That Ron Paul Thing

Depending on who you ask, Ron Paul is either a minor blip on the Republican radar or a force with the capability to derail both our state nominating convention and the presidential race (at least as far as Republicans are concerned.) Paul runs for the Republican nomination on ideas of isolationism and staunch economic libertarianism. His supporters tend to show tremendous zeal and uncompromising enthusiasm for their man and his stands.

Count me as one not worried. Ron Paul's ideas sound like the platform of James A. Garfield or some other GOP nominee from over a hundred yeas ago. Less government and less regulation I can support to an extent. However the Great Depression proved that free trade is essential to maintaining prosperity and security for America in the world. Paul's supporters want to return to the old "Fortress America" concept of isolation. Who would they rather guide the affairs of the world? Russia? China? In an age of ICBMs and terrorists, America will never be safe in an isolated cocoon. The evil doers of the world hate the example of freedom we set. No amount of non involvement would save us.

Paul does have zealous supporters and gained a strong foothold in West Virginia's state Republican presidential convention. However, as Gary Abernathy points out, the declared delegates are all Paul will get. Paul's supporters will not go uncommitted. It is unlikely that more than a small handful of uncommitted will choose a non mainstream candidate except as perhaps a protest vote. Republicans do not tend to protest.

Nationally some worry about Paul forming a third party and siphoning votes from the GOP nominee. The fact is that someone like Paul runs in every presidential election and that party has remained in existence a very long time. The Libertarians are not, as some put it "Republicans that smoke pot," but they do share values with free market GOPers. At the end of the day, as usual, many Libertarians will choose what they see as the lesser of two evils. They will vote against Big Government Hillary.

Paul does have committed and hard working supporters. They have effectively marketed him in the new media. Over time mainstream candidates in both major parties will study Paul's campaign and try to emulate the positive features. However, Paul's campaign (if indeed he does move to a third party candidacy) will likely not pose a strong threat to Republican chances IF the nominee can charismatically and effectively stand behind true GOP principles this spring, summer, and fall.