Why is Ron Paul so popular?

Question

I swear, it seems like I've heard more on Ron Paul than most other candidates! If you support him, why do you like him so much?? What does he do and believe that you agree with?

In response to many of the answers so far: Yes, I know Ron Paul is behind other candidates in the polls. I was saying that I was surprised at how much mention he's getting (especially on the internet!) for not being a front runner.

In response to Yaktivistdotcom's post: I was doing some research, and it sounds like he used to be a member of the Libertarian Party. He probably switched over to the Republicans to give him a better chance of getting elected. But that's just a guess, I don't know for sure.
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In the same article on him on wikipedia that I was just skimming through, it sounds like he would adhere like glue to the Constitution, which is what I want in an elected official. He seems like a pretty decent guy. I'm still not sure that I'd vote for him though.

Answer 1

He's great, because he believes in the idea of America remaining a free nation. These days, as Michael says, those ideas are seen as loony. I quote Michael: "The man is a loon who thinks a nation of 300 million people can be operated under small government. Even the other Republican candidates don't believe in such regressive thinking anymore."

That's a perfect example of why he's getting such support. Because he's the only candidate who actually believes that freedom is a good thing. Most of us realize that if we don't turn the tide now, our nation will slip endlessly toward more and more government, more restrictions, more regulations and become something that controls our whole lives. There's still a fairly large segment of the American population that doesn't want that.

The really cool thing is that we're so diverse. I find people supporting Ron from all segments of life. For example, I've heard from my 91-year-old father that he decided to support Ron because he remembers what a free nation was like. And my 18-year-old students are interested because they DON'T remember what it was like to not live in fear. I know people from all walks of life, all different ages, lifestyles, and cultures who appreciate what he stands for. Even people with different political philosophies. They know that, even though they may disagree with him on some issues, that he's here to do what's right and give the people back their government. It's a wonderful thing, and I'm excited to be a part of it.

Answer 2

Ron Paul Internet Success May Reflect Deeper Trend, Study Results Suggest
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/282540/ron_paul_internet_success_may_reflect.html

A January research study completed by the Pew Research Center (Election 2006 Online - Pew Research Study) suggests that more Americans are relying on the internet as a source of political news. Ron and his wife Carol Credit: www.ronpaul2008.com Copyright: www.ronpaul2008.com Enlarge + As such, the recent online success the Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has achieved should not be immediately discounted, as suggested by political pundits such as Rush Limbaugh.
Posted Jun 16, 2007 12:44 PM PST
Category: POLITICS/CORRUPTION

There is another factor. The internet attracts people who are really thinking about the political future of the nation. The people still stuck to their TVs aren't really paying that much attention and just memorize sound bytes.

But as we get closer to the real election, based on trends seen in 2000 and 2004, those TV people will turn to the Internet people for insights to the candidates.

This may well be the election which destroys the ability of the mainstream media to pre-screen candidates.

And if I have anything to say about it, this will be the election that makes AIPAC money the kiss of political death in American elections.

Answer 3

When he speaks, he's straight forward. He doesn't sound like he is "spinning". He speaks on issues that are not necessarily "current issues" but still important.

I suspect that he believes his chance of winning the nomination is so slim he's just trying to influence the tone and content of the run up to the nomination.

In his interview with Jon Stewart, Stewart confirmed that Paul used to be a Libertarian. Paul replied that he became a Republican because only the big parties have the political machinery to win a presidential election.

I'd vote for him because I like what he says and how he says it.

Answer 4

Ron Paul represents the only real choice for Americans concerned about the future of this country. People that have NEVER voted before finally have a candidate that puts the well-being of each individual and national sovereignty, ahead of special interests and pork-barrel politics. He is a ten-term republican congressman from Texas. Check out his voting record. Check out his web site. Then you'll know why he is so popular.

Answer 5

I think Ron Paul is popular among people who would like to have someone in the White House who makes decisions on principle instead of expediency. In my view, Ron Paul is the only candidate with the integrity to honor his oath of office to support the Constitution. His record as a Congressman clearly shows this.

Regardless of whether you think he can win, support someone with proven integrity for a change. This is the best way to get our country back on track.

Answer 6

because of the fact Ron Paul isn't a member of the CFR - Hillary - Obama and McCain are. Ron does not different than campain investment from CFR firms the different 3 do. All mainstream media are controlled with the aid of the CFR to enforce globalization - fascism to u.s.. Ron is against pre emptive wars the CFR needs conflict and the Oil it is going to internet them. Ron Paul refuses to be an area of that corruption. Mike Gravel - Cynthia McKinney and Dennis Kucinich even have rejected the CFR. they are the few that are non corrupted and comprehend the thank you to surrender the corruption.

Answer 7

I support Ron Paul because Ron Paul recommends that the Federal government read and follow the owner's manual.

The owner's manual (aka the US Constitution) says very clearly in Amendment X that, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

That means that most of these nifty federal laws and spending programs are actually un-Constitutional (like funding for Cranberry bogs), as they are supposed to be State programs.

The US government needs to return to following the US Constitution very rigidly, and leave the rest to the states.

I support local government, because local government has more accountability since it is our neighbors and families who occupy those offices.

Small government is accountable government.

Answer 8

I like his stance on social issues if he will do what he said...he was in the debate on TV recently and of all the candidates he seemed much more in tune with public opinion than most... I begged no more Texans, but I would vote for him, because of his stance on the war if nothing else.

Answer 9

I like that Ron Paul believes in the Constitution. He is the only candidate who hasn't been bought by big business.

Answer 10

Ron Paul has elicited grass-roots support across the political spectrum due to his approach to foreign policy; however few followers understand the whole package that Ron Paul advocates. Learn about Ron Paul’s controversial economic package at http://www.youngprogressive.com/ronpaularticle.html