Ron Paul and the pink slip that could decide the election
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Have you ever woken up in the morning knowing you have to let someone go and just felt sick to your stomach? It’s the worst part of work, isn’t it? Even when it’s absolutely necessary — the money isn’t there or the employee hasn’t been contributing for ages — the emotional pain and mess of sending someone home is every good leader’s bête noire.
To make matters worse, letting someone go is, without doubt the moment when every leader is the most likely to screw up. Really screw up. Because when you fire a person the wrong way — that is, without generosity and respect — you can be sure of two things.
You’ve hurt someone unnecessarily.
And you’ve set up your organization for a future relationship from hell. After all, terminated employees don’t just fade away. They usually reappear, and pretty rapidly, as customers, suppliers, distributors, or in the worst-case scenario, competitors with an ax to grind.
By the way, this is a column about Ron Paul.
Yes, Ron Paul, and here’s why. The maxims of business and politics don’t always overlap, but when it comes to parting ways, they sure do. In business, firing someone incorrectly is a disaster that can haunt you for years. Same in politics.
Now, the GOP isn’t technically going to “fire” Dr. Paul. But look, even Ron Paul knows he’s not going to unpack his suitcases in the Lincoln Bedroom. At some point, his wildly entertaining, Don Quixote-like campaign for the White House is going to run out of time.
And then?
And then, GOP, watch out! Sure, it appears Paul is unlikely to mount a third-party campaign — he’s said so himself. But he’s also unlikely to spend the next few months out on the stump for the nominee, or even in dutiful silence. In fact, you can easily imagine Paul as an outspoken TV commentator from now until November, basically running without running just to keep his ideas in the mix.
But Paul is not really the GOP’s problem. It’s his followers, perhaps as much as 15 percent of the general electorate, many of them young, vocal and highly energized. Like Paul himself, they’re not exactly party regulars. No, Paul and his followers promise to be a lot like that fired employee who, if “handled” incorrectly at farewell, will make it his life’s work to, if not bring your organization down, at least show you how very wrong you were to cut the cord.
The Republican Party would be flat-out careless to let that happen. Dr. Paul’s exit isn’t exactly going to be unexpected. Plus, the GOP leadership has an excellent example of how to correctly part ways right under its nose — in President Obama’s masterful handling in 2008 of Hillary Clinton, a bitter opponent right to the end, and Joe Biden, an early loser in the Democratic primary race. Both of these “terminated” rivals, along with Bill Clinton and his minions, could have easily spent Obama’s general-election campaign and his first term engaged in subterfuge, natter-nattering to the media about the Newbie-in-Chief’s every little misstep. Instead, Hillary Clinton was given a big job and a big jet and the opportunity to become the most popular woman in America. And rather than being trundled back to his commuter seat on the Amtrak to Delaware, the gaffe-ridden Biden was anointed vice-president and given the not-insignificant job of humanizing the more aloof Obama, a role he clearly relishes.
And so it must be with the RNC and Ron Paul. There can be no brush-off. No “Phew, he’s gone. Now let’s get down to business.” No booby prize. Ron Paul needs to be given a role that really means something to him –- a role with influence and voice.
The details of this role are not for us to identify — they can only emerge from the kind of good-faith negotiations that party officials should initiate soon with the candidate. All we can say is, in this kind of setting, as in the best-practice business parting, the “victor” must err on the side of bigheartedness and dignity. Whatever speaking role Dr. Paul wants at the convention, give it to him. If he wants some sort of advisory role in the new administration, the answer is: “Of course.” Like a business leader designing a severance package with a key player, the GOP leadership’s mindset must be: “When he walks out that door, Ron Paul is going to be a friend for life.”
Because if he isn’t, Ron Paul and his followers will make their unhappiness known. And for the mishandling of this defining moment, the GOP will deserve their ire.
Just like any leader who botches goodbye.
Jack Welch was the CEO of General Electric for 21 years and is the founder of the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University. Suzy Welch is an author, speaker and the former Editor of the Harvard Business Review.
PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate U.S .Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) makes a point during the Republican presidential candidates debate in Jacksonville, Florida January 26, 2012. REUTERS/Scott Audette
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I am not a Ron Paul supporter, but agree with the overall sentiments. But the GOP will continue to disenfranchise its core members like me. In 1962 Ronald Reagan said, “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me.” I feel the same way about the Republican Party.
The republicans’ only shot at retaking the white house is through Ron Paul. He is the only candidate who can sway the independent (and progressive/moderate democrat) vote in favor of the GOP. Otherwise, if Newt or Mitt (or whatever other GOP flavor of the month) is nominated, say hello to 4 more years of Barry Obama. It’s as simple as that.
I think you may be right about Ron Paul getting a cabinet position. He did have a “Gentleman’s Agreement” with other GOP runners.
BUT.. I think you are underestimating the truth of his words by a large margin. The Revolution is happening…and it has a lot to do with States Rights being taken from them. I be-leave he has a lot of support from Governors and Democrats. Moreover he has the support of the people, not even Obama can claim that.
It’s a Well known fact that Dr. Paul does not even want to be President. But feels he has too for the sake of Liberty. We are becoming worse than Nazi Germany when it comes to personal freedoms.
Alot of people have woken up to this… I don’t see how any body can call themselves a Journalist without knowing this, in light of all the information available.
Have you asked Santorum to leave? He has far less support.
How is that investigation going of the errors in 131 precincts of which “not all errors favor Romney and Santorum” (so, who DO they favor?) and eight missing precints.
You people are sick. Manipulating news, cheating, all to keep the only honest and ethical man out of DC.
Ron Paul is a true patriot…
I’m a ‘party regular’, I voted for Reagan, and if Dr Paul isn’t the nominee, I won’t be voting Republican this time.
Mr. Welch,
What I think you misundertsand at a basic level is that we don’t simply support Dr. Paul for his views, we stand steadfastly AGAINST what the other candidates represent.
Mr. Romney, I have no doubt is a nice enough fellow, however it is obvious that he will say ANYTHING it takes to be elected. He does not come across as genuine and cannot hope to actually undertsand what the average American deals with every day. It’s not his fault..he is a product of his priviledged environment.He is another status quo candidate who does not differ on the issue sthat actually matter. When he says’ I will make our military so strong no naion on the face of the earth will dare challenge it” it tels me 2 things..First he has no idea how bad our fiscal situation is…where is this money going to come from? Secondly, in the world we live in today carriers and warplanes are not effective against the kind of asymmetric warfare imposed by the enemies we face today.
Mr. Gingrich, is a Washington insider who uses his connections in Washington to enrich himself and those who donate to his campaign. He is also a chameleon who is now taking a lot of Dr,. Paul’s positions and wrapping them up in a package with his tainted name on it. Thanks but I’ll take the original, HONEST man with the good ideas over the bought and paid for insider.
Mr Santorum, far too socially conservative and militaristic with a healthy dose of gay bashing to go along with it,. He is another candidate who wants to dictate what is best for us via government force..and his I ask you ..is there anyone who he WOULDN’t bomb or refuse to talk to?
Ron Paul is the only honest man in the race, his ideas are good enough to be stolen by the other candidates but since he threatens the financial hegemonty of the monied people who CONTROL the republican party they feel they must oust him. If you really wanted to win the election with a candidate who can expose the hypocrisy of Obama and provide a stark contrast, who polls only second to Romney against Obama , you’d undertsand that Ron Paul is the ONLY choice for the people who support him AND the Republican party if they hope to take back the White house.
Respectfully,
Don D’Amico
Boy, this is a tough one. I feel as though I’ve just been given the “Design a Path to Peace in the Middle East” by Friday writing assignment from the toughest, but smartest, professor(s) in the philosophy department!
Besides a prominent speaking gig at the convention (which, frankly, won’t impress Dr. Paul one bit), how do you solve a problem like Maria? Reverend Mother sent her packing on a temp job and thankfully she fell in love (wife isn’t a job in the Abbey). Bingo! Cue credits.
GOP also needs a new job that doesn’t exist. Something that matches Dr. Paul’s particular talents as seemingly predestined as Maria & the Captain’s union (“Somewhere in my wicked, miserable past, there must have been a moment of truth”). I can think of only one assignment.
Secretary of the Constitution! It’s a new Cabinet position that offloads Constitution-related analysis from AG/DoJ (where, history has proven, it can do great harm). But more than that, SotC is responsible for educating everyone, everywhere about the virtues of the U.S. Constitution (in conjunction with the State Dept when abroad, of course).
And finally, SotC has the mission of leading the charge to study, refine, educate pols & voters, rally support and ultimately ratify “The Next 10 Amendments.” Google it. You’ll find in the book the solutions that will not only modernize the Federal govt (in every way), but also put America on solid footing for the next 200 years. How do I know? I wrote it.
“How do you hold a.. earth-bathing burst of gamma rays from the Sun.. in your hand?” Secretary of the Constitution, of course. Bingo. Cue credits.
Just in time too. Happy Friday all.
@DanFarfan
It would be an enormous mistake for the republican party to toss Dr. Paul aside.
If Dr. Paul runs as a 3rd party candidate, the republican party will lose.
Problem with the author’s logic is this: Ron Paul cannot be bought, for any price and he will not compromise. And even worse, his ethic has trickled down to his supporters like me.
Let the party do what it wants. Most Paul supporters I know are just writing his name in on the ballot in Nov. anyway. It insures a hand count.
Mr. Welch. In your pompous smugness you underestimate the extent of Ron Paul’s appeal and influence. We (the ‘followers’ (lol) understand it but we don’t respect it. The world is changing, people are waking up and are getting smarter and disgusted with business as usual, the wars based on lies, the loss of freedom, the banskter bailouts, the theft and deception in high places, the trashing of the Constitution and the Empire eating up our Republic. Ron Paul may not win the presidency but the revolution he sparked will continue and eventually overtake ‘your’ reality. I can promise you that.
Mr. Welch,
Principles over party. I suggest that many of Ron Paul’s supporters do not see any point in electing a Republican Obama. There are four New Dealers running, and then there’s Ron Paul.
Want a higher salary? Google JobWaltz; we’ll help you find a better job.
@SharpinLA. There’s no attempt to manipulate the news here. This is an opinion column.
@DonD73: We’re betting Mrs Welch, not Mr, is the one to whom you should be adressing your comment and we’ve got $5 that says he hasn’t even seen it. His years-long primary for GE’s new CEO didn’t exactly include a secretary of anything job for the runners up.
http://www.wewerewallstreet.com
Many insightful comments here. I was a Democrat and got disgusted with all the same criminals (old money) Obama brought into power and have switched to Ron Paul. He is honest, sincere and pragmatic.
If/when RP gets ousted – I will waste my vote on an independent – neither Demo or Repubo.
@Dan Farfan I’m sure your problem solving wasn’t meant to be nefarious, but it shows a fundamental lack of understanding of Ron Paul and his supporters. The base of Ron Paul’s fiscal plan calls for the elimination of 5 cabinet positions. He would never advocate (much less accept) the addition of invented cabinet positions to appease a much needed bloc of disenfranchised GOP voters. Please do your own research, and vet each candidate, on your own rather than relying on the media or anyone else to do it for you.
I think both Mr. Welch, and as usual Paul’s supporters overstate Paul’s support and appeal. In terms of the Repbulican Party base, Paul does not have much, if any real institutional support in the party, and does best in those states which allow independents and democrats to vote in the primaries.
As to the general electorate, there are liberals & progressives and independent liberartarians/or libertarian-minded folks who like Ron Paul for various reasons.
As part of the former group I appreciate his steadfastedness, and am pleased there is someone making conservative arguments against the drug war, the oil wars and the surveillance state. BUT, I and I believe most liberals/progressives are not down with the rest of his agenda and basic philosophy and listen closely libertologists, NEVER will be. When I occasionally cheer for Paul, I’m cheering for the two or three good ideas that coincide with my own, and for his can-do spirit, but wouldn’t vote for him in a million years.
The latter group may be more likely to throw some support Paul’s way if they can’t take the good with the bad with Obama or hold their nose and vote for whichever of the Republican party’s frankly odious candidates emerges.
I don’t think this will total 15% as an independent. Maybe if he had done a better job explaining or even better apologizing for his racist past, including the acknowledgement of the FACT that states rights do NOT equal liberty for all – he could appeal more broadly across the spectrum, attract minority voters and be a real threat. Maybe Newt can lend him his dog-eared copy of “Rules for Radicals”
.
Having him further stir the pot at what is likely to be a massively contentious convention may not be the best idea for the Republicans.
Having listened to forums where voters from all parties can phone in and express political opinions, the idea that even if Paul’s demands are met, I can’t imagine his supporters voting Republican.
If he’s not the nominee, the most common action I hear they will take is a write-in/third party. There’s very little I see that would attract them to the Republican party.
Frankly, I have felt for a long time that the Republicans have listened to the youth of the party and simply said, “go to hell”. The youth of the Republican party want it to be the Republican party again. In my life (since ’86), I have seen President after President spend more and pretty much ensure that by the time I am ready to retire, I’m screwed. They spend so much time and effort talking about no gay marriage and no abortion instead of leaving that for the states to decide; you know, that whole idea of states’ rights that used to be championed by Republicans. Frankly, taking a stand against gay marriage or abortion is not going to help me pay off student loans or afford a house to raise children in.
They have grandiose plans, and I like the fact that they believe Americans should only be limited by our imagination, but they completely and fundamentally ignore the fact that we need cooperation to achieve those goals. Republicans and Democrats both are so tit-for-tat and would rather say “we kept them from winning” than “we both are better off”. Its not about beating the other side, but about working together for the country. And the constant bashing of the other side as morons or un-American is ridiculous. Start talking, work out a plan and get moving. Neither side will get 100% of what they want, but those of us who have to deal with the fallout of no agreement sure as hell would like to see something happen.
Is Paul the best candidate, no. Some of his ideas are a little scary at times. But I have never seen him pander to a crowd with promises that are completely empty.
The process is flawed right from the start. Those that have the power to ask the questions control everything. Only when we have a citizen picture with each question will we have a chance. Till then; it will always be a bunch of slimbags represent the US. Boo Chamber of Commerce, Boo Old Media, Boo Big Business
Real Name:Doug Pederson AKA SpectateSwamp
OMG!
When it comes to showing the workers the door, Jack should know.
I think the authors have written this article from their experience, which when it comes to “heart thinking, registers quite low on the scale. I believe that Ron Paul is the only candidate from either party that has a heart for leading this nation. What is missing in the US is a leader who leads from the heart. King Obama sits in the tower and points his fingers at others for his mistakes. Prince Mitt and Prince Newt have no heart to lead all the people of the country. Prince Rick only can point to himself and tell you what he has done. I believe Ron Paul could win the race, but if the money people have their way we will have 4 more years of devestation no matter which party wins.
You say, “Have you ever woken up in the morning knowing you have to let someone go and just felt sick to your stomach? It’s the worst part of work, isn’t it? Even when it’s absolutely necessary — the money isn’t there or the employee hasn’t been contributing for ages — the emotional pain and mess of sending someone home is every good leader’s bête noire … when you fire a person the wrong way — that is, without generosity and respect … You’ve hurt someone unnecessarily.”
Are you SERIOUS?
I’ve worked as a Plant Controller and Finance Manager for some multinational corporations, and I KNOW what goes on behind these “closed door meetings”, and it sure isn’t what you are describing.
Maybe what you mean is when you have to fire someone in upper management and there are contractual issues involved, you are afraid of “blow back”, but that is NOT the norm and you know it.
Most people are fired for petty reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with the reasons given in the official dismissal letter, with no concern about respect for the individual, nor the paltry sum of money given them to survive on until they find another job — which in this economy is likely to be never.
Give us a break!
Your personal record speaks for itself, and it certainly isn’t consistent with what you are saying.
PseudoTurtle
CPA/MBA
This is one of the most condescending pieces of rubbish I’ve ever read.
Process has already started. Count the number of times Newt said “I agree with Dr. Paul” last night.
He will get more than 15% and may actually win the nomination.
Your wishful thinking won’t work.
People like you tried to marginalized Reagan too and Reagan’s conservative foreign policy.
Paul is the only conservative on the stage with any integrity we can trust.
He is the only one bringing in new blood, independents, and the Reagan democrats.
And the only reason we are coming out to vote is because he can be trusted. We won’t vote for any of the others even if Paul endorses them.
No One But Paul = No One But Paul can Win against Obama!!
Ron Paul is not Presidential material; those newletters of racist and divisive commentary are real, and I was in college during that time. I’m also not far from Paul’s district and that area is known for being seriously behind the times and quite racially separated (like the 1950s era he speaks of so lovingly)…
The USA is not about the Republican or Democratic Party, but about its people. The Parties are meant to serve the best interests of the people as a whole, not the other way around. The US is the most powerful country in the world (albeit increasingly challenged by China), in terms of its economic base and military weapons, with the ability to grow and destroy the world respectively. Hence its people must be led by a wise leader, not just for the US but the whole world. Who do you want? Ron Paul stands out as the obvious choice. Ron Paul is for the 100%, Obama and Romney for the 1%, Gingrich for the 0.1%, and Santorum for the 0%.
@WeWereWallSt
I’d actually love you guys, but I’m a guy too. Can you ridicule Krugman more? Pleeeeeze. Also, there’s this sort of apostolic thing going in with Paul. Can I charge you a fee for that story idea?
It’s amazing, every time a news article is published that includes the phrase “Ron Paul,” people come out of the woodwork to repeat one of the same scripted arguments in favor of his campaign.
Paul supporters, I have to ask: is there an email newsletter or text alert that goes out every time the guy’s name is mentioned, commanding you to go forth and spread the word? It really gives the effect that Paul is the people’s candidate with an overwhelming amount of layperson support. But I’m highly suspicious that it’s actually the same 20 guys posting comments on every news website under a variety of aliases. Just had to ask.
An interesting point, and I think valid. The republican party seems to have lost touch with a demographic sympathetic to their central tenets, discarding small government and true capitalism for guns, money and ‘God’. Ron Paul appears to be the exception – very smart, if a bit crazy.
Quick point though, @vixon. The very fact that you were able to post that America is ‘becoming worse than Nazi Germany when it comes to personal freedoms’ four hours ago on a public forum (and that I can still read it) seems to disprove your point. America could use a lot less hyped-up rhetoric, that’s for sure.
Ron Paul . . Fed Chairman . . .
Ron Paul voters are going to write him in no matter what.
It basically comes down to good vs evil.
All other candidates are evil along with the media.
They work for BIG MONEY, with its roots in the Federal Reserve backed up by the military industrial complex, and its lobbyists.
You can’t and won’t put us back to sleep, we are the last line of defense.
I wonder exactly how the other GOP will go back in time and change their record, so it could actually seem like they mean what they say.
Ron Paul 2012 – or write in.
@Nullcorp
Dude[ette?], ya gotta get out more. Depends on the Reuters blog, but sometimes the different author names will link to previous posts. I think Paul fulfills a longing for a political leader with some sense of integrity that hasn’t been co-opted by a) money, b) b.s. party legacy baggage, c)lack of actual tangible human substance. With two presidents in a row setting record numbers for low approval, plus a legislative branch with an approval rating that normally gets governments overthrown I’d expect Paul fanatics would be more numerous in their comments.
I find the thinking of some of the commentors here absolutely common. Newt never met any source he wouldn’t take money from, Romney seems to have no commitment to any core idea, Obama has been revealed to be a well spoken empty suit, and Santorum is a nutcase. Ca-ching Paul by default.
The Tireless Agorist: Loyalists to the Corporatocracy
http://tirelessagorist.blogspot.com/2012 /01/jack-and-suzy-welch-loyalists-to.ht ml
In a profoundly parallel era, Jack and Suzy Welch would have been British Loyalists, convinced that their children’s membership in the Sons of Liberty was a passing fad, soon to be outgrown. It is no more possible for the political establishment to “give” voice and dignity to Ron Paul and the liberty movement than it would have been for King George to impart already-existing voice and dignity to Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the patriots. To the patriots of this century, there is no discernible difference between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. The political establishment has nothing to offer them, but to depart from the playing field more quietly than King George.
If Ron Paul does not get the nominee I will not be voting for any of those warmongering, blood thirsty jerks. I would rather vote for Obama then any of those other three. It will not matter if Ron Paul supports one of them or not , i still will not vote for them. I am supporting Ron Paul for a reason and none of the other three have what Ron Paul does. I will not support candidates who are only concerned with going to war with every country they can name , try to force their religious views on every one through policy like pro-life. Not interested in their fake promises and lies. I would rather not vote or vote for Obama. Snake Santorum has less support than Ron Paul but i don’t see anyone saying he should leave because he supports the blood thirsty , pro-war , bow down to Israel that the establishment wants. Ron Paul drops out so will I because it will be clear we will all be doomed with the others. Hopefully America is smarter than that but I doubt it.
@nullcorp – assume 15% of all voters like Dr. Paul. Not 15% rep or dem, 15% total. So an article like this gets Paul supporters to react.
I don’t see a wave of supporters embracing Newt Gingrich or Romney.
Bottom line – the ideal Republican candidate only exists in imagination. There is no real person that fits the republican glass slipper.
Your wife conceded on CNN that all 4 of your children are Ron Paul supporters. I think Ron Paul’s constitutional message resonates with voters who are looking for a genuine republican. It should be noted that Ron Paul was endorsed by Reagan and he endorsed Reagan when so few others did in the 70′s. Ron Paul is a man of conviction and principles. No token gesture would be fitting. The constitution is an all or nothing agreement between the founders and this young nation. Perhaps the fact under a Ron Paul administration GE might have to pay something higher than ZERO for income taxes provided the motivation for this story. Perhaps Ron Paul isnt the problem. Perhaps the problem is tax evading crony capitalist companies like GE that use their muscle to influence Washington.
The only candidate who seems to have the most common sense is Ron Paul but he doesn’t have the support of those who REALLY put presidents in the White House: the corporations, especially big oil, the unions, and other big money interests. It would be my hope however, that Dr. Paul will drop the GOP, declare himself as an Independent and really shake up the embedded, life-long politicians who have driven our country into bankruptcy by playing partisan games. I must relate a most disturbing thought though, brought up by a friend: Ron Paul doesn’t really want the job; he’s merely paving the way for his son, Rand. That’s VERY disturbing because I don’t think Rand Paul has his head screwed on very tightly. If the old adage is true that, “the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree”, then I REALLY fear for the future no matter who is elected. Confused? Welcome to 21st century politics.
What an appalling piece of garbage this is.
“Hello Republicons, we have an agitator in our midst who goes against the grain of our current no-tax-and-spend mantra of neo-christian-plutarchy-elitists who rob from the poor and give to the rich, so let’s agree to patting him on the head, bribing him into accepting a cush position, and hope his followers will shut the hell up.”
Did I miss anything?
Thanks, but no thanks.
This is more of the same elitist rich ruling class (plutarchs) telling their political puppets (our political leaders) what to do.
On the other hand, it is utterly amazing they would have the temerity to openly publish what looks like a textbook K Street Memo.
We live in interesting times.
It seems like the only people that want to fire Ron Paul are the ones who have made money from bail outs, inside traders in the stock markets, corps that are backed by the govt and crooked business men who wouldnt profit from him being elected. Ron Pauls followers are not only young people, but middle aged and older populations, too. America doesnt need any more Obama/Romneycare, people like you are so disconnected from people like me you dont care about what happens because you have all the money in the world to be able to buy the things you want. People are waking up more every day to find out Ron Paul isnt the kook you make him out to be. He is for the people, a genuine man who CANNOT be bought or sold. He is just what America needs. Forget about right or left, lets get back to a constitutional republic and try getting Americans back on their feet for once. Everyone needs to wake up from their right/left coma and do some research on each candidate to find out who is doing what and what they ACTUALLY stand for. Most people would be horrified to find out what Mitt and Newt have done in the past or how much they are really worth including their off shore banking accts. All Romney and Gingrich do are fight over who is more corrupt and seedy while Dr Paul waits to talk about cutting a trillion dollars and the economic crises that needs to be dealt with. You are both out of touch with the real American people…
Thanks for the article Mr. Welch. After reading that, I’m more motivated than ever to vote Ron Paul, your disingenuous attempt at dismissing the only candidate with an iota of integrity is pathetic.
Ps. This article offers every American a clear glimpse of what is going on in this country, and what is in the minds of those who have the wealth to control our so-called democracy.
I am more disgusted reading it the second time.
More of the same. We are used to this type of bashing disguised as “nicey nice” rhetoric designed to influence people. This 62 year old Veteran supports freedom and liberty, Not socialism or progressive destruction of our constitution, as these morons obviously support. You…Welch’s, have fooled no one and the your ignorance lies in the fact that you have no idea just how large, and diversified Ron Paul’s support base actually is. Take your fear mongering somewhere else where the sheep haven’t already been sheared. We are wise to you and all like you. It no longer works. It’s too late!
@ Nullcorp- I don’t know about the other Paul supporters, but I’m a news junkie, subscribe to the Daily Paul (which posts current articles/videos), and have a keyword news alert sent to my email.. I’m clearly a ‘paulbot’. I’m also a small business owner and a grandmother. His appeal is broader than MSM wants people to think…
Yeah right! Ask yourself this question. Does the GOP even want to win this time around?
Is it all a sham to pick the worst contender, so that Obama wins. I know the media works towards this goal, but does the GOP share the same goal? Yes, the main stream media does work towards this goal. That is very clear to anyone who lives with their eyes open and their mind engaged. Since it is obvious that Ron Paul is the only real conservative republican running…it sure makes you think the GOP wants to loose this election by supporting anyone but Ron Paul.
There’s little that Romney could offer Paul, and little that Paul can threaten to do. It’s a stalemate.
First, how many of Paul’s supporters can be persuaded to vote for any eventual GOP nominee (which will almost certainly be Romney, “barring gaffe or scandal”)? Even if Romney were to embrace every single policy position of Dr. Paul’s it seems very unlikely that Paul voters would believe him. A bit of window dressing strikes me as the limit – Romney can talk about “liberty” (he’s started doing that here and there) and occasionally use the term “states rights” (but he has to be careful about how he uses what has been historically a code word for discrimination: Repubs have typically limited themselves to complaining about “unfunded mandates” or excessive Federal power).
The most obvious problem is what Paul actually gets (which you seem reluctant to discuss). Would a GOP Senate confirm Ron Paul as Bernanke’s replacement at the Fed? Wall Street would hardly welcome that, and Romney wouldn’t like it either. How about a foriegn policy position? That’s not going to warm the cockles of Republican hearts. Perhaps he could be put up as the head of one of the agencies he wants to eliminate such as the EPA, although this seems likely to produce a filibuster by Senate Dems (if there are 40 left, as seems likely) – unless it’s done via a recess appointment. An ambassadorship seems only minimally fitting, and would probably not be acceptable to either Paul or his supporters. Advocate a return to the Gold Standard? No chance.
Even social issues are off the table: if Romney wins and the Repubs control both houses of Congress, Repubs will demand constitutional ammendments on abortion and gay marriage. What’s in it for a President Romney if he refuses? Nothing. Decriminalization of drugs and prostitution?? Surely you jest.
Romney can change his rhetoric a little, praise Dr. Paul effusively, offer him a convention speaking slot (which Paul will not take, because he’d have to endorse Romney), or perhaps increase the depth of budget cuts (but he has to be careful about alienating swing voters). That’s about it.
My guess is that the ‘Paulbots’ (not my term) will stay home in November, which will help the President to some extent, but it will certainly not be decisive. Any effort by the Campaign For Liberty or the Pauls themselves to support a third party candidate like Gary Johnson will be very helpful to Obama: this may cripple future opportunities for Rand.
It is the way the Chase family at Eaglebrook school had always treated its staff and fsculty. It may explain some of there success. Great column. How do I subscribe to your blog? I do not see a button on here to do so. Of course I really want to read your 4 kids boots!!! I love their political leanings!!!!!
Mr. Welch,
You should talk to your children. If indeed they are Ron Paul supporters you might learn something from them. Maybe they want a better future than the one the establishment is leaving for them today.