The American Spectator : Election Deceptions

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Election Deceptions

By Lisa Fabrizio on 1.18.12 @ 6:07AM

It’s easy to spot media-planted efforts to ease their man Obama’s way to reelection.

As often happens in our quadrennial game of presidential pursuit, certain assumptions become accepted by the political cognoscenti by virtue of their very existence. These notions leap into the realm of established public opinion, although they are often posited by the left and should therefore be subject to the strictest scrutiny; but sadly this is not generally the case.

Conservatives frequently complain that our presidential candidates are chosen by the media for us but give little thought to how this is actually possible. It is, and has been for decades, the modus operandi of the media to work hard to predispose the attitudes of voters toward their candidate by planting the seeds of doubt about the chances of his opponents. It is also their wont to make sure that, once entrenched in the minds of an otherwise disinterested and uniformed electorate, their propaganda takes hold as if it were fact: the dreaded “everybody knows it” syndrome. Once established, it is easy for even the most ardent citizen to lose interest, roll over and play dead.

But sometimes a leftist can unintentionally provide an insight which helps prove that, at least in election years, truth can indeed be stranger than fiction. One of the most entertaining is this missive from sometime documentarian Michael Moore, who warns Barack Obama that, “There are enough pissed off people that will go somewhere else” if he doesn’t stop taking money from Wall Street. He cautions that the intrepid supporters who manned the phone banks and went door to door for Obama in 2008 might not be back unless he cleans up his act.

But where might they go? This brings me to the first cracked nugget of 2012 political wisdom: that, should Ron Paul decide to run as an Independent, it will be a disaster for the GOP, as he will siphon many votes away from whoever the Republican candidate might be. This is undoubtedly true, yet no one seems to admit to the possibility that a Paul candidacy might also hurt Barack Obama. So maybe Mr. Moore was on the right track, seeing that most of those hope-and-changlings from ‘08 were college kids and other such dreamers with stars in their eyes.

The point is, that there are such voters in both parties who are sometimes kindly referred to as libertarians. But although this is a broad term with a big tent—encompassing views from Constitutionalism to Socialism to anarchy — the folks on the left I’m talking about are mostly either young college dopes or old hippie dopers. And a guy like Ron Paul can draw them all in like a crotchety pied piper.

This wouldn’t be the first time that the magnetism of a renegade candidate attracted those who would normally be on opposite sides of a campaign. Back in 1964, another crusty, charismatic crusader emerged on the presidential horizon. His name was Barry Goldwater; a man regarded by some as the father of modern conservatism, yet who had the support of many young people who were future leftists, including most notably, Hillary Clinton, who said of him: “I liked Senator Goldwater because he was a rugged individualist who swam against the political tide.” Sound like anyone currently running for president? So an Independent effort by Paul will not only attract some on the far right, but will also appeal to Moore’s fellow purveyors of anti-war pixie dust.

The other conventional wisdom being bandied about, is that the Bain flap and other attacks on Mitt Romney will be much worse “once he goes against Obama”; that we ain’t seen nothin’ yet. I fail to see how much worse it can get when right now he’s got four guys stabbing him in the back while the media is already giving him the shiv in the front. No, this shibboleth is another invention of the left to further plant in the mind of American voters the inevitability of a second Obama term, and to encourage his fellow Republicans to do their work for them, in the name of toughening him up. This ruse has the added benefit of creating sound bites to be used against them when all the present candidates coalesce behind the eventual nominee.

Now, I’m not the biggest Romney fan in the world, but I was present at CPAC in 2008 when he announced he was dropping out of the race. I remember the applause when Laura Ingraham introduced him as “the conservatives’ conservative” and the palpable shock and dismay in the room when his speech ended and the crowd realized he was gone. And while it’s true that, when compared to John McCain, that reaction is more understandable, nevertheless, many conservatives were crushed when he quit; ultimately delivering Barack Obama on a silver platter to the nation. This grudging longing for Romney is sure to return when conservatives realize that it may be inevitable that he is their only bulwark against four more years of Obama.

Hard truths, but there it is. Again, he is not my favorite candidate, but make no mistake about it: no matter what they say, it is Romney that the left fears most, and their mouthpieces in the press are doing all they can to take him out now. A Google search on “Bain” and “Washington Post” should tell you all you need to know about the media’s desire to end the Romney candidacy.

So, don’t buy into the scare tactics about Ron Paul hurting only the GOP or the canard that the media is in any way holding its fire on Romney, and that when he gets the nomination—if indeed he does—they will ramp up the attacks even more. No, once the nomination is secured they will be too busy playing defense; and their guy is going to need plenty of it.

About the Author

Lisa Fabrizio is a columnist who hails from Connecticut (mailbox@lisafab.com).

Letter to the Editor View all comments (97) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Michael Tomlinson| 1.18.12 @ 6:23AM

Considering much of Paul's support in Iowa and New Hampshire was made up of "last minute Republicans" (i.e., Democrats and liberals) it is highly likely a third party run by the failed anti-Reagan Libertarian presidential candidate would not hurt the GOP. But if a Ron "Serfs Fly Coach" Paul’s third party run reelected Barack Obama Rand Paul would be a beneficiary of the fallout and his one term in the Senate would be insignificant. That’s the big question for egomaniac Ron “Worship Me” Paul – does he want to destroy his son’s political future on a sure to fail ego stroking third party run? Even more interesting would Rand have the guts to disavow his gov’t pork addicted DC insider father if he ran as a failed third party loser?

Jay| 1.18.12 @ 6:26AM

“Ron Paul’s 2012 campaign is embroiled in another ‘scandal.’ This time, it stems from an Associated Press report that stated Paul spent money on first class tickets for 31 round-trips and 12 one-way flights since May 2009.

“Paul was flying between Washington and his district in Texas.

“This article became widely cited and the general tone is that Paul, a fiscal conservative, is hypocritical by spending taxpayer money to fly first class.

“But is Paul really a big spender of taxpayer money?

“Paul supporters like to point out that his House office runs a budget surplus and returns unspent office funds to the U.S. Treasury. These funds are then used to pay down the U.S. national debt.

‘Since my first year in Congress I have managed my office in a frugal manner, instructing staff to provide the greatest possible service to the people of the 14th District at the least possible cost to taxpayers,’ stated Paul.

“But how does Paul’s spending compare with other members of Congress?

“I went to the Sunlight Foundation’s House Expenditure Reports Database and downloaded its report for the 2010 calendar year.

“In that year, Paul spent $56,000 on travel expenses, which makes him the 178th biggest travel spender in Congress. In contrast, the top spender on travel, Don Young, R-Alaska, dropped $234,000.

“As for overall spending (the Sunlight Foundation includes the categories of franked mail, personnel compensation, travel, rent, printing, supplies, equipment and other services), Paul shelled out $1.37 million, which places him 232nd.

“This compares to the $1.66 million spent by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, R-Calif., the top overall spender for 2010.

“Paul’s spending as a congressman, therefore, seems middle-of-the-pack – not scandalous – as some articles are implying.”

Source: Ron Paul 2012: About Those First Class Flights..., by Hao Li, International Business Times, 16 Jan 2012

Clint| 1.18.12 @ 6:36AM

"Poll: Ron Paul, Mitt Romney Tied with Obama

A new poll finds President Obama in a virtual dead heat in theoretical head-to-head match-ups with Ron Paul and Mitt Romney.

The CNN/ORC International poll has Obama beating Paul by a slim 48%-46% margin, but add in the margin of error and it is basically tied. The same goes for Romney's 48%-47% lead over the president. The poll shows Obama easily beating the other Republican candidates.

If the economy doesn't pick up, Obama could have a major problem come November."

The Tea Party Rebellion Is In South Carolina.

Boar Hunter| 1.18.12 @ 12:57PM

Hey Clint!

I was wondering, what are the poll numbers concerning the percentage of the audience who tried to boo Ron Paul's ignorant ass off the stage during the last debate?

Ross Kaminsky | 1.18.12 @ 5:59PM

No serious person believes Ron Paul could be elected president. Have you seen his favorable/unfavorable numbers?

Al Adab| 1.18.12 @ 6:38PM

Operative word there Mr. K is "sane"; it does not apply to several of the names posting here.

Clint| 1.18.12 @ 8:32PM

" CBS Poll: Independents Prefer Ron Paul Vs Obama

In a head to head match up with incumbent President Barack Obama, the indie voter chooses Ron Paul, a CBS News poll suggested on Monday.

A total of 47% of independent voters said they would choose Ron Paul compared to 45% of independent voters choosing Mitt Romney against Obama, and 41% of independents saying they would choose Rick Santorum. If a Paul-Obama showdown were ever to take place, 47% of independent voters would vote for Paul, 81% republicans and 10% Democrats for a total of 45% of the vote. Obama would get just 40% of the independent vote in that contest, with 85% of the Democrats choosing Obama and 9% of Republicans choosing the President on election day in November. Obama would win the general election by a narrow one point margin if the election was held today between the two."

The Tea Party Rebellion Is In South Carolina.

The Bruce| 1.18.12 @ 10:18PM

Clint, your faith in poll numbers is disturbing. Were you not paying attention during Iowa or New Hampshire? And the "exit polls" were even more inaccurate than the standard polls.

I have far more faith in InTrade, where people invest real money on how they things will actually turn out, as opposed to how they want things to turn out.

Case in point, InTrade called the 2008 election (on election morning) right down to the vote percentage. Needless to say, I wasn't exactly surprised by Santorum's second-place showing in Iowa (thanks to you know who).

Purp| 1.18.12 @ 1:35PM

Ron Paul's first class trips were upgrades from economy, using frequent flyer points - so there was no additional cost above economy class. That's simple, but AP was wrong.

Mike| 1.19.12 @ 4:50PM

Not only was the AP article "wrong", it was purposely deceptive. So much for a "free press". All of these pundits are bought and paid for, by the same people that buy and pay for politicians like Obama and Romney. Guess what... Ron Paul is not for sale!

The Bruce| 1.18.12 @ 10:14PM

I think his "savings" in travel expenses is greatly offset by the billions in pork barrel projects he loads into bills -- bills he later votes against, knowing they'll pass anyway. In that respect, the man's a hypocrite.

Jack in Wi.| 1.18.12 @ 7:11AM

Rand should run as a 3rd party candidate. See my much longer essay below. He could put both corrupt paties back on their heels. Obamney and Rombama are the 2 peas from the same pod. The people want more then the worthless leadership put out by both parties for the last 50 years.

Dave | 1.18.12 @ 9:06AM

Introduction ...

Centuries ago in a not too distant past, who among the peaceful Eloi would have imagined having to choose a leader to defend their community against the evil Morlock from among a tiny group of volunteers who seemed to be losing their inner civility, while acting like Morlock's hordes as they were observed mimicking the hideous practice of eating their own?

Meanwhile, deeper within the cave, the fretful citizens grew restless, some worried, while others became resigned to what may be laying before them. As designated Eloi spoke-out in an attempt to calm the children and elders, the small community's village idiot slowly began his daily babble: GO THIRD PARTY, RON!"

Epilogue ...

In the end, should the village idiot see his babblings breach the light of day, the Eloi and their masses knew in their hearts that such a breach would cause the ultimate collapse of the community, while assuring the continued, tyrannic oppression of Morlock and his plundering hordes. But for now, the battle continues.

The End?

Boar Hunter| 1.18.12 @ 1:00PM

I love the Morlock imagery, I use it frequently myself.

Unfortunately, the retards your directing it to fail to grasp it's impact on them and the suicidal policies they support.

tonypal| 1.18.12 @ 5:57PM

The major problem with your premise is that Rand Paul is not nearly as moronic as you or your fellow Paulbots.

The Bruce| 1.18.12 @ 10:25PM

"The people want more then the worthless leadership put out by both parties for the last 50 years."

That may be true but let's say, strictly for the sake of argument, that he becomes president. Are the members of the Congress suddenly going to become Libertarian converts?

No the others won't become converts, because they (the D's and R's) will have no problem coming together (for once) to override every veto Paul dishes out.

William R| 1.18.12 @ 8:43AM

You've always been an idiot Tomlinson

http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the.....lawrence-o'donnell/46034360#46034360

JKS| 1.18.12 @ 9:15AM

And you prove you are a fool by citing msnbc and lawrence o'donnell for anything.

Boar Hunter| 1.18.12 @ 1:03PM

Ditto. If someone has to use the proven liars and admitted communist propagandist at the msnbc, well, I've already written more than it's worth to rebut.

Alan Brooks| 1.18.12 @ 10:52AM

"It's easy to spot media-planted efforts to ease their man Obama's way to reelection."

Thank God, if it will keep your McCains, Doles and Bushes out of office.

Alan Brooks| 1.18.12 @ 11:51AM

Something disturbing, though:
Palin endorsed Newt in SC; I thought she had more sense than that- have made jokes about her but she's a fine lady.

America is too old fashioned to elect a woman as POTUS:
"it was Eve who tempted Adam with the apple in the garden of Eden"

Boar Hunter| 1.18.12 @ 1:09PM

Hey Alan!

Boar Hunter here. Since you told me, "You'll be dead soon-an accident" I just thought I'd let you know I haven't had one yet. I'm going on my morning run now though so keep your fingers crossed, lol.

I was just wondering, do you still think Gingrich is cute? I saved a copy of what you wrote so if you forgot I can post it for you to refresh your memory.

Alan Brooks| 1.18.12 @ 3:30PM

Your accident is coming- be patient.
I think Newt is adorable, though I prefer the Shawn Cassidy type. Perhaps you're into Justin Bieber?
Well, aren't we all. Take a number.

Alan Brooks| 1.18.12 @ 3:32PM

My position on homosexuality is: all sex is disgusting.

Mike Hawk| 1.18.12 @ 8:00PM

I guess we don't have to worry about you mutiplying by reproducing young morons of your ilk. That is a good thing. End of the line.

RCV| 1.18.12 @ 3:44PM

What's Clint think of that? She was his "Tea-Party Co-Favorite"!

irish19| 1.18.12 @ 6:01PM

Ouch!! That's sure to leave a mark.

tonypal| 1.18.12 @ 5:58PM

Did you actually see the interview Alan? Did you hear her reasoning? It wasn't an endorsement, it was a call for more vetting of the candidates.

Dai Alanye | 1.18.12 @ 12:41PM

It is remarkable how many of today's RonPaul supporters voted for Obama last go. Each of them offers simplistic solutions to complex problems. "Hope and change" versus "close the Fed."

If only things were so easy.

aware| 1.18.12 @ 4:20PM

You are to the left of me, Bud. Way left. Talk about something you know about cause you are certainly ignorant about the Fed. You are the simpleton if you think you can ever have control over "government" when bankers control the money.

Let me guess, like the blowhard Republican Water Boy on the radio, you think all will be unicorns and fairies once the Blue Team Statist is replaced by a Red Team Statist, right? Been keeping up with how wonderful the Red Team is doing in the House since they took over?

Mike Hawk| 1.18.12 @ 8:17PM

P-A?? Is that you..... tring to be coherent. Didn't work. Go back to your room.

aware| 1.19.12 @ 5:15AM

"tring"....real genius ain't you. Go back to supporting your corrupt political masters, knave.

Clint| 1.18.12 @ 8:39PM

It's Remarkable How Many Israel Firsters Supported John McCain In The GOP Primaries.

We Are Being Set Up By The Israel Firster RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.

These Are The Israel Firster RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.

Now They Are Trying To Give Us RomneyCare,TARP, Cynical Flip-Flops On Abortion, Gays, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge, Illegal Immigrants, "Little Chain Saw Al" At Bain, Crony Capitalism Campaign Money Trail.....

The Tea Party Rebellion Is In South Carolina.

Mike| 1.19.12 @ 4:54PM

Don't forget that the NDAA was co-sponsored by the fascist McCain also...

Mark in LA| 1.18.12 @ 7:18PM

If Paul was able to see through Reagan and realize just how worthless he truely was, it's no wonder he was the only one who saw the housing bubble.

cvrgrl| 1.19.12 @ 2:23AM

MT, you made a great point that ensuing commentors fail to grasp and or expand...namely, a Ron Paul 3p run most likely hurts the gop and
Frabrizio's analysis is just wrong or wishful to the contrary

with paul in the 3p middle, romney is not our strongest candidate if you want to energize the conservative base; the surest way to gop victory is belief our guy can win

ron paul sucks enthusiasm on both ends, but hurts the gop most because he claims gop as his party, he leans mostly fiscal conservative, and he has status in the gop process; in large numbers libtards will never stomach voting for him

see the ballot future and be scared:

gop, romney
ind, paul
dem, odumbo

in this scenario, barry (betrayer of america and its capitalist origins) wins for lack of enthusiasm

people will turn out for a "rallying" candidate, not to avoid a candidate

Paul is dangerous to the future of America!

Pecos Pete| 1.18.12 @ 6:28AM

King O isn't wearing any clothes, regardless of what the MSM is telling us.

It is going to be an interesting year with the future of the USA hanging in the balance.

Timothy L. Pennell| 1.18.12 @ 11:01AM

Ya know? After Gingrich' performance in the last debate? I gotta tell ya. I don't see how he loses to Teleprompter Boy. I just don't.

I think that, the way he handled himself, and they way he put down the "Leading" questions, (like the ones from Juan Williams) with CONSERVATIVE Solutions, and with NO APOLOGIES, makes clear, who our Nominee should be.

Romney just reminds me of Boehner and McConnell, and Lugar, and (Choose any Moderate Milk Sop Republican).

He answers every question, like it's a Daily Double on Jeopardy. Hesitantly. Carefully, and with a nervous Smile and Laugh. He's too Practiced, for my tastes.

But. Newt's not a Conservative!

Really? Cause I thought he sounded pretty Conservative, in that debate. And he didn't Hesitate. And, he didn't have to PAUSE, and think of an answer. It was there, on the tip of his tongue.

is ANYONE Conservative, all of the time? Is anyone a Christian, all of the time? Or, do we backslide? Do we make Mistakes? Do we tell white lies, and sometimes do things that we shouldn't?

I'm endorsing Newt. I think that he is Best equipped to go in to Battle, against a man who has only ONE Weapon. His Mouth.

I think that Gingrich kicks his *SS. Cause he's got more, than just a Mouth. He's got the TRUTH on his side. And we could use some Truth.

Imagine, if the Media had done their job, and told the TRUTH, at the beginning. Imagine if they told the Truth, NOW.

I'm just saying.

Purp| 1.18.12 @ 1:44PM

yeah, Newt can't be a religious conservative while your boinking his latest bimbo-to-be-wife. Now that he is "old" , he won't be boinking anyone else - riiiiight.
Newt Gingrich was thrown out on his ear, by his own party for cripes sake when he was Speaker of the House.
He's cozied up to Freddie and Fannie and made millions off that lobbying (I mean "historical information" ) effort.
He was for the individual mandate, cap & trade and sees nothing wrong with criticizing free markets and capitalism, when it's to his advantage.
He's a conservative? More like a snake-in-the-grass - but I do hope he wins. The fireworks would be fun, but up against squeaky clean, high moral character and family man, President Barack Obama, Gingrich will fade like a 2-watt bulb past it's time. He's a has-been, but b-r-i-n-g h-i-m o-n. LMAO

Mark in LA| 1.18.12 @ 7:21PM

Why do incredibly stupid people keep thinking that "winning the debates" will mean anything. The Republicans can't win if they don't get independents and some Democrats that don't like where Obama as taken us. None of those people will vote for Gingrich no matter how well he does his debates.

Alan Brooks| 1.18.12 @ 11:53AM

"It is going to be an interesting year with the future of the USA hanging in the balance."

It has been hanging in the balance since 1/21/1989

Boar Hunter| 1.18.12 @ 2:20PM

Boar Hunter| 1.18.12 @ 12:15PM

My dearest Alan;

Concerning your response to my remarks yesterday. I wanted to sincerely thank you for your post! I’m so sorry I was not up late enough to respond promptly to your “You'll be dead soon-an accident” comment.

OMG, thank you so much for that! I have not had such an excellent belly laugh in weeks! Sorry, I know it’s politically incorrect for me to find humor at the expense of those with diminished mental capacity, so I hope you’ll understand and forgive me.

Under normal circumstances, I would ask a “man” if he were predicting or planning, but given the evidence of your immaturity and idiocy, I could not help but envision the burglars from home alone.

I know that in deference to your ominous comment I should probably lock myself up and hide, but alas, you, or one of your evil minions would probably discover me because I will still be giggling about your death threat for days to come.

Although posting your sinister designs for my demise certainly falls under the category of intelligence I have come to expect from you, I am content knowing that your wishful thinking will have no affect my continued well being.

Thanks again for the laugh!

Mike Hawk| 1.18.12 @ 6:42AM

47% of the voters in the NH open primary were not Republicans, 53% of the Paulbot voters thought Obama was doing a good job. An open primary lets the opposition and kooks select the candidate. SC is an open primary. We haven't got to a closed primary state yet. Between that and the press, the so-called 'front runners' include an establishment liberal and an old crackpot.

Jack in Wi.| 1.18.12 @ 7:19AM

The Republican base vote is down to about 25% of the population and that is dying off fast. How do you think any Republican can be elected without a lot of those votes? The guy who attracks a lot of those votes of disaffected Democrats, Independents and young people is Ron Paul.That is why he is tied head to head against Obama in several polls. Vast majorities of the voters agree with him on ending the wars, ending all foreign aid, slashing government Depts and regulations, auditing the Fed, and a return of our civil liberites and the Constitution which guarentees them.

Dick Nome| 1.18.12 @ 10:09AM

Alan Brooks| 1.18.12 @ 10:54AM

Newt will someday be president- on Mars.

Dixie Pixie| 1.18.12 @ 6:41PM

No it was Al Gore, First Emperor of the Moon who mastered and rode the Great Sand Worms.
Futurama.

Newt was the Speaker of the House whose lunch was eaten by the Great Sand Worm, Bill Clinton.

Al Adab| 1.18.12 @ 9:01PM

Shai Halud, Irulan.

christopher manion | 1.18.12 @ 11:36AM

There's an interesting corollary here: a major pillar of the GOP during the Goldwater-Reagan generation comprised veterans of World War II and Korea and the following years up to those who were drafted to serve in Viet Nam.

That pillar is indeed dying off, alas. And the GOP has not gained a similar allegiance from Viet Nam-era veterans, far from it.

Now, Ron Paul garners more support from the active military than do all the other GOP candidates put together. So the military and the veterans of our own age are part of a seismic shift away from the establishment GOP.

Ms. Fabrizio also falls prey to one of the deceptions she so deplores (understandably, to be sure - it's the favored aroma of the age): that the only way Ron Paul might run in the general election is as a third-party candidate.

Shades of "Taft Can't Win," 15 elections later.

Ron Paul **can** win head-to-head with Obama. And Mitt? Unlikely. And, should he win, which Mitt will we get?

aware| 1.18.12 @ 4:26PM

Neocons are seeing the future and don't like it. Paul won't run 3rd party.

Clint| 1.18.12 @ 8:44PM

" CBS Poll: Independents Prefer Ron Paul Vs Obama

In a head to head match up with incumbent President Barack Obama, the indie voter chooses Ron Paul, a CBS News poll suggested on Monday.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is In South Carolina.

Granny Jan | 1.18.12 @ 6:43AM

This is the third great piece I've read in the last few hours on the Romney candidacy. Howie Carr, our conservative Boston talk radio host, has had a common sense approach to Romney who is a frequent guest. The callers are also being fair. They actually want to win. We rarely win in MA. Maybe you would have to be a MA Republican to understand.

Clint| 1.18.12 @ 7:59AM

We Are Being Set Up By The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.

These Are The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is In South Carolina.

Jack in Wi.| 1.18.12 @ 6:46AM

Ron Paul could not run as a 3rd party even if he wanted to. He has committed to running as a Republican. Therefore many states have ballot acess laws that forbid running on a 3rd party ticket in the same election cycle. Miss Fabrizio is right that Ron would get many disaffected Democrats, Independents, and young people to vote for him. Vast majorities of the population agree with him on ending the wars, ending all foreign aid, auditing the Fed, slashing the Federal budget, and ending the war on civil liberties. We want a return to the Constitution.

Just because Ron has said he wouldn't run for President on a 3rd party ticket, doesn't mean his son Rand should not run. The country is in such dire shape that we can't stand another 4 years of Obamney. If Rand would lead the Constitution Party ticket he would be able to get vast amounts of votes and possibly even win with aroud 40% of the vote just like Lincoln in 1860. I saw a poll that gave Ron Paul 21% of the vote against Romney and Obama. Romney gets about 31% in such a poll. Independents are now over 40% of the voters. Over 50% of voters in polling want a 3rd party choice. Vast groups of disaffected Democrats and Repubicans want something better the diasterous duo, Mitt and Barack. They are 2 peas in the same pod.

To those who say Rand would destroy his career by running 3rd party, I say so what. The chances of this country recovering under the worthless leadership given to us in the last 6 elections, make another choice necessary. When George Wallace ran in 1968, he didn't destroy his career as a Democrat. He was by far the biggest vote getter in the Democrat primaries for the 1972 elections, when he was gunned down by an attempted assassin. The same was true of Teddy Roosevelt in 1912 when he divided the Republicans. He was the leading candidate for the Republican nomination for 1920, when he died unexpectedly.

The country needs a true campaign on ideas, not more of the same. Rand and Ron for 2012.

Bob K.| 1.18.12 @ 10:54AM

Ron Paul-Rand Paul. Jack Kennedy-Ted Kennedy-Joseph Kennedy. George Bush the Elder-George Bush the Younger. Pat Brown-Moonbeam Brown. Hafez al-Assad-Bashar al-Assad. Kim Jong Il-Kim Jong Un. Mayor Daley I-Mayor Daley II. Nelson Rockefeller-Winthrop Rockefeller-Jay Rockefeller. Senator Albert Gore Sr.-Senator Albert Gore Jr. And on and on.

Too many people are looking for a political aristocracy by inheritance.

I'm tired of leadership by inheritance. Stupidity trickles down through the genes faster than smarts do.

john dubose| 1.18.12 @ 7:54AM

Although they do not have a great reputation, the Libertarian Party exists and it will put someone on the ballot who thinks a lot like Ron Paul. If it is not Ron Paul, that person will have only a small glamor factor.

But libertarian thinking voters of both the left and right will get to vote for someone who thinks like they do. That person will likely be a former governor with plenty of experience and the right temperment to be president Gary Johnson.

He will likely get left out of the debates and ignored by the MSM. That is the establishment at work. But an individual libertarian leaning voter standing before his conscience will still get to do what he thinks is right.

Moe Blotz| 1.18.12 @ 8:02AM

Whoever becomes the Republican Party nominee for president, he would do well to consider the ideas of Ron Paul when assembling the campaign 2012 platform. Your % and poll numbers add up to zero, Jack. The history of third party candidates you have cited above refutes your own argument that R &R would "attrack" sufficient support to blow out the established political parties in a national election.

irish19| 1.18.12 @ 6:16PM

"he would do well to consider the ideas of Ron Paul when assembling the campaign 2012 platform."
This is an excellent point. As many others have pointed out, Paul has some very good ideas on the domestic front. These would make very good planks in the Republican platform.

Jack in Wi.| 1.18.12 @ 8:14AM

Perot as leading in the polls when he dropped out the 1st time. Even if he didn't win he would force the 2 other parties to faint his way on the wars and other issues. There are way too many disatisfied people in this country. If there is ever going to be a true party of opposition instead of this one party play act, the time is now. The vast majority of people in this country want something better then what Obamney is offering. We need a real party of opposition.

Louis Jenkins| 1.18.12 @ 8:22AM

If its not enough already, we've got the newsmedia hovering over the question whether Ron Paul will run as a third party candidate. Why not? He's been there before. Who is really the choice? Romney, Newt, Santorum, Perry, Paul? So far there's not much to pick from. I like most of Paul's ideas, but national strategy has got me kind of worried. Bottom line: hold your nose and vote R this coming national election, and we'll still have Obama the next four years.

That said, we need to stack the deck against Obama in the House and Senate, that's were we will gain if at all.

Dick Nome| 1.18.12 @ 10:07AM

ROn Paul is a crackpot.

Wordmonger| 1.18.12 @ 10:48AM

Who is that, and when did he say it?

bill| 1.18.12 @ 9:19AM

MSNBC, CNN, Washington Post, and NY Times are "paid Obama re-election team."
Please Do Not Trust those media!

bill| 1.18.12 @ 9:19AM

MSNBC, CNN, Washington Post, and NY Times are "paid Obama re-election team."
Please Do Not Trust those media!

Dixie Pixie| 1.18.12 @ 3:51PM

Bill....Agreed.
Any guesses on how much are they getting paid and how?
They are not the type to do anything free.

Al Adab| 1.18.12 @ 4:22PM

Hi Dixie:
They will get paid with vast amounts of advertising dollars spent by the Obama campaign. A lot like GE was paid for their campaign "contributions" by a law mandating the use of their CFL product.

Dixie Pixie| 1.18.12 @ 5:48PM

Greetings Al.

Obama intends to raise over one billion dollars in campaign fund-raising.
The Republicans will raise nearly as much.
Add to that the State and Local races will raise as much or more to fund their races.
Most of that money will be spent on media buys, so the MSM will pocket 3 to 4 billion dollars in direct sales to the candidates campaigns.

Also consider “Politics” is America's largest spectator “sport” and is far larger than NASCAR, Football, Baseball and Basketball combined.
Best of all politicians provide their “services” for free, which means “Politics” are the MSM's major profit center.

Always remember, the Public does not pay for MSM content so the MSM is not beholding to the Public for accurate content.
All this adds up to is the MSM has no financial interest in reporting the “Truth” and a direct financial interest in reporting politicians lies.

Those little facts are by far, the largest unreported story the MSM will never tell.

Juan Jose Morales-Castillo | 1.18.12 @ 11:00AM

Back in 2008 Obaminable was overwhelmingly overestimated.
Let's not overestimate the Obombast again and underestimate whoever is the GOP candidate in 2012.

JimP| 1.18.12 @ 11:38AM

'It's easy to spot media-planted efforts to ease their man's way to election. The modus operandi of the media is to work hard to predispose the attitudes of voters toward their candidate by planting the seeds of doubt about the chances of his opponents.' Like this column apparently is attempting. We are told here that Romney isn't her guy, BUT it is Romney that the left fears most and the left is doing all they can to take him out now because if Romney gets the nomination he will go into full attack mode and that spells doom for Obama and the Dems know it. I for one find Lisa's arguments unconvincing and lacking in enough factual evidence to sway my opinion. This no doubt makes me a "Romney denialist" (from another blog's column). I'm just a sorehead in denial, blah, blah. Romney hasn't been examined the way Gingrich or Cain have for example. It's not even close. Romney has so far received a free ride in comparison: and as for Mitt being an pitbull on the attack, there is no evidence of this aspect of his personality in the debates or on the campaign trail. He'll need more than his super-PACs smear campaigns to win in my estimation.

martin j smith| 1.18.12 @ 1:23PM

The Republican Party is party of Crony Capitalism--that is say the Establishment Leadershit.
If Ron Paul runs as an in dependent( no such thing ) candidate it will verify at least form that the Republican Party is dead and there will be a ,desperate need for a viable opposition thru a third Party. Ron Paul I agree might well lead to Obama's re-election. If this does happen or if Romney is nominated and loses the Republican Party is finished. Does anyone disagree. ? And by the way I believe that Ron Paul's inclusion in the so called Republican primaries and the nomination process is a joke or fraud on the American people who want Obama defeated. Ron
Paul is closer to Obama than to anything that represents an anti_Socialist candidate. I am disgusted but I will vote against Obama except for Ron Paul. But I will not hold my breath for I have confidence at all for Republican Party Leadershit .

martin j smith| 1.18.12 @ 1:24PM

left out No Confidence in the Republican etc.

Purp| 1.18.12 @ 1:49PM

Excuse me, but wasn't Fixed News promoting the Tea Party and organizing their initial gatherings with celebrity speakers, etc. ? And, when did you ever hear President Obama promoted on Fixed News? or Rush Loudmouth? Laura the W.... Ingraham? the conservative media control of voters is alive and well - if not successful.
The article is useless demagoguery that "it's the media's fault". Anyone can turn the media off.

Dixie Pixie| 1.18.12 @ 6:09PM

Purp.....Fox News was just reporting on the TEA Party movement when the MSM was attempting to kill it by deliberately not reporting about TEA Party activity.
The MSM attempt was to deny the TEA Party media “Oxygen” so it could be killed by neglect.

The opposite was the OWS activity, in which the MSM hyped OWS to the max in the attempt to create a “Movement” or just the appearance of one.

Always remember, the MSM wants to be a “Player” in Politics not just reporting on it.

Purp| 1.18.12 @ 6:27PM

Are you for real? You really don't think Fixed News and Rupert Murdoch want more control and they aren't pushing a political agenda? Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich and on and on are commentators with their own show or did have - you don't see the raw political connection there? Seriously, you need to do some real thinking about this.

Dixie Pixie| 1.18.12 @ 6:52PM

Greetings Purp
Of course Hannity and O'Reilly are pushing their viewpoints.
What do you think the phrase “To Hannitize” means?

Fox News were the one who “broke the media ice” and now every MSM outlet is openly promoting their agendas.

Dixie Pixie| 1.18.12 @ 7:11PM

PS....Purp, see my 3:34 post below for further enlightenment.

cicero| 1.18.12 @ 3:11PM

First off, I don't think Miss Sarah actually endorsed Newt. She said she would vote for him in South Carolina in order to keep the primary alive and the and the debate gooing.
As to the Libertarians: in 1994, I had the honor of giving the keynote speach at the nominating convention of the Michigan Libertrian Party Convention, even though I wa not a Libertarian. I began by addressing that facct. I advised the group that the reason I was not one of them was because they were like the man who jumped out in the path of a speeding train - They made an impression, but not much of a difference. The idea was to get ON the train, get control of the brakes, stop it, and turn it around.
Newt has only this one, last chance to be on the top ticket. By the next time around, he will be too far past his prime. (He is as old as I am, for Pete's sake.) Perhaps it is time to start thinking of a Romney-Gingrich ticket. Wouldn't it be fun to watch a Gingrich-Biden debate?
Ron Paul will not run as a third party candidate. It would kill his son's political career in the Republican party, and he really doesn't want to win, anyway. He has been very successful dragging the Republican to the fiscal right over the course of the debates and the primaries. His foreign policy stance keeps him safely out of the way of the nomination. So stop worrying about it.

Dixie Pixie| 1.18.12 @ 3:34PM

The MSM must be giving thanks to Fox News.
The supposed right-wing reporting of Fox News gave the MSM the excuse to drop all pretense of objective reporting and openly propagandize in favor of Obama.

The most current and blatant example was the Andrew Sullivan article.

When reading it, ask yourself where is Obama's Great Depression caused by Obama's policies?
Where is the so called “Arab Spring” which turned into a Radical Jehadist takeover?
Where is Obama's explanation for depressing the Interest Rate so low that Inflation was sent skywards with the result that Bank Savings were obliterated because Inflation nullified any gain from the Interest Rate?
Where is the accountability of having less people employed now than in 2000 despite having tens of millions entering the population?

Expect nothing by self-serving gibberish and propaganda from the MSM.
Here is a copy of Andrew Sullivan's Newsweek article::::
http://www.thedailybeast.com/n.....itics.html

Ron| 1.18.12 @ 3:40PM

To you chuckleheads busting the chops of my congressman, Don Young...Of course he spends more on plane flights! It costs a hell of a lot more to fly down to the Lower 48. The roughly 2 hour flight to Seattle from Juneau costs about $369.00 one way, that is with a months' notice, and a two week stay at the other end. Again, one way only. During the summer, flying from Juneau, it is more like $1200.00 round trip.

Of course, not all of the congresscritters are like Nancy PewLousy and whistle up an Air Force jet and booze for trips...

We need to get focused on how to get things done, so that those flights do not need to be made, and start seriously chopping the crap out of the budget and none of this "trillion dollars in ten years" BS...it needs done, now!!!!!!

martin j smith| 1.18.12 @ 4:27PM

FOX NEWS is out. I no longer feel they are any more trustworthy than CNN that would be about zero. No--below zero.

martin j smith| 1.18.12 @ 4:31PM

The best we can do is to make clear that if Romney is the nominee --he does not have very strong support-in fact it is not he that I would vote for--it is the NOT Obama. I do not support Romney and in factI have not one I would support but I would prefer some one other than Romney. I hope some one gets into the race even at a late date.

Soljerblue| 1.18.12 @ 6:20PM

"a guy like Ron Paul can draw them all in like a crotchety pied piper."

More like fly paper.

Clint| 1.18.12 @ 8:46PM

" CBS Poll: Independents Prefer Ron Paul Vs Obama

In a head to head match up with incumbent President Barack Obama, the indie voter chooses Ron Paul, a CBS News poll suggested on Monday.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is In South Carolina.

rufus levin| 1.19.12 @ 1:49PM

....toilet paper.....he is an a-wipe.

rhortus| 1.18.12 @ 6:40PM

Do right and left exist anymore?
http://www.amazon.com/Leftism-.....005&sr=8-1

Dixie Pixie| 1.18.12 @ 7:22PM

Yes Retortus both still exist.
However the terms and the meanings of the terms have become so distorted through propaganda from all sides, the terms mean totally different things to different people.

For example, Huntsman and Romney both call themselves “Conservative” without hysterical giggling.

Matthew Quigley| 1.18.12 @ 8:35PM

So it comes down to this:

Is it better to destroy the USA as we know it by:

1) reelecting a narcissitic hater of the US who wants to make us a shari'a state?
or
2) electing a moron who is too stupid to realize that his foreign policy plan will get us killed?

We DO have another option:

3) One of the other canidates who, although not perfect, will most likely keep us intact as a nation and possibly bring down the debt and deficit.

Just something to think about.

Matthew Quigley| 1.18.12 @ 8:36PM

*narcissistic

I apologize for the spelling error.

Louis Nardozi | 1.18.12 @ 10:38PM

Why is it that EVERYONE can see the threat from Iran, a country which MIGHT get nuclear weapons in the next 10 years but would have to deliver their ONLY warhead using a steam powered wooden rocket? Even if they were to do so successfully, a first generation warhead could kill maybe 50,000 people, whereupon the entire surface of Iran would be converted to craters and molten slag.

Why is it those same people CANNOT see the national security implications of a 16 trillion dollar debt and 100 trillion in unfunded liabilities? There are at least three countries now that could, if they desired sell off enough T-Bills, Mortgage backed securities and other cash equivalents to cause a crash in the dollar – thereby effectively cutting off imports like oil and gas, without which our transportation infrastructure will crash.

Did you know supermarkets only keep about 3 days worth of food on hand? Imagine there’s no diesel available and all the trucks are idled for a few weeks. Can you spell national emergency and martial law?

Did you know the loss of manufacturing in the US has left us dependent upon foreign powers for vital raw and finished materials? It takes YEARS to open a mine or a factory due to federal regulations.

You need to vote for Ron Paul, but if you can’t do that then for heaven’s sake store a couple of months of dry food.

Vote Vertebrate – Ron Paul is the only choice consistent with the principles of self preservation. Think of your family.

aware| 1.19.12 @ 5:31AM

It is futile to warn them of the economic doom that is pending. They think such a thing can't happen. But it will, suddenly and for them "unexpectedly". They have victim tattooed all over them.

1ConservativeUSA| 1.19.12 @ 11:59AM

When Romney blushes because he made money at Bain Capital, or because he is paying 15% on his stock dividends and capital gains, he should, instead, say:

"Please note that the dividends I earned have also been taxed at the 35% corporate rate, and that the money used to generate capital gains has also been taxed at the 35% individual rate. So, it is not just a 15% tax on these earnings; its 50%. Throw in state income tax and the total tax rate exceeds 50%."

"Still, dividends and capitals gains are good, as they indicate success, and economic and investment growth. This results from a healthy economy, which means more jobs and prosperity for more people who choose to obtain marketable skills. My plan is to enable more Americans to participate in more growth, more investment, more dividends and more capital gains."

"Americans must get back to the business of business, hat tip to Calvin Coolidge. Despite what Barack Obama says, do not be ashamed to make money and grow wealthy. Improving yourself and your family's standing is the most noble use of your skills and your limited time on this earth."

"Finally, when Warren Buffet and Barack Obama tell you that they (and I) pay a lower tax rate than Buffet's secretary, please know that they are lying to you. They do this to cover up their real agenda, which is promoting a Nanny State mentality, and to cover up our real problem, profligate government spending. I will expose this lie from now until Barack Obama is defeated in November!"

"Thank you, and may God's grace bless the United States of America."

If Mitt were to say this, then he has my vote.

JJ Swiontek| 1.19.12 @ 12:28PM

How about Romney/Paul for 2012?

Bob Armstrong | 1.19.12 @ 2:55PM

Ron Paul does not need to run as a 3rd party . Gary Johnson with essentially the same freedom message will almost certainly be the Libertarian Party candidate in all 50 states .

Those of us who can't vote for yet another big government vassal sacrificing ever more of our men and wealth and safety and prestige to the segregationist zionist state they pledge absolute allegiance to will vote Libertarian ensuring Romney's defeat .

Another 4 years of overt rather than crypto- statism is minor considering the decades it has taken to reach the current level of understanding by the populace of the dead end of statism in this peer to peer connected age .

1389AD | 1.22.12 @ 10:51PM

Who are you kidding? Mitt Romney is no conservative. He's nothing but a corrupt politician whose only interest is self-aggrandizement.

http://1389blog.com/2012/01/22.....s-corrupt/

topeka| 1.23.12 @ 5:13PM

Oh brother...

The comments are all about Ron Paul...

If you really want Mr. Paul to win the nomination, you ought to stop with the name-calling, conspiracy kool-aid theories, and the bigoted remarks.

These statements, if not tempered before the election will torpedo any Paul Campaign for POTUS.

Now, I don't think Paul is running for POTUS - I think he is running to secure the most useless Liberal-lite nominee for the RINO establishment. This may not be his subjective intention, but it is his objective objective. If he runs third party, we will see that his intent was to re-elect "O" all along.

Just sayin...

N. W. Holston| 1.24.12 @ 2:31PM

The reason Romney is indeed the most viable candidate the Republicans could nominate is that the Mittster, if you strip off all the masks he has assumed to curry favor with the GOP's paranoid, xenophobic base, is the most like President Obama: smart, rational, moderate. That's obviously why the President's re-election team wants Gingrich or Santorum or Yosemite Sam -- anybody but Mitt -- to get the nomination. But it's also the major reason why the paranoid, xenophobic base can't stand him. You know what's the worst thing the Left could say about Romney? "Well, if we had our druthers, we'd re-elect the President, but Romney, we could live with."