Did the debate tonight hurt or help Ron Paul?

[Slugg]

Totally agree. Fox succeeded in making him look fringe. I love Paul, but sometimes it seems like he can't see the world through the eyes of a mainstream person. He needed to shoot down that FBI, CIA comment immediately, don't defend it. Paul is awesome to people who will take the time to read where he's really coming from, but most people won't.

I thought he 'spun' that answer perfect. He didn't look fringe to me at all. Keep in mind, I voted for Bush both times. So, I'm not sure how much more mainstream I could have been when I discovered Ron Paul. He didn't defend the idea of getting rid of the CIA and FBI. He defended the idea of getting rid of Homeland Security. He, yet again, showed the ineffectiveness of big government. He's doing wonderfully.

I also think he needs to really answer the question on "what about a potential bloodbath in Iraq"? He keeps saying that people who say that are not credible, but that's really not true. Some people who care about that are just Joe's on the street. He needs a response, even if it's as simple as "it's already a bloodbath, and there is no compelling reason to believe it will be worse when we leave." Or something.

He has said what you suggest many times in interviews. I think in the context of the debate his response was perfect. It was a counter. Here's how it translated:

Wallace: "The Neo-Cons tell us that if we leave it will turn into a bloodbath. Don't you care about that?"

Paul: "The Neo-Cons have been wrong about everything. Don't believe them."


Perfect.

 

[JMann]

I do think it would be wise for Paul to focus on 3 to 5 issues. Most voters will never understand why he would want to get rid or the FBI or CIA so no need to even spend a second on it during a debate. Not to mention the fact that President Paul would never be able to get rid of these two groups anyway.

An answer something along the lines that the CIA and FBI don't work and we will discuss fixing that problem when I'm president I know I will work day and night to rid our country of the IRS and the Department of Education. Let me get a show of hands of the conservatives on this stage that will make that pledge.

If they raise there hands they have made a promise and agree with Paul, if not, they are showing they don't have any desire to reduce the size of government. If I was Paul I would ask for a show of hands on many issues. They will either agree with 'the crazy guy' or demonstrate they are for bigger government and less liberty.

 

[smtwngrl]

Did you guys see how stupified Tancredo was after Ron Paul answered the question about Iran? He must have been dumbed by the amount of wisdom and truth Ron Paul delivered in his answer.

It was awesome that Ron Paul was asked that question first. All of the other answers to the question seemed anti-climactic after his response.

I sort of had that impression from Tancredo, too. It was like he was answering what his normal answer would be, but he was uncertain....or it didn't sound as good as what he had just heard...or something.