This is a shocker. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) wins the straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in D.C.
For
Paul, this is huge, a major boost if indeed he wants to run for
president. Though glasses of champagne will not be clinking at the
Federal Reserve Board in Washington!
For conservatives, this creates a potential 2010 primary donnybrook if Paul chooses to run.
There have always been two strains of true populism in American
politics. On the progressive side there are leaders such as Howard
Dean. On the conservative side there are authentic conservatives such
as Ron Paul. Neither President Barack Obama nor the banking and Wall
Street Republicans are legitimate populists, and Sarah Palin is a
polyester populist compared to Ron Paul!
Congratulations to Ron
Paul for his stunning and well-earned victory at the conservative
meeting. Paul is a true conservative in the classic sense who enriches
our national debate and is respected by friends and foes alike.
Brent Budowsky is a regular columnist on thehill.com. He served as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, responsible for commerce and intelligence matters, including one of the core drafters of the CIA Identities Law. Served (more...)