2008 Woodie Awards
Thoughts written on napkins
Ron Paul for President...seriously?
Dan Rosenberg
Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: Opinion
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Getting America's youth excited about presidential politics is such a daunting task that it is difficult to fault a candidate who can inspire such exuberance. However, the most charismatic candidate of this election cycle also happens to be the most pernicious. Ron Paul, the Republican Congressman from Texas and former Libertarian Party candidate, has become a dark horse media darling of late. He has inspired a good deal of support, not only from big corporations and businesses, but also from a section of the populace whose favor and affections are so fickle that his strong appeal to them is noteworthy. So what is behind his popularity?
As odd as it is to say, the small-statured doctor, whose politics of large-scale privatization and isolationism are about as novel as the Charleston (ask your grandparents), has what every other candidate finds elusive: Ron Paul has Indie Cred. Indeed, one cannot walk down 21st Avenue without seeing spray-painted Ron Paul signs (on public property, oddly enough). Such is the situation on many campuses, from Texas to Maine. Why he has this appeal to the young and disaffected is obvious: Congressman Paul is incredibly charismatic. His combination of stark honesty and wide-eyed naiveté, not to mention his proclivity for Bush-bashing, give him the air of a cogent and qualified Ross Perot. His appearances on the Colbert Report, and the constant fawning praise he receives from Bill Maher, show that his popularity is largely youth-oriented. He is not only taken seriously by many prominent figures but has garnered a good bit of grassroots support as well. His official facebook group numbers over 24,000 and has raised over $75,000.
With all that said, he is obviously not a serious candidate for the Republican Nomination if one considers that he regularly polls within the margin for error, and is taken by mainstream Republicans only slightly less seriously than Dennis Kucinich is taken by Democrats. However, his popularity underlies two potential trends in youth activism, both of which are disconcerting.
As odd as it is to say, the small-statured doctor, whose politics of large-scale privatization and isolationism are about as novel as the Charleston (ask your grandparents), has what every other candidate finds elusive: Ron Paul has Indie Cred. Indeed, one cannot walk down 21st Avenue without seeing spray-painted Ron Paul signs (on public property, oddly enough). Such is the situation on many campuses, from Texas to Maine. Why he has this appeal to the young and disaffected is obvious: Congressman Paul is incredibly charismatic. His combination of stark honesty and wide-eyed naiveté, not to mention his proclivity for Bush-bashing, give him the air of a cogent and qualified Ross Perot. His appearances on the Colbert Report, and the constant fawning praise he receives from Bill Maher, show that his popularity is largely youth-oriented. He is not only taken seriously by many prominent figures but has garnered a good bit of grassroots support as well. His official facebook group numbers over 24,000 and has raised over $75,000.
With all that said, he is obviously not a serious candidate for the Republican Nomination if one considers that he regularly polls within the margin for error, and is taken by mainstream Republicans only slightly less seriously than Dennis Kucinich is taken by Democrats. However, his popularity underlies two potential trends in youth activism, both of which are disconcerting.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 66
Paul
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:25 PM CST
1.2 million dollars in 7 days from entirely lobby-free grassroots donations. Can we stop downplaying this?
David G
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:30 PM CST
You do realize the presidency is not a dictatorship. He can't close federal agencies with a swipe of a pen without Congress say so. Right? However, is he the best chance to SHRINK waste and spending and stop the socialistic ideas of the democrats? (Hillary wants to give $5000 savings to every newborn with our taxes? Are you kidding me?) Ron Paul is your best hope compromise liberal democrats. (Continued…)
Willis
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:34 PM CST
He is no media darling, unless you are talking about the internet.
He is not naive, he is an advocate for freedom. That is something that other mainstream politicians stopped defending long ago. (Continued…)
Cliff Smith
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:36 PM CST
I am one of those young Colbert (I avoid Maher except when he had Ron Paul on) viewers that could not possibly agree with his politics. I do in fact agree with his politics and the "abolishing all vestiges of social responsibility in the federal government". (Continued…)
Willis
Willis
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:37 PM CST
He is no media darling, unless you are talking about the internet.
He is not naive, he is an advocate for freedom. That is something that other mainstream politicians stopped defending long ago. (Continued…)
gdub
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:37 PM CST
Vote establishment. Save war-fare and welfare.
Who will protect me and take care of me from "cradle to grave?"
Anyone but Ron Paul 08!
Alan
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:39 PM CST
First, Mr. Rosenberg, you need to study politics and history just slightly and learn the difference between "isolationism" (for which I have never heard anyone argue) and "noninterventionism", which Mr. (Continued…)
Alan Kurczynski
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:42 PM CST
First, Mr. Rosenberg, you need to study politics and history just slightly and learn the difference between "isolationism" (for which I have never heard anyone argue) and "noninterventionism", which Mr. (Continued…)
litcigar
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:47 PM CST
It is unfortunate that this article is characterized by misunderstanding and resorts to the author's own ignorance instead of informed sources for information. (Continued…)
Jeff
posted 10/02/07 @ 12:51 PM CST
Your assume that you have some sort of understanding of youth in this nation. This is laughable I can easily tell that you are old just from your ignorance about Ron Paul supporters. (Continued…)
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