CSPAN --Tim Russert re: Ron Paul

Ron Paul will definitely run third party, but it's way too soon to make the move. He'll give this at least through Feb 5 (too much free media via debates, etc. to drop out now).

This phase (the past year) has been all about gaining name recognition for Ron Paul. Building the brand, so to speak. If he can pull 10+% in a crowded Republican field, that would be a tremendous feat, and would propel his independent campaign. Long way to go.

By the summer, Ron Paul will be a folk hero known nationally.

of running a write in candidate than independent.

He has said Many States do not allow you to run Independent after having declared a run with another party. Think about how stupid that would be to bow out now.

The Independent run is reserved for Bloomberg.

Everyone needs to put pedal to the metal.

If the GOP was so against RP, why did the NH GOP divorce themselves from Fox?

A 3rd party run is not an option for a win.

Ron Paul is a Republican.
R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N

The End, thank you, have a nice day

WE THE PEOPLE THAT VOTE ARE THE DAMN PARTY

NOT A "FEW" ELITES AROUND THE COUNTRY!!!

So SCREW EM if people come out run as delegates and VOTE VOTE VOTE... AND RUN AS A DELEGATE AND VOTE

I think RP is already winning. The other canidate are already trying to mimic the message of RP. Whether or not you feel this is a good thing, it is proof that we are changing the public discorse. IMHO, that means we are winning.

If RP goes 3rd party, I guarentee he will all but dissappear from the media entirely.

"Asked how he'd respond if his supporters clamored for him to mount a run outside the GOP, Paul responded: 'We'll see if the supporters keep sending the money. But right now, our focus is on February 5th.'" http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/06/paul_has...

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Despite Sam's passionate response below, Dr. Paul left the door open a tiny crack for a 3rd party run when he appeared with Tim Russert. Frankly, I hope Ron forms his own party and runs, but not yet. It is just too early, and he is getting good exposure as a Republican - even though some of it is not exactly kind press.

Here are my reasons.

The Republican party has not been supportive of Ron Paul. Yes, the New Hampshire GOP withdrew their support of the Fox debate, but generally speaking, the GOP consists of warmongers, neo-cons and CFR members. It is nearly incomprehensible to me that Ron Paul belongs to the same party as Giuliani, Huckabee or Romney. They have virtually nothing in common. Nor does RP have much in common with the previous Republican administrations; you have to go back to Robert Taft before you find a Republican of the same stripe as Ron Paul. And, before that, Coolidge--maybe.

Nor do I think that RP fits in with existing parties especially well. Much has been said about the Libertarian, Constitution, and other parties. These are fine organizations and have more in common with Ron than the current Republican party.

But, given RP's enormous and widespread appeal, his calling for sweeping reforms at the Federal level, and his unique rock-solid consistency and integrity, a Ron Paul Party would galvanize all of us who have supported him along the way. It would be clear. And, I think he might do well with it.

The grassroots movement that has begun, and which is gaining headway every day, is becoming a huge and powerful force. It is a force to be reckoned with. Think of how the RP supporters jam emails, flood switchboards, turn out en masse with signs and rallies. Lots of committed people; lots of boots on the ground. We are dug in and strong. As Trevor Lymon stated in the PBS video, this is not about Ron Paul; it is about freedom and personal liberty. For Ron to not consider a third party run, with his own party, is to abandon the field to the opposition.
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You think Dr. Paul is having a tough go of it as a Republican? It would be significantly worse as a 3rd party candidate. Not even close.

If Dr. Paul can't win as a Republican, he can't win as an independent.