Smaller government? Following the Constitution? Lower taxes? Less federal spending? Not trying to be the whole world's policeman? Liberty?

Did I miss anything?

Obviously a dangerous nutjob. A few years cutting firewood in Siberia should get his mind right.
Cantorboy | 01.30.09 - 2:42 pm | #

Writing as an oftime reluctant libertarian, I think we are in an inextricable situation. The political-educational-professional culture is entirely formed in a mindset opposite from where Rep. Paul is coming from to the degree that it is now subconscious. Thank God individual householders at least can get his drift since they are dealing with economics on a nuts and bolts level...however they are not the cultural/political architects.
Mark R | 01.30.09 - 2:53 pm | #

By the bye, does any one know if C-SPAN makes these appearances available in transcript?
Mark R | 01.30.09 - 2:55 pm | #

Yes, he acts barking mad sometimes, but he has a lot to say. I heard him the other day say that it is loony to think the problem is we've been hands-off. We haven't been hands off for a century. If the solution is based on a problem that never existed, it won't work (that was the part I liked). His hyper views of everyone for themselves, and somewhat isolationist perspectives (especially among some of his advisors), plus a tendency to come off a little unstable at times in interviews probably won't see him on Pennsylvania Avenue any time soon. But when he has things to say that are based on the obvious reality, he should be listened to.
Dave G. | 01.30.09 - 3:23 pm | #

Not isolationist, but non-interventionist. That is, not isolating ourselves from other nations, but not intervening in their internal affairs. c.f. Vietnam, Guatemala, Panama, Angola, Honduras, Afghanistan, Iraq, Serbia, Bosnia, Ukraine, Georgia, and on and on.
Danby | 01.30.09 - 4:15 pm | #

I'm with Dave G. Rep. Paul is a bit too libertarian for my tastes, and certainly not an effective enough public speaker to ever gain the White House, but he should be listened to in times like these.

Speaking of pols who promote financial responsibility, I'd like to see newly-elected Rep. Tom McClintock get a hearing in DC, as well.
peregrinator | Homepage | 01.30.09 - 4:55 pm | #

Ron Paul has often made the distinction between an isolationist and an non-interventionist.

I would say that the Vatican foreign policy is very much non-interventionist (as Ron Paul defines it). Yes, diplomats and care packages are sometimes sent, leaders are scolded and cajoled, representatives of the Vatican often even shake hands with horrible people. But they don't blow stuff up, they don't invade or occupy.
Al T | 01.30.09 - 5:34 pm | #

It's so ironic that during Dr. Paul's presidential campaign the mailine media laughed him off (as did the other candidates). Now, when it's likely too late, they're interviewing him here, CNN, MSNBC and actually listening to what he's saying.
William | 01.30.09 - 5:44 pm | #

"Yes, he acts barking mad sometimes, "
Specifics please.

"somewhat isolationist perspectives (especially among some of his advisors)"
Yeah, the whole "friendship toward all and animosity toward none" thing is just sooooooo 18th century

"plus a tendency to come off a little unstable at times in interviews"

Specifics please
TimH | 01.30.09 - 9:50 pm | #

Ron Pauls liberartianism suits me just fine. It is a political philosophy not a moral or religious system, so it isn't meant to answer all the complexities of human existence. He believes most people can take care of themselves and that most political problems can be effectively addressed at the state and local level. It should be obvious to everyone by now that big-government causes more problems than it solves. Getting the people in Washington to see this is nearly impossible. I'm afraid we will have to see a complete meltdown of the financial system before it becomes even more obvious.
Dave K | 01.30.09 - 11:30 pm | #

Ron Paul is the only one who knows what he is doing in Washington.

We missed our chance by not electing him as President. He was pretty much the Republic's last hope.

Instead, the Republicans nominated McCain the Clueless Warmonger. Now they are getting what they deserve.
Colonel Klink | 01.31.09 - 2:40 pm | #

I'm bothered by his references to getting out of the bedroom, or however he phrased it; if he were thinking of abortion, well, that's something that should be outlawed. And I would argue that the state does have a role in supporting the normativity of heterosexual marriage -- perhaps by simply not promoting gay "marriage".
Irenaeus | Homepage | 01.31.09 - 4:19 pm | #

"not an effective enough public speaker to ever gain the White House"

Compared to whom? G.W.Bush? We all missed our chance for 'real' change.


"I'm bothered by his references to getting out of the bedroom"

Maybe you should bothered by your inability to listen and comprehend?
Anonymous | 01.31.09 - 5:16 pm | #

OK, anonymous, first, go screw yourself, and I'll I'll stay out of your bedroom while you do so. I actually like Dr Paul a lot, but the few times he mentioned that, well, it got me thinking what he might be thinking behind that curt phrase.
Irenaeus | Homepage | 02.01.09 - 12:52 am | #

Iraneus,

Keep in mind that Dr. Paul was the ONLY presidential candidate that attended the March for Life last year.
TimH | 02.01.09 - 12:38 pm | #

me like too
canabisaurus | Homepage | 02.02.09 - 10:11 am | #

I'm bothered by his references to getting out of the bedroom, or however he phrased it; if he were thinking of abortion, well, that's something that should be outlawed.

While that reference may not be the most comforting way to put it, I have never seen anything to indicate that it is some veiled reference to approval of abortion. AFAIK, he has always been pro-life (particularly as an OB-Gyn). It may be reference to sodomy and contraceptive laws (a problematic position in its own right). But as to "the bedroom" reference, I am pretty certain his position is that once conception takes place, it is no longer limited to "the bedroom." He may not be for a SCOTUS pronouncement that abortion = murder, but he is certainly for reversal of RvW, and I don't think he would have a problem with the State legislatures outlawing abortion. Keep in mind that most of his concern is with the FEDERAL gov't putting its paws into everything, and not so much at the state level.
c matt | 02.02.09 - 1:10 pm | #

As admirable as Rep. Paul's (correct) desire to limit the federal government is, his libertarianism in regards to the abortion issue is still troubling.

I read up on his voting record during the presidential campaign, and apparently Rep. Paul favors (or at least does not oppose) putting abortion laws back in the hands of the states and then would vote against restricting persons from traveling across state lines to obtain abortions.

This is not a morally acceptable solution.
peregrinator | Homepage | 02.03.09 - 10:25 am | #

I meant to add and this sort of disconnect is why I can't fully support Rep. Paul as a presidential candidate. And while I wouldn't label him "barking mad," I do find some of his positions a bit disconnected from reality.
peregrinator | Homepage | 02.03.09 - 10:27 am | #

If Dr. Paul favors (or at least does not oppose) putting abortion laws back in the hands of the states, it is because he sees no constitutional provision for it at the federal level.

admirably, he votes according to the constitution. as a libertarian, he is pro-life and has defendeded his stance in interviews (sorry, don't have a link) as abortion is hurting another.

with respect to homosexuality, he understands that we can neither legislate nor enforce what happens "in the bedroom," and (perhaps unwisely) supports any voluntary associations, he doesn't care what you call it (gay marriage, whatever). if you want to pick him apart for something un-catholic, pick him apart for that point. leave the man alone about abortion.
E. Edward | 02.04.09 - 2:48 am | #

As I understand it Ron Paul has authored most of the pro-life legislation that has been introduced in the House in recent memory.

He has also proved to be profoundly correct in his economic predictions of the last several years.

I wish we had more information about him before the primaries.
John | Homepage | 02.15.09 - 4:29 am | #