Ron Paul's 'money bomb,' records and lessons

Listen to Washington Journal any morning. People are fed up with the status quo and want change. They see that change in Ron Paul.

So it's "alienation" that so many like Ron Paul. The spin on this story is amusing....

The "same" people is not a limitation, since many gave for the first time in this money bomb. New people continue to enter the campaign; the funds will be there, because Ron Pual resonates with mainstream America. Mainstream America in not big corporations and Wall Street interests.

Over $4 Million dollars on the 5th, along with over 38,000 people.

Not over 3 million, and not only 25,000

Please quit referring to the total raised as 3 million or just over three million; fundraising total was 4.2 million, with over 37,000 donors! Please stop trying to make it sound smaller than it really was! RON PAUL 08'

"little apparent chance of winning speaks volumes in alienation from modern politics."

When are you people going to learn Ron Paul has a chance of winning? The main thing that is keeping him low in the 'legitimate' polls is lack of name recognition, which you, the media, are mostly to blame for.

By "alienation" from "modern American politics" I think you mean we're regurgitating the corrupt candidates that you insist on shoving down our throats.

Well, it's about time you learn that Ron Paul supporters are seriously committed to help make him our next president.

That's so stupid, "odds be damned". It's not a football game, you don't get to feel proud of yourself because you "picked the winner." It's the future of your country. If you vote for anyone besides Ron Paul then you really have thrown away your vote, because you could've voted for a good man and you didn't.

Mr. Silva was clueless a year ago, half a year ago, and is clueless now.

If we are to salvage what remains of our once-free republic, it is essential that Ron Paul is elected president in 2008.

I like the write up, but I'm kind of laughing here anyway. You guys in the the obsolete print media and generally you in the mainstream media still believe what you say is relevant. Such as, "That so many people have invested so much in someone who stands such little apparent chance of winning his party’s presidential nomination, let alone the White House, speaks volumes about alienation in modern American politics". Who are you anyway? Are you people fortune tellers? Soothsayers? Unless you know it's rigged (which it most assuredly is) why not keep the outmoded visions to yourselves? We are contributing to Dr. Paul to eradicate our status quo system that has run its course. It's quite apparent that you folks won't stop being paid for, as you keep installing the same people every election. So "We The People" are making a stand. The times are-a-changin' and we aim to prove to you that YOUR media is done. Sucks donut?

He favors the USA getting out of Iraq and he is considered "fringe" and "Odd" by the media. He wants to restore personal freedoms eroded by the states, cities and most of all, the Federal government. And yes, he would like us to Keep more money in OUR Pockets by not increasing taxes and spending. Tell me what is Bad or Wrong with this guy?
Answer= Nothing. He should be the Frontrunner and Winner

He favors the USA getting out of Iraq and he is considered "fringe" and "Odd" by the media. He wants to restore personal freedoms eroded by the states, cities and most of all, the Federal government. And yes, he would like us to Keep more money in OUR Pockets by not increasing taxes and spending. Tell me what is Bad or Wrong with this guy?
Answer= Nothing. He should be the Frontrunner and Winner

Well, I never gave him money, but now that I read about him, I will.

The writer of this article has a rude and pre-biased tone, however, I feel he is mistaken. I just read a lot about Paul today, and am convinced that he is different than all the corporate owned candidates.

We shall see what happens, but i think with the media ignoring this guy until today, we are about to see him get a lot more support from uncounted folks like me.

I can only speak from personal experience here, but I was introduced to Paul a month ago by a friend. I previously knew nothing about him, except for some vague impression that he was a kook. Now I am a supporter. Over the last two days, I introduced him to about dozen people. Most had never even heard of him, and these are people in the financial markets who are supposed to be on top of things. At least 5 of them contributed yesterday. His message resonates once people are actually introduced to it.

But you, the media, whose job presumably it is to introduce the candidates to the public, have completely botched the job. Nobody knows about Ron Paul, because you have not taken the time to do that, so your assumption that his reach is limited is ridiculous. In a mass media society, it's a fait accompli to say that a candidate has no support because you steadfastly refuse to discuss him.

35K new contributors yesterday. Key word, NEW. This is not the same people pushing the limits of their contributions, but new contributors who presumably have just learned of Paul in recent days. And if their passion in any way mirrors that of previous contributors, they in turn will educate other friends. It's just too bad the media has surrendered its responsibility in assisting that process.

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." - Gandhi

They campaign said that 21,000 of the donors were NEW DONORS so whats that tell you about your line about people can only donate so much and its running out? we had 21,000 new donors yesterday, thats 21,000 votes

RP08 He is the only choice for AMERICA. He is for the people!!!

as the rest are all the same.. Its time for a change America

I echo the above statements. Why does the media try so hard to convince us that he 'has no chance of winning'. Maybe if they treated him like a real candidate, the other guys would have 'no chance'. Obviously when you receive more donations in one day than any other candidate, you're not just a contender, you are a front runner.

It's like ya turn on a light and the roaches begin running. Same with the media and "republicans". Soon as a real conservative comes along, the spin and the lies just starts spewing. It WAS over 4 million. Get it right. The people ARE out here. And the people ARE mad!

VOTE RON PAUL!!!!

In addition to the over 30,000 donors, look at the meetup groups. Look at how any time there is any event connected to the election, Ron Paul supporters are there, regardless of which candidates are involved. Ask the Clinton, Obama, Guiliani, Thompson, etc campaigns how often they are greeted by Ron Paul supporters? This shows commitment and it is broad and deep across this country. I think Americans want their country back. We're tired of being told what to do and our Constitution being dissed.

The fact that this article is tucked away in the op/ed blog area of you Internet site, and not on the front page, at least for me, speaks volumes about the current state of the mainstream media.

What happened to real writers?

If so many people gave so much yesterday, why isn't this one of your top stories in your 'Nation' section.

The people are seeing through tracing-paper this attempt to keep this man's campaign silent.

This partisan Dem offers his congratulations to Ron Paul and his supporters. There are many, many issues that divide us, but this should be a strong lesson for all: When you stand up for principles, people will stand up with you. I hope he is not the Rep. nominee, because we'll easily beat all the other pygmies.

"Dean ran up record-breaking fundraising tallies in his upstart -- and also anti-war -- campaign for president. But his campaign was undone literally overnight by an under-performing turnout in the Iowa caucuses, and finished off with his own scream heard 'round the world."

I was not a Dean supporter but the media was at fault for overplaying that "scream." In addition, Dean did not beat the media's expectations of results in Iowa. I can assure you that Ron Paul will. He will have increased momentum after early primaries.

Let the spin begin!

A few points:

1. Paul's monetary support doubling every quarter, despite truly terrible media coverage. If 35,000 people donate 12M this quarter, it may be 70K and 20M+ next quarter. Does that sound insane? It's just a logical extension of his growth curve.

2. Paul's average donation is very small, so he probably has more individual donations than anyone but Hillary at this point.

3. As you are no doubt aware, Ron Paul's supporters are more motivated to donate, canvass, and VOTE than other candidates' supporters. One Ron Paul supporter may be worth several people who answer "Mitt Romney" in a phone poll. We'll see this when we hit the first primary and people have to get up, leave their home, and go vote.

It just dawned on me. Ron Paul is the 'Moses" of our day.

Consider...
-they both had humble beginnings.
-the both had prestigious careers.
-they both spent time in obscurity (Moses in the wilderness and Ron Paul in Congress).
-They both felt a higher calling to do something that they were somewhat reluctant to do.
-They both were not taken seriously by the powers of their day.
-They both had a tenacity and pit-bull attitude about getting the job done.
-Moses had his staff; Ron Paul the internet.

And both have the same theme:

"Let my people go".

Wake up America - the Red Sea awaits!

Individual voting is not about picking the winner...it is about supporting the candidate that best represents you. No one vote decides the winner, so the wasted vote is the one that goes to the candidate you think is most likely to win. You should vote for what you believe, otherwise the political establishment will never hear your voice. Even though I don't expect him to win, Ron Paul has my full support so that he can spread his message of freedom and justice.

Those Republican polls are gamed anyway — they only survey 2004 primary voters, i.e. hardcore Bush supporters. This kind of fundraising, as well as his domination in the straw polls, makes it clear that Dr. Paul's real-world support is much stronger than the media lets on.

Why do you and other sources continue to utilize incorrect figures? I don't mean to sound condescending, but that doesn't come across as responsible nor ethical journalism to me. Ron Paul raised $4.2 Million dollars yesterday. His supporters busted their ass to make this happen. Please give his campaign and his supporters the due they're deserved and report the correct figure. Thanks for your time.

I'd heard that Ron Paul's efforts yesterday also signed up 21,000 NEW contributors.

If that's the case & if the mainstream media continues to stress Ron Paul's Nov. 5 achievement, then why isn't it possible for Ron's campaign to continue to have many more $4+ million dollar single day fundraisers.

Going from raising $.26 million in the 1st quarter of 2007 to raising $7 million in the midst of the 4th quarter suggests really Big Mo - not flukiness or an ebbing tide.

I don't get it. Ron Paul proves time and again that he's in this for the long haul and yet no one takes him seriously. It's not about alienation, it's about truth, and this man speaks it in volumes. But please, don't take my word for it, check him out yourself. www.ronpaul2008.com

Mark, you don't get it. We are not voting against him, we are very much voting for him. We are voting for Ron Paul (and I am a brand new donor).

I would love to see the Ron Paul momentum continue. I have never seen this country so crippled and disfunctional and yet government officials are worried sick about not having pretty numbers or speeches to show to the public... The Ron Paul is really the needed change.

7.2 Million for the QTR. His goal is 12. Not bad for just over a months into the QTR! Please attend the Philly event at Liberty Park Nov 10th!

Why is it that every media outlet won't take Paul's fund raising numbers at face value? They all must use language like, "If we believe the Paul Campaign." They never do this for other candidates.

Why don't they question their polling data which doesn't seem to line up with straw polls, fund raising or the post-debate polls? Clearly, given the fact that some polls don't list all the candidates and many people (particularly libertarian, modern, hi-tech, Ron Paul types) don't have land lines and don't answer unknown numbers if they do, these polls are less likely to be believed than they used to be.

These are real people donating real money and they will keep donating. Not to mention, for every dollar they donate, they do 3 dollars worth of volunteer work that the other campaigns have to pay people to do. Unfortunately, the main-stream media gives the other candidates 50 dollars worth of free media attention that Paul has to pay for.

People are not contributing because they are "alienated" by the others. They are contributing because this guy is honest, brilliant, and actually believes in the Constitution. That, and he has the voting record.

It's not just because the others are so awful, it's because Ron Paul is so wonderful.

"There’s one problem with this financial calculation. There are only so many times that the same 35,000 people can contribute – an equation which Democrat Howard Dean encountered..."

There's one problem with your reasoning - Jesse Benton from the Ron Paul Campaign said that 21,000 of those donors are brandnew and have never donated before.

Also, the average donation was $40. An individual can contribute $2300 this year and $2300 next year. Seems like plenty of room to grow even in the extremely unlikely event that Paul doesn't attract any new donors in the coming months.

It is the most fatiguing thing about supporting Dr. Paul.

The constant marginalizing in the press. He's either a protest candidate, a fringe candidate or a 3rd party candidate.

Many articles refer to him as a Libertarian candidate, which correctly should be Republican, as he is now serving his 10th term in Congress as a Republican.

He's got a solid family life, a clean background, Christian underpinnings, he's voted with integrity, he introduces as much useful legislation as the next House member, and he's running on a platform of Liberty and the Constitution.

Last time I checked, this was a model American President, and yet even today, this journalist refers to these core American values and issues as some retreat from the mainstream.

A man recently wrote me to say that he respected Dr. Paul as a man of integrity but was voting for another Republican who was more electable, in an attempt to block Hillary Clinton.

Now voting for someone who is electable, over a man of principle, seems like something a person alienated might do. It's certainly not choosing the best candidate, or voting with a conscience.

It's the same old lesser of two evils, that killed 500,000 Iraqi children during Food for Oil, has killed 600,000 Iraqis in the last 6 years, made over 5 million refugees, and cost the lives of millions of Americans.

Dr. Paul is a referendum not a protest vote. What does American stand for? Corrupt, vacuous leaders, or someone who does what he says, and understands that the Republic comes before personal gain.

Ron Paul 2008. Patriot.

If he doesnt win we sure will not vote republican in November

Who's John Galt?

Silva...you are quite the corporate media prostitute, how much is Romney paying you????

1st you (the media) said show us the support, so we rocked your online polls. You said it was a fluke. So we rocked them time and time again. You called it a Fraud.
Then you said show us the money, so we raised $5 Million for Dr. Paul in the 2nd quarter, Topping John McCain and taking 3rd only to Rudy and Mitt. You gave us a foot note and then continued to ignore us. You chose to sing the praises of Huckabee who raise $1 Million and waited for the entry of Thompson instead.
So yesterday we broke records in support of Dr. Paul by raising $4.2 Million in 24 hours and you still think Dr. Paul has "Little Chance". When will you wake up and treat Dr. Paul as the choice of the people ? WE ARE SCREAMING AT YOU ! It seems fairly obvious to the rest. The real race in the GOP is Dr. Paul and Rudy Guilani, it seems you miss this as well. You will hear us LOUD AND CLEAR when the primaries come and then act like you had no clue. Shame on you, even the blind can see this!
Ron Paul, Hope for America!

normal.ronpaul.hitpiece

Thank you for the coverage and thoughtful analysis, Mark.
I think the polls are "damning" themselves. Their sampling techniques have not kept up with the rapid shift in technology that has led many "likely voters" on the polling organizations' calling lists to discontinue their land line telephone use in lieu of their cell phones.
Similarly, a paradigm shift has passed by the major media. A lot of these same voters have been bypassing the inadequate coverage of the Paul campaign to research him online, and like what they see.
The enthusiasm of his supporters is fueled by the same natural energy that drives any of us who feel passionate about what we see as a good thing and want to let others know about it.

The 4 million plus dollars we donated is to break the silence in the mainstream media about the message of freedom. When people hear it, the comment is usually "the only one from either side that makes sense". Ever more people are educating themselves about our constitution. It IS the law of the land, you know.

"There are only so many times that the same 35,000 people can contribute" What kind of logic is this? I know people who couldn't donate yesterday, because they already made the maximum contribution in prior quarters. I am amazed how the media continually underestimates Ron Paul's amazing accomplishment.

This article is biased and misrepresents Ron Paul and what he wants to achieve.

It also assumes that we are already defeated by the "establishment" from which we feel alienated--that democracy cannot bring about true change. But the truth is, if enough of us are "alienated" and a worthy alternative exists (and he does exist), he can and will be elected.

Okay, enough of these "Bush's Nader assisted victory" comments. Take the Nader votes out in 2000 and Bush still wins. Anything else is speculation and nothing more.

Since when do we measure fundraising, or anything else, in 19 hour periods?
In the 24 hours that comprised November 5th (EST) 38000, Americans apparently donated $4.2 mil to the Paul campaign, without any help from the mainstram media. No doubt this money came out of the pockets of the same spam bots who create the illusion of large enthusiastic crowds wherever Ron Paul appears in person.

I won't jump on this pile of similar comments. I was at a meetup meeting last night in New Orleans -20 people there, 4 people officially donated but it was 20 who gave. You have no idea how big Ron Paul's support is and only the primaries will prove our first point. Ron Paul is not only electible, he will be nominated.

What a disappointing article. It could have been an uplifting, inspiration piece about how Ron Paul is bringing people back to participate in the political process in this country. Instead, we get the same old comparisons to losing candidates and pontificating about how much of a shame it is that people are supporting this guy who has no chance.

Thanks for inspiring me to try even harder to get Ron Paul elected.

Ron Paul IS the front runner.He has won all the televised debates .He has won ten of the last dozen Straw Polls.But who needs the mainstream media to recognize that.We The People now have Youtube.

I am a 48 year old male who is a Reagan Republican & a Bush Democrat.

Yesterday, I gave my first ever political donation. Don't get me wrong -- I've always voted. I've just never "gotten involved". My wife and I have already decided to give an additional $100 per month to Ron Paul's campaign.

You do yourselves, your grandchildren and this country a large disservice by your continued "pooh-pooing" of Ron Paul's chances. We are his supporters -- we are here -- and WE ARE ACTIVE.

At least report "3 million dollars at this writing". When all is said and done, it's over four million dollars raised yesterday! All the Ron Paul supporters ask is that you report without bias, and provide equal time to our candidate. We'll take care of the rest. Thanks.

1-888-369-4762

Please call FOX NEWS
to tell them you want coverage of Ron Paul's campaign donations, $4.2 million dollar record breaking day etc.

Fair and balanced?

Let's make them hear us!

FOX NEWS 1-888-369-4762

Your confidence in precluding that Paul has "little apparent chance of winning," and that he is below even "third-tier candidates" (as if anyone knows thus far who is third-tier!), says less about Paul than about your desire to control perception regarding candidates' viability. Paul sets a record, and all you can write, over and over, is: "Paul has NO chance--just look at every other instance I can find where records didn't yield results." Yet the point, of course, isn't whether or not Dean (or whoever) ultimately triumphed, but that a strong showing of public support is, in civic life, the regular means of establishing the seriousness of a constituency. About which you said little to nothing--or little that was not surrounded and hounded on both sides by thin opinion-eering. Nice "reporting." And yes, your piece is *that* obvious--I'm not even a Paul supporter!

did you do any research to find out how many of those 35,000 were first-time donors who didn't have anything to do with the 3rd quarter. the fact is, the campaign is growing and yesterday showed it - in the days to continue you can bet a lot of money will be coming from even more NEW donors. Ron Paul's message is REAL hope for america: peace, freedom & economic growth.

The revolution is not being televised. What a shock. More shocking is that basic american governance is now considered revolutionary, only two hundred and thirty-two years after the founding. It didn't take long to prove the Founders right.

Ron Paul is a winner with a winning message. We want our Constitution respected. We want our liberty back. And, we want Ron Paul.

To those who believe, no explaination is necessary. To those who do not believe, no explaination will suffice.

It's amazing to me how journalists can turn such an incredibly positive event into something ho-hum at best. You should be ashamed.

Ron Paul cares about the welfare of America. All the other candidates care more about winning than anything else. How about getting someone who knows things like economics (he has a degree in it) in the oval office for a change.

Ron Paul is a 10 term congressman and on the house Finance committee and House committee of Foreign affairs. He actually is the only candidate that knows what he's talking about. People that have a clue what is going on around the world are going to realize very soon the necessity for someone with his true american integrity?

The only time you mention that he's running as a Republican is in the first sentence, when you list Republican AFTER libertarian.

You then compare him to third-party candidates like Ralph Nader and Ross Perot.

You then compare his one day total with "Republican Mitt Romney," as though Ron Paul is not a Republican himself.

This is a mockery of journalism.

It's funny how the mainstream media views it as alienation when people don't follow what they are expected to follow. Instead, they'd rather we follow a candidate who is immoral or unfaithful to his wife, rather than a candidate who has integrity. It's funny how the media tries to influence you with negative articles against the lower candidates. It's obvious who they want you to vote for, ad they get mad when we don't comply. Ain't that America?

"At the end of the day, Paul’s contributors will be satisfied with their statement about an electoral system that does not, for the most part, speak to their interests."

This has nothing to do with my decision to support Ron Paul. The electoral system is a democratic process, NOT a democracy. It's not the process that is the problem. The Corporate/Banking/Media Cartels disuading voters and writing misleading stories like this one are to blame.

I wish these pseudo-journalist would cease marginalizing Ron Paul's efforts and just print the story. Just the facts ma'am, just the facts!

Congratualtions to ALL of the Ron Paul supporters out there for an AMAZING day that will go down in history.

Ron Paul is the only politician I trust.

It is articles like this one that perpetuate alienation in modern politics.

All Ron Paul wants is a government that obeys the law, namely the Constitution. But, statists like the author of this article want none of that.

JOIN THE R3VOLUTION !!! IT WILL BE TELEVISED.

By the way, take a look at what the "dollar," gold and silver are doing. The latter two are dramatically increasing in value, while the former is sinking like a stone.

Hmmmm, what would be happening to the value of the "dollar" if it were still backed by gold and silver?

Because of the many problems facing our country, the upcoming ’08 presidential election could be the most important one in our nation’s history.

Please take the time to think about the upcoming presidential election.
Please take the time to thoroughly investigate all the candidates.
Please take the time to imagine what each candidate would do when in office.
Please take the time to imagine in what direction each candidate would take our country.
And after reading Ron Paul's political philosophy, imagine what the world would be like with him as president.
Join the revolution and vote for Ron Paul.

"...other politicians try to make that dime...

RON PAUL 2008 DOT COM !!!!"

"So it's "alienation" that so many like Ron Paul. The spin on this story is amusing..."

I was wondering about this remark as well. Living in Germany, my observation is quite the contrary: The rich, boring Candidates and the undemocratic election-system are the reasons for "alienating the nation" - and therefore: the voters ...

First time donor to any political campaign yesterday. There are a lot of us out here.

More proof that the old media (a.k.a. 'mainstream' media) is in denial. No matter how positive the news, no matter how impressive the numbers, no matter how many times he wins, there's no end to the nay-saying. Anyone with a grip on reality tuned those cynical voices out long ago. In any real evaluation of campaign support--money raised, number of donors, straw poll results, number of volunteers--Ron Paul is either winning or in the top-tier. The only place where he is falling behind is in old media coverage, and old media polls. Of course, those polls are taken only from republicans who voted in the last primary election (read: Hard Core Bushies), so they are not 'scientific' in the least, but in fact more biased than say, an 'unscientific' online poll which is open to all. This author even implies that the only people who would vote for Ron Paul are the people that donated him--yesterday! Yet another example of the twisted logic required for writers like this to convince themselves and the ruling elites they write for that there is no threat to their power. Well let me tell you, there is. And it's a lot bigger than Ron Paul. Discontent and consciousness are so high in this country it'll explode into revolution if we don't elect a people's ticket next november. Those of you in the old media, your time is up. We see right through your lies and we're not going to take it anymore. Goodbye.

I know its almost impossible for you guys to believe, but some people are actually interested more in monetary policy than what X-Canidates dog is named, or what the government is going to give us for "free". Do you know that 100% of our income tax goes to pay the national debt? If we dropped to the FY-2000 budget, we could completely eliminate the IRS which would put BILLIONS of dollars back into our economy.

The spin on this article is hilarous. 4.2 million was raised yesterday, not 3 million. Alienation? Is that what it is? I'm honestly sick and tired of the media trying to overlook Ron Paul. He has a legitimate chance of winning. Period.

Mark Silva - you are a hack.

Ron Paul will win the Presidency. And there is not a DAM thing you can do about it!

"It is the same alienation that handed Ralph Nader just enough of the vote to deny Democrat Al Gore an Electoral College victory to accompany his popular-vote majority."

Really? News that is fit to print ought to be factually correct. It is a historical fact that Al gore did win, both the popular vote and the Electoral College vote, and was denied his legal right to a recount by a Supreme Court that essentially appointed GWB as President.
That, my friends is a recorded part of our American History that revisionists, like Mark Silva, work hard to deny.

This was quite possibly the least objective article I have ever read. This is an embarrasment to journalism.

To compare Dr. Paul with Ross , Dean, or any other candidate before him is a disservice to truth. All before him just like the ones who now crowd the stage of public opinion before the American people lie... The American people have heard lies from politicians and the Mass media, we have awoke from the lies...And we are not in a good mood. We understand you will loose you lackey writes job if you do not comply with you owners version of the truth and the news. Like Madame LaFarge you make your own a record of who are for freedom and those who are not.

Don't you worry about NH we supporters are getting the word out! And once people actually hear Dr. Paul they say "Yes" to Doctor "No". Who are we? We are sick of Illegal Immigrants (not Legal Immigrants). We are sick of our troops being in Iraq, South Korea, and Germany - We would gladly help natural disaster victims (BUT not with our tax money) we want to choice to send them the check ourselves. We want the Federal government gutted. We want OUR STATES rights back. That's who we are. WE ARE AMERICANS! The Lou Dobbs' watching, Pat Buchanan, Reagan Democrats, Anti War, 2nd Amendment Rights Advocates and Constitutionalist. AMERICANS! There's a LOT of us out there. You can't spam money!

No kidding. How can Ron Paul get votes when every article that is written undermines his popularity. When people read drivel like this they think they won't vote for someone b/c they don't have a chance. Try emphasizing the fact that he got around 30,000 NEW donors in ond day! These aren't folks that were already on board we are talking NEW DONORS !!!

It's easy to see how someone from the "swamp" can not see the Ron Paul big picture, time to crawl out of the quagmire and realize the truth, Ron Paul and his loyal supporters are a Force to be reckoned with! Paul4Prez!

Its astonishing, that people still deny what is going on here. The more people hear about Ron Paul, the more money he will raise, if he's message would be allowed to get across by the media, then he wouldn't be a so called "second tier" candidate. Money equals power in the media, but we as supporters are demonstrating that there are ways around that.

Actually, the alienation many feel is from the "main stream media".

Consider the words the MSM uses on those rare occasions when they deign to even report on Ron Paul -- "long shot" or "fringe".

Look at yesterday's CNN clip and watch Wolf Blitzer's face as he uses the "l" word twice in the same sentence, as if it renders Paul a quack. News to Wolf, there are many who do not view patriotism or the constitution as "extreme".

The use of the term "revolution" is apt. Perhaps it is not only about the tyranny of government, but also of the fourth estate.

Who is Ron Paul?

John Galt

Howard Dean' largest day of fund raising was $700,000. How you could still say he has no chance is amazing. I guess you won't believe it till he wins New Hampshire.

Yes, and 21,000 of those were NEW donors. The purpose of the fundraiser is to run advertisements in NH and IA, so it doesn't really matter where the support money is coming from. The ads will take care of the early primaries.

Also, it's likely that most if not all of these new donors have lots of room to give more to the campaign, that is, they're not maxed out.

With the magic of advertising, the room for growth, and the powerful message, Ron Paul is a force to be reckoned with.

Don't make me say I told you so...

How do you know that the same 35,000 people are giving? That is called conjecture. You have no proof of that. I am a recent Ron Paul convert from Michigan.

The idea of revolution is on of change. We the people are sick of our government becoming our boss. Fear mongering everyday. Invadinding nations in our name. And saying sorry for nothing.
See, revolutions are powerful because the people realize that they are the ones with the power. You may cut us down individually. But you will never stop us. Our passions are addictive. Our message is freedom. Our ideas are bulletproof.

It is amusing to watch mainstream political hacks try to dismiss a groundswell of grassroots discontent. They always want to remind us of our powerlessness to elect someone other than "their" choices, Tweedledum or Tweedledee.

Well, Sean Hannity, how is that for spam? I notice how Ron Paul is now a hyphenated "Libertarian-Republican" by the Zionist Trotskyite, "New World Order" NEOCON media. What is it about the CONSTITUTION you do not understand? Well standby. Things are about to get interesting.

"There’s one problem with this financial calculation. There are only so many times that the same 35,000 people can contribute..."

I'm not so sure you know what you're trying to say here... did you even try to figure this out? Or are you just bad at math?

The average donation was just over $100. Theoretically we could be donate like this 20 more times before we hit the $2300 limit. 84 Million for Ron Paul? That amount would easily be enough.

Seriously, I have no idea why you couldn't figure that out.

I doubled my normal contribution, from $50 to $100. I'm pretty sure I can contribute more. And I will, too.

After decades of an inept government AT ALL LEVELS, both executive branch and congress, Ron Paul's supporters find in him the opportunity to voice their disgust with the current state of our government.
The 2 party system needs to be upended and converted to open source much like Linux is doing to MS

People dispise inept monopolies and duopolies and we have one in the current US government.

"There's only so much money 35,000 people can contribute..."

Get over yourself! Give the man his due. There are stats on how many unique donations this was... how many were new contributors and how many have given before,

I find it SO ironic that the MSM is presented with FACTS only to have them poo-poo it away.

Since 1913, greed has destroyed the US economy, and the corporate US of DC has positioned itself to delude many that it's laws are the law of the states.
Ron Paul is awakening the legacy of our ancestors which resides in each heart who loves freedom.
You can embrace it and learn to produce, or you WILL be forgotten in our nation. We are taking it back.

Freedom. Live for it, or die.

Ron Paul cannot be meaningfully compared with either Nader or Dean. His message is infinitely more resonant with commonly held American values than that of the former, and his character shines with infinitely more sincerity and insight than the latter. This is a true brushfire revolution - one which anyone who values the Bill of Rights should jump into with both feet - this very much includes journalists, who as a profession, tend to have some affection for free speech. Mark, reading your article, I'm not sure you realize yet what is really at stake here; the stage has been systematically set for decades - by far most virulently by GWB et al.- to undo everything our first revolution accomplished, and usher in a lasting, worldwide, elitist hegemony. Ron Paul honors the limitations of the office of president and the separation and decentralization of powers enshrined in our federal Constitution - this very much in contrast to the rest of the the current field and past "great" presidents like FDR. You cite abortion - perfect example. True to form, Dr. Paul is open about his personal view, and what it is based on, but does not wish to foist that on the country in defiance of the Constitution, but, true to form, merely to function within its express boundaries. Whatever one's perspective on abortion, this is something anyone should get behind. My Mother, Sister and Wife all have and they are fervent supporters of abortion rights. But even beyond this, if you want to begin to really understand why Dr. Paul is so immeasurably, uniquely important, invest 47 minutes and watch "Money As Debt" at Google video. Then, if you'd have the courage, it would be fantastic to see you write a follow-up article reflective of the insight you'd gain.

Thanks to Ron Paul, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel that was missing from the Uunited States politics prior to his entering this race.
Wake up America, We can become the sovereign nation that we once were with the right leadership, get Onboard America, it is now time for you,time for you to help us win this war.
Stop sending your children to foreign countries to lose their lives un-necessarily, but stand up for your family, stand up for America, raise your head up once more,Proudly raise your voice and lets make "Old Glory" the Proud and Beautiful Matriarch she once was, not a piece of cloth for all of the world (including some in our own country) to burn and scorn, because of their hatred for us or because of our corrupt Politicians..
With RON PAUL, "Lets unite the world-"Not Fight the World" as we are doing today, and not what the other candidates will have us doing"""If You Do the same thing today you did yesterday"" Expect the same results tomorrow""
STAND UP FOR AMERICA, Lets elect Ron PAUL ...RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT OF THE USA

""GOD BLESS AMERICA

I understand that 20,000 were NEW contributors.
These people must also have unlimited money to travel as his rallies throughout the country are better attended than all of the other republican candidates.

Its not just alienation. Paul's campaign is about stirring people out of political apathy and reminding them of their rights and how far we as a country have strayed from them.

My understanding of Ron Paul's position on abortion is that he wants to end it as a federal issue, meaning that it would be a matter for state governments to decide.
Even people who are for keeping abortion legal have to agree that this federalist approach may be in their best interest as opposed to the heightened irreconcilable debate on abortion as it is now.

You brainwashed MSM pundits. Of course your puppet masters hired you just to say what they want. Well hold on to your seat, this ain't nothing. Most all these people donating have a long way to go till maxed out at $2300. $100 million here we come.

Wake up America. It only takes listening to Dr. Ron Paul speak for himself for a very short time befor you hear the bells of truth and want more. This campaign is growing daily with every new ear that has thus far only heard the same old tired political wash. People deserve to hear Dr. Paul's message of Liberty and Prosperity. Once they do hear it, they join in. Ron Paul 2008!

All I can say for those up in their insulated, media Ivory Towers is; you should see what we see down here on the street: Ron Paul signs being held up on busy streets, Ron Paul hats and shirts and flyers and buttons and bumper stickers and "slim jims" all over the place. "Have you Googled Ron Paul yet?" on Unviversity sidewalks in chalk, and an Internet literally aflame with "Ron Paul" for president. When I see that, and then how much the mainstream media tries so desperately hard to ignore Dr. Paul, I know someone is just not getting the message--but it's not all of us "Average Americans."

The appeal of Ron Paul lies not so much in his stance on abortion, or gun rights. It is his stand on the Iraq war and monetary policy that are key. The American people are beginning to wake up to the manipulative and malevolent forces that control their lives. With the dollar devaluing and oil, food, healthcare, and education rising much faster than the phony 2% inflation rate, one can only hope that the power of the purse awakes many more people. God bless Ron Paul.

Thanks for the coverage.

You MSM-types are having a hard time grokking this whole Ron Paul Revolution gig.

While the current spike in enthusiasm will undoubtedly die down (a little bit), the thing that this campaign has that all of the others did not have is a valid message.

All that Perot had to say was 'We have big problems, and I'm the man to fix things.' McCain just asserted that he was a war hero (true), but after that, there was no 'there' there. Nader... don't get me started.

Ron Paul's message (for those who chose to listen) is the same message of our founding fathers. It is the message of the Declaration of Independence. Freedom is popular; and oh, by the way, it works.

Today's pundits and politicians actually believe the words that come out of their mouths (at least some of the time). Hillary actually believes that she has a solution to health care; so does Romney (to take a couple of examples). When these grandious plans fail, instead of questioning their premises, they seek even larger, more grandious plans. They're mystified when their grandious plans fail (they always fail).

I realize that you're a journalist, on deadline, but you and your colleagues really need to educate yourselves before you can begin to understand what Ron is talking about. Maybe then, you'll 'get it'.

In the meantime, I don't want or need some power-hungry politician (or a beholden MSM) telling me how to run my life, or deciding how to spend my money.

BTW, there's a rally in Philly next Saturday... at Independence Hall. The Ron Paul Revolution is just getting started.

9 trillion in debt ($175,000 for every man, woman and child), that Iraq is only kept alive because contractors are making BILLIONS, and that my grandmother will be "chipped" with an ID card that carries a RFI chip.

It's a complete, corrupt "free for all", as the politicians continue to pillage every last nickel from the people, and the press pushes "their boy" Juliani. The fix is in, Diebold has already set the machines for Juliani, and nobody cares to have a paper receipt...is everybody THAT drugged up?

For my children, for my country, and for YOU...I am voting for Ron Paul.

Again, you guys almost get it right. Ron Paul's support has nothing to do with him being "none of the above." We supporters have chosen him because of what he stands for, not because he's a middle finger to D.C. You're also completely discounting the fact that this kind of support and coverage only generates more support. It might be "only" 35,000 donations now, but Ron Paul's campaign has nowhere to go but up. This has nothing to do with alienation for god's sake. It has to do with Liberty, and that is what we want and have been wanting for a long long time.

"It is people voting for someone other than the establisment, odds be damned."

It is people voting for a principled leader, who believes in the power of the people that the government serves, not the power of the government and the people be damned.

Dr. Ron Paul represents a choice for all US citizens who want a real new direction for our country in all areas, War, immigration, education, taxes, a true patriot and supporter of the US Constitution. Its scary how far gone we are, only his message can bring us back to a more conservative state of the union.

I trust Dr. Ron Paul and am ready for this R3volution.

You're comparison of Ron Paul with Ross Perot and Ralph Nader is luaghable as Ron Paul is NOT A THIRD PARTY CANDIDATE!!!

I only gave $100, it's all I can afford this pay check. I get paid twice a month ... I'm not nearly close to $2,300 yet!

BTW, many military members support Ron Paul because we all took the oath to defend the Constitution.

There's no way you can Spin this. Ron Paul is the real deal and not another Howard Dean. He can motivate this country through his message of Freedom and Liberty and his message is growing exponentially.

I'm not just voting AGAINST the establishment, I'm voting FOR the person who is best suited to be President--Ron Paul. I will continue to give Ron Paul my support and my money until he stops representing the interests of those who want to be free.

Right Winger Ron Paul's zealots screeching about his money bomb scheme reminds me of my 6yo son, Lil Smirky, getting excited over taking in 20 lbs of candy on Hallowe'en. Now if he went trick or treating every day....

Thanks to the Loony Left this country needs a man or woman to reunite this country, not some fringe neo-John Birch Society shill like this OB/GYN.

When are going to learn? The media is the enemy! I use the singular tense of the verb because the mainstream media has become a single entity, parroting their lines, smug in their supremacy, doing and saying what coporate tells them. Down with mainstream media! Down the George Bush! Down with Hillary Clinton! Up with Ron Paul! Up with Ron Paul! Up with Ron Paul. It is far past time to clean out D.C. Let the snakes and rats be drowned in a flood of justice!

'So it's "alienation" that so many like Ron Paul. The spin on this story is amusing....' To me it's sickening. When do people like Mark Silva wake up?

What a condesending article. I can hardly wait for Hannity and Combs( I hope I spelled the names wrong) to blurt out that 5 spammers donated 10,000 times.

I started reading Ron Paul's essays 7 years ago, and I turned my friends and family on to him several years ago. Everyone I got to read Ron Paul has converted. He lets you know exactly what his stand is. He doesn't get in front of a crowd like Hilary does and stick his finger in the wind to see what speeh to give today.

His greatest attribute is not kissing the toes of THE LOBBY( you know the one run by a foreign country who writes US foreign policy).

How many polls show Ron Paul at 1 or 2% of the vote without mentioning they did not even list his name in the poll. Watch out mainstream TV and newspaper media, people are now perceiving you as a walking joke writing propaganda for THE LOBBY.

Balanced article. I appreciate the enthusiasm of his supporters but really it is only a sideshow to the real race. Let the grown ups get on with it.

You should be ashamed of yourself Mr. Silva. Are you being paid for your efforts to continue to blatently lie about Ron Paul's campaign. You sir, are no reporter, you are a paid hack and should be ashamed. Dr. Paul's feat yesterday was astounding and you belittle it like a fifth grader hurling big words in a schoolyard fight.

I hope you get fired, although since your paper is owned by the same elite that don't want to let any candidate in that might threaten their way of life, I doubt that will ever happen.

Mr. Silva, have you done ANY homework on Rep. Ron Paul?

He wasn't supposed to win in 1996 when he came back into office. Newt Gingrich and his ilk tried to pawn off Greg Laughlin, a die hard democratic convert to the Republican Party.

Bush Sr. got behind Laughlin and even went on the campaign trail for him. Yet against all odds, Rep. Paul was able to beat them at their own game.

It is amazing what passes for intelligence at the Baltimore Sun.

Next time you might want to spend a little more time researching Rep. Paul before you lambaste him as a candidate, or his supporters.

I would say you might be surprised but zombies have a better knack at political analysis than you do.

Most of yesterday's donations were $100 or less. Not only does this speak volumes of the amount of Ron Paul's supporters, it also means that most of us are not tapped out.

Come on people, don't you remember journalism majors in college? For the most part these aren't the brightest people in the world. It should be no surprise that they can't think for themselves and see what's really going on. Good thing the MSM is dying.

viva la r3volution!

Mostly this is a good piece, but when we come across, "It is the same alienation that handed Ralph Nader just enough of the vote to deny Democrat Al Gore an Electoral College victory to accompany his popular-vote majority," we have a problem.

Gore did not win because of vote fraud, plain and simple.

The Supreme Court made a horrible mistake in its decision - or perhaps not a mistake but a biassed decision since that Court now represents something from the Bronze Age - setting aside effectively proper vote re-counts.

I am SO glad that the writer (Like most of the media) has decided "WHO CAN WIN". I can sleep easy now. No need for those icky elections.

Here is my take: Romney - can't win because he is a mormon. Obama can't win because his middle name is "Hussein". Guliani can't win the Republican primary because he is a liberal. There, I have spoken.

RON PAUL = Constitution.

I have NEVER given money to a political campaign before (and I'll wager many other RP supporters haven't either.

i agree with the vast number of comments, but one thing confuses me. why the concern over the "libertarian" vs "republican" label? after the Bush years, the label "republican" isn't a good thing to be associated with. i personally prefer when reports mention libertarian before republican. it kind of inoculates the reader to the inevitable gag reflex that takes place when hearing the word "republican" nowadays.

- registered as a Dem for Dean, re-registered as independent for Paul

I donated $200 yesterday and have now maxed out at the paltry $2300 allowed for the primary season.

It's always fun to see a reporter scramble for reasons why something is happening, when the truth is fairly obvious. Must be a CFR member.

It seems obvious that Ron Paul isn't going to get a fair shake in the MSM, but the fact that his supporters' activism can even get him mentioned is an improvement. For every set of new people who find out about Ron Paul, he WILL find new supporters. The message of freedom and constitutional law might be "outside the mainstream debate," but it resonates with the people.

Tapped out??? LOL - we each only sent $100... lets see, that means we have 23 money bombs to go LOL..... you are sooo funny to say we are tapped out...

Ron Paul is your last hope for peaceful revolution in america. Stooges like you are guilty of misdemeanor treason. You may think you are just trying to feed your family, but later in the story you may find yourself feeding the fishes. Let freedom ring.

I agree that winning the Republican nomination is a HUGE challenge. It may not happen. However, should Paul win the Republican nomination, I don't think he'll have much trouble beating the Democrat candidate.

"Alienation." For heavens sakes, this has been a code word by the socialist lobby since the 50's. The real lesson - Freedom is popular.

"But most of all, it’s people who look at the current field of leading presidential candidates, second-tier presidential candidates and even third-tier presidential candidates and say, none of the above."

That is completely false. Many of the people who are aligning themselves with Paul are endorsing a politician for the first time. If they simply didn't like the alternatives, they would remain apathetic. Instead, they took a look at the current crop of supporters and said, "Finally, I candidate who espouses the same fundamental principles as I do."

Ron who?

Mr. Silva-Don't you notice something? Look above this post at all the overwhelmingly positive and supportive remarks for Ron Paul. Then go look at a post about Hillary or Obama or any other "front runner" and you will find all kinds of damning remarks being made against the candidate in question. Doesn't the contrast tell you something?

The election will be won by the candidate with the most supporters, not by the apathetic or those who are so dissatisfied with their choices that they don't even bother to go out and vote or who waste their time bashing other candidates.

Do not underestimate the strength of Ron Paul's support. It will translate into votes on election day.

The news media just doesn't get it. It's the message! That's why we support Ron Paul. We actually believe in what he says. He's a candidate that represents our views. We don't support Ron Paul because he is the best speaker or the most charismatic candidate - he's not. We support him because he believes in our freedoms and our ability to make choices for ourselves. He believes in American values. He believes in the Constitution. When Ron Paul is contrasted to all the other candidates, it's not Ron Paul that doesn't stack up, it's all the rest that fall short.
Of course, the MSM can't comprehend this. The "money bomb" is an incredible story and yet again they try to marginalize Ron Paul.

I have never given money to a campaign before and I did to Ron Paul yesterday. On top of that I'm a NEW supporter.

I've been a life long independent but I switched to the Republican party so I can vote for Ron Paul in the NJ primaries.

For too long I've compromised over voting the "lesser of two evils." I may not agree with Ron Paul 100% but he's honest and his record speaks for him.

I hope Ron Paul makes enough noise in the primaries to consider an independent run in the general election.

If Rudy G is the rep nominee, they'd be in trouble.

Ron Paul's anti-choice, pro-gun stance would draw enough votes from the "Christian right" to give the dem candidate a clear path to the White House.

More impressive then Ron Paul being able to raise over 4.2 million dollar entirely online is the fact that a massive pile of goo and slime was able to take time from their busy schedule to ooze out from under the rock they live to type up such lukewarm muck instead of taking the opportunity to present the facts in the most positive light possible.

Well then kudos to the oozing pile of goo and slime for proving once again that mediocrity can always rise up to new levels!

Do the math, the average donation for each person would be around 100 dollars. This means we can do this TWENTY THREE more times before these new 100 dollar donors max out.

Also these are mostly new people. I donated $201 in the first quarter, the 2nd quarter I was broke so could donate nothing, now this quarter I have donated another $100 dollars. I have another $1999 to go to max out. What about us? The small donors are driving this campaign. Many of us are nowhere near maxed out, but would love to be and will keep donating till it really really hurts.

Ron Paul WILL win, mark my words. The old polls are out of date and Ron Paul is about to prive this when the primaries start.

I gave money to this cause yesterday. I'm 29 years old, have been following politics since I was probably 18 and this was the first time I've ever donated to a campaign. I didn't give a lot but I did give some and will be giving a little more each month from here on out. So even if the author is right, which I don't think he is, those who gave yesterday will be able to contribute again. It wasn't a handful of "rich" people or PACs who gave. It was over 35,000 who gave what they could which probably averages out to around $100 each. I didn't do the math I'm just taking a stab at the number. Oh we will keep giving.

Oh MSM you just keep on keeping on with your "groupthink" that it's all just online spammers out there that are ruining all those polls. It's getting harder and harder for you to keep pushing that story line while Dr. Paul keeps getting new donors.

How soon we forget history!! Perot dropped out of the race for a time being because his daughter's wedding was threatened by Bush Sr. And Bush accomplished what he wanted, by making Perot look like a fool. No one believed Perot's accusations and his crediblity was lost. Gore didn't lose the Electoral, Bush Jr with the help of his Brother Jeb stole the frickin' election, and you all know it too. I was born & raised a Republican, but since the Bush era I'm embarrassed and very angry. Not only should the money bomb verify that true Americans, the real ones who truly embrace the Constitution, are supporting Ron Paul, it should also be a warning to you neo cons & NWO puppets, that we're hip to your attempt to take over the US with lies & spin. Let The Revolution Ignite your heart and soul & for once in my lifetime there's a True Patriot running for office, with no hidden agenda. DR. Ron Paul Will WIN the White House.

True, a big part of the movement is alienation - in a manner of speaking. The unfortunate truth is, both the Democrat and Republican parties are offering the same thing again, with different trimmings. Whether it's Giuliani, Romney, Clinton or Obama, the policy is the same: more foreign interventions, more inflation and debt to pay for it, and more government invasion of your life and liberty. The GOP will do it "for your security" and the Dems will do it "for the greater good." No one is talking about REALLY changing the course of American policy. The only real difference we are offered is that one candidate is black, one is female, one is "tough on terror"... Even though they all support the same policies.

Ron Paul is the only candidate on either side who is talking about drastically changing the course of American policy, in a way that speaks to many Americans. He talks about "back to the Constitution" the way some people talk about "back to the Bible", and most Americans have been raised and educated to have tremendous respect for our founding document.

So is it disenfranchisement? Yes, in a sense. America is sick of having it's youth killed, it's money devalued and it's image tarnished in foreign adventurism. We are disenfranchised with the policy of empire-building that has been so unsuccessful, and Paul is the only candidate offering an alternative. It is disenfranchisement in the sense that the mainstream candidates have no change to offer, and we want change.

With 130 hits so far on this thread, it is obvious the grassroot team of Mr. Paul is very active. I have to say almost alarming!

The greatest threat to our nation may now come from the media because they clearly are at War with US (the People). My fellow Americans, it is time we consider more radical alternatives should Ron Paul be cheated out of the White House.

CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?

The money is one thing, but I am a Democrat and I'm considering crossing over and getting a Republican ballot in the primary and voting for Ron Paul. I have listened to him and read articles about him and he has convinced me. He has some things I disagree with but I think congress will straighten those out. Mainly he is closer to the things I believe in than the other candidates. That's not about money but about voting. I wonder how many more are like me.

I'm not alienated. I'm just totally behind what Ron Paul stands for. YOU are the ones saying that he doesn't stand a chance. A lot of people who donated yesterday think that he does. How much money DOES he need to raise before he'll have a chance? What is it that gives him a chance or no chance?

Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate from either part saying anything different. Maybe we should listen to him rather than the drone, drone, drone of despair coming from the rest of the pack.

Ron Paul beats every Republican by a wide margin in head to head match ups in Straw Polls accross America, dominates the net, destroys the others in post debate text message poll, raises millions and has no chance?
Look at the polls about his issues. He wins hands down. 70% want us out of Iraq, noone likes the IRS, no one wants the dollar to crash, few want a global empire, a Dr. probably can cure health care if anyone can, and he is the only one who has a solution to social security and can say he has never voted to spend any money from the social security trust fund.

Slanted, presumtuous inferences, well-placed dialogue to minimize the significance of the event.
This article is a mockery of professional journalism. SHAME ON YOU. SHAME.

You sir, must be brain dead to ignore the facts in front of you.

Ron Paul will win.

It is going to take an early primary win for the mainstream media and the establishment to realize all of America doesn't think like they think. It's not always spin, and this is an editorial piece. Ron Paul supporters....let's stay focused and capitalize on ANY coverage this historic event generates.

the only politician i have ever trusted is ron paul.
will donate 150$ every month, until we've finished what we started.
the best investment i have ever made - mor me, my children, and all of our fellow countrymen/women.

be a "true" patriot and help the ron oaul movement as much as you possibly can.
don't let the current administration fool you into their strange, misleading understanding of "patriotism" - it's a big fat lie they use for their own interests.

The average donation was slightly over $100; unlike Clinton's supporters, Ron Paul's aren't maxing out anytime soon.

Ron Paul represents the people and the Constitution. That has tremendous appeal!

Gee Mark some of your comments are not accurate on the good doctor’s position. In the case or Roe v Wade, Ron Paul does not advocate a new amendment to the Constitution. No, what he does advocate is to stand by the 10th Amendment. He says it should be up to the states to decide for themselves.

While it’s true that he is personally against abortion it is also true to say that Ron Paul’s position is to the people at the state level to decide that issue. Abortion is not defined in the Constitution. It has a mechanism to deal with such complex and personal issues and that is to let it be decided at the local level.

Remember states were sovereign at one time. They should be again. The same goes for the individual citizen.

You’ve got to give it to these modern-day seat-of-the-pants journalists. They sit at their desks, stare at a screen and regurgitate "news," which is nothing more than a blend of what all the others are dishing up.

Why don’t they learn from the past, from their illustrious forebears who used to earn their stripes the hard and honest way? They smelled a rat and stopped at nothing until they had a few bodies hanging from the rafters.

Seventy percent of the country is against the war in Iraq. Ron Paul is the only candidate who voted against the war from day one and has a clearly defined exit strategy. He receives more cash from the military than any other GOP hopeful. He attracts huge crowds at his rallies. He raises far more money than other candidates who supposedly have a big lead over him in the polls. The money comes in the form of small donations, which is indication of the broad and enthusiastic support he enjoys. He has over 1,000 meet up groups with more than 63,000 members. Huckabee who apparently has a considerable lead over Paul has 241 members in his meet up groups.

The country is crying out for a truly independently-minded journalist willing to compare the Ron Paul metrics with the poll numbers and question the validity of the polls. What you will find is that the pollsters (just as lazy as the journalists) poll the 6% of registered Republicans who votes in 2004 primaries. How on earth can that be a representative sample?

Someone with backbone needs to touch the fabric of Emperor Poll's clothes and expose this fraud called "the poll numbers." I have a sneaky suspicion that somebody won’t be Mark Silva. No, Mark, read all the other rubbish written by his lazy colleagues in the media and said, “How can I put another spin on the story but come to the same conclusion. All I need to do to earn my paycheck is stay with the herd. Next year, when Ron Paul wins the White House, nobody will hold me accountable, because I’m in good company. Hey, we all called it wrong.”

I smell fear in your writing Mr Silva. You are wrong and you know it. Bye bye establishment go home Silva we don't need you any more.

Little chance of winning? What about the fact that a Mormon has never been president? Or a woman, or a minority? I'd say he has a better chance than you give him credit for.

i'm in england, and from what i understand of ron paul - first and foremost he stands for the american constitution - you've only mentioned the word once in relation to abortion. why? you've mentioned nothing about ron pauls supporters wanting the restoration of the constitution thats been eroded by bush and previous governments. you've mentioned nothing about ron paul receiving more donations from the military than the other candidates. you've missed out any real details of his policies - i seem to know more about him and his polices and the american constitution than the writer of this article unfortunately - is the writer american?

From the article - "There are only so many times that the same 35,000 people can contribute"

This is not a zero sum game. Most of them were new contributors. The real question to ask is when disaffected voters (the majority of the potential electorate for decades now) here Ron Paul will they...
1) Contibute money (the answer most definitely is yes)
2) Register to vote in the primary.

I'd like to see research and reporting on the second issue.

If Dr. Paul can motivate voting behavior and not just contribution then a whole lot more voters will be involved than in past elections.

In that case surveying only people who voted in the last elections (like nearly all "scientific" polls do) will miss a lot of the potential action.

I hope Dr. Paul pulls it off.

this story is such spin. IF WE WANT CHANGE WE HAVE TO BE WILLING TO EMBRACE IT! These stories are jokes.

I am 100% an Irish citizen, living in Ireland. The American Presidential Election has nothing at all to do with me. I wish I could vote for Ron Paul. As far as I can see he is the saviour of the rest of the world as well as the US. With Putin backing Iran and the US government being at loggerheads with both, Dr. Paul is the only one who is unlikely to instigate WWIII. With our government pandering to the wants and needs of yours, we are as much a legitamite target for extremists as you are. For your sake and mine I really hope the US public does the right thing, so that our kids actually have a world to live in. Vote Ron Paul. Please.

He raised over 4.2 million in 24 hours.

Get it right pls.

Well what do you know? Fox News has a more balanced article than this one on the front page, including the real figure of 4.2 million. Who would have known?

We invest so much because we care about this country and we care about our Liberty. Like during the Boston tea party, we are the sons of liberty.

I am 26 years old and this is my 3rd presidential race I’ve been able to vote in. For the first time ever I feel there is a presidential candidate I can truly support that has a real chance of winning. Yesterday I gave to Dr. Ron Paul’s campaign, and it was the first time I have donated to any political campaign. It felt great to contribute my $100 to support such a worthy message of hope—freedom, peace and prosperity. His message is spreading, and his support is real!

www.ronpaul2008.com

stop trying to manipulate the election. does the truth mean anything to you

Well then kudos to the oozing pile of goo and slime for proving once again that mediocrity can always rise up to new levels!

Posted by: Joe American | November 6, 2007 9:23 AM

Your welcome dirtbag!

You have cause and effect backwards. It is the increasing alienation of our political process from the needs and concerns of the people that is driving so many of us away from the traditional clone candidates in droves. I am a registered Democrat and an off-brown half-Pakistani American, but I would not hesitate to vote for Mr. Paul regardless his party "brand" because he speaks truth to power. The content of a candidate's message is far more important than the label it comes attached to. It's time we stopped voting for "parties" and started voting for people of integrity. Ron Paul strikes me as such a person, unique among all candidates from all parties in this campaign. RON PAUL '08!

Polls have shown that Ron Paul is the only Republican that can beat Hillary or Obama. A vote for any other Republican candidate is a wasted vote. The 5th of November was a huge success and brought thousands of new supporters into the fold. Ron Paul is going to run over the rest of the field in the upcoming primaries!

Ron Paul Raised over 4 million dollars on November 5th! Almost all of the publicity for the November 5th 'money bomb' was provided by one grassroots organizations and individual supporters. Ron Paul only started to mention it about a week beforehand (he didn't say anything about it on Jay Leno) and still he made over 4 million dollars in one day!

If the mainstream media had given Ron Paul or his 'money bomb' the time of day it could have been several times that. What is the mainstream media afraid of? How embroiled is it in the overreaching and corrupt government that Ron Paul wants to downsize?

As to running out of donors... I introduce Ron Paul to an average of 3 well targeted people a week and I get a paycheck every month and plan to give him some of it every month.

Thanks for the coverage! I always find it funny when people compare Ron Paul to Ross Perot and Howard Dean. Paul's message is so much more than either Perot or Dean's(the total message, not just the war). It's the same message that was distributed in a Thomas Paine leaflet, "Common Sense". The same message that sparked a Revolution, a revolt against tyranny. Perot and Dean's messages can hardly be called "Revolutionary". Returning power to the People, binding a government to the Constitution, and dismantling a world empire, now that's Revolutionary!

Oh, this was funny too.

"There are only so many times that the same 35,000 people can contribute"

-I'm pretty sure Paul has more than 35,000 supporters. His fundraising numbers have continued to increase. New supporters are joining daily. This train isn't stopping.

Wow! With the vocal backing of his zealots, and such a boost to his warchest, Ron Paul should easily top the 0000.5% he polled in the 1988 Presidential election when he ran as a Libertarian.

I figure, ooooh .7%?

What struck me about Ron Paul at the first debate was that he was the only guy up there telling the truth. Looked up his voting and it showed a history of a man who practices what he preaches. Wow, imagine that! I can't say I necessary agree with everything he says, but unlike any of the other so-called candidates, he's the only one with integrity, thus, I trust him with my country.

I like Ron Paul's foreign policy but his domestic policy, not so much.

Ending the war on drugs I'm for. Ending the IRS, the Department of Education and pretty much everything else... That is insanity.

We have gone from simply and easily putting a $5/$10/$20 billion dollar
BOUNTY (Constitutionally called "Letter of Marque" and reprisal) for the
"kill or capture" of Osama and thugs,(submitted to Congress by Ron Paul in
October, 2001)

To a $500 Billion dollar a year War/Occupation trying to stamp out Islam!

We couldn't even AFFORD to finance this absurd goal without BORROWING the
capital from our enemies in China...who now hold our entire economy by a
thread!

And this potential nightmare is brought to you by the SAME people who want
to run a NAFTA super highway through your backyard.

Once the dollar is collapsed and you scream for "solutions", they will "rescue"
us with an AMERO currency and a merged Canada/U.S./Mexico plan.

Think Congress will "put their foot down" before they "bow the knee" and
surrender our Sovreignty for the sake of preventing a Depression?
Think again.

They didn't even have the courage to debate and DECLARE WAR as
constitutionally required and now they "wring their hands" because it's not
going well.

We, the people, need to lead. Congress will follow.

Wake up Folks ....the time is short, the hour has come.
We have a SLIM chance to get out of this mess!

Do your own homework.
NOBODY explains Ron Paul
BETTER than Ron Paul himself!

Here is an interactive audio archive of
Ron Paul speeches and interviews as a resource in chronological
order.

www.ronpaulaudio.com

"Odds be damned"?! If you want to guage Dr. Paul's odds, you go to the people who make their living by calculating odds - Las Vegas bookies. Depending on which one you look at, Dr. Paul's odds have been slashed to 1/12, 1/6, and even 1/3. And that is for winning the White House, not just the Republican nomination. Do your friggin homework before you report on "the odds".

You have to forgive the MSM shill who wrote this article. He is not a reporter, just a proofreader posting the latest talking points and marching orders from his corporate masters. He is ordered to marginalize the biggest political story in 50 years, and that's exactly what he's going to do. Ignore him.

Your article cannot put the brakes on this campaign. However, keep writing sir, keep writing... because Paul and his message are like gold ore, the hotter the fire you put it in, the more brilliant the final product.

Mark Silva, I think you were the guy that said that Ron Paul was just a couple of punk spammers in their basement. At least you now admit that there are 40,000 spammers in their basements. Truly you are out of touch, I have been campaigning in the Republican Party since 1984 for Ronald Reagan, I can assure you that the support for Ron Paul is real and I haven't seen any thing like it since my Reagan campaiging days.

The real spammers according to the FEC are the 1000 supporters of the MSM crowned contenders that maxed out their contributions, only to send in the same $2500.00 in one of their relatives names the next quarter. Its actually funny to see the same contributors give to Mitt one quarter - max out and then give to Giuliani then next - max out and then give to Thompson.

The very idea of "electability" is an interesting one, in that, WE THE PEOPLE determine someone's "electability."

It’s not the polls, or MSM or…whatever. It’s US!

The object of an election is to put into practice, at the governmental level, the ideals, that are consistent with the U.S. Constitution, I as a voter/taxpayer/American citizen deem beneficial to me personally and me corporately (being a legal citizen who cares deeply about my country).

It’s really quite simple: if enough of US decide that we want our government operating under such-and-such ideals, and we vote based on that desire (not the “lesser of two evils”), it can and does happen.

History, recent and not-so-recent, is replete with examples of “underdogs” triumphing: “Navy Beats Notre Dame, Ending 44-Year Losing Streak” (Nov. 3, 2007); “Appalachian State 34, No. 5 Michigan 32” in “one of the greatest upsets in college football history….” (Sept. 1, 2007); in early-2003, Joe Lieberman was leading the field for the Democratic Presidential nomination yet failed to win any primary; in early-1991 Bill Clinton was at 2% and went on to win the Presidency; in early-1975 Jimmy Carter was polling at 1% and went on to win the Presidency.

Would to God that we as citizens would approach the election process with the fervor, intensity and no-holds-barred approach that we can see in life’s other activities. I can assure you that, although some members of the Navy and Appalachian State teams had their doubts, they were encouraged to believe in themselves and to make the best possible effort they could, being unwilling to settle for anything less than that best effort.

No, no, NO, folks! Our job as U.S. citizens and patriots is not to "pick a winner," which seems to me to be a view which trivializes our opportunity and responsibility as citizens. We’re to carefully consider all our options and then vote based on what is best for our COUNTRY!

One by one, as each of us decides that our vote IS important and that we are modern stewards of this great country, for which so many have given so much, THEN we begin to realize what we must do.

For me, that means expending whatever resources I can to make right what so many have worked so hard to destroy: my country...the United States of America. This great land deserves nothing less than the best I have to give. Can I truly call myself a "patriot" having done less than I could for this great country? What kind of American am I to see an opportunity to install into the White House a man with demonstrable and impeccable credentials and then do little to nothing to forward that effort?

No! I will have no part whatsoever in sitting idly by as others who, in the name of God or Money or “Compassionate Conservatism” or “Honor” or whatever do their utmost to denigrate and dissolve this great country…MY country! RON PAUL for President! Viva la Revolución!

P.S. If someone doesn’t like the way the U.S. was designed to operate and opposes a return to that way of thinking and governance, I politely suggest they find another country that DOES provide all the services and care they desire from their government. But that is NOT the way the U.S. was designed and I, and millions of others, intend on returning the U.S. to it’s roots…it’s Constitutional roots.

I'd like to thank the mainstream media for downplaying Ron Paul's Presidential Campaign.

Why? To put it simply, nothing strengthens a movement's resolve like being ignored and misrepresented ad continuum.

Thank you for using words like "if", "alienation", and "little chance" and for doing as little research as possible before writing your stories. Thank you for all the blatant little mistakes in your fact-checking. Thank you for your cynical brand of neo-propaganda, "fair and balanced" biases, and back-handed compliments. Thank you for fueling the fires of the Ron Paul Campaign and the cause of Liberty.

Ahhh, yes, no chance of winning. Does that matter to me? No. Does actually participating in the debate (rather than a popularity contest of paid idiots) concerning the disastrous direction that my country is heading? Yes. As someone who has contributed to Dr. Paul's campaign three times now, but NOT yesterday, I can say to you and the rest of mainstream media: continue to ignore us at your peril; you will only look like the fools that you are. Call me voter 35,001. RP'08!

Only sounds insane if you don't understand.

After giving this some consideration, I hope writers like this continue to ignore Ron Paul. I want to see them eat crow when Truth triumphs over lies and misdirection. Let them be seen as the fools and dupes they are as long as we have a 'true' choice in our national destiny.

Use of the word alienation, insinuation that Ron Paul supporters are going to throw the election like Nader, figure of money raised is lower than the actual number, insinuation that Ron Paul is in a previously unheard-of "Fourth Tier" of Presidential Candidates, inaccurate comparison to the Dean campaign (which didn't fail because of fund-raising) ...

and the sad part is, this is the best MSM story I've seen so far on Nov5. In fact, it's one of the ONLY MSM stories I've seen.

Strange, since when Oprah raised a million or two (I forget the figure) for Obama, it was headlines.

I share a lot of the contempt for the MSM that is expressed here. I also share a lot of the respect for Ron Paul... I voted for him in my very first presidential election when he was running as a Libertarian.

But, people-- and I know that this will enflame the passions of a lot of Paul supporters out there-- there are issues which will prevent Dr. Paul from being competitive in a general election.

He is an old-school, hard core Libertarian. Again, much to admire about that position, but it also means that he supports abolishing medicare and social security. How do you think that's going to play in Florida? These are just two of many, many issues that, when you delve into them, make Paul seem like a 'fringe' candidate.

I believe that he's the best that the Republicans have; in much the same way that Kucinich is for the Dems. They are both honest and true to their beliefs. Both have a vision that resonates for a large part of the electorate. Unfortunately, perhaps, I don't think that either one of them stand a chance. For every voter that is swayed by their devotion to their causes, there will be three that they alienate.

Here's hoping that I'm wrong.

The media keeps saying that Ron Paul is another “Howard Dean”, and he can't win, his support is just a few internet bloggers and spammers/hackers. I have voted in every presidential election since I turned 18 in 1976. I have never given a dime to a politician or party, until this year. For the last 6 months I have given at least $100 a month to Ron Paul’s campaign. I will continue donating at least that much a month until Dr. Paul wins or drops out of the race.
I am a Ron Paul supporter,
we do indeed exist,
we do vote,
and we WILL win.

Whoa!! Gettin' dizzy!!
The spin in this article is too much too handle without a barf bag.

But at this point, I realize that true power comes through anonymity. RP doesn't need the spin machine, doesn't need the media. If this country is truly for and by the people, RP's message will resound in their hearts, not their tv sets. Peace

RP is probably one of the only "real" people I would put my support behind. There is something to be said about a man that takes on these kinds of odds without the mainstream support of his political party or media support (some might say they are the same) with his message for peoples liberties. I think people are looking for something real and just.

RP is that.

I don't get it? "...little apparent chance.." THE MAN HAS WON MORE STRAW POLLS, more text polls, more online polls than ANY other candidate!! Obviously the Amerikan media has become insanely corrupt.

"That so many people have invested so much in someone who stands such little apparent chance of winning his party’s presidential nomination, let alone the White House..."

Disgusting journalism. I'd like to see some polling data on the alienation the public feels concerning the lying media.

Ron Paul is the last honest man left in the Federal Government, though clearly the Baltimore Sun is only interested framing the election toward the mainstream. Way to subvert the truth Mark Silva. Ron Paul is a better man than thou.

I'm not sure what to make of some of your assumptions and logic (and those of your colleagues in the commercial media). If 75% of the people in America are not satisfied with the status quo and the direction of this country doesn't it follow that the candidate offering the largest degree of change (and the one who does it with the greatest degree of clarity and honesty) would be the most logical choice?

If our Congress and President rate approval among barely more than 25% of the people, then truly ours is not a government "of the people, by the people, for the people".

If the alternatives outside of Ron Paul offer only a distinction between "Change-light" and "Change-ligter" then there truly is no logical choice other than Paul. With near-record levels of dissatisfaction in this country, why is the organization with the most visible and active grassroots organization so discounted?

This makes me wonder how much is the commercial media's discounting of Paul's candidacy related to their interest in maintaining the current state of life political under the House of media Lords and commercial lobbyists, rather than a true return to government "of the people, by the people, for the people"?

It is funny how the media continuously try to paint Dr. Paul as radical or extreme. We live in a sad state when respect for the Constitution and returning to the Rule of Law are radical ideals. We have a chance to take America back, and to return to prosperity, but we will not get it from anyone besides Dr. Paul. We cannot continue to wage preemptive war without bankrupting this country, and drastically decreasing our domestic security. We cannot continue to sell this country off to the Chinese, and have any hoep of providing for the future of our Children. We cannot continue to accept the lip service, corruption, greed, and complete lack of care for the citizenry that is displayed by all the other candidates. WE MUST TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY! WE MUST MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD! WE WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT THIS GOVERNMENT'S ILLEGAL ACTIONS, AND WE WILL STAND FOR FREEDOM, LIBERTY, AND JUSTICE FOR ALL! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

This article is designed to be dismissive of Ron Paul. Implying he only has 35,000 supporters, implying Perot/Nader results are his ceiling, downplaying the fact that he is a Republican, etc.

Hey Silva, you know that 'establishment' you refer to that people are so fed up with that they are willing to "throw away" their vote? Yeah, that's you, man. No, really. Look in a mirror. They don't give out membership cards that read "establishment" on them, after all. It's just all of the people with bad imaginations who subscribe to the myth that government does things well. Ever been to the post-office? DMV?

Silva, you said: "There are only so many times that the same 35,000 people can contribute... and it's unlikely that all of them live in Iowa, or in New Hampshire, where money might translate into the votes"
I love it! I find myself laughing with great anticipation of the day of Ron Paul's winning the nomination and the main stream media will be saying, "Hmm - you mean Paul's leading in the majority of the straw polls, his number 1 position on the internet for all candidates (Rep. or Dem.), his overwhelming winning lead via the public's internet and cell phone votes in almost all the televised debates -- you mean we could have actually taken the combination of these things as solid indicators? Get outa' here - who could have seen this coming?"

Matthew Continetti, an editor at the Weekly Standard, just said on MSNBC that he wanted to know "who" these supporters of Ron Paul are. So I e-mailed him to tell him.

editor@weeklystandard.com

This writer puts down the biased media and corrupt voting system, then he goes ahead and claims that Dr. Paul doesn't have a chance. What the hell? So this man just insulted himself? Well, thanks for the mostly good article.

peace and love

-mike

Who is Mark Silva?

Hey Mark, Ron Paul is the first candidate that I have ever donated to and guess what , I have $1800 left to contribute this year and $2300 next, so your comment is totally BS.

You will be surprise when the caucus' come and voters need to really cast a vote...not some segmented sample size of 800 shows Rudy up by 8% + or - 5%...these mainstream polls are statisically flawed. Take a stats class and you'll find that you can get number to saw anything you want.

Ron Paul has a real chance...accept it

MSM is slowly realizing they're in the last days of their little reign. As viewers turn to the net, and newspapers go bankrupt, MSM will not have a choice but to concede to the people's will, because after all, without the viewers there is no paycheck. These media "elites" are so out of touch with what's really going on that we shouldn't pretend to even care what they say. At this point in time we ARE the news...so Silva Surfer, don't try to tell me wassup! Bottom line is, MSM's time is up, but you'll never find that story on the cover page!

This seem to be a standard media tactic to minimize Ron Paul's chances. The media can only support an establishment backed candidate. Ron Paul has the best grass roots support of any candidate. He has won the most straw polls and online polls. He has raised the most money in a single day of any 2008 presidential candidate. We need to get the message out that the media can not marginalize Ron Paul any more. People still believe in the constitution and liberty.

i have to remind myself that journalists majored in journalism

MSM your days are over. REVOLUTION :D Ron Paul 2008

This really is a revolution and you aren't listening. We told you a thousand times over by responding to articles and blogs. We told you a thousand times over by responding to online & phone-in polls. Now we respond a thousand times over with the dollars in our pockets.

And you still don't hear us. It proves one thing. You don't WANT to hear us. But we are real people who really support the best man for the Presidency.

And we're not going away any time soon.

And the constant references to RP's supporters being college kids. Great! I hope he has awakened the sleeping giant and the new generation goes to the polls. But most of the RP supporters I know are average, middle-aged, mainstream Americans who are sick to death of the corrupt politicians from both parties the establishment wants to present us with and expects us to choose from: MrCorrupt vs. MsCorrupt.

Ummm... NO THANKS.

Tough for the media to take, isn't it? Just who is being marginalized? The media and all it's propaganda spewing pundits, not Ron Paul and Constitution loving, border defending American citizens!

I don't care for the slant of this article, but it does motivate me personally to do everything I can to get Ron Paul elected. Nice try Mr. Silva, at least your corporate bosses will be pleased with your effort.

Id just like too add:

Hilldog "Communism Rules" Clinton

and

Rudolf "Adolf" Guiliani

and

John "Robot Army" McCain

and

Mitt "Nazi" Romney

and

Barrack "Gonna Bomb" Obama.

these folks I've just mentioned could never resonate with the American people - because we are money oriented - we love money more then almost any other country - and when we have an opportunity like Ron Paul to strengthen our economy- Americans will rally. We're seeing it in action. Take back America!!! Vote Ron Paul!!!!

Let's all calm down for a minute. Yes, Ron Paul wants wipe clean a fair portion of the federal government. Yes, a lot of people would lose their jobs; America would probably be a better place for everyone else. Yes, the media and the politicians are odd bedfellows, but not so close that any candidate can't be mauled with words, sans notice.

Ron Paul is a revolutionary, and the neo-conservative doctrines which have dominated American politics for the past decade, perhaps substantially longer, have pushed many Americans into a revolutionary state of mind. But let's not forget the 20-30% of American's who are die hard conservatives, and who, for better or worse, hopped aboard the neo-con train.

All this means is that Ron Paul is barely a Republican--by current standards--while seeking the Republican nomination, and he's certainly no Democrat. Perhaps this is why the two party system persists: so revolutionaries can't rise in power. The real question we should be asking is, are we ready for a revolutionary, or do we need another conservative i.e. Rebublican or Democrat?

I really should look into journalism as a profession; it's obvious Mr Silva didn't require much learning or expertise to write for this "fine" establishment. I've never read such a biased story in my life. Go Paul

In 1992, Clinton did not pull ahead until Super Tuesday in March, promising middle class tax relief. That's all Paul has to do - promise middle class tax relief, and pay for it not with borrowing, but shrinking government.

one donation to Ron Paul Moneybomb 2 (Jay Leno day) $100

one donation to Ron Paul Moneybomb 3 (Nov. 5th) $100

having room for 21 more Ron Paul Moneybombs to help fuel the R3volution - priceless!

Go Ron Paul Moneybomb Team -

See you at the next waypoint! Open bay doors...

J Bot reporting in as expected.... Ha ha!!

I know personally of 3 people that contributed this time who never contributed before.. The snow ball is rolling.

All I ask of the media is honest, unbiased reporting... but they are unable to do their job. They have to inflect their world view into their reporting.

A few points to keep in mind: Ron Paul’s money came from individual American people, not lobbyists, not corporations, not foreign nationals, not loans from his personal wealth.

Yesterday we voted with our wallets. Soon we will vote in the primaries.

We need to be vigilant for election fraud, the new paperless electronic voting machines can be hacked with no accountability.

The author tries to alienate the left by hawking Paul's BENIGN complaints about abortion.... he has a very nuanced concern - and will never impose his will on the electorate.

HE SAID SO ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION>

now the REAL reason the author tries to sabotage the effort... AMERICAN JEWS.

Watch the media trash this guy without ever mentioning the word "Israel"

Pauls biggest threat is the treasonous AMerican Israeli lobby and all it's forms and tenacles ...

The great unspoken enemy of Freedom in America is the LOBBY for that genocidal little backwater known as Israel.

The media just does not get it because they have become lazy, blind, and opinionated. No longer do they get out from behind their desks and undertake true jouralism by turning over rocks and seeking out the real story when they see a trend emerging. Instead they are satisfied to take any facts offered to them by vested interests and to rehash them, no matter how off the mark they might be. Ron Paul's popularity is quietly growing amongst the young and the average Joe and will continue to do so. A win for Ron Paul in the New Hampshire primaries will turn the political world and the media on its head. So lets keep the movement going. Ron Paul for Prez!

What strikes me about the Paul supporters is how intelligent they are. Read these comments, and you will see that. This is overlooked by the media. According to a CNN poll, 81% of Americans hate our government and list many complaints. Doesn’t that disturb you? Many of us were very disenchanted prior to learning about the praiseworthy Dr. Paul. The Media has done everything possible to manipulate and turn off the public to him. They have denigrated, ridiculed, and ostracized him, unjustly and unfairly. Instead, it is obvious you favor the candidates who won’t shake the “status quo” of the elite in this country. This is a very sad commentary for our country. When will the Media wake up and do the honorable thing? When will they realize that it is a far better thing to error on the side of caution, rather than to continually jump on the bandwagon without the wheels? You have underestimated us. We can see the forest from the trees…finally. Dr. Paul is the “diamond in the ruff”, and we, sir, are the 300 Spartans who fought the Persians.

Hey guys. They are bewildered and a little scared. They (mainstream media/politics) CAN'T jump in yet, as this had never happened and they are personally scared to get stuck holding the Paul supporter bag. They will come onboard almost immediately if he gets the nomination, and that will only happen if voters go out and make it happen in the polls. So, they are taking the safe stance of ridicule and not-getting-it because that will be defensible later, ("who woulda thought?")whereas if they chime in and support him now, they could get the lifelong label of having supported "the kook". They cannot endorse him yet. They will when the primary votes are counted, and Ron Paul, amazingly to them, is the Presidential REPUBLICAN presidential candidate.

Mark Silva.

Shame on you.

You should never give yourself a byline:

by Mark Silva, and updated

when you what you have done is CUT AND PASTE an AP story.

What a garbage act.

As an intelligent person who falls in the distant "middle" between conspiracy theorists and the MSM's (as directed by the money elite) version of events; I can tell you that all this ignorance of Ron Paul makes him look like a lot better choice.

If you want to dilute the power of Ron Paul's message, the MSM better level the playing field, because the growing number of young and educated voters know that when there is spin this deliberate, a candidate must present potential change in the power structure of how wealth and control is divided.

Get a clue, you ignorant piece of shit. I'm not as of now voting for Ron Paul, but saying he doesn't have a chance to win is disgusting. I feel sick hearing major newspapers try to discredit new voices, when it's obvious America is crying out, with a historic sense of urgency, for something new.

About Ron Paul, your article said: "It is people voting for someone other than the establishment, odds be damned."

If we vote for the traditional candidates and the same old way of doing things, it is our country and ourselves that will be dammed. In the last month, politics as usual has given us a credit crisis resulting in our currency being devalued by at least 10% with no end in sight. As a result , any asset one owns (including homes)that has value ,has delined in purchasing power by 10% , especially since much of what we buy is imported. In foreign policy, we are about to see billions of dollars in aid go down the drain when Pakistan collapses or becomes a more brutal dictatorship. The choice is really between supporting and voting for Ron Paul or deserting a sinking ship

Obviously the Amerikan media has become insanely corrupt.
Posted by: JeffD
-
You just figured that out? Oh, and it has nothing to do with Ron Paul.
The mass media has been bought up by GOP fascists that have no use for democracy. This article, which refers to GW's "election victory" instead of theft is an example.
Howard Dean threatened to break up this monopoly and was instantly labeled unelectable.
Ron Paul hasn't a chance.

I gave $100.00 on November 5th, and will give at least $100.00 every month until Ron Paul is president.

That is the beauty of Ron Paul's campaign. It is not just a few people maxing out the $2,300.00 limit. It's lots of little folks, giving a little at a time. And we understand that the payback for our children and future generations is worth the money spent.

For once, can the MSM actually promote a candidate that has some integrity and consistency? Really, can you not see through the facade of the big players like Clinton and Romney. They're playing politics as usual--big money for themselves and their lobbyist friends. I would advise not downplaying Dr. Paul's success. It will come back to haunt you once you realize how inaccurate MSM reporting really is. There's still time, Mark. Why not back a candidate that actually cares about the Constitution, the People, and the direction this country's going?

Oh well. In one article they want to say our poll votes are bot programs, and here they just want to talk about all the zany candidates who can't win.

Truth is, we are showing that America belongs to the people, and the people are fed up with the "bidness as uzual."

Mr Silva - at least get some facts straight, Romney raise $6.5m in one day on Jan 8. As per WA PO "Romney launched his campaign with a showy Jan. 8 event at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, placing 400 of his biggest supporters in front of phones and asking them to devote the day to raising money from friends and contacts around the country. The event yielded $6.5 million, a huge haul for a single day's effort."

Very snide and UN-balanced reporting, but we do appreciate any press for Dr. Paul. The crow you'll eat after the primaries will taste like freedom. Get used to it!

Why can't I just support the best candidate running without people claiming I'm a bot, or simply feel excluded by the establishment? And what is this of Ron Paul having no chance of winning? You guys have been saying more ridiculous things for a long time and get proven wrong consistently. It's like you don't even pay attention to your mispredictions.

Ron Paul wants to abolish the IRS. Who wouldn't want to vote for him?

Keep reporting about Britney's custody battle, how strong the economy is, Anna Nicole, how well Hilary is doing, etc...at the same time the growing unrest among citizens has fueled a revolution that is growing by leaps and bounds. It is unlike anything I've seen in my lifetime. I'm 47 years old, (not voting WAS my vote), and have never contributed to a campaign. I am recently married, we are both registered to vote, and have given a total of $250.00 to Ron Paul's campaign. We can max out at $4300, and there are many more like us. I only gave $50.00 yesterday, but come payday will give more. I am making my own bumper stickers and yard signs today...just like so many others have already done. My children understand that this is history in the making...and we are part of it! MSM can no longer be the "thought police" for America. We are educated, smart, and use reason and logic to determine who gets our vote. It is sad, that following the Constitution labels one as a "radical".

If we had to choose between Ron Paul and John Edwards for president, America would be the winner. Call them populists or whatever you like. They both represent more freedom for us.It would allow us to jail war profiteers, ending those whacko neocons like Guiliani's Podheretz/Elliot Abram's sadistic arrogant foreign policy.

Can you fringe right-wingers stop spamming forum boards with this "Ron Paul makes a lot of sense, you know..." shilling? May have worked for Adolf Hitler, but it aint gonna fly in MY America!

Committment to ideals is admirable but cmon! This is the UNITED States. Enough of the Far Right Wing Agenda! Lets get back to Conservative Moderism where compromise has its place.

$4.2 Million is impressive. Wish you had gotten that number correct.

But of course Dr. Paul will raise the $12 Million easily; after all, he's one of the few top-tier candidates in this race.

(As for Dr. Dean, regardless of how you feel about him personally, he lost because the media sabotaged his campaign. Dean had cheered because he came in second place in the first state, and was well on his way to winning the primary. But then the media opted to try to make him look bad by distorting the cheer. So the Dems ended up with Flip-Floppin' Kerry instead.)

I agree with Andrew above who wrote, "When are you people going to learn Ron Paul has a chance of winning? The main thing that is keeping him low in the 'legitimate' polls is lack of name recognition, which you, the media, are mostly to blame for."

I also agree with john above who points out that Dr. Paul is by no means a fringe candidate. Tax cuts, peaceful foreign policy centred around trade, the cutting back of failing government programmes, devolution of power, and the protection of our constitutionally-recognised natural rights is in no way "fringe."

Ron Paul 2008!

Sincerely,
Alex Peak
Baltimore, MD

After seeing the MSM spin even this obvious victory, I realize until Ron Paul wins a few primaries he won't be taken seriously. I will just work twice as hard to spread the word because that system seems to be working just fine for Dr. Paul's campaign so far.
You can't stop the message of freedom in a country that believes its worth fighting for. It just can't be done.

This article is a bunch of fluff that misses the point: Ron Paul stands for restoration of governance based on the Constitution of the United States.

"Never Doubt that a Small Group of Committed Citizens Can Change the World. Indeed, it is the Only Thing That Ever Has." - Margaret Mead

I am so excited on what was accomplished yesterday. There is hope again America! Lets keep it going to the Whitehouse next year!

RON PAUL 2008!! ;)

All this bashing of Ron Paul by the mainstream media (including the Baltimore Sun) is exactly what Mahatma Gandhi talked about 50 years ago in his peaceful struggle for India's independence from Britain:

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

Everyone in the mainstream media ignored Ron Paul several months ago, thinking he was such an extreme fringe candidate that it was alright to ignore him. In fact, they even left him off many straw polls despite his participation.

Then when his message started to resonate with some Americans, mainstream media and the other Presidential candidate started to laugh at him, calling him a kook and finding hilarity in his policies.

Then, with Ron Paul raising a lot more money, beaing other top-tier candidates in straw polls, and seeing his own share of national popularity rise to even higher heights, the mainstream media is now bashing and attacking Ron Paul. They are accusing him of using email bot-nets, twisting Paul's story around to make it seem like what he is achieving is nothing, and generally writing only negative write-ups of him.

Now, thanks to you mainstream media, Paul will win the Presidency. And before you shrug that off too, just remember Reagan's rise to the Presidency. He was also unpopular, had similar views with Paul, and was an underdog. Yet he won.

Destroying America is a Ron Paul issue, vote states rights.

This is just the beginning. It's funny how we always look back and try to compare history to current events. The problem here is that Dean is not a good analogy for the current Lovelution. Dr. Paul's message is about freedom, small government and honesty. Dean's was about more government control and just Bush bashing. How often does Dr. Paul just bash Bush? Not very often, he politely disagrees!
The people recognize this and many more like Evan C will be joining the bandwagon!
Ron Paul, one year from owning everything George Stephonopoulous has.

Mr. Silva, is it true you'd lose your job if you wrote something like:

Ron Paul's appeal is largely due to the growing conviction that he is the only candidate proposing realistic solutions and attainable goals. His supporters believe that as a self-taught economist Dr. Paul has correctly homed in on the Federal Reserve's ability to create worthless paper money as very real debt as the wellspring of America's dangerous--possibly even fatal--economic crisis.

But perhaps the key to Ron Paul's success is his simple reminder to us all that this is still America--that we still have a Constitution, still have borders, still have rights that are never supposed to be infringed. In a time when our stated values are viewed as quaint if they are viewed at all, Dr. Paul stands alone, offering what many Americans believe is our last chance at economic prosperity and restoration of the rights and dignity of the individual.

It is a dark, dark day for this country when myself and my trained dog colleagues must strive to marginalize a candidate with such a message.

?

Okay, maybe you wouldn't admit to being a trained dog, but tell the truth ... You'd be out looking for work tomorrow if you wrote something positive about this guy, something that might actually get new people interested. The aim of this article is clearly to throw water on the campaign and the message.

Congratulations, Mr. Silva, you're a third rate drone writing what you're told. I hope your family is very proud of your integrity.

I left journalism to become a candidate because I could not find someone to vote for in my state senate race. I also had "no chance". But still, with $3,000 and 5 months to run, I got about 30% of the vote.

Am I sad? Absolutely not! My conscience is clear because I didn't take lobby money; I didn't bow to the stooges in my state capitol and I didn't compromise my district's beliefs and goals for my own personal gain.

My grandfather taught me that if you can't serve on the battlefield, it is your duty to vote. And if you can't bring yourself to vote for the person on the ballot, it's your duty to find someone you can vote for or run yourself.

He attributed it to carrying the flag up to the front of the lines. If it falls and there's no one to pick it up, you have to.

In the same way, telling us Ron Paul supporters "there's no chance" or "he's not registering in the polls" is utterly useless because we will support him regardless - because he is simply the best man for the job.

Even if America ends up choosing one of the authoritarians running "high in the polls", my conscience will be clear as the American empire falls.

Ron Paul didnt even RAISE the money. We did. Think about that. This took place outside of his campaign people, or am I incorrect?

This story is such a sham. Give credit where credit is due! Ron Paul is undoubtedly "top tier"...

http://www.truthalert.net/Republican%20Presidential%20Candidate%20Rankings.htm

im recently off food stamps but yesterday i found $25 to send to ron paul. that it was guy fawkes day was not lost on me. ron paul represents our hopes for freedom from tyranny - i have now found ron paul and i will begin canvassing. i have introduced all my friends and neighbors to ron paul and now they are beginning to canvas....

Doesn't this news of small donors representing rank and file Americans giving to Paul's campaign contrast nicely with the shady money connections in Thompson's and Hillary's campaigns?

Revelations that a campaign adviser and top fundraiser for Thompson is a convicted drug trafficker should be a clear sign that the Law and Order actor and CFR member represents the political status quo.

The Nation's recent article Hillary's Mystery Money Men is a real eye-opener. Not only did Hillary receive large donations from a fugitive, Hong Kong businessman Norman Hsu, but she is also receiving fundraising assistance from Alan Quasha who bailed out W's failing company Harken Energy in 1986. Interestingly, Quasha hired former DNC chair Terry McAuliffe and close associate of the Clintons to run one of his companies. In its entirety, the Nation article uncovered the kind of corporate-political back scratching that is the antithesis of Paul's campaign.

Hey Silva, why dont you try letting the voters decide who's going to win the election?

At least you're not still claiming we're all just spambots. $4.3M in one day! "Can you hear me now?"

Ron Paul! Ron Paul! Ron Paul!
http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Mark Silva:

If you do not include Ron Paul in first, second or third tiers, then which tier would you categorize him in? Fourth tier?

You know of any other GOP candidate, first, second or third tier taking in these types of numbers in a single day in the 4Q? No? Didn't think so.

I guess Ron Paul must be in a class of his own then!

These stories coming out from the media are absolutely void of the facts. Where do these journalists go to school, or where do they come from? Is there an insane assylum teaching journalism?

Either way, the people need to hear Ron Paul for themselves, and find out why over 37,000 individuals gave more than 4.2 million in one day, on their own.

I love Ron Paul. Let's build him a White House instead!!

Finally a flood of comments not related to an article about abortion, gays, or Nancy Pelosi.

One can never find a candidate with whose positions one totally agrees; I have difficulty with Ron Paul's misinterpretation of the Second Amendment and with his apparent rigidity on abortion. However his determination to remove our troops from Iraq immediately and for America to cease regarding itself as the world's policeman resonates.Washington, in his farewell address said,"the great rule for us, in regard to foreign nations,is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible". Jefferson put it even more succintly: "Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations,entangling alliances with none". Ron Paul is in the same frame.Think about it!

Alienation is an interesting choice of a word. Not altogether incorrect, I think, but the word skews the implications. It implies that Ron Paul gets support only because he is different. Again, this is correct, but it is because the differences are those that people actually want, and not because they just want to be contrary.

And to Smirky, a riddle:

What do you get when you have one party that wants to cut taxes and go to war and another party that wants to tax the bejeesus out of us and implement expensive socialist welfare programs?

I see room for compromise there, but I don't particularly care for it. Compromise by itself is fine, but not when the alternatives are reduced to a choice between different flavors of tyranny. People have finally begun to realize that when the state grows, freedom retreats. I refuse to surrender any more of mine.

This is coverage, to be sure, and for that the Ron Paul supporters thank you. However, before writing your story you may want to analyze it for:
1. Accuracy of Facts
2. Bias

As a fellow journalist, I am ashamed of your outrageous stances, and even more concerned at you printing them in your article. Remember the oath you have with the American people as a journalist in America. Report the news, not your unfounded opinions

Mr. Silva, The comments about your article are a good indication of what is out there. The internet is the re-invention of the Guttenburg printing press. Welcome to the American Reformation the Re-elightment and the New Free Press. The Founding Fathers knew what they were doing. Regards, Jim Stack, Jensen Beach FL.

What the writer fails to admit is these are not corporate donations. There are small donations from many people.
What they fail to realize is that many people that have very limited means are contributing anything that they can spare to the Paul campaign. We need to get on with the "dehannitization" of American journalism. Only time will tell what is going to happen with this campaign but one thing is certain, the spin in the mainstream media is not going to weaken the resolve of this campaign. My suggestion to mainstream media is try and report the facts and keep your personal feelings out of your work.

One thing that I know for certain is that these people that are supporting Paul are going to put their money where their mouth is (obviously) and you can be assured that every supporter of Dr. Paul will be at the polls in November 2008. We understand how important each dollar and vote is.

Go Ron Paul!

Mr. Silva, we promise we'll go to your paper more, and recommend your articles, maybe even writing thank-you notes, if you just provide good coverage of the Ron Paul message, instead of downplaying it on the back page.

Viva Dr. Paul!

It is refreshing to see my fellow Americans finally waking up to the circumstances they are in. Even if 1 billion dollars is raised for truth and freedom, even if every thinking non-robotic person wakes up and supports Dr. Paul, even if every MSM media scumbag article is challenged on the facts by hundreds of people who see the facts, IT WILL ALL BE FOR NOTHING if we do not take back the voting system to open transparent fairness.

Electronic voting machines are a part of the foundation of the establishment's control. The tyrants can safely sit behind phony poll results as a screen for the fraud they will pull on election day. The establishment foresaw that a certain percentage of Americans would start to awaken as the tyranny became more obvious. Unless you want all your work to go down the drain you MUST do something about the electronic voting machines. The system can crank in any result they want.

50 lawsuits in the 50 sates are in the process of being filed that demand the decertification of electronic, paperless voting machines like the Diebold system. Please check out the votefraud org also VoteInSunshine and the National Clean Elections Lawsuit: "N-CEL" for more details about this vital subject. Time is short. I pray it is not too late for all of us!

“I care not who votes, I care only about those who count the votes”.-
quote attributed to the dictator Josef Stalin

Ron Paul raised more money in hours yesterday tham Huckabee raised the entire year.

You wouldn't know it by reading the MSM.

The middle class being destroyed by a corrupt, broken government based on a debt based monetary system provided (at interest) by the privately owned bank called the Federal Reserve. That middle class and those with an understanding of economy as it relates to the monetary system and fiscal policy see the writing on the wall and that writing is bleak. We want monetary reform and bank reform and we want out of meddling in the affairs of sovereign nations. You’re words support an institution that has grown massive and corrupt. The people spoke when they fleeced the Senate and the House and are speaking again in the Presidential election. Make no mistake: yesterday was only the beginning. We are buying back our country by investing in the one commodity the banks, corporations, and lobbyists can’t take from us: the message of Liberty that Dr. Paul carries and the integrity he has backed it with in his long experience (and record) in Washington.

Democrats are registering to vote Republican just so they can vote for Ron Paul. Not since Reagan has this happened, and we all know what happened then.

There is a great story for a reporter that wants to investigate, and not just pull stories from the Reuters or AP wire while sitting at their desk. Get out and check out what is really happening and you might win awards!!

The GOP seems to be missing the fact that Ron Paul's candidacy is adding to the number of registered Republicans. Instead, the GOP chiefs are trying to thwart the Revolution at every turn. Momentum is on Ron Paul's side.

Freedom is alive, Apathy is waning.

Well, the spambot mailings are true, in that they were spam. That much is undeniable.

Sure, Ron Paul has dedicated supporters (I even agree with him on a variety of social issues). However, I cannot understand the support given to his economic policies (which would create bigger problems than we have now) or his positions on foreign affairs ("let's withdraw from everything and deal only bilaterally!")...give me a break.

Just fyi, I don't support any particular candidate yet. I just know that I don't support Paul (or Romney, or Giuliani, or Obama, or Clinton...)

Ron Paul rocks!

I contributed and am voting for (President) Paul. But that is not why I am commenting.

I really enjoyed this article, and think that the writer was able to divorce himself from taking a side, which unfortunately is hard to find among "journalists." Straight reporting is all I want anyways.

And a reminder of caution for my fellow Ron Paul supporters: Ron Paul has faults, but the message of Freedom and Traditional Constitutional Values does not. This American message brings us together, it does not divide us. On this internet, which has been so generous to our cause, let us not abandon Unity in favor of promoting personal agenda. In short, REACH OUT!

Ron Paul is not our demi-god, he is our example. For our Revolution, we must take it upon ourselves to change.

Peace, C.

This article is freaking hillarious.

Comparing Dean and Paul is accurate, up till the point where you think the support will die off. Its just starting, I have been following Ron Paul for several years now (I sent him a heartfelt thank you email the first day I ran across him on the internet) and can attest to the growth that shows absolutely no signs of let up, but actually of threatoning to go parabolic. Next year it will go parabolic and hand Ron Paul the Presidency.

This is not an "anti-Bush/anti-Iraq war" campaign that was ran in 2004 by Dean, as much as it is a "I want a President that represents the best of America that has fallen by the wayside and been corrupted through the years" campaign. Two entirely different subjects. AND Dean is no Ron Paul, I was a Dean follower and supporter (thanks to Bush) and can also attest to that! Ron Paul is the "real deal", he supports and looks after no one other then the Rule of Law and the idea of Individual Freedom, Liberty, and small government. In that regard he is unlike anyone I have seen in my adult 31 years of existence, and makes Dean look like a poor excuse for a presidential hopefull.

The media has been backtracking throughout Ron Paul's successes and you will continue to look more and more idiotic as support grows and grows. Someone will step up to the plate and start reporting the news as it should be reported and leave all you news pretenders in the dust.

The old right comment is also quite funny. I guess the old right encompasses college students and the young that make up a big portion of Ron Paul support? I think not.

Soon the Republican party is going to wake up and thank Ron Paul with Primary wins. He has done more for this party then anyone since Reagon. He has gone across political lines and recruited new Republicans. He has invigorated the crowd that once felt dis-enfranchised and cared nothing of politics. He has taken old Republicans that have left due to Bush and company and brought them back to support the Republican party (me included). All red-blooded Republicans need to get on their KNEES and THANK Ron Paul, for he is saving the Republican Party right before their eyes! Be wary should you put another "fake" Republican on the ticket, for you may ultimately destroy the very party you are part of.

Its time for all Republicans to stand up behind a real Republican leader, one the next generations agree with, one that brings in individual donations by the boatload, one that not only preaches small government but also practices it, one that is as American as Apple Pie and Thomas Jefferson, one that stands for true conservatism and restoring Liberty and Freedom to this great country!

Ron Paul can't win. I know because I watch TV a lot. And his policies would mean we couldn't get lots of free stuff from the government. So only a loony would vote for him.

Mr. Silva, how do you know the recent contributions "unlikely" came from early primary States? The campaign recently released strong TV, Radio, and Direct Mail in said States, is it unlikely those communications resulted in donors? Then again, what does it matter where it came from, what matters here is the resources it provides to effectively broadcast the message and get out the vote. This campaign is not about alienation nor is Dr. Paul someone who alienates. This message is timely and popular, to paraphrase his own words 'he is merely the vehicle to deliver a popular message' that IS the essence of our representative Republic and the defining difference between Rep. Ron Paul and the Monarchial elite. Hence, one of the many reasons he is worth voting for.

"It is people voting for someone other than the establishment, odds be damned."

No; big media set the odds, and big media are becoming irrelevant.

If anything, the Ron Paul phenomenon shows that the playing field is changing; and some cats will be out of a job.

The same group that own and control the media own the polling corporations. If they will lie in articles such as this one, where there lies are obvious, how much more will they lie in the polls where there is no way to tell how much they fudge the data?

The truth is that they have an agenda and that agenda is to harm Ron Paul. Therefore, they lie about the polling results.

In 1948 I voted for Thomas Dewey as the Republican candidate for pesident. You older readers will remember what happened in that situation with Harry Truman ending up as the winner.

Following that I began to give much more attention to what politicians said, compared to what they did. But I stopped voting.

Now I'm 85 years old and live in Costa Rica. I've refused to vote for "the best of bad choices" from 1948 until now. But now it's time for me to vote for the second time in my long life.

I'll start by making a few small contributions to the Ron Paul campaign fund, even tho I'm living on Social Security that barely covers my needs.

I don't expect Paul to support all that I believe is the proper purpose of government, but I do believe he'll do what he says he will and will not fall victim to desire for a lot of ego-boosting and greed-fulfillment. That's more than I can say for any of the leading candidates for nomination in either the Democrat or Republican parties.

But that will be enough from a good leader in the trying times we face now. To me, Ron Paul is the only person running for nomination to a presidential candidacy who fits that criteria.

Hopefully, my bit of money and one vote, along with as much supporting talk as I can give him, will help him win the primary and general election next year.

Bill Manning

Can anyone remember when Ronald Reagan was the dark horse given little chance of success by the media?

The new religious right had gained momentum and they never saw it coming. Why? They were hanging out at differnt places on Sunday mornings?

When Reagon won his first primary, he came out to the sea of cameras with his famous grin and said. "you can call me anything you like, as long as it begins with FRONTRUNNER".

God Bless FRONTRUNNER RON PAUL!

This many hits on this thread gives me a little "cult" like quality!
Yikesssss!!!!

Mark,

Please keep shilling for the Corporatocracy and it's Republicrat candidates. This will accomplish two things:

1) It will make the supporters of "fringe", "odds be damned" candidates all that much more determined.

2) It will accelerate the slide of the MSM towards total irrelevancy, as more and more people realize the 4th Estate sold out long ago.

Looking forward to vote Ron Paul in 2008-!

And to Smirky, a riddle:

What do you get when you have one party that wants to cut taxes and go to war and another party that wants to tax the bejeesus out of us and implement expensive socialist welfare programs?

Posted by: Scott D | November 6, 2007 1:14 PM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Er, you join a fringe right wing cult?

Mark, get off your bum and get involved in some proper journalism, either that or turn your job over to someone who understands a news story when they see one.

"There’s one problem with this financial calculation. There are only so many times that the same 35,000 people can contribute..."

If Ron Paul supporters were as incompetent with their money as, say, Mitt Romney or John McCain, then yes this would be true. I have plenty of money in the bank to make my full contribution instead of "just" $100, but I care about my savings and would like to keep it above $8,000. Good luck with your hate rhetoric next time, idiot.

It's that we are sick and tired of the Marxism and World Government we are being fed by all the other candidates on BOTH sides that makes us vote for the man.

So why can't Ron Paul win if the people are for him? I don't get it. I thought we voted, and the person with the most votes won?

I am not against the other candidates, I am FOR Ron Paul. It's not a protest vote, it's because I believe in the message of freedom and liberty.

I've donated $250 so far to Dr. Paul's campaign, and I can't wait for the next money bomb.

The HIT PIECES in the Main Stream Media truly inspire me to work that much harder for Ron Paul.

Isn't it SHOCKING that the MSM has done nothing but complain about the Iraq War for three years, but when an honest candidate suggests that we should actually withdrawal, he is labeled a *kook* and a *fringe candidate*?

What's going on here?!?!

I think the MSM is terrified that THEY no longer have the power to CROWN the KING of this rotting corpse of a country.

Honestly, I think Ron Paul represents our LAST chance to put this country back on its proper Constitutional course.

Ron Paul has REAL supporters -- nationwide.

It is the OTHER candidates who are nothing but "phantasms" created by media and corporate money.

Proof? Try here:
http://www.infiniteronpaul.com/meetupmaps/

To clarify it is not a consitutional amendment for Roe v Wade he wants. He wants to have congress simply take federal jurisdiction out of the equation. That would be a bill passed, not a constitional amendment. Please "fact check" stories before you post them. Otherwise you run the risk of being irrelavant to the informed or worse being called a tool of propaganda. You guys do not seem to be either from where I stand. However in your own interests you should print only facts unless otherwise stated as opinion. Thanks for your time and good luck in the future. Stay unbiased and you will profit. David Monk

First they ignore you.
Then they fight you.
Then Ron Paul wins!

Dear Mr Silva
I was disgusted when I read your article on the running Rupublican candidates made out a vote for Ron Paul was going to be some kind of protest vote.

What the hell are you people playing at? This guy is an 'historic event' his growing popularity is utterly REAL, can't you see that?

By ignoring him you deeply betray your readers. There is no justification for this 'yellow' journalism.

Is it due to your copmpany being owned by Murdoch? Who has ordered silence concerning Ron Paul?

Are you frightened that Americans will hear the truth from this utterly honest and sensible politician,(the first since Kennedy.) All humanity needs to confront this current administrations illegal and disasterous war in Iraq, with now possibly a million dead, and Iran in the sights (God forbid) and for what ?
Even Sir Allan Greenspan agrees on this

Operation
Iraqi
Liberation

O I IL

We learn about the 'War on Democracy' from real journalists like John Pilger,and other more covert 'wars' on peace, freedom, civil rights, privacy,economic stability, national soverignity, savings,US $, taxpayers, clean air , water,natural food and so on.

Ron Paul is the only candidate standing up against both the small and massive injustices your country has been displaying for years with both economic and foreign policy.The effects are felt Worldwide. That's why you are reading this.
(I hope!)

The concept of a great threat which one of your late presidents warned about, 'the Military Industrial Complex' , has come into being, Sadly unlike during the Vietnam war era the press/ mass media (you) have been compromised, and thus rendered toothless and compliant to Government/Corporate agenda and propoganda.

A few of the many examples being 'your' ( the Corporate mass media) toothless response to the horrific 'legalisation' of abduction, torture and possibly murder,your virtual silence in the face of abandonment of the most fundamental laws ever achieved by mankind,how the whole lot of 'you' ( with your 5 or is it 3 Corporate masters?) debated the definitions of 'torture' as laws passed permitting it.

The massive fear mongering you helped generate over the 'issue' of 'terrorism',.How your use and manipulation of that emotive word helped to crack the foundations of your country,ripping up your Constitution and Bill of Rights was simply CRIMINAL, Where were you ?what did/do you do to stop/reverse it ? Nothing....or worse...Ignore....ridicule...then....attack.... Ron Paul, the 'solution' to the problems you help perpetuate.

Countless less fountunate and poor in the mid east have/are paying a HUGE toll ,with a massive and rising death count,mass displacement and untold misery and unrest. For what ? the PNAC ? A clear message was sent 'by the people' last election,you have ignored it,the Iraq occupation that was founded on lies (you fed us) must end,yet you still will not say it on your front page or peak viewing.

I will never forget how 'loud' you were during the anthrax attacks as the dreadfull 'Patriot Act' got 'cheated' into existance. Yet how silent you were when it was revealed where it came from and who was probably responsable for those attacks.

How quiet you were regarding the rigging and cheating of the vote that got Bush in power.
Your deafining silence of the 'powers' he has since awarded himself,are you asking if he will be the first US Dictator? Aparently the 'laws' to enable him to be so are already in place. You talking about that? No, can't have you telling the truth now can we.

Ron Paul is

1 The only REAL Republican running

2 Becoming very very popular both Nationally and Internationally

3 The only real alternative to the growing Fascism your nation appears to be falling into.

So why do you choose to ignore someone so important ? The fact is Dr Paul represents the ONLY Republican who has any chance against Hillary,can't you people see that? Address the injustice you have displayed and give this man the coverage he deserves and has earned.Stop betraying the American people.

Yours Sincerely

London UK

Ron Paul is

1 The only REAL Republican running

2 Becoming very very popular both Nationally and Internationally

3 The only real alternative to the growing Fascism your nation appears to be falling into.

So why do you choose to ignore someone so important ? The fact is Dr Paul represents the ONLY Republican who has any chance against Hillary,can't you people see that? Address the injustice you have displayed and give this man the coverage he deserves and has earned.Stop betraying the American people.

Yours Sincerely

London UK

You can only surpress the truth so long. Why don't you address the issues Paul brings to light instead of attacking the man? This is why people in he know get their news online. Could even explain your drop incirculation...nahh. What is it you hate about him,other that he wants to restore the Constitution,rule of law,disengage from illegal wars,protect our borders, disassemble the usurous Fed ,and the criminal IRS? If your rag as well as the rest of msm were doing your job,we won't be on the brink of implosion.

The notion that support for Paul is fantasy or manufactured is pure bunk. Paul has the support of most all of my co-workers, and many of my friends. Judging from the support here in the Midwest, Dr. Paul is going to win this thing.

What the Ron Paul campaign will change (for the better), is the over-reliance on random telephone surveys by the mainstream media in determining which candidates are viable.

Most of the people surveyed aren't following the race, can't name more than a few candidates, and know little about their positions. When asked by pollsters, most of them are initially undecided until prompted to pick someone. Who in their right mind would take these surveys as any kind of accurate prediction?

There are many other indicators that a campaign is catching on: crowd sizes, volunteer activism, straw polls, signs, bumper stickers, donations -- and Ron Paul is leading the Republican field in all of them.

Hey, since Ron Paul is all about taking away abortion rights from all americans, can we please ban all capital punishment as well. I am so sick and tired of all of these pro life pro death penalty a$$holes.

You are a joke. Face it, Ron Paul is a real viable candidate and he is going to rock your world.

This is a shameful hit job. What a crock.

We the people have just begun to fight.

Ron Paul is a 10 term Republican running as a presisdential candidate for the Republican Party.

Please dont use your journalist platform the label him "the libertarian".

Just report the facts - dont lead your story that way - it lacks integrity.

Hey, I know a bunch of people that support Ron Paul (in my meetup group), who didn't even donate this time. They have before, and will again, but they just didn't have the money this time around. I have donated around 8-10 times, and I have miles to go before I hit $2300. Can't wait to get there.

@radiohedge

Yes, Ron Paul is anti-death penalty too, and against preemptive war. The only truly pro-life candidate.

I'm going to donate again on the 11th.

I can tell you that I am a 26 year old college graduate. I've voted in every election that I've had the opportunity to vote. I made my first campaign donation ever on 11/5. I work with my local meetup group leading others in sign waving, canvassing and phone calling efforts. I've convinced my girlfriend, my mother, my best friend and his girlfriend all to register Republican and vote for Ron Paul in the primary. This of course excludes the thousands of others that I've given literature to.

I can also tell you that our meetup group of volunteers increases about 10 people a week. Everyone in our group contributes and we intend to win this primary in our town. I know people across the country are doing the exact same thing.

The reason Ron Paul's message resonates with people is because he uses concise, simple terms to explain complex issues in ways that are clearly understood by most Americans. It also doesn't hurt that what he says has the ring of truth. "It's the Constitution, Stupid!"

I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting my mohawk ready for the teaparty! Sons of libertea, here we come again. Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul...

I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting my mohawk ready for the teaparty! Sons of libertea, here we come again. Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul...

the more the media is unfair and objective the more votes Ron Paul will get
this time people will vote and switch parties in the primaries if necessary, I am from an independant
I sick of the bought politicians and the unobjective media as well and all the lies from both we can see through your lies we grew up with it so we can see it better than previous generations in general, hopefully when Ron Paul is President he will break up the media monopolies and use the Atty Gen to prosecute some CEO's that are liars and corrupt and that betray the spirit of our US Constitution

Hey Radiohedge,
So you think an innocent baby should die and a cold-blooded murderer should live? Let's discuss this shall we. Talk to me.

A straw poll in Utah put Mitt Romney at 81 percent. Polls are always a direct reflection of the national view, and are never incorrect or bias from the start.

Polls are used as a tool on the blind sheep with no real views or real opinions.

What's the point of donating to a campaign or even voting if the person you're voting for represents absolutely NONE of your views?

Why didn't your stupid article just go out and say that it's pointless to vote at all, since the victors are already chosen by the media? That's precisely what you didn't have the balls to say.

Hillary Clinton is determined to bomb Iran, so is Obama, and of course all the Republican "front runners" are just raring to do just that. Who the hell votes for these people other than the uneducated and the stupid?

Mark Silve is obviously scared that Ron Paul might just win, why else would he publish a hit piece on him?

It's this type of lazy conventional analysis that will keep you writing these blogs in obscurity. How did I find you? I was searching for Ron Paul articles..thank us, he's the only reason people are trafficing to your page.

No matter what, everone has the right to believe as they want and Ron Paul is more then happy to allow it. I think each opinion has merrit whether I agree with it or not.

I missed the first money bomb, but will be participating the the next one, December 31, 2007!

The best video of Ron Paul: everyone please digg!!
watch!
youtube.com — http://www.ronpaul2008.com
RON PAUL - PRESIDENT 2008 Congressman Ron Paul is the leading advocate for freedom in our nation's capital. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Paul tirelessly works for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies.

It's stories like this that prove how far down the toilet our eductional system has gone.