analysts* oops

"You also are missing the significance of the Tea Party and the OWS. These are very motivated voters. They are primarily disenfranchised DEM/GOP voters and independents"

I think this is a very unreliable rack to hang your hat on dead. Especially if you're trying to get out of Republican primary in the first place. I don't see him getting out of the primary - I'd love to see him debate Obama. But all my induction leads me to believe that is a pipedream.

I don't have any inklings about you being right, I think I made that pretty clear when I took an position in opposition to yours - which if I may be frank, does not seem to take much political and historical political perspective into account.

You mention OWS as if it will have some great impact on the outcome of the election or policies thereof - why don't you compare OWS to the protests and counterculture movements (not the civil rights movements) of the 60s and early 70s. Did those movements influence politics in the way you are imagining?

I forgot to add, a while back gallup polled people who do not vote and Obama polled something like 75 percent among them. So I think this may suggest the types of voters you're expecting to come out big for Ron Paul - similar to those you would expect to come out big for Obama, are somewhat unreliable voter blocks.

Which reminds me, I'd be nice to see a law in place requiring people to vote on election day (at least federal elections) like what Australia has. This would create a much more representative government - although you could argue at the expect of some personal freedom. Of course I am a populist and therefore am for things like this (and the alternative vote), unlike say a liberal.

The infraction of such a law would result in a fine as it does in Aussieland.

Hold elections on Saturday, (most of the) problem solved.

Veta, I think there is ample evidence in the media / blog-sphere detailing the motivation of Paul supporters.

If you are suggesting that Ron Paul supporters won't make it to the polls; then I disagree. It should be pretty clear by now that Ron Paul's supporters are more motivated then any other candidates supporters.

Why is it so hard for you to believe that Ron Paul's support is being under-estimated?

On January 3rd, Ron Paul supporters will be at home on their winter breaks.

{Why is it so hard for you to believe that Ron Paul's support is being under-estimated?}

I never said that. I did say that depending on the types of voters/movements you outlined earlier to have a significant impact on his electability is rather naive.

Well we will see how naive I am; won't we.

You say Ron Paul supporters aren't reliable voters. We will see what happens.

{You say Ron Paul supporters aren't reliable voters. We will see what happens.}

I didn't say that, I said this:

[[You mention OWS as if it will have some great impact on the outcome of the election or policies thereof - why don't you compare OWS to the protests and counterculture movements (not the civil rights movements) of the 60s and early 70s. Did those movements influence politics in the way you are imagining?]]

I am sure the vehement Ron Paul supporter, like yourself, will likely vote for RP in their respective primary. I am not so sure that independents or democrats or even many young republicans will feel the same duty, let alone be eligible to vote in these primaries.