The LA Times reports that former New York mayor and former GOP Presidential frontrunner Rudolph Giuliani paid grudging tribute to Congressman Ron Paul during the announcement of the end of his candidacy.
Giuliani gave a gracious concession speech in which he listed all of his Republican competitors and called them good men.
He added Ron Paul on the end, smiling, and said after all the debates he'd go back to his hotel room and watch television and how every time, according to the texted tallies, Ron Paul won all the debates, much, he did not say, thanks to the determined voting of his many busy-fingered followers. "Ron Paul won every debate!" Giuliani said.
It seems fitting that Giuliani would bookend his campaign by tipping his hat to Dr. Paul, as his campaign trajectory seemed to have been neatly mapped out by this exchange from an early debate, in which Rudy tried to humiliate the good Doctor with a bit of "straw man" politics:
Get the new PD toolbar!Alas, ironically, the discussion of blowback eventually blew back on Rudy, as the voting public began to realize that his was a noe-note campaign, and that one note wasn't as sweet as it had once seemed. In contest after contest, Ron Paul proved to be a versatile opponent.
For instance, in Iowa, Giuliani had his ass handed to him by Ron Paul, as he saw his vote total nearly tripled by the maverick Libertarian. In New Hampshire, a much closer geographic match for Giuliani, he eked out a 1 point advantage, but in Michigan, had his ass handed to him again by more than 2 to 1.
Then came Nevada, where Dr. Paul came in 2nd, tearing off Giuliani's head, but stopping short of sh**ting down the hole. South Carolina was more of an old-fashioned beat-down, with Paul not quite doublling Rudy's vote total. Ironically, it was in Florida that Giuliani finally managed to flex some electile muscle, but emptied his war chest in the process.
Who would have guessed that, all these months later, after Giuliani had so boldly incited that debate crowd against Ron Paul, that he would be graciously bowing out while Ron Paul soldiers on? And who would even know it from watching the news?
So, for all of you dedicated Ron Paul supporters, especially you, Wish Belkin (Ron Paul for President), enjoy this moment. It is almost certainly the closest you will get to an apology.
Ron Paul notes: Denise Williams reports that this weekend's Maine Caucus represents Ron Paul's best chance so far at winning a state.
Also, I have made overtures to the Ron Paul campaign about securing a short telephone interview with the candidate. I will keep you posted, but feel free to email them and encourage the good Dr. to speak with me. Those of you who know me know that he will get a fair shake from me.
Just for fun, here's a humor piece that I wrote that ties neatly into this article, and below, if you haven't seen it yet, the newest BallWitnness News, where I give Dr. Paul the last word.
OK, before you start typing, please note, the joke in both cases is to lampoon the media for ignoring Ron Paul, not to mock him.
Update: Punkbaby, Suzi, Tcon, thank you, I appreciate the readership. Ian, yes, I produce the show myself, for fun, for free. It's a good way to do some fun writing and learn TV and film production. Glad you liked it.
Not bad material on the second vid...do you guys come up with it yourself?
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suzi
1:57AM Feb 1st 2008
Your articles are always a refreshing pleasure. Could you write one called "More War McCain meets the Terminator WITH Rudy as Homeland Security" Yikes, talk about a bad dream. Wake me quick! Go Ron Paul
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punkpunkbaby
1:22AM Feb 1st 2008
Tommy, I'm in a state of shock..." Mr. 9ll" we must stay on the offensive" won't be missed";but we still have "100 years of war McCain" ! And an update on the Ron Paul campaign all in one article. Great to see after the debate last night where it appeared that the only adult on the stage willing to discuss the serious issues facing our nation was Congressman Paul. It's hard to believe that there is only one candidate that seems to realize you cannot separate the tanking economy from the financially devistating empire building we are perpetrating. Maybe it's time to revisit history (the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire,the Han dynesty, France, British)they all fell because of financial collapse of thier currency brought about by endless occupation and wars waged against other nations. You will also note that there was a substantial increase in corruption among the politicians prior to the failing of the "Empire".. Check out "Falling Empires" on the web. Yes, history does repeat itself ! Just a little research will enlighten many as to the direction in which our country is headed. The economy is directly connected to our current foreign policy... Thanks for the article and the video was really good, spoof, what a shame that it's true and representative of the bias shown by media...
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taco chowder
2:01AM Feb 1st 2008
The most class I have ever seen out of Rudy was in his concession speach. I no longer hate the man.. he has made improvement.
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amishcarphone
2:07AM Feb 1st 2008
RON PAUL. The Money Bomb celebrating the amazing Family Values of Dr. Ron and Carol Paul's 51st Wedding Anniversary has begun. Feb 1st. Join the Fun and help make History. The Mega MAINSTREAM MEDIA is telling you that you must vote for who they want you to vote for aka Mccain or Romney the Counterfeit Conservatives. www.ronpaul2008.com Donate $51 dollars to honor 51 one years of marriage and to push for taking the USA back from those who are Destroying the US middle class. Spread the word. God Bless Everyone.
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Darin
2:11AM Feb 1st 2008
Ron you have the right words and thoughts most times but the only way to clean out Washington is Term limits but then Bias media would take over.. and PAC's Lobbist etc Remove them and term limits and we might have a chance..Billary keeps saying She did this or that using the words My Bill will do this My plan is that and when talking about the American public she uses you... and I find this wrong...She clearly says openly she knows better than we do... Do you want a Government to force you to buy insurance & have you pay for that with your taxes & take home pay too? My taxes should cover healthcare under any plan but this health care is so wrong... 22 Millions illegals and 8-11 Million on some social or welfare programs that already have there health care for free yet they count them as uninsured.. So remove 22 million illegals and another 11 million already covered & 14 million vets and there are not alot of people without health care... They count Vets as uninsured yet they get free health care....It's supposed to be the home of the Free not Government telling you you must buy Insurance.. Thats not freedom thats control. Everyone blames Bush for the war but it was Hilarys vote that made that happen and Bill letting Bin Laden live...Why do they blame the pres for the actions the worst congress in history did.(I'm not a Bush fan). Like Obama said anyone reading the title of the bill understood it ment War was possible... No one seems to stand up for there actions or mistakes... Education is a huge deal.. So why do we allow Kids to drop out from school at 16? Kids are fat yet most schools removed PE when they should have add more... When I was a Kid I was told driving was a previlage..Why do the Demos want illegals to have them... Simple matter and easy answers...A fed law preventing anyone under 19 from dropping out of school.. If they dont attend or quit then they loose there Drivers rights... and any social programs like welfare.. Why do we allow them to make choices to ruin there lives by dropping out yet that can't vote.... Make them all graduate or No DL and any government help for life.. Unless retarded etc.... Put at least 1hr30mins of exercise each day in every school and not Softball and badmitten but 30mins real exercise then play a sport for the rest.....Lets give kids a chance and not force health care.. This would make Americans healthier, smarter and not relying on the government to care for them.. Why does everyone want to tell you what and how to do it? When we should have national laws that kids cant dropp out from school and if they do they cant drive or use Government to support there childhood bad decisions.. This makes sense..Please pass this last part along to others...
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Roxanne
2:16AM Feb 1st 2008
Ron Paul I believe would make the best president out of the potpouri of gimmick, lying, and underhanded tactics of other candidates. Is it just me that looks at these candidates and prays that these are the best we can come up with for president? Paul is the only one facing the issues and not playing slander ball. Paul is the only president that can pull the US out of this turmoil! Please USA wake up and choose right we need Paul!
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Roxanne
2:16AM Feb 1st 2008
Ron Paul I believe would make the best president out of the potpouri of gimmick, lying, and underhanded tactics of other candidates. Is it just me that looks at these candidates and prays that these are the best we can come up with for president? Paul is the only one facing the issues and not playing slander ball. Paul is the only president that can pull the US out of this turmoil! Please USA wake up and choose right we need Paul!
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Roxanne
2:16AM Feb 1st 2008
Ron Paul I believe would make the best president out of the potpouri of gimmick, lying, and underhanded tactics of other candidates. Is it just me that looks at these candidates and prays that these are the best we can come up with for president? Paul is the only one facing the issues and not playing slander ball. Paul is the only president that can pull the US out of this turmoil! Please USA wake up and choose right we need Paul!
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Rhys
2:36AM Feb 1st 2008
McCain is next.
(edit:Deleted for no citation. Provide documentation**TC))
he's an admirals son with a silver spoon in his mouth and his head up his ass.
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yezu
5:31AM Feb 1st 2008
Rhys, Could you please tell something more about those POW's, trading military secrets and comunist boadcasting?
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Wish Belkin
5:52AM Feb 1st 2008
Ron Paul for President !!
(gotta admit, your blogs have been fair)
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Guesswhotoo6
10:28AM Feb 1st 2008
The GOP is in a pickle. The GOP NeoCon's are promoting the old guard candidate's both of whom are war mongers and at this point do not have a chance against Obama or HillBill for that matter. The only Republican with any chance of winning against the Democratic anti-war ticket is Ron Paul. Unfortunately for the NeoCon's, Ron Paul will dismantle their empire (saving us trillions back into our pockets). It is unclear if Obama is deeply into the NeoCon thinking, at the moment. But, my guess is that he is easily corrupted. HillBill is well entrenched with the NeoCon's from prior servitude. This could mean a push toward HillBill or a single ticket (where she is in charge of teaching Obama the ropes of power). In any event, when Ron Paul's message is finally exposed to the general public, the Neocon's will send in Bloomberg to split the vote away from Paul, this will ensure the Democratic ticket gets elected. It seems at the moment, the voters are easily confused and moved. Bottom line, we need Ron Paul to clean up the den of snakes and get us back on a recovery path. Go Ron Paul 2008!
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jon wilson
7:35AM Feb 1st 2008
whos idea was homeland security anyway? and whos homeland are they securing? between phone taps and identity theft,i really feel warm ,fuzzy and secure. not.!!!!oh and rudy just make sure you get your season box seats at yankee stadium. i dont think youll be seeing any nationals games anytime soon .
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ron
9:36AM Feb 1st 2008
Ron Paul is the onlt one i would vote for, I will never get a chance , big oil and drugs haven,t bought and payed for him..Republicans say, we are looking for a winner.. You have one, but like last time you choose an idiot half brain scumbag McCain ( remember the S&L scandel and McCains' part? didnt think so puks have to be the dumbest people on earth
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steve
9:57AM Feb 1st 2008
I'd vote for Ron Paul. I like some of his ideas, unfortunately some of his ideas are just nuts and I think he needs more meds. He will never get the nomination, but only because he had some great ideas but screwed it up by talking.
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jp
11:08AM Feb 1st 2008
I have a problem with this whole idea of no diploma no license..First off the drivers license is a state issued document not federal..You are saying the federal government will now require a HS diploma to get a state certificate ..This is just more government regulation ,something Ron Paul is animately against..