From the way the mainstream media coverage has been presented, you might have thought there were only four candidates left in the race. It appeared that the fields had been whittled down to Clinton, Obama, McCain, and Huckabee. Then Huckabee also dropped out, leaving only three.
Or not.
Interestingly enough, the media “forgets” to mention that Ron Paul is still in the race. His coverage hasn’t been nearly the same as what other candidates have enjoyed throughout this election cycle from the beginning. It seems that the only news fit to print about Ron Paul is usually bad news. Anything negative made headlines, yet little coverage was given to his record breaking fund-raising, his unusual ability to gather people from all walks of life to create a huge grassroots movement, or how he really feels about issues.
Sound bites are always fun, because they can be used against a candidate when he is unable to explain a complex issue in under 30 seconds. Who doesn’t remember Ron Paul being lambasted after an early debate for “blaming America”? His actual position is that our foreign policies do have consequences, not that this fact in any way excuses the actions of terrorists or means that we “invited” the attack, as was repeated ad nauseum.
Of course, it’s happened to other candidates as well. One slip of the tongue (or one empassioned scream ala Howard Dean) can unfortunately ruin a political career.
I challenge everyone to judge candidates by their voting records and past actions and to become more informed than in the past before casting a vote. Look into candidates from minor parties (who are also rarely mentioned) as well. The media doesn’t get to pick our president, we do.
This country is facing many serious issues, and “rah, rah, go team” isn’t cutting it. The party means less than the individual and we should only vote for those who truly have this nation’s best interest at heart. In determining who that might be, let’s keep in mind that actions speak much louder than words.
Here are some of Ron Paul’s own words, which are in line with his voting record. You can also see his Congressional website and read his many speeches on the House floor and eloquent writings on numerous subjects that affect us all. When reviewing other candidates, please look at what they were doing and saying before the election season began. Campaign websites don’t give a true view of the candidate.
NOTE: It may help to read the legislation that was voted on or read your favorite candidate’s comments at the time, to understand why he or she voted that way.
Check out any candidate’s voting record: