Supporters rally for Rep. Ron Paul in Philadelphia on Saturday.
PHILADELPHIA (CNN) – Despite the chilly weather, about 1,500 supporters for Ron Paul for President gathered Saturday afternoon for a rally in Philadelphia.
In his speech at Independence Mall, the GOP congressman from Texas spoke off-the-cuff about the growing momentum of his campaign and touched upon familiar topics such as abolishing the Federal Reserve and Internal Revenue Service and ending the war in Iraq.
The rally was held to honor some 250 veterans present, ahead of the Veterans Day holiday on Monday, as well as to spread Dr. Paul's gospel to the Philadelphia area.
The event kicked off to the music of country music star and veteran himself, Rockie Lynn, and closed with the chants and cheers from the crowd of all ages after Paul gave his colorful speech.
The Ron Paul Revolution raised a few eyebrows in Washington earlier in the week when it announced Monday that it raised $4.3 million in just 24 hours.
Related video: Ron Paul gaining momentum
Click here to see CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com
– CNN Political Assignment Editor Katy Byron
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
Wow – 1500... really? I am amazed Ron Paul's entire base showed up for a rally. That's dedication!! No wonder he's moving from 4% nationally to almost 5% of the vote nationally.
Give them hell Ron – You have my support.
I am really disappointed in CNN and how they first showed a picture of Ron Paul looking confused like he was on drugs and then they showed another one of him like he was mean. I have not seen any of the other candidates portrayed with this lack of dignity and the integrity. This is one reason why I only watch Lou Dobbs, and Cafferty...other than that...CNN is Liberal and biased. Even Pat Robertson gets a better picture???UMMMMMMM
Were the 1,500 there to support Ron Paul or to honor the 250 veterans?
Did anyone ask all 1,500 individually the reason for their attendance? Or was this event populated by fans of country music star and veteran himself, Rockie Lynn?
I see the numbers being skewed again CNN.
I was there and I can tell you there was WAYY more than 1500 people there! More like 3 times that much, really. As a conservative estimate, there were at least 3000 people there. What I do know for certain is that CNN likes to fudge facts.
Way to go Ron! You have my support!
Hey Mr. KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT this was a rally organized for Dr. Ron Paul!! The 250 vets were there to be honored. One can asssume the vets in attendence are Paul supporters too!
I also like the latest comment: This must be Pauls entire "base". We're just getting cramked up my friend.
http://www.ronpaul2008.com
Estimating the size of crowds can be very difficult. 1,500 is the lowest estimate I've seen so far. I've already seen estimates from other media on-site from 2,000 up to 3,500. I believe the capacity of Independence Mall is around 4,000, and it looked at least 80% full to me.
To hades with them all, vote RON PAUL!
Reclaim
Our
Nation
Patriotic
Americans
United for
Liberty
Hey Mr Christopher Thurow Sr.:
"One can asssume the vets in attendence are Paul supporters too!" Um, excuse me, but when 'one assumes' anything, we know what that makes us both out to be, don't we! Again I ask, did anyone actually verify each and every person of this minimally estimated crowd why they were there? Are you telling us that Philidelphians would rather attend a rally for Dr. Paul than HONOR American Veterans? Was that their primary motive for being there? I don't think so. It's like if I invited you to my birthday party, which was yesterday, and said come hear my speech, and while you are there, also will be my father who fought in the Battle Of The Bulge heroically and listen to live music performed by The Rolling Stones, are you going to insult me by telling me you are only coming to listen to my speech, and not to pay respect to my father and for the freebies?
kthxbai
The rally was amazing. There were at least 2,000 and the veterans who were there were cheering louder than anyone else.
Ron Paul is the only canidate who is actually saying something intelligent. The rest of these movie stars playing the politics game are going to be suprised when politician who is sincere and stands for something takes the win.
Hey James,
Who is your man? I would like to see any other republican candidate with rallies that draw as many supporters as Ron Paul's do.
Unless of course your hillary or obama, then your union forces you to show up.
The writer of this particular blurb does not get Ron Paul.
I get Ron Paul's message and I support him.
The question is not if there were 1,500 or 3,500. The question is if there is any other candidate who can attract such a large crowd without media input. No other candidate has been able to do that, and some had to beg for applause even from handful of attendees!
Ron Paul will win the nomination. I said that when he was "polling" 1%. He has a powerful message. He is winning in the 1st District in TN. Will he win 51% of the vote? That my friends is the question.
Regarding his picture, that is the only way left for CNN to damage him without appearing outright biased.
It was far smaller than the 2002 rally for Israel, but I was there and I'm shocked to see an estimate of less than 3,000. Though I couldn't see the edges of the crowd from where I was standing, so I guess my estimate is not very scientific.
Of all the candidates, Republican or Democrat, Ron Paul has shown the most support for our veterans, so it is only natural many support him. Just look at his Congressional record.
Concerning polls, Ron Paul has gone from 2% to 5% in a week, and now he has the funding to advertise more widely. It takes time for a non-establishment campaign to attain critical mass. In the 1992 election, Pat Buchanan did not even start his campaign against incumbent George Bush Sr until this time of the year and still won 37% of New Hampshire. Ron Paul's views are very similar, and by starting earlier and raising more money, he can be bigger. I've never seen Republicans so unenthusiastic about their front-runner. Ron Paul may yet be the candidate conservatives are looking for.
Well I do think, since it was a Ron Paul rally, that it is safe to "assume" that the crowd was there for BOTH reasons, to honor the vets AND to support Ron Paul. I also feel it's safe to "assume" (having lived in Philly) that it is unlikely that that many people came out for any other reason. Yes, I did use the word "assume" and despite the joke it does have it's own meaning. Why is it so hard to believe that people actually like the message Ron Paul has? Why is Freedom such a difficult subject for the some to understand? Also, I know for a fact this was not the entire RP supporter base as I wasn't there.
BTW, I find this article, like most of CNN, to portray a fair and unbiased report even if the attendence numbers may be low. It's the comments I find a bit inane.
Ron Paul is the only man or woman in this race who isnt trying to throw B.S.He isnt owned by Big Oil,the War machine,Multinational companies. etc.And thats why he wont win Im sorry to say.People would rather have a yellow-bellied draft dodger as long as he looks and talks tough.Well we should know what that gets us by now!As far as Keith is concerned...Go back to reading your copy of "The Pet Goat".I dont think you have a clue.
And soon after this – they all changed into black Nikes and waited for the comet to pick them up – seriously – 90% of his ideas are excellent – the other 10% are fringe and scarey (getting rid of the CIA and FBI – and immediately withdrawing from Iraq – he would be a good guy to go fishing with...in the end (even if you didn't catch anything....you would be able to tell the "and this crazy guy I went fishing with said...." stories)
Hey KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT....
"Maybe" your candidate will have this many show up for his/her rally. They "do" have a rally don't they? They "have" come to Philly? Right? Tell us how many showed up. I say no rally, fewer supporters.
Chris, Middletown, CT:
Dang I wish I thought of that! Let's go fishing sometime! I have the bait, you obviously have some good lines!
kthxbai
Hey Chris, Middletown, CT...
Those numbers you quoted are better than the other 7 Republican candidates having 10% good ideas and 90% fringe and scary. I'll go with your numbers and vote Dr. Paul. Thanks
Don't be surprised at the crowd size – just be surprised that this is the first time you are hearing about them. Dr. Paul has been holding rallies all across the nation, almost every weekend since June... and nearly all of them have had at least a thousand people at them. Check out YouTube of the University of Michigan Rally after the Michigan GOP debate – he had nearly 3,000 people there as well. Thus far the media has completely ignored mentioning his massive rally attendance, or seriously downplayed them. If you want to really know the truth, check out Youtube and see for yourself.
Indeed Chris in CT- it is the 10% fringe positions that ARE dealbreakers for most American voters.
Because no matter how much you might agree with SOME of his positions, and appreciate honesty in a candidate, if RP espouses a strong for or against position on something that is important to you, and his position is abhorent to you, you will NOT vote for him.
It's that simple.
Heck, I was recently reading a forum where RP came up peripherally- and two very strong supporters were shocked and repelled by RP's OWN WORDS AND BELIEFS in a recently RP-written article put up later in the thread by another poster...
So, I ask the supporters:
HAVE you read ALL his positions?
ALL OF THEM?
It behooves you to do so before you ask the person in question to run your country and have the highest level of power over the citizens that we can give.
Hey Keith: The veterans were there in support of Ron Paul, and to be honored by Ron Paul and his supporters. It was a Ron Paul rally, organized by the campaign - not an event Ron Paul attended.
Hey CNN: The crowd was 4,000-5,000 people, not 1,500.
Hey James: Do you know how many Ron Paul supporters there are? 60,000 have volunteered to help his campaign (including me.) Over 36,000 of them donated to his campaign - in just one day, November 5th.
This guys isn't even worth mentioning in the media. The dude hasn't cracked 5% in the polls – so why does the media pay so much attention to him???
WatchingHillary.com
CNN: What the heck? How about a picture from the rally? You guys had cameras there. Geez.
THIS GUY IS MAKING ME CHANGE MY DEMOCRATIC VOTE! FINALLY SOMETHING POSITIVE AND DIRECT OTHER THAN MORE OF THE SAME BY BOTH PARTIES! I WILL SUPPORT RON PAUL!
It is time for us reassess our endless commitments, made within the framework of an interventionist foreign policy. The grandiose and unrealistic plans for policing the world will eventually collide with limits imposed by reality. Our commitments seem endless. It’s estimated we have over 700 bases around world, in 130 different countries. Intervention creates endless commitments and ongoing unintended consequences that obligate our military and even future generations to fight wars without the slightest involvement by Congress.
If anyone had been there, they would know that every single person there (and yes there were probably twice 1500) was there for Ron Paul (including the veterans!). There were buttons and bumper stickers on every shirt. There were people from across every spectrum, and they were all there to support Ron Paul and his platform of liberty.
He is the only one worth listening to in the Republican debates. He puts some life into the sameness of all the other robotic answers. You can tell what all the rest will say before they even open their mouths – but Paul is refreshing and honest and has the guts to speak his mind.
The Most Genuine Candidate I've Seen In Ages.. This man stands for Americans not corporate America as do the sorry excuses for elected representatives that are calling themselves Republican and Democratic presidential candidates now.
Please be advised that the Vets at the Ron Paul rally were "Vets For Ron Paul" thus you can definitely assume that each and everyone was very pro-Ron Paul. Ron Paul also gets more contributions from military personnel than any other candidate. Thus support for RP runs deep among this segment of the population as well as virtually all others.
This is an all inclusive Revolution with room for all.
well, James, when you consider the ancient technique of calculating the voter polls is by landline phones do you really expect them to be accurate and unbiased? Wake up people, the table is tilted and the game is rigged.
The support is out there, we're tired of politicians being corporate sell-outs who put $$in their pockets before the worrying about what's best for the people.
It's time to relearn what the constitution sets before us as well as to expose the corruption that lies in Washingon.
The fact is that all media is part of the cash-cow and are biased, so don't beleive everything you read in black and what, especially Fox News!! The same people that support the so-called frontrunners are the same people that own the media and tell you all what to do, what to like and who to support!!
Since when do voters agree with 100% of a candidate's platform? Ron Paul's strength is his commitment to small government and more liberty. This message deserves everyone's support.
he Bill of Rights
The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Chris when you spout garbage like that, it just shows that you are not that smart and just parrot whatever you heard on Fox News. So maybe you should research the man himself, instead of letting someone else do your research for you.
Who knows you might be surprised to find that all the bad things you hear about Ron Paul have no merit.
I was there and the "unofficial" number that the parks service gave us "of the record" was over 3000 supporters, and on a gray and frigid day. We estimated somewhat more than that but I'll accept 3000. It was certainly FAR MORE than 1500 as that section of the mall was packed.
Let's see...if 1500 is the "entire Ron paul base", then they each gave about $2900 to his campaign just last week.
Maybe Hillary can plant a Ron Paul question next debate? As for crazy ideas, what could have been crazier than invading Iraq or re-electing Bush in 2004?
I am hoping Ron Paul's fraility and body weight does not attest to his strength of Character and Capabilities!
re;chris from middletown's remarks obviously your views are jaded but it's not really your fault...too many people have been listening to cnn's rhetoric for too long. perhap's it's the medias fault. decide who is the better person for the job at hand useing your own consciousness and intuition. we'd be quite surprised if more people heeded this advise. you show 'em ron paul....this veteran (with a son serving) supports you!
Chris in Middletown:
Please educate yourself; learn how to user proper grammar and spell correctly. I also suggest doing a bit more research on the issues. We may just take you seriously thereafter. Until then, hop on your short bus and scurry along (teehee I can make ad hominem attacks, too!).
I love this guy. He speaks to the real issues at hand: the war and fiscal responsibility. We know where he stands, and that is not only a rare treat in politics, it's admirable in itself. I love watching brow beat Bernanke's policies of printing money, reducing overnight rates, and continuing to import from China to mask real inflationary pressures. We need sound fiscal policy and a strong dollar, and Ron has the right solution. It's not a lobbyists' dream solution of business as usual, like the other candidates on both sides.
Want the business as usual policies that got us into a Vietnam style war and turning our dollar into the peso? Then vote with the lobbyists. Me, for one, and tired of giving my votes to lobbyists and suffering for it in the long term. I believe we are in dire times when our debt is 9 trillion dollars, when Americans are losing wealth...being robbed of it...and losing our homes. Much of this thanks to the current Fed's monetary trickery.
It's been said, and I pray it's true...I actually believe it is true, that good men rise to the times when our nation is in crisis. Ron Paul is such a man. Want failed foreign and domestic policies? Then let the lobbyists control the election. Want to get back to constitutional government, then get out there and vote for Dr. Paul. Yes, I am enthusiastic and will say so. You will be too, if you really believe the problems in our nation are far worse than gay marriages and illegal alien drivers licenses. Does anyone remember the mortgage crisis? Let's get that fixed with some sound fiscal policies so our fellow Americans can get back in their homes.
The time is really right for a new direction in government. We've heard that before, but look around you. With the falling US dollar robbing us of our wealth, you gotta know the time is now, if ever.
I wasn't there at the rally, but wish I could have been; I'm not Republican, but I'm going to register as one; I haven't donated to his campaign, but I will on December 16th. Looks like his entire base hasn't begun to rally, but I'm sure that's changing.
I believe the crowd was over 3000 people.
3K to 4K Ron Paul supporters attended the Independence Mall Rally. I know because I was there. Despite the frigid wind chill temperatures, the turnout was absolutely amazing!
Good article CNN. You provided a decent picture, stated some of his great most radical views and put in print the enthusiasm of his crowd. I work as a Contractor with the US Army and believe me when I say Ron will take the Military vote. The Guys on the ground (as opposed to underground like our Generals and embedded "Journalist")know by now the "enemy" has no Air Force, Navy or ground forces to speak of. These are poor people with nothing but their pissed off, radical and mean God to keep them going. Viet Nam was the same way. All the Political and Media hype going in and on the ground people dressed in rags hoping to pick off a few of us. For war purposes, there weren't enough "Terrorist" so let's bomb some families and create some. I believe this strategy will work unfortunately. It really is difficult to maintain a feeling of pride after coming home. In a while many of my Brothers in arms suicided themselves trying to maintain this false pride. The Underground Generals, Journalist and guys dropping bombs from 30,000 feet and flying home to ten dollar ribbons and metals do not see the reality on the ground. So who has a sane policy concerning our troops actually on the ground in harms way? I say "blowback is real and Ron Paul has the policy of sanity. It is Constitutional and right. A once famous Marine General, Smedley Butler, wrote a piece, easily Googled online called War is a racket. It is great food for American thought. Short and sweet. As for the Federal Reserve and IRS. Many Americans feel an income tax is slavery. Why should I give up my hard earned dollars to anyone who did not work for it. We do as Americans already pay an outrageous tax on every stick of gum, gas, house, property or anything else we buy. The little guys (over 95% of Americans) or on the flat tax system while Corporations and the extremely rich through legislation enacted by the Corporations and extremely rich exempt them from paying their fair share of even sales taxes. The Federal Reserve (Central Banks) have been and are currently responsible for our financial woes. The audacity of these people blaming their failed policies world wide on many Americans buying a home beyond their means. GIVE ME A BREAK!!! The US Treasury can print money from thin air as well as the Fed. This would eliminate trillions in interest. Don't forget the Cental Banks have financed both sides of every war since WWI. Thinking about it these radical policies I've mentioned aren't so radical after all. Just sane policies made by sane people. Vote Ron Paul 2008.
I don't know if Ron Paul will get enough support to win. But I hope so because we need someone like him in office or things will not get better.
Check out this address to congress.
http://www.house.gov/paul/
Good grief, here comes the fruit cake fringe.
I kinda feel sorry for Ron Paul, Although I am a proud Democrat. From what little I have read and heard so far about him many of his positions he would be a lot better off resigning from the Republican party and joining us, ditto for former Democrat NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg, our prodigal son. Come home where you will be welcomed! The Republican elite holding the party power and deciding the ever more far right agenda have no place for you if you have a mind of your own. Moderates are marginalized as wackos and sent away to obscurity with single digit poll numbers long before any election really builds up a good head of steam. The very, very few moderate Republicans out there share another thing in common with ordinary Democrats. They are scorned by the "mainstream" right with nasty if not laughable labels such as "Commie" "Socialist" "unpatriotic traitor" and what seems like their their favorite, "America hater" Turn away from the dark side gentlemen, Don't embrace it as John McCain did! He was often admired and liked by many Democrats and Independents for a while back there, until he became absorbed by the Cheney/Bush "Collective" and became a neo-con "Borg"
What I find strange is the obvious endless supply of jabs at Paul lately. Either these fools that speak negatively of Paul work for another campaign and are scared of Pauls success or have no candidate to support and instead of embrassing democracy, mock it and destroy the country.
You negative posters aren't worth mentioning by name, but you are vile and have no respect for your elders. I'd give you a smack down if I knew you in person. You need to respect everyone regardless of their political leanings.
I challenge you to turn your negative, false, worthless postings into positive feedback for what Paul could do better or support for another candidate. After all, come Jan 2009 you'll have a new president. Who are you behind?
Finally, a realist, whether a democrat or a republican is unimportant, but A REALIST who actually believes in our constitution is getting a little air time.
Nov Iowa Poll
Candidate Iowa%
Rudy Giuliani 11.0
John McCain 8.0
Fred Thompson 10.0
Mitt Romney 31.0
Mike Huckabee 15.0
Ron Paul 4.0
Tom Tancredo 3.0
Duncan Hunter 1.0
Other(vol.) 17.0
-------
New Hampshire
American Research Group
10/28/2007
Mitt Romney 30%
Rudy Giuliani 23%
John McCain 17%
Mike Huckabee 7%
Fred Thompson 5%
Ron Paul 1%
Tom Tancredo 1%
Duncan Hunter 1%
Unsure 15%
----------
National Nov. 2007 Sept. 2007
Giuliani 33% 30%
McCain 16% 15%
Thompson 15% 23%
Romney 11% 10%
Huckabee 8% 4%
Paul 4% 2%
Hunter 2% 1%
Tancredo 2% 1%
Unsure 10%
We've all listened to Libertarian proposals during many presidential campaigns. They seem naive to say the least. I am not willing to hand the nation over to Libertarians to experiment with when I believe that their ideas lack any merit. Most Americans agree on that, if on nothing else.
Anybody that would not support Ron Paul who is for our constitutional rights!
Against a socialist driven war!
Then you don't support the men and women that have died for your freedom. Wake up America!
Ron Paul 2008.....YEAH
Not a very flattering photo...makes him look a little like Dumbledore. His platform is more Libertarian than Republican...his economic theories don't have any proponents–alive anyway. Since he really isn't a wizard–I don't believe his mind and will are going to be enough to get rid of the institutions and logic our nations economy run on. But it will make an interesting side-show, and hopefully split the Republican vote enough to ensure a Democratic victory!
What it comes down to, is that every other candidate will be more of the same, and from my seat on the couch that is right down the wrong path, one which steals our very nation from us whilst we sleep.
Follow the money and open your eyes to the deception, we the people demand emancipation, one which we are suppose to be invested with, but has been stolen in the night.
Fear not your neighbor, but love them with all your might, and the world shall surely be a better place.
watch and learn sons of the republic, a man speeaks truth to you, are you listening?
I was at that rally! It was so amazing! I flew in that morning (on flight number 1776 no less!).
WOO!! Ron Paul has my vote!
According to R. Paul the US has never been attacked on our soil!! Duh! Let's get back to the serious business of electing a qualified person for President. Looney gadfly pretenders like Paul and Kucinich should get back in their spaceships and return to Planet Remulak.
We can all agree with what Ron Paul says, and he has some good points. The problem is there would be no Congress to support him.
Five draft deferment Cheney is getting ready to move to Dubai when RP wins in 2008!
Exactly. He will act as the check on Congress and Congress will act as the check on him. Just the way the Constitution requires it to be.
"Five draft deferment Cheney is getting ready to move to Dubai when RP wins in 2008!" – Posted By xf
xf, You did not provide us with your military branch and years of service. I was a draftee during the years that Mr. Cheney was being deferred, though I did not serve in Vietnam.
We were all trying to get deferments back then, including the Young Republicans and political Conservatives. You see, it is much better to be the one who gives speeches about our noble dead heroes than to be the dead hero himself. We all pretty much agreed on that.
If any of you reading this are in your thirties now and you are the first-born in your family, you may well have been a deferment baby. A lot of quickly arranged marriages were followed nine months later with an eight-pound, bouncing baby deferment. Those with a deferment were much more likely to support the war in Vietnam.
Hey Terry in El Paso, Libertarian minded folk founded this country – the land of Liberty! The problems we face today as a nation are the fascist group of Neo-conservatives that are spending the money of Americans and sending Americans to war for their personal profit. $10 trillion debt?! Now they want to nuke Iran!
Hello??!! Is anybody home Terry?!!
I was at the rally and recorded the whole thing from above the crowd.
I can tell you that at the 1PM start time there may have only been about 1,500 people actually standing on the mall. Most of the rest were still out in the city and filtering in.
As my video shows, by the time Ron Paul spoke around 2PM the crowd had at least doubled in size.
To address the question of whether they were there for the veterans, Rockie Lynne, or Ron Paul, well, the answer is simple. The vets were being honored as well as honoring RP themselves for his record of being the only candidate who has fought consistently for them. Rockie Lynne was there to honor Ron Paul. The crowd was awash in signs and homemade banners in support of the good Doctor Paul.
If you didn't go, well that's a shame. I was there and I saw thousands of equals sharing in a fight for their freedom. I invite you to come along next time.
Ron Paul has some good ideas and comes
off as someone that is trying to get
more in the middle.. Sadly, he had
hitched his star to the loony
christian right nutjobs in the past,
and i cant get past that. His close
affiliation with Pat Robertson
instantly turns my stomach! And it
seems very hypocritical to talk about
liberty and freedom and limited
government, and from the other
side of the mouth talk about limiting
womens right to control their body.
That comes off as hypocritical.
You have my vote Dr. Paul!
You have cured my apathy!
RON PAUL 2008!!!
Ron Paul is as kooky as his photos. Seriously – does he think he will EVER get elected with a libertarian platform? Legalize drugs, exit UN – WTO – NATO – Etc, close down FBI CIA Homeland Security and most other "Government Agencies".
Actually he does make shopping for Christmas much easier. I plan on giving out a 9×12 Glossy photo to my relatives. I think they will much more appreciate the picture of a fruitcake than actually getting one.