Updated and revised 2/8/2008.
Romney's withdrawal from the race could be very good for Ron Paul, and presents a unique opportunity to his very organized grassroots supporters. An entire block of conservative voters are now ripe for the picking, as long as the grassroots acts while the news is still fresh. However I wonder if there is more to this move by the Romney campaign than meets the eye. I suspect there was some back-room deal making involved.
As we know, Ron Paul is hoping for a brokered convention, what some view as unlikely with Romney out, and McCain now the frontrunner. A brokered convention is also the last thing the Republican National Committee wants, since they and the media have all but ordained McCain the nominee. That may be why Romney dropped out. He stole a major landslide from McCain on Super Tuesday. Could it be that a deal was brokered between Romney and McCain? With Romney out, McCain and the GOP may be hoping former Romney supporters will go to McCain (in true Sheeple style), just as Rudy Giuliani's did when he dropped out. In exchange, McCain may have assured his new buddy, Mitt, a nice cushy, high ranking position in the McCain Administration.Of course, I am speculating, but this IS politics.
But, is a brokered convention possible? My opinion is, yes, a brokered convention is possible. Here is why: A candidate must have a certain amount of delegates, a majority in five states I believe, in order to be locked into the GOP nomination. With Huckabee in the race, and Romney, Giuliani, and Thompson out, that leaves many delegates out there. Most, if not all of those delegates are now able to vote for whoever they want, and some might vote for Ron Paul. Then there are the states yet to hold primaries and states that have had primaries/caucuses who still haven't chosen National Delegates. Dr. Paul will surely gain some delegates who were committed to past candidates, and those yet to be elected.At a brokered convention, a candidate must get 51% or more of the votes to receive the nomination. If that doesn't happen, then serious backroom campaigning goes on, and another vote is held. This continues until a candidate gets 51% or better. So, between McCain, Huckabee, and Ron Paul, it may be possible to prevent John McCain from gaining a majority of delegates in five states.
Wishful thinking? Perhaps, but I'm a positive person.
This is were we, the grassroots, come in. We must remember that many who support Romney will now tow the party line and vote for McCain. It's the sheep mentality at work: follow the a**hole in front of you. I fell for it back in 2004 when I voted for "the lesser of two evils" and cast my vote for Bush (that's right, folks, I am a reformed NeoCon sheeple). There are those in the GOP too, who hate McCain, and will "vote for the lesser evil" by crossing over and voting for whoever gets the Democratic nomination, Hillary or Obama.
Our target must now be the real conservatives, those disenfranchised by Romney's withdrawal from the race. It is up to us now, in the states that are remaining, to get the word out about Ron Paul. We must stress Ron Paul as the only real conservative in this race. We must contrast Ron Paul's record, and his platform, with those of McCain's and Huckabee's. McCain and Huckabee are warmongers, big taxers, soft on illegals, and have many bones hidden in their respective closets. Put a wig and a pants suit on McCain, and you have Hillary Clinton, only fatter and with bigger cheeks.
Hillary and Obama are NeoCons in disguise. They will drag their feet about getting out of Iraq, if they do anything at all. They are both in favor of nationalized medicine, and are both part of the movement toward the NAU. Both are members of the CFR. Remember also, Hillary voted FOR the war, and has now flip-flopped. To Obama's credit, he voted against the war in the beginning, but he is Establishment through and through. I doubt Obama will do anything to end that war right away. To the democrats, republicans, and independents, we've got to stress Ron Paul's anti-war stance, and explain why his foreign policy is NOT isolationist. Explain why the current foreign policy (under the Republican Administration) IS isolationist by its very nature, and how important it is that we change course.
Domestically, we've got to pitch how ending the entitlement state will HELP people in the long run by teaching them to rely on themselves, and not on the state. Explain how Ron Paul's economic plan will save billions of dollars a year by cutting spending overseas, and reducing the size and scope of the federal government. We can highlight how when Big Government gets involved, the problems almost always get worse. Look at the Dept. of Education. Since the DoE was instituted, education in this nation has gotten WORSE, not better. We stand to win over many democrats and independents, if we can successfully contrast Dr. Paul's views with those of his opponents.
There is much we can gain from Romney's withdrawal, but the grassroots has got to buckle down and get busy. Get the word out before the MSM has a chance to spin it to their favor (if they're really as surprised as they let on). We've got some primaries coming next week, my state included (Maryland). I'm putting my nose to the grindstone and going to bust my hump to get voters for RP. I ask every one of you loyal supporters to pledge to do the same. Super Tuesday is water under the bridge. Shake it off and move forward. Half-time is over. Its is time to go on the offense, folks. Lets not let Ron Paul down. He'll stay in it as long as we support him, and I'm in it to the end.
Like what you've just read? DIGG IT
©2008 Paul M. Green, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Friday, February 8, 2008
Last modified: Friday, February 15, 2008
The views expressed in this article are those of Paul M. Green only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Paul M. Green is solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
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Reader Comments:
Posted By: Kirk
Date: 2008-02-08 01:41:16
I tend to agree. The Romney supporters are fertile ground for finding a few died-in-the-wool, small government conservatives. In fact, I've already brought over 3 former Romney supporters to support Ron Paul in my precinct caucus I'm chairing this saturday! They really understand that Ron Paul is the only true conservative worth voting for. They also tend to have quite a disdain for the McCain/Huckabee alliance and all the socialism that goes with it. I love it!!
Anyway, for those of us out there still having caucuses and primaries, I'll bet there's a few Romney supporters in every precinct just waiting to hear a real conservative message and vote for the good doctor. Get on the horn and get to it. It could make all the difference.
-Kirk Smith
Spokane, WA
Posted By: Paul M. Green
Date: 2008-02-08 02:41:14
Thanks Kirk! Good luck over there in the great state of Washington. We have a real chance there, and we're pulling for ya! CHARGE!!!
Posted By: Dana
Date: 2008-02-08 02:54:12
heres my arguement... are you a patriot?.. oh, you are... a patriot of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?.. oh you are.. or a patriot of the governement.. not sure.. what makes the USA the USA?...huh?.. the only thing that seperates the USA from any other country is the constitution
so you have to be a patriot of the constitution to be a patriot of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
who is the only candidate that upholds the constitution no matter what?
that man is Ron Paul
Posted By: Paul M. Green
Date: 2008-02-08 04:25:18
Dana - That is the litmus test for me. Do you follow the constitution? Ron Paul is the only one who does...and its got to be us, the grassroots who get that message to the uninformed people. Part of that is making sure they know what the constitution says...you'd be suprised how many people have NEVER read the document. Its mind boggling.
Posted By: Lars
Date: 2008-02-08 05:03:25
Thanks - great article!
We are collecting links to articles like yours at [link edited for length] for all the latest reporting about Ron Paul.
At this time it is even more important to show that the support for Ron Paul is still growing.
Did you know that you can go to [link edited for length] and post links to your own articles about Ron Paul as soon as you make them available online?
Posted By: Dale B Pettit
Date: 2008-02-08 06:07:05
"Bigger Cheeks" both ends! It is better for the sheeple to see and follow. :>)
Let's be serious for a moment. Ron Paul's economic plan to stop the devaluation of our currency is very important. Stopping the printing presses of the "Federal Reserve" and regaining world wide trust in the USA Federal Reserve Note (US Dollar) is job one. It has been proven to be almost impossible for one Patriot, Ron Paul to make a difference. It is time that true believers and patriots of the constitution step forward and run for their respective state congressmen and senators. A true revolution requires 100's of dedicated "Dr. No" type patriots that read and understand the requirements of our constitution. No matter who is president, it would be very difficult to pass tax and spend policies that are burying the middle, low and fixed income working families of the United States.
This campaign so far has inspired many to realize they are not alone in this fight for freedom, liberty and prosperity for all. It is not to late for many educated and articulate messengers to step up to the leadership positions required to make the changes needed.
Posted By: John AKA highwaytoserfdom
Date: 2008-02-08 06:09:45
It was nice to see the booing of McColaborator at CPAC. I am convinced that the MSM wants CFR monarcy for the sheep.
Posted By: Guesswhotoo6
Date: 2008-02-08 06:52:37
Great article.... The grand plan here is not yet so visible. The fact that Romney's exit speech was preceded by a spectacular McCain bashing talk by the blond I keep trying to forget, was unusual to say the least. The fact that McCain is so far from being an acceptable statesman it is not even funny. McCain's and his neocon buddies stance on the war will loose the GOP the election. This might actually be part of the plan? McCain's overall position is so weak, I believe the MSM can take him down any day they wish. That leaves HillBill and Obama as shoe-ins for the November elections.
Per your construction, I doubt there is any difference between the GOP and the Dem's sans Ron Paul. I would not even be surprised if the Dems (either one) back out of the promises to get us out of the war(s). I would definitely not expect us to pull out of foreign occupations posts. Hence it looks like the neocon's empire will be fully intact in a Democratic presidency. Remember, a Democratic congress voted consistently to get us into war as well as surrendering of our freedoms. The threat of Ron Paul to the empire grows! Ron Paul 2008!
Posted By: Bubba
Date: 2008-02-08 07:37:44
The headlines read "Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has suspended his campaign for the Republican party nomination for the US presidency." Does that mean he gets to hold onto his deligates?
Posted By: Dave C.
Date: 2008-02-08 08:34:12
A vote for the rest gives you...The national debt figure in this article is wrong it is now 9.2T
What if 20 Million Illegal Aliens Vacated America?
Tina Griego, journalist for the Denver Rocky Mountain News wrote a
column titled, "Mexican Visitor's Lament" -- 10/25/07.
She interviewed Mexican journalist Evangelina Hernandez while
visiting Denver last week. Hernandez said, "They (illegal aliens) pay rent,
buy groceries, buy clothes...What Happens to your country's economy if 20
million people go away?" That's a good question - it deserves an answer.
Over 80 percent of Americans demand secured borders and illegal migration
stopped. But what would happen if all 20 million or more vacated America?
The answers may surprise you!
In California, if 3.5 million illegal aliens moved back to Mexico,
it would leave an extra $10.2 billion to spend on overloaded school systems,
bankrupt hospitals and overrun prisons. It would leave highways cleaner,
safer and less congested. Everyone could understand one another as English
became the dominant language again.
In Colorado, 500,000 illegal migrants, plus their 300,000 kids and
grand-kids - would move back 'home', mostly to Mexico. That would save
Coloradans an estimated $2 billion (other experts say $7 billion) annually
in taxes that pay for schooling, medical, social-services and incarceration
costs. It means 12,000 gang members would vanish out of Denver alone.
Colorado would save more than $20 million in prison costs, and the
terror that those 7,300 alien criminals set upon local citizens. Denver
Officer Don Young and hundreds of Colorado victims would not have suffered
death, accidents, rapes and other crimes by illegals.
Denver Public Schools would not suffer a 67 percent
drop-out/flunk-out rate because of thousands of illegal alien students
speaking 41 different languages. At least 200,000 vehicles would vanish from
our gridlocked cities in Colorado.
Denver's four percent unemployment rate would vanish as our working
poor would gain jobs at a living wage.
In Florida, 1.5 million illegals would return the Sunshine State
back to America, the rule of law, and English.
In Chicago, Illinois, 2.1 million illegals would free up hospitals,
schools, prisons and highways for a safer, cleaner and more crime-free
experience.
If 20 million illegal aliens returned 'home' --
If 20 million illegal aliens returned 'home', the U.S. Economy would
return to the rule of law. Employers would hire legal American citizens at a
living wage. Everyone would pay their fair share of taxes because they
wouldn't be working off the books. That would result in an additional $401
Billion in IRS income taxes collected annually, and an equal amount for
local, state and city coffers.
No more push '1' for Spanish or '2' for English. No more confusion
in American schools that now must contend with over 100 languages that
degrade the educational system for American kids. Our overcrowded schools
would lose more than two million illegal alien kids at a cost of billions in
ESL and free breakfasts and lunches.
We would lose 500,000 illegal criminal alien inmates at a cost of
more than $1.6 billion annually. That includes 15,000 MS-13 gang members who
distribute $130 billion in drugs annually would vacate our country.
In cities like L.A., 20,000 members of the '18th Street Gang' would
vanish from our nation. No more Mexican forgery gangs for ID theft from
Americans! No more foreign rapists and child molesters!
Losing more than 20 million people would clear up our crowded
highways and gridlock. Cleaner air and less drinking and driving American
deaths by illegal aliens!
America's economy is drained. Taxpayers are harmed. Employers get
rich. Over $80 billion annually wouldn't return to the aliens' home
countries by cash transfers. Illegal migrants earned half that money
untaxed, which further drains America's economy - which currently suffers an
$8.7 trillion debt.
At least 400,000 anchor babies would not be born in our country,
costing us $109 billion per year per cycle. At least 86 hospitals in
California, Georgia and Florida would still be operating instead of being
bankrupt out of existence because illegals pay nothing via the EMTOLA Act.
Americans wouldn't suffer thousands of TB and hepatitis cases
rampant in our country-brought in by illegals unscreened at our borders.
Our cities would see 20 million less people driving, polluting and
grid locking our cities. It would also put the 'progressives' on the horns
of a dilemma; illegal aliens and their families cause 11 percent of our
greenhouse gases.
Over one million of Mexico's poorest citizens now live inside and
along our border from Brownsville, Texas to San Diego, California in what
the New York Times called, "colonias" or new neighborhoods. Trouble is,
those living areas resemble Bombay and Calcutta where grinding poverty,
filth, diseases, drugs, crimes, no sanitation and worse. They live without
sewage, clean water, streets, electricity, roads or any kind of sanitation.
The New York Times reported them to be America's new "Third World" inside
our own country. Within 20 years, at their current growth rate, they expect
20 million residents of those colonias. (I've seen them personally in Texas
and Arizona; it's sickening beyond anything you can imagine.) By enforcing
our laws, we could repatriate them back to Mexico.
We should invite 20 million aliens to go home, fix their own
countries and/or make a better life in Mexico. We already invite a million
people into our country legally more than all other countries combined
annually. We cannot and must not allow anarchy at our borders, more anarchy
within our borders and growing lawlessness at every level in our nation.
It's time to stand up for our country, our culture, our civilization and our
way of life.
Interesting Statistics. Here are 14 reasons illegal aliens should
vacate America, and I hope they are forwarded over and over again until they
are read so many times that the reader gets sick of reading them:
1. $11 billion to $22 billion dollars are spent each year on welfare
to illegal aliens. [link edited for length]
2. $2.2 billion dollars are spent each year on food assistance
programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal
aliens. [link edited for length]
3. $2.5 billion dollars are spent each year on Medicaid for illegal
aliens. [link edited for length]
4. $12 billion dollars are spent each year on primary and secondary
school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of
English! [link edited for length]
5. $17 billion dollars are spent each year for education for the
American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.
[link edited for length]
6. $3 Million Dollars PER DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal
aliens. [link edited for length]
7. 30% percent of all federal prison inmates are illegal aliens.
[link edited for length]
8. $90 billion dollars are spent each year on illegal aliens for
welfare & social services by the American taxpayers.
[link edited for length]
9. $200 billion dollars per year in suppressed American wages are
caused by the illegal aliens.
[link edited for length]
10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's
two and a half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their
children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US.
[link edited for length]
11. During the year 2005, there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens
that crossed our southern border with as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from
terrorist countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroine,
and marijuana crossed into the U.S. from the southern border.
[link edited for length]
12. The National Policy Institute, estimates that the total cost of
mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion, or an average cost
of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period.
[link edited for length]
13. In 2006, illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances
back to their countries of origin. [link edited for length]
14. The dark side of illegal immigration: Nearly one million sex
crimes are committed by illegal immigrants in the United States!"
[link edited for length]
The total cost is a whopping $338.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR!!!
If this doesn't bother you, then just delete the message.
Otherwise, forward this to everyone you know!
Posted By: JB in FL
Date: 2008-02-08 08:36:28
Sorry folks, but a brokered convention is just not going to happen. The Elite are thinking ahead. They realize the danger a brokered convention brings for a candidate like Ron Paul to take away their kingdom, so they put the word into Mr. Romney to drop out so that McCain can take the gold and no brokered convention will happen.
Sorry folks, I wanted to believe it might be possible to beat the Elite, but it's just not going to happen. The only option left for Dr. Paul is 3rd party, and we all know that a 3rd party will never win in this country.
The "election" fight is over, the elite won this round. Next step, the war at home will begin soon. I suggest you all start getting prepared. Or don't and welcome your enslavement.
Posted By: Ron Moss
Date: 2008-02-08 09:50:10
Ron Paul is the only dedicated fighter of terrorism. the war actually began in 1913. The Unfederal preserves is more dangarous to US that any islamist.
Posted By: Abe
Date: 2008-02-08 10:07:49
Paul, excellent article. I look forward to reading more!
Check out my column at:
http://www.nolanchart.com/article2560.html.Dave C., your misinformation article on "illegal" immigration might inspire me to write a column to address your yellow journalism "facts". Remember *all* people are created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights.
Posted By: deralaand
Date: 2008-02-08 10:11:41
Remember this:
- People don't like being preached at.
- People don't like being told they are wrong.
- People hate Political commercials!
With the right approach, McCain supporters are just as easy to convert as Romney supporters.
We need to be sympathetic.
Agree with McCain positions on meaningless issues. Then approach a position that you think will concern the supporter. (something that appeals to their human nature maybe) Then offer the common sense Ron Paul solution to the particluar issue you chose to use.
The absolute key to this approach is to make sure the new Ron Paul supporter will be able to convert others.
This style of approach will work on anyone. Democrat or Republican. (remember...preaching does not work)
Posted By: John Bowery
Date: 2008-02-08 14:13:09
There will be no brokered convention.
Mike Huckabee will stay in the race as long as Ron Paul to prevent the MSM from being in the uncomfortable position of not being able to mention the name of both candidates in a two man race (as amusing as that would be). He will also, of course be absorbing most of the "anyone-but-McCain" votes which he wins by default as the "only other candidate".
If by some miracle McCain hasn't cinched a first round nomination by the convention, Huckabee will gracefully bow out releasing his delegates to vote for the anointed one and accept his preordained position as running mate.
They will then link arms in solidarity and set out to win or lose to Obama/Clinton, as it matters not one whit to the Neo-fascist Globalists that are backing all of them.
Did I leave anything out?
Posted By: Paul M Green
Date: 2008-02-08 19:05:53
John Bowery,
Your post gave me a good laugh. The visual of Huck and McShame in locked arms is too classic.
But you are very right. Whether its Hillary or Obama the Dems will blow Team McLame out of the water. With the exception of Ron Paul, these candidates are all pawns in giant chess game run by the Establishment. And, The Establishment are member of only one party, THEIR OWN.
What I want to see is Ron Paul speak at the convention and throw a wrench in the works by taking delegates away from both of those losers. Wouldn't it be beautiful to see a second ballot because poor little Juan McAmnesty couldn't get 51 percent?
That would be worth all we've gone through.
Posted By: Trans-Mutant
Date: 2008-02-09 02:32:51
For us it means we can now also get rid of McCain.
He's qualified to be president as required by the constitution. See the 14th amendment. McCain was NOT born in any of the 50 states of the american union. He was born on US "territory" in another country -- Panama. NOT born on american SOIL.
Check this link out, sounds like a national :)
Posted By: Orat
Date: 2008-02-09 03:41:35
Before you start pumping Ron's anti-Iraq war stance hard and heavy to Republicans, consider these two things: 1 - Ron's Iraq war position is, for most, the ONLY THING that they don't like about him. Emphasizing it heavily is a very questionable move. However: 2 - Exit polling shows that most anti-war Republicans are voting McCain. Those people should be voting Ron Paul. Now, it would seem they probably just don't know about Ron Paul. BUT: the only way appealing to this voting bloc using the war issue could get us the win is if this voting bloc, by itself, is large enough to win states. I tend to doubt it is, based on in-party polling. But it is large enough to deny McCain a win (but would give it to Huckabee). Just two things to keep in mind.