Paul, Tancredo wouldn't back nominee

Posted: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 5:51 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Paul and Tancredo said they would not necessarily support the GOP nominee. That is interesting. Does this feeling persist within the Republican Party? Is that bad news for Giuliani? Maybe. Maybe not. Brownback, the "values candidate" said no matter what he would support the nominee -- however grudgingly.

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Comments

It is embarrassing to MSNBC to ask this question to Paul when he is moving up in the polls and is ahead of McCain and Huckabee in fundraising.

This is not doubt a question that is meant to manipulate the viewers opinions about a candidates elect ability.

You should be ashamed!

Angela Holland, Madison, AL (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:03 PM)

This was the only question asked of Dr. Paul during the so called lightning Round. Again no one in the Mainstraem media wants the American Public to hear this guys message. What are you folks at MSNBC so afraid of? Of course he shouldn't support the nominee if that idividual is just going to keep the status quo. Get real and quite trying to tell the American people who to vote for. Give equal time to all and let the people decide for themselves. We are much smarter than you think we are.

Earle Howard, Front Royal, VA (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:07 PM)

Ron Paul and Tancredo are correct, we are sick and tired of the hypocrisy and lying that the Republicans are doing. When we see the cute little buddie buddie attitude with Rudy, Mitt, and Thompson during the whole debate it is a joke. The American people need someone that will stand up for highest authority in this nation - the Consititution. It is amazing that the Republican hopefuls will NOT accecpt the authority of the Constitution (example line item veto, the declaration of war,etc) but only "their" opinions. WE HAVE SECURED our rights and duties of the office of the President in the Founding Documents. What is so hard about this Rudy, Mitt, McCain, Thompson..etc? We need someone like Ron Paul or Tancredo to stand up and say NO we WILL NOT SUPPORT THIS GARBAGE!

JWilson (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:08 PM)

I think it was nothing short of disgusting that the "second-tier" candidates were even asked this question. It was just an obvious attempt to dismiss them and their ideas. I was extremely disappointed to see it happen.

Schuyler Wilson, Raleigh, NC (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:15 PM)

Many paleoconservatives (e.g., Pat Buchanan) have long since abandoned the Republican Party for the Constitution Party, America First Party, and others. These conservatives along with their libertarian allies (e.g., Lew Rockwell) will not vote for anyone other than Ron Paul. The comments of Ron Paul and Tom Tancredo reflect this fact. Kudos to these two for standing on principle against the rest of the pathetic "conservative" Republican hopefuls. Romney, Giuliani, Thompson, Brownback, and Huckabee do not adhere to social or fiscal conservative philosophy, only moral and economic.

Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:22 PM)

Hmm, could be the "my way or the highway" philosophy of Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld has rubbed off on them.

nuanced (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:23 PM)

What's with the title saying Paul and Tancedo "will not support the nominee", then the first line saying "will not necessarily support the nominee"? And, who cares?

Kathy Kramer (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:34 PM)

Good for Tancredo and Paul. I disagree with most of their stances, but at least they have the garbonzos to stand for what they believe in and are not just going to support the Repugs out of loyalty. Brownback is a waffler, he'll follow the party line, just talk, no walk.

The Edge, Macon GA (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:53 PM)

I will not support the GOP, especially the way they have been treating lessor known candidates. That behavior is reprehensible and I will not support it. I will write in my candidate of choice.

Jason Ocala Fl (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:56 PM)

I think thats a great question. Paul and Tancredo are both running outsider campaigns that sharply contrast with those of the other candidates. To the Ron Paul supporter who claims it "embarasses" his candidate, you just kinda proved my point.

Cal, Chico. CA (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:57 PM)

I say Go Ron. I am a past Republican but tired of the lies and the sloppy management of our government which is too big. Go Ron.

Lisa Pelle (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 6:58 PM)

I wouldn't support anyone from the GOP other than Ron Paul, and what is all this about being "Optimistic?" from the other candidates? Anyone can say that!

R.J. Perry, Port Huron, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:10 PM)

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed how much the "top tier" candidates sound alike? Good luck to Paul and Tancredo! Tell it like it is instead of being dishonest with America. Remember how much different GW Bush's actions are now than when he was campaigning.
Even after he took his oath to "uphold the Constitution". ( I doubt if he even knows the first sentence).

Jim Baker (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:33 PM)

Makes sense to me seeing as how I couldnt support any of them Other than Paul and to lesser extent Tancredo

Craig R (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:45 PM)

Ron Pauls, for+by+of the people and not the party, promise says it all. How can we vote for anything or anyone else? I hope the American people see that, his leadership and his wisdom. I'm a democrate but would vote for Ron if they(Demo's) dont select someone of the same mind set and caliper.

Richard Reitenauer, Bethlehem, Pa. (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:48 PM)

Ron Paul continues to make people think about the party and where it is going. He may not win the election but maybe he will change the make up of the Repukelikans. If that happens the rebums will again attract the middle and win.

John S. Alexander, Edinboro, PA (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:48 PM)

Let's realize that America's voters just can not stomach the zeroxed values in most cases of the Democrats, and the only two GOP cadidates Paul and Tancredo who show that they have backbone to fight for the values they believe in. I favor Tancredo more than Ron Paul but would never support any Green Party, Dem candidate so far running, or the Liberal GOP candidates like McCain or Guiliani. And Hillary and Obama supporting legislation that takes away free speech in the false name of "hate crime" bills and attachment amendments added to other bills. They ought to move to Communist/Socialist countries.

Mike, Rockford, IL (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:54 PM)

Go Ron Paul! MSNBC's Chris Matthews is an insufferable boorish a-hole who deserved the spanking that Jon Stewart gave him on his show.

Did you see Matthews's wife interviewing Matthews about his stupid book? God, what a joke.

Ron Paul is the ONLY Republican with integrity. The rest are a bunch of liars, thieves and MURDERERS.

Frank J. Gonzalez (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:56 PM)

Because Paul and Tancredo are fringe looneys. The 9 tancredo supporters don't matter; the paulnuts either won't vote or will vote for someother astroid

Bruce, NV (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:57 PM)

I thought it was terrible the way the so called unbiased reporters fielded the questions to the candidates this evening!

Ron Paul stuck to the issues with his responses, stayed within the time limits on his resonses, but did you notice how others had to expound on their answers? They also interrupted Ron Paul's answers and the newscasters did nothing to stop it. They also we letting other candidates respond when only one candidate was given a question to answer! Shame on them!!!! Shabby reporting and Shabby behavior from the other candidates....

Ron Paul in 2008....A Gentleman all the way even in the face of adversity!

Kay, Oklahoma (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:58 PM)

Hello idealists, remember Ross Perot? He was the spoiler that delivered us unto Klinton. At this moment we still have a 2 party system. Unfortunately it will be a lesser of 2 evils decision for some time yet. I like Paul, however electability IS a nebulous quality I don't think he has on a national scale just yet. No GOP support? He may as well vote LEFT then. The Dems do outnumber us. Our strength is that WE actually go to the ballot box.

crusty, north idaho (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:58 PM)

All for Paul....All for Paul....I'm all for Paul.

sick of media brainwashing (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 8:26 PM)

Good for Doctor Ron Paul, not to promise to support someone that is not a defender of the constitution. I'm sick and tired of the main stream media trying to tell me how to think. I want out of Iraq, a secure border, illegals sent home, an end to pork spending, and fair taxes for all. Go Ron Paul and don't quit

Robert F Harvey (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 8:33 PM)

I agree with that...I've voted Republican for over 20 years...but if Ron Paul is not a nominee I'll go vote 3rd party. At least that way I'll spend my vote on a real conservative, not a liberal who looks conservative because the other party is completely off its nut.

Andrew, NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 8:44 PM)

If Ron Paul or Tom Tancredo do not get the nomination, I'm a republican staying at home on election day. The rest are a bunch of lying, phoeny clowns that I will not waste a gallon of gas on.

D. Boyter, Matthews, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 8:57 PM)

Where is John Anderson, when we really need him? Paul would make a credible 3rd party candidate.

duane johnson, fargo, ND (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 8:59 PM)

Why does MSNBC/Pravda give big government clones such as Giuliani, Romney and Thompson way more time to speak than Ron Paul? Dr. Paul is the one GOP candidate who understands and abides by the limits on government power as defined in the Constitution.

RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT!

Al Doyle, Oshkosh, WI (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 9:17 PM)

As a Libertarian,my heart was warmed by the favorable comments for Ron Paul and Tacredo. They are honorable and decent fellas who know the constitution and want a return by federal government to the instructions in that document as regards their position and posture in regards to our citizens.
Had the feds not developed the Federal Income Tax, as they did in 1920, the most rapidly growing crime, that being "Identity Theft' would have never raised it's ugly head. All Federal Employees have access to and can sell that info to the criminally minded!
And when did either of the major parties ever show ability with regard to good management of any Government program!
Federal Government must get out of Education, and laws intended to restrict our citizens' activities! As between the states, the Feds should help the states to get uniformity in their laws!

Carl Garfield,Framingham, MA. (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 9:19 PM)

This must be a site where you can not say anything bad about Ron Paul. I understand that Paul has voted more conservatively than all Congressional leaders. That is good thing.

But, I don't think that he has the electability as a Conservative. He is too rigid and often ends up on radio shows that present the fringe and conspiratorial view points like Alex Smith. It doesn't improve his immage or make me want to have a mindset like that in office!

Jim Fargo North Dakota (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 9:25 PM)

I haven't read all of the comments here, but Rudi Giuliani and Ron Paul are the only Republican candidates that I could NOT vote for under any circumstances. Giuliani is not a social conservative in any way, shape or form. Ron Paul is just an idiot with his head in the sand like every single leader of the Democrat party.

Brad N., Richmond VA (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 9:26 PM)

What are you so shocked about? Remember it is easier to own a two party system than buy out the third party. Let’s leave that option open, in fact why not vote for the candidate and not the party. Now in America 50% of the voters don’t vote! Why? Who do you vote for a liar or a crook! If everyone who didn’t vote voted third party we would change the way things are. So who the heck is Ron Paul? Probably the only candidate that knows what he is swearing to when he swears to “uphold the constitution”! If the Republicans don’t want to restore our failing nation so be it, I’ll “Vote American, Ron Paul”! Who am I you may ask? Just an American who has heard the same old things in all of the elections from 1968 on up and voted in ALL of them. Paul, a breath of fresh air.

Gair Neilson, Guangzhou China (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 9:51 PM)

No way I am voting for any of the other Republicans. More of the same as Bush.

It is time to end the war. None of the others would do that. They are all interventionists. Enough spilling of American blood.

Jim Rongstad (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 9:59 PM)

What an unfair question. There is too much Thompson man-love going on in this pseudo-debate.

Zach, Murfreesbor, TN (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 9:59 PM)

I was very disappointed with the lack of equal coverage given to each of the candidates and equally disappointed with the follow-up commentary by Larry Kudlow and his panelists. They all agreed that the candidates fell short of providing a concrete plan to cut goverment spending and lower taxes.I disagree. Ron Paul was the only candidate who spelled out his plan 1. cut military spending by changing our foriegn policy to that of a non-interventional policy 2. stop printing valueless money. 3. Have government function within its means. Kudos to you Dr. Paul for not supporting another candidate who does not follow these principles. You have reached this 40 something middle class viewer.

Diane K. , Perkasie, PA. (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:00 PM)

Hoorah for Tom Tancredo... I feel he has his Heart & Soul into this race to the White House.. He stands for the Very Best of Integrity for Americans. Too many candidates have strayed from the truth..

Marilynn Skakelja Miami, Florida (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:01 PM)

If 23 is the number of terrorists attacks against the United States in over six years, then why the hell are we spending so much money to thwart them. That's less than four attacks a year and nobody got killed, yet this fear mongering idiot in the White House and this pack of Neanderthal wannabes have us spending several hundred billion dollars a year and have created the largest and most inefficient agency in the history of this or any other country to thwart them. It looks like we're spending between 20 and 40 billion dollars for each attack that might have been made on us (and there is no guarantee most of those ever got behind the planning stage and were serious anyway) and that does not seem to provide good return on the money. Curing sick Americans, fixing our roads and bridges, improving our air traffic, adding to our railroads, getting our homeless off the streets (all things more sensible and less frightened countries are doing) would seem to have a far greater return than ineffective and nonsensical chasing after non-existent terrorists. But then Americans are the biggest crybabies on earth and among the most stupid and easily led of all people, so I guess we're just getting what we deserve for allowing self-serving incompetent fools to lead us. And if any of this bunch get in the pattern will continue; it was empty suit heaven on that stage.

Lee Delaney, Las Vegas (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:01 PM)

I like Ron Paul because he supports about 90 % of what I think is good for America. I also see the media, including MSNBC and the others, to be dominated by a certain agenda which includes amnesty for illegals, endless wars for an empire nobody dares mention, and whatever else is the flavor of the month for our ruling class. Hopefully, some day we'll be able to get a guy like Ron Paul in the white house, and take our congress back from these idiots.

Fernando Leza, Spring, Texas (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:06 PM)

Only Ron Paul was honest about war powers in relation to Iraq and Iran. I am so tired and bored of these other idiots talking nonstop inane diatribe about Iran and our powers. This more of the same old GOP garbage. This just harks back to the incredible propaganda that led to this country invading IRAQ with the MEDIA say OH YEAH! This is the eipitome of what I learned about the Soviet Union in my civics classes in 1967 - we have become what we were told to fear. AND yes, we should fear it! We are the enemy! I applaud Ron Paul for his honesty, the rest are puppets of a very bad regime. Wake up MEDIA! You could become PRAVDA WEST unless you get it finally.

Leslie Gruen (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:07 PM)

Amazing that we could not communicate our comments directly on MSNBC web site regarding the debate in general. You have blogs and other junk... what is up with that?

L Gruen (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:10 PM)

All Voters should look at Ron Paul. He is for the American people not the big corporations and interest groups. Do yourself and our country a favor and cheack him out

Russ Martin, Chilhowie, Va (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:30 PM)

I don't believe any candidate that supports the war in Iraq is looking out for the American peoples best interest. If the Republican Party truly believes that it can beat the Democrats in 08 then they better realize that they need to own up that this war was a complete farce. If this war was as important to our national security as they would try to lead us to believe, then why is it that active troops support Ron Paul through donations more than any other candidate? They cannot even get the troops to buy into this how do they get the general public to do so? We fight in Iraq for our national security but leave our borders wide open ? This absolutley makes no sense and I applaude Dr. Paul for standing firm on saying no because when it comes election time the voters to will do the same.

John Mitchell, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:43 PM)

Paul is the only one with a brain. The American public cannot handle all of that truth. (Nietzsche says the truth is something that most people fear) Watch how they applauded Gulianni like sheep after his "9/11" comments, it's sickening. What happened to people reacting intellectually for a change rather than reacting emotionally? "Both political parties" should be ashamed of what they have developed into.

Ron Paul is not a politician if you think about it, because he does not lie and placate the American public. How do you feel when someone placates you?

John Walsh (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:50 PM)

Embarassing to the Public to let Ron Paul be so interrupted... SHAME SHAME SHAME the whole TV coverage stank, yeah I know, not a word, but in my opinion it stank.... GO RON PAUL....

devils.advocate (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 10:59 PM)

To start with Ron Paul should not even be in the Republican Primary he is a RINO. He belongs back with the Libertarian Party like he did in 1988. OH WAIT Ron Paul knows a third party can't win so he is trying to help destroy the Republican Party.

We must have a candidate that supports ProFamily, ProLife and Constitutional values, and that candidate is DUNCAN HUNTER.

KitB, MO (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 11:08 PM)

I was happy to hear that answer. It shows integrety and strenght of position, but most of all, morality. The question was clearly setup to create a negative spin, as the false title of this article suggests. If you support the core values of the Republican party, you cannot support anyone by Paul. He made it clear he knows the score. Fund his campaign and save the republic!

Gerard Carton (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 11:14 PM)

I say good for them. Why is MSNBC not asking this question of all the candidates...are they trying to imply Paul and Tancredo don't have a chance. Paul has all the values views that the other candidates do, plus a better foreign and more constitutional economic policy.

Noah, Lexington, Kentucky (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 11:21 PM)

Ron Paul 2008

Rey, Hyattsville, MD (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 11:42 PM)

I support their honesty. Why would you say you'll support one of these Bush-echo candidates when you know they don't support the honest reforms that you support - Tancredo and Paul - Hats off to their principles and integrity. Shame on MSNBC for trying to manipulate them.

Leslie Gruen (Sent Tuesday, October 09, 2007 11:58 PM)

This was a question meant to make Paul and Tancredo look like idiots and idiots they are NOT! I will support either one of them over the rest of the candidates any day. Just a shame that Paul and Tancredo are not given equal time and equal media attention. As for Huckabee, we had enough of him in Arkansas and couldn't possibly stand having him for a president. As to the comment about President Clinton, you may not like the things he did in his personal life, I know I didn't and don't approve, but as for getting this country and it's economy back on track Clinton did do this and he has a mind for the economy and the direction it is headed that I have not seen in a president in a great many years. I am a democrat/was a democrat but I simply cannot support any of the Dems that are running this year. Tancredo is my man and if he don't do it Paul certainly can.

Marilyn G. North Little Rock, AR (Sent Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:02 AM)

I have never voted demopublican, but I have voted for Ron Paul. There is a prayer in hell. Go Ron Paul!!!!!

Chris (Sent Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:11 AM)

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