the complete abandonment of small government conservatism by the modern GOP

That’s the key problem. I don’t listen to much talk radio these days but I heard something just over an hour ago that is true. What will take the GOP the way of the Whigs will be the continued RINO (Dems Lite) behavior. Never mind the challenge of offering a positive alternative to people largely hooked on entitlements from Washington. Simply for the leading GOP officials to offer a clear alternative to the Democrats is an unmet challenge.

neoconservative uber-hawkishness [...] or commitment to theocracy

Straw men! Sane people don’t fear the Religious Right and they want this nation to oppose its adversaries, not appease them or cower from them.

Readers should be aware that there are libertarian activists in New Hampshire who are likely to boost Ron Paul’s numbers slightly above the fringe level. They are participants in the Free State Project (Web site is here) and are involved in Ron Paul’s campaign.

Andrew Sullivan has hit on the basis of Paul’s support – the complete abandonment of small government conservatism by the modern GOP. As the main GOP rivals battle over who best upholds the party’s neoconservative uber-hawkishness (Giuliani, McCain) or commitment to theocracy (Hucakbee, Romney) Paul steps in for those who want a more non-interventionist and secular, libertarian approach. Despite his odd quirks, Paul is real Goldwaterite in the campaign.

I feel that the Republicans have not yet really settled on a candidate to rally around. Neither have the Dems, but the Dems are pretty happy with their choices whereas the Republicans seem to have a lot of disenchantment with their candidates.

I think an additional reason that Ron Paul may receive surprising support is simply because he is the “hot” candidate (if you will) if the moment. Just like other candidates have had their moment in the sun, I don’t think Ron Paul will get the Rep. nomination. He appeals to a certain group of Republicans, but not the core group.

I still think that once the Republicans have tried on all their candidates for size they will end up selecting McCain.

Of course in politics timing is very important so perhaps Ron can leverage his strong showing in NH as proof that the rest of the country needs to get behind him or face the consequences. That might carry him, but I doubt it.

Thanks, Joe for the great column and I really enjoyed your insights and thoughts.

As far as your one comment about people being fixated on the existing order and not recognizing anything new- I agree with that totally. Many people seem to want to stick with what they were taught (and know to work) rather than open up their imaginations to new ideas and refuse to see the potential of new ideas.

BTW: RP is the only Republican I would consider voting for.

Iam a Ron Paul supporter and we are going to Win.

We love the Constitution.