.

[Louise]

If millions of RP supporters will be writing him in anyway, why not write him in under the CP? Take a look at their platform. On Liberty, Economy, Personal Property Rights.

[tbone717]

The CP says if Ron would run as CP, he could simply be written in.

Most states have requirements for write in candidates to submit some paperwork with their intentions. It really is a moot point though, a third party run is pointless. He would be outspent by a factor of 10 or more. He may not even get into the debates, so what is the point. Additionally, it undoes so much of the work that has been and is being done at the local and state level.

[tbone717]

If millions of RP supporters will be writing him in anyway, why not write him in under the CP? Take a look at their platform. On Liberty, Economy, Personal Property Rights.

Because the CP will have a candidate on the ballot. Check your state laws - more than likely write in votes are not tabulated individually unless there is a declared write in campaign. The reason being is because in every election there are tons of votes cast for Santa Claus and Mickey Mouse. It is just not worth the manpower to tabulate all the nonsense write in votes, so the states need to be aware if there is a legitimate write in campaign in place. Most states have a deadline for campaign's to submit the necessary paperwork.

[Louise]

Most states have requirements for write in candidates to submit some paperwork with their intentions. It really is a moot point though, a third party run is pointless. He would be outspent by a factor of 10 or more. He may not even get into the debates, so what is the point. Additionally, it undoes so much of the work that has been and is being done at the local and state level.

Agree that the work and effort has been tremendous. Our local leader is relentless. I went in to do a little phone work and it is hard to describe the dedication of the people working for Ron Paul. AND, an idea for all - buy lunch, snacks, coffee, do a little clean up and help a bit to make the day of these hard working campaign people.

Thanks, tbone, for your thoughts about third party. I just want Ron to win, somehow. We all do!

[tbone717]

Let's be realistic here. There are six possible scenarios that can occur. I'll rank them in order of least likely to most likely (based upon my opinion, current data and observations).

1) Paul wins the nomination outright by winning primaries, caucuses and accumulating 1144 or more delegates prior to the convention
2) Paul wins the nomination at a brokered/open convention by accumulating 1144 of his supporters as delegates
3) Paul runs as a third party (LP, CP, Independent) candidate
4) Paul does not win the nomination and endorses a third party candidate.
5) Paul does not win the nomination, makes no endorsement and essentially sits out for the general election.
6) Paul does not win the nomination, but has influence over the ticket, cabinet and/or VP selection.

For the most part, this forum spends all its time discussing the 3 least likely scenarios and virtually ignores discussion of the more likely scenarios. If the grassroots is not properly equipped to handle scenarios 4,5 and 6 then we could very well be left scratching our heads when and if those situations do arise.

[Johnnybags]

Lets face it, its Obama for four more years because no matter what ticket the RINO's put together, its a loser. I'd like Ron as a third party or more preferably RAND. At least I'd have some hope. Republican nomination is toast.

[tbone717]

Lets face it, its Obama for four more years because no matter what ticket the RINO's put together, its a loser. I'd like Ron as a third party or more preferably RAND. At least I'd have some hope. Republican nomination is toast.

That really isn't a foregone conclusion at this point. Polling shows it could go either way regardless of the GOP nominee. While it is tough to unseat an incumbent POTUS, Obama is not riding a wave of popularity. And with the shift in electoral votes it is harder for a Dem to win this year than it was in 2008.

All that taken into consideration it is important to consider what is more beneficial for the libertarian movement: 4 years of Obama or 4 years of a GOP president? While I agree that there is little difference between Obama and Romney, one can argue that an Obama with no worries of reelection will be even more dangerous to this country than he already is. Does that benefit us or does it make it even more difficult for libertarian candidates down the road?

[Voluntary Man]

Remain positive (not blissing out, but taking positive action!).

Secure more local victories in areas where Ron is performing indisputably well (so well that the vote can't be stolen).

If the GOP doesn't make more than token concessions (not sure how this would go, since i wouldn't believe anything the neocon machine said, not even promises published and signed in blood), burn the mutha down!