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Obama Should Reach Out to Ron Paul
By Tommy ChristopherJun 10th 2008 1:41PM
Filed Under:eBarack Obama, Featured Stories, Ron Paul, Debates, 2008 President
Of course, this led me to an even greater stroke of genius, because it actually has a chance at success. I floated the idea on yesterday's Obama conference call. Here's the abridged exchange:
Tommy Christopher: Ron Paul performed very well in debates against John McCain on the economy, particularly in the Florida debate from January, where he asked McCain a question and Senator McCain's response was likened to that of Miss Teen South Carolina. Will you be reviewing those performances in anticipation of debates, and do you see any role for Ron Paul in Senator Obama's campaign, or administration?They didn't really answer my question, and kind of bitched at me for not being laser-like in my narrow adherence to their topic (Obama's Economic Plan). God, I miss Howard Wolfson.
Austan Goolsbee: If Ron Paul's supporters care about fiscal responsibility, when they read John McCain's tax plan their heads may explode.
Ben Smith over at Politico dug it, but probably more for the entertainment value. It's never a good sign when people laugh while you're being serious. Ron Paul could be a big help to Barack Obama. Hell, he already has.
The main suggestion I would make to Obama, and the easiest to accomplish, is to study Ron Paul's performances in the debates. I added the rest of the question to give it that memorable "crazy factor," so later that day, when they saw Senator Obama, one of them would say, "B-Dawg, you'll never guess what some dude from AOL suggested..."
"Don't call me B-Dawg."
Like an NFL team reviewing game films before a clutch cargo matchup, Obama can augment his already formidable debating arsenal by studying Dr. Paul's humiliation of McCain in Florida, and whatever it was that Paul did to Giuliani to make him cry "Uncle!" as he dropped out of the race.
As it happens, Obama and Ron Paul have similar assets when it comes to debating. They both have an uncanny ability to resist oversimplified, straw-man arguments and loaded questions.
In Obama's case, he takes your point and throws it back at you over your head. When McCain grandstanded and challenged Obama to a photo-op in Iraq, Obama suggested McCain take a tour of America, get to know those folks.
Ron Paul, on the other hand, goes the other way, throwing it in the dirt and daring you to come up with it. When Rudy Giuliani childishly demanded an apology from Paul during a debate, he, instead, got a quick, sober and credible analysis of US foreign policy blowback. It was wasted on the hooting debate crowd, but independent voters, the real brass ring in this election, were doubtless impressed.
A mix-and-match of these approaches could be very effective against McCain in the upcoming debates. Regardless, Barack Obama should try to participate in as many of these as possible.
Aside from this, though, Ron Paul's and Barack Obama's supporters have more in common than you might at first think, so the idea that they would partner in some way is not that outlandish. Both candidates are opposed to the Iraq war, and both seek an end to politics as usual. For Obama, reaching across the aisle to a true conservative would shore up his post-partisan image.
Given the gulf between the two on certain issues, it might be tough to find the right appointment for Paul, but unless it has already been promised to John Edwards, why not Attorney General? Protecting the Constitution is a hallmark of Ron Paul's political life, and the next administration would benefit greatly from having a truly independent Justice Department.
Would Ron Paul consider such a move? That's tough to say, but all indications are that he would not. Although he has not endorsed McCain, he has vociferously eschewed an independent run, or any suggestion that he is anything but a Republican.
On the other hand, if Obama was sincere in offering Dr. Paul some real influence in his administration, perhaps Paul could be persuaded that he would do more good ushering in a purer era in politics than in standing with his wayward comrades in the GOP.
In any case, the presence of Ron Paul in the Republican primary race has already benefited Obama. By continuing to show McCain up in primaries, most recently garnering 24% of the vote in Idaho, Ron Paul has reminded people that there are principles that are greater than Party. By highlighting McCain's support for the war and ineptitude on the economy, he has teed up the presumptive GOP nominee for Obama. All Barack has to do now is swing.
From the Florida GOP Debate:
REP. PAUL: My -- my question is for Senator McCain.
This is an economic question that I wanted to ask. It has to do with the President's Working Group on Financial Markets.
I'd like to know what your opinion is of this and whether you would keep it in place, what their role would be, or you would get rid of this group. And if you kept the group, would you make sure we would see some sunlight and know what they're doing and how they're being involved in our markets?
SEN. MCCAIN: Well, obviously we'd like to see more sunshine.
But I as president, as every other president, rely primarily on my secretary of the Treasury, on my Council of Economic Advisers, on the head of that. I would rely on the circle that I have developed over many years of people like Jack Kemp, Phil Gramm, Warren Rudman, Pete Peterson and the Concord group. I have a process of leadership, Ron, that is sort of an inclusive one that I have developed, a circle of acquaintances and people that are supporters and friends of mine who I have worked with for many, many years.
REP. PAUL: So you'd get rid of the group?
SEN. MCCAIN: You remember back in 1982 when Phil Gramm -- Phil Gramm and Warren Rudman and Gramm-Latta and all of those people got the first real tax cuts done, the real -- first real restraints in taxes. I was there. You were there. And I rely on those people to a much larger degree than any, quote, "formal" organization, although the secretary of Treasury is obviously one of the key and important posts that I would have.
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 4)Diana2:46PMJun 10th 2008
"PAUL SUPPORTERS WARNED"
Best conference call exchange in a while:
AOL News's Tommy Christopher -- a regular source of unexpected lines of questioning -- asks if there's a role for Ron Paul in Obama's campaign or administration.
"If Ron Paul's supporters care about fiscal responsibility, when they read John McCain's tax plan their heads may explode," Obama advisor Austan Goolsbee responds.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This shout-out must've been a pleasant surprise. Great way to liven things up over at the (relatively) boring Obama press conferences; it must be pretty bad if they make you miss Howard W.! Leave it to you to work Dr. Paul into a discussion about Obama's economic plan. Also a nice touch concerning the Miss Teen South Carolina comparison (and the Obama '08 logo being transposed onto that of Ron Paul). A silly premise, but you get an A in creativity and imagination, my friend.....esp. with regard to a MD serving as AG. LMAO!
D. L. GRAHAM2:48PMJun 10th 2008
NON-PARTISAN INDEPENDENTS ARE THE KEY!
This country is in a period of historic "POST-PARTISAN CHANGE", neither the Far Left Democratic Democratic spit party of the Obamania Vs Ferraro Feminine Racist Clintonistas, or the Far "Right Wing Conspiracy", Paul Peaceniks Vs McCain War Mongers (GOP) Grand-Old-Party seem to have the answers to our present problems and what's worse don't seem interested in doing anything about them.
Tommy Christopher, your always thinking but your thinking is confused at best. No, (D-NY)US/Senator Hillary Diane Rodham-Clinton will not be the Democratic (VP) and no Ron Paul will not be the Democratic Party (VP). Hillary will create a solid Republican Wall from which no cross over votes will happen, as would with Obama without Hillary. The Democratic Party is never going to have a Republican (VP) who would always be the breaking vote in the Senate, and one step away from the presidency.
What should happen is that both the ((D-NY)US/Rep. Geraldine A. Ferraro, Feminists, Racist, Clintonistas), and the ((R-TX)Ron Paul Peaceniks), should PURGE THEMSELVES, from parties that no longer represent them.
The (18M) Ferraro Feminists Racist Clintonistas have stated over and over again that they would never vote for Obama, but would vote for the Presumptive Republican Nominee McCain first, and they feel betrayed by the (DNC) Democratic National Committee and Democratic Party. PURGE THEMSELVES TO THE NON-PARTISAN INDEPENDENTS VOTING BLOCK.
The Ron Paul Peaceniks have put themselves outside the (GOP) along with "Log Cabin" Republicans, neither group could or would support a "Clintonistas" Democratic Party, once again PURGE THEMSELVES TO THE NON-PARTISAN INDEPENDENT VOTING BLOCK.
Tommy you can't see the forest for the trees, its about total dis-satisfaction with the entire politican system of two party grid lock, and the movement toward a THREE PARTY SYSTEM, much as the United Kingdom has.
With a Three Party System, grid lock is harder to achieve, as you can from an understanding with the third party.
In the end may of both the Clintonistas and Paul Peaceniks will turn Non-Partisan Independent.
Diana2:49PMJun 10th 2008
For those who still dare to hope for a Democratic Unity/Dream OBAMA/CLINTON '08 ticket, here's the link to a petition authored by Lanny Davis:
http://www.voteboth.com/petition
To Hillary supporters.....here's a link if you'd like to send her a 'thank you' e-card:
http://www.now.org/history/hillary-card.html
Jo in SoCal2:52PMJun 10th 2008
Tommy,
I wholeheartedly agree (as I suspect you knew I would) with your entire consensus. Although a VP possibility is never gonna happen for Paul from either side (he's too controversial for most Americans and he would never accept anyway. It sends a conflicting message to his supporters.), I do think it would be incredibly wise and courageous for Obama to use Dr. Paul's vast knowledge of economics to get this country back on track (although this is also highly improbable since Paul is a capitialist and Obama is a socialist).
Stay tuned for a documentary coming to theaters in August called I.O.U.S.A. which won some awards at the Sundance Film Festival. It's about the economy, the 9 trillion dollar debt and Ron Paul is in it. It should illustrate how bad off our country is as a result of the war spending. This will be just one more huge reason Obama needs to send a big Teleflora thank you bouquet to Ron Paul.
ANYBODY-BUT-OBAMA3:01PMJun 10th 2008
Obama was "SELECTED" --- not "elected".
Hillary never had a chance. Howard Dean and his back-room power brokers had already made their decision before Hillary's campaign even started. What I DON'T understand is WHY? One obvious answer is Pelosi wants to be the first “female” president, so she, Dean, Reid, Kennedy, Kerry, Carter and the other big-wigs got together and stabbed Hillary in the back.
The Democrats had a shoe-in with Hillary Clinton, which is why the Republicans didn't make an effort to find a qualified candidate this year.
We now have TWO "unelectable" candidates running against each other, except ONE of them will have to be our President.
McCain is more electable than Obama. McCain has way more experience. He is honest and trustworthy. Obama has based his entire campaign on lies. Read his books.
McCain 2008! Hillary 2012!
JOHN3:13PMJun 10th 2008
During a Michelle Obama appearance at Carnegie Mellon University, the school paper The Tartan reported the attention-getting phrase:
The Tartan's correspondents observed one event coordinator say to another, "Get me more white people, we need more white people." To an Asian girl sitting in the back row, one coordinator said, "We're moving you, sorry. It's going to look so pretty, though."
"I didn't know they would say, 'We need a white person here,' " said attendee and senior psychology major Shayna Watson, who sat in the crowd behind Mrs. Obama. "I understood they would want a show of diversity, but to pick up people and to reseat them, I didn't know it would be so outright."
OhReally3:19PMJun 10th 2008
Diana...No to the petition. Why on earth should Hillary save BO's skinny little ass.
Democratic Congress/Republican President
tfitz10173:20PMJun 10th 2008
What a thought provoking subject but I think Pauls role can remain in the house with an understanding that his opinion would carry some weight and he would then be an obvious liaison to communicate with house republicans. However many are left.
Paul as AG would be awkward, surgeon general obviously not. As much as I admire dr paul it goes right down the line here as far as possible posts and obvious problems. Remamber how much Andrew Young embarrassed Jimmy Carter? Can't have somebody with their own agenda.
On the other hand, any politician who ignores this movement does so at their own risk. It's possible that it might shed it's crazy right libertarians and move towards a compassionate 'constitutionalist' center with a small gov;t, non interventionist refuge for the classic conservative. I'd personally like to see that.
Hillary20123:24PMJun 10th 2008
No way will I vote for Obama!!! McCain will be getting my vote in the General Election. That way Hillary can run again as soon as possible!
HILLARY 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tfitz10173:29PMJun 10th 2008
DL, have you ever considered how dangerous a true three party political landscape would be? A radical minority would have a real shot at a legal coup d'etat(as opposed to an illegal coupe de ville?). We'd need to move to a parliamentary system.
jpgoodrow3:30PMJun 10th 2008
THE VERY FIRST THING OUT OF OBAMA HUSSEIN'S MOUTH IS HIGHER TAXES and a time America cannot even pay for gas or a roof over our heads...
But then again how else could he pay for the SIX TRILLION DOLLARS worth of promises he traded for votes?
DEMS -4- MCCAIN '08
America Needs A President, Not More Taxes
D. L. GRAHAM3:58PMJun 10th 2008
THE (VP) MILITARY OPTION!
1) Clark, Wesley: Gen. Joint Chiefs of Staff United States Army.
2) Danzig, Richard: Sec. Nav.
3) Gration, Scott: Maj. General
4) Jones, James: Gen. (NATO) North Atlanic Treaty Organization, Supreme Allied Commander.
5) Sheldon, Hugh: Gen.
6) McPeak, Tony: United States Air Force Chief of Staff
7) Webb, Jim: Sec. Nav.
The Selection of a Miliarty opion would end all party internal "Clintonistas" objections as the selection would be of a neutral party. Military would trump gender and provide an off-set to the (R-AR) Presumptive Nominee's John Sydney McCain III, heroic military service.
This would also end a "Clintonistas" government in waiting and exile, within the (VP)
Henry4:02PMJun 10th 2008
pgoodrow
You do not have to worry about paying taxes. You have no job.
D. L. GRAHAM4:08PMJun 10th 2008
TO: tfitz 10173:29PMJun 10th 2008
FM: D. L. GRAHAM
TFITZ: DL, have you ever considered how dangerous a true three party political landscape would be?
REPLY: Yes, but it's the only way to stop the grid lock without going either all Democratic or (GOP) "OUR WAY OR THE HIGHWAY".
TFITZ: A radical minority would have a real shot at a legal coup d'etat(as opposed to an illegal coupe de ville?).
REPLY: That is the major problem with a Three Party System.
TFITZ: We'd need to move to a parliamentary system.
REPLY: Most government's use the parliamentary system, and it seems our process is moving in that direction, how many now have (I) for Independent before their Party designation? Not only in the Senate, but now City Mayors (I) Mike Bloomberg?
And, what is the largest voting group in the United States? Non-Partisan Independents.
I have not only taught about it but have been seeing our system of government moving each day in that direction, it's out of gridlock or into a working three party system.
Diana4:16PMJun 10th 2008
OhReally 3:19PM Jun 10th 2008
Diana...No to the petition. Why on earth should Hillary save BO's skinny little ass.
Democratic Congress/Republican President
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, what's the alternative? Having old white men tell you what to do with your own (or your daughter's)body? Continuing the Bush tax cuts? Not getting the hell out of Iraq in the foreseable future? No federal funding for stem cell research? I could go on and on...Wouldn't you rather have our Hillary looking over his shoulder, having some influence over him and implementing a closer version to her own universal health care plan? Don't you believe that Hillary's platform is much more in line with Obama's than with McSame's? Do you resent & despise him so much that you will be willing to sacrifice a Supreme Court Justice, as the next appointment will certainly tip the scales? Really, Oh Really?! I'm just hoping that cooler and more rational heads will prevail come November.....and I thought I was stubborn (German). Geesh!
bonbon4:31PMJun 10th 2008
won't matter who he picks I nor my family and many of my many friends will not vote for Obama.
ANYBODY-BUT-OBAMA4:39PMJun 10th 2008
THE "PEOPLE" IN FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN DID NOT BREAK ANY RULES --- A FEW "POLITICIANS" DID. OBAMA GOT ANOTHER FREE RIDE!
Obama was "SELECTED" --- not "elected".
Hillary never had a chance. Howard Dean and his back-room power brokers had already made their decision before Hillary's campaign even started. What I DON'T understand is WHY? One obvious answer is Pelosi wants to be the first “female” president, so she, Dean, Reid, Kennedy, Kerry, Carter and the other big-wigs got together and stabbed Hillary in the back.
The Democrats had a shoe-in with Hillary Clinton, which is why the Republicans didn't make an effort to find a qualified candidate this year.
We now have TWO "unelectable" candidates running against each other, except ONE of them will have to be our President.
McCain is more electable than Obama. McCain has way more experience. He is honest and trustworthy. Obama has based his entire campaign on lies. Read his books.
McCain 2008! Hillary 2012!
Truth Detector4:43PMJun 10th 2008
I _______________ pledge to transfer my support from Hillary Clinton to John McCain. I agree to do all I can do to get McCain the vote. In order to achieve this noble goal I promise to support McCain's...
fight to overturn Roe v. Wade and my right to choose.
fight against equal pay for men and women.
opposition to providing low-income and uninsured women and families with health care services ranging from breast and cervical cancer screening to birth control.
opposition to sex education and support of abstinence-only education.
making birth control covered by insurance.
endorsement of women's rights more "in theory" than in practice.
pet name for his wife.
As a woman I promise to apply McCain's principles to my own life and vow to...
call myself and my female friends the C word.
picket abortion clinics.
not use contraceptives.
drink bleach so I don't catch HIV and drink Mountain due so I don't get pregnant.
give back part of my salary to male coworkers.
not vote, but pursue education and encourage my father/husband/brother male friends to vote for McCain.
Once McCain is elected, I will continue to support him and I will not complain about my losing my right to choose, and other reproductive freedoms. And I will continue to refrain from pursuing equality for women.
Signature ____________
Wish Belkin4:43PMJun 10th 2008
Tommy, grasping at straws? lol
Ron Paul for President !! (write it in)
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OhReally2:26PMJun 10th 2008
More garbage TC?