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Mr. Paul isn't going to be president. He trails in national polls, in no small part because his lack of a proactive foreign policy makes him an unserious candidate in today's terror world.... His more kooky views (say, his belief in a conspiracy to create a 'North American Union') and his violent antiwar talk have allowed the other aspirants to dismiss him.

Ron Paul#143

PoliticsForeign policyMediaForeignpolicyElectionsControversyCredibility

About this quote

What does it mean?
Ron Paul is seen as unserious because he lacks a proactive foreign policy and holds controversial views.
In plain terms
People think he isn’t a serious candidate due to his foreign policy stance and odd beliefs.
What can you take from it?
Controversial positions can damage political credibility.

Where it applies

  • election campaigns
  • media analysis

Putting it to work

  • voter outreach
  • message framing

Questions to consider

  • How do controversial beliefs affect a candidate's electability?
  • Can outsider viewpoints be an asset in politics?

Another view

Some voters may appreciate his anti‑establishment stance despite the controversy.

More from Ron Paul

  1. From an environmental standpoint, here is Ron Paul saying that he would end all subsidies to oil, gas, and coal companies. Could you imagine Al Gore saying thi…

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  2. I think Ron Paul has established his legitimacy in this race.

    Permalink to quote #144
  3. Ron Paul is our hero in the Congress.

    Permalink to quote #141

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