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December 20th, 2007
04:48 PM ET

A GOP free-for-all?

ALT TEXT

FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:

No more front-runner when it comes to the Republican presidential race.

At least that's according to a new poll. The Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey shows Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney tied nationally at 20%. Mike Huckabee is close behind them at 17%, followed by John McCain at 14% and Fred Thompson at 11%.

Just six weeks ago, Giuliani held a double digit lead over his closest rivals. Other polls also show Giuliani's lead shrinking in Florida, one of the states he's been building his campaign around.

Experts say they haven't seen a Republican race so fluid and in such turmoil for more than 50 years. There are several reasons for it, including President Bush's low approval ratings and the fact that this is the first campaign in a very long time that doesn't include an incumbent president or vice president. There's also the aging of the conservative coalition that Ronald Reagan created in 1980. We're now seeing economic, national security and social issues voters all vying for attention.

Here’s my question to you: Why has the Republican race for the presidential nomination suddenly become a free-for-all?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

Daniel from Ironton, Missouri writes:
The nomination is tight because there's no clear reason for the Republicans to exist. Iraq is no longer an issue because violence is down and most Americans want to get out. Terrorism has faded from view. Social conservatives have no real candidate they can find. Most candidates are globalists who are soft on illegal immigration. Right now it's more about choosing someone who can win than someone who they agree with. However, most have no idea who really could win, though they should be looking at Ron Paul.

Dunne writes:
Jack, A wise man once said, "It's getting ugly out there." Well, the current crop of Republican saviors is about as watered down as it gets. Giuliani and Romney appear not to be able to decide on whole wheat or rye at lunch, let alone their policies. McCain is just pitiful since the day he sang "Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran" and ever spoke to Kennedy on immigration. Huckabee's an evangelist in Clinton'esque clothing and Thompson's reading his lines from cue cards. My candidate Ron Paul needs to heat it up more or he will fade into Al Gore’s internet and never be seen again.

Tom writes:
It is a free-for-all because none of them stand any chance of winning. A Republican Party member stands as much chance of winning as a Communist Party member. Maybe all these guys think it would look good on their resume, but realistically speaking the Republicans won't be able to get a dog catcher elected in 2008.

Dan from Las Vegas writes:
Let's see, we have a grumpy senator, a dopey doctor, a sleepy part-time actor. Wait a minute, do I detect a theme here? Perhaps the reason there is a free-for-all is that the positions these guys have are in fact… fairy tales.

Robert writes:
The Republican field is like a used car lot full of lemons. None of them is much better than any of the others, and there's little to choose between them. The American voter wants a new car next November.

Maybe Jack will read yours tomorrow.


Filed under: Elections
soundoff (211 Responses)
  1. Jenny from New York

    The Republicans clearly aren't happy with their choices. It looks like they are speed-dating with each candidate-looking at one for a little while then moving on to the next one, leaving their options open. In the end the person who is the least-worst option will be the one they settle on. I'm glad I'm a Democrat.

    December 20, 2007 at 2:17 pm |
  2. Jim Jensen

    For a number of reasons. First, the GOP is splintered and no one can really agree what the GOP platform should be. Second, any candidate who meets requirements demanded by the Evangelical/Fundamentalist faction of the GOP would never stand a chance of winning in a national election and the rest of the party knows that. Third, no one in the party likes Rudy Giuliani at all and he is the only one who can win in a national election; especially if he ran with Ron Paul as his VP because then you'd attract the Libertarians to the Republican side. Fourth, there is no other GOP candidate who can win that I haven't already named. Whoever wins the Democratic race is going to be President, and I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not, but I'll put a large sum of money on it.

    December 20, 2007 at 2:21 pm |
  3. Terry O'Flaherty

    Jack
    The problem here is you have to put two or three of these guys together to make one good " electable " presidential canidate. At this point any of the top tier Democrats could easily beat anyone the grand old party throws at them. Maybe its time for Mike Bloomberg.

    December 20, 2007 at 2:36 pm |
  4. bnthdntht

    Would you want to be responsible for picking another potential Bush. They are scared another Bush type and the republican party is dead. If impeachment hadn't been taken off the table Bush would be on trial now with the majority of americans pushing the issue.

    December 20, 2007 at 2:37 pm |
  5. Mike B.

    The GOP has long been too concerned about beating Hillary, rather than choosing the right candidate. Its been one giant popularity contest up to this point, and the fluidity of the race certainly reflects it. They've got to get back to the basics and vote for someone who best represents Republican ideals and issues if they want a chance for the White House.

    December 20, 2007 at 2:52 pm |
  6. John in Normal

    Jack

    It's taken a while, but I think people from both parties have finally come to realize that it's the bland leading the bland.

    John in Normal

    December 20, 2007 at 2:56 pm |
  7. Jayne

    The Republican field of candidates is the strangest bunch I've ever seen in any election. You've got the thrice married, the flip flopper, the creationist and everything in between. They've got so much baggage among them, they've yet to get within striking distance of discussing issues people want to hear about. If any of these individuals become president, I hope the Canadians will take me in.

    December 20, 2007 at 2:59 pm |
  8. Leonard from Nevada

    I can sum it up on two works.....RON PAUL....I've always voted Republican and in the last election I felt very dirty doing it. After that, I thought I was done with Politics. I believed the Republicans when then say they are for small Government and low taxes, but that is not what they have been giving us. Even the Democrats in congress are for Bush. They blindly follow him without any backbone. They give the tyrant Bush whatever he wants from war, to unbelievable deficit spending. Then Ron Paul came along and finally someone you can believe in and Trust. Look at his record. He has dropped a bomb in the Republican race (a couple of money bombs) and they are now just picking up the pieces. In a weeks time, with fair and positive media attention, he is going to be the only man standing. He wants to bring our troops home & cut the federal government in half, and with the money saved eliminate the IRS and replace it with NOTHING! He wants to eliminate a couple of other useless and unconstitutional departments in the FED. Eliminate the Federal Reserve, eliminate homeland security, eliminate department of education, and any other useless bloated Federal department. He wants to secure or borders and say NO to amnesty for illegals. IF YOU WANT TO COME TO THIS COUNTRY YOU HAVE TO EARN IT. WE ARE NO LONGER GOING TO BE A WELFARE NATION. Ron Paul is the only one for our country, and his time has come. To some degree we have to thank both President Bushs for screwing up the country SO much that they have left it ripe for someone like Ron Paul to come in and fix it. GO RON PAUL. THE MOVEMENT IS LARGER THAN YOU THINK. YOU ARE GOING TO WIN IN A LANDSLIDE. THE MONEY OF "WE" THE PEOPLE, and not the Special Interest, HAS SPOKEN.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:01 pm |
  9. Katie

    When the best you can do is a conglomeration of religious fanatics, adulterers, former senators who are better actors than politicians, and assorted flakes, you don't have a whole candidate–you've got the makings of a disaster.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:02 pm |
  10. Ed

    Because no candidate is much different than the other on policies except for Ron Paul who has been virtually blacked out by major media.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:12 pm |
  11. Ralph

    Because they are all losers and fall over themselves rubber stamping president Bush. They can't tell an honest lie and lack character. The only one worth a pile of beans is Huckabee and that's because he's willing to call the president a stinker.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:15 pm |
  12. Tom Bulger

    It is a free for all because none of them stand any chance of winning. A Republican Party member stands as much chance of winning as a Communist Party member. Maybe all these guys think it would look good on their resume, but realistically speaking the Republicans won't be able to get a dog catcher elected in 2008.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:17 pm |
  13. Rich, McKinney Texas

    There is a whole lot of time yet and people are just kicking the tires to see how they feel. By the way kicking the tires has never given an accurate reading of the tire pressure. It just gives the kicker something to do while the air leaks out. And believe me there is a whole lot of air coming out of those candidates. By nomination time all but one will be deflated and that one will roll across the finish line while the others lay flat. There is no prize for second best in this race.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:18 pm |
  14. Troy

    Because republicans have not been paying attention. If they were, they would realize that they have the perfect candidate.

    Family values: How about a pro-life doctor that has delivered more than 4000 babies, been married to the same woman for 50 years with 5 children and 18 grandchildren.

    Low Taxes: He never voted for a tax increase, votes against any unneeded use of tax payer dollars, refuses the congressional pension for himself because it is payed for with tax dollars. In fact this man is known as "The Tax payers best friend"

    Integrity: He has never taken money from a lobbyist or a special interest group.

    Support: He draws support from republicans, democrats, libertarians, all races and religions. He raised 6Million dollars in one day.

    These are just a few of the reasons that I will vote for the first time in the next election and I will be voting for Dr. Ron Paul.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:23 pm |
  15. Dominik

    The Republicans have a great candidate. His name is Ron Paul. I find it interesting that he's considered a 'radical'. What the heck would you say about Bush?!? And Bush was supposed to stand for Republican ideals?! I think Ron Paul is exactly the opposite of Bush. Fiscal responsibility, individual freedom? ...oh, no, let's run away from that!!!! I would venture to say that our American Revolutionary era was a time of some of the greatest philosophies on running a society and country (this is where our Constitution came from), and we don't want to measure our current policies against that? Why? Because we're so afraid of the truth? That yes, our policies do anger people around the globe, and it's impossible to police the world. The only people that benefit from policing the world are the extremely rich. Because they make money from using oil, weaponry, and making bank loans to run these operations. I mean the time for this bs is over! This country is about to go into a Depression! It's time to take your power back people! If as a country we can't recognize or refuse to recognize what's going on, maybe we're destined for poverty and less freedom. I hear people scoffing when the Constitution is brought up! Have we seriously been brainwashed to this degree?!

    December 20, 2007 at 3:25 pm |
  16. Melody

    I don't know that there is a finer example of The Peter Principle in play than the current White House occupant. Still, it appears to me that the Republican candidates are each making a bid to show that they, too, can ably perform at the ultimate level of incompetence.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:25 pm |
  17. Bert

    Frankly, I don't know why they are wasting their time. An administration which has effectively stolen two elections, faked a terrorist attack in the process getting rid of asbestos laden, money losing, outdated structures on some of the most valuable real estate in the world, invaded two countries on make believe intelligence that just happen to border the worlds largest known oil reserve, and will almost certainly attack the country which cradles the oil rich Caspian Sea before they are done will not relinquish power by the authority of an election. If need be, they will fake another terror attack to raise the spector of fear and if that is not enough they will steal this election too. Guliani is the Bush insider. Watch his support grow from nowhere.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:26 pm |
  18. steve duke

    All the republicans say the same thing. I believe they all have the same writer.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:29 pm |
  19. Tim

    Jack,
    I believe the truth is that none of the front runners have a solid, all around message. The ones who do have such a message are marginalized or ignored by the media. John Q Public, for better or worse, still gets his decision from the Drive Through Menu of their Local/National news and talk shows, instead of from reasoned, rational, individual thought.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:32 pm |
  20. Nicholas W.

    It has become a free for all because all of the Republicans, except one, offer more of the same. There really are no big differences between them.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:33 pm |
  21. Dave

    Giuliani=thug, warmonger, police state
    Mitt Romney=nice hair, thats about it.
    Mike Huckabee=theocracy, tax hikes.
    John McCain=more war
    Fred Thompson=cure for insomnia

    All the above are OWNED by the corporations

    RON PAUL = FREEDOM!

    December 20, 2007 at 3:34 pm |
  22. stephen atkinson

    I think ron paul has a lot better chance to win than anyone, he raised more money this quarter than any other candidate AND has placed first or second in mostly all straw polls. Also he has won every debate by public opinion polls, but media doesn't want to report on that, I wonder why.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:35 pm |
  23. Michael

    Simply put, the candidates do not stand out from one another, excluding one candidate. His fund raising soars but his poll numbers slowly climb. If this isn't a great opportunity for Ron Paul I don't know what is.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:35 pm |
  24. Gary

    Ron Paul.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:36 pm |
  25. Bob

    Of the media sweet hearts there is none that inspires commitment or passion in the voters. The only republican I see that inspires the passion necessary to unite the republican base is Ron Paul. The way his constitutional views are consistenly mocked and dismissed by the media is a hurdle the republican party should address. He brings the only real growth that the republican party has seen in years.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:38 pm |
  26. Fabian

    Definately a free for all and better for my man Ron Paul, the only republican who is up there willing to speak the unsugarcoated truth on stage. Finally some room for a candidate with common sense and strong leadership to lead the country.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:39 pm |
  27. Bill Ruch

    Hi Jack,
    I think the republicans could use some Performance Enhancing Drugs in their campaigns, maybe it would get rid of, as you say some "yadda yadda yadda, that is going on.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:39 pm |
  28. Darush

    Mr. Cafferty,

    The number one reson that the Republican nomination has become a free-for-all is because none of the candidates except Ron Paul are truly conservative. All of the old media darlings are big government borrow and spenders. They don't even pay lip service to the Constitution, you know, the thing that this country is built on.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:39 pm |
  29. tim

    Republicans have lost touch with their roots which used to include a platform of small government,low taxes,restrained foreign policy,and defending the civil liberties of American citizens . The choice shouldn't be to hard to make ,Ron Paul stands for all these things .

    December 20, 2007 at 3:41 pm |
  30. allison

    People have woken up and are starting to smell the coffee. They are beginning to realize that THE GRET DECIDER has turned out to be THE GREAT DECEIVER. All Republican candidates except one are warmongering, big spending fakes.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:42 pm |
  31. Jon from Georgia

    You just know something isn't right when a candidate that is completely out of step with the rest of the party receives the most money.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:42 pm |
  32. Kevin

    Republicans just can't stand these candidates. Huckabee wants to turn the White House into a Church, Romney wants to force us all to have healthcare, another thinks 9-11 is his platform and the two others talk like they just woke up. Come to think of it, Ron Paul and his twenty million 4th Quarter dollars will be the only thing left standing.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:45 pm |
  33. Jason

    Both parties have lost their ways and majority of the candidates are lying big time just to get elected. They are doing what politicians do best – LIE JUST TO GET ELECTED. I think only candidates who truly care about the people are Ron Paul, Dennis Kucinich, Joe Biden, Mike Gravel. REST OF THEM ARE ALL MONEY MAKING MACHINES AND SIMPLY WORK FOR CORPORATE INTERESTS.

    Ron Paul has a shot at Republica party nomination and we just have to wait and see what happens. For the democrats, they have no chance left anymore since they media keeps talking about top 3 only and I think its going to be Edwards vs. Barack vs. Hilary.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:46 pm |
  34. Doreen Ludwig

    Their rhetoric doesn't match their actions. The Republicans are being judged by their character or, as President Bush said today in his press briefing: their principles. Republican principles are based on a limited interpretation of the Bible, and NOT the Constitution of the United States. This can be confirmed by the way all Republican candidates are bowing to Pat Robertson, Family Research Council, the Council for National Policy, etc.

    NOTHING EVER TRICKLED DOWN – remember those tax cuts?

    As far as family values goes: The republican agenda has been to force Americans to marry and stay married, even if there is domestic violence, because the Bible says "women must submit to men, just like Jesus submitted to the word of God." What we have are Welfare Programs that are paying to punish woman who leave abusive men. This is being done throughout the Nation, by using the Courts and Welfare funds. I have the proof – if you want to do a story – contact me. It is big and scary, but it is the bottom line of the Republican Religious Right agenda.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:47 pm |
  35. Jim Brown

    Jack, other than one candidate it does not matter from which party the president comes from, because in 4 years this country will be bankrupt. One party wants warfare the other party wants welfare and they both get what they want and we the American people get screwed...again.

    Have a Ron Paul xmas.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:48 pm |
  36. Eric

    I feel the Republican party is so splintered between Huckabee, Romney, Guiliani and McCain. Call me crazy when I say this, but this bodes well for Ron Paul. Why you may ask? Think about if the far right wing is so split on candidates the moderate and libertarian right are most likely decided on Ron Paul. The GOP better pick their front runner soon or face a Ron Paul victory.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:49 pm |
  37. Marc C.

    Perhaps it's because the more conservatives find out what the 'frontrunners' stand for and see their record that are less than impressed. Luckily there is one guy in the race with principle, and this muddled field has left an opening for the one true conservative, Congressman Ron Paul.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:50 pm |
  38. Russell Compton

    The answer is easy, the "top tier" candidates appear to talk down to the American voters as though we are all uneducated. Issues like terrorism, NAFTA, abortion and foreign and domestic spending are spun until they become misleading moral positions. Not a single candidate inspires passion amongst the masses. Should the Republicans choose one of these "top tier" spin doctors, then they will surely loose the general election as only a fanatical base of special interest voters will continue support.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:51 pm |
  39. vonDietrich

    Uhhhh!I think maybe you should rethink that poll.?I think the one to beat,is Ron Paul...Besides,his campaign isn't about him.It's about US and FREEDOM!His fundraising by "The People" proves it...The first big one pulled in 4.38 million from 36,600+ people and the second pulled in well over 6 million from more than 100,000+people!The people have spoken!A LARGE MAJORITY!

    December 20, 2007 at 3:52 pm |
  40. Victoria Reid

    Ron Paul will win the nomination as he is the only candidate exciting millions to get out and vote- the only truly honest defender of the Constitution and won't it be wonderful to vote for freedom in 2008 !

    December 20, 2007 at 3:52 pm |
  41. Chad Odhner

    Jack!

    It's SIMPLE! Republicans can't make up our minds because there's only one REAL Republican running, but he's not tall and he's not a governor. Of course I'm talking about Ron Paul, and his position on the war forces Republicans to admit they were wrong (although the Democrats haven't been any better).

    I voted for Bush 2000 and supported the war, but Dr. Paul has made me see the error of my ways. Unfortunately, I fear not enough registered Republicans will be able to swallow their pride on this one. I can hope though!

    -Chad

    December 20, 2007 at 3:53 pm |
  42. Patricia

    1. "Religous Rightist" Republicans want "Mike Hickabee" to run for President & he running.
    2. "Real" Republicans want Ron Paul to run for President & he's running.
    The question is: Can the "Real" Republicans break the choke-hold of the "Religious Rightist" Republicans.
    I can tell you this much, after the fake religious Bush Administration, I don't think I can stand another preacher in the White House.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:53 pm |
  43. Karl

    I often wondered why Pelosi took impeachment off the table and now I think I got it. She could never get enough Republican Bushys to go along with it and get rid of Bush and Cheney, so she let the "Scandal of the Week Club" continue it's program to embarrass real republicans, deteriorate the Republican image make us the laughing stock of the work and show us how much damage an arrogant and incompetent administration can really do. Now the GOP candidates are trying to look presentable, but clinging to the Bush Bunch isn't really setting well with anyone with a brain. and they haven't figured that out as yet.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:53 pm |
  44. Lynn from NJ

    With the GOP a free-for-all
    (and Guiliani in free-fall)
    the belle of the inauguration ball
    will be none other than Ron Paul!!

    December 20, 2007 at 3:54 pm |
  45. Aaron

    You just don't understand. This is about our freedom, the constitution, and ending this war. We just can't trust the other candidates.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:56 pm |
  46. Aaron Fulcher

    You just don’t understand. This is about our freedom, the constitution, and ending this war. We just can’t trust the other candidates.

    December 20, 2007 at 3:57 pm |
  47. Jesse Reynolds

    I haven't seen any candidate that I agree with completely. Just imagine if we could take the best ideas from each candidate and build our own nominee. The Republicans are heading towards a convention without a clear cut winner. Could me possibly be back to selecting a candidate in a smoke-filled back room???
    Jesse in Tacoma

    December 20, 2007 at 4:00 pm |
  48. Kenny

    The Republican nomination is up for grabs because Republicans have lost their way. The so called "Under Dog" has created a Revolution. A Revolution that allows Americans three key words to believe in: Freedom, Liberty & Prosperity. The Revolution allows Americans to take control of their life and not worry about big government. The nomination has to go to Ron Paul. He is our only chance to regain what has been ripped from Americans for centuries.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:01 pm |
  49. Jessica

    It is a free for all simply because the American people are becoming more and more skeptical of our choices. It seems that most of our republican choices have skeletons in the closet, and we don't know how to decipher which skeletons are less scary..

    I personally hate when a candidate USES religion to further himself in politics.

    Also, one reason it is a free for all is because no one could have imagined how many young people would get involved this time around, and they do not get to have their voices heard in national polls, only online, and we all know who wins every online or text vote.. So, as you are talking about hilary, obama, ghouliani, and huck, keep an eye on Ron Paul.. He will surprise you. His support already has.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:02 pm |
  50. RPGAH

    Freedom. We want a choice; not what society deems as an appropriate candidate. Second, I do not feel that polls are truly reflecting the people's voice. There’s a whole generations out there that have abolished landline phones and also use the computer more than pick up a newspaper. If you inadvertently choose to eliminate those voters, your polls will be skewed. I don’t think we will know what the Republican Party will truly reflect until the primaries. It is easy to say who you are voting for in a poll. It is another thing to take time out of your life to actually vote. We will see who makes it to the polls

    December 20, 2007 at 4:03 pm |
  51. mike

    The reason is people are finaly started to see the gop has lost their way. They spend more than the evil party , got us into a war that no matter what isnt going to end good. Its time WE THE PEOPLE take back our party from the neocons. The only way to do that is to support the good Dr. Ron Paul.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:04 pm |
  52. Karl

    I often wondered why Pelosi took impeachment off the table and now I think I got it. She could never get enough Republican Bushys to go along with it and get rid of Bush and Cheney, so she let the “Scandal of the Week Club” continue it’s program to embarrass real republicans, deteriorate the Republican image make us the laughing stock of the work and show us how much damage an arrogant and incompetent administration can really do. Now the GOP candidates are trying to look presentable, but clinging to the Bush Bunch isn’t really setting well with anyone with a brain. and they haven’t figured that out as yet. They also don't realize that in 2009, with many more Democrats in Congress and in the oval office, all this VETO power that Bush has wasted on his ego will be down the drain and the programs he refused to negotiate on for the betterment of we Americans will be quickly passed and enacted. THAT will be his legacy.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:04 pm |
  53. Glen Bradley

    What's happening, is that it's becoming clear that all the Republican candidates are carbon-copy clones of each other and George Bush...except for Ron Paul whom the media refuses to cover. Nobody wants another Bush in the White House, and so long as the media insists on showing only Bush-clones as the peoples choices, then the turmoil will only increase, until we get a "worst-possible" outcome, which will leave people with a choice between a Republican Bush-clone or a Democratic Bush-clone, thus driving record LOW turnout in the 2008 general.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:06 pm |
  54. Jim

    I don't know; But I hope they all go down in the first round!

    December 20, 2007 at 4:06 pm |
  55. Christopher Deal

    There are alot of variables here Jack, but the biggest is Deception.

    You've got Rudy whose more of a democrat than a republican and ran a sanctuary city. Romney flip flops more than footwear at a beach. McCain reminds everyone of that Dept of Defense guy from any military movie that uses the Philosophy of Bombing until they like us. Fred Thompson who ...zzzzzzzzzz oh I'm sorry I fell asleep. And Huckabee who is turning into more of a salesman than Romney. Pandering to the church for votes is the biggest form of breaking the 2nd Commandment I can imagine. You can't BS a BS'er.(I SELL CARS)

    The only candidate that is Honest, Respectable, Principaled and has the voting record to back it up is RON PAUL.

    The question should really be Why hasn't Ron Paul got as much publicity for his fundraisers as would Goulianni if it were him or Romney or McCain or Hitlery or Obama. Why hasn't anyone reported on the fact that Huckabee supporters tried to throw a Money Bomb.... It was a dud or that Grassroots for Democratic candidate Barack O"NOMONEYBOMB"A got a little more than $4000 in 24 hours(they're goal was arbitrarily $5 mill and it was started after RP's $4 Million haul coincidence? I Think Not!

    As always I thank you for your Fairness Jack as you seem like one of the few journalists who actually haven't sold your Soul to Big $$$$

    Your Fellow Patriot
    Chris Deal

    December 20, 2007 at 4:07 pm |
  56. Art Wickson

    This will be the first time registering and voting in an American election as I just became an American Citizen this year. I've always thought of myself as a "Republican" at heart however with the past administrations record I was going to register Democrat. That is until I heard the message of Freedom, Liberty, small government, and free markets from one of the Republican Candidates. Ron Paul makes me proud to have become an American. None of the other GOP candidates have made me feel this way. In my opinion there is a front runner – Dr. Ron Paul.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:07 pm |
  57. Judith

    I'm a lifelong Republican about your age. I didn't vote in the last two elections, because I was insulted by the "choice". The candidates' starting positions came from name recognition. The more you find out about them, the creepier they seem. Come on Jack...they scare my kids. Ron Paul will take the nomination. The more you see of his voting record, the better he looks.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:07 pm |
  58. Pete

    The flavors of the week are just not standing up to examination.

    Rudy is an engaging chap but suffers from 'corruption eruptions' and, geez, his cabinet looks to be full of more of what we've had. Mitt is likeable but seems to be an ideological tumbleweed. Huck, is that a silk camisole under that hair shirt? And on it goes.

    As for me, I've got my eye on the self-effacing guy who's going to pull the sword out of the stone.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:09 pm |
  59. Daniel Snider

    The nomination is tight because there's no clear raison d'etre for the Republicans.

    Iraq is no longer an issue because violence is down and most Americans want to get out. Terrorism has faded from view. Social conservatives have no real candidate they can find. Most candidates are globalists who are soft on illegal immigration. Right now it's more about choosing someone who can win than someone who they agree with. However, most have no idea who really could win, though they should be looking at Ron Paul.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:11 pm |
  60. Woody from Pensacola

    Dear Jack'

    Why do you buy into those phony poll numbers ? Did you know that they don't even give Ron Paul as an option ?They just say other ,!

    So I guess the answer to your Question is it's not even close , Ron Paul is way ahead!

    December 20, 2007 at 4:12 pm |
  61. Mike From Pittsburgh

    Because, there is no intergrity in politics. Politicians will do whatever it takes to become president. They say whatever and fight tooth and nail. But the truth is that they rarely ever do what they say they are going to do. To be honest I don't even know why I waist my time and vote. Maybe just maybe someone someday will keep there promises and do what they say they were going to do once they are in office.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:14 pm |
  62. brian Knight

    Although it really looks like Ron Paul has it all sewn up, No one has done their homework or research on any of the candidates to find out what kind of shenanigans to expect. I mean nearly criminal stuff or total butthead stuff that I KNOW Huckaby has done. two words for Mike Huckaby = Fay Booseman.
    I'm sure the other candidates have their idiot advisors too.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:15 pm |
  63. Robin, Ashland, KY

    Many republicans are disenchanted with the party because of Bush. His blatant disregard for the peoples' wishes, while continuing the spread of terror and the never-ending war, has left a very sour taste in republican mouths. They're scared to death of nominating another liar, thereby completely destroying what little bit of credibility they have left. (Although I certainly haven't seen the democrat house do any better since they've taken over. Seems they're liars too.)

    RON PAUL is the only candidate in this race, republican or democrat, who makes sense. After a close look at his record, it's plain to see he has genuinely and diligently fought for the rights of Americans, while excluding himself from the congressional pension plan. What's he getting for all his hard work?

    I feel it's only right that I now fight for a man of principles, Ron Paul, who honestly is fighting to save the soverignty of our nation, and doesn't take into consideration Corporate America, who would rather outsource jobs to non-Americans or import cheap labor.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:16 pm |
  64. RonPaulForTheLongHaul

    The problem is that all of these guys (except Ron Paul) are straw men that want to support a disastrous, costly, unwinnable war and fail to meaningfully discuss the real issues facing this nation.

    Floating crosses, American flag lapel pins, religion, perfectly coiffed hair, "brite smile" teeth and sharp suits won't do it. The people see this country is in trouble and they want something real. America doesn't want to make another mistake with another George W Bush – they're well aware of the consequences of that blunder.

    It's pretty clear that Ron Paul is the only hope for the GOP and it's also pretty clear that the media at large is either incapable of discussing meaningful issues or is afraid to do so. As a result all we get from the media is limited polling data and mudslinging.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:17 pm |
  65. Steve Zimmer

    Just look at what has been offered to the American public as candidates. These guys are so plastic, so transparent, so fake. No one wants anyone of them near the White House. Enter RON PAUL!! Integrity, honesty, clear thinking, open plan for his Presidency. As the primaries begin, I think the bureaucrats, and the nation as a whole is going to sit up, poke their sleepy heads into the air, and realize just how large the Ron Paul Revolution REALLY IS!!

    December 20, 2007 at 4:17 pm |
  66. Charlie

    Jack,

    Miss Teen SC has already provided us with a pre-recorded video answer to why the Republican race for the presidential nomination has become a free-for-all.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:20 pm |
  67. Carol Mayer

    Because we are still going eenie...meenie.....minnee...moe. When we get a name we don't like it so we start over. There is no best of the worst!

    December 20, 2007 at 4:20 pm |
  68. David from Oklahoma

    Republicans are tired of the status quo and it's hard to find a Republican candidate that would make a change for the good. Especially when there is a candidate that isn't being giving the credit deserved by the MSM as having a legitimate shot at the White House. Ron Paul's rising popularity in spite of this is the reason the Republican race for the presidential nomination has become a free-for-all.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:22 pm |
  69. alex delaney

    the last 7 years have solidified the concern in peoples minds that the GOP cant get the job done. It's high time they stop arguing and put up a united front to show voters that Bush hasn't taken away all their credibility.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:22 pm |
  70. Matt

    It's a free for all because they all tout the same song and dance. America is tired of this and that's why Ron Paul's message is so appealing not only to true conservatives but also disenfranchised Democrats who see their party dealing with the same problem.

    Too bad the mainstream media won't give Paul the time he deserves.

    Matt – Long Beach,.Ca

    December 20, 2007 at 4:23 pm |
  71. Dan

    Stupid question, Jack:

    If the campaigns stayed consistant and predictable, you news-starved, media types would have nothing to report. Everything from one candidate's subliminal crosses to another candidates catching of a cold. You guys lick your chops over this stuff and dish it up hour upon hour as though we need to care about every little detail of these campaigns.

    The republican race is a free-for-all because CNN needs news and is tired of covering two wars that we should be finishing up before Bush leaves office.

    Dan
    Black Hawk, CO

    December 20, 2007 at 4:23 pm |
  72. Paul C.

    Jack,

    The Republican race is a free for all because all of the candidates are flawed.

    Ron Paul is the best of the Bunch in my opinion, but when you run down the list you get:

    1. Rudy – Pro-Choice, Pro-Gay, Authoritarian. Libertarian Republicans won't vote for him, and neither will social conservatives.

    2. Mitt – Flip Flopper who comes across like a used car salesman. Add in that the evangelicals won't vote for him because of his religion.

    3. McCain- Weak on Illegal immigration.

    4. Huckabee – Weak on fiscal conservatism.

    5. Paul – Running an anti-war campaign in a party that has been propagandized to be pro war.

    6. Hunter – Great guy, but nobody pays any attention to him.

    7. Tancredo – Dropped out.

    8. Thompson – Was billed as the savior, but has pretty much flopped.

    It's a free for all because each candidate turns off voters on at least one conservative issue.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:24 pm |
  73. Thomas, SC

    Jack,
    The reason it's such a tight race is because all the candidates are status quo carbon copies of each other, with one exception. I don't think I even need to say his name.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:25 pm |
  74. Ron Feinman from Boca Raton, Florida

    The GOP race has become a free for all because NONE of the potential nominees fulfills the needs of this country. Having said that, I believe that Senator John McCain has the best credentials and the strongest principles and the most experience, and would have the best chance of defeating the Democratic nominee, whoever that might be. I believe that Mike Huckabee is a sure candidacy for disaster in the national election of 2008, and that Rudy Guiliani cannot, with his past record of social liberalism and personal problems, unite the GOP. At the same time, Fred Thompson is a total dud and Mitt Romney has a history of "flip flopping" which is a major flaw for the race. McCain has the credibility and open mindedness to promote a level of bi partisan government, as he has learned how to cross the aisle in his long Senate career. So the best thing that the GOP could do is go back to the guy who SHOULD have been their nominee in 2000.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:25 pm |
  75. Brian

    Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul.
    Say it again!

    December 20, 2007 at 4:27 pm |
  76. Brian

    The only GOP canidate that can win in the national election is Ron Paul. He has the only real plan, which is go back to the constitution. Restore our liberties and bring our troops home.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:29 pm |
  77. Sean Cunningham

    Because no candidate is remarkable except Ron Paul.

    They all have major flaws that will sink them in the long term. Republicans need to rally behind Ron Paul because he's the only candidate that will pull substantial votes from Independents and less passionate Democrats.

    But without the Republican base looking at Ron Paul, they're facing certain defeat with the rest of these candidates.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:31 pm |
  78. Tim from PA

    The answer to this is real simple, as a country we have destroyed what our founding fathers established with regards to what the President should be and is. Bottom line is today, the President has to be rich, back by someone or company with an agenda and promises to work as a puppet for an elite few. The President or any member of Congress does not answer to the people, instead they answer to a few people of special interest. So the voters simply say it does not make a difference on who I vote for and why worry.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:31 pm |
  79. John Kerr

    I am about through listening to the Scrub-Varsity. When will the first stringers show up? Is this truly all there is?

    December 20, 2007 at 4:32 pm |
  80. annie

    Jack,

    Because this administration destroyed the foundation of the Republican party. Family values? Yeah, as long as they don't get caught with their pants down (or tapping their feet). Christian beliefs? What about those of other religious beliefs. Right to life? Just don't count all the Iraquis who have been killed in this senseless war. Less big government? Please! And that's just for starters!

    Annie
    Atlanta, GA

    December 20, 2007 at 4:34 pm |
  81. Jon Mardin

    The grass-roots efforts by a largely growing Ron Paul movement is starting to create a balance within the system. Despite being called a "longshot" candidate and being repeatedly "blacked out" by the mass media at every turn, Ron Paul's message is being spread like a wildfire and citizens of this country are realizing how much sense it makes. I believe we will not see the same unbalanced election as we have in years past because of this exposure and an increasingly disgruntled America. It is easy to see that the other candidates, both Republican and Democrat, are same type of carbon-copy politicians that we have dealt with for several decades.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:35 pm |
  82. Adekunle Oladide

    The answer is simple: Ask yourself what was the cause of the last free for all bout that you ever witnessed? It's confusion, despondency, and the re-fumbling-cans (excuse me, republicans) trying to eat their cake and have it. Without questions the gloves and the blindfold is off. The war-mongering, swift-boating and scare tactics will not work in this election cycle!!!

    December 20, 2007 at 4:36 pm |
  83. brandon

    because people are waking up to things and are looking for change. Ron Paul is looking great to a lot of people. seems like there are alot of misconceptions about him because of media gurus tossing around terms like kook and wacko. but as soon as one does the research on Dr. Paul they find that he is the best candidate in both democrats and republicans alike. We are seeing a real life revolution people!!
    Ron Paul for president!!

    http://www.ronpaul2008.com

    December 20, 2007 at 4:38 pm |
  84. Michael

    Let's see, between a guy who's answer to everything is, "I was there on 9-11!", another one who was moderate to liberal when he was Governor of Massachusetts but is now staunchly Conservative, a former preacher who only wants to be President for Christians, a never-was actor who's apparently running just to see his name in the newspaper, and a looney-toons libertarian with a cadre of Internet nuts behind him (cf. the comments to this post), it's amazing that it isn't even more of a free-for-all! It's a wonder the Republicans haven't just closed up shop. This is the party of Dwight Eisenhower and Barry Goldwater?

    But I've never been baptised and I'm not rich so I'm sure the Republicans couldn't care less what I think.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:38 pm |
  85. Wes

    The republican "front-runner" is more of a flavor-of-the-week media promotion. All of them have horrific skeletons in their closets, and they all want to follow in the same path as one of the most unpopular presidents in history. Is it any wonder that the only candidate with sustained and continual growth is the one not catering to the neocon base. The American public is tired of fear mongering, we want HOPE, and only Ron Paul can bring it back to this country.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:40 pm |
  86. Ted Minnard

    Because all the GOP candidates have their own selfish agendas except one. Like they say, we don't want a Mayor of the United States, We don't need an utra-rich governor, and we don't need an evangelist, we all have our own religiious beliefs. We need Ron Paul. His message has not wavered at all since he's been in the running. Who else will fervently uphold and guard the Contitutiion and Bill of Rights, and be solidly faithful to the oath of office, and be scrupulously fair with All Americans regardless of party? This is not speculation. It is proven over and over in his record.

    Without the interference and payoffs of special interests.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:42 pm |
  87. Gary

    In my opinion there is only one worthwhile candidate running in the GOP and that is Ron Paul. I will vote for Ron Paul in the Primary but if he loses in that I will probably not vote for a republican in the general.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:42 pm |
  88. Stephen

    The GOP voters aren't happy with their party's views. When you have been a Registered republican as I have you voted for Small Government and no Wars...The basis of being a conservitave. The only candidate in the GOP that actually stands for this and actually speaks out now is Dr. Ron Paul. This should answer your question as to why it's anybody's race for the GOP primary.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:42 pm |
  89. Cattlyn

    Why "free for all"? To me it sounds more of a "tight knit race." Apparently this is something to lefty democrats and the loopy liberals are afraid of!Of course Guliani had to biggest imapct at first, he was the one with the most initial visibility. Who didn't know who Gulianu was? Remember that 9/11 thing?But as the race continues and people are becoming more aware of his stance on particular issues, I think they are being turned off and looking to other candidates. Thus the rise of more well qualified candidates like Romney! Smart republicans know how they feel about the issues, and NO democrat falls in line with how we feel. Romney knows want we want for this country, Huckabee knows what we want for this country, even Fred and John McCain have some sense of what we want (notice no mention of Ron Paul). The more educated we are becoming about the issues the more we look to candidates who express that.

    And besides.... Couldn't you say the same thing about the Dems? Hillary and Obama are neck and neck as well!!

    December 20, 2007 at 4:48 pm |
  90. Michael Shanklin

    The republicans are very split. On one side you have Giuliani who will bomb any country anytime. On another side you have Huckabee who pulls in all the christian conservative votes and Romney who pulls in alot of liberal leaning republicans who don't want to vote for Giuliani. The last side you have Ron Paul, I will be voting for him because I believe he is the only true conservative left. It can be summed up rather easily, Romney, Giuliani, and Huckabee all have their own small agendas that they hope the people will like while Ron Paul remembers our founding fathers and the definition of state's rights! That, Mr. Cafferty, is why I heard of Ron Paul a few weeks ago and why his popularity is blowing up in my hometown, we want the liberty republican back!

    December 20, 2007 at 4:49 pm |
  91. Bill, NC

    I think it's because the Republican Party is going through a change to fix the Bush Era's mistakes. On top of that, the Republican Voters don't know who best represents the conservative side, because most of them do not know what conservative is.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:50 pm |
  92. john

    There are no leaders running for office. The Republicans are as bad-off as the Democrat candidates. Not a single candidate (from either party) has the courage to take a firm position, let alone the majority can agree on. The free-for-all is reminiscent of feeding time at the carp pond. Polls are the fish food and all the candidates scamper for a nibble on the surface every time a new one comes out.

    Frankly , considering how early candidates started this time around maybe we can just flush all Repubs and Dems and start over with a new batch candidates.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:54 pm |
  93. Noman

    Jack, Jack, Jack,

    You know the answer! For the first time in decades, WE THE PEOPLE have had enough. There is a REVOLUTION out here. Its name is RON PAUL. Hello???

    December 20, 2007 at 4:54 pm |
  94. Ron Anderson

    With the free-for-all in both parties, is it possible that a brokered convention could occur on one side or the other? With the shortened primary season, we need a little fun in the process. Politics is afterall the greatest sport in America, if you participate.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:55 pm |
  95. Shane from Dallas

    Simple, ....RON PAUL...... He's the only one who can easliy beat Hillary or Obama. The establishment knows this, and they are panicing. He is picking up more speed than a train going down a mountain, while the others sit idley by watching. Any of them would kill for his voting and ethical record as well.

    Thanks for the "fair" news on Ron. Mr Cafferty, your ok! You'd be surprised how many journalists and media oraganizations are loosing credibilty by their viewers by not doing the same.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:55 pm |
  96. James

    There is no one reason for the chaos in the Republican party. If I had to pick one though, I'd say they have abandoned the priciples set forth by the founding fathers. Mainly the separation of church and state. This election, at least for the GOP, seems to be about who believes in a God the most. Makes you think if there is a God why doesn't he/she appoint them personally.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:56 pm |
  97. Joseph Sneve

    Jack
    I feel that the GOP race has become what it is because of range of the candidates. How should we as republicans know who to vote for when all the candidates are regurgitating the same Bush foriegn policy retoric that we've heard over and over. And then there Dr Ron Paul. He shows us that we do have another option.

    December 20, 2007 at 4:58 pm |
  98. Anthony Garritano

    Let's face it, the Republican base is out of sync with the average American. These candidates are falling over each other trying to be conservative because that's where the base is, but that's not where America as a whole is. In the end, you can't go too long without being in touch with the people, which is why Ron Paul has so much grassroots support. He's in line with the people, but not with his party. If the Republicans don't get with it and get in touch with the average middle class voter they don't stand a chance in 08.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:00 pm |
  99. Shayrah

    It's happening within the Democratic Party, as well. The American people are disenfranchised and are tired of the lies. The only candidates that actually represent the people and their interests are "unelectable" according to the media. If the people stand up and vote from their hearts, the "top-tier" wouldn't even register in the polls. Let's hope, for America's sake, this happens.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:00 pm |
  100. Alfredo

    Jack,

    This was better put by Ron Paul: “the Republican Party has lost its way”

    If we go back to our principles and beliefs, we will find the right person.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:02 pm |
  101. Debra

    If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always gotten... ALL CANDIDATES FROM BOTH PARTIES ARE SAYING THE SAME OLD GARBAGE. Therefore, everything will remain the same. We need a leader that thinks differently and can pull our economy out of this mess. Ron Paul is the only one that makes sense, if all of the Democrats will stop and listen to what he is saying even they would agree. ALL REPUBLICANS, INDEPENDENTS, and DEMOCRATS.... Google Ron Paul and LISTEN to what he is saying. He is the ONLY one that is saying something different, he is the only one that is sincere, he has had the same documented position on a constitution based govt. since 1988!!!!

    Ron Paul 2008

    December 20, 2007 at 5:05 pm |
  102. Marcel Serraillier

    Since the Bush administration has been a real disaster , the Republican candidates go in all directions trying to get the attention of the American people.
    Their discussions ressemble a theologic debate in the Renaissance with the devil omnipresent. We might be in the XXIth c. but, it does not sound like it for sure! They have no shame anymore pointing fingers and ready to burn people at stake. When are they going to close the schools and universities teaching evolution and burn their satanic writings?
    Marcel in CT

    December 20, 2007 at 5:05 pm |
  103. Chuck from Lancater, PA

    They are all trying to NOT distance themselves from the Party while trying to TO distance themselves from George W Bush. However; they are so transparent in this regard that they look like the numbered jumble of ping pong balls in a Lottery Machine. Tomorrow another one will claim the highest position that is caused by a lot of Hot Air.

    Chuck in PA

    December 20, 2007 at 5:07 pm |
  104. Dunne

    Jack, a wise man once said, "It's getting ugly out there" Well the current crop of Republican saviors is about as watered down as it gets. Gulliani and Romney appear not to be able to decide on whole wheat or rye at lunch let alone their policies. McCain is just pitiful since the day he sang "Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran" and ever spoke to Kennedy on immigration. Huckabee's an evangelist in Clinton'esque clothing and Thompson's reading his lines from cue cards. My candidate Ron Paul needs to heat it up more or he will fade into Al Gores internet and never be seen again. Nixon looks good these days.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:07 pm |
  105. Bryan Thompson

    Because our generation is starved for the message of Liberty, and Ron Paul is the only man with the voting record to back up his claims of loving it.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:10 pm |
  106. Ed

    The more we get to know Rudy, the more we realize just how creepy he is.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:10 pm |
  107. Donald, Butte Montana

    All major news networks have done nothing the past year but publicize the campaigns of Guiliani, Romney and McCain. Three candidates that have done nothing but condone the Bush Administration and have nothing on their own to run on.

    Now that the American public is looking at the 2nd tier candidates they are seeing they are viable alternatives. Mainly, Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee IF he would stop wearing his religion on his sleeve and interject it into everything he says and does to pander the evangelical right.

    Out of all of them only Ron Paul is worthy of being elected. I'm sicked and tired of hearing the same old sound-bites and posturing from the rest of them. Just like George Bush, they need to shut up and go home. They offer nothing new.

    The best alternative is not to vote for either major party, but draft a viable third party alternative and end this mess.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:11 pm |
  108. Chris Rhule

    Jack,

    It's because "NONE OF THE ABOVE" is not allowed on the ballot.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:11 pm |
  109. Robert

    The Republican field is like a used car lot full of lemons. None of them is much better than any of the others, and there's little to choose between them. The American voter wants a new car next November.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:12 pm |
  110. Samuel

    I don't see a free for all whatsoever Jack. All I see is a bunch of fish floundering on the campaign trail. The GOP is running out of air.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:12 pm |
  111. Teri Matelson

    Republicans are confused because they think there is a republican administration. Oops... not. The worst money-grabbing-spending, government-on-your-back administration this country has seen ... maybe ever! Now, their candidates are actually talking about issues that have been so screwed up by Bush/Cheney that voters don't know which side is up. Or should i say down, which is where "their party" has taken this country.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:14 pm |
  112. Maeve

    The reason for the lack of a clear favorite among the Republican candidates is that none of them are really electable. Giuliani, who has been the front-runner, is barely qualified and should in fact be banned from public office according to 9-11 workers despite his constant reference to his supposed triumph and leadership to NYC in 2001. Not only is his public record enough to keep him out of office but his private life is in a shambles, with his own family siding against him and being divorced. I don't see him being able to score with the Christian vote down south...

    December 20, 2007 at 5:14 pm |
  113. Jack Fisher

    Aloha from Maui

    I don't mind seeing a bunch of Republicans beating up on each other, or that none of them seem to have a clear lead, much less a cogent plan of significant meaning to the average human being. It's an all too apparent that there will be no Republican in the White House as of Inauguration Day 2008.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:14 pm |
  114. Kelly Fischer

    The reason the GOP race has become a free for all is because as a whole the Republican Party has been under attack because of the current administration. The republicans have been grouped together by the democrats who are hoping to make it so they lose the faith of the people. Instead of the party working together to get the executive branch, they are fighting each other. If they want to get the executive branch they need to stop attacking each other, they need to support each other and work together for the good of the party, and the good of the country.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:14 pm |
  115. Norman Hoffman

    Jack,
    His opponents say Huckabee is soft, Romney is a whiner, Thompson is surly, McCain time is past and Guiliani sneezes and runs to the hospital. Not a lot of options here.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:15 pm |
  116. Lauri Kraft

    Had Ron Paul been included as a presidential candidate in said biassed poll, HE would have come out the winner. Just goes to show, CNN's corporate elite are as greedy, corrupt, and just plain crooked as the rest!

    December 20, 2007 at 5:15 pm |
  117. suzieperlstein@hotmail.com

    The GOP has always been a free for all, this is nothing new. The difference is that with this race they are not (yet) attacking each other’s children, perhaps because Rove is sitting in a corner, facing the wall.
    These people eat their young, and they base their campaign on knee jerk issues about gays and terror and a free tax ride for the wealthy, while leaving the vast majority of Americans with nothing to hang their hat on. Their day is over, because not one of them, expect for Paul, even attempts to speak to the issues. When Huckabee, who does NOT believe in evolution, tried to describe the WH’s policy as a “Bunker mentality”, Romney jumped all over him as if he had confessed to being gay, or a closet Democrat. So with this gang of fools, one candidate can’t even voice a different view.
    The GOP is going down in flames, and they are showing signs of panic. GOOD NEWS!

    December 20, 2007 at 5:16 pm |
  118. Michael

    From Philadelphia:
    Hello Jack,
    Because nobody except Ron Paul has a grasp of our situation.
    They all seem to be caught up in the Bush scare tactics that worked so well years ago. They are the only thing that scares me.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:17 pm |
  119. Emily Pownall

    The even divide between candidates in the Republican party could be due in part to the recent technological advances in our world and how readily available information has become regarding the opinions and comments of the presidential nominees. Thanks to YouTube broadcasts of presidential debates and other non-partisan websites that compare and contrast all of the candidates on every possible campaign topic, there is now so much information available to American citizens that the fight for the presidential nomination has become defined by many more shades of gray rather than stark contrasts of black and white.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:17 pm |
  120. Thomas F. Roache

    Jack: The Republican candidates for President have little or no acceptance from the Republican base. Their debates remind me of the old "Punch & Judy" show's where they batter each other, and the result is 'slap-stck' comedy. Not too encouraging to a nation in real turmoil at home & abroad. President Bush is a 'stone around the neck' of his party, and there is no shining star candidate that can escape his mistakes in office. Democrats will win in '08 because the nation is fed up with incompetentcy, coverups, and skullduggery in Govt.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:20 pm |
  121. Ken

    What free for all are you talking about. For the first year or so the media's top three picks was all we heard about. In every debate, all the questions was directed to the medias top three canidates. Now that the voters all stepping forward and being heard the media is calling it a free for all. Its not a free for all, its called the peoples choice.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:20 pm |
  122. Nancy from Frankfort, IL

    I think until a republican has the guts to REALLY COMMIT TO AND stands up AGAINST illegal immigration and FOR enforcing our PRESENT Constitution, no conservative is going to make a commitment to them.
    There's NO WAY a democrat will win this election with their GIVEAWAYS to ALL (including and especially NON-AMERICAN CITIZENS) and their ignorance and non-enforcement of our Constitution.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:20 pm |
  123. stephen morris

    hi Jack

    The reason the Republican field is in such chaos is because voters sense that the two big stars (Gulliani and Romney) aren't real conservatives, though they were seen as winners. Now however Huckabee, a true conservative, has entered the fray and voters have realized they can now have a winner AND a true conservative. This is what's turning the tables.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:21 pm |
  124. Brad

    Jack, because no on candidate is who everyone wants. People are sick and tired of the same old politics, and if they vote for any one of the 2 party candidates they will get the exact same old thing. There are no quality 3rd party candidates; one reason is because the 2 main parties have locked up the debates etc. to where it's almost impossible for them to compete anyway. This government had leveled off when Slick Willy was president, but since then it has been literally bleeding money from a major artery and has gotten nearly 2x the size it was just since Bush2. Can you imagine how many wrongs in this country could be righted if a president spent as much money on, and pressed the importance of, fixing our country? He would be the most beloved president EVER. Everyone would probably get a check in the mail from the gov't. as well lol. For the first time ever, I am embarrassed and ashamed to be an American, and the blame is placed squarely on our present Liar In Chief.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:21 pm |
  125. sandy poinar

    let.'s get off this god and religion crap !! also abortion

    the war!! homes in n orleans and miss, immigration export fiished goods not technology and jobs many other things????

    jack, why arn't we destroying the taliban popy fields in afagan. ask some senators please

    thanks

    December 20, 2007 at 5:22 pm |
  126. Mead

    Seems that everyone is talking about Ron Paul, but they ignore the obvious. The Republican Party is like the high school clique that sits together at the lunchroom table and decides who may and who may not sit with them... and Ron Paul is the bookish student that they want nothing to do with. It doesn't matter what the people want, because the RNC runs the club and has deemed Paul not worthy of joining the fun.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:23 pm |
  127. Christian E. Savage

    Hi Jack,

    First and foremost, I would like to say that I enthuisastically applaud your earnest desire to expose the TRUTH in our dishonest politicians.

    I agree 100% with Ron Paul that the Republican Party has "LOST its WAY!!!" Mainly, it has lost because nobody in the field (of EITHER party) is speaking about a COMMON-GROUND solution to fix the millions of FAILING public schools in inner-city communities as advocated by a BI-Partisan coaliton of citizens:

    cf. http://www.nycfamilies.org

    Thanks and enjoy your Holiday season.

    best,
    Christian Savage (Bronx, NY)

    December 20, 2007 at 5:23 pm |
  128. Mitch Dworkin, Dallas, TX

    The Republican race for the presidential nomination has suddenly become a free-for-all mainly because of Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia defeating the previous inside front-runner former Sen. George Allen who would be easily sailing to the 2008 Republican nomination right now if he had won his 2006 Senate race and if there was no "Macacca moment."

    George Allen would easily have been the ideological "total package" Presidential candidate that the Neoconservative Republican activist base are looking for right now and that they do not see in their current field of 2008 Presidential candidates.

    http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/5213

    Analysis and Documentation: George Allen is already the GOP 2008 "front-runner!"

    Submitted by Mitch Dworkin on March 25, 2006 – 7:06pm.

    http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/5562

    NEWS & ANALYSIS: George Allen launches Senate bid / How to defeat Allen in 2006!

    Submitted by Mitch Dworkin on April 16, 2006 – 11:58pm.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:23 pm |
  129. Gary Small

    That's easy Jack, all of the candidates appeal as much as a glass half empty.

    Gary in Ca.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:24 pm |
  130. Dave

    It's because we have no one who really stands out from the crowd. Neither do the the dems for that matter. We're doomed to another mediocre (or worse) president at this point. Personally, I'm a social liberal (don't give a damn what other people do as long as it doesn't infringe my rights) and a fiscal conservative (whatever crazy thing you want to do, do it with YOUR money). There just ain't none of them around!!!! Personally, I've stuck with McCain since the beginning. He's had a lot of experience and comes across to me as a very thoughtful, ethical person. I'm scared of the born-again fundamentalists, I can see the books burning now. And I'm scared to see health care become government run, look how bad they've screwed everything else up. But maybe if we started over with a whole new bunch of people?????

    December 20, 2007 at 5:25 pm |
  131. Kelly Fischer

    Out of all the candidates the best candidate is John McCain. He has experiance, he understands the way the country works, and out of all other candidates he has a american value that most have forgotten and that is COMPROMISING. Instead if every decision having to be all or nothing, he actually leaves room for the both sides to have a say, and to actually makes laws that will help the country as a whole. Instead of making only half of the country happy.

    – Kelly, NJ
    Age: 17

    December 20, 2007 at 5:26 pm |
  132. gleese

    I think it's pretty tight because people at first knew just Giuliani. Now that the issues are coming out and seeing that other candidates could have better stances, the popularity is no longer enough to sustain Giuliani's campaign. Ron Paul is on the rise, and I think it's a good thing. I'm not the most politicaly knowledgeable person, but I think the fact that Ron Paul has stuck with his ideas from before this election propaganda started makes him my #1 candidate. I'm tired of hearing about other candidates changing their ideas over the last couple of years just to meet public opinion.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:27 pm |
  133. Andrew D.

    I think this is just showing how weak the messages of so called "front runners" really are, it's just that people starting to pay attention and making a real choice.

    I heard one of the Fox pundits say that a fair election is when all candidates have equal exposure time in the media, I believe he was criticizing Venezuela and Chavez.

    If that's true, I fear for the legitimacy of this wild horse race to the white house, as you can barely notice any of the candidates who don't tout the Neo-Conservative or Neo-Liberal agenda.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:27 pm |
  134. Mary Tampa, FL

    Because the republicans know deep down that if they run Guiliani, Romney, Thompson or Huckabee they will lose big, because these men are offering pretty much the same as what is in there now. And America can't wait to get rid of the worst president ever, George Bush. The only candidate who can win against the democrats is Ron Paul because this is a candidate who offers a completely new direction not the same old same old. He would even attract a lot of democrats and independents like myself and my fiance who switched so we could vote for him. I surf the web a lot, that is how I found Dr. Paul. Many democrats and independents out there love Ron Paul, so my belief that he is the only republican that can win.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:28 pm |
  135. Steve

    Jack,
    This race is wide open. However, if you lay out every candidates stances on issues, voting record, and policies you will find one clear choice. The ONLY honest, and trustworthy candidate is Ron Paul.

    On a personal note, I feel ashamed of every American media network. I can't understand how you guys have a conscience knowing that Ron Paul has the stances, support, and clean honest past that would do our country proud. He is the only one that can defeat a democrat, and the only way we can avoid another depression. I hope the media can open their eyes in the next few weeks and know they did the right thing, instead of saying what is told to be said and worrying about your jobs.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:28 pm |
  136. Michael M.

    Jack,
    How can you call it "free" for all? It cost me my luch anytime I listen to any of them except Ron Paul

    December 20, 2007 at 5:28 pm |
  137. Ralph Drees

    Jack, you might want to ask why it's a Free-For-All at all, considering Ron Paul has doubled the fundraising of the entire Republican field in this quarter, with 10 days left and another bomb ready to go off on NYE. In the beginning, ability to raise funds was how Romney got his credibility. In a fair world, you don't change the rules in the middle of the game–when you make them up as you go, you get the Free For All. Apply this scenario to congress and the Constitution and you have a perfect example of why not to change the rules in the middle of the game.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:28 pm |
  138. Andrew Manuel

    Very simple. no one knows the answers. they all know the problem but no one seems to know the answer. we keep hearing different sound pites but no real answers.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:34 pm |
  139. John Cardinell -- New York

    Jack,

    It's not that the Republicans are in a free for all, it's the coverage of daily polls, polls which at this point in time mean absolutely nothing. I find it ironic that while the media says that politicians play to the polls far to often.....well it seems like the media is doing a pretty good dance to the same fiddle.....on a daily basis, making news out of itmes that aren't news worthy. One could make the same point on all the Democratic polls.

    As far as Republicans and Democrats, neither party has a good or qualified candidate in my eyes......we need a qualified candidate in the Independent category, but for years that only brings out strange birds. All that person would have to do is campaign on 3 items, border security, flat taxes, and our econcomy. All the others are campaigning on issues such as National Healthcare....lets read the history books...that's called Socialism....you know like Russia.....and lets take a good look at National Health Care, it isn't working in Canada and it's about to bankrupt France. This is a land of opportunity, whether or not you choose to partake of that opportunity is a choice you make, and NO ONE is entitled to any Federal Programs and we should not believe for a minute that we are entitled to them.....because in the end, we're the one's who pay for them. So bring on someone that will be for the people, bring issues to the people from the presidential pulpit, and return this country to us.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:34 pm |
  140. Jeff

    Hilarious isn't it Jack? I liken it to a bunch of idiots jumping on a sinking ship and blaming it on Democrat Airlines.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:39 pm |
  141. Jen F

    " free for all " , they have been in "free fall" from the day they "took" power seven years ago & sold our republic for thier empire pipe dream.
    Karma

    December 20, 2007 at 5:45 pm |
  142. Rock Nelson

    Ron Paul... Finally an honest politician with integrity..

    December 20, 2007 at 5:49 pm |
  143. Jefe from Hawaii

    When will the freedom of the press be exercised again? If it were we all know this would be far from a free for all. There is only one honest man with simple yet effective solutions up on that stage. I am ashamed that that the major media make their "front runners" men without principals.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:49 pm |
  144. Brian

    Say No to War.......

    Bring the Troops home

    Ron Paul (he's the only Anti-War GOP Candidate)

    .....go figure

    December 20, 2007 at 5:50 pm |
  145. Bruno Amato

    Jack, None of these clowns will do anything to make our country better. They didn't learn yet that the American public wants out of Iraq yesterday. Oh wait, there is one man who get's it....Ron Paul!!!

    December 20, 2007 at 5:50 pm |
  146. David A. Linkenheimer

    Do the new poll figures actually show Ron Paul at 18% (do the math) and CNN chooses not to mention his name so that the voters can be spoon fed by pro status quo, a.k.a. "main stream" that is to say "more of the same"; dont lose hope candidates?
    They are not going to pray their way out of the mess they have made of this country and others. JOIN THE REVOLUTION... VOTE FOR RON PAUL

    December 20, 2007 at 5:50 pm |
  147. Patricia

    Look... You can read it up above, you "Religious Rightists" aren't going to let Ron Paul be the nominee & you "Real" Republicans are going to cave in & let either the "car salesman" Mitt or the preacher "Mike Hickabee" run. Neither of these men should be President of the United States & you know it. But, God Forbid That You Actually Think A Thing Through, You're Going To Let The "Religious Right" Whip Up Your Fears & You're Going To Make Another Bad Decision.
    Personally I'm glad!!! The more Republicans that lose their seats in Congress & the Senate the better it will be to get health care for everyone. It will be way easier to get the hell outta of Iraq. And maybe just maybe, Big Companies like Shell & Exxon & Halliburton will be made to pay their fair share of taxes for a change!

    December 20, 2007 at 5:52 pm |
  148. Rich, McKinney Texas

    Ron Paul is in dead last place. He does not have a snowballs chance in hell of winning the republican nomination just like the last time he ran for president. Wasting his time and the medias as well.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:53 pm |
  149. Doug, Denver, Colorado

    John McCain's incredible surge in the last 24 hours will continue and will make him place in the top 3 in Iowa and the winner in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Michigan. That is the main reason for this sea change. As people get to know Rudy, he is collapsing, and Huckabee and Romney will never be able to get outside their core constituencies. Ron Paul is a joke, of course. The independant "party" will choose our next president-not the Republicans or Democrats-So if Republicans want to keep the White House, the only choice they can make is to nominate John McCain. He is clearly the only Republican who can win the presidency. A primary or caucus vote for anyone but McCain is tantamount to a vote for Clinton or Obama.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:56 pm |
  150. Laura Hammons

    I am a Daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and I wish the Republican Party would redeem itself by nominating Ron Paul. If not, I will throw my vote away on Cynthia McKinney..nothing would please me more than voting for a black woman for the 2008 election.

    December 20, 2007 at 5:58 pm |
  151. Jeff in NC

    Hilarious isn't it Jack? The truth is that none of them are qualified for the job and who in their right mind would want it following the damage that the M&M boys have done. (The 1st "M" is for moron, you guess the second one).

    Ron Paul is the only candidate in either party that will get my vote because he is for common sense and not Washington style buisness as usual.

    The rest of them look like they're fighting to get on a sinking ship while knowing that it is sinking and then blaming the Democrats because their planes were late. Meanwhile, the Democrats on deck mind you are talking tough at first then cave in and say life jackets are off the table.

    December 20, 2007 at 6:01 pm |
  152. Nancy

    Jack, Probably because they are not addressing the health care issue. Yes even Republicans don't have medical insurance. Those that do or provide their employees with health coverage are having a problem affording it. They talk about morals and religion. Most Republicans believe in the separation of Church and State and find religion does not have anything to do with the ability to run the country. The religious right is way out of hand and out of touch with most Republicans. Many Republicans are veterans. The way the current administration has treated vets is anything but honorable. I know this because I use to be a Republican. I would not vote for one for any price.

    December 20, 2007 at 6:03 pm |
  153. VACCINATION NATION

    In answer to your question Jack it is because people are SICK of the status quo and don't know where to go. SICK of: War, Taxes, Losing our rights, dropping dollar, inflation, eminate domain, The fraud called "Healthcare" that is forced on us, unchecked immigration, unsafe borders, and OUR CORUPT GOVERNMENT, mandatory Vaccination (*be aware that you can exempt your children), the looming threat of the NAU and the New World Order, The fema camps that are being built in US., etc., etc., etc........ WHERE TO GO WHEN WE ARE "SICK?"

    DOCTOR RON PAUL and his prescription the Constitution

    RonPaul2008dotcom

    December 20, 2007 at 6:03 pm |
  154. John

    I was a statistics major in college, after graduation I started looked at polls with a more jaded eye.
    Since CCN started taking polls early in 2007, the polls have been all over the board. I have questioned the methodology before and never gotten an answer. How is the sample base determined? What is the percentage of error? Just taking the opinions of voters that CNN can reach by home phones? Does this miss cell phone owners? People who don't list their phone numbers? People who can't afford a phone, yet vote? People who are trying to screw with the pollsters? There are many more questions about responders.
    Since the last few elections, I find very few "undecided" voters. Most have a view point one way or the other. CNN always seems to find the "undecided's" and I have always wondered where they got them and how they verified their status.
    CNN needs to fill the complete 24 hours every day with news and I get a queasy feeling that the networks works very hard to "create" newstories that justify their existance.
    The people are smarter than pollester. Maybe these constant readjustments are just the real facts.

    December 20, 2007 at 6:10 pm |
  155. Brad from Albuquerque, NM

    It's a free-for-all because no one buys the message anymore. Nobody sees any real direct threat to American national security except United States Government itself. The candidates who are promising more war and using 9/11 as a campaign slogan don't have a snowball's chance in hell. That's every single one of them, minus Ron Paul.

    December 20, 2007 at 6:12 pm |
  156. Cally

    God bless Ron Paul! This man is alive, campaigning and well funded. It's a movement more powerful that you can even imagine in the media. Where are the Huck, Guili, Mitt, McCain and Thompson supporters here? Where? Where? NOT a one is so passionate that they are looking for everyone opportunity to talk about their candidate. We have all woken up and it's time the media joins us... It's ok, your ratings will go up so you wil get paid!

    December 20, 2007 at 6:15 pm |
  157. larry jeppesen

    Let's see, Romney believes in the book, "The God Makers"!! Guiliani has been divorced and married and had the NYC police chaufer his mistress around while his wife had a restraining order against him being in the NYC mayor's mansion!! Thompson has a drop-dead good lookin' "trophy wife"!! On and On.

    Ron Paul wants to close 700 military bases the US of A has overseas, hey wait a minute, that's a good idea!!

    Nuclear electric plants are endorsed by all, hope they put 'em in Crawford, TEXAS!!

    December 20, 2007 at 6:21 pm |
  158. KC Johnson

    Unless the Democrats can get into their candidates and find an electable president it doesn't matter who the Republicans run. Dems imaginary and non-existant "control" of Congress is bound to hurt them. They don't have the votes to get anything done and that will cost them big time next November.
    KC Johnson, LaVerne CA.

    December 20, 2007 at 6:24 pm |
  159. Rod Beaton

    Victory for Republicans!
    Because of 9-11, This election belongs to Guiliani.
    Despite the feeling of powerlessness- he might have been experiencing that day, he showed a lot of character on 9-11.
    Its' his election to win or lose.
    I research astrology, Bin Laden used astrology that day on- 9-11. And he might be planning another attack Nov. 11, 2011.
    If he does, the Democrats' would be acting like Republicans!
    We need to win this war in the middle east!
    I'm not going mention the chart they used on 9-11..-to prevent copycats'.
    Or what they look at on the chart.
    But the one they're using in Pakistan and else where in the middle East is "Gadaffi's- Bloodless Coup chart'- that made President Nixon call Gadaffi another 'Hitler' in 1970.
    And Nixon was a Republican! Remember Pan Am 103?
    Republicans can't lose!

    December 20, 2007 at 6:24 pm |
  160. Lee, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

    PUPPETS THE LOT OF THEM!

    Not one decent man in the bunch except RON PAUL, RON PAUL, RON PAUL....THE 18,500,000 DOLLAR MAN. AND PLENTY MORE WHERE THAT CAME FROM!!!

    December 20, 2007 at 6:26 pm |
  161. Nicholas C, Florida

    Jack. Two Words. Ron Paul!

    December 20, 2007 at 6:29 pm |
  162. Jason Carey

    It always has been a free-for-all. The media is just starting to catch up. Just in time for it Ron Paul to take the lead. Dont go by the polls, go the the actually debates and see!

    December 20, 2007 at 6:37 pm |
  163. MARK FIFE

    That's an easy one, Jack.

    A party whose main philosophy is that "government doesn't work" fulfills that vision.

    The current administration is the culmination of 40 plus years of conservative politics: from the scapegoating racist southern strategy, to the deregulation corporatist strategy, to the war-mongering neo-con American Empire dictatorial strategy, to the religious "family values" theocracy strategy.

    This is the election and governing coalition beast they've built–WE SEE THE RESULTS.

    Americans have fully rejected it.

    The Bush administration has hollowed this country from the inside out, constitutionally, morally, and economically, to the point of collapse.

    Bush has destroyed the Republican party coalition and their brand, splintering it into it's separate facets, none of which are electable on their own merits–and no matter how hard their candidates try to run from the disaster of their own making these past seven years, they are all reflections of one of those facets, and tied to this president's dismal rule, if for no other reason than their chosen party affilliation ALONE.

    WHICH IS WHY NONE OF THEM WILL WIN IN 2008.

    December 20, 2007 at 6:49 pm |
  164. Jason

    Ron Paul is the first candidate I have ever felt strongly for. He has restored my faith that not all candidates are crooks. Ron Paul 2008!!!!

    December 20, 2007 at 7:10 pm |
  165. Greg Dotson

    The media is confused; the people are not. Ron Paul 2008.

    Greg
    Seattle

    December 20, 2007 at 7:10 pm |
  166. Dan B

    There is a front runner the MSM just doesn't want to admit it, his name is Dr.Ron Paul. Nobody running for president as a republican attracts the crowds and donations like Dr.Paul does.

    December 20, 2007 at 7:23 pm |
  167. Ken KS

    The Republican Party, aka the Party of Dirty Tricks has yet to really get going on each other and that;s what it will come to in order for them to get their nomination in Minneapolis. Then, the candidates will all shake hands and use their dirty tricks on the Democrats. The Dems have their own Willie Horton in Mike "Soft on Crime" Huckabee and they should use it, if the Republican candidates don't use it first in their heated primaries. The bottom line is WHO CARES? Corporate America owned the current crop of candidate except maybe Ron Paul.

    December 20, 2007 at 7:28 pm |
  168. Patricia

    I just love this!!! A "Religious Rightist" will use anything including astrology( a thing used by Pagans) in order to scare you into voting for "St. Rudy", or "Mike Hickabee" or any other candidate. I've seen some stupid things being used to terrorize people into voting for a Republican, but, if you "Real" Republicans let the above pull you into voting for a candidate you know shouldn't be President, I'm going to find an underground cave & move into it, 'cause you're going to blow this planet up & I don't want to be here when you do!!!

    December 20, 2007 at 7:40 pm |
  169. Shauna

    Jack,

    There is only one canidate regardless of party status. That my dear friend is DR. RON PAUL I know you agree with me and that is why I love you. Keep speaking the truth Jack and people will respect you. Dr. Paul and I do.

    Mix up the letters "Ron Paul" and you get "Our Plan"

    It was meant to be.

    Thanks for the support Jack.
    -Shauna-

    December 20, 2007 at 8:14 pm |
  170. Walter Svedin

    The problem the Republicans have is, the one contender that makes the most sense believes in god, most people ether are afraid that prospect will be unelectable because of that belief or hopes that belief will make them unelectable. It is to bad that so many Republicans and Democrats have a problem with god and those who believe, the fear and the hate are truly amazing.

    December 20, 2007 at 8:29 pm |
  171. Gil in San Francisco

    Associated Press Writer

    3:27 PM CST, December 19, 2007

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

    Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul has received a $500 campaign donation from a white supremacist, and the Texas congressman doesn't plan to return it, an aide said Wednesday.

    Don Black, of West Palm Beach, recently made the donation, according to campaign filings. He runs a Web site called Stormfront with the motto, "White Pride World Wide." The site welcomes postings to the "Stormfront White Nationalist Community."

    "Dr. Paul stands for freedom, peace, prosperity and inalienable rights. If someone with small ideologies happens to contribute money to Ron, thinking he can influence Ron in any way, he's wasted his money," Paul spokesman Jesse Benton said. "Ron is going to take the money and try to spread the message of freedom."

    "And that's $500 less that this guy has to do whatever it is that he does," Benton added.

    Black said he supports Paul's stance on ending the war in Iraq, securing U.S. borders and his opposition to amnesty for illegal immigrants.

    "We know that he's not a white nationalist. He says he isn't and we believe him, but on the issues, there's only one choice," Black said Wednesday.

    "We like his stand on tight borders and opposition to a police state," Black told The Palm Beach Post earlier.

    On his Web site, Black says he has been involved in "the White patriot movement for 30 years."

    Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    December 20, 2007 at 8:40 pm |
  172. joshua huff

    ron paul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    December 20, 2007 at 9:14 pm |
  173. Andrew Bachmann

    Ron Paul is the MAN !!!

    If you have not already done a google search to learn more about Ron Paul do it now. Because the mainstream media keeps pushing the same crap. Wouldn't you like to have the income tax abolished. The Government only collects 30% of their revenue from the individuals personal income tax. If expenses were cut 30% then nobody in America would have to pay individual income tax. Some people think that is not possible, however if we could just cut our spending to what America spent just 10 short years ago 1997 then we would not have to pay income tax. Some good ways to reduce the spending and get back to 1997 levels is bring the troops home and pull out of all the foreign countries we are in.

    RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT !!!

    December 20, 2007 at 9:51 pm |
  174. Isis

    I think its becoming a free for all because alot of people are jumping ship when they discover Ron Paul. He is the "new car" people want come November.

    December 20, 2007 at 10:02 pm |
  175. George

    They must find it difficult...those that accept authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. – G. Massey

    December 20, 2007 at 11:34 pm |
  176. Mike

    The two party system is crashing. Bloomberg running as an independent may actually have a shot against the current cast of GOP and Dem characters. A strong third party has been needed for the past 20 years – it's about time.

    December 20, 2007 at 11:38 pm |
  177. Ajay Jain

    Jack,

    It just now feels like it is a free-for-all in GOP! However let me tell you (12/20/07) the come-back-kid Senator John McCain will sweep the early states. Quote my prediction if you wish!

    If John McCain has the organization to raise cash like Obama / Hillary do then might even win Super Tuesday and grab the GOP nomination. He lacks money but I hope he does not lack the organization.

    Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/

    December 20, 2007 at 11:44 pm |
  178. Scott

    It's a free for all cause there is no one decisive canidate that can corner the majority of the Rep votes.-Kinda like what happened the year Bill Clinton got elected, but even more so this time around.
    You can't blame the big and serious Reps for not running, I mean, it's gonna end up a Hillary/Obama ticket and who in their right mind wants to step in front of that freight train!
    I do seem to recall a few years back on the R. Limbaugh radio show that he proclaimed that if Hillary ran for Office, He (Rush) would run against her. Gee, I guess he was all talk. Huh?
    I'd LOVE to see Rush run as a Rep. I'd still vote for Hillary, but I'd celebrate her victory every morn with a 30 min "laughing myself to death" session.
    PLEASE Rush, Back up your big words and join the Race!

    December 21, 2007 at 2:16 am |
  179. InTheSticks1881

    Without a charismatic candidate in the running, and no clear issue to galvanize the Republicans, and until the economy exhibits a clear downturn, the party will have no issue. Now introduce Ron Paul with 18.5 million so far this quarter. There is currently not a Ron Paul campaign, but a movement to elect Ron Paul. Mr. Integrity. Mr. Constitution. A doctor not a lawyer. Economist. Statesman. A candidate truly for and by the people. I expect him to gain immensely from the early states. His supporters are not of the most likely to vote for Republican, so the polls do not accurately reflect his support. Now consider the effect of growing signs of recession might have, a bad Christmas, a tumble in the market, or continued collapse of the dollar.

    December 21, 2007 at 3:59 am |
  180. Rambler

    I think after the 2004 election was over, the Republican Party had gotten such a bad reputation that no one with the Republican label would have a chance in 2008. Rove's many lying schemes, the Swift Boaters, the exclusive focusing upon right-wing religion, the fraudulent efforts of Tom Delay for a permanent Republican majority, the clear indications that the Bush administration was sandbagging the public–all these things have turned the nation's stomachs against Republicanism. The only groups they have left are the wealthy, the racists, the right wing nut jobs, and the terminally stupid.

    December 21, 2007 at 9:07 am |
  181. Travis

    Do all of the comments amount to anything? They all seem to have the same message that the media is ignoring, you would think that the press would be all over this story, next Ronald Reagan...

    December 21, 2007 at 12:05 pm |
  182. Bill Donaldson

    Jack,

    The new and improved divorce court, our White House. Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, John McCain. What Affairs do we take care of first, the girl friends or national security.

    December 21, 2007 at 12:28 pm |
  183. Valorie Jay

    Jack – After two stolen elections and six years of George W. Bush, the Republican Party is in free-fall. Bush has lied on every front, used scare tatics to keep the party in line, bowed to the fair-right nut case religious fringe and ruined our reputation around the world as a good and decent people. This county can not stand another Republican administration. The perfect ticket would be an Independent Party of Colin Powell and Ron Paul. However, that will not happen and there will be a Democratic win and it will be Hillary Clinton. Let's give her a chance.

    Valorie Jay

    December 21, 2007 at 6:53 pm |
  184. Liberty4Me

    Google Ron Paul! The only "ACTUAL" republican. The Republicrats have been pretty good at deceiving the people into believing that they had different agendas for a long time now. Finally, someone has the guts to speak the truth and fight the monsters who have been running our beloved country into the ground, and into the sights of manufactured enemies... It's pretty funny... Every bit of footage that I see of Dr. Paul is so inspiring. He delivers his messages with the look of someone who gets intense enjoyment out of giving presents. The truth shall set you free, and Ron Paul, as far as I have seen, is the embodiment of this intangible quality. GO RON PAUL!!!!

    December 21, 2007 at 8:16 pm |
  185. Kevin Smith

    Because RON PAUL is waking people up at an incredible rate and the people are now aware that the only candidate that is not a straw man and not owned by the establishment and the banking elites that hyjacked our country a century ago is RON PAUL!!!!! Let us pray for him, and let the establishment know Ron Paul is our man, and we are fully aware that he is risking his life to tell the American People the truth about what has happened to their country. We love you Ron Paul!! We love you message...our Message!! We are you. And you represent us. "We the People" have or voice AGAIN!!

    December 21, 2007 at 9:35 pm |
  186. jack andrews

    You guys wonder why the so call'd front runners are stagnet in the polls , It's because everyone your not polling is going Ron Paul.

    December 22, 2007 at 11:00 am |
  187. Tom Francis

    Jack, I've been thinking about presidential libraries. When Bushes term ends and he returns to Texas ( if Texas even wants him back). he willprobably want to build a library. I think it should be designed after classic Texas architecture that you see behind every ranch house. You guesset it, that little shack with the half moon on the door. Since we have had to suffer under two terms with this guy, he deserves a 2 holer.

    December 22, 2007 at 11:30 am |
  188. Bill Messina

    Because of the religious thrust of the Republican candidates' appeals, I am posting this comment which I have also posted on a NYT blog. You may not agree with my comment, but it is worthy of further discussion. The very nature of our Democracy is being threatened.

    I believe that one of the greatest evils in the world is organized religion. Organized religion has been the largest instrument of cruelty, inhumanity and evil throughout history. Almost all sects have been guilty, at one time or another. If any sect gets political power, they use it to distort human values, restrict human advancement, use and abuse woman and children, and impose holocausts on non-believers. If anyone disagrees, I would suggest that they look at the history of their own particular religion.
    With few exceptions, most religious leaders are just in the business of finding a way to get through life without getting calluses on their hands.
    Our Democracy has been able to survive and prosper in spite of the strong presence of religion, but it seems that we are on the brink of collapse as the religious advocates use their cynicism to distort the laws of our dear beloved country.
    My suggestion would be that we keep our religious beliefs within our own families and houses of worship and vote for candidates whose policies support human advancement, mutual respect, and the common good.
    Bill Messina
    — Posted by billmessina

    December 22, 2007 at 12:08 pm |
  189. Darrel D Iowa

    Just don't vote for the one with Mad Cow Disease!
    Huckabee for me in 08
    Independant from Iowa
    Merry Christmas to all and to all have a Great ,08

    December 23, 2007 at 9:44 am |
  190. Mary, Iowa

    God bless and protect those who are Serving in the Armed Forces for all the People of America to keep her Free. Freedom is not Free. A Big Big thank you to ALL who are serving /and in harms way /this Christmas Season. You can't arrive home to soon for me. Hope You are Home Soon/

    December 23, 2007 at 9:53 am |
  191. Ajay Jain

    Jack,

    It just now feels like it is a free-for-all in GOP! However let me tell you (12/23/07) the come-back-kid Senator John McCain will sweep the early states. Quote my prediction if you wish!

    If John McCain has the organization to raise cash like Obama / Hillary do then might even win Super Tuesday and grab the GOP nomination. He lacks money but I hope he does not lack the organization. McCain a Surge supporter and supporter of the Iraq War will be easy to beat by Hillary in 2008.

    Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/

    December 23, 2007 at 7:31 pm |
  192. jack dawsey

    In my opinion, the reason the Republican Presidential Primary has become so unstable is because only one candidate, (Dr. Ron Paul), has proved his "Political Moral Base" is moored and anchored in the U.S. Constitution. And frankly, to the modern-day Republican voter, his unique political position, and the U.S. Constitution is a strange document. And as a result, the Republican voter is puzzled and discombobulated.
    Oh, by the way, I make a distinction between "political moral base" that Dr. Paul possesses, as oppose to the "right-wing religious" moral base – which is dangerous in my opinion- and the "situation moral base" that McCain, Romney, Guiliana, etc. etc.
    offer the Republican voter.

    December 26, 2007 at 9:59 am |
  193. Todd Grigsby

    Some of the comments here are almost amusing. Iraq is still an issue. Terrorism is still an issue. Ron Paul is not the answer, he's just quirky and interesting. I suspect the reason there isn't an electable option for Republicans is because the party as a whole has been tainted by its support of Bush's policies and agendas. Not one of the GOP candidates is genuine and fully qualified. The smart Republican politicians are the ones that are sitting out this election. If the Democrats win and then do nothing to continue exposing the crimes of the Bush administration during their tenure, then you can expect the GOP to strike hard in 2012.

    December 26, 2007 at 1:32 pm |
  194. Robte

    A FREE FOR ALL ..................Aw come on I never laid a hand on 'um!

    December 26, 2007 at 2:39 pm |
  195. Jake from LA

    Who is Ron Paul? and Google Ron Paul are the rallying cries.

    Perhaps the age of self-informed decisions will finally start to arrive in the USA.

    Seeing the support online and 18.8 million raised todate in Q4, it makes me sick how little is heard of Dr Paul in our newspapers, mass media polls, etc. It seems they are just trying to keep the American public uninformed, depressed, and choosing the "lesser-of-all-evils".

    There is finally a candidate I can vote for happily, that in itself is the real victory. Dr Paul cured my apathy.

    December 27, 2007 at 12:20 pm |
  196. Joan Garro

    Jack, how could anyone NOT know? The biased media has been force-feeding us their choices, and we are regurgitating them. Those despicable tactics are not working anymore. We the people have chosen our own front-runner, but the biased media has chosen to play deaf dumb and blind to the truth. It's not going to work this time. They can't lead, they won't follow, so their only choice is to get the frig out of our way.

    December 27, 2007 at 11:21 pm |
  197. Steve

    I think there is plenty of views expressed in this race, but it seems like the main issues get overpassed more than acknowledged. I think the Constitution has lost it's value there in America and there needs to be moral reasoning brought to the table, or else the great country might go down like all great nations have before....

    December 28, 2007 at 6:19 am |
  198. Bud Nolan

    Jack,
    All of you at CNN are doing great work in keeping the American Public informed on
    an Un-biased basis.
    Now ! Questions for the " AMERICAN PRESIDENTAL CANDIDATES ??
    1. Whom do you represent as President ?- Americans or the rest of the world ?
    2. Why can you not stop ILLEGALS from coming into this country by just enforcing the
    laws already on the books and building the FENCE you mandated ?
    3. Why can you not stop this stupid law of Babies born into this country by Illegals
    becoming US Citizens ? Easy to stop by just aboloshing that law?
    4. What is so hard about getting the same Health Care for all US Citizens like the
    ones we pay for to you by our taxes ?
    5. Why can you not stop SS Security fraud and immediately take all Illegals off the
    program along with the welfare and all other costs we pay for them ? I KNOW HOW
    TO DO IT !!!!
    6. Why can you not stop the influx of all these un-lawful products being brought into this
    country ?
    7. Why can you not balance the Budget and quit giving yourselves raises every
    year?
    WE AMERICANS KNOW THE ANSWER TO ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS BUT
    JUST WONDER WHEN YOU ALL ARE GOING TO QUIT BLAMMING EVERYONE
    ELSE EXCEPT YOURSELVES FOR THIS DILEMA !
    YOUR PLATFORMS ARE ALL BASED ON EXPERIENCE !! GOD FORBID THAT
    WE WANT ANY OF YOU WITH THAT REASONING !!
    Gomer Pile always said : SURPRISE / SURPRISE / and those of you who stand
    on the Platform of Experience will sget that this election !

    December 28, 2007 at 1:38 pm |
  199. Bud Nolan

    Jack,
    GET RID OF ALL ILLEGALS IN THIS COUNTRY !
    Stop all the social and give away programs immediately to all of them and they
    will suddenly come out of the wood work with complaints or go home and those with
    complaints can be dealth with legally and accordingly.
    It is killing this country along with the NAFTA fiasco !

    December 28, 2007 at 1:48 pm |
  200. DigitalBob in Michigan

    As long as the front polling candidates don't represent me, I'm motivated to keep pushing for the guy in fifth place.

    December 29, 2007 at 1:09 am |
  201. Matthew Mustain

    Jack:

    One of the main reasons the GOP race is perceived to be wide open is because Ron Paul has been censored from much of the media.

    Example: In January of 2008, Fox News will hold a round-table type of forum for the Republican candidates. They have extended invitations to 5 of the 6 Republican candidates. They have excluded Ron Paul from this forum. It will be 90 minutes long and televised! They have not extended an invitation to Ron Paul ! Please let the people know about this bias that Fox News has shown!

    If Ron Paul were given proper air time and the respect that he deserves as a Congressman, this race would be nowhere near wide-open; it would be a run away win for Ron Paul!

    December 29, 2007 at 3:22 am |
  202. andy

    mr.jack cafferty ronald reagon created ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION INVIATION.it's like a bad tooth the worse it gets the harder it's going to pull out. To get respect back to our country ,we will have to pull out congress & Illegals. we can call it the american and mexican war of 2008.ELLIS ILAND means nothing to congress and illegals. American boys and girls are giving up life & limbs for americans, not ILLEGALS. The people get the short end of the stick. if money get their attention then lets #1 stop going on vacations#2 stop spending money & save your money. #3 boycott contractors who use illegals #4 boycott your church who support illegals #5 show them the disrepect they showed us by crossing our border illegally. If this doesn't get them, the message , then maybe 70% TO 80% of the[ we the people] will wake them up.

    December 31, 2007 at 5:50 pm |
  203. Schmidt/ Iowa

    Think positive / Quit bickering/ Move Forward/ Heal and let Heal/
    Have a Happy New Year/ Make it Healthy also /God Bless/
    We need to build up and not tear down
    That is the way to move forward
    we can't all agree but the majority rules
    thats the way it is in America
    Take your thought to the Caucas
    Like I will do in Iowa on the 3rd
    Independant from Iowa

    January 1, 2008 at 2:16 pm |
  204. Schmidt/ Iowa

    Go Huckabee!!

    January 1, 2008 at 2:18 pm |
  205. Schmidt/ Iowa

    Bet Rudy G. and Hill won't make the top spot in Iowa on the 3rd, To much baggage is just one of there problems. Yes CNN won't agree with this as the drive bys have a political adjenda and should be ashamed of it. Print the truth.

    January 1, 2008 at 2:22 pm |
  206. Schmidt/ Iowa

    Dear Scott from Nowwhere
    By plenty of life insurance

    January 1, 2008 at 2:25 pm |
  207. Jeff in Connecticut

    Just look at the choices:

    A Bible-thumper who we're afraid will try outlaw science
    A make-believe bible-thumper who is trying to tell us he believes Jesus was in the U.S.
    A known, proven dishonest ex-mayor
    A former well respected canidate & war hero who has since sold us out
    A grumpy old fart who'll probably sleep even more days than "W" spent clearing brush.

    Time to jump ship, vote for Obama. At least he ACTUALLY wants what's good for the country rather than what's good for himself & a pocket full of billionaires.

    January 2, 2008 at 4:47 pm |
  208. Stacy

    Because people like me are wondering how we will protect our-selfs. Our borders are wide open, our country is for sale, and we are no longer manufacturing our own parts. If we are attacked will we be able to afford, or manufacture the equipment needed to defend our selfs. No one has focused on these issues, they are all focused on issues overseas!!!

    January 2, 2008 at 7:34 pm |
  209. Tom Barnes

    Hi Jack,

    I spent much of the day (1/2/08) flipping through channels looking for Ron Paul's campaign coverage...to no avail.
    The message of peace, prosperity, and freedom is spreading like wildfire.
    Ignoring the Ron Paul campaign only adds jet fuel to already raging inferno...and we already know what jet fuel can do – right?
    Be the first in your business to make a stand and join the American Revolution of 2008.

    Sincerely,
    Tom Barnes
    Phoenix, Arizona

    January 2, 2008 at 11:32 pm |
  210. TN.

    Obama will make a great President some day, but not yet. We need experience not another green Bush. Hillary has the dream and the experience to follow through, plus SHE will be a needed change from the pickings of the last few hundred years (.and .she did not cross the picket line) . Go get um Hillary!!!!!

    January 3, 2008 at 1:19 pm |
  211. OBIZI MBAISE

    MR CLINTON SHOULD BE DOING THE PLANNAING FOR THE CAMPAIGN TEAM NOT TALKING OPENLY TO THE PRESS.WHAT THEY NEED IS A STRATEGY NOT A NAGETIVE CAMPAIGN AGAINST OBOMA.

    January 8, 2008 at 4:55 pm |