Ron Paul and the Republican Brand
Jay Cost at RealClearPolitics.com argues that Ron Paul is getting a free ride on the Republican brand, without paying the supposed toll of toeing the party line.
My reply to Mr. Cost:
Ultimately, the strategy of invading Iraq to try to reduce the threat of terrorism was proven to be flawed, and Ron Paul was proven correct -- the invasion destabilized the country, and created greater resentment against us. It could also be argued that Ron Paul was defending the Republican brand in his opposition to the war -- just seven years ago, George W. Bush campaigned for a humble foreign policy, and no nation building.
Read more at Paul 4 Prez
Ron Paul "cheats" on the party brand because he does not contribute to its maintenance. His votes in Congress diverge greatly from the party line - and, as anybody who watches these debates knows, his campaign rhetoric is not even close to the party line.
My reply to Mr. Cost:
Dear Jay,
I found your article thought-provoking and largely an accurate assessment of the inability of a political party to control all its elected representatives, but your choice of Ron Paul as the example a curious one.
Since the Republican "brand" is widely believed to represent smaller government, lower taxes, respect for the Constitution, free market economics, pro-life values, and strong support for the Second Amendment, I would argue (as would Ron Paul's 20-year voting record) that he has been the most ardent defender of the party's brand.
Certainly, he has differed on the Iraq war issue, but I would argue that the decision to invade was a strategic one, not one based on political philosophy, a point which is buttressed by the bipartisan support for the invasion.
If the National Journal rankings are an accurate reflection of the party line, they show how far the Republican Party has strayed from its brand, not Ron Paul.
Ultimately, the strategy of invading Iraq to try to reduce the threat of terrorism was proven to be flawed, and Ron Paul was proven correct -- the invasion destabilized the country, and created greater resentment against us. It could also be argued that Ron Paul was defending the Republican brand in his opposition to the war -- just seven years ago, George W. Bush campaigned for a humble foreign policy, and no nation building.
