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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRobert Reich: The Youthful Magic of Ron Paul (tea party senator Jim DeMint urges a listen)
South Carolina Republican Senator Jim DeMint, the darling of the Tea Party wing nuts of the GOP, is urging Republican candidates to listen to Ron Paul. One of the things thats hurt the so-called conservative alternative is saying negative things about Ron Paul, DeMint told conservative radio host Laura Ingraham. Id like to see a Republican Party that embraces a lot of the libertarian ideas.
Why the sudden enthusiasm of Republican leaders for Ron Paul? Credit his surprisingly strong showing in New Hampshire, where 47 percent of primary voters between the ages of 18 and 29 voted for him.
No other Republican candidate has come nearly as close to winning over young voters and the GOP desperately needs young voters. The median age of registered Republicans is rising faster than the median age of America.
The Republican right thinks Pauls views on the economy are responsible for this fire among the young. Yesterday evening, on Larry Kudlows CNBC program, I squared off with Larry and the Wall Street Journals Steve Moore. Both are convinced young people are attracted by Pauls strict adherence to the views of Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises, and Pauls desire to move America back to the gold standard.
Baloney. The young are flocking to Ron Paul because he wants to slice military spending, bring our troops home, stop government from spying on American citizens, and legalize pot. So do I, but I somehow doubt Jim DeMint would advise Republican candidates to listen to me, even if I were a Republican candidate for President.
Paul is attractive to younger voters precisely because of positions he takes that are anathema to the vast majority of the Republican base, including almost all Tea Party Republicans.
http://robertreich.org/post/15699314832
Sorry about another Ron Paul thread. I hope this one is more about the GOP's view of Paul and the opportunities/dangers he represents to them.
jakeXT
(10,575 posts)Ron Paul: I'd consider putting Dennis Kucinich in my cabinet
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20109638-503544.html