Too old? Nah. Ron Paul may not have much chance of winning, but he’ll likely force the other presidential candidates to face up to some of the tough issues America needs to deal with. Paul Steinhauser reports for CNN:
Saying “the time is right” because more people agree with his positions, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas on Friday announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination.
The long-time lawmaker, who was first elected to the House of Representatives 35 years ago, says he’s optimistic about his chances and that his “supporters are enthusiastic.”
The 75-year-old Paul, whose libertarian views and outspoken criticism of American foreign and monetary policy has often put him at odds with the GOP, made his announcement on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Paul is expected to repeat his announcement of candidacy later Friday at a campaign event in Exeter, New Hampshire, where he’s also expected to receive several endorsements.
This is Paul’s third bid for the White House. He ran as a libertarian in 1988 and for the Republican nomination four years ago. His campaign in the last presidential election raised eyebrows, thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of his legions of supporters, and thanks to his online fundraising prowess. He brought in millions of dollars in one- to two-day fundraising efforts – or so-called “money bombs.”
When it comes to fundraising, it seems that Paul picked up in 2011 where he left off after he dropped out of the 2008 campaign. He raised more than $1 million in a 24-hour period last week, timed to coincide with his appearance at the first Republican presidential debate in Greenville, South Carolina…
[continues at CNN]
