I hope this doesn't ruin Senator Paul's reputation, but prominent neo-conservative writer/critic John Podhoretz has written a glowing account of Rand's speech last night. The post is titled "Rand Paul is a star" and concludes that the speech was "An undeniable triumph."

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2012/0...is-a-star/

This is not (to put it mildly) the sort of thing that Commentary usually has to say about Rand Paul or other libertarian-minded Republicans.

I hope and believe that Rand Paul has a long and successful tenure as a Kentucky Senator. What an amazing political feat it would be -- and how beneficial to the country -- if he can use that position to help bridge the chasm separating the libertarians and the neocons.

Native Georgian Wrote:What an amazing political feat it would be -- and how beneficial to the country -- if he can use that position to help bridge the chasm separating the libertarians and the neocons.

He could also end up losing the support of both.

That is true, BlazerFan. We will have to wait and see how that goes.

But for the moment, I am just stunned that he is winning praise from a source that usually treats him, his father, Gary Johnson, Bob Barr, and other like-minded folks as something between a nuisance and a pariah.

I thought his speech was great.

There is *enormous* unrest over Rand now in the Ron Paul grassroots. We'd like to think he's playing the game ... but he's uttered several statements that borderline on being toxic to the Paul crowd.

(08-30-2012 10:41 AM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote:  he's uttered several statements that borderline on being toxic to the Paul crowd.

Like what?

(08-30-2012 10:37 AM)Rebel Wrote:  I thought his speech was great.

Really? I thought Rand's speech was lackluster.. there was no real spark in there .. even McCain had his moments in his where he went with a "wow" moment (Talking about the Neda incident in Iran).

Rand's speech was just... "I'm Ron Paul's son.. and I'm here", it was almost like he was not going to go one way (libertarian) or the other (republican) for fear of aggravating the other side at any given time.

(08-30-2012 11:12 AM)Native Georgian Wrote:  

(08-30-2012 10:41 AM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote:  he's uttered several statements that borderline on being toxic to the Paul crowd.

Like what?

From just the last 48 hrs:
- His endorsement of Romney
- His statement in his speech that Romney was the ONLY ONE who could fix x,y,z
- His speech at the Iowa delegation Wed AM where he was trying to placate everyone and act like the mere existence of Paul delegates there was some benevolent concession in the first place.
- Saying that most Paul people would vote for Romney

There is addition issues over the Paul elements trying to punt the JBS types. Jesse Benton has outright called some groups "fringe" in the last 3 weeks. Benton did organized boycotting of PAULfest, including directly texting Peter Schiff. Jack Hunter ("The Southern Avenger") has done the same.

(08-30-2012 02:03 PM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote:  From just the last 48 hrs:
- His endorsement of Romney
- His statement in his speech that Romney was the ONLY ONE who could fix x,y,z
- His speech at the Iowa delegation Wed AM where he was trying to placate everyone and act like the mere existence of Paul delegates there was some benevolent concession in the first place.
- Saying that most Paul people would vote for Romney

Points (1) and (2) -- C'mon. Libertarians need some thicker skin if they can't deal with THAT.
Point (3) -- I'd have to see (or read) what he said to have an opinion. I grant you that Ron Paul earned his delegates fair and square, and the participation of those delegates in the RNC is not a gift but a legal right. IF someone is saying differently, I can see how that would grate on the nerves.
Point (4) -- As with the Iowa thing, I'd like to see the quote. But generally, I think the Paul-primary voters will be with Johnson in November, and I wouldn't go around making declarations to the contrary if I were in Rand's shoes.

Quote:There is addition issues over the Paul elements trying to punt the JBS types. Jesse Benton has outright called some groups "fringe" in the last 3 weeks. Benton did organized boycotting of PAULfest, including directly texting Peter Schiff. Jack Hunter ("The Southern Avenger") has done the same.

What is Rand Paul's involvement in any of that?

So basically there is no room in the Paul supporter's world unless someone conforms to every single position they hold.

(08-30-2012 05:27 PM)Ninerfan1 Wrote:  So basically there is no room in the Paul supporter's world unless someone conforms to every single position they hold.

+1

That is why he could never win.

(08-30-2012 10:41 AM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote:  There is *enormous* unrest over Rand now in the Ron Paul grassroots. We'd like to think he's playing the game ... but he's uttered several statements that borderline on being toxic to the Paul crowd.

I think the some in the liberty movement are overreacting. The speech wasn't something we were on fire for like his dad's, but it wasn't supposed to be. I was a bigger fan for it when I read the transcript after listening. Ron Paul refused to play the game and he never got elected. He is Eddard Stark. Rand is playing the Game of Thrones, and he'll either win or die. It would be in our best interest if he wins. I'm okay with him doing whatever he has to do, because I'll look at the walk more than I will the talk. He votes 90+% the way we want him to.

No one else gave a speech that was anywhere close to the watered down message he gave. McCain followed with the opposite message. He has a hard road ahead, and those in the movement who are washing their hands of him are only making it harder. He's one of us. Jack Hunter is, too. They just see the way the game has to be played if you're going to win.

I'm tired of losing and seeing the country continue to decline. Ron's way didn't work, let's hold our nose and hope Rand's will.

His vote for sanctions on Iran is the only vote I know of that cause some to shake their heads. If that's the deal he has to make to get the Fed/Pentagon audit to go through or something similar I'll live with it. Give and take can still work if done correctly.This is a process.