Ron Paul aiming to restore America despite little media coverage

Libertarian Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul is aiming to mount a serious challenge for the GOP’s nomination by winning over the more independent minded voters, it is Paul’s cross-over appeal that is becoming increasingly apparent. It is widely accepted that, it is rare for Republican to win a congressional primary, let alone a presidential contest, by alienating both social conservatives and national security conservatives. Mention of Paul’s name in the mainstream media often accompanies statement such as, too far outside mainstream, tea party, or born-again socially conservative Republicanism.

Nicknamed “Dr. No” in Congress, he’s known for rejecting almost every spending bill that comes his way. Paul has a clear track record of opposing government spending that is by far superior to that of the other candidates. He has an incredible support base and his army of loyal fans steadily increases daily and what makes Paul unique in the GOP field is the manner, in which, he pursues his own course on issues from immigration to Israel, speaking without pretence or political calculation at debates, while still managing to perform solidly in the polls.

A recent Bloomberg poll placed Paul in a statistical first-place tie with Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich in Iowa, which holds its momentum-setting caucuses on January 3. Paul is also a top-three threat in New Hampshire, polling ahead of both Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Utah governor Jon Huntsman.

Paul is considered to be the godfather of the Tea Party movement, his emergence as a credible voice began during George W. Bush’s presidency amid growing American fatigue with war and overspending. Paul advocates a non-interventionist/isolationist foreign policy which is increasingly appealing to voters seeing American unemployment levels at 9.0% and a bulging national debt stalling the economic recovery across America.

Paul is consistent in his beliefs and ideology and demonstrates a unique unwillingness to pander for votes. He is an incredible fund raiser with his online “money bomb” campaigns helping him to raise $8 million in the last quarter – enough to keep Paul in the race if he makes respectable showings in Iowa and New Hampshire.

I believe a caucus state like Iowa is tailor-made for a candidate like Ron Paul whose band of loyal supporters and excellent organisation are recognised as among the most formidable in the race and who would bet against him topping the poll in Iowa come January 10.

Paul and his supporters have used the social media outlet to maximise their communications as receiving air time on national and cable television has been a struggle at times compared to other GOP candidates. In a recent CBS News debate, Paul received just 89 seconds of speaking time in a 90 minutes debate.

Paul’s main challenge will be electability as the media and GOP are currently obsessed with finding the candidate most likely to defeat incumbent President Obama. Paul’s views are unconventional on a range of issues but yet what I admire about Paul is his honesty, directness, consistency and above all, ability to say something unique which will grab anyone’s attention whether you agree with him or not on all the issues is not important, there is a certain practical common sense approach in his deliver that will enable anyone to find an issue he speaks about say, “Hey, that was a gutsy statement and actually, I have to completely agree with him on that.”

Paul’s “Plan to Restore America” includes a proposal to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget in the first year of his presidency. He would eliminate the departments of education, commerce, energy, interior and housing and urban development.

Paul has already stated he does not intend to run for Congress again and in many senses, this 2012 election could be his last, but with his clearly defined vision and outstanding support base don’t bet against Paul causing some upsets during the GOP race. There are clear indications despite the attempts of the mainstream media to dismiss his challenge that Paul’s message and appeal, is beginning to resonate with voters.

Paul like Newt Gingrich has demonstrated a brilliant grasp on all issues and seems to understand the real problems facing the nation; it is this ability to make the ordinary person feel like he understands their woes and views which could hurtle Paul into the serious contender category. I have no doubt that Ron Paul will be in the top three candidates by the end of the GOP race, it is more a case of whether voters want his brand of politics as opposed to those being put forward by other GOP contenders.