Switching from exploratory committee mode, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas announced that he is formally jumping into the 2008 fray. Get more details or watch video of the interview above (That's part 1. Here are links to part 2, 3 and 4):
Appearing on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal," Paul said he was at first reluctant to run, but that "a lot of people want to hear my message and I'm willing to deliver it."Don't know much about Paul? Here are a few factoids: Currently in his 10th term in the House, the Republican from Houston has served from 1976-77, 1979-1985 and 1997 to the present. He ran for president once before, in 1988 as a Libertarian candidate. And as an obstetrician-gynecologist, he's delivered over 4,000 babies.
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"I'm very confident the Republican party has gone in the wrong direction," Paul said in his C-SPAN appearance. "We used to be the party of small government. Now we're the party of big government."
Paul lately polls in the 1-2 percent range. Can he compete with the top tier candidates for the Republican nomination? Leave your thoughts below...
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. Anyone have any doubts why Karl Rove was trying to plant a "ringer" U.S. Attorney in Arkansas? Could it be that Clinton related issues and folks would be placed under suspicion, a la "White Water"? Rove was putting his people in place to work over the opposition in the states of contention. This administration is riddled with liars and crooks and if the Republican party continues to give them a free ride.....they will all be given their walking papers....keep in mind that the majority of the American people actually believe that the world is round and have an aversion to dancing with snakes.
wincee at 1:48PM on Mar 15th 2007
2. Ron Paul is the only candidate that has a voting record that I could vote for President. We know his fruit and his lifestyle as a true public servant who honors the constitution.
Bob at 7:19PM on Mar 15th 2007
3. The only candidate that has me excited. I think he is a long shot, but man I hope he pulles it off, or at least raises the leave of the debate. I wish him the best of look.
Joe at 8:02PM on Mar 15th 2007
4. Ron Paul poseeses the utmost characteristics that would make a grea president. Fiscally conservative(lower taxes for all) socially liberal(more freedom for all). He is a fine man and I will change my voter registration if I can vote for him in the primary. For those who don't know about him, I urge you to check him out. Good luck, Ron!!
George at 5:53PM on Mar 16th 2007
5. As a democrat I have to say that I am 100% behind Ron Paul! He has my vote and FULL support!
Jose at 1:40AM on Mar 19th 2007
6. I will definitely be voting for Ron Paul as I have seen his impeccable voting records as well as his great speeches that show he is for AMERICA FIRST! ALL THE WAY. I am behind him 1000%. I was very excited when I first heard he was running for President!
Sharilyn Hartwell at 8:17PM on Mar 19th 2007
7. He needs all the support he can get! Moving the primaries ahead only makes it that much more crucial he get funds to aid the campaign sooner. Even a small contribution makes a difference!
www.ronpaulexplore.com
jesse at 12:21PM on Mar 20th 2007
8. It's nice to have a candidate who understands about what our founding fathers warned- that as the size of a government increases, individual freedom decreases.
Larry at 2:07PM on Mar 20th 2007
9. The only way to vote for continued freedom in America is to vote for Ron Paul. Our nation was founded on Liberty as a virtue held above all others.
Maria at 4:49AM on Mar 22nd 2007
10. I don't care what he is currently polling, there is a STRONG grassroots movement in his camp, which is getting stronger all the time. Word is spreading around the 'net, and he is picking up more and more support.
If you support him and he isn't listed on your primary ballot, write him in. Same for the general election ballot, write him in if his name is not already there. We truly need a man of principle in the White House, there hasn't been one in that office for a very, very long time; and without doubt, he is a man of principle else he would not have earned the nickname Dr. No.
Windy at 12:23PM on Mar 30th 2007
11. Great candidate. Great Libertarian ideas and goals which can restore real freedom to this county and return us to greatness. Not a snow balls chance in hell to score. Unfortunatly most Americans have forgotten the real meaning, promise, and blessings of freedom. We have become more concerned with regulating morality and transferring wealth using the power of government.
Stuball at 7:00AM on Mar 31st 2007
12. Ron Paul is the Swiss Gold Standard for the respect of America to be restored in the world.
Bob at 8:31PM on Apr 1st 2007
13. Unbelievable, Ron Paul, a breath of fresh air, from the very corrupt Republican party. He will be an excellent President. This country needs honest, reliable, truthful, representatives. May our God place you on top, to save this poorly run, and highly corrupted nation. We need his type of person, not the ones that speak from both sides of their mouth. Wish you the best, Mr. Paul. Sincerely,
Marta R
mrev502721 at 7:38PM on Apr 1st 2007
14. Sorry, I am not that swift on computers. What link did you want me to click on? I have no idea what you are asking me to do.
mrev502721 at 7:49PM on Apr 1st 2007
15. What a breath of fresh air! Mr Paul will be an excellent President. I am quite disappointed with the Republican party. They have been saying one thing and doing another. Most of them go with the flow. The Republican party is down and out. We need a truthful, reliable human being. May our God have mercy and place you in charge of this nation. Moral ane economic destruction are very close by. Immediate change of government action is necessary. May the good Lord bless you for getting into the race. Sincerely,
Marta at 7:59PM on Apr 1st 2007