November 9, 2007
Posted: 07:45 AM ET

Watch Rep. Paul's Situation Room interview.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, gave the credit for his growing presidential campaign to his grassroots supporters in an interview on CNN’s The Situation Room Thursday.

“I think we have a very good platform that’s very appealing to the people who care about what’s going on in this country,” said Paul. “I think it’s a strong message, a strong disaffection for what’s happening here in this country. I happened to be there,” explained Paul. “And, the grassroots has really put this together,” the libertarian added.

The Texas Republican spoke to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer about his fundraising, the expansion of his presidential campaign, the Iraq war, his ‘plan B’ if he doesn’t win the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, his voting record in the U.S. House of Representatives, and his views about the U.S. Constitution.

Watch Paul’s Situation Room interview.

Related: Will Paul spoil New Hampshire for the GOP?

– CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart

Filed under: Ron Paul • The Situation Room


KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT   November 11th, 2007 10:32 am ET

I'm still waiting.

Yes from arizona   November 10th, 2007 8:07 pm ET

Ron Paul your support is growing stronger everyday people are learning who Ron Paul is and what your about! They are all for what you believe in upholding our constitutional rights and bringing our troops home!
You have my vote and donations go
Ron Paul…YEAH

Yes from arizona   November 10th, 2007 7:50 pm ET

Is this guy great, what a leader for our country!
Ron Paul will bring our sodiers home and put the economy back together!
Ron Paul you have my support and my vote, thats seven votes from my family alone! Ron Paul 2008

TO   November 10th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

I hear Foxnews is trying to censor Ron Paul right out of the Iowa debate, Let it be known the Ron Paul supporters will no longer stand for censorship and will flood the phone lines

Mark Freda Mechanicsburg, Pa.   November 10th, 2007 6:30 am ET

I feel that this man has some very good ideas. I have been self employed for most of my life doing one thing, or another. I have learned that the best approach to solving a problem, is to get back to the "basics". That is what I feel on what is wrong with most of our politicians running this country. They need to become self disciplined and get back to "basics".

Tammy Reyes, Hayesville, North Carolina   November 10th, 2007 12:42 am ET

I certainly support Ron Paul.Our country needs to get back to the fundamental basics our founding fathers founded our country on.It is ashame the way our country is run.Our elected officials continue to pocket more and more lobbyists dollars while we have senior citizens out here making choices to eat or have heat for homes,we should be taking care of them. Our health care system is a failure. Our government could make health insurance affordable, but as long as the medical assocation has their way, there is no hope for the little guy. We can put a man on the moon, but we cannot find a cure for cancer? The health insurance companies and medical assocation is not going to promote good health towards Americans, they would lose billions that goes in their pockets, while health insurance is so incredible high that nobody can afford it, but yet taxpayers have to pay for that burden with people who are on Medicaid/Medicare. As Americans we are taxed to death, but where does our money go to, to other countries that help their people,what about us? Has any countries repaid us back for aid? The Patriot Act took away our basic rights as Americans, if that is suppose to protect us, then why do I have to go through a vigourous search when I board a plane, I am an American. I hope Ron Paul gets our country back on track and in the right direction.

Greg, Glasgow, UK   November 9th, 2007 10:28 pm ET

I was surprised and delighted to see this article on CNN, because I didn't think US media ran stories which might clash with corporate interests.

I'm not an American citizen, but a Scot with family in the USA. We recieve a lot of news coverage here which isn't shown in the States, and I had watched the vandalism of the Constitution and the peeling away of Liberty (habeus corpus, patriot act, military commissions act, warrantless spying etc) with utter dismay.

With this Ron Paul phenomenon, the American people seem to be taking back their country from those who have stolen it — and that makes this old Scot deeply proud of his US cousins. That's what the USA should be about.

TO AZ   November 9th, 2007 10:06 pm ET

Ron Paul is for the people and our constitutional rights, he stands for freedom for the american people.
He is the only candidate that when he takes office as President will bring our troops home!
Ron Paul 2008

Sonja NYC, NY   November 9th, 2007 6:33 pm ET

If you are so obsessed with the polls, at least get the numbers right. Today dr Paul was at 6% according to Rasmussen.

MM, Simsbury, CT   November 9th, 2007 6:04 pm ET

Americans should support this candidate strongly. His ideas and policies will get the credibility back for America that it deserves. His non intervention foreign policies are the way to go.

Robert C TN   November 9th, 2007 5:04 pm ET

Ok listen here all you Paul haters. Do you want more of the same? Or something that will actually help us? It doesnt take rocket science to figure out that one out. Do you really want to live in a police state??? We already pretty much do and I hate it. Or would you rather live in a place where you can speak your mind and not be labeled a threat or tased to the ground by power tripping gestapo?? Geee I wonder which I'd prefer. I chose Ron Paul as should any one with a brain. Polls dont me a thing until the REAL votes are cast. Its obvious the media is trying to hand pick our candidates. I forgive you for you know not what you do. You are simply blind to the obvious. Think for yourself question authority fools. Stand up for this country by voting Ron Paul. A REAL CONSERVATIVE…the others are puppets on strings controlled by special interest. Wake up or Waco

Paul Thompson   November 9th, 2007 4:05 pm ET

Anti-war, anti-bush and in my opinion anti-american pulling up hatred in others emotions. He will run on the Libetarian ticket and take votes away from the Democratic party.

Aaron, Sterling VA   November 9th, 2007 3:47 pm ET

Mark B from Minneapolis is right, the economy is the most important issue (well, right after the thousands of our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends that are, or have been, stationed in Iraq). So here's a lesson on how the Fed works: Every dollar that they print is "loned" to the United States. And every dollar "loaned" comes with a small percentage of interest. Thus, the more money they print, the more in debt we become. To get rid of the debt, they print more money. Thus, we get further in debt. When Dr. Paul says, "We need a new currency" he's correct. The dollar is failing left and right. So unless you want to have a wallet full of Ameros, going back to the gold standard is a grand idea.

Chris, S.D. Ca.   November 9th, 2007 2:30 pm ET

Ron Paul has some wonderful views and his heart is definitely in the right place. I am just afraid it is a little too late. He would be a wonderful leader for the new world order but I am afraid he is Elmers Glue trying to fix a skyscraper that is ready to collapse at this point. *shrug* what is more depressing is that my views are not alone for 30 something educated grads. When things collapse here – who is to say something better wont come out of it. Hopefully the lesson of having lawyers for presidents will be the first thing we make certain to avoid. ;) In the meantime – Go Paul for whatever it is worth.

Melissa, Dallas, TX   November 9th, 2007 1:28 pm ET

He has my support. I'm voting for him. Even if I have to write his name in.

Phil Chicago, Ill   November 9th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

“I think we have a very good platform that’s very appealing to the people who care about what’s going on in this country,” said Paul.

LOL – that's why you're struggling to maintain 5% in national polls?????

You are an example of how long-term drug use can impair judgement!

Ron Paul = WronG Paul

Mark, Minneapolis, MN   November 9th, 2007 12:30 pm ET

Ron Paul's goldbug policies promise galloping hyperinflation caused by foreign currency-holders selling off their stocks of American currency before the dollar becomes worthless on the international market due to being insoluble except in exchange for small amounts of gold in banks solely located in the United States. That is only the tip of the iceberg. I cannot in good conscience support him.

Angela, Alex, VA   November 9th, 2007 12:15 pm ET

He's not too bad-for a Republican!

Jessica, Louisville, KY   November 9th, 2007 11:53 am ET

Thank you CNN for giving Dr. Ron Paul a fair and balanced report.

Ron Paul has my vote! He would make the best leader for our country. Ron Paul has cured my apathy.

Tom, NYC, NY   November 9th, 2007 11:13 am ET

I agree, Ryan. don't call Dr. Paul a spoiler. that just means the media has anointed others as front runners then. and please wake up sometime Mark. what could be more important than the system of money/currency being unconstitutional vs. the FAA etc. The FED creates money from nothing, and loans it back to us through banks, and charges interest on our currency. The FED also buys Government debt with money printed on a printing press and charges U.S. taxpayers interest. Many Congressmen and Presidents say this is fraud. Who actually owns the Federal Reserve Central Banks? The ownership of the 12 Central banks, a very well kept secret, has been revealed: 1. Rothschild Bank of London 2. Warburg Bank of Hamburg 3. Rothschild Bank of Berlin 4. Lehman Brothers of New York 5. Lazard Brothers of Paris 6. Kuhn Loeb Bank of New York 7. Israel Moses Seif Banks of Italy 8. Goldman, Sachs of New York 9. Warburg Bank of Amsterdam 10. Chase Manhattan Bank of New York. If this is fine with you then go along on your merry way following the Pied Piper. as for me, the words of Thomas Jefferson rings in my ears: "If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

trent porter, tx   November 9th, 2007 11:11 am ET

Ron Paul is founding father material. Anyone who ignores his message and his pleas to save this country deserve to go down.

Ron Paul 08

Linda - Albany, NY   November 9th, 2007 11:09 am ET

I'm not a Republican, however, Ron Paul seems to make the most sense over all the other schmucks out there. So far, I'm leaning more towards Ron Paul, and that says a lot! I was really becoming very discouraged with our choices.

Thank you CNN for covering R.P.

ChuckNorris, Tucson, AZ   November 9th, 2007 11:05 am ET

Who the hell is Ron Paul? Why haven't I seen him at the democratic debates with the other crazies?

Chris, Pensacola FL   November 9th, 2007 10:35 am ET

Mark,

Any alphabet org is unconstitutional. They were created the same time our commy friends were doing the same thing in Russia. Any alphabet org is a commy front.

There are many nuts like us Mark. If you're a US citizen, I say vote against him if that is your point of view from Guam.

I also say to Terry that one can't look at polls. Polls mean nothing and are probably rigged at this point. Case in point Rudy. Look at his boards, 9 out of 10 posters hate him, yet he leads in the polls? Strange stuff my friend. I'm hoping the actual elections aren't rigged. One way or the other, we'll get our country back. I hope you're on our side then.

Mark, Minneapolis, MN   November 9th, 2007 10:35 am ET

Justin, that's a funny grasp on history you've got there.

US dollar: Fiat since the 1930s. GBP (Pound): Fiat since the 1930s. The old European currencies that were absorbed into the Eurozone were all Fiat from the Depression to 2002 when they were disestablished, and the Euro that replaced them is also a fiat currency. There are no commodity backed currencies in wide circulation in the world today. Goldbugs get a nice glow from predicting the downfall of fiat currency because they think if it were ever to happen they'd make a huge profit on their gold stocks from selling them back to the government at hyperinflated values.

jw, canadian,ok   November 9th, 2007 10:32 am ET

Ah, Ron Paul and the lunatic fringe, kind of reminds one of how ineffective nut cases such as Ross Perot, Ralph Nader and Ron Paul would govern with no support in Congress. Get real folks, you want to put Hillary in the Whitehouse, keep pushing this Ron Paul lunatic.

TO AZ   November 9th, 2007 10:21 am ET

Ron Paul you have my vote, you stand for everything America and our constitution is about.
Ron Paul…..YEAH

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   November 9th, 2007 10:11 am ET

Ron Paul's ideas and ideals would work in an ideal world. Unfortunately this is not an ideal world where everybody takes responsiblity for themselves and cleans up their own messes. I believe that government is there to protect the small guy business and the public at large from mistakes made by people and businesses that do things solely for their own benefit. I would love a world where we don't have to worry about businesses relaxing rules because they know what the proper thing to do is (relaxing rules for loans has given us the sub-prime scandle). All I ask is that people think about it. Also people need to understand that in cases of disaster, many people rely only on the government because everything has been wiped out; they can't afford to hire a company to clean up everything.

Justin Pensacola,FL   November 9th, 2007 9:59 am ET

Obviously the voice of sanity and those seeking the'impossible dream' are us Americans who understand FDR's policies are what has created the massive debt and welfare state that exists today. Gold and silver have stood the test of time; all fiat currencies crumble into the dustbin of history. RonPaul2008.

Theresa, Crestview Florida   November 9th, 2007 9:54 am ET

Have you ever wondered why Ron Paul supporters are so passionate about him? It's because he has a vision and the experience to make that vision happen. What may sound "insane" to others sounds like a great idea to those who understand that we are (and have been) headed in the wrong direction for a long time. His voting record proves that he means what he says about getting America back on track. I believe his numbers will be a threatening surprise to the other GOP candidates come primaries. As for now, less than 5% isn't so bad for limited media attention by the major networks. He must be doing something right.

Mark B, Minneapolis, MN   November 9th, 2007 9:32 am ET

I see no reason to support somebody who clearly is totally ignorant about running a modern economy when the economy is the most important issue in this very important coming election.

Derek Grand Rapids, MI   November 9th, 2007 9:27 am ET

Mark from Guam, The great depression never occured until after teh creation fo the federal reserve. We were the most prosperous antion in the world and the dollar was the most valuble currency in the world before the creation of the federal reserve, which has done nothing more than decrease the value of the dollar and cause inflation. Why do we have the subprime lending issues right now, because teh fed is constantly trying to manipulate the dollar and interest rates. If the dollar was tied to gold/silver, the rates would be set by the market, rather than Bernake and Greenspan.

Greg, NY, NY   November 9th, 2007 9:17 am ET

Actually Mark from Harmon, Guam, if that's really where you're from, the Great Depression was practically manufactured by big banking to create profits for themselves and in today's day and age, would not happen again.

The Federal Reserve really has no standing in modern times, it is not needed. If the Federal Reserve was actually federal and not privately run, then it might be helpful, but as of now it is only hurting America.

freetobeme, Rochester, PA   November 9th, 2007 8:54 am ET

Yes, Terry. Libertarianism is an attempt to restore this Republic to its Constitutional roots.

If only dreamers are buying it, then the dreamers are the only ones who believe in the individual liberty this nation was founded upon. The rest of you are all frauds, no matter how many times you mouth the Pledge of Allegiance and think that makes you a patriot.

Thanks to our government schools, nearly everyone is a Statist now, turning to government to solve all the problems and wondering why things in this country keep getting worse instead of better.

If you worship at the shrine of the Almighty State, you are a socialist, no matter what else you might care to call yourself.

Terry, El Paso, TX   November 9th, 2007 7:36 am ET

To dream the impossible dream. That guy has yet to get over five percent in the polls. Mostly, he is stuck at 2% to 3%. We all know what Libertarianism is and nobody is buying, except for the dreamers.

Mark, Harmon, Guam   November 9th, 2007 3:32 am ET

Where's the voice of sanity? How can a nut like Ron Paul run for President on such an insane platform and never be challenged? back to Gold standard, get rid of the Federal Reserve, Ease government "off the backs" of banks and businesses? Isn't that the recipe for the Great Depression? If the Federal Reserve is unconstitutional because central banks aren't mentioned in the constitution, Then clearly the FAA and FEC are also unconstitutional. The Constitution says nothing of Airports or stock markets–Who gives the government the right to tell us where to land our planes or how to promote our stocks?

DefendTheConstitution   November 9th, 2007 3:21 am ET

Wolf unsuccessfully tries to bait Ron Paul on his Congressional voting record for voting no to awarding Rosa Parks a medal. Ron Paul's answer:

"That wasn't easy for me because I think she's a real hero but I have no authority to spend your money"

When was the last time you saw a commitment to the Constitution like that?!

Ron Paul is TOTAL CLASS and shows up every other candidate for the power hungry, inept and corrupt thieves that they are.

X !   November 9th, 2007 1:02 am ET

Ron Paul, the only real Republican running for the nomination of his party!

The rest are just neo-cons (not true conservatives) with extreme left liberal goals (such as big government, policing the world, debt from foreign spending fraud and waste, all wearing and hiding behind the republican label.

Ron supporter Az   November 9th, 2007 12:54 am ET

Ron Paul you speak the truth! you speak for the people, you stand for our constitutional rights, You are the only presidential candidate that will bring our troops home.
You will make history, I dont mean the out pour of the people and their donations but your ethics and personal contribution as president to lead the United State Of America out of the hands of socialist and give it back to the people. God Bless America And God Bless you Ron Paul

Keith, Pittsburgh, PA   November 9th, 2007 12:53 am ET

Ron Paul has proven that he has what it takes to become the next president. He has my vote.

MS Johnson City, TN   November 9th, 2007 12:12 am ET

CNN, thank you for this newsreport and video.

Jon   November 9th, 2007 12:09 am ET

Glad to see that Ron Paul is finally getting more media coverage. Hopefully this continues.

Ryan, Gardner, Massachusetts   November 9th, 2007 12:00 am ET

why a spoiler, he's running just like everyone else, even-steven, no votes have been cast yet. Polls mean nothing. Go Paul.

Chicago, IL   November 8th, 2007 11:41 pm ET

CNN, an excellent piece and thank you for being willing to give the good Doctor the "fair and balanced" coverage he is not recieving elsewhere. Hint hint, Faux News – your days as the Ministry of Propaganda are soon to be over!

Jim, Fort Worth, Texas   November 8th, 2007 10:54 pm ET

Well well, I do need to give credit where credit is due. CNN has posted an article on Ron Paul with a decent picture along with his, not CNN's views. Of course the Libertarian comment was misleading. His views are Libertarian, his party (real) Republican. I have followed his views and voting record since the mid eighties and as you guys know and should report he has not blown with the wind as most of the other Candidates do. Watch how many Imperialist suddenly come out strongly against the war in Iraq in the coming months. Look at the value of our dollar and the number of countries converting to Euro and other currency's. Look at the "Coalition of the willing". It's embarrassing. Thanks CNN, with this article you are getting closer to unbias.

Glen, Boston, MA   November 8th, 2007 10:43 pm ET

all this media talks about is Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul!

When am I going to hear something about Guiliani?!?

George, IL   November 8th, 2007 10:21 pm ET

Well said, Stuart from Vancouver, WA. Ron Paul has repeatedly and rightly stated that the Republican Party has lost its way. He's our only hope of the nation.

aj huntington ny   November 8th, 2007 10:04 pm ET

As a strong Republican, I can go along with Ron Paul's economic ideas to ease up on taxing us on the federal level; it's about time we took that money and gave it back to the people.

I would support him even though he wants no military presence in Iraq. If a candidate gives you most of what you're interested in, vote for him (her).

Stuart K, Vancouver, WA   November 8th, 2007 9:53 pm ET

Ron Paul: The ONLY Elephant in the room.

pierce, philadelphia pa   November 8th, 2007 9:38 pm ET

why does this gentleman, a man with brains and integrity, sully himself with the likes of the republican party? he deserves better company than that band of thieves and charlatans.

Scott,Tupelo,MS   November 8th, 2007 9:30 pm ET

I support Ron Paul and he will have my vote. This man can solve the problems the idoits running our country have created. God help us all if the Hillary The Hag Clinton is even nominated as the Deomcratic candidate. Will be just gettting another George Bush if she manages getting elected. Please if you no nothing of Ron Paul please research him.

Marta, Sacramento, California   November 8th, 2007 9:27 pm ET

I thought he was good until I realized he is a bigot.

Brad Mesa Arizona   November 8th, 2007 9:17 pm ET

Let The Voice Of Reason Ring Loud And Clear !!!

Nuclear War With Russia Looms And Economic Catastrophe Is In Motion !!!

Core Character Counts !!!

Ron Paul's Message Is More Important Then The Man !!!

Educate The Masses Lest Liberty Be Lost Forever !!!

Jason, Davis, CA   November 8th, 2007 9:05 pm ET

I also support Ron Paul. He also has my vote.

Thanks, CNN, for having Ron Paul on your network and providing him an opportunity to speak to potential voters. However, does Wolf really need to interrupt him right as he's about to make his point? Does anyone else notice how Rude they are to him?

Ron Paul for the long haul!

Lorenz, Queens, NY   November 8th, 2007 8:52 pm ET

I support Ron Paul, and he will have my vote.

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