I AM JUST POSTING THIS PIECE-I DO NOT AGREE WITH IT
I wish Ron Paul had won the Republican nomination in 2008. I wish Paul had won the general election and was president right now. But he’s not, and by the time the 2012 primaries start, he will be 76 years old. This is past the age of almost any contender for the presidency that I am aware of. (In all of American history, I think only one major party contender was older than that–Mike Gravel in 2008.)
Of course, it is seriously unlikely that Paul would get elected if he did run a second time, so there is arguably no danger in him running what would effectively be another educational campaign. I think the problem is that it gives the impression that the liberty movement is solely focused and led by Ron Paul, which is not the case…or at least I sure as hell hope not. We need to put forth some new blood, which we are already seeing in Congressional and Senate races, most notably Paul’s son Rand in Kentucky. This must eventually be reflected at the top of ticket as well, whether it be in 2012 or later.
There might already be an good candidate out there to pickup where Paul leaves off in former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson. Johnson appears to be interested in running, and he lines up with Paul the vast majority of the time. Furthermore, he is from the Mountain West where libertarian ideas are most popular, which could deliver whole chunk of delegates.
The great danger here is that the liberty movement could be reduced to infighting if both Paul and Johnson run. The ideal situation in my mind is for Paul to endorse Johnson for president and then proceed to campaign around the country for him during the primaries. Any successful movement needs leaders (pl.). Repeatedly running the same candidate–no matter how ideal–only shows weakness.
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One Response to “Why Ron Paul Should Not Run for President Again”
1.
Thomas, on November 18th, 2009 at 2:40 am Said:
This would be a disaster. Ron Paul is best known for his defence of strict constitutionalism and opposition to foreign wars and the Fed. Johnson is best known for his support of drug legalisation. This would allow the “liberty movement” to be tarred and feathered with the brush of social decadence. You would lose most all paleoconservative votes.
If there be no alternative, it is best that Paul run again and that he himself make some effort to groom a future spokesman.
http://www.amconmag.com/postright/20...esident-again/
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