Ron Paul is opposed to the GWOT and wants to withdraw from it as soon as possible. An overwhelming amount of Republicans don’t. You mentioned his foreign policy deficiencies above but I don’t think you understand that this is a deal-breaker with your average Republican. I am a Republican and have been since I first voted in 1994. I don’t like what he’s saying nor do I know any others who do.

Ron Paul also isn’t helping himself by accusing the Bush Administration of lying about Iraq. The “Bush Lied, People Died” mindset works great for the DailyKos set but it isn’t going to win supporters among Republicans, who largely still approve of Bush.

I have opposed Ron Paul because of this since he started becoming an Internet phenomenon. I was against him long before LGF started exposing his-very real-ties to racist extremists. Check some of the old threads at RTFLC.

Do you know how I regard Ron Paul’s campaign? I see it as an attempted hostile takeover of the Republican party by its opponents and the most undesirable elements of the electorate.

Ron Paul’s conservative supporters are fooling themselves by even thinking that he’s “influencing” the direction of the party. Ron Paul has made it clear with his voting record and his statements that he doesn’t know the first thing about influencing others or building consensus. Seriously, for those who think that he somehow is, can you tell me where the rising support among Republicans (not the strange outsiders that Ron Paul is attracting) for policies advocated by Ron Paul are?

Republicans are not talking about abandoning the war against Islamism nor are interested in legalizing drugs. Like it or not, these are the prime motivators for the bulk of Ron Paul’s supporters.

Add to the fact that he advocates policies that most Republicans find repellent the problem of his ties to extremists that he seems to be peachy-keen with and you have yourself an unelectable candidate.

I have issues with McCain but I don’t have any real problem with him gaining the nomination. McCain is a real conservative and yet is genuinely well-respected by moderates on both sides. Ron Paul is well-respected (worshipped) by the fringe on both sides-BIG difference. Ron Paul, however, is not fit to be President-that’s what this is about.

“Smearing” Ron Paul isn’t the goal; detailing a candidate’s record, actions, attitudes, and stances is not “smearing” him. We really just don’t want him and it would be very “white” of his supporters to quit trying to force Ron Paul on the Republican Party.