Paul gets CPAC crowd on their feet
Washington (CNN) - Texas Rep. Ron Paul addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference Friday, repeating the mantra of limited government that has rocketed him to stardom among a certain segment of conservative activists.
Easily garnering the most enthusiastic applause of the day, Paul advocated for a complete governmental retreat in every realm of society.
"We've had way too much bipartisanship for about 60 years," said Paul, in comments that drew one of many standing ovations during the 25-minute speech. "It's the bipartisanship of the welfare system, the warfare system…it all goes through with support from both parties. "
"There is truly a revolution going on in this country. We live in a time where we don't just need a change in attitude and a change in ideas," Paul also said. "We need to change our philosophy about what this country is all about. "
Paul, who ran a quixotic presidential bid in 2008 that caught fire with many fiscal conservatives and libertarians, added the crisis in Egypt is further proof American needs to disentangle from its foreign engagements.
"We need to do a lot less, a lot sooner, not only in Egypt, but around the world," he said. "The people don't like us propping up our dictators no more than we would like it if a foreign country propped up a dictator here."
Paul was the winner of the straw poll here last year, and, judging by the reception of the over-capacity crowd, is a favorite to win again. This year's straw poll will be closely watched given the annual event has become an early testing ground for potential GOP presidential candidates.
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We need to do a lot less, a lot sooner? Really?
Ron Paul is the only politician for whom I can feel anything more positive than indifference–mostly, my opinions of them range from contempt to loathing.
A Trump/Paul ticket finally a real choice.
You've got my vote Ron.
Rand Paul and Ron Paul are men among boys!!!!!!!!!
Ron Paul is the greatest. Even if Rosie O'Donnell were his running mate, he would flatten Trump head-to-head.
Everyone should read Ron Paul's "The Revolution" – you don't have to agree with everything he says, but the man makes a ton of sense in that book – whether it's on bloated government spending, entitlement programs, illegal government wiretapping of its citizens, the U.S.'s unnecessary involvement in nations around the world, etc... the man makes a lot of sense.
Why does the media always use terms like "quixotic" when referring to his run for President in 2008? It's not any more unrealistic than Obama or any other politician who takes a chance.
You sure the standing ovation was for him and not the fake imbecilic moron from AK?
The country is doing fine. You and your disgusting followers need to get lost. After that son of yours stood by while his people beat up and stomped on a woman and his ideas about civil rights I am sure he just didn't pick up this outside the home.
We don't need to do a damn thing about another country. Look what it got us in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lives lost because of the greed of the bush war criminal clan.
You're amazing, Ron Paul!
Hateful guy we have here, no wonder his son is such a downer also.
To get this group to its feet, you would have to show racy photos of Palin.
If RP starts to look like a serious contender, what do you think the mainstreams will label him? "Ultra right-wing conservative," or skip right to "Racist, bigot, homophobe?"
I loved his rhetorical question about Egypt, "What should our position be on finding the next dictator?" Hope he wins the poll tomorrow...
Unlike John McCain and Sarah Plain, Ron Paul is a real "maverick." He is one of the few Republicans who do not make me gag.
Ron Paul RULES!
From his newletters
“opinion polls consistently show only about 5% of blacks have sensible political opinions,” that “if you have ever been robbed by a black teen-aged male, you know how unbelievably fleet-footed they can be,” and that black representative Barbara Jordan is “the archetypical half-educated victimologist” whose “race and sex protect her from criticism.”
How about his son say that Civil Right goes to far – people should be able to do whatever they want.
This shawdow klan guy is someone you can stand behind. hmm.
Waldo
Clowns and loons – in attendance and speaking.
CPAC is perfect fodder for SNL, but for real leadership of this country – you gotta be kidding!!!!
How many ways can I say GOOFY!!
Trump is a buffoon, Paul has my vote though. Ron/Rand 2012!
Ron for President and Rand for VP! I bet they could easily defeat Obama! Ron Paul and Rand Paul you have my vote and support! Don't listen to the elites who always say you can never win. I think who wins is up to the people and i know my circle of friends and family are behind Ron And Rand Paul for the 2012 ticket!
Ron Paul would be a better choice than what we have in the
White House now....we need to wake up and get our great country back.....vote out the liberal spending machines.......Vote for the Republican in 2012.......Vote to get our country back......
Ron Paul is a TRUE conservative...NOT a neoconservative military imperialist...NOT a religious theocrat...but a TRUE consevative...the REAL deal!
If Ron runs, he'll have my vote. His ideas on less government, less taxes will mean a better life for nearly all Americans. And @Obama/Mubericbegone, a Trump/Paul ticket would be awesome, they would definitely get the job done. Ron has all the right ideas, but doesn't have the "presidential" personality. Trump has most of the right ideas and can come across more "presidential". I supported and donated to Ron's campaign previously and will be there for him again if he chooses to run.
"This year's straw poll will be closely watched given the annual event has become an early testing ground for potential GOP presidential candidates."
But how can it be an early testing ground, if it is consistently wrong?