| According to online polls, Ron Paul's popularity is on | | | | eccentric, as one who does not completely |
| the rise. His supporters claim that Paul is a man of | | | | understand the ideas he proposes. Many |
| integrity who never votes to support legislation | | | | Republicans have even questioned Paul's decision |
| not authorized by the constitution. Paul is a | | | | to run in the elections, conceding that he is not |
| maverick politician, whose beliefs and ideological | | | | likely to win the nomination for President. |
| stands are not always in line with those of his | | | | At the same time, it cannot be disputed that Paul |
| party, the GOP. He has, after all, opposed the Iraq | | | | seems to be enjoying growing support. His |
| war right from the beginning. He continues to | | | | campaign received 4.5 million dollars for campaign |
| press for bringing troops in Iraq-as also on other | | | | funds in a single day, which is a record. The fact is |
| US military bases-safely home. He has also | | | | that many Americans, fed up with the Bush |
| advocated abolishing the IRS and, getting rid of | | | | administration, are looking for something new. And |
| the Federal Reserve. | | | | Paul, seems to be hinging his hopes on this desire |
| Paul is a libertarian, who has always supported | | | | for change in the electorate. Already, support for |
| political views based on his assessment of their | | | | his libertarian views and call for limiting |
| merit, irrespective of which politician or political | | | | government control over citizens' lives is growing |
| 'camp' they belong to. Thus, he has readily | | | | to assume an almost cult like status. As Paul |
| extended support to Democrat leaders such as | | | | himself has stated, "This is a revolution in America |
| Barack Obama, Joe Biden, or John Edwards. | | | | and the support is growing". Whether this support |
| Opinions regarding Paul are divided. His radical | | | | will translate into the majority vote by 2008 still |
| views cause many to dismiss him as crazy and | | | | remains to be seen. |