What effect do you envision Ron Paul as actually having?

[CDarwin]

We've talked around this before, I think, but there has been no concerted discussion on the topic. In all realism, what do you actually think the "Ron Paul Revolution" is actually going to amount to in the election cycle?

 

Personally, I think he's going to be a blip in Iowa, and then rock the ticket somewhat in the more libertarian New Hampshire. New Hampshire is an open primary, so what Paul is probably going to end up doing is drawing some Democratic votes, especially of younger first-time voters.

 

My most unconservative prediction: Paul will make a surprise 4th or even 3rd place showing in New Hampshire, hurt Obama because he's drawing the young voters and whatever Republicans he beats (probably Guiliani) because he'll make them look bad, and that will be the majority of his impact. Sorry, Paulites.

 

But what are your opinions?

 

EDIT: Read the word in the title as "effect." I'm really quite poor at this spelling thing.

[Realitycheck]

Agreed, he is too mired in his core beliefs to let his smooth-talking take over.

[Cap'n Refsmmat]

EDIT: Read the word in the title as "effect." I'm really quite poor at this spelling thing.

Fixed that for you.

[CDarwin]

Fixed that for you.

 

Why thank you.

[Pangloss]

I don't believe Ron Paul will have any significant impact on the election.

 

Of course, I've been wrong before.

[iNow]

It's hard to quantify the effect he will have on those not otherwise inclined to participate, but I do believe he will have an effect. He already has, in fact.

[Pangloss]

Oh absolutely. Anything to get the jaded, TV-watching public back in the voting booths, I suppose.

 

But in the overall scheme of things.... nah.

[iNow]

I suppose his effect could be to change the next administration, and cause a more vocal populace to stand up and fight for what they believe in.

 

 

We all want to change the world

You tell me that it's evolution

Well, you know

We all want to change the world

But when you talk about destruction

Don't you know that you can count me out

Don't you know it's gonna be all right

all right, all right

 

You say you got a real solution

Well, you know

We'd all love to see the plan

You ask me for a contribution

Well, you know

We're doing what we can

But when you want money

for people with minds that hate

All I can tell is brother you have to wait

[Pangloss]

You know what, if he inspires someone to write a song that great I'll eat my words.

[ecoli]

You know what, if he inspires someone to write a song that great I'll eat my words.

 

Funny you should mention that:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ron+paul+song&search=Search

 

I don't know how great these are, off course.