February 20, 2008
Posted: 09:54 AM ET
CNN

Watch Ron Paul on American Morning Wednesday.

(CNN) – Despite single digit showings in the Wisconsin and Washington State primaries Tuesday night, Ron Paul told CNN Wednesday he has no plans to drop his presidential bid.

"I will stay in as long as my supporters want me to," the Texas congressman said on American Morning Wednesday. "I was very reluctant to enter the race, didn't think it would last more than a month or two, but to my amazement, we literally got hundreds of thousands of supporters and millions of dollars, and they are still very enthusiastic. And I say as long as the number of volunteers continues to grow, and the money comes in, and there are primaries out there, and they want me to be involved, I am going to stay involved."

Paul, who won 5 percent of the vote in Wisconsin and 7 percent in Washington State, also said he believes his unlikely candidacy has attracted like-minded individuals who want to run for Congress.

"One of my problems now is that I am being overwhelmed with individuals who want to [run] and I have the responsibility of sorting it out because we are capable of raising funds," he said. "So it is a responsibly that will be a significant one for me to make sure I help the candidates that are true believes and not just the ones who want to be in Congress."

Paul announced earlier this month he was scaling back his presidential run to focus on his Texas district and the reelection race he faces there. He also categorically ruled out a third party bid in the future.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Ron Paul


TheSlush   February 20th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

It's about the message!

The people saying Ron Paul should "give up an quit" are missing the point. It was never about winning. It's about holding onto the microphone for as long as possible! This is not driven by one man's ego, it's about spreading the message of limited government. Paul himself repeatedly has said his own campaign is not really even ABOUT himself! (How many other candidates would say that?)

Animosity toward Paul is in some ways encouraging because it proves he has struck a nerve. Those insisting "there is no revolution" have the tone of someone trying to convince themselves.

I would have thought a little "also-ran" candidate would be easier to ignore. Hmm…

Creampuff   February 20th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

It can never be wrong to fight for an idea that's linked to Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity. This election is going to be remembered as the one that tried to save America from total destruction from within. Ron Paul is the catalyst for this movement and revolution. He will stay in until the Convention in September. Whether he wins or loses the revolution will continue through his supporters and it will grow. If he does not get the nomination I will write him in or not vote at all. To me ALL the other candidates are alike, too liberal for me. Democrats will win in the end, the fix is in already. The Republicans have no real candidate outside of Ron Paul, most of his supporters will write him in if need be. That's a pretty loud statement. You can look forward to a continuation of Bush and Clinton policies, but maybe a little different way of delivering them. Prepare to lose more of your precious Freedoms and Constitutional rights. What God has given us man cannot take away.

David   February 20th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

wow, some of the anti-Paul rants just shows the idiocy of many in this country. we had a chance but the MSM and the sheep seem to always keep it from happening. we are truly blowing it for our children and grandchildren. while the private Federal Reserve continues to print money backed by nothing and enslaving us to China (who would not need to fire a single shot to destroy us). complete idiocy.

Geepa   February 20th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

I don't understand the thinking of those that say to Ron Paul – "Drop out, you have no chance of winning." So what if he has no chance of winning. I am voting on principle – I believe what he says.

This country is on the verge of financial collapse. We have waaay overspent and overborrowed. Before long, it is all gonna fall in on top of us. None of the MSM candidates care to even address this issue. Therefore, to me, they are all the same. Only Ron Paul has addressed our nation's financial crisis.

I am gonna go to early vote, request a write-in ballot, and write-in Ron Paul. That is the only thing I can do to help me sleep at night.

Alex   February 20th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

5 % is a lot. I thought he was going to do even worse. The only sane candidate who does have a vision (though I do disagree with him on many issues). Lets face it: Liberty has become unpopular. Big Brother saying: "As your CIC, I will keep you safe" has more appeal :-(

PS I never heard of his plan to shut down NASA, but ironically, NASA WILL BE EFFECTIVELY SHUT DOWN (almost completely defunded) if the 600 billion a year deficit craziness continues. McCain is a proven disaster, and and I dont expect anything good from Obama or Hillary.

good luck to Ron Paul. I hope he will be reelected to the Congress.

James   February 20th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

It is about the message. The Republican Party and our politicians as a whole have been exposed along with the media. The longer he stays in the more people wake up to the two party farce. This will be won from the bottom up not top down. Ron Paul started the message and we will continue it locally. Stay in Dr. Ron Paul and continue to spread the truth. Truth is timeless!

Matt   February 20th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Wow, some of you posting here are insane. I mean I already knew it, but it just amazes me. I'd like to have everyone here take a certified IQ test and then post the results after thier comments with a link to the certified results to their test.

Ron Paul speaks the truth, and there is a movement that he started but my generation will finish. You big government lovers will be calling us heroes in your history books after we save the country you take for granted. the bottom line is the word "liberty" go look it up and try to understand it's meaning. It is about as synonamous with America as a word can get. Meanwhile you idiots elect politician after politician who use the power you have already given them to coirce you into giving them even more. We will wrestle it back for you with a crowbar if need be, so don't worry. I'm sure the majority of you who think Ron Paul is crazy have had other people do the heavy lifting for you your entire life. Get Ready. – IQ = 158

David   February 20th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Obama is W Bush II, I cant understand to Obama fans,Obama believes that Patriot Act of W Bush must be bigger!!

RON PAUL FOREVER, I DONT SELL MY PRINCIPLES

Nate   February 20th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Ron Paul is the right man for the job. Students of history will understand that we are devaluing our own currency, which will no longer be the reserve currency of the world. If you don't understand what that means, start studying. We have overextended our empire and simply cannot afford to continue, no matter what your idiology is. Empires can fall and history generally follows this trend. Ron Paul's only problem is that he is trying to lead a nation of sheep and they don't even realize how much he is trying to help him. Those who have taken the time to open a book and study history and economics support Ron Paul. If he polls at 3%, then it proves that the best ideas are hidden in books that the general population isn't reading.

RUDY+NO=GIULANI   February 20th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

FROM PERU…..RON PAUL 2008
RON PAUL ALREADY WON THIS ELECTION …PEACE…FREEDOM AND PROSPERITY…BRING TROOPS HOME…STOP THE WAR…STOP INFLATION..GET OUT OF FED RESERVE…NO INCOME TAX…NO BORDERS IN GERMANY…COREA…IRAQ….JUST WITH MEXICO AND CANADA…SEE YOU GAYS…RON PAUL MORAL PRESIDENT OF ALL AMERICANS..

warispeace   February 20th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

I will vote for Ron Paul in November, even if I have to write him in. He is the only one who deserves my support.

Davo   February 20th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Dr Paul,
Keep going Dr Paul. People one day will have their eyes and minds opened, thanks to the efforts of decent human beings like you.

Go Ron, Go Freedom.

Richard, FL   February 20th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Ron Paul's current hopeless campaign today is typical hypocrisy for many conservatives: loudly preach about how conservative you are about money while in reality you don't care if you throw it away. If Dr. Paul really was concerned about saving money, he wouldn't let his impossible campaign continue to squander money.

Maryann - Orlando, FL   February 20th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

I'm going to WRITE-IN Ron Paul in November also. My conscience will not allow me to vote any other way.

When the McCain, Clinton or Obama voters are complaining about them in 2009 when they don't keep their empty promises, I can at least say: "Don't blame me, I voted for Ron Paul!"

Diane   February 20th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

History will be very kind to Ron Paul.

I will vote for him in November even if it is a write in.

I believe that the next president that takes off whether it be Obama, McCain or Clinton, will be a one termer. It will be known as the "bagholder" term , and I have zero confidence that any of these 3 stooges can fix the tsunmai of economic problems that are coming.

Dr. Paul could have rolled up his sleeves and taken care of business and put the US back on a path of prosperity. But, no one said you had to take an IQ test before you voted, so the sheeple will get the president it deserves.

I look forward to seeing Dr. Paul's platform in 2012.

Thank you ,Dr. Paul. I am a better person for being part of your campaign.

301   February 20th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Our elections have become political popularity/beauty contests. Put Ron Paul's words into Barack Obama's mouth and the word 'landslide' would have been given a new political definition.

My only hope is that Dr. Paul can mentor an up-and-coming leader who shares the ideals and integrity, but also 'looks' and 'sounds' the part of a candidate people want to vote for President.

It's unfortunate that our 'American Idol' society puts more weight on minority status, and 'sounding' like a President above the actual ideas and principles a candidate shows to have fought for during his entire career.

I appreciate Dr. Ron Paul for helping many of us believe that there is still hope for the Founding Fathers' vision of a Democracy. May the ideas and integrity live on in a fresh, new voice that will pull America into prosperity and security in 2012.

Ant   February 20th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

The ignorant want Paul to drop out because he has no chance of winning…but this is just one battle. There's always 4 years from now if Obama or whomever royally screws up (like us not getting of Iraq) so he's smart to stay in the race. When, and if Huckster withdraws he WILL get some more face time regardless of how big McCain's lead is.

badmedia   February 20th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

I still support Ron Paul, and will continue to support him and candidates like him when I can. We've been saying it for a long time, it's about more than just Ron Paul, it's about returning this country to what it is supposed to be.

Mark D.   February 20th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men. …"

-Samuel Adams

Thanks for the story CNN

Jacque Bauer   February 20th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Rue Paul is 'overwhelmed" by the 3-6% which say they support him, but he's obviously deaf and blind to the 95% that supply want him to disappear!

Paul and Kucinich; twin brothers from separate mother units.

Elizabeth   February 20th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Thanks, CNN, for this great followup story about Ron Paul and Castro. This is exactly the type of coverage the public needs to hear about in order to be informed and to be able to see two sides of the story. Like your poll indicates, 80% of the people are in agreement with what Ron Paul says.

Ron Paul is not in the presidential race for ego glory, but to bring about a consciousness-raising over how far we have degenerated from the principles set down by our founding fathers–the same founding fathers who understood through experience the subtle ways that tyranny will always be with us and how the constitution, if followed, would protect against it. We are not following the constitution and we are in deep trouble, as David Walker, former Comptroller of the US, and many others, including Ron Paul, are saying.

Many in the GOP pay the constitution lip service, even giving away free copies of it through their programs, but they continue to support those candidates who are clearly working against its law. The public needs to get educated and support those candidates who support our law and its protections: the US Constitution.

anon   February 20th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Here' s a question for all Ron Paul supporters: What's he doing with the millions of dollars he raised via the internet? He's obviously not spending it on advertising or staff.

Blonduxo   February 20th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Paul in 2016? The country needs him now. We are at the brink of disaster and the sooner we face this and make the corrections necessary. To paraphrase flowergal:
Ron Paul is derided by 'graduates' of the dumbed-down public school system of the last four decades who blindly follow an equally intellectually and ethically challenged media that bleats what they've been told. The idiotic endless debates were revealing of the antagonism toward Rep. Paul in the placement and questions but mostly by sheer contemptous slight. Ignoring history has us repeating it, this time with the clear danger of our obliteration. Ignorance and jeering will not protect you. Rep. Paul knows our history, our founding documents and has a reverence for them. States' and individual rights would be returned. We would be picking up the self-responsibility and authority we've given up too readily. The shallowness and apathy in such luxury provided by those ahead of us has made most of us weak in intellect, honor, integrity, morals and appreciation. In this astonishing electronic and Internet age, we have become more ignorant and content to remain so. Time to grow up. I will write in Ron Paul. I will never, ever again vote for the lesser of the evils of the Dems or the GOP. I will fail myself and sacrifice my own integrity no longer.
David B I feel sorry for you for there is indeed hope for this country and it is called the The Ron Paul Revolution. Many are already running for office and they will be known as RonPaulRepublicans.

CHRISTY   February 20th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

OK – Here it is- RON PAUL is the only sane choice for a nation deemed the LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE. That is what THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA still is, RIGHT???? Did anyone think that Paul would back out just because he clearly will not win? He isn't a quitter as his voting history shows, and he, as well as those of us with OPEN EYES, understand that the government as you know it will place who they want in office. Do you REALLY THINK any of these candidates are out for your good? UNDERSTAND THAT THIS LAND OF THE FREE WILL ALL TOO SOON BE ANYTHING BUT THAT- ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE REAL I.D. ? THE 9/11 CONSPIRACY? THE MOON HOAX? Oh I know, the government couldn't possibly have fooled us ……………….. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE SOCIALISM………………….. Did I mention THE BILDERBERG GROUP?????? …………. somebody's not going to like that! :(
RON PAUL 2008 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Erik   February 20th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Tim, you idiot, its NAFTA he wants to shut down… not NASA. Thank you for showing the world why we can't have an enlightened president like Dr. Paul. Its because the majority of voters are ill informed on policy, and to lazy to really learn about the candidats they back. They take the easy route and just go with who the media puts on the cover of magazines. I'm optimistic about the future with a guy like Ron Paul in Washington.

Tesh   February 20th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

"You have no chance whatsoever at winning!"

It's that sort of sentiment that makes US politics so utterly idiotic. Intelligent elections are not about "electability", nor about "party solidarity", nor about the cult of personality. They are about the issues, and standing for something. Choosing "the lesser of evils" or figuring how to vote for "the winner" completely miss the point of why we have the right to vote in the first place.

Opposing Ron Paul (or any politician) on grounds like the NASA comment or foreign policy are at least intelligent, reasoned objections. Opposing Ron Paul because he "doesn't have a chance" is as shallow and bereft of intelligence as voting for Hillary because she's a woman, or Obama because he's black, or mocking Romney or Huckabee for their religion.

Roy   February 20th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

For all those who would like to see Ron Paul step aside from the race, think again before you comment. Ron Paul is making a statement in waking up people like you that now is the time for the American voter to start becoming more educated and quit voting for the status quo. Besides what the hell is wrong with the American Voter don't they get it stupid!

Steven Brady   February 20th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Anyone holding out for Ron Paul until 2016 has to check his age. The time is NOW. Obama's is 2016!

Steven Brady   February 20th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Anyone who spends time looking into the history of the Vietnam War and our current relations with Vietnam knows that Ron Paul is exactly right on trade.

Melanie Brady   February 20th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

THANK YOU FOR THIS INTERVIEW WITH RON PAUL!
I truly believe that if the media spent more time being fair and balanced, and talking narrowly and deeply about the issues that Ron Paul would receive more votes. Exposure means everything. I am scared for this country when voters are rushing to jump on the popular bandwagon without understanding the real issues. Ron Paul is genuine. A vote for Ron Paul is a vote for getting this country back to it's greatness. Accept no substitutes.

rudy W   February 20th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Too late Paul. Good Bye. Good riddence.

Joe D   February 20th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

My vote will only go to Ron Paul. I will write him in if need be. He is the only one running that has a proven track record of protecting the constitution. This entire race has been a complete joke. I am completely disgusted by the media blackout of Ron Paul and other lesser known candidates in this race. This is no democracy, it's just an illusion. and thanks to the dumbing down of America, most people cannot see past the rhetoric and propaganda to fully analyze the positions of ALL candidates to make an educated decision. The fix has been in from the start. So now we must choose between Fascism or Socialism? Dear God, I ask all of you to please write Ron Paul in. It's not too late. Please save our Republic!

tim, minnesota   February 20th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Thanks CNN for real clear political coverage on Ron Paul. Should Ron Paul get this type of fair, balanced, continuous coverage he would be the leader. In fact, you review Ron's statements in past debates, the snickering of Huckabee and McCain. Then listen to both McCain and Huckabee they sound like Ron Paul at the debates. Ironic how Ron is marginalized for his positions. Then other candidates adopt Ron Paul positions and given credit for fresh ideas, they took from Ron. I like technology and U-Tube they provide great documented history. Just look for yourself.

JL, Arlington, VA   February 20th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Regrettably, American elections have become beauty pagents in which candidates use soundbites to score points off each other. Americans should not tolerate this. Elections are too important to ignore basic principles. Dr. Paul's principles are LIBERTY, PROSPERITY, AND PEACE. The other candidates don't have any principles (if you disagree, try saying them in three words or less).

As a practical matter, Obama doesn't need your help to win any more or less than Dr. Paul needs your help to lose. One vote means nothing – simple math. For that reason, whether a candidate might win or lose should have nothing to do with whether you support him; if you agree with the message than you should have enough integrity to vote for him despite what other people think! The Second American Revolution is just getting started, so why should we care if we begin with only 20% of the vote in a state or two?

Mike   February 20th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Shortened version of my previous post. To Tom —bigger issue is smaller government, non-militaristic foreign policy, and a sound fiscal policy. I don't agree with him 100% either. Do you agree 100% with McCain, Clinton, and Obama? I agree that space exploration is important but would disagree, for example, with using NASA as a weapons development program. A better post would have you supporting your position with figures on NASA expenditures and why you agree with using taxpayer money for those purposes. By the way, can I take back my 2004 vote? Dr Paul is the only candidate who wants to debate REAL change and the only one, in my opinion, who offers any REAL hope. We are well able to create a large government, so let's try a smaller one for a while and see how that turns out.

A Patriot   February 20th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

All of your Libertarians who are complaining that Fox, MSNBC, CNN, etc. are in a conspiracy with Big Government to shut Paul out of the election need to pause and think.

You are promoters of free markets controlling our society by the "invisible hand" that causes capital, labor, and consumers to work efficiently through self-interest. Doesn't it bother you that global corporations like Time-Warner, Microsoft, NBC, and Rupert Murdoch are trying to shut Paul out? Doesn't that tell you something about corprorate behavior? Doesn't that reveal a huge hole in your economic theories? Global corporations wish to render governments weak so that they can then grow into a monopoly and control the markets that you want to remain free.

You can't have it both ways.

Sk00L   February 20th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

I love this movement it continues to unite people working at restoring what this country was founded on and if for nothing else I will always cast my vote for freedom. I have seen the world a few times over and know that most Americans are not nearly as free as they think and most are still asleep or apathetic. As far as the media black out on Ron Paul goes check out this site ronpaultimeline(dot)com it is the best laid out case for exposing the media's bias I have ever seen, it is the proverbial proof in the pudding.

Texas Voter   February 20th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Ron Paul should stay in.

Those who want candidates out simply want the party leaders and insiders to make the choice.

The GOP may not survive to the next election.

Peter   February 20th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

If more people were like him, this election would have been better. Edwards could learn a thing or two from Ron Paul – Edwards quit too early, let himself be guided by the press and a few states! The democrats lost their chance of winning in November, in my opinion, when Edwards quit, leaving only two unacceptable candidates (Obama and Hillary). Edwards lost my respect when he quit. Ron Paul, even though I did not vote for him, has my respect, hang in there Ron!

Paul Ron   February 20th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Ron Paul thinks that the unilateral secession of South Carolina prior to the Civil War was constitutionally justified. Of course, the ratification conventions of 1788-89 prove him flatly incorrect on this point. Yet he continues to run around claiming "Constitution" this and "Constitution" that, when he really has no idea what the document means or does. I would want someone who must take an Oath to defend the Constitution to understand what it means. He's proven that he doesn't. There is nothing more dangerous than a man in power who thinks he knows what he's talking about.

Darryl Schmitz   February 20th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

I firmly believe that once the primaries are over, he should consider running as an independant or Libertarian/Constitution candidate. Regardless of the possibility of winning (and who knows, the climate may change enough in a few months to make voters reconsider his viability), he is serving as the voice of conscience in the Republican Party, and for the party elite to continue to ignore him is suicidal. If he had no following whatsoever, then to ignore him would have no repercussions, but obivously there is a growing undercurrent of discontent within the Republican Party for the rightist brand of "conservatism" that has gotten our nation in such peril in recent years. I sincerely encourage Dr. Paul to continue his quest, and I will support him financially and vote-wise every step of the way.

Bronson   February 20th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Ron Paul's policies are ridiculous he wants to abolish the IRS. yeah we would all like the tax break but would you enjoy the repercussion that would take place after that system is abolished? That system accounts for quite a substantial amount of our income every year which thanks to George W Bush is out spent and we are losing money and coming up on 10 trillion dollars debt.

George from Minneapolis   February 20th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

This man must have money to burn.

Web Smith   February 20th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Now that we have armed our sworn enemies and the killing starts again in Iraq, people will realize that it wasn't the surge. It was the U.S. dollars going into the warlords' pockets that caused the lull. Perhaps they will begin to look at alternatives.

Who's finger do you want on The Button? McCain will press it for you. Hillary will not until we are mostly gone. Obama, the child politician, doesn't know what The Button is. The Button at the finger tip of any of these three is a worse nightmare than having nuclear weapons in Iran or any other country built on Islamic extremism.

Hopefully, you will wake up and realize that your dream is ending before it's too late.

redneck in nyc   February 20th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

ummm, guys, Ron Paul? i understand that fringe candidates are good for keeping the debate lively, but Ron Paul is a Libertarian. If Libertarians ran the govt, guns would be cheaper and more available than a 5th grade education. What a great country that would be…if you are nuts. Charming fellow, never ever ever going to be president.

Adam   February 20th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

"Do your own research. You'll find answers on the Internet."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One thing I learned while doing research papers in high school and college is that the Internet is not a particularly reliable source. Anyone can write anything they want to and put it up on a webpage. For every one reliable source out there, there are 10 or more websites trying to portray the writer's particular theory as fact even if true facts do not support it.

I'm not saying that you are lying about any of what you said, but you could easily be misinformed.

SteveM   February 20th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

"I was very reluctant to enter the race" doesn't sound like real commitment to me.

Voice of Reason   February 20th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

No other message compares to what Ron Paul has to say!

@Tom (who loves NASA)…

Fine, THEN YOU PAY FOR IT, I DON'T WANT TO AND NO ONE ASKED ME!!!!!

GoRON…get the government out of my paycheck!

Jake   February 20th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

It was almost by accident this summer that I stumbled upon the writings of Dr. Paul, but I’m so grateful that I did. I truly believe that I have seen greatness. Dr. Paul is an honest and humble statesman with the courage to tell things how they are. This presidential election I’m proud to say that I was able to vote for someone that I believe in rather than the lesser of two evils. In the decades to come, I want to be able to say that I stood for what Dr. Paul stood for and that I fought for what he fought for.

Gary   February 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Ron Paul can win, they just need more blimps.

Pete   February 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Tim,

Lets see, it's 2008 and NASA is still using a shuttle designed in the 70's while a small business like Scaled Composites can get their craft to space and back twice in a week — without having to fret about their orbiter being damaged by FOAM.

IMHO, the mothballing of NASA is long overdue.

Bob   February 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Bush did make one interesting point during his last State of the Union address. He said that if people want to pay more taxes, "the IRS accepts both checks and money orders."

It's not like shutting down all these programs at the federal level means we can't do them… it just means we're not FORCED to pay for them by the government.

Are people really that brainwashed, that they just want the government to take care of everything, even though it has proven time and time again to be incredibly corrupt and inefficient?

glsmyth   February 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

I initially liked Ron Paul, despite knowing that there were a number of issues on which I disagreed with him. However, it is statistically impossible for him to get the nomination, so the question now is one of why he is still running. Perhaps it is an inability to accept what is?

A comment above from a supporter shows an example of this with the question, "How do you know Ron Paul is only polling single digits?" My answer would be to count the number of states where his votes actually got into the double of digits. This is an example of refusing to submit to the facts, and I wonder if Ron Paul is having similar difficulty at this time.

Maryann - Orlando, FL   February 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Thank YOU, Rawleston, for explaining it so eloquently.

Even though CNN is ignoring my comments, I still want to commend you for being concise in your thoughts.

(Maybe they will approve my last two comments, along with this one. Honestly, I have not said anything offensive, so I'm not sure why my comments are still awaiting moderation. Now I know how Ron Paul feels!)

Jacqueline Samms   February 20th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT:

No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

Michael   February 20th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

How nice of CNN, to announce Paul's end. Too bad they forgot to mention ANYTHING about his campaign earlier when he had a chance to gain support and spread ideas! What fair and balanced reporting. Hurrah. Three cheers for the media.

Sarah C.   February 20th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Mr. Paul has a right to stay in the race, just as Mr. Huckabee does.

Go, Huckabee!

Aaron   February 20th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Amazes me.

Ron Paul promises to cut gov't spending to 1997 levels.

This would allow for the elimination of the personal income tax.

That would help all of America.

And people say he's crazy.

Perhaps you should look around.
The Republican candidate who raise the most money in 4th quarter 2007
The candidate who received the most money from military service members of ALL candidate (Dem's included)
The candidate who won the debate.

That candidate get zero mention in 682 articles the week before Super Tuesday.
That can't be accidental.

And the lame CNN eliminated the next Republican debate. Let the people decided indeed.

Fortunately CNN's days are numbered. More and more people use the internet for news. The blatant abuse of the media in choosing candidates for us will not be forgotten.

John Doe   February 20th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Ron Paul is the only one I will vote for. I will vote for him in Ohio come March 5th.

A lot of the negative posts here are framed around blatant generalities that show that the poster has no real idea of Paul's plan and they just focus on the sound bites that make his ideas sound bad… just like if I focused on the sound bite of McCain wanting to stay in Iraq for 100 years. If I didn't look into his meaning behind that statement, I would think that is all there is to McCain, but its not. I still could NEVER support McCain, but that is after actually investigating his plans and not just listening to the sound bites.

Jay   February 20th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

I hope all of you who are not Ron Paul supporters know that Dr. Paul is the ONLY candidate who really cares about our national sovereignty. Look into that. I really encourage you. The moment we loose our national sovereignty, that's the moment our very constitution will be thrown out. YOU PEOPLE NEED TO WAKE UP!

Mike   February 20th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

I really like Ron Paul's political philosophies. He really knows what he's doing, and I commend him for his perseverance. Too bad he never got the support he could have.

Steve   February 20th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Dr Paul is my hero. I will be voting for him in the election even if I have to write in his name. Many people will be doing this.

Alex   February 20th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

For all the "sheep" who don't listen to what this man says, please don't cry in next 4 years. You will be saying to yourself " I can't believe this president is worse the Bush" from the rock under the bridge where you will live because our economy has collapsed and all our jobs are gone. You may be one of the lucky locked up in a FEMA camp for protesting the NAU.

Then what ? What if you had educated yourself about economic and politics and listened to the MAN. The only honest man who has walked these United States in 200 years and wants to give you a better way, not the same way, but a radical change that America needs to restore the republic.

Bob   February 20th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Ron Paul is a very respectable guy. i don't agree with all his views but I would vote for him since he seems like an honest man and has a 100% Constitutional voting record. I also like how he is straight out with his views unlike many of the other candidates who just say things to please the voters.

Good for him and the rest of the country he is staying in the race. He has a good message.

Nando, Florida   February 20th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

JON PAUL is running for President ? When did this happen I thought he was a Jamacian Rap Artist

Bill, Covington,LA   February 20th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Rawleston:

First, I abhore the media.

Under (2). You mention media coverage, "controlled" media then go on to site what you read about polls or hear on electronic media concerning polls. How do you justify the apparent conflict?

Michael Cathcart   February 20th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

With a Ron Paul Presidency we would see atleast an attempt to gradually phase out Unconstitutional Spending, and immediately secure our now open borders. We could finally leave Iraq after we won all those years ago. It was declared "Mission Accomplished," by our Commander in Chief.

With any of the other still running we would see increased unconstitutional federal entitlement spending, our borders will remain open and Amnesty legislation will be enacted within a year. We will continue to stay in country in which our war is over and now civilwar is brewing if it has not already begun, and mainly due to our intervention in their county.

Joey T   February 20th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Ron Paul stands for the right of every American person to have to ability to run for political office. He is using his right, has a message of peace and unity among the American people, supports the Constitution and truly exemplifies what it means to be a presidential candidate.

GH   February 20th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

He was my choice. He still garners a lot of respect from me. However, I am more concerned that HRC might become President, and therefore, I am voting for Obama.
Thank you Dr. Paul for your enlightening campaign. Too bad the majority didn't get it.

Eva in Florida   February 20th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

I think Ron Paul's pragmatism makes him appear flakey, and his ideas so bold that he comes off unrealistic. It makes me wonder if we as a country really do want change, or if we are too scared, so we will fake it with a candidate like Obama.

Andy G, San Francisco   February 20th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

I've always enjoyed Ru Paul's antics, first as a drag queen and now as a Presidential wannabee.

Although I much prefer seeing him in drag.

As they say, "you better work".

Majority Rule Moral Majority   February 20th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Wayne in Greenville TX. I am glad our ancestors did not quit before the American Revolution was won. If people like you had been in charge we would be speaking with a British accent!

People like you Wayne depend on the central government to survive. People like Ron Paul have duty in mind when it comes to protecting the Constitution and the citizens of this country that fought and died for it. General Robert E. Lee often commented on Duty being the most sublime word in the English language and maybe you should look it up one day!

Bob   February 20th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Hey Tim – Which Article of the Constitution authorizes the federal government to use our tax money for space exploration?

ED from Fairmont   February 20th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Yeah – because our foreign policy in its current form is such a success and is clearly a stabilizing force. Give me a break. American interventionism (direct or through proxy) is the cause of most instability – certainly in the middle east. I'll never be convinced that American men or women should come back in body bags over a dispute of middle eastern neighbors.

McCain08   February 20th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Although Paul and Huckabee are highly respected for their cause, keep pressing on does not make sense for the party. People heard their voices, for sure. McCain must acknoledge that to show his respects to those two good men.

It is better to have a unified party and let every republican vote not going to the other party, since we don't want the left extremist control the whitehouse for next four years. Think about that, that is a bigger thread to the future of the country and world.

Sheri   February 20th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Alright mathematically speaking neither Paul or Huckabee stand a chance at winning the GOP nomination.

If I'm correct candidates are allowed to use donated money for their own campaign or donate it to another.

These pseudo presidential candidates must be hurting for money along with the rest of America to keep unrealistic dreams alive.

Seriously if this is a HUGE RED FLAG that the economy is crap, I don't know what is….

Majority Rule Moral Majority   February 20th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

NASA is a joke like most government programs. Nothing private industry could not do if it had some meaning to it and reason. Socialists and communists always find ways to tax and spend the citizens to death. If I had the hard earned money I am sending to Washington every year in the form of taxes I could pay for my son's education at college! Ron Paul is no Patrick Henry but as close as we got this day and time! God Bless Him!

Aaron   February 20th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

So long as people are voting for him in the primaries shows that registered voters care about him. And there's litterally millions of people who can vote in the election who can not vote in the primaries so these percentages they shove in our faces are meaningless when the day comes to cast the official vote.

I'm glad he's staying around. For all those people who've switched parties to vote for him in November, but were unable to show their support of him durring the primaries this is really commendable of him.

RON PAUL 2008

Baba Padmanabhan   February 20th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Oh no!!! someone is going to lose their job over this – Ron Paul on TV? What?

bennett   February 20th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

how are you people so willing to blindly follow this guy, you really think he's going to lower the deficit while cutting taxes? you think eliminating every organization that has been created due to centuries of progress will make this country better? you think he's going to protect our rights when all he wants is to allow the states to do whatever they want to limit our rights as long as the federal government doesn't?

and yes i would love to see that debate when ron paul fails miserably to back up any of his boneheaded proposals

Texasboo   February 20th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

So when will Paul own up to his racist background regarding racist literature on his newletter?

Tony   February 20th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Whats so wrong with obeying the constitution and letting people keep the fruits of their labor. If politicians thought and voted more like Dr. Paul, America would be a better place.

Jim   February 20th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Just curious. In Ohio, it appears from polls (Both formal and informal) that Senator Obama will carry the Buckeye State. Is Senator Clinton going to start and realize that she is throwing money away by continuing a fight she won't win? Logically, her funds supporting the Democratic cause in the general election supporting Senator Obama against Senator McCain is a more logical ROI.

roper   February 20th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

off topic a piece but could find no where else to post this

just curious if the democrates voted like the republicans winner takes all who would be in the lead?
im guessing clinton cause of her big state victories but no idea honestly but would be an interesting comparison to make somewhere

kathleen, illinois   February 20th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

To Carol

"Dr. Paul will never be revived" His best ideas are riddled
with the very worst ideas and people only hear some good
ideas. If you listen to the whole context of what this man has
to say, you would move on because his ideas would ruin
our country. Listen to it ALL.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bobby Kessler   February 20th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Tim, where did you find that at? I find a lack of any position on NASA from Paul. It would be hard to deny that NASA has brought some great things into our everyday lives.

Craig   February 20th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

I can only hope he loses his seat in Congress for this ill faded run for President.

Clifford Williams   February 20th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Wake up America. We have meet the enemy and he is us!

Mary, Beaver, PA   February 20th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Tim, if Ron Paul were President, there would be nothing to stop you and others from funding NASA.

The question you fail to answer is why other taxpayers should fund your favorite government program.

tonester   February 20th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

The polls may be skewed, the vote may be rigged, the Main Stream may ignore Ron Paul but the money, volunteers and enormous attendance at rallies can not be rigged. The problem, you see, is bigger than anyone might believe and yet the simple solution is adherence to the Constitution.

Those that stand to lose the most, those that have abused the system, are trying to silence and marginalize Dr. Paul. But since he speaks for the individual, those that would silence him would also silence us, and we don't like that. I'm afraid the genie is not going back in the bottle, with or without Dr. Paul.

Skeptical   February 20th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Ron Paul will also cut many other federal programs that are necessary for the successful functioning of this country. If Ron Paul were elected President, this nation would fall.

Joe Bob   February 20th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

You Ron Paul supporters need to give up the goat and go back to watching YouTube videos all day.
His policies would literally send this country back to the stone age and create a power vacuum in the middle east that would be one hundred times worse than the situation there now.

Rawleston   February 20th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Ron Paul is the only candidate in the Race worthy of the Office. Low caucus/primary vote counts essentially result from the combination of three problems; (1) inaccurate comparisons of candidates, (2) deficient media coverage and (3) questionnable vote reconciliation.

(1) Candidate Comparisons -To understand Paul one must first understand how far the Federal Government and Democrat/Republican Parties have strayed from the Constitution. When you ask all candidates about supporting Federal laws or programs which (Constitutionally) are NOT under Federal purveyance, Paul's answer must be, "NO", for that reason. The others simply go with the Status Quo – absurd as it actually is.

(2) Media coverage is "controlled" by a "controlled" media. They're obviously working to influence particular outcomes. Their behavior during so-called debates, and exemplified by FOX News, is deplorable, debasing certain candidates – and pushing those they want.

(3) Voting Problems – One need only read about what occurred in New Hampshire and Louisiana to understand that there can be significant differences between reported voting results – and actual votes. Do your own research. You'll find answers on the Internet.

kathleen, illinois   February 20th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

He sounds good sometimes but can you imagine
this guy getting rid of all the entitlements. Bush is
sending money to the poor so they can stimuli the
economy to prevent a "further" recession or worst
a depression. Cutting out Social Security would put
our country in ruins. More forclosures, spending?
no more Wal Mart. Folks Bush has made the young
people believe that they won't need Social Security.
By the time the young retire, they will need it as much
as the rest of the people. Do you think that the young
will struggle to save? In the world we live in no matter
how much they try, most will not be able to save.
Mortgages, utility bills, groceries, property taxes,
school, college. They will be lucky if they have any
excess money to put in the crooked stock market
as Bush would have them do. The truth is Americans
have diligently put the money in for S.S. and the govern-
ment spent it. Just think if that money was invested and
paid interest. Bush and Cheney has the young believing
the bull about entitlements because they spent and spent
foolishly, for one on the WAR.

freetobeme, Rochester, PA   February 20th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

How do you know Ron Paul is only polling single digits? I've heard differently, but of course NO ONE BELIEVES that there is collusion on the part of Big Government to cover up the results .

Wonder why voters are disgusted? It's because they believe that, in the long run, their votes count for nothing and we only get the candidates the Establishment wants us to have.

Clayton St.louis, Missouri   February 20th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Keep going Dr. Paul, dont give up!

David   February 20th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

I appreciate the news media. It is clearly life in the fast lane on a rough and rocky road. The pressures from all directions must be overwhelming. I am frustrated, however, with how our presidents are selected. It seems very pre-packaged, managed, and corrupt. I hope it's just my imagination. Ron Paul didn't seem to get a fair hearing at all. The powers that be seemed to act as judge, jury, and executioner for Dr. Paul. The news media should feed plenty of rope, and let the "nuts" hang themselves, rather than "pulling the plug" on them. Thank-you for what you do. But I would like to see an evolutionary change toward a more free, fair, and rational way to present the issues to the public, and to select leaders. This applies to the political parties as well as the news media. Thanks for listening.

Frank   February 20th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

NASA is essentially a monopoly. More competition would likely yield cheaper and more efficient innovations in space exploration/travel.

jhonny   February 20th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

does ron paul even exist?if he does then what party does he work for and why doesnt he drop out?is ron paul nice?why does ron paul wanna b president?why will ron paul shut down NASA?does ron paul like video games?does ron paul like watching movies?are these questions very random?is he a vampire or wear wolf?can he work in a harry potter movie?whats his favorite color?does he wear thermals?
is his favorite animal a skunk or a bat?did he ever eat burger king?
does he like sushi with raw ginger and raw eggs and vinegar and onions?

A Constitutionalist   February 20th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Ron Paul would get rid of NASA because private corporations are always more efficient than the government – leave space exploration to them! He supports the Constitution, which is the supreme LAW of the land!! Go Ron Paul!!!

Tim, Boston MA   February 20th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Keep organizing Ron, change comes from the bottom up, not from one electioneering.

Mary, Beaver, PA   February 20th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Tim, don't worry. If Ron Paul was President, you and other people who support NASA could fund it. There would be nothing to stop you from doing that.

Why should other taxpayers be made to fund your favorite government program?

Kathryn Irby   February 20th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Ron Paul apparently wants to empty his pockets 100%! However, he no more to be pitied than Huckabee, who also doesn't know when to quit! But then, there also is John McCain too. Need I say more?!!

Kathryn Irby
Metairie, LA

AK   February 20th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Fellah is still running? Who is he talking to?

chelsea   February 20th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

I really commend Paul and Huckabee for what they are doing…they to are standing for what they believe in and change….they are giving republicans a choice and they deserve a choice whether the nomination is sewed up by a war monger or not…these two men are standing there ground, there is something to be said for that

John, Las Vegas, NV   February 20th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Ron who????

San Diego   February 20th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

I think it would be interesting to see where Paul's voters go in the general election. Obvisouly there are some Republicans who are
very dissatisified with the Republican party and its agenda.

Paul himself already said he would not support J.McCain, and he admitted in a debate that he has similarities with Barack Obama.

Lets stop John McCain from destroying this country!

Freddie L   February 20th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

And those "single digit showings" are attributed largely to the media black-out of Ron Paul and his message. The burning question that has come to light from this campaign is surely "Why is MSM so afraid of Dr. Paul"? You may be able to silence the man, but it's too late to stop the message!

Thimbletack   February 20th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Stay till the end Ron.We will take our 5%or more and stop the War Monger from getting elected.

Jon   February 20th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Why Tim? If there was anything anyone felt worth doing in space, private organizations would pick up where NASA left off. For now however, why should anyone pay for it when the government is siphoning tax dollars to supplement it?

Dennis   February 20th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Ron Paul does not stand a chance of getting elected President this year. In the mean time, he is running a campaign that is costing millions of dollars–that is money that could be better spent.

Peter   February 20th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

I am disappointed Paul hasn't done better. He is very intelligent on economic and monetary policy which is needed right now. I also like his military policy. I'd love to save a few bucks on foreign military expenditures. Let's keep it home and defend ourselves. What a concept.

Mary   February 20th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Ron Paul will never be the nominee – but he should be. A vote for McCain is a vote for Bush and all he stands for. Personally, I've had more than enough of that regime. Ron Paul has been the only Republican voice worth listening to in this sorry campaign and hardly anyone has given him a chance. I don't believe that Republicans want a conservative candidate. They have had one right in front of them since the beginning and have chosen to ignore him for what? A bad tempered little warmonger who idolizes the policies and decisions of the worst president this country has ever experienced. Sad that this is all the Republicans can come up with.

Kyle Indianapolis, Indiana   February 20th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

ron paul, who???

he's finished!!

Not an Idiot   February 20th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

There are more important things than space. Like keeping our civil liberties.

Gerard   February 20th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

A vote for the lesser of two evils is still evil.
Vote for Dr. Paul.

Jerome   February 20th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Not a Ron Paul supporter but I respect what he stands for…if you listen to some of his ideas they are pretty interesting…

Michael   February 20th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

I cannot vote for Congressman Paul. It is comforting, however, to know there is still a spokesman for real conservatism or libertarianism setting out his message. Frankly, I hope this strain of political thought in our country is never muzzled..

Pete   February 20th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Hey Tim, what if 70% of Americans don't want NASA? Should I help pay for it ? How many BILLIONS has NASA wasted? Exactly what 5 things have come out of the space program (except Tang) that is a huge benefit to human kind?

russel viper   February 20th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

ron paul should not show his ugly face around.he looks so old and ugly

King Tubby   February 20th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

its says NAFTA not NASA

Karen in MI   February 20th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Ron Paul IS NOT just another Texas Republican. rEVOLution!

Ca Native   February 20th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

I recall Ron Paul was going back to Texas to defend his Congressional Seat. Gee Ron… if you are SO committed to this Presidential Race – why not give up your Congressional seat and go "all in" to this Presidential race??

Naaaa – that would require REAL commitment. You rather just fly around the country to meet with Ronbots…inflating your ego. Either that or you genuinely think you have a shot of winning the nomination (which would show how insane you really are). Which is it? Ego or Insanity?

brian   February 20th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

That's NAFTA , not NASA.

libertynow   February 20th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Tim… Do you really think the government is the best organization to be involved in space travel?
Get them out and let the market work. If there were freedom in space travel and the market was allowed to work There would be a Trump Hotel on the moon already.

Government don't work. Space travel is fine but how about we let the people do it through free markets and capitalism not extortion via taxes in some kind of socialistic scam.

brian   February 20th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Correction – He did not announce that he is scaling back his presidential campaign to focus on his congressional reelection. He said that needs to remain a priority as well and he reduced staff after Super Tuesday because those individuals were no longer required. That is sound economic decisioning.
He also announced a March on Washington, D.C. which has received far less coverage than it should have.
Please do you journalistic duty and interview Dr. Paul on why he believes a march to the capitol of our country is necessary.

Jason   February 20th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Tim,

Do you work for NASA? Ever wonder if the private sector could do a better job with less money in space exploration? Hmm, no that would take thinking for yourself.

Aaron Smithsburg, Maryland   February 20th, 2008 11:59 am ET

I just wanted to comment about the cover story about the students growing pot in the botanical garden. Whenever they decide to end the war marijuana is the day, the law enforcement community gets back the respect of its people. 80% of Americans have at least tried the stuff. If you support marijuana prohibitions you are a part the problem not the solution. Of course the DEA isn't going decriminalize it on there own accord. There the addicts. They got an extra 2 billion in their budget this year, to bust people who are doing what people have been doing since the beginning of civilization: getting high on a medicinal plant. The stuff will grow in a ditch, unlike cocaine where the petrochemical companies that supply the isotopes to make the stuff are making A killing.

teresa   February 20th, 2008 11:59 am ET

..so Tim… you would not support the only message that is true to the Constitution…………in order to hold on to NASA??

steven montross   February 20th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Thanks for reporting on Ron Paul after the election is practically over. Your journalistic integrity is heartwarming and it's comforting to know that an unbiased media is alive and well in Amerika.

Sharon Jenson   February 20th, 2008 11:58 am ET

The major problem is that Republicans are voting for Obama because they simply detest Hillary. They also have no decent Republican to support.

Obama has been careful to be sure his speeches remain vague; this allows him the opportunity to shake the filthy hands of the Republicans in office.

Careful America — he always points to being non-partisan & working with the politicians in Washington. This is not easy since a true Democrat has completely opposing views than that of the GOP!

Wake up America and quit falling for the smooth talk!

HILLARY 2008!

Shameful Republican   February 20th, 2008 11:57 am ET

No way I'd ever vote for McBush Jr. Is HE what 'conservatives' now look to?

Please, list one thing that McCain is conservative about. Does anyone even know what the definition of that word means any longer?

Lilia, from MD   February 20th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Yes I agree we need more people like him. Somehow, we had become so dependent on the media and their vias, that it doesn't matter what good policy is anymore, what matters is what policy is more popular. I hope, we don't wake up too late, and find ourselves, in the same situation as the famous old Russia continent, with no money to keep funding a defunck policy.

Go Ron Paul you are the Men that history will recognize as the only good sounding board of our vias policies.

Maryann - Orlando, FL   February 20th, 2008 11:56 am ET

I don't think all Texas Republicans are clones of GWB. But, that's just me….

(maybe CNN will approve my previous comment if I send another one!)

James   February 20th, 2008 11:56 am ET

To "Fred" above. It's pretty easy for Ron Paul to claim he'd accomplish all those things when he knows he'll never be in a position to follow through on them. Promises without power to carry them out are just empty words.

There is one thing all the Ron Paul followers have the power to do: get those signs off our medians. I swear, he has more signs then voters.

RPF   February 20th, 2008 11:53 am ET

casual observer, People are clearly listening. Look at how much money Dr. Paul's supporters give to his campaign, both for President and Congress. Look how many supporters show up at his events. Looks how many other individuals are running for Congress on a Constitutional platform.

poppatml   February 20th, 2008 11:52 am ET

It is my "Hope" that someday in the not too distant future that the choices we as voters make elemenate the lesser of two evils and place on the ballot men and women of conviction and honesty. I do not agree with all of the policies of Dr. Paul, however when you research the canidates using the tools available on the internet you begin to understand Dr. Pauls message. Is he the one that the voters get behind and support, apparently not. Is it the fault of a biased media more concerned with opinion than with reporting the facts. If the media is the problem then it is the public that is to blame for not demanding full disclosure on all of the canidates. If we truly wanted a fair and balanced main stream media we would have it. But our voices fall on deaf ears as we are to few to make any impact. Thanks to the internet the numbers are growing and the TV media will have to adjust to meet the demand. As for my vote for the president I will write in Dr. Paul as a statement for Honesty and Integrity.

Felicity   February 20th, 2008 11:51 am ET

If only Ron Paul actually lived up to all of his rhetoric, maybe he'd be getting more voters. It isn't a lack of press coverage that has lost him the race – it's the inability of his own record to hold up to his words.

One cannot protect civil liberties by attempting at every turn to give the states authority to trample them. For those who think he's actually in favor of protection of civil liberties, see the "We the People Act.

For those who think he's actually concerned with the Constitution, see his own speech in which he chose to vote for something he declared unconstitutional because his personal ideology was more important to him than the Constitution. See his utter refusal to acknowledge the existence of the 9th or 14th Amendment, and his attempts to undermine the 1st.

Ron Paul does not represent individual liberty. He represents state authoritarianism. He upholds the Constitution only when it is convenient to him and the Constitution doesn't conflict with his own personal ideology.

Tim   February 20th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Ron Paul will:
Shut down NASA.

Sorry, I happen to think that NASA is an institution we should pay for AND keep around.

No thanks Ron Paul.

Valera   February 20th, 2008 11:48 am ET

I'm looking at the right section of this website where it says "Categories" – now tell me, where is the Ron Paul section there? Look how much coverage other candidates are getting… and NONE for Ron Paul!

I have a RIGHT to demand fair and unbiased representation of ALL candidates.

Please – stop spoon feeding me… give me the facts about EVERY candidate and let me make my choice on my own.

Darel   February 20th, 2008 11:48 am ET

I'm proud to be a Ron Paul Republican… I just won my local GOP chair and they people who voted for me knew I supported ROn Paul. Later I was told by some who support Hucakbee and McCain that I would be very fair and that is why they voted for me.

Also, I knew all along that Paul's run for the presidnet would bring about lasting changes and we are seeing it.

I will only vote for Ron Paul.

Thanks Mooney for the short article soon the MSM can't deny the facts. You folks in the MSM who want to be fair should leave the MSM and support local postions to tell the truth about the issues and not hide the truth… Shame on MSM for there lies. I read an article from the BBC a few days ago which stated that a large number of CNN news men and women worked for the CIA. Amazing isn't it?

Born in the USA   February 20th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Libertarianism is a nutty political philosophy. It has a fantasy vision of human nature and human institutions. If Ron Paul was president and 100% of Congress was Libertarian, AND if the Libertarian philosophy was enacted, the country wouldn't last six months. It would collapse into chaos or would become a dictatorship.

CEO's do not give a crap about the "free" market. They routinely bribe, cheat, cook the books, conceal product flaws, fill frivolous lawsuits against competitors to keep them out of the market, use deceptive advertising, overbill, underpay, exploit children as consumers (and as employees when possible), and employ an army of PhD economists and marketing psychologists to subvert and undermine the market.

Give it up. Just have a keg party once a month instead of thinking about politics.

casual observer   February 20th, 2008 11:43 am ET

what's the point? As the poll numbers clearly reveal, no one is listening.

An if you haven't noticed, most voters would rather stick needles in their eyes rather than vote for another Texas Republican.

DenisL   February 20th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Thank God for Ron Paul and his message!!
And for Hope for America!

I sure do not see much hope with Clinton/McCain/Obama.

david   February 20th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Unbelievable that the population will listen to rhetoric rather than someone who will uphold the constitution! Owing trillions of dollars to China, still we sit and watch our "leaders" give away money to people who have no interest in democracy or can ever repay… which is the point… then we demand their resources, their U.N. vote , loyalty, in establishing this "empire" that we can't afford. Wake up people, or doom your grandchildren to slavery.

The Lum   February 20th, 2008 11:43 am ET

The man is wasting millions of his contributors dollars for nothing…

Sam Green   February 20th, 2008 11:40 am ET

It may be a long haul but this is just the beginning of something big

Samantha   February 20th, 2008 11:40 am ET

thank CNN for the opportunity to comment on the only conservative candidate whom all alone is being doing the right thing as congressman, and now he want to lead our Nation into the right path to keep it as the great nation we were before. with the sounding monetary policy, restored our liberties, and will not have to worry that will have another enemy in our list.
Because Ron Paul will, bring the troop home, restore our liberties cutting all the taxes that we need to put out every paycheck to support welfare and warfare and someother ideas the goverment will came about.

Randy - Denver   February 20th, 2008 11:37 am ET

For those of you who support Ron Paul (and I love his policies, voted for him when he ran under the Libertarian Parties Banner), I would love to see him voted in. I am also a realist and know he will not get elected. So I started doing some research into the background of the other candidates

Teflon R   February 20th, 2008 11:36 am ET

Keep it up Dr. Paul,
Obey, obey, obey, the Constitution. Beat the other candidates over the head with it. Thank you for standing up for our rights!
Texans, fight TEXDOT and NAFTA Superhighway, were here with you.
Federal Reserve stop diluting our Dollar!
Habeas Corpus affirm it!

God Bless Dr. Paul!
God bless America!

Teflon Ron, CA

Paulio   February 20th, 2008 11:32 am ET

I think my pet cat picked up a higher percentage in Wisconsin.

Fluffy's storming Washington, Constitution in one paw, catnip in the other!

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   February 20th, 2008 11:32 am ET

I would just say to Mr. Paul and Mr. Huckabee…

The inability of these two candidates to concede to the overwhelming viewpoints of the balance of the party…leads me to the conclusion that they are perhaps fighting for votes from the wrong party.

Try the Libertarians–or Independents next time boys.

Obama Supporter   February 20th, 2008 11:32 am ET

i just think Ron Paul is too decent of a man to be in politics

Travis Seitler   February 20th, 2008 11:30 am ET

I have to admit that I think Paul may serve our country better as the leader of this "Conservative Reformation" than he would as President. Don't get me wrong—I'm a staunch Paul supporter and will be voting for him in the PA primaries regardless of his "viability"—I just think he's got a certain personality which fits "role model for future leaders" better than it does "future leader."

People are calling him our generation's Barry Goldwater. He may lose this election, but he is already inspiring countless young conservatives.

cq   February 20th, 2008 11:30 am ET

RON PAUL for PRESIDENT

WILL WORK FOR PEACE   February 20th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Ron Paul has the only plan to reform our foreign policy that will bring about lasting peace. Other candidates talk about getting out of Iraq while keeping 700 military bases in 130 countries – all this at a time when border security in this country is severly lacking. This is idiocy! Ron Paul believes in free trade, cultural exchange and diplomacy with all countries; entangling alliances with none. Because Americans will not submit to an estimated 80% tax rate that it would take to fund this war, our government has financed this preemptive, undeclared wars by printing money, thereby eroding the dollar. Inflation eats at our savings, our economy is in shambles and there is no end in sight unless this country wakes up to the fact that we can no longer afford to be the world's policemen. Ron Paul is the answer.

MA GOP   February 20th, 2008 11:29 am ET

I really wish Ron Paul would find it worthwhile to ditch the Republican Party temporarily and run as a Libertarian for President this year (since he would have a really good shot at getting 5%), but he can probably do more by retaining his House seat so i see his point. Hopefully the success of his campaign thus far (who thought he would take 2nd in multiple states?) will encourage more folks who share his views to run for public office (at ALL levels), and we can begin to see some REAL change at the local, state, and federal levels.

Until then, I'm voting for the Libertarian candidate, which is a far cry better than the Liberal v. More Liberal situation we are going to have with the Dems vs. GOP. Other than RP, we have no conservatives left to vote for.

RootBoy   February 20th, 2008 11:28 am ET

The best CNN could come up with for a republican nominee is the real neo-conservative Johnny Mac – the ultimate war mongering hawk for the 100 year war and inventor of neo islamofascist extremism that keeps us trembling and awake at night. Nice try you old codger. The Rebublican Club is finished – I left the republican party when Pat Buchanan did. I hope Dr. Paul is on the Liberatarian ticket in the fall, with Buchanan as his running mate.

BTW, when Johnny Mac finds himself down in the polls versus Obama in August, it's primetime for terror again, just like the 911 inside job the neo-cons pulled the first time. Watch Johnny Mac grow a goatee and pointy ears – its the end "my friends".

Michael   February 20th, 2008 11:28 am ET

I have no problem with the media not covering Ron Paul. I still believe that the revolution will not be televised. This is only the beginning.

Ron Paul!!!

Strong   February 20th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Dr. Ron Paul = the only, real viable candidate !

Dr. Paul is the "dream" politician of the average working taxpayer. He is not status quo, genuinely has the concerns of the average citizen at heart. For these reasons, of course, he will never become president and will be snubbed by mainstream media until doomsday and then some.

What a shame. He is a man of character and decency. I hope he keeps up the fight, at least for principle's sake.

All the other candidates (both dems and repubs) are all clones of each other. Not even worth voting for.

Ron Paul 2008 !!

Johnson   February 20th, 2008 11:26 am ET

I have nothing against Ron Paul but if anyone thinks that the Republicans are really going to nominate Ron Paul as their candidate at this point in the race, they are delusional.

Deborah   February 20th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Stop throwing money away on a campaign you are obviously not even in. Seems senseless to waste money just to get a moment of fame or does CNN even allow you that moment???

Scott W.   February 20th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Go Ron Paul! The only true Statesman in the race and the only one deserving of my vote. Regardless of the outcome of the election, the second American revolution has just begun.

AJ   February 20th, 2008 11:20 am ET

GO RON PAUL!!! SPEAK THE TRUTH!! END THE WAR!!

VOTE RON PAUL!

Bayou Joe   February 20th, 2008 11:15 am ET

The ideas of this neanderthal were rejected by the electorate. Now he is going back to the only job he knows, living off the taxpayers.
As soon as the general campaign starts, you so called conservative republicans will not even bother to show up at the polls. Why do I say this? Because Ron Paul is a Libertarian and that is who his followers are., Not main stream or conservative Republicans.

G. Alexander   February 20th, 2008 11:14 am ET

I support Ron Paul!

Ron Paul Revolution!

Rick Overman   February 20th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Yes, you see, for Dr. Paul and some of the rest of us, its not just about the horse race but ABOUT THE IDEAS! Unfortunately the U.S. and the mains stream media is so obsessed with competition and who's winning that all substantive discussion of issues and ideas is lost. Dr. Paul is about substance not flash and will continue work to educate and wake up this ignorant unconscious country because he cares about more its long term health than just winning for his own narcisistic power needs.

Walt, Belton,TX   February 20th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Wonderful message, totally inadequate messenger.

wayne fazio   February 20th, 2008 11:13 am ET

There is a problem with running for office. you must become one of "them" to succeed. Ron paul in many ways has trancended this problem but even he must remain an outsider. No way were "they" going to let him win. Ex coolaid drinker. I liked the strawberry.

Earl, Chicago   February 20th, 2008 11:11 am ET

I'm not a Ron Paul supporter, but I believe reasons for staying in the race are more sincere than Gov. Huckabee.

Jeffrey Allen Miller, NY   February 20th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Way to go Ron. Show this nation what makes a true leader and a true conservative. We haven't had one in my lifetime of 40+yrs.

Matt   February 20th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Ron Paul is the only candidate worth his wind. Huckabee is a populist theocrat, McCain is Haliburton's next meat puppet, Clinton is basically McCain with a health care plan and Obama just spouts off fluff ear candy for those desperately in need of a Hallmark card.

Paul is the only one proposing any real change, he's the only one whose platform is rooted in sound ideology and the only one with the integrity to not take a pay out to compromise that ideology.

I'm just glad he's staying in the race so I don't have to pick from people I truly don't want,…for a little while at least. I may have to write him in come November.

David   February 20th, 2008 11:09 am ET

everyone needs to stop contributing to his presidential fund and give to the congressional fund instead. the neo-cons want to steal his seat and have their neo-con war mongering candidate well funded. Dr. Paul needs to continue to serve in congress and continue his principled leadership and maybe some others will catch on that we want someone who respects the Constitution and not think of it as an old piece of paper (like our current POTUS has idiotically stated).

Nick Kampe   February 20th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Can't wait till all these baby boomers die off, they've ruined our government for our future generations to fix, I swear Ron Paul's the only elected politicial with the people in his mind. If not Ron Paul in '08 Just wait when we come back in '12

Peggy Teichmiller   February 20th, 2008 11:06 am ET

I truly believe that Ron Paul is the answer to waking up the people and letting them know that they are not in this alone! I felt very alone until I happened upon some friends' profiles that talked about Ron Paul and found that I am definitely not alone by any means! My kids future depends on this election more than any I have experienced…Please help by demanding that our voices be heard just as much as the other candidates'~ What are you afraid of? The truth about our future? Come on…be real! Try raising your kids in The System and see how you come out!

~Peggy & the boys~

Brian   February 20th, 2008 11:06 am ET

This man has extinguished my political apathy and inspired me to become active in the political process. He embodies the definition of what it is to be a great man. One day I hope to hold office myself and fight for the principals in our constitution.

Bill Froggatt   February 20th, 2008 11:05 am ET

G-Love, I'm with you sir. I currently teach high school history, and I am motivated to run for congress someday. I love opening my young students mind's to the constitution. My kids love learning that the Constitution is there to protect their rights, not the governments. As a teacher I see everyday the apathy and lack of knowledge about our government, and why it is easy for media to spin their propoganda as they see fit. Our schools have become factories that seperate our young people into groups. I tell them the same people that funded cumpolsury school laws in the late 1800's are the same people that pushed for the federal reserve…the robber barons. The plot thickens…

Chad   February 20th, 2008 11:03 am ET

I think it's truly disgraceful that the media has not given Dr. Paul more respect. He represents a different viewpoint than what the Republican party has become – a club for backward thinking religious zealots. His ideas are not extreme at all. In fact, his ideals are REPUBLICAN! It was just a shame to see the other candidates react so childishly during the debates when he described his policies. You could see the look of disdain on Romney and McCain's faces as Paul explained, very clearly, why our current economic policies are not sustainable. Anyone who took economics 101 should know that Dr. Paul is right about inflation and trade. Anyone who took any kind of history and/or foreign policy course would know that the war in Iraq is a huge mistake and should never have been waged.

Non-Paul   February 20th, 2008 11:03 am ET

There is no revolution— only the vanity of Paul and his disciples. Paul disciples (no irony, that) believe they possess the true, privileged meaning of the Constitution (just follow the comments on this thread). Such anti-democratic group-think dooms Paul and his believers to being sentimental also-rans. The country will move forward after this right-wing blight. And we will consign Ron Paul — and the Paulistas! — to the dust bin of political trivia questions.

Rob   February 20th, 2008 11:03 am ET

Ron Paul for President???? what a joke!!!! The guy looks like a mouse. lol and what about those eyebrows??? He needs to trim them so he doesn't look like Mr. Magoo.

Actually Ron Paul and Mr. Magoo could probably have been twins. Paul won't quit because he has more money now than he ever thought of making in Congress.

Ryan   February 20th, 2008 11:02 am ET

I wish Ron Paul supporters would stop blaming everyone else for their campaigns failure. What has Ron Paul done to get his name in the media? Nothing. Of course the others are going to be in the media's attention, i mean were talking about a possible first woman or African- American president as well as a distinguished maverick senator and former P.O.W.. Its Ron Paul's job to be visible to voters and his failure to do so is his own fault.

ultimpsycho   February 20th, 2008 11:02 am ET

He should run as an Independent since he is mathematically out of the race. I love what Ron Paul wants to do but he has a better shot of winning as Independent, since many do not like McCain or Obama or Clinton. I would hate to see Clinton or McCain win because Paul didnt run non-party; esp. with the GOP not giving him the respect that he deserves. I voted for him the primary but if he gets the boot from the Reps and doesnt run in the middle then I will be voting Obama – so Paul run Independent please

Trishas65   February 20th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Constitution is most important. If Ron Paul is for the Constitution then he's got my vote! I'm tired of people either walking on or taking away my rights as a human being and an American!

Theracapulas   February 20th, 2008 11:00 am ET

The presidential bid was never about winning, it was always about getting our pro-free market, anti-state message out. To view this as anything but a success would a practice in utter folly.

We will get our way. We will reduce the size of government.

Mike   February 20th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Ron Paul is awesome. He is seriously the one and only Constitutional warrior left. When this race is over, our new president will either make or break this country. Ron Paul could have saved us all.

Marietta   February 20th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Really, it's great that his supporters are very enthusiastic about him….but why support something that will never happen? This has now become a waste of money and time for everyone, get over it!

Brian Smith   February 20th, 2008 10:59 am ET

THIS, America, is who we need to vote for!!!!!!!

anon   February 20th, 2008 10:58 am ET

What's Ron Paul doing with all the internet donations he has? Is he sitting on them?

John   February 20th, 2008 10:57 am ET

It would be nice to see congress get a few more libertarians, maybe a senator or two would be great.

Nick   February 20th, 2008 10:57 am ET

"Responsibly" should be "responsibility", and "believes" should be "believers". Who writes this stuff? Is it so hard to use a spell checker?

Tony   February 20th, 2008 10:57 am ET

This, I feel, will be the real success of the Ron Paul Revolution. I don't think it was ever realistic for Paul to win the presidency, but his bid has inspired a whole generation of men and women who will be in a position to bring government back to the Constitution. Like he said in his comments, like-minded individuals are wishing to run for Congress and, I would hope, other local offices across the US.

The battle for the presidency may have been lost. The war for independence goes on, and things are looking the best they have in a long time.

Shannon - Dallas   February 20th, 2008 10:55 am ET

Ron Paul's back-to-basics mentality is somethign Americans need. Even though he doesn't have a chance as a candidate, I'm so glad his ideas are getting out there and are being supported!

David E.   February 20th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Thank you Ron Paul. Please keep fighting.

Peter Paul   February 20th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Have Ron Paul supported even graduated from high school?

Saint Paul   February 20th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Love ya Ron!

Justin   February 20th, 2008 10:43 am ET

its funny the right man for the job doesnt have a chance….at least he knows what needs to change and he debates it while hillary & obama shout change!!!

James   February 20th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Kudos to Paul and Huckabee – they are so committed to those that support them that they are willing to face humiliation and near-certain defeat to make sure their voices are heard until the end. These are the guys we really want in office – those that won't give up on the people behind them, no matter what.

We can only hope and pray that by some circumstance, they might find a way to succeed as much as God may will them. I pray that their influence in politics does not end here! Don't give up on a strong voice!

teresa   February 20th, 2008 10:42 am ET

How can one not support Congressman Paul's message? I ran to the truth when I heard it! Why would anyone, not accept truth? I'm a 50 year old Christian conservative republican ….and recognize that Dr. Paul is not a politician, in the very best way…….as has been said: The truth is treason in an empire of lies.

MistyMystic   February 20th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Don Quixote's imaginings are the butt of outrageous and cruel political jokes. Even his faithful and simple Sanchos are unintentionally forced to deceive him and themselves. A true satire of orthodoxy, veracity, and nationalism.

Nate   February 20th, 2008 10:40 am ET

I've supported Ron Paul and all of his ideas for his entire race and I feel he's doing the right thing by staying in the race. His chances of being President were always slim to none, but the ability to get his message out has been worth the donations we have made for his cause. We need more Ron Paul's in Congress.

M. Patriot   February 20th, 2008 10:39 am ET

The groundwork for the Revolution has been laid, the movement will march on until this Republic is restored. Thank you Dr, Paul for awakening the America people

brian   February 20th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Correction – He did not announce that he is scaling back his presidential campaign to focus on his congressional reelection. He said that needs to remain a priority as well and he reduced staff after Super Tuesday because those individuals were no longer required. That is sound economic decisioning.
He also announced a March on Washington, D.C. which has received far less coverage than it should have.
Please do you journalistic duty and interview Dr. Paul on why he believes a march to the capitol of our country is necessary.

charlie houston texas   February 20th, 2008 10:37 am ET

I am with Ron Paul.

His message of limited government, a constitutional government, fiscal responsibility, liberty, and a foreign policy of friendship and trade versus an aggressive military foreign policy sounds like good ideas to me. He has been preaching and living these virtues all his life and should continue to do so during the primaries.

I know he has changed my life already.

Maryann - Orlando, FL   February 20th, 2008 10:36 am ET

I guess only 3-7 percent of voters really want change, since that's about what Ron Paul gets. What a shame! Thanks a lot, MSM, for narrowing down our choices by focusing only on the 'front runners'.

We are going to be stuck with McCain/Hillary or McCain/Obama as our choices. As much as the Dems talk about change, I'm sure what we'll get is more of the same. And with McCain, we will be radical islamist targets for staying in Iraq for 100 years.

We're DOOMED!!

Joe, Dallas, TX   February 20th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Thank you, Ron Paul. The Republican Party has become a disgrace to the Conservative Movement.

Peter Paul   February 20th, 2008 10:34 am ET

…why? How much more foolish can this man look? About 95-97% of Republican voters do not support his candidacy. He is polling nationally at 5-7% and even lower in some cases. It is not just the fact that has no chance at all…he has very little support. I know, I know…Paul supporters believe that they are a large army of some sort. No, you're not. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you must have a screw loose somewhere. Despite the positive points of Ron Paul, he will forever be linked to crazy conspiracy theories and various racist ties. Paulites…you have been swindled by a crew with no national campaign experience. You have become the sheep or sheeple you despise so much. When you do decide to finally rejoin reality…we will welcome you with open arms.

Jeanette Doney   February 20th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Ron Paul collected nearly a million dollars on President's, while McCain borroed money. I don't get it. If McCain is winning these votes as you report, why is he borrowing money to run and Ron Paul is loaded with millions of dollars? BTW, on the right of this page you have a list of categories. Ron Paul is somehow missing, yet, he's still in the race while Romney, Guiliani and Edwards have dropped out. What's going on CNN?

RPF   February 20th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Thank you, Dr. Ron Paul! This is about more than the 2008 presidential election. This is an entire movement – a rEVOLution – which will continue and has already spread beyond this race. Every day more people are being turned onto the message of our Founding Fathers and the Constitution: a sound economic policy, personal liberty and responsibility and a foreign policy of peace, commerce and honest friendship. This message may have waned in the last 100 years but there has always been a remnant of patriots and this past year, that number has exploded. We're with you, Dr. Paul! We stand for the message.

Alex from IL   February 20th, 2008 10:27 am ET

If there's anything we can learn from his poor showing, it's that defending the constitution (free speech, no unreasonable search and seizure, rights of the accused, no cruel and unusual punishment) is a dead concept in the republican party. People who care about civil liberties should just figure out how to get all of the dems behind ideas like free speech.

Bradley Schaubs, Greeley, CO   February 20th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Jeez, you're almost as bad as the Dem's Mike Gravel. Seriously, drop out! You have no chance whatsoever at winning!

Tom Wittmann   February 20th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Mr. PAUL

Until now I thought you are a dreamer and were participating in the
primary race to make a point.

But now, it seems you are arguing that as you have not spent all
the money you received you will continuing to complicate the life
for your party by staying in when all is already decided.

You remind me of a shop which has overbilled a customer and
instead sending money back, delivers some additional useless goodies !!

But as you are also implying, but not saying, that another reason to continue is to UPSTAGE YOUR BID FOR THE CONGRESS. Again,
to complicate the life of your party to enhance your personal ambitions
seems NOT A RESPECT GATHERING ATTITUDE.

As I see, you are not a DREAMER, which got you the support of other dreamers, but a down to earth pragmatist!!

TOM

G-Love   February 20th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Look out Congress, we're coming for your seats with a copy of the Constitution in our hands!

Fred   February 20th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Ron Paul for the Long Haul!!!
If the MSM would cover him more they would discover he is the only conservative in this race. He is the only one who believes the Constitution still means something. He is the only one who can be the answer to the Democrats – what a great debate that would be, Ron Paul against Hillary and Barack!

Ron Paul will:
bring the troops home now from everywhere we police
stop the looting of Social Security
save $1 trillion overseas, reducing our debt, helping veterans, children, seniors, and cutting taxes
End forced health screening and vaccinations
Oppose WTO, NAFTA, CAFTA
Fight for freedom to choose health care
Stop corporate welfare and polluters
Protect our privacy and civil liberties
Stop the national ID card
Oppose internet taxes and regulation
End income tax on tips
Strengthen our monetary policy

If you love freedom, join the Ron Paul Revolution!

Carol   February 20th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Thanks to CNN for this exception to its policy, shared by most of the other mainstream media, of pretending Dr. Paul and his principles do not exist.
Somehow, over the years, the Constitution has fallen into disuse, and there are many who share Dr. Paul's hope that it can be revived.

Bradley   February 20th, 2008 10:24 am ET

So he is staying in the race, but is going to focus on his district race for Congress?

What's the point Ron Paul? There is no way you can get enough delegates to win, and there is definitely no way you can win the Republican nomination. So why waste the people's money on still being up there, and get off the ticket, but still have a national campaign for like-minded fellows like you to run for Congress or other power seats.

Even though your ideas sound "great" they just won't work. Stop putting conspiracy theories in American's minds, and get out the race to better the country.

Bubba   February 20th, 2008 10:23 am ET

If I was taking in the kind of money with my presidential bid that Ru Paul and Huckleberry are taking in, I'd stay in the race too. I didn't get much money when I ran and most of it was from tainted sources and my wife made me pay it back. 'Fund raising' is a gold mine; as long as you 'intend' to run for president again next time you can just keep the money.

Nate   February 20th, 2008 10:20 am ET

He still has my vote on March 4th!

Greg   February 20th, 2008 10:20 am ET

I wish I heard more of this guy. The problem is the media hardly ever says anything about him. I really wish when it gets down to 4 people for each nomination they would give equal press time. This is the sad world we live in however. Keep it up Ron Paul.

Ben   February 20th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Like I've said all along, I don't mind if Ron Paul stays in, I just wish the Ron Paul supporters would stop kidding themselves on this guy becoming President. He certainly isn't going to do it this year, and certainly not in the next four years either. I mean heck, he's older than McCain by a year and in four years he'll be 77. He's finished, I know them facts suck but them the facts.

Diva in Philadelphia, PA   February 20th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Sadly, Paul seems like a kind of Ross Perot throwback. A little goofy, even if he's right, and a lot of statements that shake people up. I like Paul, I can't deny it. I will be voting for Obama, but I tell you… Paul in 2016!!!

AJ, IL   February 20th, 2008 10:18 am ET

EGO! EGO! EGO!

Paul has virtually no chance of being the Republican nominee. He realizes at the age of 72 that this is his last hooray to run for the presidency. Dude, let it go, become an Obamacan. Obama taught constitutional law, so he is a better candidate to endorse than either McCain or Hillary.

Obama in 08!

Obama '08   February 20th, 2008 10:15 am ET

That's alright to me. He always seemed to look like a decent politician. Let him be on the ballot until this is over for the Republicans.

I respect his and his supporters choice.

Jason   February 20th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Even though he more than likely won't get the nomination, Ron Paul has left a mark on the presidential campaign and on America. His ideas won't die and will carry forward in the years to come. Thanks to Ron Paul, I have learned what it means to fully stand up for what you believe in. Dr. Paul cured my apathy. His movement will continue into the 2012 presidential elections and beyond.

Glenn Doty, Columbia, SC   February 20th, 2008 10:09 am ET

5% is a lot…

Who will those voters turn to in the fall? While McCain does indeed have a record of speaking against a few billion in earmarks, he supports 200 billion/year to be wasted in Iraq indefinitely. The smaller government Paul supporters have to determine whether they are more concerned about the ~18 billion that McCain wants to cut, or the 200 billion that McCain wants to SPEND.

Paul himself has stated he will not support or endorse McCain.

Wayne, Greenville TX   February 20th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Some people just don't know when to quit…

David B   February 20th, 2008 10:08 am ET

When a politician who has never been able to attract much of a following declares "I am going to stay involved," that is tacit admission that he is done.

Ron Paul consistently draws about 3% in polls — about the same as "none of the above" or Mickey Mouse. Who cares if his "movement" will continue?

Travis, Columbus, OH   February 20th, 2008 10:04 am ET

Good for him. I have a lot of respect for Ron Paul and think he's right on a lot (almost all, really) of issues. I just couldn't vote for him because his lack of nuance about short-term vs. long-term foreign policy would be disastrous and destabilizing.

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