Why do Republicans continue to support fringe candidates instead of Ron Paul?

Question

Seriously, does any sane person think that a pro-war candidate stands a chance of winning the election or of even making it close? Republicans must adopt a position of being against attacking 3rd world countries that pose no threat to us and in favor of going after Osama bin Laden, not the Bush Doctrine of attacking 3rd world countries and starting a police state at home to distract the American people from the fact that he let Osama bin Laden get away.

Why do most Republicans continue to support fringe candidates like Giuliani or Thompson instead of backing the only candidate who can beat Hillary?

Answer 1

Ron Paul is a Fringe Candidate.

Answer 2

Others have given good answers that directly answer your question. Really, it comes to pride, ignorance and the official flavor of kool-aid. I agree with your position that a pro-war candidate can not win the election. If you don't mind, for the chance (though slight) to benefit some of those with the opposing views, I'd like to expound on that.

A recent poll found that 70% of Americans disapprove of how Bush is handling the war [1]. Among Republicans, 58% approve of his performance. So as another person correctly said, Ron Paul really is "fringe" among the Republican base. However, that base is shrinking. If this base has its way and elects a pro-war candidate, they will have no advantage over the Democratic candidate.

And to the first responder who claims that his only supporters are on this site, will you please take a look at my question on that matter? Strangely, I have received no responses:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsWSApJq259qtCeonUgl6XTsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071106064156AAUi1vi

Answer 3

I think the better question would be, way is the only true Republican considered a fringe candidate (Dr Paul IS a fringe candidate when it comes to the GOP).

Though I support Dr Paul, I feel he would make a better third party candidate then a GOP. Bushco and the GOP have ruined their own party with their massive government growth and "do nothing" attitude on domestic issues (immigration, economy, taxes, Social Security, Balanced Budget, Health care reform, Tort Law, Securing the US Mexico border, Campaign ethics and PAC regulation, Energy policy, etc etc).

Those who think DR Paul is not a true Republican have not taken the time to educate themselves or seen his voting record...BTW every political candidate has their own psycho supporters, it's just that media keys in on this group in Dr Paul's campaign.

Answer 4

The Establishment, big business and big government, support the candidates that will expand government.
They are terrified of the idea of having a smaller government, more free enterprise, and the possibility of the wealth being more evenly distributed.
The only reason Ron Paul is considered to be a fringe candidate is because the majority of Americans have drunk the Kool-Aid that says we need more government to solve our problems.

Answer 5

What we have here is called 'groupthink' - it is a psychological phenomenon that throws out any rhyme or reason out of an average man or woman. It happens to all kinds of social animals, such as cattle, sheep, lemmings, and such, and man is a social animal also. You know what happens to 'herd' animals - when there's a stampede, they can be made to 'follow their leader' off the cliff.

That's why we have stock market manias, fads, and real estate bubbles, and that's why Bush Jr. was elected.

It's a combination of 'groupthink' and the fear of unknown, and complacencey of status quo all working against reason and logic.

Answer 6

Because the base far right extreme Republicans have been controlling the Republican party ever since 2000.

Answer 7

I agree with jason. It seems to be a pride thing. They hate to end the war and look like failures and further damage the Bush legacy.

Answer 8

jasonmluna2 has the correct answer here. The rest aren't running (anything but their mouths). The real nutjobs are the ones sitting behind keyboards, acting tough, yet sitting cozily in their little dream world that everything is just fine and dandy.

Answer 9

I dont get it either. Why do Dems back Hillary if they are against the War?

I support Ron Paul ! i dont understand how following our constitution is now such a radical idea. Its sad .

Answer 10

If the war in Iraq continues to do well, a pro war candidate may be the best choice.

C'mon... Ron Paul beat Hillary? Maybe, if he kept his unusual, radical, and somewhat off-the-wall ideas to himself. (elimination of the CIA & FBI) you know. The wierd stuff like that is what damages him.