Ron Paul's appeal grows
Perhaps he's not such a joke candidate after all. I blogged a while ago about my growing fondness for Ron Paul, the ultra-libertarian anti-war Republican presidential candidate. Yes, he's still down on around 2 per cent in the polls. And, yes, he says some colourful things. But, according to the Washington Post, he's starting to attract supporters, some of them almost fanatical in their loyalty, in New Hampshire in advance of that state's critical primary.
Ron Paul is a man who always speaks his mind
And here's the thing: of the $5 million so far raised by the Texas congressman, 70 per cent has come from small online donations. Ron Paul is, if you like, the Republicans' Howard Dean: an unknown, a maverick, a man written off by the bigwigs, who somehow manages to appeal over their heads to the rest of the party. The internet truly is a wonderful device: it breaks the party monopolies and empowers the citizen as never before.
What's the basis of the Paul's appeal? Simply that he seems always to speak his mind. He's like a West Wing character brought to life: Arnie Vinick, only more so. And, in an age when voters in every country are sick of mainstream politicians, his tactlessness wins him admirers. The national polls may barely register his existence, but he often emerges at or near the top among those who have watched him in the televised debates.
Alright, it's a fantasy. Ron Paul won't win the GOP nomination. But it's a rather delicious fantasy, isn't it, worth indulging in for a few moments. Just think: a 2008 election contested by a pro-war Democrat and an anti-war Republican. Whom would the poor BBC back?
So long and thanks for all the clicks
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