Although I've been reading these forums regularly since the second debate, this is my first post. I wanted to comment regarding Dr. Paul's prospects amidst some of the frustration in the aftermath of the CNN "debate." A few quick thoughts:
1) Congressman Paul is a long-shot to win the Republican nomination. I say that with dismay, as he is the most conservative of the candidates, and I am convinced that he is brilliantly needed in the White House. But, the GOP party (that left standing, identifying themselves as GOP) has backed itself completely into a corner regarding terrorism, the war in Iraq, and the looming conflict with Iran. There is no way that the war-mongering element of the GOP party that is in control will vote for Paul, as that would be admission that the GOP as a party has been wrong on all of these issues.
2) Although the media are trying to clearly delineate between Republicans and Democrats on foreign policy (Iraq), Ron Paul is really the only candidate that stands out with a distinct anti-interventionist policy and a voting record of having opposed the Iraq conflict from the beginning, regardless of partisanship. If 70% of the country really wants us out of Iraq, Ron Paul has to be an attractive candidate. The big question: how many independents, libertarians, democrats, former Republicans, and currently unaligned individuals will register as a Republican in order to vote in the primaries for Dr. Paul? If it isn't a sizable amount, I don't think Dr. Paul can win the GOP nomination (see #1 above)
3) Debate performance - As usual, Dr. Paul looked nervous, talked too fast, and didn't enunciate some words clearly. He is a much better speaker in one on one interviews with relaxing environs and extended speaking times. However, Congressman Paul's moments in the debate were filled with logic, intellect, morality, and constitutional underpinnings. If you are watching the debate for ideas, rather than charm, Dr. Paul is in a class by himself. His answer on Moral Issues was beautifully appropriate.
4) What is left of the GOP has gone insane. Seriously, ape shit insane... a first-strike nuclear attack on Iran? Wow.
5) The big media has failed us in terms of political process, but this is to be expected. It is unfortunately about sex appeal, money, big business, and lobbyist interests.
6) Luckily the internet age has reduced our complete reliance on traditional media for ideas, removing some of the filters on news. I strongly believe that is why Dr. Paul is doing so well on the internet, where the ideas have to stand alone without some talking head named Hannity or Blitzer telling people what to think. The big question is how strong a role will alternative news sources, word of mouth, and grass roots media play in the 2008 primaries? It really depends upon how many people are really ticked off regarding he system and our current leaders...
7) There are a lot of people that are truly frustrated with our political process. I would put myself in that category. I have never voted, as - in deference to South Park - I haven't felt compelled to vote between a giant douche and a turd. However, I have now donated twice to Congressman Paul's campaign and will vote in the TX primary, regardless of how hopeless the odds might seem. That is the power of Dr. Paul's message, the beauty of the internet as a disruptor of traditional media influence, and the magnitude of the issues facing our country at this time.
This is a long post and a random collection of post-debate thoughts. I want to encourage everyone with the elegance and beauty of Dr. Paul's ideas: personal liberty, minimized federal government, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. Ideas are powerful! We have to hope that the message can make its way through this American Idol style preliminary period where a giant douche like Rudy Giuliani is going to get all the coverage. We have to leverage the internet (youtube, myspace, meetup, forums, blogs, etc.) to continue to spread the powerful ideas and message of Dr. Paul in a responsible way. Getting down on Congressman Paul's chances purely due to his lack of sex appeal with the MSM and his direct conflict with the crazies in control of the GOP regarding Iraq ignores the true power of Dr. Paul's message and how important a contribution he is making to this political process...
