Can Ron Paul Be Elected President?

Few politicians trigger as much scorn as Ron Paul, yet even fewer generate as much unwavering support as the Texas Congressman running for President does. Why is it that this former gynecologist and longtime Representative can create such disdain amongst so many while also garnering such a devoted following?

Well, unlike the last few presidents, it certainly isn’t his ability to compromise. Both Democrats and Republicans often disagree with Paul on a wide variety of issues. It’s not his appearance or media savvy —the 76-year-old looks his age and often rants during interviews. Conclusively, then, it must be his dogged principles which have gone admirably unchanged for 30 years.

Is a somewhat fanatical dedication to ideals enough to push Ron Paul into the highest office of the land? Before deciding this, let’s contextualize his positions.

Economically, Paul is as conservative as one gets. He believes the budget should be balanced every year, no exceptions. Therefore, he has proposed cutting $1 trillion in federal spending for the next year alone. Paul also believes in optimal economic freedom—i.e. as few taxes as possible for everyone. Furthermore, Paul is an ardent critic of the monetary system as it—and by extension the Federal Reserve—purposefully devalues the dollar with excessive inflation.

Concerning social issues, Paul is personally very in line with his Republican colleagues. However, he feels that government cannot mandate people’s liberties and thus falls out of favor with the GOP in that regard.

He believes gay marriage should be a state issue, as should abortion. Paul is also strongly in favor of legalizing marijuana, and argues that the War on Drugs is one of the biggest wastes of time and money our country has ever taken part in. The value Paul gives to protecting civil liberties often incites admiration amongst Democrats, but again,
fractures him within the GOP.

Foreign policy, however, is what most separates Paul from his republican counterparts—and frankly from many Democrats as well. He is often called an isolationist as he fervently disavows US military action abroad. He wants to bring all troops stationed on international bases home and to also cut the military spending by several hundred billion dollars.

Ultimately it is this position that will cost him the presidency. His economic views make him the ardent conservative Republican’s desire and his social views would capture the independents necessary for a presidential election. The truth is, however, terrorism and hostile nations such as Iran pose too great a threat for voters to take a chance on Ron Paul’s non-interventionist policies.

At his old age, this will be his last run for President. He won’t win the Republican nomination, but his message of maximum liberty has made its impact and will endure long after he’s gone.

- Kit

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January 20th, 2012 | Dan | Comments Off |