Gary Johnson Campaign Responds to Jesse Benton's Claim That There's "No Chance" of a Ron Paul Endorsement
Submitted by stu2002 on Wed, 05/16/2012 - 14:08During a conference call with reporters yesterday, Jesse Benton of the Ron Paul campaign said there was "no chance" of Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) endorsing former two-term New Mexico governor and Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson.
From Brian Doherty's report:
While Benton refuses to say Paul will endorse Romney, he believes that "if our ideas are embraced and treated with respect, I think the GOP has a very good change to pick up a substantial number of votes" from Paul people. "If we are treated like in '08, then I think a lot of people will stay home or sit on their hands." Agreed, though I think it will be very hard for a Romney like the Romney of today to pick up many Paul fan votes. The vote is not like matter that can neither be created nor destroyed; Paul invented his vote and without him I think a majority of it will disappear in November.
Benton says there is "no chance" of an endorsement of Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party.
Johnson endorsed Ron Paul in 2008. The press release announcing Johnson's endorsement was titled "'Veto Johnson' endorses 'Dr. No' for president," and was distributed by Jesse Benton. Reason reached out to the Johnson campaign this morning for a response to Benton's announcement. They sent us a statement from Ron Nielson, Johnson's senior advisor:
http://reason.com/blog/2012/05/16/gary-johnson-campaign-resp...
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the liberty candidate is Johnson
pretty fair to say Ron has much more in common with him than the two corporatist running.. Swimming in the cesspool so long has gotten to Jesse -maybe he should consult Ron on staying true to principle.
Government is supposed to protect our freedom, our property, our privacy, not invade it. Ron Paul 2007
Jesse, enjoy your time riding high on the horse now.
Ron Paul may never endorse Gary Johnson, but as a spokes person for Ron Paul, Jesse Benton could avoid making statements that carry an abrasive or dismissive tone towards well meaning people. Especially since Gary Johnson is A, a great crusader for individual liberty and B, Gary Johnson was the only candidate who claimed that he would vote for Ron Paul during a nationally televised debate...in fact if I remember correctly he was the only person who answered the question. Every other candidate punted when asked this fair and direct question.
Jesse told Schiff to avoid
Jesse told Schiff to avoid Fringe Elements like Mike Church and Tom Woods at the Paul Fest
This is old news - Here was GJ's senior advisor's response...
May 16, 2012
Ron Nielson -
"Continuing and growing the Ron Paul revolution is not about endorsements. It is about making sure civil liberties, non-intervention and a real commitment to smaller government are in the national conversation, and they will not be if the conversation is only between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. While Governor Johnson would obviously like to have Congressman Paul's endorsement, we have not asked for it, nor do we expect it. Ron Paul has an important role to play in the Republican Party in the months ahead, and Governor Johnson has an important role to play in offering voters a third choice in November."
But like I said, this is old news. If Rand wasn't in the mix, it would be different.
Not gonna happen.
The reason there is no chance Ron Paul would ever endorse Gary Johnson is because Johnson is pro-choice, and Paul is pro-life. Paul routinely gets awards for his promotion of pro-life positions with his voting record, from various Christian groups.
Ron Paul once said "If you can't trust someone to defend life, how can you trust them to defend liberty? You can't."
This is why a Paul endorsement of Johnson will never happen.
Kelldor I'm gonna have to disagree
In 08 when the GOP treated Paul like dirt he endorsed 4 people and told folks to vote outside the two party system. This included candidates that were pro-choice including Cynthia McKinney and Ralph Nader. So many here like to say that last time he endorsed Chuck Baldwin, and he did, but they forget the other three. They say he is not making endorsements because there is nobody worthy. Go over to my post to get a more logical assessment. Or check out the link
http://conservativetimes.org/?p=12027
I rested the accuracy of this assessment based on whether or not he endorses Johnson, the logical choice as he and Johnson are far closer than he and Romney and he asked for Johnson's endorsement in 08, got it and the gentlemanly thing to do now that he is out and retiring would be to reciprocate.
Bottom line is that I believe part of the deal struck was that Paul make no endorsements and we have until November to find out.
And before anyone climbs up my sphincter about this, Paul is still my hero, a good and descent HUMAN being and regardless of whether it is true, has done more for the cause and advancement of liberty than anyone I will likely see in my lifetime. He will eternally have my love and respect.
Not entirely accurate
Hi darth_leroy, thx for the reply. Ron Paul did get 4 candidates together to draft up a statement of 4 basic principals common to each 3rd party. Ultimately it was Constitution Party candidate Chuck Baldwin who received Ron Pauls official endorsement.
Interesting read on the link you provided. Very thoughtful with many points I agree with, but the grounds do not support the claim that Ron Paul will endorse Gary Johnson, who was not mentioned in the piece.
Regarding your belief that a deal was struck that Paul make no endorsements, I certainly see that as more than just plausible, especially given recent statements by Doug Weed that Romney threatened to drop a PR A-Bomb on Paul.
Thx again for the reply. There is much much more that we do agree on, like, Paul is still my hero too :) Also, I'm voting you up.
He also said "never say never"
we have much greater issues facing us right now which could end up killing many more men woman and children if we let these political hacks continue to drive the bus off the cliff.
If you care more about a sperm and an egg then you do your brothers and sisters then maybe you need a reality check.
I gave an honest analyses of
I gave an honest analyses of why I believe Ron Paul will not end up endorsing Gary Johnson. If you disagree, that's certainly your prerogative, but resorting to insults doesn't help your cause.
Amen
-
Its great to forgive, but that doesn't mean they qualify as "leader"!
When will someone SHUT the traitorous Jesse Benton UP
I hope someone is bringing some tar and feathers in case he has the temerity to show his face in Tampa. That is what they used to do to Nazi collaborators.
Benton is trying to get Romney nominated NOT Ron Paul.
If Benton were on Ron Paul's side he would be playing up Romney's disastrous recent tour and the fact that Romney is losing ground in the polls from an already massively losing position.
The Electoral College maps are a disaster for Romney.
Romney looks to have lost about 4 points average over the Bain leaving date and Tax Returns fiasco's.
Obama hasn't even started using his ammunition on Romney yet. There are about 50 available attack topics for Obama to use yet.
The data isn't going to show up in polling averages for about another 2 weeks.
If Romney were to be nominated, Benton is downplaying how big a vote Gary Johnson might get.
Gary Johnson takes votes away from Romney at the rate of about 5 to 2 compared to Obama.
Everything points to Benton being a plant for Romney.
"In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they wanted security. They wanted a comfortable life, and they lost it all -- security, comfort, and freedom. When ... the freedom they wished for was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free."
While I'm no fan of Jesse, what's traitorous here?
a) Why is this Op in the "Ron Paul 2012" forum?
b) Johnson was Republican in 2008 and why should anyone expect Ron Paul to endorse Johnson? It sounds like a wild haired Big-L Libertarian want. I hate to tell you that just because you WANT something, doesn't mean anyone has to give it to you.
It is so ironic having to remind Big-L Libertarians of that fact. Unfortunately, I have to do it all the time.
Gary Johnson Campaign's Statement on Ron Paul's Endorsement
"Continuing and growing the Ron Paul revolution is not about endorsements. It is about making sure civil liberties, non-intervention and a real commitment to smaller government are in the national conversation, and they will not be if the conversation is only between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. While Governor Johnson would obviously like to have Congressman Paul's endorsement, we have not asked for it, nor do we expect it. Ron Paul has an important role to play in the Republican Party in the months ahead, and Governor Johnson has an important role to play in offering voters a third choice in November.
"We are confident that Governor Johnson will successfully appeal to Ron Paul voters on the basis of shared values and his position as the only proven proponent of constitutionally-based smaller government and an anti-war foreign policy based on non-intervention."
This was the statment from Ron Nielson, Johnson's senior advisor.
johnson
what i said about johnson yesterday i see there are -4 beside it.
http://tinyurl.com/bsp4bqd
watch that vid cuz there it is , tell me he isnt downplaying that Dr. Ron Paul can make a big noise at tampa. and give me another -4
johnson = full o crap until the two party system is demolished
thanks
GO RON PAUL , NOT JOHNSON!!
"He's this eccentric Ghandi-Like figure that you cant touch with the normal bribes that people respond to."
the man Doug Wead on DR. RON PAUL
johnson
is a washed up wannabe. i say this because his support is nil to none and i saw him on rt( russian times ) today and he was being interviewed about romney and obama and he did not once mention ron is still running for the nomination , he was just going with the narrative that the rest of the msm media has gone with. in my books hes a douche. it would however be funny if he ran third party and ruined things for the establishment
"He's this eccentric Ghandi-Like figure that you cant touch with the normal bribes that people respond to."
the man Doug Wead on DR. RON PAUL
You sound like the sheeple
You sound like the sheeple talking about Paul.
Gary Johnson Running as Libertarian Party Candidate
Hi ghostdog,
Gary Johnson was nominated for President by the Libertarian Party about two weeks ago. He will be on the ballot in 48-50 states in November. He is going to shake things up. I like this video he recently released: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh4dU9QNPU8 You can read more about him at www.garyjohnson2012.com and www.lp.org
I have no problem
With the campaign saying they won't endorse Johnson. We are Republicans now after all. We just don't own our party yet. Johnson's response was equally appropriate. It was essentially 'I get it'.
I will say that i hope those of you that lean more classically "social conservative" will be able to put aside our differences if Dr. Paul doesn't win and our next liberty candidate isn't personally opposed to abortion. We stand united, or fall divided.
Lew Rockwell: Brilliant New Gary Johnson Ad
Brilliant New Gary Johnson Ad:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/politicaltheatre/2012/05/brillian...
I had the opportunity the day before yesterday of talking personally with the Editor of a premier American newspaper about Gary Johnson. I told him that there was a small but very active group of mostly young people who could be very supportive of Johnson’s Libertarian campaign. He replied that it took a huge amount of money to run for US President. I replied that Gary Johnson was going to focus on small media markets such as Rocky Mountain states where limited funds could cover the whole state. I think he is more aware of Johnson now.
what is Benton thinking?
Does he really believe that we would vote for Romney? Even if Romney took on the entire Ron Paul platform I wouldn't vote for him because I wouldn't believe him.
Nice response by Gary Johnson BTW.
My opinion as to why Ron won't endorse GJ
Ron tried to run 3rd party in 1988 and realized that American only takes the Republican and Democratic parties seriously (at least at this time in our history). He's trying to change the system from within the apparatus. I think that's why Rand is "playing the good GOP candidate" saying that he will endorse whoever ends up being the nominee and that we need Obama out of there. I think Rand will run as a Republican in 2016.
I generally like Rand by the way but I hope that he's just playing by the rules to get on the inside. Then once inside, hopefully, he goes full-out Ron Paul principles.
I disagree
Ron Paul endorsed 3rd party Constitution Party candidate in '08
Yes he did but
Chuck Baldwin was not a CFR created political puppet who was maneuvered into the LP nomination slot with the intent of blocking that slot being offered to Paul if he did not get the GOP nomination. http://www.cfr.org/experts/world/douglas-turner/b11203
Will never happen
Ron will never endorse Gary Johnson,just as he would never endorse Jesse Ventura. Just because these people have supported Ron in the past does not obligate Dr. Paul to endorse them.
In the case of Johnson, he has some pretty serious connections to the CFR, this I am sure is plenty reason enough for Ron to not back him in any public manner. Add to that his urging high school students to try drugs and the fact that he is very much pro-abortion. Before everybody starts screaming....You have to consider how Johnson's comments differ from Ron. Ron is in favor of drug decriminalization, but has said even though people should have the liberty to use them...they are fools if they do. Big difference from Johnson egging kids on to try them. In the case of abortion...Ron is pro-life. He supports both federal and state laws to restrict abortion, but believes states are best equipped to deal with the issue. He has said he hopes all states would make it illegal. This coming from the guy who delivered more than 4,000 babies. Johnson has said he supports a woman's right to choose, aka the right of a mother to terminate the life of her baby. This is nowhere close to Ron's position, no matter how much many people here wish it was.
Gary Johnson is no Ron Paul, not even close. I am sure Jesse Benton, who is a relative to Ron by marriage, is both knowledgeable and comfortable insisting Ron will never endorse Johnson considering his ties to the CRF, past comments telling kids to try drugs, and support for abortion rights. (NOT STATES RIGHTS, ABORTION RIGHTS.)
Benton is right. THERE IS NO CHANCE.
Ron Paul 2012 - It's Almost Here!
Not even close?
That's a ludicrous statement. You sound like a recovering evangelical theocon.
Johnson and Paul agree on 95% of the issues. This sectarian insecurity about non-Ron Paul libertarians is idiotic.
It's almost as if some people will only accept Paul and no one else... not Gary Johnson, not Baldwin, not Rand, not anyone unless they are Ron Paul himself. The movement is becoming like a messianic religion for some.
In 6 months, RP will be retired. Then what will you do? Pray that he runs in 2016?
Someone who agrees with you on 95% of issues is NOT your enemy.
You make a lot of assumptions, and incorrect assumptions.....
I voted for Baldwin in 2008. I will vote for Rand in 2016. I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR GARY JOHNSON.
Someone who tells teenagers to try drugs is in fact my enemy. He has the right to say whatever he likes, however I have the right to proclaim him an idiot, just as Ron has said people should have the Liberty to use drugs, but they are fools if they do.
Johnson is not for states rights when it comes to abortion...he is for abortion rights...Again, not even close to Dr. Paul.
Lastly, he has serious connections to the CFR and if you have even a 1% Ron Paul issue IQ then you know what good Doc thinks of the CFR. This alone is enough for disqualification. Again, not even close.
The fact that Ron endorsed in Baldwin in 2008 is a very good indication that he cannot support someone with the positions Johnson has taken in a few important areas. Finally, Benton is not only Ron's campaign manager but a relative by marriage. I feel fairly certain that he knows far more about Ron's intentions than your rant. Nothing ludicrous or idiotic about that.
Ron is not with Johnson. period. End of story.
Ron Paul 2012 - It's Almost Here!
Single Issue Libertarian
Please answer...
Were you once an evangelical conservative?
It's okay to be a single issue activist giving disproportionate weight to the abortion issue. But keep in mind that that's how the neocons captured the religious right who really hold no pro civil liberty views. Neocons prey on evangelical sectarianism.
"I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR GARY JOHNSON."
Good for you. You get a silver star.
One can make the case that Gary Johnson is ideologically closer to Ron Paul then Rand is on the full spectrum of positions. I like Rand and I'd vote for him too, but Rand is much more hawkish and interventionist.
ABORTION: Ron Paul is willing to accept that abortion, if relegated to the states, would be legal in most if not ALL states... so regardless of his personal view, he is not promoting universal prohibition on abortion.
OH!..Excuse Me.
I thought I was at the DAILY PAUL...
NOT the DAILY JOHNSON...must hit the wrong key?
..or maybe these Johnson fans are lost?
TRY: www.garyjohnsonfans.com
"Beyond the blackened skyline, beyond the smoky rain, dreams never turned to ashes up until.........
...Everything CHANGED !!
I hate this argument. Why do
I hate this argument.
Why do we talk about Thomas Massie, Justin Amash, Adam Kokesh, John Dennis, Sherif Mack, Tom Woods, Peter Schiff, Judge Napolitano?
None of those people have the last name Paul, yet everyone is okay with talking about them on a website dedicated to the cause of liberty.
It's more then about one man dude.
liberty lover in Nor Cal!
All those people you mentioned are not running for president.
Gary is prepared to send my son to war for some other dipsh!t reason or another and Paul is no war unless congress gives the green light. He wouldn't approach Congress unless we were threatened.I don't trust Gary. It's that simple.
Now it's about the Constitution and the fight to defend it.