How do Ron Paul supporters feel about Thompson? - Political Forum

Albinonewt · 01-09-2008, 02:00 PM

There's a bunch of Ronulans here and I've been curious about this so I'm asking you guys.

How do you Ronulans feel about Fred Thompson? He's a small government Constitutionalist and in some respects very similiar to Ron Paul. He isn't anti-war or over the top the way Paul is, but they have the same basic foundation.

If Thompson proved to be a viable candidate by winning South Carolina (a big if, but humor me) would you consider supporting him and thus increasing the chances of getting a real small government President?

Or is it Ron Paul or bust for you?

FRYandBENDER · 01-09-2008, 02:02 PM

I don't think I would have a big problem with Thompson. I just don't want Huckabee or Mitt to win. If Thompson got the nomination I'd actually vote in the general election.

Shiva_TD · 01-09-2008, 02:22 PM

Thompson is does not support strict adherence to the Constitution and on those grounds alone I would not vote for him.

Albinonewt · 01-09-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shiva_TD

Thompson is does not support strict adherence to the Constitution and on those grounds alone I would not vote for him.

Well (with the exception of Ron Paul) his policy stance is far closer to the originalist intent of the founders then any candidate in either party. Assuming a South Carolina win (and again, that's a big assumption but humor me) Thompson would be the only chance at attaining any level of small government governance in the Presidency.

Under those circumstances you would remain Ron Paul or bust?

Albinonewt · 01-09-2008, 02:58 PM

First, he's in low double digits and devoting all his efforts there. I wouldn't say his victory is likely, but it seems possible.

Second, I think the reluctance to move to a second candidate or perform any sort of valididity test actually betays that the movement is in fact not bigger then one man.

My delight in having Ron Paul on the scene is that he brought focus onto the issue of smaller governent, and issue that gets very little attention and has increasingly become out of the mainstream.

My dread has always been that this focus would live and die with Ron Paul himself, it would not be long lasting or transformative, and that his supporters would flitter off once his run was finished.

Which is why I asked the question. And so far my fears are being confirmed.