Comments on: Question #2807: Rep. Paul: will you run as an independent?

By: Mike Stevens

Mike Stevens — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:25:49 +0000

I GOT NEWS FOR YOU ALL

IF YOU DON'T TAKE RAGE TO THE STREET YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FREE EVER AGAIN

YOU HAVE TO PUT THE FEAR OF GOD IN THEM OR THEY JUST LAUGH AT YOU

IM NOT PRO RON PAUL BUT.... THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS AMERICANS ARE FAT AND SOFT AND WILL NEVER EVER DO ANYTHING BUT ROLL OVER AND PLAY DEAD

YOUR COUNTRY IS LOST

YOUR FREEDOM IS LOST

YOUR CONSTITUTION IS LOST

HABEAS CORPUS IS LOST

YOUR RIGHTS ARE LOST

WHATS WRONG AMERICA , AFRAID TO GET BLOODY KNUCKLES ?

WOULD BE THE BEST THING FOR ALL OF YOU. A GOOD FIGHT

HOW MUCH MORE ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP ??????????

I AM ASHAME TO BE A AMERICAN CITIZEN

FOOLS + TOOLS = SLAVES

By: Brendan Shea Glenmoore PA

Brendan Shea Glenmoore PA — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:28:04 +0000

Mark Strauss was a plant, this was the dumbest and least credible of all the questions asked . This even made the idiot REB from TEXASS quasi credible. Sorry Mark you lost just like dem dumb Rebs lost 142 years ago!

By: Fawzi Saad, Joliet IL.

Fawzi Saad, Joliet IL. — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:16:50 +0000

After researching Mark Strauss here on the internet, it is blantantly clear from interviews he has given, that he admits that CNN asked him to edit his questions. CNN along with all the other MSM (Main Stream Media) have been posing this question to Ron Paul running as an Independent all week.

What a coincidence, that towards the end of the debate, Mark Strauss, who also asked a question at a CNN-YouTube Democratic Debate was also given a another chance to ask a question in the Republican Debate. That question was clearly designed to hurt Ron Paul's image as a viable Presidential contender.

I will be posting a video on YouTube citing the sources of the articles I found, where questioners on these YouTube videos, including Mark Strauss admit they were instructed to edit their questions.

I hope I get past the censors, but if not, I have a screen shot.

By: Hemendra Shah, Jacksonville, Florida

Hemendra Shah, Jacksonville, Florida — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:58:10 +0000

why equal time was not given to Ron Paul? CNN is afraid of what? is CNN truely fair and balanced media? I don't think so, CNN cheated on time to Ron Paul, CNN should be ashamed of itself

By: MARY, RALEIGH NC

MARY, RALEIGH NC — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:26:45 +0000

Mark Strauss from Davenport, Iowa , I KNOW YOU ARE WITH THE CSD
( CNN SCREEN DEPARTMENT ) LORD DO HELP US ALL AND GIVE THE STRENGH TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO STOP BEING EVERYTHING THEY HEAR.
WE LOVE YOU DR. PAUL ( THANK YOU )

By: Jason King Lynn-Haven Florida

Jason King Lynn-Haven Florida — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:24:21 +0000

Im very dissapointed that we dont have a single news agency in this country that is non bias. I once considered CNN to be the best source for news but boy was I wrong. Why cant the media give Ron Paul the attention he deserves? Shame on CNN!!!

By: NoMoreLies

NoMoreLies — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:25:04 +0000

This is a stupid question (more like veiled insult) that the media keeps on throwing at Ron Paul to marginalize him.

Everyone knows that running as an independent is equivalent to bowing out of the race entirely in this broken democracy.

The whole left/right paradigm is a sham. There is only one clear division in the US and that is up/down – that is the division between the people and the establishment!!

By: Tim Baltimore, MD

Tim Baltimore, MD — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:51:36 +0000

Mark Strauss also asked a question in the YouTube Democratic debate.

Who is this guy? I smell a rat. CNN has some explaining to do.

This question was meant to marginalize Paul, but it was disguised as a complement from a so-called supporter.

By: Roy, Rutherfordton, NC

Roy, Rutherfordton, NC — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:28:59 +0000

Why all the airtime for Romney and Guilliani? The two most liberal of all the candidates. I think we know the answer.

I thought Paul was being railroaded by this question as well. Glad to see others can see it too. I've switched my registration to Repub so I can vote for the man.

Did anyone else notice that the audience members all appeared to be wealthy? The upper 2%. How about the cheering when McCain said we should continue the war? How does pro=life reconcile with being pro-war?

Be a part of the change. Vote Ron Paul in your state's primary.

By: ROBERT, RALEIGH , NC

ROBERT, RALEIGH , NC — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:07:57 +0000

CNN YOU WERE THE ONES WHO SPOILED A GREAT DEBATE FOR ME WHEN YOU ALLOWED SUCH A SHALLOW VIDEO TO BE PLAYED...I WAS REALLY HOPING YOUR COMPANY WAS ABOVE THE MOST......BUT......I SHOULD OF KNOWN BETTER.
ANOTHER ABSUED AMERICAN HERE!

By: Jon Cruz (New York, NY)

Jon Cruz (New York, NY) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:23:22 +0000

"THE OLD FASHIONED WAY!" involved candidates chosen at party conventions in backroom deals with no emphasis on primaries.

By: S.B. Stein E.B. NJ

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:22:09 +0000

I don't know where you people get off saying that Ron Paul was cut off or censored. He was given more time than Duncan Hunter (not that he would make it).

By: ned, new orleans LA

ned, new orleans LA — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:53:58 +0000

The media will try everything to keep Ron Paul under raps.Last night was just sad, but Ron always has a way of making any question they throw at him backfire on them. They are scared of him they know that "WHEN" he gets into office there will be some major changes. And i hope he gets rid of this neocon system of controlled media and propaganda we have.

There are so many people waking up to the truth, and they see that Ron Paul is the only way...it is our future and he is the one that will bring us there with flying colors. Ron Paul FTW

By: Fred

Fred — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:34:10 +0000

Dr. Paul, please keep running. We need your message of freedom and a return to the type of government our founding fathers envisioned. You are the only candidate courageous enough to tell the truth, regardless of how the flagrantly biased news media ignores or distorts the message of liberty.

By: Terry, Cincinnati, Ohio

Terry, Cincinnati, Ohio — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:01:58 +0000

I know this comment won't make it, already there are hundreds of reports online of submitted comments being deleted or not posted...(complete with screen shot proof.) I watched this morning's CNN commentary about the debate, if they mentioned Ron Paul I missed it. It seems with the recent ARAB connection scandal with Rudy being exposed the media has now decided who we should focus on, handing us Mike Huckabee. How odd that the CNN online poll about who won the debate puts Dr. Paul first and Huckabee second. WE ARE watching, we know that Faux news alters online polls accusing Paul supporters of "fixing" them (you can only vote once)and now we are watching CNN step up to the plate to carry on. Murdock et al in control UP there in media world must be terrified of Dr. Paul because that's the only explanation for what you're doing. Asking Dr. Paul this question was stupid, he has already explained QUITE clearly that he has no intention of running as a third party candidate. Why not a question about teh abolition of the PRIVATE BANK called the Federal Reserve? What about a question about the IRS? (Huckabee got that question, thankfully he answered it right in line with Dr. Paul's ideas, perhaps they'll be running mates, wouldn't that just pucker the media's lips?) When Dr. Paul and Huckabee are running against Billary and Obama, the media will either have to pretend only Billary is running or they will actually have to show both sides of the race. That's going to smart isn't it? Being forced to show Dr. Paul and allow Americans to hear what he has to say.

By: Jim Palmisano, Springfield, Missouri

Jim Palmisano, Springfield, Missouri — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:35:17 +0000

Mark Strauss God Bless You!

Keep doing what you're doing! That's what we want. Make sure the MSM keeps Ron Paul in the single digits in the Polls!

Amazing that several of the other Candidates are now copying Ron Paul's beliefs and platform. They're talking the Constitution, States rights, IRS, etc...

It's extremely laughable that Huckabee(the man that destroyed the Conservative movement in Arkansas singlehandedly and better known in Arkansas as Tax Hike Mike), comes out and says he wants to get rid of the IRS. LOL

CNN applauds him for that but Ron Paul has been saying this for 30 years and was ridiculed only a couple of debates ago for the same statement.

The best part of all of this is that the NEW MEDIA is recording all of this BS and it will be on YouTube in 24 hours.

Keep it coming! You're giving us invaluable footage and the whole world will know what you've done.

Are you sure of what you're doing? You'd better think twice! LOL

This is too much FUN!!!!!

This will be posted Nationwide immediately so you can't deny it happened.

I feel like a kid at Christmas and it's already here and my presents are awesome! ROFL

By: Ruiz Sealy Tx

Ruiz Sealy Tx — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:32:58 +0000

I thought CNN has been doing a better job than Fox but I see now that you are all alike.

Railroading Ron Paul will just backfire.

Ron Paul 2008

By: Mary, Beaver, PA

Mary, Beaver, PA — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:32:16 +0000

CNN is afraid of Ron Paul, just like the media was afraid of Barry Goldwater in 1964. This country has become too much of a socialist empire and has brainwashed too many people in public schools. This is why people who appreciate the individual liberty founded in the Bill of Rights are ignored, marginalized, or vilified by these news organizations and by an electorate who gives lip service to the Constitution and the ideals of liberty but doesn't really believe in them. If the majority of voters really believe that the government of the United States is a metaphor for Mommy, Daddy, and Santa Claus, they deserve the kind of government that they've been getting for the past 40 years.

By: Alexander, Washington, D.C. USA

Alexander, Washington, D.C. USA — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:33:13 +0000

This was definately a planted question to marginalize Dr. Ron Paul.

I am going to find out who this guy is...

By: Rick Cox, Lansing, MI

Rick Cox, Lansing, MI — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:52:58 +0000

There is one major problem with Ron Paul...He is TOO OLD for the job!

By: Ron Paul will Win

Ron Paul will Win — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:16:19 +0000

CNN lost this debate.

TV news networks beware: We no longer will be watching you...

By: RM - Austin, TX

RM - Austin, TX — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:14:33 +0000

Shame on CNN for giving Ron Paul such little time, and for not letting him answer the more relevant questions. How is it that Dr Paul gets so little time on a CNN/YouTube debate, despite being a big hit on YouTube? Besides, he's rising in the polls, and he's raising lots of money. It's not fair for CNN to assume he's not going to win the Republican nomination. Let the voters decide that! But if Dr Paul doesn't win the Republican nomination, I hope he will run as a third party candidate. I'd love to see a three-way debate between Paul, Clinton, and Giuliani. Dr Paul will tear them to pieces! We know how each of them responds to tough questions. Hillary laughs and dodges them. Giuliani plays the tough guy from NYC. And Dr Paul gives an intelligent, honest answer every time.

By: John Hancock

John Hancock — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:47:35 +0000

CNN and they're CIA intern, Anderson Cooper, shame on you. Ron Paul deserves more time.

By: Roberto,Las Cruces,NM

Roberto,Las Cruces,NM — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:44:11 +0000

I Can't believe how biased the debate was, I watched the debate hopping to hear form Dr. Ron Paul, no Air time was given to him at all(irrelevant questions). Why sensor a person and their ideas.

i was expecting more from you as a journalist Mr. Cooper. you should allow same time to everyone on issues directed to all candidates.

keeping them honest, right.

what happened to the meaning behind that slogan.

By: Kevin, Levittown NY

Kevin, Levittown NY — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:38:56 +0000

Come on people...are you surprised in any way about the way Ron Paul was treated during the debate? Honestly, I'm surprised that he got off as well as he did considering the obstacles and roadblocks that CNN put up for him. In the last 40 minutes of the debate, there were 13 questions. 10 of those were weighed in on by either Guiliani or Romney (the obvious front-runners). Ron Paul spoke on what, 6 questions the entire debate? At least CNN has never claimed to be "Fair and Balanced" like Fox has.

By: Greg, Dallas, TX

Greg, Dallas, TX — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:55:17 +0000

This was a fair question, and Ron Paul handled it rather well. If he doesn't get the Republican nomination, it's quite possible that both the Libertarian and Constitution parties will nominate him, if he'll accept. He may not, however, because the DNC and RNC control the presidential debates, setting a ridiculous 15% polling threshold for inclusion. It's hard to reach that number given the media's bias for those whom they anoint. They're not even ethical enough to give each candidate roughly the same amount of time at a debate, let alone in general coverage. But with the amount of money that Ron Paul is raising, maybe he could join Ross Perot as the only one to break the duopoly's strangehold.

By: Jon, Chicago, IL

Jon, Chicago, IL — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:50:32 +0000

The question was from Mark Strauss of Davenport, Iowa who also had a question asked in the Democratic CNN-YouTube debate (google him).

Tell me, out of about 8,000 questions (Rep+Dem debates), why did they pick him TWICE?

By: RonPaulForTheLongHaul

RonPaulForTheLongHaul — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:44:53 +0000

Well I have to say I'm not surprised at the deliberate bias shown against Ron Paul at this farce of a debate. Could we have expected anything else from CNN who have continuously ignored Ron Paul throughout this entire campaign even though he clearly has an immense and passionate support base? Has raised more money in a single day than any other candidate? He doesn't need corporate donations like the other CFR cronies because he actually has the support of real people!

And yes folks, the Council on Foreign Relations is real. They are working towards a North American Union. Do a little research of your own and don't rely on CNN to inform you because it ain't gonna happen. Globalization is happening and it does mean the erosion of the USA and the US Constitution.

By: John Saul, Detroit, MI

John Saul, Detroit, MI — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:36:55 +0000

Even with the obvious lack of time given to Dr. Paul, he still managed to remind me why I support him.

I agree with the other comments.

When is the mainstream media going to figure out that they are dinosaurs? Better wake up quick guys! Ron Paul has SO much more support then you will ever admit, but we're real, and we're here, and we're looking to upset the apple cart.

You can ignore him, you can slander him, but his message is spreading.

Ron Paul 08!!!!!

By: Hayden Mills, Palm Springs, California

Hayden Mills, Palm Springs, California — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:36:42 +0000

Is CNN serious? McCain gets nearly a minute and a half to claim Paul is an isolationist, and Paul gets 30 seconds to respond? And they interviewed this guy after the debate?

Do you seriously think he has a chance as an independent? If there is a Republican candidate, a Democrat, and an Independent, there will not be enough votes from Independents (and few Republicans and Democrats would switch parties – as opposed to NOW, when Democrats and Independents are registering Republican). No electoral college votes, no Ron Paul for President. I don't know if you guys realize this, but we're currently under a two-party system, and it's going to stay that way until someone breaks the mold of what we consider THIS or THAT in someone that represents sides of BOTH as well as the NEW. Having pretty much ALL of the Republican votes would be FAR preferable to grasping for the independent, libertarian, and green minority.

If you truly support the candidate, man up and confront your worst fear (SIGNING UP REPUBLICAN! DEAR GOD NO!) Terrible question that has already been answered, can't believe it was asked.

By: Jesse, Sugar Land, TX

Jesse, Sugar Land, TX — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:02:40 +0000

This is so unfair. I can't belive this is America.

By: Brian, Vancouver, Washington

Brian, Vancouver, Washington — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:42:41 +0000

c'mon guys the GOP has surely lost it's way. Ron Paul is here to remind you not the throw away the future of the party, you won't have any young people who support you on the current course.

The Democrats are pretty bad but the current GOP is unacceptable, Ronald Reagan would be disappointed in you.

By: Gina Strickland

Gina Strickland — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:37:03 +0000

I can't believe anyone is surprised that the media ignores Ron Paul, (except the Canadian who isn't aware of our biased media). They have been manipulating the campaigns from day one by deciding who they will show us. They think we are like blind sheep who can't think for ourselves. Unfortunately, some people don't care enough to research and will vote for whoever the media says will win. This apathy is why America is in deep trouble today.

By: Paul Reno NV

Paul Reno NV — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:32:46 +0000

Ron Paul is a very convincing person and when I searched his stance on issues I found that he is consistant on all the issues. Everybody else is a flipper look at Rudy and Mitt. They are both the medias darlings, but we the people are not happy with more of the same.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:16:28 +0000

At least with Ron Paul in the "debates", we don't have to worry about rigged polls. They just choose not to have one. There's only one reason for that – they know Ron Paul will win it,

By: Derrick Dees, Angleton TX

Derrick Dees, Angleton TX — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:15:07 +0000

What a Joke. I only watched the debate because I needed another injection from Dr. Paul. I am only on CNN's site because a wanted to see if the rest of the country realized what our media is doing. Ron Paul is the only hope we have. At least he belives in the internet and it's unregulated state. It is the only real source of truth anymore.

By: Scott Brickner Tiffin, Ohio

Scott Brickner Tiffin, Ohio — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:54:55 +0000

A joke of a question. Can't believe this was asked. And agreed with the statements that this debate was practically "rigged" to give airtime to Guiliani and Romney.

I've spent the last two weeks checking into Ron Paul, and I can see why he has started to become a phenomenon lately.

Simply put: He's getting my vote.

He was the only person on that stage that isn't a toadie for the Republican Party and Washington lobbyists. At least he has some guts. Even if people won't like what he says, he will say the truth as he sees it.

To me, all the rest of the talking posts kept mentioning Reagan. Only Reaganite I saw was Ron Paul. Reagan had the brass ones to say what was really on his mind.

By: Mark C., Winchester, Virginia

Mark C., Winchester, Virginia — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:50:27 +0000

I agree with the sentiments expressed by many others. The lack of time given to Ron Paul is utterly ridiculous. Why can we not have a debate where the microphones are cut off after the time limit has passed? What CNN, Fox News, and most of the mainstream media is doing is a disgrace to the American ideal. I can't believe the questions – including the one that is the topic of this article – that Dr. Paul was given. What a joke.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:49:29 +0000

Ron Paul was treated wrong in this debate. The most intelligent man on the stage got the least time and the worst questions. His supporters have paid for his microphone. It is so obvious you don't want him heard. It's not that he can't win. It's that the media is trying to make sure he doesn't. Sad that media will not let us decide who should be president. I hope none of you responsible claim Christainity.

By: trin, blackcreek AL

trin, blackcreek AL — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:48:58 +0000

When CNN chooses the questions what is free and open about this debate?

The questions choosen by CNN were bias towards candadates the network supports.

Why must everything be so fake and staged with you people.

WHY WON'T THE MEDIA GET REAL!?!?!

THE PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID!!

WE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!

By: Tom M.

Tom M. — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:43:32 +0000

Ron Paul Won the Debate according to the reader online poll by CNN as of 12:30 am. 61% indicated they thought Ron Paul won the debate. Check it out and vote online here.

By: GF

GF — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:31:00 +0000

I think it is unfortunate that CNN did not give Ron Paul more coverage. It jut show how biased you are. I saw more of Giuliani and Romney, followed by more of Mc Cain and Hukkabee. This was not a fair and equal debate to all of the candidates. There were several questions that solicited a response from ALL of the candidates, that you distributed as you see fit. It is obvious that you are very biased to a few candidates. Shame on you. You have lost my confidence of you being a non-biased, journalistic source of legitimate news.

By: Aaron, Milwaukee, WI

Aaron, Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:29:10 +0000

I watched tonight's debate hoping to hear Ron Paul kick some neo-cons butt. What I got instead were biased questions and unfair air time.

I couldn't be more disgusted with how this debate was handled!

By: roberta farrington santa fe nm

roberta farrington santa fe nm — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:27:11 +0000

I was so disappointed in the debate. I watched it mainly to hear Ron Paul's comments. Why was he given so little time, and few questions? He obviously, is the candidate of many people, and with good reason. Most people I talk to like him, and agree with his opinions. A lot of them have contributed to his campaign. He is such a cut above the other candidates. But who got most of the time–simpy Juliani, and flip-flop Romney–neither of whom I would ever vote for in a million yrs. Ron Paul is the only one who can win aganist Hillary, and yet the Repubs are refusing to recognize that. They have signed their own doom. So many ex-repubs, like me will not vote for any of them(except R Paul). Many Dems would vote for R Paul too. but they are too dense to see it. Oh well, I guess they don't want to win this election.

By: Adam S Canada

Adam S Canada — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:02:46 +0000

As a Canadian, I can honestly say that this was the first actual debate I have ever watched. I have to admit that my main attraction was to see how CNN would conduct it’s broadcast, and if it would hold itself to the true consensus of YouTube community and it’s obvious favored political candidate (Ron Paul). Maybe I misunderstood the generalized idea of the whole concept, because Ron Paul was addressed possibly 4 times for the entire 2+ hours? I am left wondering what the association with YouTube and CNN is meant to represent?

By: Aaron Hall, Galt CA

Aaron Hall, Galt CA — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:59:46 +0000

I completely agree with Scott J. Hoffman. This was absolutely disgusting how CNN did not give Ron Paul better questions and more exposure to America.

By: John, California

John, California — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:58:21 +0000

I believe Ron Paul was asked ridiculous questions. Furthermore, CNN chose to air his ad in the end, rather than the middle or the beginning. That, I found to be insulting as well. As if that's not enough, he was asked very few questions – and most of them were timed for thirty seconds.

By: Andrea, Seattle, WA

Andrea, Seattle, WA — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:55:59 +0000

I am so disappointed about the amount of time Ron Paul was given to speak.. more like lack thereof. He didn't speak until at least 30 minutes into the debate, and by that time every other candidate spoke at least twice. And how Giuliani and Romney got to babble past time allowed, when most of the time their answers weren't even directly answering the question. However, what little time Ron Paul was given, he kept his composure and made valid comments that hopefully other people will remember when the primaries come.

By: Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:46:15 +0000

CNN, it looks like you guys are turning into FOX News.
Congratulations. Fair and balanced.
All I have to say is that I am very disappointed by you giving Ron Paul the least amount of time. What are you afraid of?
We know what you are doing. We are not stupid.

Peter

By: Kortlan Porter, Tyler, Texas

Kortlan Porter, Tyler, Texas — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:46:09 +0000

I think its sad that a major news organization would blatnetly ignore and disregard certain candidates. Im 100% for Ron Paul, but Duncan Hunter was cheated in time as well. There were not 8 candidates at this debate, it was only Giuliani, Romney, Huckabee and McCain, with a little bit of Thompson added in. Not only was Ron Paul cut short of air time, but he was cut short of conterversal issues. Ron Paul is against the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy and against discharging gays and lesbians in the armed services, yet was his opinion asked during the debate? No. They got a stupid answer from Hunter and a hesitant, indirect answer from Romney. This was shameful CNN.