Now it's the established Repubs who want to be like Ron Paul

Brad Jackson of the New Ledger responds as if the latest Rasmussen Poll showing Texas Congressman Ron Paul would give President Obama a run for his money in a general election is a surprise. A quick look at Paul's history both as a Congressman and a Presidential candidate show he was TEA Party when TEA Party wasn't cool.

Paul already had a band of unlikely allies in his run for the Presidency in 2008 that included Conservatice Republicans, disenchanted Democrats and Libertarians who just want to be left the hell alone. Those three groups are what now make up the core of the TEA Party movement.

Jackson's referral to Paul as looney doesn't seem to take into account that the "ole' bird" has led the fight for some pretty popular TEA Party type legislation in the Fed Audit Bill, or ideas of smaller government, less intrusion in our lives, better monetary policy, and bringing an end to world interventionism. He doesn't seem to take into account that it is the Republicans that have moved toward Paul's message, a message that has been far more consistent for not just years, but decades.

Ron Paul and Obama Neck and Neck in Rasmussen Poll

by Brad Jackson

No, this is not a joke. A new Rasmussen poll shows that in a race between Barack Obama and perennial GOP presidential hopeful Ron Paul, that the nutty Texas Congressman would come within one point of the current President. According to Rasmussen, “42% of likely voters would vote for Obama and 41% would vote for Paul. This, despite the fact that Paul gets lower support from Republicans (66%) than Obama does from Democrats (79%).”

That’s right, Obama and RON PAUL would be practically tied. Now of course, Ron Paul will not be the GOP nominee, but this has to look bad if your in Camp Obama and surveying 2012. If you’re neck and neck with the local looney, God knows how you’ll fair against a serious contender.

Rasmussen also says that within the Political Class, the Paul/Obama matchup would be a blowout. While 58% of Mainstream voters favor Paul, 95% of the Political Class vote for Obama. However, it is that very "Political Class" that is on the outs with mainstream voters, and why Republicans are on the outside trying to fight their way into the TEA Party movement.

Mainstream voters numbers have grown, and they have grown weary of the pendulum. Memories of George W. Bush's spendthrift bailouts are still fresh. So, it is Republicans trying to convince the TEA Party movers and shakers that they are, well . . . more like Paul.