Ron Paul's story is this election's internet deja vu all over again. Last election it was Howard Dean's story.

fred camorra call

How the Internet Invented Howard Dean
Forget fundraising (though his opponents sure can't). The real reason the Doctor is in: He listens to the technology - and the people who use it.

By Gary Wolf

It is 83 days before the Iowa caucuses, and I'm sitting at a small table on a private jet above Colorado getting a pure dose of Internet religion from Howard Dean. "The Internet community is wondering what its place in the world of politics is," Dean says. "Along comes this campaign to take back the country for ordinary human beings, and the best way you can do that is through the Net. We listen. We pay attention. If I give a speech and the blog people don't like it, next time I change the speech."

Sent by fred camorra call | 11:51 AM ET | 12-17-2007

Why this in blog and not in news section?

Sent by Dinesh | 12:36 PM ET | 12-17-2007

I saw a huge crowd of Ron Paul supporters downtown yesterday. You do know they were celebrating the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party don't you?

Seems like most everyone I know in their twenties and below are rooting for Ron Paul. If republicans decide to nominate him, they might be surprised to find that many non-voters who have been waiting for a reasonable candidate will turn out at election time.

Whenever people call his candidacy Quixotic, I recall, that at the end of Don Quixote, all of the people who drove him away from his life of chivalry, regretted his loss.

Sent by Jody Sol | 12:45 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Thanks for following the money-bomb story. Are there any plans for NPR to run some real stories about Ron Paul? Perhaps a story profiling some supporters and why they are so passionate (or crazy). Thanks. (KXJZ Member)

Sent by Daniel Helsten | 1:07 PM ET | 12-17-2007

This primary season has proven that if elected President Ron Paul could not sway the majority to any end, not the people nor Congress. Ron Paul will best serve his country by staying where he is and supporting the FairTax when it comes around. He does his country a great service by being a small government advocate in congress. Although I applaud his bringing small Government issues to light, he is not the one to lead the country toward them ... Mike Huckabee is. When the FairTax is brought before the American people, it will take all of us, from every political persuasion to see it through, and Ron Paul can serve that effort well.

Sent by Eric Worthington | 1:14 PM ET | 12-17-2007

I cannot believe that even NPR refused to actually air this story. Only on the blog section. Thanks a lot, this was only the biggest single-day fundraiser in a single day in history.

Sent by Andrew Hakso | 1:27 PM ET | 12-17-2007

It is a travesty that this isn't front page news. If it was Hillary, you would have this all over your radio programing and website.

Why NPR continues to marginalize Ron Paul and keep him to the back pages and blogs is completely without reason. NPR serves the same interests as MSM in keeping their chosen canidates in the limelight.
It is a shame, but I hope that all the people who are think about donating to NPR realize that NPR isn't serving the people's interest any more than the MSM or the candiates they are bent on pushing.
Try as you might, the people are speaking out and giving their hard earned money and support to Dr. Ron Paul, and he is going to win the 2008 Republican nomination. In fact, maybe that is why NPR refuses to give Dr. Ron Paul fair coverage...Dr. Ron Paul is receiving millions that you wish you were getting! Ahhhhh...it is starting to make a bit more sense now.
If you are reading this and don't know about the Ron Paul revolution, check him out on 'RonPaul2008.com'.

Sent by Orbanzo | 1:47 PM ET | 12-17-2007

The only thing that Don Paul has in common with Howard Dean is that they both raised lots of money on the internet, but the similarities stop there.

Ron Paul is a once in a generation man, who may have sparked a political and Constitutional revolution. After all these months, the media is still sorely reluctant to recognize what is happening with his candidacy.

Sent by Josh Hartman | 1:52 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Wow...I didn't realize it when I sent my first comment, but you guys actually sensor the blog comments!
Your coverage is even more sad than I thought...even ABC news doesn't do that...and they got inundated with over 300 pro Ron Paul comments after the recent ABC debate. Regardless of whether you choose to participate, the truth about Ron Paul's devotion to restoring our constitution and democracy will emerge. NPR should be ashamed!!!!

Sent by orbanzo | 2:04 PM ET | 12-17-2007

I second Daniel's comment above. This is truly the *first* time NPR has disappointed me. I've been an avid npr listener for years and this is definitely a story for NPR to pay more attention to. I just switched my party from D to R in order to vote for Ron Paul. Paul's poll ranking is based on telephone polling of republican voters in the 2004 election. However, more and more people, especially young and tech savvy are giving up land lines in favor of cell phones and VOIP. Also, many of his supporters are independents, previously disenchanted non-voters and democrats. By using telephone poll data of the old Republican base as the metric to decide whether or not Ron Paul is relevant, NPR is missing a huge story. That is unless, the omission is intentional?

Sent by Emily | 2:12 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Who are these crazies? We are not just a small group of loud, libertarian internet junkies. We are young people that are deeply concerned about our country.

And, most of us are first-time or second-time voters who are already sick of lies and corruption, tired of paying taxes for wars we don't support, angry at evasive politicians, worried about a collapsing dollar, and terrified of inheriting an empire.

If Ron Paul doesn't win this election, I can guarantee that someone like him will win in 4-8 years.

Sent by James Stoll | 2:24 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Sent by Emily: I just switched my party from D to R in order to vote for Ron Paul.

Okay, gang, how many times (and how early) did I say Democrats were going to be voting Republican come this election?

Sent by Josh Hartman: The only thing that Don Paul has in common with Howard Dean is that they both raised lots of money on the internet, but the similarities stop there.

In one fellswoop of an inadvertent warwhoop, Howard Dean's presidential campaign sank like the Titanic (except faster). But, Howard Dean is still a Democratic fund raiser.

So, are you saying that Ron Paul won't become a Republican fund raiser when his campaign sinks to the bottom next to the Titanic?

That's a shame. Ron Paul should be able to continue doing something for the GOP after his presidential bid ends.

You guys just never learn anything from history, do you?

The internet is virtual reality. It created an anti-war movement that had no power. It gave money to Ron Paul who has no chance.

fred camorra call

Oh, and PS....my invitation is still out there to Dennis Kucinich to come to Roswell.

Arthur C. Clark Still Hopes to Meet ET.
42 minutes ago

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - Science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke listed three wishes on his 90th birthday: for the world to embrace cleaner energy resources, for a lasting peace in his adopted home, Sri Lanka, and for evidence of extraterrestrial beings.

Sent by fred camorra call | 2:42 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Fred Call

I don't think the internet movements that have no power, it's the people. Millions of people protested the Iraq war, but our "leadership" proceeded anyway. The system is against us. Ron Paul represents the restoration of our power as citizens, and that is why he is so popular.

Sent by Jody Sol | 3:05 PM ET | 12-17-2007

I am an loyal listener of NPR and wish that this was a story you cared more about. I am disappointed that this record breaking story didn't make the front page of your website. For once, when it comes to politics, please follow the actual story. This is an American story. This is the story of our country's citizens standing up for what they believe in and actually breaking records! This is what our country is all about. This should have been in your News section and on your front page.

Sent by Holly | 3:21 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Shame shame NPR, This Presidential candidate only raised more cash in 24 hours than anyone in American history. The fact that NPR has basically ignored Ron Paul is a telling sign of your "openness" on the events that shape our lives. Way to go...

Sent by Charles | 3:34 PM ET | 12-17-2007

First of all, Ron Paul is one of the few candidates that smiles...

His strict constitutionalist ways point out that the CIA, the Fed, and the IRS are not what the founding fathers had in mind. He is pro-liberty, and he is for each individual. Being pro-liberty, Americans can agree to disagree, move tired issues off the table, and get involved with state and local matters in our own backyards. He is also pro-sovereignty, which means we can stop being "internationalist" and being concerned about countries that most of us don't even have the money or time to visit anyway - especially the way the economy is going now. If we restore our currency, then maybe traveling to other countries would be something the younger generation could afford.

I used to think that Universal Healthcare would be good idea, but considering the way Iraq and New Orleans has gone, certainly Federalized healthcare seems both cartoonish and nightmarish. Socialized healthcare should be at the state and local level for communities that want it.

I'm considering switching to Republican just to vote for Ron Paul.

Sent by Clutch | 3:46 PM ET | 12-17-2007

NPR I count on you to report the REAL news instead of the media "puppets" on television. How wrong I was. . .just another news source unwilling to report real political news for the day. Ron Paul raises 6 million in one day with small donors deserves front page attention not buried in a blog. Once again I was left to find out about the news from yesterday on my own because it was not reported by anyone as a front page story. I beg you to consider why you have decided not to report this and please make a point to have a real story about someone REAL America is excited about. Have Ron Paul on your radio show Morning Addition or All Things Considered.
Outraged in Paducah KY

Sent by Sarah dallas | 4:33 PM ET | 12-17-2007

I love the USA, I do not understand why the real news is buried. Why do you not want us to see what is realy happening. The only conclusion I can come-up with is that you want to control the flow of info to the people to gain the election outcome of your desire. NPR be different- be honest

Sent by Ben | 4:40 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Sent by Jody Sol: The system is against us. Ron Paul represents the restoration of our power as citizens, and that is why he is so popular.

There is nothing wrong with Robin Hood. In fact, there is nothing wrong with Santa Claus or Christmas or even the Easter Buny.

There's nothing wrong with little green apples and sunsets and the UFO that Dennis Kucinich saw at Shirley McClaine's house.

There's nothing wrong that Howard Dean and Ron Paul walked the same path.

At the same time, there's nothing wrong with imperical proofs and logic. They are all a part of the challenges that makes it all worth while.

Unfortunately, revolutionaires are intrinsically lazy. If there was a garden of Eden, there would be no revolutionaries. But, it takes time to learn. Unfortunately, there is great disarray and confusion and lack of cohesiveness among the revolutionaries. The choice is between chaos and a centralized system. Chaos in this day and age is as bad as an asteroid the size of Texas hurtling toward earth and you don't have a real Bruce Willis to save the day.

Sun Tzu said: "An army may march great distances without distress, if it marches through country where the enemy is not."

For centuries, Sun-Tzu's 'Art of War' has been treatise on political strategy as well as military strategy.

Some day (maybe) the revolutionaries will learn that George Bush was merely a federal employee whose primary purpose was to distract by sleight of hand.

You were made to target an unseen, unreal bulls eye. You went for all the stars and the moon before you had the space ship fueled up and ready to go.

Take heart. You might be learning a few lessons. And you probably still have plenty of energy to attempt change.

Thing is, you have to learn to create change in a strategic way.

Sun-Tzu said: "Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack."

fred camorra call

PS....

Sent by Clutch: I'm considering switching to Republican just to vote for Ron Paul.

See, I told you a lot of Democrats would be voting Republican. Unfortunately, the Democrats have put forth a choice that is not palpable to the majority.

Did they sell out, or did they just become unrealistic with too much ideology?

It's not always a case that one side is so good as it is that the other side has become so bad.

Or, did the Democratic Party lose faith in its constituency?

Sent by fred camorra call | 4:46 PM ET | 12-17-2007

I heard about this story from another news outlet and instantly searched NPR to get the full scoop. I was disappointed that this was not treated as a 'real' story. I even had my headphones on waiting to hear the story.

Sent by Tyler | 5:51 PM ET | 12-17-2007

Well, while you youngsters talk about how Ron Paul struck a nerve with you and how he spoke to your hope for the future, let me tell you that this "formerly-democratic" grandmother has been struck by the same vision; and, there are a lot more of us than the main-stream knows. In my entire life I would never had thought that I would willingly register to be a republican...but here I am and for a once-in-a lifetime chance to be part of history...Doctor Paul represents what our government has not had since it's inception...integrity! I think America has reached a saturation point and the mainstream is so used to the erosive nature of our governing bodies that they believe it is normal...IT IS NOT! I believe the document says "We the people", not we the guys with the money. NPR please know that you too can get ahead of this story, but you too have to think outside of the existing box that the status quo have endeavored to place on our collective American minds! Wake up, they're coming...can't you hear the hoofs?

Sent by Joyce Carr | 9:48 PM ET | 12-17-2007

What are his backers complaining about? You did two stories in one day(ME and ATC) about how much money the guy raised. Now, start mentioning his positions like:
1. Trying to get earmarks for the shrimping industry.(There's a consistent libertarian)
2. Abolishing work place health and safety laws.
3. Selling off our national parks.
NPR- Get out of the horse people are betting on business and do your job- mention more than he is anti-war.

Sent by Craig Kenworthy | 10:20 PM ET | 12-17-2007

This campaign is
of the people
by the people and
for the people
That is what makes this story worth reporting.

Freedom is a powerful message.
The MSM suppression will backfire.
Supporters of Ron Paul are filled with passion because we know how rare it is to see a politician so honest, grounded in the constitution and good on Monetary Policy

Sent by Paul Campanis | 12:30 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I traditionally vote more for democratic candidates and practically never vote for republicans. However, in this case I will be registering as a Republican to vote for RON PAUL, the honest man of integrity running for president! He will systematically disassemble the systems of oppression in this country and sacrifice empire to preserve and protect this nation. The U.S. is overextended worldwide and increasingly in debt to the Chinese and other nations. Ron Paul will withdraw the military to our own borders and save so much money, we can go back to the days before there was an income tax!

Sent by Daniel McGuire | 2:21 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I'd just like to add my name to the consensus of the confused. I've voted Democrat and Independent with few exceptions. I think I'd make an easy exception for this man. He seems to be the only person who understands how terrorism really works. For those who haven't bothered to even listen to him before blogging here, he stated that the real reason terrorists do what they do, is that we occupy their lands, and try to dictate what they should do. Now, either no one else "gets" that, or they don't have the courage to say it. Either way, this guy makes sense to me. Oh, that and, we are financially screwed in the country, directly due to the non-conservative government of Dubbya. Paul also understands that. I mean, I'd think it's fairly obvious to anyone who understands how to keep his own finances, but I guess I forget how few Americans do.

Anyway. I'm tired, and sick, and that's about all I have the energy to say. You guys should cover this. I hope that you do.

Even if he doesn't win, the type and variety of support he is gaining is, indeed, a sign of the times.

Sent by Susan Linich | 8:53 AM ET | 12-18-2007

Why is this story only a blog and not front page?? What is NPR hiding? Or hiding from?
Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate for truth and honesty in government, the only candidate who will actually work for the people of this country rather than for big business and corporations. Is that why NPR is afraid? He broke every fund-raising record and when all those folks put their votes where their money is, maybe NPR will cover it!

Sent by Sam Davis | 11:32 AM ET | 12-18-2007

I never thought I'd be saying it, but NPR has really disappointed me by doing the same things the mainstream media has done in marginalizing this candidate.

During a recent poll, in which Paul placed fourth, ahead of Tancredo, NPR mentioned the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th place candidates, passing over Ron Paul without even mentioning him.

Now they relegate this big news to the back pages. It's a disgrace to journalism and the American people.

Sent by Carl Youngblood | 11:38 AM ET | 12-18-2007

After passionately donating to the NPR fundraising in 2006, I am very disappointed to see that NPR is not the unbiased medium I once believed it to be. Until I see REAL coverage of Ron Paul, not some obscure BLOG, I am committed to not donate to NPR this year. I put my money where I feel it serves a true purpose.

Disappointing.

Sent by KC Vetterli | 12:49 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I have been listening to NPR off and on for ten years. I truly enjoy your independent news and airing of BBC world to give us prospectives from around the world. The Ron Paul story is truly amazing and deserve more attention. Dr. Paul cured my apathy. 75% of the people I talk to support his view points but wonder why the "media" won't talk about him. It is really sad.

Sent by Peter Liu | 1:00 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Country Before Party !!!

America is being undermined on many fronts. The one most eminent is our Bankruptcy. Fueled by War, Empire Maintenance, and Fallacious Spending of congress; The economic Overtaking of America will not be far off. The effects are just now becoming evident. We will be sold to our enemies rather than forced into submission.
Ron Paul is the only candidate running for president that has the vision of the founding fathers of this country ingrained in his heart. Core Character Counts. He is the only one in the field that I would trust my money and my family's safety with.

Research him for yourself, but be wary of the Mainstream Medias Bias.

Here are some sites I recommend:

www.ronpaul2008.com/about/
www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/
www.ronpaullibrary.org
www.house.gov/paul/
www.lewrockwell.com/paul/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul

Think For Yourself; Do Not Be Easily Led.
Views Untested Are Worthless.

Sent by Brad | 1:35 PM ET | 12-18-2007

It seems that even good old NPR (whom I still listen to every day) is scared of Ron Paul. NPR has been blacking out Dr. Paul just like all the other old media. Why? For the same reasons I'm sure. Just like the owners of the other old media, NPR stands to LOSE MONEY from a Ron Paul Presidency. Dr. Paul is for limited government, which would in turn mean that federal funds for NPR would be on the chopping block. If NPR is truly public radio, why would you take federal money? If NPR was truly fair and balanced, why would you let that money dictate which stories you may or may not run?

Sent by Steve Stratton | 1:48 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Count four more party switchers here at my home too. I think the Republican Party already knows this is happening and may either be trembling in fear or trying to think of a legitimate excuse to stop it. Mark this one down, the Republican Party is scared!

Sent by Rob J | 1:49 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Sent by Fred Call:

There is nothing wrong with Robin Hood.

--

There is something wrong with Robin Hood. He's STEALING. Stealing from the rich is still STEALING. And there is something wrong with that.

Sent by Oliver | 1:54 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Hey NPR. There is certainly a movement taking place around Ron Paul. Think about it. You have a splinter of the Republican party (trad. conservatives, libertarian, and the disaffected), you have a splinter of the Democratic party (disaffected about the way the Democrats used the end the war platform to gain power on the Hill, then surged in Iraq) and you have the Independents, all converging on one person, Ron Paul. There is something galvanizing people across the country, and I'd expect NPR to be covering it. I have never seen a candidate motivate people in such a way. Say hello to the RPR faction of the Republican party. It will be interesting to see how this movement matures. The RPR will continue even when Ron Paul loses the nomination.

Sent by RPR | 2:04 PM ET | 12-18-2007

To fred camorra call:
Your argument that the ONLY choice we have is between a hyperspending centralized government and chaos. Sorry, but that is totally invalid. We survived in this country until 1913 without income taxes and a central bank (which is privately owned by banks on Wall Street). Saving money with Ron Paul's proposals will free up billions of dollars for citizens AND the federal government to spend here at home. We'd get more people working, close and trim down needless-fat-cat bureaucracies, and give power back to state and local governments instead of special interests and big business. That's a recipe for peace and prosperity.

I'm a Republican. I voted Democratic in 2004 and 2006 to end the war. Dems finally win in 06 and do what? Nothing.

Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate winning back Reagan Republicans, and he's the ONLY one breathing any life into the GOP. Look at all the young people and disenchanted voters he's bringing in!

But hey, war makes for "good" news, right NPR? So will economic collapse.

My vote will go to Ron Paul in the primary and the general election.

PS. Beware. Huckabee is Bush in sheep's clothing.

Sent by F Scott Smith | 2:07 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Speaking an Engineer, US Army Veteran, husband and a father, and a life long registered republican.

I say this:

Ron Paul first caught my attention from a point of contempt.

After taking the time to do a little research about him, I have concluded that he is perhaps the most honest and consistent man in the republican party, and maybe politics today.

As a father, I want my daughter to have the best future possible.

As a combat veteran, I want to spare young soldiers the horrors of war, and the long lasting legacy it leaves in the soul.

As an engineer, I know America can make much better use of our resources.

As a father, it is my responsibility to do whatever I can to improve my community and country.

Although I may not agree with Ron Paul on some important issues, I am compelled to support him because of his obviously apparent integrity.

For once in my life, I know I will be voting for an honest man, and I ask all of you to join me.

God Bless America!

Sent by Gregory Richards | 2:10 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Dr. Paul's campaign has very little parallels with the Dean campaign. The Dean campaign may have had some internet activity, but Dean had a very mainstream democrat message and he reaped a huge amount of mainstream press coverage. Dr. Paul has a message that breaks from both parties' elites and he is being shunned by the major media which dearly wants to see him forgotten.

Sent by Pliny | 2:16 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Speaking an Engineer, US Army Veteran, husband and a father, and a life long registered republican.

I say this:

Ron Paul first caught my attention from a point of contempt.

After taking the time to do a little research about him, I have concluded that he is perhaps the most honest and consistent man in the republican party, and maybe politics today.

As a father, I want my daughter to have the best future possible.

As a combat veteran, I want to spare young soldiers the horrors of war, and the long lasting legacy it leaves in the soul.

As an engineer, I know America can make much better use of our resources.

As a citizen, it is my responsibility to do whatever I can to improve my community and country.

Although I may not agree with Ron Paul on some important issues, I am compelled to support him because of his obviously apparent integrity.

For once in my life, I know I will be voting for an honest man, and I ask all of you to join me.

God Bless America!

Se

Sent by Gregory Richards | 2:46 PM ET | 12-18-2007

The Revolution will continue, check out goooh.com First objective, the White House, Secondary objective The House of Representatives Dont forget to check out goooh.com

Sent by jayson gould | 2:49 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Sent by F Scott Smith: I'm a Republican. I voted Democratic in 2004 and 2006 to end the war. Dems finally win in 06 and do what? Nothing.

You said it all right there. Which is why I've been trying to bring attention to Democrate Jane Harman. But, nobody is listening. Again. Until the internet is shut down tighter than a Saigon lady's hairdo. Then it will be too late.

Which is also why I keep mentioning states' rights versus federalism. If you can't turn Washington into something you like, turn your state into something you life. Or, you county or city. If you want more control over your economy, you aren't going to get it from the federal government. Your best chance is in your state.

But, nobody's listening. Everyone wants to go after the federal government to solve all their problems. And the federal government is not phased one iota. And the federal government is way too big to be moved by anything but corporate business practices and standards.

The Democrats have voted for the war and with every request the Republicans have made. Get over the troops leaving Iraq. The news from Iraq is friendly. An air force base is in the making. American forces are there for the long haul. Get over it.

So, when do people realize that their strategy for the past seven years isn't working, and it's time to change?

Probably never.

As for Ron Paul, sorry, the Republican Party long ago decided who was what and where....because the Republican Party is that much more tightly organized than the disheveled Democrats....and Ron Paul is not one of the Big Three chosen a long time ago.

Some day people, you got to realize that politics is a business. And business is not run on a hit-and-miss guessing game of what our forefathers did in the eighteenth century. You keep trying to change things with items that happened in the early twentieth century and you are going nowhere but in circles.

To the Luddites, welcome to the twenty-first century and the global economy.

You are consumers first, voters second.

It's that way in Russia. It's that way in China. It's the new twenty-first century economic political package. This hemisphere is going Amero, like the Euro. You can't stop it. If there is economic collapse, it's designed to augment the coming of the Amero.

America is not Mexico North or Canada South in the Amero picture. Woodstock is in the past.

Reality sucks, but it's still reality.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 2:50 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I'm voting for Ron Paul.

Sent by Henry | 2:55 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Sent by Oliver: There is something wrong with Robin Hood. He's STEALING. Stealing from the rich is still STEALING.

Yeah, but when you look at Errol Flynn in tights, making Marion...or was that Maid Marion?.....all the same, Errol Flynn is the real Robin Hood, and that's cool with me.

Sent by Pliny: Dr. Paul's campaign has very little parallels with the Dean campaign.

Again, the internet if virtual reality. It created Howard Dean. It dismantled Howard Dean in a heartbeat. It created Ron Paul, the rest is prologue.

And there is a bill in the senate that passed the house by an overwhelming majority, and it is expected to pass the senate by an equally overwhelming majority, after which it will go merily along to the president who can't wait to sign it into law.........

........and the internet will be shut down tighter than a...oh, never mind....

...why don't you all just go on chanting revolutionary slogans while your congress prepares to shut you down.

Yeah, a bill sponsored by Democrats.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 3:00 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I am switching my registration to Republican so I can vote for Ron Paul in the primary. I don't trust a single spinless, special interest Democrat. (Kuchinich and Gravel have no chance, sorry) I can live with a Democratic congress and a Paul Presidency.

Sent by Mike | 3:25 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Why do reports consistently bring up the fact that Paul might or should run under a third party ticket? I think its common sense that Ron is more Republican than any other candidate. I guess the definition of what a republican is doesn't include small government and a foreign policy of none interventionisms anymore..but what do I know I'm only a student not a politically brainwashed adult.

Sent by JeffersonlovesRonPaul | 3:37 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Ron Paul's presidential campaign (and grassroots, small individual donation, recordbreaking, fundraising) is NEWS... I have been a long time fan of NPR and couldn't be more disappointed in your lack of coverage.

Sent by Carrie Krapff | 3:44 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Our current foreign policy is more of a Don Quixote-like quest.
Windmills = WMDs

Sent by Seth M. | 4:08 PM ET | 12-18-2007

NPR is my primary source for news when I am on the road (and I am on the road quite a bit). However, NRP's minimization of Ron Paul's candidacy - as evidenced by burying this phenomenal story in its blog backwater - is why I will not send NPR a dime in donations (I am giving that money to Dr. Paul).

Sent by Craig Combs, Cardiff, CA | 4:14 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I concur on the poor reporting choices of NPR lately. Besides not even mentioning Ron Paul in many reports, while other "third tier" candidates are mentinoed, your continued airing comments from experts at the American Enterprise Institute, National Review, among other neo-con organizations without a complimentary argument, has made me simply turn the radio off. It makes me really sad, in political reporting you are moving closer to the Boortz and Limbaugh instead of balanced journalism.

Sent by Terry Vogler | 4:18 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Well, NPR, there goes another one of your supporters (me). Goes to show 'public' news is just as corporate as the others. Scum.

Sent by NH for Ron Paul! | 4:20 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Et tu, NPR?

Ron Paul 2008!

Sent by Meg | 4:20 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Hey fellow RP supporters, DON'T FREAK OUT, the story is on NPR live right now, do a search for "Ron Paul, Son of Texas", and click on the Listen Now link. Thanks NPR for giving fair coverage to this momentous fundraising event!

Sent by Charles Nadolski | 4:24 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Sorry to see this news is only blog-fodder for NPR. I hope NPR is able to orchestrate a Republican debate in the same format as the Democratic debate you hosted recently. It will be a genuine pleasure to hear Dr. Paul speaking substantively on real issues. These 30 - 60 second soundbite debates we have been subjected to are a farce; they do not give the listeners the information they need to make an informed decision.

Sent by Amy Dowty | 4:40 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Ron Paul has my vote.

Sent by Clint Cherney | 4:52 PM ET | 12-18-2007

It's obvious to many (including the "establishment") that the enthusiastic support for Dr. Paul is much deeper than the support of the man. It is a collection of people who yearn for freedom, certainly a popular ideal which has been trampled on by insidious insiders for many years. The flame of freedom can not be extinguished and it knows no limitation of race or religion. Those who want to centralize control via socialism, fascism, communism, or even corporate capitalism, will never harness critically thinking people. These amoral, pathetic elitists will win their prize of total control when only lobotomized robots are left in society. Until then, they will have to deal with all us "kooks" who want the constitution to be honored and the rule of law preserved.

Polling numbers are meaningless except to help the weak-minded sheep feel good about joining the "winning" cause. Polls, just like statistics can be manipulated to deliver desired results. It won't work because the masses are not as stupid as the elite imagines - years of government school indoctrination still cannot extinguish people's instinctive desire to be free. Gee, do I sound like a James T. Kirk Star Trek soliloquy?

Dr. Paul may not win, but he has tapped into the growing discontentment with the continued power grab of those who control our money and have embedded their agents into the faceless unelected bureaucracy. More and more people are acknowledging that they are not comfortable with the direction set by these true "evil doers" and they will resist. They will continue to support those like Dr. Paul who champion individual liberty.

Sent by Peter Nakashian | 5:05 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Fred Call:

I think you need to gain a little courage. On one hand, you admit our personal freedoms are in jeopardy. On the other, you act like it's futile to do anything about it, i.e. "Reality sucks, but it's still reality." We aren't living in a Brave New World. I am not a "consumer" or a "voter", I am a man, a citizen of the United States, and a citizen of this world. Our collective destinies are not predetermined, as you seem to suggest.
Ron Paul has struck a cord with many people, young and old, simply because his message is about giving our government back to the people.

Go do something useful. Stop telling others that they have lost before the race has even begun!

Sent by Mark Garland | 5:07 PM ET | 12-18-2007

For those that don't know what the FairTax is that was mentioned previously.

The FairTax is a fraud that shifts the tax burden to the poor and middle classes while making inheritance, gifts, and capital gains totally tax free.

The FairTax really has two tax rates built in. A 30 percent rate for all consumption and an income tax based on how much you consume. For Example:

The working poor spend everything they earn to live on consumption (living paycheck to paycheck) so they are taxed on everything they earn under the FairTax (and most would say "everything they earn" means 100 percent). The rich spend only a fraction of their income on consumption so that are taxed on very little of what they earn. In other words, under the FairTax the poor will pay taxes on 100 percent and the very rich are taxed on only 5 percent (or less).

What You Lose Under the FairTax

1. The Home Mortgage tax deduction - no more deduction your mortgage interest - no incentive to buy a house.
2. The Per-Child tax deduction for dependants - no more help for large families.
3. The deduction for State and Local taxes - tack on the taxes.
4. The College Tuition tax deduction - sorry kids.
5. Roth IRA - will be taxed twice because your money is taxed again when you spend it.
6. Charitable Contributions deductions - no help for the faithful.
7. Child Care Credits - no more help for single moms and poor families with kids.
8. Refinancing Points deduction - no more incentive to refinance.
9. Health Insurance Premiums deduction - no more help for the sick.

What You Gain Under the FairTax

1. New 30 percent tax on every New House or property you buy.
2. New 30 percent tax on Cars, Boats, Campers, Home Appliances, TV's
3. New 30 percent tax on Food, Clothing, Shelter, Rent, Electricity, Gas, Phone Service
4. New 30 percent tax on Medicine, Surgical procedures, Hospital stays, Dental Services
5. New 30 percent tax on Legal Services, Trial Services, Legal Advice, Legal Winnings and losses.
6. Double Taxation on Roth IRA's or retirement money you took as a lump sum.
7. Your consumption is now directly linked to inflation - prices go up - your taxes go up.
8. Interest on Credit Cards, Loans, and Mortgages now taxed at 30 percent on top of what you owe.
9. You now have to pay the government for permission to live in America by paying taxes on all you consume.

See fairtaxfraud.com for lots more information and make up your own mind.

Sent by John Blixx - FairTaxFraud Institute | 5:15 PM ET | 12-18-2007

"Fair Tax" is a non-sequitur. Taxation is theft.

Sent by What's the frequency, Kenneth? | 5:45 PM ET | 12-18-2007

JFK issued currency in 1963 under Executive order 11110.
This order allows the US to print money without having to pay interest to the Federal Reserve.
Within months of printing this money, JFK was assassinated.
JFK was the only the second president to print money using Executive Order 11110, the other was Lincoln. John Wilkes Booth testified before he was hanged that the international bankers paid him to shoot Lincoln. International bankers are primary owners of the Federal Reserve.

WHY ARE WE PAYING THE FEDERAL RESERVE INTEREST ON THE MONEY IT CREATES OUT OF THIN AIR WHEN THE US GOVERNMENT HAS THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWER TO ISSUE CURRENCY WITHOUT DEBT ATTACHED TO IT? WHY?
Ron Paul wants to save our country from 'interest on the national debt', restore sound money, and bring honest prosperity back for all Americans.
Incidentally, the interest the us pays to the Federal Reserve equals the money collected from the IRS. It???s NO mistake that the FED and the IRS were enacted the same year...
Now you know why Ron Paul collected record amounts on the anniversary of the Boston tea party - protesting against unfair taxes. People are waking up and want return to the constitution.
Go to Google Video: ???Fiat Money, Why the Federal Reserve is Unconstitutional???

Sent by Tom | 5:52 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I am a Daughter of a Vietnam Veteran for Ron Paul. My Dad has been a homeless Veteran for 20 years. I listen to NPR every morning and I haven't heard a word about Ron Paul. Instead, you have political pundits talking up "how great the war is going". NPR, I don't know what media source to trust anymore. Quit ignoring the "longshot" Ron Paul...it makes us even more crazy for the man. In the meantime, I will be going door to door getting all the old folks in my neighborhood to donate to the man via snail mail.
Support the Iraq Veterans Against the War
www.ivaw.org
www.kokesh.blogspot.com

Sent by Laura Hammons | 5:59 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Charles Nadolski, That article seems to be from a local NPR channel and not a national story. So NPR still hasn't done it justice, as far as I'm concerned.

Sent by Carl Youngblood | 6:35 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I have loved NPR for years , I still turn it on while I drive at work quite often , but is it me or does NPR seem more of a shell of it's old self lately . And why the Ron Paul snub ? I used to be able to count on NPR for good honest journalism , stories others would not touch . Please bring back the real NPR !

Sent by S. Michael Hanich | 6:37 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Just for the record, Ron Paul will be doing an hour long interview on New Hampshire Public Radio, this Friday at 9 am.

Sent by Dodski | 6:43 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Please have this story on the news side and not on the blogs. PBS is the only network with a semblance of independence. I hope its not just that, a semblance. It not so much about Dr. Paul, it???s about his ideas and the very positive impact they can have on the human condition once he is POTUS. Please reconsider your relegation of this and other stories involving Dr. Paul to the blog.

Thank you.

Sent by Vince | 6:56 PM ET | 12-18-2007

When all you Ron Paul supporters get out from behind your keyboards, register to vote as Republicans, and actually SHOW UP at the polls, _then_ I'll respect you.

Until then, you're all wasting your time.

Sent by n/a | 7:21 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Mr. Blixx,

You've been mislead, or maybe you've just misread. Instead of sending people to a biased website to "learn" about the fair tax, why not point them to the actual legislation? It's not too tough to understand, and it's available online:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c108:1:./temp/~c108Y2o6B6:e39434:

It's clearly not as you've described it -- a tax on 100% of the income of the working poor. (Where did you get that idea? You should take another look.)

In reality, under the Fair Tax you'd pay:
-No tax on the purchase of used cars
-No tax on the purchase of existing (not-new) homes
-No tax on any amount you spend (on _anything_) up to the poverty level. This lets you decide what your "necessities" are; not some politician.
...and where did you get the part about a 30% tax on credit card & loan interest?! Now you're just making stuff up to scare people. That's not very nice.

Do what Mr. Blixx suggests -- make up your own mind. And do so once you've read the bill -- not some biased misrepresentation of it.

Sent by sh(A)ne | 7:38 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Ron Paul can count on my vote. Not so sure NPR can count on my listening to them in the future, though. The characteristic that made them unique was their willingness to cover all news. I guess that's over now.

Sent by KT | 7:45 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I listened to the two segments that were aired about Rep. Paul, and I must say I was disgusted. The attempt to slant the story is obvious in the tone of voice and the choice of words. The same distortions, the same omissions of the relevant facts. When people find out what you've been doing, they are going to be very upset, and "when" will very soon become "now".

Sent by David | 7:56 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Sent by Mark Garland: Go do something useful. Stop telling others that they have lost before the race has begun.

Mark, the Super Bowl hasn't begun. And I'm telling you that New England will beat Dallas by six points.

And that whoever runs on the Republican ticket against Hillary will take, at the minimum, 48 states.

And I'm telling you these two little tidbits of knowledge with even temperment and very little (if any) excitement in my voice.

Now, if you want to take Green Bay and five points, or you want to hang around waiting for Ron Paul or someone like Ron Paul to be around in November, have at it. I'm trying to save you some time.

Oh, and speaking of saving people time. I see lots of people saying that they are changing their party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.

A hint: when you go to your voter's registration office and get your forms, and you send in your forms to change your party affiliation, the GOP will ignore you.

You will call your voter's registration office at least a dozen times asking why your official new Republican Party registration card hasn't arrive in the mail in time for the primaries....and the GOP will continue to ignore you.

But, if you want to hang around wasting time with Mark (who is probably betting on the Vikings and Ron Paul), then be my guest.

Geesh. It's a free capitalistic country with people having too much time on their hands anyway.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 7:59 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Thanks for the great blog article!

I think a great radio story would be to figure out why there appears to be a media blackout on Ron Paul in the MSM (and even NPR).

Ron Paul tops all candidates for:
- 4th quarter fundraising
- Fundraising records
- Volunteers
- GOP Straw poll wins
- Debate wins
- YouTube videos
- Online poll wins
- Web traffic
- Rally attendances
- etc.

By every measure except limited sample polls, Ron Paul dominates. So why is he so completely ignored. Curious minds want to know. Please find out for us (you will be our hero). Thanks!

For example, a recent Time magazine cover story with several articles on the Republican primaries and candidates does not mention Ron Paul once in the whole magazine. Very strange.

Sent by Joy | 8:21 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Learn why so many liberals and progressives support Ron Paul:

A Liberal re-thinks Ron Paul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DueIGWpXjrU

Talk by Naomi Wolf (a great liberal writer)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjALf12PAWc

Ron Paul Republican Bruce Fein supports impeachment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ymlViJ7DvI

Napolitano - Unconstitutional Patriot Act
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SU0zuUzrSg

Illegal Executive Orders
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFWIHbf50EI

H.R. 1955 - Thought Crimes Law in U.S.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGKbvGlaCZ4

How to End the Iraq War Now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLcUS9c9Kbo

NPR Please research and present these issues on your program.

Sent by Alex | 8:50 PM ET | 12-18-2007

RON PAUL IS:

Ron Paul is me.
Ron Paul is you.
Ron Paul is everyone.
Ron Paul if OF the people.
Ron Paul is FOR the people.
RON PAUL'S CAMPAIGN IS BY THE PEOPLE.

Now you can say he doesn't care for us because he feels, as the person who wrote the Constitution, Madison did, about the GENERAL WELFARE CLAUSE, was not intended to be EXPANDED ARBITRARILY.

The more the government "cares" the sicker and fatter we get! The poorer we get! The more WARS we fight.

ENOUGH! No government is better than this terrorist government we have now!

Sent by Mick Russom | 8:53 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Ron Paul , as far as I can tell, is not associated at all with the "FairTax / HR2525" legislation.

Sent by Mick Russom | 8:59 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I urge everyone to vote Ron Paul and end the economic hedgemony of the Neocons and Democrats. Ron Paul is a true Republican and an American hero!
- Possibly our last hope to regain freedom too

Sent by Biddy | 9:02 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Why is the "main stream" media afraid to give Ron Paul coverage? It's simple. . . He will be our next President if they do. That's why this is a blog and not a full blown news article

Sent by Pollitt | 10:43 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I know this has been mentioned before, but I'll say it again just to have my voice heard. I believe if Hillary Clinton or Mike Huckabee had had this great success, her or his story would have been on the front page of NPR.org. I listened to NPR this morning, as I do every morning, only to hear a belittling story of a man dubbed a "second tier" candidate, no matter how many people voice their support for him.

Sent by Brett Wheeler | 10:59 PM ET | 12-18-2007

NPR...I have lost much of the respect I had for you and many of my other (former) media resources. I've seen you ignore, laugh and fight this Ron Paul movement. But we will win! And, of course, thanks for this coverage and hopefully you are allowed to do more fair and balanced reporting in the future.

Sent by Brandon Budd | 11:15 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I'm poor.I can't give money, but you will get my vote on Feb.5th

Sent by gayde | 11:43 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Ron Paul is the Truth...nufff said....

Sent by Tess | 11:52 PM ET | 12-18-2007

My wife, a CPA, and myself, a physician, have always voted democrat. We are both supporting Ron Paul this time around. It is about time that the people had a real choice for president and not just having to pick the lesser of two evils.

We are not kooks sitting in a basement, we are real people who are very concerned about the direction this great country is heading.

Sent by Neil | 12:04 AM ET | 12-19-2007

Thank you for posting some interesting information Mr. Blixx. I now understand why Ron Paul is not too interested in jumping on the FairTax bandwagon.

Sent by squirrelbrewer | 1:03 AM ET | 12-19-2007

"No doubt his supporters are hoping that .01 percent chance carries the day."

No, we're hoping for that 99.99 percent that says he wont have to because he wins. I don't want to seem angry, and there's developed an "Us vs You" in the media and with Ron Paul supporters, but the truth is that the widely reported myth that Ron Paul supporters hopes he runs for a third party is not true. This fallacy has been reported over and over and is only true for the reporters. I believe reporters should write "the media hopes he'll run for a third party but his supporters think we'll win."

You can't just make up facts.

Sent by Rhys | 2:02 AM ET | 12-19-2007

If you believe, as I do, that Ron Paul has been deliberately ignored by NPR as well as the rest of the media, please take a minute to contact them and let them know of your displeasure and disappointment. The same can be said of the Kucinich campaign and other candidates that aren't shoved down our throat.

Sent by Randy Dixon | 2:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007

What you gain under the Fairtax - no income taxes - deductions are obsolete genus. "The Home Mortgage tax deduction - no more deduction your mortgage interest - no incentive to buy a house."

Sent by James A. Hodges | 4:04 AM ET | 12-19-2007

I'm 39.
I've never voted for a Republican before.
I've never donated to a campaign before.
I've never put a campaign bumper sticker on my car before.
I've never stood outside holding a political sign before.
I've never called up people I know and encouraged them to look at a candidate before.

Because of Ron Paul, I'm voting Republican this primary season; I've donated to his campaign; affixed his bumper sticker to my car; I'm out on the street three days a week in support of his candidacy; and I tell anyone who'll listen to me about him.

NPR, I've listened to you all my life. There's a real story here and you're missing it.

Sent by Max in WA | 4:58 AM ET | 12-19-2007

"Say what you want about Paul and his Don Quixote-like quest for the Republican presidential nomination, he has tapped into a powerful political vein."

I think your underestimating by a long, long, long, long shot that "powerful political vein" you wrote about.

Think about this, he has raised money through this powerful political vein. He has real people, spending real time, using their own money, to get him elected. Not just a couple here and there, but hundreds and hundreds. Many who work behind this little glass tube you aren't even aware of or count in this powerful political vein. Powerful we are...yes your right about that..because it's WE THE PEOPLE OF THESE UNITED STATES.

Sent by Roberta | 8:18 AM ET | 12-19-2007

I think the main reason NPR doesn't want to report anything about Ron Paul is that Ron Paul would work to repeal federal funding for NPR.
Ron votes against federal funding of the media because:
The federal government should not be in the business of influencing or sanctioning what speech is "free".
Money for NPR must come from taxing someone, and Paul believes that individuals should voluntarily support NPR if they wish, but we shouldn't be taxes for it.

Sent by Mike Hignite | 8:29 AM ET | 12-19-2007

For all the railing Paul supporters do against the 'mainstream' or 'far right press', I always wondered why they never noticed that NPR has always been the most decidedly silent 'news' source when it comes to the subject of Ron Paul.

What gives NPR? I live in A small enclave of Kansas City, where upper middle class biscotti-chomping democrats with anti-war bumper stickers give me the thumbs up whenever they see my Paul stickers on the main street. Aren't these tote-bagging boomers your bread and butter?

Sent by Richard DeYoung | 8:59 AM ET | 12-19-2007

Why do news outlets insist on talking about his potential third party run when the primaries haven't even started yet? Just another way for big media to try and derail his run for the nomination?

Sent by darjen | 9:34 AM ET | 12-19-2007

I am an avid listener who is very disappointed. I can understand why many of the Corporate Masters of the MSM prevent (positive) Ron Paul Stories from airing, however you all are supposed to be better than that.

Sent by Daniel Bono | 10:04 AM ET | 12-19-2007

I"m going to call Click and Clack and tell 'em you don't do news anymore, just run some kind of party line. Then where will you be?

On one hand, thanks for the news you did print; and on the other, how could you be so hardhisted to ignore a story like this ...unless the money people over you are pulling strings. Is this true NPR??
I hope not. Freedom of the press puts a certain obligation on you to earn that sacred right. Thanks for the chance to speak.

Sent by Paul Furlong | 10:07 AM ET | 12-19-2007

Generally a good story, but please refrain from the misnomer "Quixote-like" reference. His candidacy is legitimate, on the rise, and he has an excellent chance to earn the Republican presidential nomination.

Sent by Darryl Schmitz | 10:15 AM ET | 12-19-2007

That settles it for me:

I'm voting Bill Maher and Ann Coulter.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 10:30 AM ET | 12-19-2007

Six million in 24 hours.

Okay, let's break this down.

Was that twelve million giving fifty cents each?

Or six million giving a dollar each?

Or three million giving two dollars each?

Or was that a million and a half people giving four dollars each?

Or seven hundred thousand people giving eight dollars each?

Or three hundred and fifty thousand people giving sixteen dollars each?

Or one hundred and seventy five thousand people giving thirty two dollars apiece?

And so on and so forth into the world of political reality......

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 10:53 AM ET | 12-19-2007

I hear alot about the Howard Dean when it comes to Dr. Ron Paul and I do not see the comparision. Howard Dean is the current Democratic chairman and does that mean that Dr. Ron Paul will have that position should he lose. Of course not, because their situations are totally different. You know they sell apples and oranges at the grocery store. That must mean they have the same type of supporters. My comparison is ridiculous and so is the comparison of Dean and Paul. Is it really so hard to believe we support his issues and his platform? I loved you NPR for your grassroot efforts. I listened to ya'll back in 2000 and I remember the extensive coverage of Dean. I guess you have to be on the left to get that sort of coverage. It's sading to me really, I thought you all were fair. It's times like these when you find out who your true friends are in the media. Sincerely, one very sad NPR fan and Dr. Paul supporter

Sent by David Monk | 12:50 PM ET | 12-19-2007

Sent by David Monk: That must mean they have the same type of supporters.

Bullseye. Give the man a quarter and a cigar.

You have hit the nail on why Howard Dean and Ron Paul do not fare well in the electoral college.

You have fifty supporters here, a hundred there, another fifty over there....and none of it makes a quorum. Your neighbors around outvote you.

Yes, yes. It's the old argument between popular vote and electoral college. The likes of Ron Paul and Howard Dean will usually lose becaue of the electoral college system.

Ironically, Ron Paul defends the very system that defeats him.

Those who call for the abolition of the Electoral College are hostile to liberty. Dr. Ron Paul in his essay

'The Electoral College vs. Mob Rule'

by Rep. Ron Paul, MD

Today???s presidential election is likely to be relatively close, at least in terms of popular vote totals. Should either candidate win the election but lose the overall popular vote, we will be bombarded with calls to abolish the Electoral College, just as we were after the contested 2000 presidential election......This argument is hostile to the Constitution, however, which expressly established the United States as a constitutionally limited republic and not a direct democracy.......Those who wish to abolish the Electoral College because it???s not purely democratic should also argue that less populated states like Rhode Island or Wyoming don???t deserve two senators.........Those who call for the abolition of the Electoral College are hostile to liberty.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 1:39 PM ET | 12-19-2007

Ya, like I read from someone.. Why is this under a blog?

I watched that number go up half the day!
Ron Paul! A new hope for our country that NEEDS it! Ron Paul!

Sent by Seth A. Yellin | 1:47 PM ET | 12-19-2007

I support Dr. Paul and do not want him running third party - a lot of other supporters feel the same. Why don't you focus on the very plausible chance that he won't have to run third party? NPR is no different from any other controlled media. This story is huge! Much larger than you make it out to be.

Sent by RJ | 2:51 PM ET | 12-19-2007

It is rather amusing the time spacing and the numbers of individuals here who are proclaiming leaving the Democratic Party to go Republican.

Yes, I predicted that Hillary would cause many Democratic voters to go Republican. And it didn't help that Joe Lieberman is backing a Republican.

Yet, it is interesting that Republicans would be pretending to be Democrats changing into Republicans.

Man, like the disheveled Democratic Party needs anymore bayonetting of the wounded.

But, that's pretty much how the internet antiwar marketing went, Republicans pretending to be antiwar democrats. To control the antiwar movement, while at the same time creating a foil for Republicans to keep the public interest in the war high.

It's called internet psy-ops.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 3:21 PM ET | 12-19-2007

From AP:
Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul has received a $500 campaign donation from a white supremacist, and the Texas congressman doesn't plan to return it, an aide said Wednesday.

Fine! Better spent on Ron Paul than white supremacy (two hopeless causes). But, still a "tainted" endorsement.

Sent by Harold | 5:44 PM ET | 12-19-2007

Well maybe NPR misses the real story. Check alexa.com and research website popularity:

Traffic Rank for Ronpaul2008.com:
Alexa traffic rank based on a combined measure of page views and users (reach)
Yesterday 1,793 1 wk. Avg. 3,696 3 mos. Avg. 7,012

Traffic Rank for Npr.org:
Alexa traffic rank based on a combined measure of page views and users (reach)
Yesterday 4,296 1 wk. Avg. 4,605 3 mos. Avg. 4006
So Ron Paul's website is now more popular than NPR's website. How can that possibly be? Ron Pauls website is ranked 1,793 worldwide, in other words the 1,793rd most viewed website in the world. Npr's website is ranked 4,296.
Go figure? Looks like NPR has a serious web presence problem when a Nutty long shot presidential candidate has a more popular website than theirs.

Sent by Rolf hanson | 6:52 PM ET | 12-19-2007

I have been a listener and supporter of NPR for over 25 years. I always defended NPR as the best source of unbiased news we have. Only now have I lost my confidence in NPR - there is only one reason the Ron Paul story has not been covered by NPR and that is obvious. I will no longer defend your programs as the least biased, and I will listen for hence forth with a "grain of salt."

Sent by 4liberty | 3:32 AM ET | 12-20-2007

I don't always agree with everything Paul says, but at this point a vote against Ron Paul is a vote FOR Komrad Rodham and big govt. The fake Republicans (Romney,Giuliani,McCain,Huckabee) don't stand a chance with want to expand govt and continue global welfarism. Their views lost in the midterm election and they will lose in the presidential election. America needs a change of course a return to constitutional government and that is what Ron Paul represents.

Sent by immigrant | 8:03 AM ET | 12-20-2007

What are these Ron Paul people going to do with themselves after Ron Paul drops out of the race?

A big Kool-Aide Party?

You guys are getting whackier than the Dolphins.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 9:43 AM ET | 12-20-2007

Regarding Dean's use of the internet:

"The Internet community is wondering what its place in the world of politics is," Dean says. "Along comes this campaign to take back the country for ordinary human beings, and the best way you can do that is through the Net. We listen. We pay attention. If I give a speech and the blog people don't like it, next time I change the speech."

This isn't how Ron Paul uses "the Net". The message of freedom and liberty he is spreading is powerful and true and not subject to change. He might be the last hope we have.

Sent by Bryan | 10:05 AM ET | 12-20-2007

First of all, if you people actually took a moment to stop and listen to yourselves on the internet, you would take your computer out into the back yard and set it on fire.

You long ago lost touch with the difference between reality and virtual reality.

The non-extant anti-war movement was created as an illusion to keep everyone's attention on Iraq, while democrats and Republicans passed massive legislation behind the public's back.

Howard Dead discovered the hard way how fast virtual reality collapses. Ron Paul is merely playing the game that further divides you 'revolutionaires' on the 'net.'

And what is even more interesting: Not only has the 'net' been used to hypnotize you, while you weren't looking, the Democrats have sponsored an anti-terrorism bill that will make it easier for them to put you in Guantanamo if you don't use the 'net' they way they want you to use the 'net.'

And it is yet another piece of legislation that you don't have a clue has happened, because you were too busy being hypnotized by the virtually real world of Alice and the 'net.'

So, while you are staring at your screen at some virtually real image of Ron Paul...in fact, while you are throwing money at your screen.....maybe you should go back to watching television?

No, wait! The television of the near future will feature the internet.

Never mind. One pill makes you larger. You are hypnotized forever.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 11:53 AM ET | 12-20-2007

I find it extraordinary that the American public are not more aware of this man. Freedom is a responsibility and not a 'right', and you are losing your freedom because you are too apathetic to deserve it - you certainly haven't earned it.
How degenerate can a country's political system be when it requires validation by a bunch of narcasistic air-heads known as 'TV presenters' - or worse, an endorsement by a talk-show comedian. America - You neither appreciate nor deserve this man.
Having said that - although I wish we had him here in the UK - I suspect he'd treat him in exactly the same way.
Ah well! Move over the West - here come the new guys from India and China!

Sent by Bob | 3:12 PM ET | 12-20-2007

Ron Paul is a legitimate candidate for President and is now, finally, getting legitimate coverage from the MSM. Not only is it about time but it may very well propel into the Republican nomination and the presidency. If not he will continue to represent us in Washington from the US House of representatives.

Sent by Hugh Haynsworth | 3:23 PM ET | 12-20-2007

More coverage on Paul would be nice. Thanks NPR!

Sent by Luke in Missouri | 11:26 PM ET | 12-22-2007

If it were Mitt Romney who raised six million over the internet, the Ron Paul Kool-Aid team would be screaming for campaign finance reform.

Meanwhile, it's the night before Xmas and all through the house, Santa Paul is bringing little Luddite children bits and pieces of the corporations he has vaporized to bring freedom and cave dwelling to the hunter-gatherer people of America.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 10:49 AM ET | 12-23-2007

Fred says: "The internet is virtual reality. It created an anti-war movement that had no power. It gave money to Ron Paul who has no chance."

Fred, we've been through this before. The first part of your statement is totally untrue, as in, completely at variance with the facts. I know what my eyes and ears tell me. The anti-war movement started on the streets but has moved to the Internet. It's not virtual. It's real. If you don't believe that, then just look at the 2006 election adn the loss of Congress by the GOP. That didn't happen 'virtually' it happened in reality. Now as for Ron Paul, switching parties to vote for Ron Paul would be an excellent protest vote. But don't read too much into that. He won't get the nomination and then many of those who jumped parties to vote for him will go ahead and vote their usual party affiliation in the general election this fall.

Sent by John R. Otten | 2:10 PM ET | 12-27-2007

Sent by John R. Otten: If you don't believe that, then just look at the 2006 election adn the loss of Congress by the GOP.

Right. Maybe you were listening to the midterm elections on Air America, probably Mike Malloy.

But even Rachel Maddow and Randy Rhodes will tell you that the result of the midterms was a troop surge into Iraq. The Democrats voted down the line for everything George Bush asked for. That didn't happen in virtual reality, it happened on both sides of the congressional aisle.

So, I repeat, there is no anti-war movement. Whatever people you saw in the streets demonstrating, I saw five times that many at a Bruce Sprinsteen concert in the Orange Bowl.

And, you are going to hate hearing this, a permanent American air base is in the making in Iraq.

Ron Paul is a non-issue. Save but the annoyance that this blog got spammed silly by Paultards. Which is what is happening to many blogs. Spamming does nothing but turn the voters away. If Ron Paul runs on the Libertarian ticket, he will most likely do more harm to the Democrats.

Except, the Democrats can't seem to find anyone to do more harm to them than they are doing to themselves. They are the Kamikaze pilots who wear helmets. Hillary is Admiral Yamamoto.

It all comes down to simple mathematics. An air base in Iraq, a GOP president in the next election, and the Democrats sold you all down the river. We're likely to be seeing a GOP controlled congress once again.

That's not virtual reality. That's reality.

So, people need to quit crying and start dealing with issues in a realistic sense, and quit living in la-la land.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 7:32 PM ET | 12-27-2007

"But even Rachel Maddow and Randy Rhodes will tell you that the result of the midterms was a troop surge into Iraq," says Fred. Fred, I think you missed your place in history. You would have been an excellent propaganda minister for Stalin or Hitler. That statement you made is not actually a response to mine. The 2006 loss of Congress by the GOP had everything to do with people fed up with the war in Iraq. That started with the anti-war movement. It has only grown as the war has dragged on. The troop surge is George Bush finally listening to his generals for a change. Two, seperate, things, Fred. So the Dems in Congress went along with what is actually only common sense, much to the disappointment of many on the far left. Nevertheless, it appears it might work, maybe. As for a permanent air base in Iraq. Well duh. That's one of the things this war has really been about all along. Of course, we'll see how that goes now that it's becoming clear that the new Iraq government might not actually be an American puppet regime, but instead might be a Iranian client state. If the latter turns out to be true, then you can kiss your air base goodbye. If not, then we've learned nothing. Remember that one of the things really ticking Osama Bin Laden off is American troops permanently stationed in Saudi Arabia from the first Gulf War. That message plays well in the middle east. A permanent American military presence in Iraq only justifies everthing Al Qaeda has been saying, in the minds of your average Arab. Fred, honestly, I really think you are the one living in la-la-land, AKA Bush's Neocon Garden of Infinite Self Delusion.

Sent by John R. Otten | 3:49 PM ET | 12-30-2007

Sent by John R. Otten: then you can kiss your air base goodbye.

I don't think so, John. You're talking about the best equipped Air Force in the world, guarded by the best equipped ground troops in the world, delivered by the best Navy in the world.

John, you just can't get used to the fact that we are winning in Iraq. You refuse to believe. You want America to fail.

See, John, there's the difference between my feeling secure in American supremacy and you being all confused about what country you live in. Apparently you think you live in Sweden where nobody respects their military.

Okay, John. Let me start from the beginning. Nobody is going to kick our military out of Iraq. At least nobody on this planet. Now, if you are talking Kucinich's ET technology, that might happen. But Dennis Kucinich has yet to accept my offer to come to Roswell to set up a campaign headquarters. So, I don't believe Kucinich knows squat about extradimensional technology, and I think Kucinich is out of the race, pretty much as Ron Paul is on his way out. Did I mention that Ron Paul is yet another wimp we can ship to Sweden and let him do his flip flop politics there?

That leaves America with the best firepower going on this planet. Yes, I know, you hate the thought that the American fighting machine does not get kicked around. You secretly want this country to be taken over by Sweden. What can I say except you need to move to Sweden, John. Sweden does have its advantages in liberal drug laws and legal prostitution. As for an air force or a military, Sweden has liberal drug laws and legal prostitution. Maybe that will make you happy.

But here's the real story outside virtual reality nonsense: America is the five hundred pound gorilla. George Bush has been exemplary in holding back what firepower we could dispense upon terrorist organizations and countries harboring terrorists.

Even with holding back the full extent of our military ability, the terrorists are already learning the hard way that they picked on the wrong gorilla.

So, John, you are uncomfortable with the realization that America is as tough a simian as they get. What can I tell you other than sit back with your Swedish friends and let the troops do the real fighting for you.

I don't get it. If you people are so uncomfortable with being part of the five hundred pound gorilla, all of you can go to Sweden.

Oh, I get it. I know why you guys won't move to Sweden. You guys are afraid the Swedes might beat you guys up.

fred camorra call

PS...Can anyone make heads or tails out of this new lithium battery ban for airline flights? I got to fly to Florida this Friday, and suddenly I discover some batteries are outlawed in airports. But I don't know which ones?

Sent by fred camorra call | 7:56 PM ET | 12-30-2007

The media have shown their corporate allegiance, I hope the public begins to press the FCC into rescinding their licenses the airwaves are only licensed to them. We the public OWN those airwaves.If they cannot operate in the public's interest rescind those licenses

Sent by carolee | 12:00 AM ET | 01-26-2008