There are now more than two million returns when you type Ron Paul for President into Google. Contrast that with Rudy Giuliani for President, which yields about 1.2 million results, or Mitt Romney for President, which yields a similar result. It appears, at least among Republican candidates, that Ron Paul is the juggernaut of the Internet. How that will translate into a nomination remains to be seen.
The key to Paul’s popularity is easy. Ron Paul is that rarest of politician – a man who really believes what he says he believes. Ron Paul exudes conviction and pragmatism.
Ron Paul has been the most consistent successful politician advocating the limited-government principles that he sees embedded in the Constitution. Part of his appeal, to a voting base that we can safely presume isn’t as libertarian as Paul is himself, is that of the very rare politician following his own conscience and mind with steadfast integrity. Indeed, Paul is not afraid of aggravating even parts of his libertarian constituency when he thinks it’s the right thing to do, as on immigration (where he’s against amnesty and birthright citizenship, and for increased border control) and his vote this month in favor of prescription drug negotiation.
While other politicians devote huge resources to carefully calculating and scripting every response, Paul speaks his opinion with conviction and force. He doesn’t have to pause to consider his position on any given issue – he already knows where he stands. Where he stands resonates well with many voters.
Lower taxes? Yes, that resonates. Smaller government? Definitely, that one strikes a chord. New direction in Iraq? People are ready for something, almost anything to change.
I expect the May 15 Republican debate in South Carolina to further focus grass roots support on Ron Paul. Tune in and maybe you’ll become part of the Ron Paul juggernaut.