Where will they go....What will they do? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

dc_dux · 02-10-2008, 03:59 PM

Now that Ron Paul has effectively blown his wad (spending over $20 million to date), conceded that he cant win the Republican nomination, reiterated that he will not run as a third party candidate, and said his focus is on retaining his Congressional seat....

What happens to the millions (?) of money bombers, blimp followers and Internet minions who jumped into the political process for the first time?

Will they support McCain in spite of his warmongering foreign policy? Obama with his government solutions to domestic problems? I cant imagine any would support Clinton?

Will they flock to the Libertarian party and back a candidate they never heard of?

Will they fade away and go back to role playing games on the net, having lost all faith in a system that did not share their values?

I really dont have a clue.

Elphaba · 02-10-2008, 04:07 PM

The horrible thought of Nader comes to mind. He's toying with the idea of running again.

Ace_O_Spades · 02-10-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elphaba

The horrible thought of Nader comes to mind. He's toying with the idea of running again.

I once read a great rant by Hunter S. Thompson on Nader prior to the 2004 election... I have included it below:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Gonzo

I voted for Ralph Nader in 2000, but I will not make that mistake again. The joke is over for Nader. He was funny once, but now he belongs to the dead. There is nothing funny about helping George Bush win Florida again. Nader is a fool, and so is anybody who votes for him in November -- with the obvious exception of professional Republicans who have paid big money to turn poor Ralph into a world-famous Judas Goat.

Nader has become so desperate and crazed that he's stooped to paying homeless people to gather signatures to get him on the ballot. In Pennsylvania, the petitions he submitted contained tens of thousands of phony signatures, including Fred Flintstone, Mickey Mouse and John Kerry. A judge dumped Ralph from the ballot there, saying the forms were "rife with forgeries" and calling it "the most deceitful and fraudulent exercise ever perpetrated upon this court."

But they will keep his name on the ballot in the long-suffering Hurricane State, which is ruled by the President's younger brother, Jeb, who also wants to be the next President of the United States. In 2000, when they sent Jim Baker down to Florida, I knew it was all over. The fix was in. In that election, 97,488 people voted for Nader in Florida, and Gore lost the state by 537 votes. You don't have to be from Texas to understand the moral of that story. It's like being out-coached in the Super Bowl. There are no rules in the passing lane. Only losers play fair, and all winners have blood on their hands.

laconic1 · 02-10-2008, 05:30 PM

I think some of us will end up voting Libertarian, myself included. Some of those will not vote at all and I'm sure McCain will pick up a few supporters. I can't imagine any Ron Paul supporter voting for Nader under any circumstance.

sprocket · 02-10-2008, 05:58 PM

Speaking for myself.. probably third party..... again.

FoolThemAll · 02-10-2008, 08:34 PM

"Who's the Libertarian candidate? Okay, him" followed by "Eh, okay, McCain" at a distant second.

Hillary and Obama don't even register.

Ustwo · 02-10-2008, 09:39 PM

Some of the stoner Ron Paul types may well vote for democrats, if Nader doesn't run of course.

I doubt the majority of them will vote for the Libertarian candidate only because of the third party issue.

Hard to say really, as I don't have a pulse on the major Ron Paul supporters, and I doubt TFP is representative of them.

SecretMethod70 · 02-10-2008, 10:29 PM

I suspect that there will be a mix of Democratic, Republican, Third Party, and non-voters. To what degree each of these will gain support, I don't know. There are a number of Ron Paul supporters who really like the things he has to say regarding our foreign policy. They may be tempted to vote Democrat. There are others who like his domestic libertarian message, and they may be tempted to vote Republican...that is, if they can get past McCain's position on Iraq. There are others who will look to the Libertarian party. I don't think any substantial portion would go to any other third party. Lastly, yes, there will be those who don't vote, disliking the options they are given.

From what I've seen of Ron Paul's supporters, I'm not sure a large number of them actually understand fully what he stands for. Remember, there was significant buzz among his supporters about how great it would be if Ron Paul took Kucinich as his running mate. These people are drawn in first and foremost by the foreign policy positions, not the domestic policy positions. I think more Paul supporters will end up going to the Democrats than the Republicans.

intecel · 02-10-2008, 10:54 PM

I voted Paul in the primaries in Florida. I have watched probably 30 hours of his interviews and debates, and read about every article about what he stands for. I really like what he has to say, although a few things, yes I do disagree with.

I refuse to vote for McCain. I don't think he has enough knowledge about the current issues. If Hillary makes it thru, I can't see myself voting for her either. I would vote for Obama...

If it is McCain vs Hillary, I don't know what I would do...

Tully Mars · 02-11-2008, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SecretMethod70

I suspect that there will be a mix of Democratic, Republican, Third Party, and non-voters. To what degree each of these will gain support, I don't know. There are a number of Ron Paul supporters who really like the things he has to say regarding our foreign policy. They may be tempted to vote Democrat. There are others who like his domestic libertarian message, and they may be tempted to vote Republican...that is, if they can get past McCain's position on Iraq. There are others who will look to the Libertarian party. I don't think any substantial portion would go to any other third party. Lastly, yes, there will be those who don't vote, disliking the options they are given.

From what I've seen of Ron Paul's supporters, I'm not sure a large number of them actually understand fully what he stands for. Remember, there was significant buzz among his supporters about how great it would be if Ron Paul took Kucinich as his running mate. These people are drawn in first and foremost by the foreign policy positions, not the domestic policy positions. I think more Paul supporters will end up going to the Democrats than the Republicans.

I think many of the Paul supporters were/are people who found themselves completely fed up with the current climate in Washington. They were looking for something completely different. To what degree any of them will now remain engaged in the election process is highly in question, IMO. I think many of them will simply go back to hating the system and complaining about it but not engaging in it any longer.

dksuddeth · 02-11-2008, 06:57 AM

with ron paul 'conceding' and mccain most likely becoming the republican nominee, real conservative voters will not vote or will vote independent.

I'm sure this will make all the diehard democrats super happy, but maybe everybody will learn the lessons this time around that needs to be learnt.

Tully Mars · 02-11-2008, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dksuddeth

with ron paul 'conceding' and mccain most likely becoming the republican nominee, real conservative voters will not vote or will vote independent.

I'm sure this will make all the diehard democrats super happy, but maybe everybody will learn the lessons this time around that needs to be learnt.

And the lesson that needs to be "learnt" is?

Ustwo · 02-11-2008, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dksuddeth

with ron paul 'conceding' and mccain most likely becoming the republican nominee, real conservative voters will not vote or will vote independent.

Much like Lieberman pretended to be a real liberal when he was running for VP to appease the 'real liberals' I'm sure McCain will pretend to be more conservative.

The question is will they buy it or not. I'm going to guess secular conservatives will, religious conservatives, not so much.

Interestingly I think its the conservative pundits that will do more harm to McCain's campaign than anything the democrats can say.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tully Mars

And the lesson that needs to be "learnt" is?

Don't compromise your principles just because you think you can get an easier victory in a national election by doing so.

dksuddeth · 02-11-2008, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tully Mars

And the lesson that needs to be "learnt" is?

the same lesson that the conservative voters tried to teach republicans in 06, to stop the faux conservatism, liberal spending, and other non-conservative actions or get voted out of office. Apparently they didn't learn the lesson and will lose even more seats this year.

samcol · 02-11-2008, 08:27 AM

I don't think many of them will support Mccain. He's polar opposite of everything Ron stands for. Most of them will likely vote Libertarian in the general.

There is talk of starting a 'Ron Paul Conservatives' type organization. It would organize similar grassroots projects and help get like minded mayors, congressmen and senators elected in the future. They are already helping Paul's congressional campaign as well as several other candidates.

Overall I think his supporters will have an effect of moving the Republican party back to the right or cause people to abandon the GOP alltogether. Most Republican's I talk to are already disgusted and refuse to vote for Mccain.

Conservatives aren't being represented. The party will either shift back to the right or a new Conservative party will likely form within the next several elections.

Tully Mars · 02-11-2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dksuddeth

the same lesson that the conservative voters tried to teach republicans in 06, to stop the faux conservatism, liberal spending, and other non-conservative actions or get voted out of office. Apparently they didn't learn the lesson and will lose even more seats this year.

I see, I understand your point better now.

Willravel · 02-11-2008, 10:16 AM

Most won't vote, Obama will get most of the rest, and the remainder will wonder back to indy, lib, and green. Judging by Paul's primary numbers (assuming they're accurate), this will not really be a big number.

It will be interesting to see if Ron Paul's crusade will effect future elections. Quite frankly, he still does stand a chance of making his mark on history (aside from being the first "internet candidate" and first real conservative to run Republican for something like 30-40 years).

fastom · 02-11-2008, 10:50 AM

This all assumes Bush will leave and there will actually be an election. The signs seem to point to an "emergency" that keeps him in place.

Ron Paul seems like the least scandal plagued of the candidates. Any relation to this guy?
http://www.peterfpaul.com/

dksuddeth · 02-11-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastom

This all assumes Bush will leave and there will actually be an election. The signs seem to point to an "emergency" that keeps him in place.

what signs indicate this?

Tully Mars · 02-11-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastom

This all assumes Bush will leave and there will actually be an election. The signs seem to point to an "emergency" that keeps him in place.

Ron Paul seems like the least scandal plagued of the candidates. Any relation to this guy?
http://www.peterfpaul.com/

Got a "magic 8-ball" in your pocket or do you have some info the rest of us are seemingly missing?

Willravel · 02-11-2008, 11:55 AM

Well I'm of the supported opinion that Bush did not win in 2000 or 2004, so it's possible that these are being used to support the idea that he may try to desperately to gasp at emergency power. Still, he doesn't have the popular support to make a move like that.

02-10-2008, 03:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
dc_dux Location: Washington DC	Where will they go....What will they do? Now that Ron Paul has effectively blown his wad (spending over $20 million to date), conceded that he cant win the Republican nomination, reiterated that he will not run as a third party candidate, and said his focus is on retaining his Congressional seat.... What happens to the millions (?) of money bombers, blimp followers and Internet minions who jumped into the political process for the first time? Will they support McCain in spite of his warmongering foreign policy? Obama with his government solutions to domestic problems? I cant imagine any would support Clinton? Will they flock to the Libertarian party and back a candidate they never heard of? Will they fade away and go back to role playing games on the net, having lost all faith in a system that did not share their values? I really dont have a clue. __________________ "The perfect is the enemy of the good." ~ Voltaire

02-10-2008, 04:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Elphaba Deja Moo Location: Olympic Peninsula, WA	The horrible thought of Nader comes to mind. He's toying with the idea of running again. __________________ "You can't ignore politics, no matter how much you'd like to." Molly Ivins - 1944-2007

02-10-2008, 05:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
sprocket Psycho Location: In transit	Speaking for myself.. probably third party..... again. __________________ Remember, wherever you go... there you are. Last edited by sprocket; 02-10-2008 at 06:03 PM..

02-10-2008, 08:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
FoolThemAll Walking is Still Honest Location: Seattle, WA	"Who's the Libertarian candidate? Okay, him" followed by "Eh, okay, McCain" at a distant second. Hillary and Obama don't even register. __________________ I wonder if we're stuck in Rome.

02-10-2008, 09:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	Some of the stoner Ron Paul types may well vote for democrats, if Nader doesn't run of course. I doubt the majority of them will vote for the Libertarian candidate only because of the third party issue. Hard to say really, as I don't have a pulse on the major Ron Paul supporters, and I doubt TFP is representative of them. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

02-10-2008, 05:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
laconic1 Junkie	I think some of us will end up voting Libertarian, myself included. Some of those will not vote at all and I'm sure McCain will pick up a few supporters. I can't imagine any Ron Paul supporter voting for Nader under any circumstance.

02-10-2008, 10:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
SecretMethod70 Human Administrator Location: Chicago	I suspect that there will be a mix of Democratic, Republican, Third Party, and non-voters. To what degree each of these will gain support, I don't know. There are a number of Ron Paul supporters who really like the things he has to say regarding our foreign policy. They may be tempted to vote Democrat. There are others who like his domestic libertarian message, and they may be tempted to vote Republican...that is, if they can get past McCain's position on Iraq. There are others who will look to the Libertarian party. I don't think any substantial portion would go to any other third party. Lastly, yes, there will be those who don't vote, disliking the options they are given. From what I've seen of Ron Paul's supporters, I'm not sure a large number of them actually understand fully what he stands for. Remember, there was significant buzz among his supporters about how great it would be if Ron Paul took Kucinich as his running mate. These people are drawn in first and foremost by the foreign policy positions, not the domestic policy positions. I think more Paul supporters will end up going to the Democrats than the Republicans. __________________ Le temps détruit tout "Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling

02-10-2008, 10:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
intecel Psycho	I voted Paul in the primaries in Florida. I have watched probably 30 hours of his interviews and debates, and read about every article about what he stands for. I really like what he has to say, although a few things, yes I do disagree with. I refuse to vote for McCain. I don't think he has enough knowledge about the current issues. If Hillary makes it thru, I can't see myself voting for her either. I would vote for Obama... If it is McCain vs Hillary, I don't know what I would do...

02-11-2008, 06:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
dksuddeth Junkie Location: bedford, tx	with ron paul 'conceding' and mccain most likely becoming the republican nominee, real conservative voters will not vote or will vote independent. I'm sure this will make all the diehard democrats super happy, but maybe everybody will learn the lessons this time around that needs to be learnt. __________________ "no amount of force can control a free man, a man whose mind is free. No, not the rack, not fission bombs, not anything. You cannot conquer a free man; the most you can do is kill him."

02-11-2008, 08:27 AM	#15 (permalink)
samcol Junkie Location: Indiana	I don't think many of them will support Mccain. He's polar opposite of everything Ron stands for. Most of them will likely vote Libertarian in the general. There is talk of starting a 'Ron Paul Conservatives' type organization. It would organize similar grassroots projects and help get like minded mayors, congressmen and senators elected in the future. They are already helping Paul's congressional campaign as well as several other candidates. Overall I think his supporters will have an effect of moving the Republican party back to the right or cause people to abandon the GOP alltogether. Most Republican's I talk to are already disgusted and refuse to vote for Mccain. Conservatives aren't being represented. The party will either shift back to the right or a new Conservative party will likely form within the next several elections. __________________ It's time for the president to hand over his nobel peace prize.

02-11-2008, 10:16 AM	#17 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Most won't vote, Obama will get most of the rest, and the remainder will wonder back to indy, lib, and green. Judging by Paul's primary numbers (assuming they're accurate), this will not really be a big number. It will be interesting to see if Ron Paul's crusade will effect future elections. Quite frankly, he still does stand a chance of making his mark on history (aside from being the first "internet candidate" and first real conservative to run Republican for something like 30-40 years).

02-11-2008, 10:50 AM	#18 (permalink)
fastom Psycho Location: way out west	This all assumes Bush will leave and there will actually be an election. The signs seem to point to an "emergency" that keeps him in place. Ron Paul seems like the least scandal plagued of the candidates. Any relation to this guy? http://www.peterfpaul.com/

02-11-2008, 11:55 AM	#21 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Well I'm of the supported opinion that Bush did not win in 2000 or 2004, so it's possible that these are being used to support the idea that he may try to desperately to gasp at emergency power. Still, he doesn't have the popular support to make a move like that.