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 2 of 3)
16. There's an old joke: Q: What's the definition of a Republican ? A: Someone who campaigns like a Libertarian, and governs like a Democrat. Which is to say that the Republican Party is NOT the party of limited government, low taxes, and individual liberty. Rather, it's the party of limited government, low tax, individual liberty RHETORIC. Fortunately, Ron Paul is the exception -- literally the only one in Congress.
He's the real deal -- someone whose principles actually match those of the founders of this nation. If he were somehow elected, it would be a turning point in the history of the planet. Alas, it won't happen, largely because the campaign finance laws are designed to perpetuate the status quo, and status quo is what Ron Paul
is decidedly NOT about. But it's exciting just having him in the ring; I only hope he'll get a chance to (re-)introduce the ideas of true liberty
to a sizable audience who've never heard anything
except policy debate based on bastardized notions of freedom . . . -- Brian M., Los Angeles
Brian Mulholland at 11:04PM on Apr 1st 2007
17. RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008!THE ONLY REAL CHOICE..NUFF SAID
Matt at 11:58AM on Apr 2nd 2007
18. Ron Paul is the only Republican candidate who consistently asked the question, "is this legislation Constitutional?" before casting a vote. This is precisely the man this nation needs to reign in a government run amok. Ron Paul's consistent stance has gained him the respect of a wide variety of groups. The short shrift inflicted upon him by the media serves only to show how corrupt our electoral system has become. Ron Paul. Ron Paul. Ron Paul.
tnmoultrie at 8:06PM on Apr 2nd 2007
19. Real ID is a lousy idea. Just how long do you think it will take enterprising identity thieves to acquire the technology to read your entire life history as you pass by?
P Campbell at 8:11PM on Apr 14th 2007
20. I was so excited when the news that Ron Paul was running first broke! Ron Paul cares deeply about ordinary Americans and where this country is going.
Finally, a candidate that you can actually BELIEVE when he says something.
P Campbell at 8:17PM on Apr 14th 2007
21. Americans whine about having "no choices" but Ron Paul is proof that we DO have a choice.
If he doesn't get elected it won't be HIS fault, but it will prove that Americans talk the talk but don't walk the walk when it comes to excercising their vote for change.
Bill Clausen at 12:41AM on Apr 17th 2007
22. Ron Paul is the only choice that is for We the people, I used to think Dennis Kunnich was on the peoples side till he proposed a bill banning hand guns, which is against the constitution. If people dont get off their butts and campaign for Dr. Paul, if they are afraid of their government now wait another four years......We all need to do our part to help make sure he gets elected, if not the new world order will take total control after another 4 years, America will not be recongnizable and will be merged with Mexico and Canada under NAU. The time to wake up is now, GET ACTIVE!!!!
Susan M at 7:52AM on Apr 27th 2007
23. I would love to have Ron Paul as President. I voted for him when he ran as a Libertarian. The sad thing is he will never get the nomination from todays Big government Big spending Republican party.
Republicans and Democrats are the same party with the same goals now.Maintain power at all costs!
Gregg Lewis at 2:12PM on Apr 27th 2007
24. Ron Paul is a true american. He is the only one who votes as to our constitution and american way of life. His personal traits are beyond approach compared to all the others running for president.I will be voting for him. But I think the rich will and weathy politicians will prevail as it seems an ordenary person is no longer able to be elected. I will be donating to Ron Paul with what little I can and hope all americans will help him compete.
Gary at 9:34PM on May 3rd 2007
25. Ron Paul is the ONLY one of these candidates I will vote for. If not nominated I will write in his name. He is far and away the best of the group.
James Kussy at 1:23AM on May 4th 2007
26. Ron Paul is the ONLY politician I consistently give money to. I disagree with a lot of his religiousity and positions on many issues but he is by far the most honest rep we have these days.
If we cannot regain a culture of basic honesty in Washington the game is over for all of us.
Bob M at 6:48AM on May 4th 2007
27. I AGREE TOTALLY WITH RON PAUL !!
BASICS ARE SO IMPORTANT!( MEANING ) SO MANY ISSUES WOULD NOT EVEN EXIST TODAY IF OTHERS WERE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. WE HAVE BEEN BURNT FOR SO MANY YEARS NOW, WITH SITUATIONS ONLY GETTING WORSE. AMERICANS CAN ONLY BE DRAINED/ USED FOR SO MUCH. WE ALL KNOW WITH BOTH PARENTS WORKING, ONE CANNOT EVEN SUPPORT BASIC NEEDS FOR THEIR FAMILIES. RON PAUL SEES THIS AND I SO APPRECIATE HIS FIGHT FOR STANDING UP AND TELLING IT LIKE IT IS. THANK YOU RON PAUL FOR CARING ABOUT THE WORKING MAN / WOMAN !
SINCERELY,
MARY
MARY at 9:35AM on May 4th 2007
28. Only candidate I've seen that might actually have that illusive quality so often missing in politics - integrity.
krishjen at 8:59PM on May 7th 2007
29. I live in Florida and we just moved our primaries to have more of an impact. I'm registered Republican and am voting for Ron Paul and I gave him $100. We all need to do something small for him.
We pay taxes, consider an investment to him a way to stop paying taxes. So eventually all the money you donate will come back to you.
And he did win the MSNBC poll, but not one news organization is talking about it.
Matt Salla at 12:02PM on May 7th 2007
30. Several States have enacted Laws REQUIRING YOUR THUMBPRINT TO PURCHASE USED MUSIC CDs!
So, you are supposed to give away a copy of your identity,
to get a used music CD - even though this is a clear violation of your 4th Amendment rights, Illegal Search and Seizure - what can Unknown parties do with your ID and thumbprints after you give them away?
A LOT.
Stop the Evil Biometric Identity Theft plot to steal peoples finger prints, and rob them in every possible way. Identity Theft is a growing crime, and once criminals have stolen copies of your fingerprints, you can never change them, your Identity is gone for good.
Credit Cards and Passwords are safer than biometrics because when your data IS stolen, you can rapidly cancel the card numbers and change the PINs and passwords.
Digitally copied fingers, using any biometric scanner, defeats false security measures easily, and enslaves a whole nation to those who would destroy the United States and hold nothing but Hatred and contempt for democracy.
Reg at 8:01AM on May 7th 2007