First of all, I have to say I am a Ron Paul supporter. Wholeheartedly. Did you see him on Leno last night? I hope you did - because it was a nice surprise to see him finally get a fair shake: Jay brought some attention to the fact that Dr. Paul has been snubbed by FoxNews without good reason, and Jay also allowed Dr. Paul to clarify a couple of things being said about him.
Hopefully, more people will hear about him and they’ll like him. If that happens, they won’t like him for an idiotic reason, such as his race, his looks, his sex, or his party affiliation. They’ll like him (i.e. support him) for better reasons.
I like Ron Paul for a few (good) reasons. I’m not a political analyst and I’m not a political science super-genius, but I consider myself a good judge of character and I am a believer in justice as well as a guy who wants what’s best for my country. (Oh yeah and I’m a guy who is open to others’ opinions, which means I’m not blindly loyal to a political party.)
So why do people like Ron Paul? If most Paul supporters think the way I think, there will be a few basic criteria. Here are my quick reasons for liking Ron Paul:
- He is honest and open. How do I know that? Well…it might sound foolish, but you can just tell by listening to him and watching him. He’s a person who looks honest and who looks like he has nothing to hide. But let’s say you need evidence that he’s open and honest: in that case, do a little Googling (and YouTube-ing) and you’ll find that he really IS exactly who he says he is - he’s consistent, he’s been very plain and open, and there’s no evidence he’s been hiding things from the American people.
Now, contrast that with the other top five candidates in both parties. Tell me of who else this can be said. So yeah, I like Ron Paul because essentially I feel I can trust him to tell me the truth. - He shows wisdom coupled with character. I’ll not get into specifics (again just Google and read for yourself) but the guy is not only smart (that’s one thing) but he’s wise. (There’s a difference by the way. Intelligence can be exclusive of wisdom.) He reminds me of a lot of older people I’ve known in my life who just…know stuff. Older people know stuff because they’ve lived longer, done more, made more mistakes, observed more things, and experienced more events than us young folks. So they’re worth listening to. But listening to him speak about issues such as health care, the economy, the war, and our national debt has shown me that not only does he understand the issues at stake but he understands them with greater depth than I’ve seen from the other candidates. Is it because he better understands the principles behind the way things work? Is it because he’s being truthful, while they are not? No, those aren’t necessarily the reasons. I think what he says rings more true because he has solutions that aren’t always easy. That’s where the character comes in: instead of telling me everything is just gonna be all right, he tells me I’m gonna have to buckle down and get out of debt and we can’t just keep printing worthless paper money. (Am I just crazy, or isn’t that actually the right thing to do???) He seems to think he has some kind of….responsibility to me, as well.
- He doesn’t just follow the crowd. He doesn’t seem to be the kinda guy that can easily be fooled. He doesn’t go with the latest winds of change. No, he is a person who consistently abides by set principles. When he makes a decision, he gives solid reasons for doing so (reasons you can understand when he’s done talking, by the way). He holds unpopular positions when the situation calls for it, whether the vast sea of sheeple oppose him or not (our awesomely successful war in Iraq comes to mind as well as those heartwarming Patriot Acts). It’s not that he’s a “maverick” or a “rebel” that I like about Ron Paul - it’s the fact that he’s willing to fight for the right thing even it is means he has to stand alone. Isn’t that what LEADERS are supposed to do?
- He represents my interests. He’s not a Washington career politician who’s on the payroll of the lobbyists - right now Google the terms “ron paul lobbyists” and see what you get? If you don’t read some of those excellent articles just look at the headlines and you get the message right away: “Why Lobbyists Hate Ron Paul”, “DC Lobbyists Can’t Stand Ron Paul”. Sentences like “lobbyists don’t even bother to visit his office anymore” make me smile. Charts like this make me trust the guy more. So if he’s not busy taking handouts, what’s he doing? Well, he’s always talking about stuff like a “free society“, “liberty“, “individual rights“, and keeping government in check. It almost sounds like he’s still one of “us” - a regular American who wants what’s best for his family and country - and not a DC Robot who no longer cares about us common folks. (Hmmm…) Maybe it’s because he values our Constitution and is aware enough to realize that once our Constitution is done away with, so are we. Heck, when I read what this guy stands for I know he’s actually doing his job.
Is he a politician who’s trying to impress people? Is he a politician who, when asked a question, just talks and talks - without ever actually answering the question? Is he a slick performer who’s all sizzle (and no steak)? There’s ample evidence that he’s NOT that guy. He’s the guy we all want to have, and the guy the Average American will think he’s getting (regardless of who Average American votes for).
No one wants the “slick politician”. Everyone wants the leader who will do what’s right and actually help our nation. And overwhelmingly, that’s the leader I see when I examine Dr. Paul - genuine, good person who will be a strong leader and do what is right.
And that’s why people like Ron Paul.
Stumble it!
I’ve heard so much about Ron Paul. He seems to be a fine person and I would vote for him if I am American.
I’m sure this post will create buzz for your blog as most Ron Paul supporters are dying to digg and reddit these kinds of publicity.
Happy blogging!
The democrats are for the poor, the republicans are for the rich and it sounds like Ron Paul might be for the rest of us. I hope! I am tired of being unrepresented in DC.
I ‘ve read your posts before…just never commented on them because i am not an American. But if you ask me i will go for Hillary
I would add to your article that Ron Paul has been a congressman for ten years and has an immaculate voting record. He has always voted for bills that were strictly constitutional, so when you read about a vote in congress that goes something like 412 – 1, odds are pretty good that the sole “no” is from Ron Paul.
So for these last thirty years, Ron Paul has been the little voice in congress representing the people. Sadly today, there is a complete media blackout on Ron Paul’s presidential candidacy. You won’t hear CNN or FOX talk about him, even though he is breaking all sorts of fund raising records and has more support than Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson.
I will be honest with you, I am Canadian, and if I had the opportunity, I would vote for Ron Paul.
I am definitely voting for him. The other Republican candidates are flaky and weak. Hillary and Obama are power-hungy politicians. I can’t, with a good conscience, vote for anyone else.
Yeah, Ron Paul is rather venerable. We should have more politicians like him.
The Sad thing is with how the media tries to silence any news about him, it is going to be next to impossible for him to get elected.
The guy comes in second place in Nevada yesterday and not a word. I heard more about Gulianni who came in dead last.
People love Ron Paul, the MSM, however, does not. As Vegas Guy mentioned, when he came in second place, not a word. “Mitt Romney is currently in first, with McCain and Huckabee duking it out for third.”
I love that he’s never taken a corporate handout. I think the main problem with our government (and the reason why we’re not a true free market society) is because of the corporate influence that convinces (more like bribes) our politicians into creating laws that favor monopolist corporations and sell out the American people.
when you read about a vote in congress that goes something like 412 – 1, odds are pretty good that the sole “no” is from Ron Paul
That’s exactly why I wouldn’t want Ron Paul. What are the odds of him being the only one right out of 413 legislators.
In 1999, he was the only naysayer in a 424-1 vote in favor of casting a medal to honor Rosa Parks. Nothing against Rosa Parks: Paul voted against similar medals for Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II.
Why would he vote against something like this you say? Why not learn it from his own words! Watch this youtube video as he explains http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVwuYKGIn38 with Wolf Blitzer on CNN. It is at 5:30 minutes into the interview.
Well Ron Paul gives me honesty, something i don’t see in the other politicians. And i also know how hard his family work to support him, which tells me they believe in him a lot. I do to.
Regards Andrew
Ron Paul is just a very likable guy and seems like he actually stands for something other than a political agenda.
I think he is nice:)
Why is it the guy that would probably do the job right is always such a long shot? Ron Paul could be a great president but he isn’t breaking a stereotype so unfortunately most people won’t look at him twice.
Wow im so sick of the brainwashed sheeple. He has no mass appeal?!? wtf hes won tons of polls, raised more money than any repub (w/o corporate funding that is) and he almost won the nevada couscous.
Great article. I think in the coming years that more Americans will look for politicians like Ron. I think eventually we will want to take all the power away from the government and rely more on what the people want. I hope to see more people like him running in the future.
Cheer.s
I also hear good stuff about Ron Stuff. By the way this is a great article.
Well they must not like him too much as there is absolutely no way that he can win? I do have to admit I have been impressed with his ability to spark people online though.
One other point to make is that although Ron Paul has some tremendous ideas he’s been orphaned by the major parties. With the money supply cut it’s a long road for him.
Who the f**k is Ron Paul ?
I actually liked the policies that he wants to implement. Doesn’t appear he’ll be president anytime soon, but here’s to hoping.
Too bad he dropped out, he had a solid backing and could have went further than he did. However, I don’t like him for a lot of reasons, I was backing Mike Gravel, who went third party and am also leaning more towards Obama.
Ron Paul is a great guy, humble and honest. He should get more exposure like in Leno. My vote is totally to him. Ron for President!
I agree, why cant an average working class American run for president. He would have my vote
Judging from the comments, Ron Paul has a vast network of supporters! Apparently he should try again in 2012!
I think it boils down to you know his words are his own. No other candidate is as certain about their “stances” as Ron Paul is. Any other candidate could flip flop in a minute once they get to the White House, but you know Ron Paul wouldn’t.
ron paul!
lol I don’t know but he sucks… OBAMA FTW!
I didn’t knew much things about Ron Paul until I’ve read your post. It looks that a really nice person
I never really had any interest in Ron Paul’s platform however the points you bring up seem to be pretty valid. I will have to check him out in a little more depth.
I think that Ron Paul is a born leader. And he have a very great personality and he have the rigth skills to solve problems.
Ok, I love how everyone sheepishly posted “Ron Paul is a born leader.” If this were true, why hasn’t the majority of America even heard of this man before last year? They guy hit a cord with hopeful and naive college students and other dreamers. The fact of the matter is: this is a two party system, and someone with his ideals will never succeed. Yes, I am being a pessimist, and yes, with that attitude of course a different view won’t succeed but the majority of this country isn’t ready for a change, and to think a non-empowered minority can change it, you are wrong.
He is a very nice charismatic person. He know what is right. He is very sozial. I like him.
This Ron Paul thing is a dying cult…
Every generation has an out there third party candidate. We can’t even predict who it will be in 8 years.
ron paul’s politics seem to remind me of that of Gorbachev’s at the end of the USSR. the whole openness of government and the pull back of US forces from around the world. Not that its a bad thing, just something I noticed.
I’ve known in my life who just…know stuff. Older people know stuff because they’ve lived longer, done more, made more mistakes, observed more things, and experienced more events than us young folks.
I have heard so much about Ron Paul.And he have a very great personality and he have the right skills to solve problems.
For these last thirty years, Ron Paul has been the little voice in congress representing the people. Sadly today, there is a complete media blackout on Ron Paul’s presidential candidacy. You won’t hear CNN or FOX talk about him, even though he is breaking all sorts of fund raising records and has more support than Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson.
Well I don’t know why people like Ron Paul. But the only fact that crossed my mind is I like Ron Paul a lot. I support Ron Paul. The way he speaks is amazing.
I only have one thing to say. GO RON PAUL!!
Ron is a very nice guy, he does know quite a lot of thing, and he do communicate in a very understanding way
Ron Paul has been the little voice in congress representing the people. Sadly today, there is a complete media blackout on Ron Paul’s presidential candidacy. You won’t hear cnn or fox talk about him, even though he is breaking all sorts of fund raising records and has more support than Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson.