Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) did not simply sit back and take criticism from investor and reality television star Donald Trump last weekend. During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Trump took an unprovoked jab at Paul by saying "Ron Paul cannot get elected." Trump's comment elicited a strong reaction from Paul supporters in the crowd, but Trump then "double down" on his claim, saying Paul has "zero chance of getting elected." Paul was not there in person to respond, but today on television Paul shot back at Trump (video to the left).
In the interview Paul stated that he has always been told that he cannot get elected because of his strong stance on a literal interpretation of the Constitution and libertarian principles. However, Paul pointed to the fact that he has been re-elected 11 times as a member of the House of Representatives. Paul saved his best retort for last, saying of Trump,
"So I was elected 11 times. And somebody said, well how many times has Donald Trump been elected? Does he have, really, the right to go and criticize others and say they're unelectable?"
The tiff between Trump and Paul reflects the ongoing debate about Paul's chances of becoming president. No one now doubts Paul's ability to get re-elected in a very conservative district in Texas. However, there are larger doubts about Paul's ability to reach independents, or even moderate Repubilcans needed to win primary elections. Paul has tried running for president multiple times before, and while he has a very zealous and loyal following he generally has never been able to get over 10% of the vote in a Republican primary, near less a general election. History suggests that Trump was right about Paul's electability, but Paul did have the last word when it comes to Trump's own lack of political experience.
Comments
How many times has Trump filed for bankruptcy?
Actually he came in second or 3rd in over 25 primaries I believe. I don't think he won any but he did very well for someone who was marginalized throughout the campaign..in fact I think he came in 3rd overall. Also one of his appeal is to independents via his foreign policy and Non-interventionist stance!
Trump for Prez? I don't think the country could afford his hair care bills.
Donald Trump and Rick Perry 2012!!!
or
Rick Perry and Donald Trump 2012!!!
Either way, you get "The Goodhair Ticket!"
That has got to be a lot of gel or something else used to hold all that hair together.
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