Transcript
News Anchor: Well, the candidates last night did not just focus on President Obama or the economy. Listen to this exchange when Rick Santorum and Congressman Ron Paul mixed it up over Iran.
Ron Paul: Here we are building up this case just like we did with Iraq; build up the war propaganda. There was no Al-Qaida in Iraq and they had nuclear weapons and we had to go in, I’m sure you supported that war as well. It’s time we quit this, it’s trillions of dollars we’re spending on these wars.
News Anchor: Republican presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul joins us now. Congressman, I want to read you a quote from Charlie Cook, the noted author of the Cook Political Report. He writes about you in the National Journal today, “Perhaps only Ron Paul had no need to prove anything; he has always marched to the beat of his own drum and runs a campaign more about promoting his libertarian views than winning the White House.” How do you respond?
Ron Paul: Well, I think it’s a pretty good position because I think you should go for the person who has principles and believes in them. If you noticed last night, most of the other candidates were all challenged for their flip-flopping, and rightfully so, they should be challenged. But I was never given a question about flip-flopping because they know where I stand. But it is true, if you’re a philosophic candidate, it can be just philosophy. It just happens that the philosophy of this country is shifting, and it’s shifting in the direction of the constitution, limited government, a foreign policy that is different, balancing our budget, having sound money. So I would say it’s coming together, the philosophy is coming together with the political change. And we’ve talked about this even 4 years ago, it was coined as a revolution, and it is an intellectual revolution, and I’m proud to be very much a part of it.
News Anchor: Our viewers ask better questions than I do, so let me get right to some of them, talking about where you stand. Don Peterson in Hemet, California wants to know, “Where does Mr. Paul stand on Israel? He seems to have dodged the question everything he’s been asked.”
Ron Paul: I disagree with him, because I don’t. We should be friends with Israel, and I don’t think we do a very good job at it. But I don’t think giving money to our friends is the right thing to do. I’m against all foreign aid, and if we cut out all the foreign aid today we would cut out 7 times more foreign aid from the enemies of Israel. But I wouldn’t give foreign aid to Israel. I want Israel to have their own national sovereignty. I don’t want them to depend on us either for the money which socializes their economy and they’re in financial trouble as well, and I don’t want them to depend on us to tell them how to draw up their peace treaties or what to do with their borders. So yes, we should have friendship with them, we should trade with them, but total dependence on United States and on our money is a bad risk for them because we’re in bankruptcy. We’re not going to be there forever, we are going to come home and I think their dependency on us is very, very harmful to them.
News Anchor: This question comes from John in Amana, Iowa and it relates to that argument that you got into with Senator Santorum: “When Iran has a nuclear weapon,” he asks, “and attacks Israel with it, how will President Paul respond?”
Ron Paul: Well, Israel has 300 of them, so you think Iran is going to attack them with a weapon that they don’t have? And our own CIA says that there is no concrete evidence that they’re actually building on it. So we are going to turn the world upside down and attack Iran because someday they might have a nuclear weapon. And yet our leaders talked to the Chinese as well as the Soviets when they had thousands and thousands of nuclear weapons. I don’t think it makes any sense to take on Iran and fight them, and that’s essentially what some people want to do, they say that we have to have another war. Even Robert Gates after getting out of the position of Secretary of Defense is saying, “Anybody who thinks we need another war needs their head examined.” And that’s the way I feel about it. The Iranians are a third-world nation, they don’t have an army or a navy of any sort, they don’t have intercontinental ballistic missiles, and a country that has all that oil in their country and they can’t even produce enough gasoline and they have to depend on importing gasoline, and we’re supposed to build up war fever and go to war over this? I don’t think for a minute that if they got those weapons, they would dare think about attacking Israel. Israel would take care of them, especially if they had no restraints from us, they would take care of them in minutes; it’s not going to happen, it’s all war propaganda.
News Anchor: Alright, on that topic, a writer named “Political Tool” says, “Here’s a question for Ron Paul; does he really believe letting Iran develop a nuke is okay? His isolationist ideas are fantasy.” Your response?
Ron Paul: I’m not an isolationist, I’m a free-trader. The isolationist are the ones who won’t even trade with Cuba, and they’re the ones who want to put on sanctions, they want to isolate these countries and they always use sanctions. So I think that’s wrong, our founders advised us that we trade with people and be friends with as many as are willing to accept our friendship. And we’re doing the opposite, we get involved in these entangling alliances, we go to war under NATO and the United Nations. And, like I said, there are nuclear weapons all over place over there. If you’re an Iranian, I’m sure you would say, “Oh, it’s in our best interest, we ought to gain some respect because if we have a weapon, maybe they might not attack us.” But they’re surrounded by nuclear weapons; Israel, India, Pakistan, China, United States, Russia; they all have these nuclear weapons and they barely think about it. When they try to enrich for peaceful purposes, they get condemned for it. So yes, there’s a lot of bad people over there, there’s a lot of violent people around the world, but believe me, the Iranians don’t have a tradition of sending troops and invading countries 6000 miles from their shores and occupying another country. Matter of fact, they’re pretty respectful of their borders and the wars they got into in the 1980s was because we instigated the Iraqis to go into Iran. So I would say a good assessment of that would give you a better appreciation of their position.
News Anchor: Alright, Congressman, we have time for a couple more questions.
Processing your request, Please wait....
If you guys don’t want Ron Paul send him to Australia please!
A politician that tells the truth, we have none of that here!
»crosslinked«
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I love how ron paul basically tells dude to shut the fuck up and let him speak lmao.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’m going out to vote for Ron Paul and I’m a die-hard Democrat. Enough is enough, stop the warmongering, stop the aggression and start focusing on American citizens and create good jobs. Obama needs to be a one term president, never in my life would I thought I’d be saying this in 2008. We need Ron Paul to reverse the Bush-era warmongering funk.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
When the Christian Rapture comes, Jew will be killed.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Ron Paul was incredibly strong in the Iowa debate. I’m almost always impressed by him in debates but I have to admit, I was surprised in this one.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The old man is still quick on his feet. Go Ron!!!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Iran is all about OIL! All about oil, oil, and strategic surrounding of China and russia. The terrorism argument is a bad joke that even a stupid teenager should laugh at.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Iran is all about OIL! All about oil, oil, and strategic surrounding of China and russia. The terrorism argument is a bad joke that even a stupid teenager should laugh at.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
for those who like Israel wake up and realize Ron Paul is best for that, because Israel is getting pressured to give up land to appease terrorists by liberals in the UN that is funded by USA, Muslim sharia law countries funded by foreign aid of USA and Ron Paul won’t support that and if USA ain’t involved, world can’t do shit about what Israel does, so Muslims die for trying to start shit with them.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
for those who like Israel wake up and realize Ron Paul is best for that, because Israel is getting pressured to give up land to appease terrorists by liberals in the UN that is funded by USA, Muslim sharia law countries funded by foreign aid of USA and Ron Paul won’t support that and if USA ain’t involved, world can’t do shit about what Israel does, so Muslims die for trying to start shit with them.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
To understand what ails us as people and as a nation we have to understand what it’s like to have no ailments.
W need to listen.
Ron Paul 2012
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ron Paul has by far the best principles on the economy & wars, but he underestimates the power of radical Islam.
Syria & Iran are poor, but they still fund an enormous amount of militant activities around the world. Taking the “Neville Chamberlain” approach in this case has it’s risks.
Even Wikileaks revealed that Muslim leaders in the middle east are very concerned about a nuclear Iran.
Vote Ron Paul, you yanks. But for goodness sake don’t underestimate Iran.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ron Paul has by far the best principles on the economy & wars, but he underestimates the power of radical Islam.
Syria & Iran are poor, but they still fund an enormous amount of militant activities around the world. Taking the “Neville Chamberlain” approach in this case has it’s risks.
Even Wikileaks revealed that Muslim leaders in the middle east are very concerned about a nuclear Iran.
Vote Ron Paul, you yanks. But for goodness sake don’t underestimate Iran.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
WE MUST DEFEND ISRAEL
NEVER FORGET THE 5.9 MILLION JEWS KILLED IN THE HOLOCAUST
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
RON PAUL!!! Only Thing is mainstream media F up so young minds that they dont even kno MTV BET etc Elites Know what there Doing But dont got me brainwashed Obamafied War Hungry Am 18 blk male And For Ron Paul!!!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have never in my whole life, voted during a presidential election, for anyone. RON PAUL YOU HAVE MY FIRST VOTE EVER! Ron Paul you are the MOST refreshing thing I have seen on US NEWS, ever. I am pleased with your thoughts and I will be supporting you and campaigning for you in 2012. You are what this country needs. Thank You.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
RON PAUL IS 10000 % RIGHT
What has the US got by making an alliance with Israel ??
1) Support of dictatorships that are now falling
2) Promotion of global islamic terrorism
3) Spending of trillion trillion of dollars on useless defense, wars and bases
4) Sanctions imposed on iran means that american businesses can’t get contracts while china and europe gets them all ,meaning less us jobs
Obama, bush all gave israel money instead of giving american jobs !!!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Hes promoting his libertarian and constitutional views to win the white house Jackass. Libertarian and Constitutional principles should be standard for a President. They do swear an oath to the Constitution you know. What kind of idiotic statement was that from Cook. Idiot.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Give em hell RP!
Keep dissipating their propaganda.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
On the Iran having a nuclear weapon and using it topic, I have to bring up the point of a global outcry against ANY country or group of individuals found to use one on anyone else. I don’t think anyone has neither an accurate count of the amount of nuclear weapons we have on the face of the Earth, nor the amount of times we would destroy the world over should one be used for any such foolish infamy.
Anyone setting off a nuclear weapon is running a very real risk of setting off a chain reaction that brings us all to the door step of Armageddon. If Iran had nuclear weapons to set off, and in fact did set them off, or allowed them to be misplaced into the hands of Islamist extremists to set off, there would be global consequences. Iran would likely be turned into a sheet of glass or Mecca a pile of radioactive rubble at the least.
The moment one goes off, everyone else with one goes on the offensive and points theirs at anyone they deem to be a threat. If a country sided with the original one who set off their nuke, they would be viewed as one of the enemy and handled with extreme prejudice. Even should an entire country be wiped out, there are more than enough nuclear ballistic missile submarines already in the water by the US and many other countries to destroy the world several times over.
While we have signed/are part of the NNPT and cannot give away or trade our weapons or their technology to others, outside of certain NNPT members, it doesn’t give us the right to attack or police countries who may or may not have nuclear weapons not signed on for the NNPT.
If we are to be worried about any country’s nuclear weapons, it’s Pakistan or North Korea. However, this paranoid behavior of who has nuclear weapons (WMDs) and who will use them will lead to a lot of misinformation and even more fear mongering.
As a final note, I would like to say thank you, Dr. Paul, for not buying into this fear mongering ideology that has gripped so many people in this country, elected and un-elected alike.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
2 
0
What is the Samson option fool!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
If we are talking about the same Samson Option, it is Israel’s threat, with unknown backing, that if a country seeks to use nuclear or conventional means to wipe them out and they are in the verge of destruction, they will use nuclear force on as a final act of mass retaliation.
Much the same, our nuclear weapons are to deter nuclear attacks on us and our Allies. Both Israel and the US do not have ‘no first use’ policies however.
America has a defensive use policy, but we have stated that we would use nuclear weapons against a country, regardless of its nuclear weapon capabilities, to defend/in retaliation to an attack on our land or the land of our Allies. Israel has stated it would only use its “Samson Option” as a last ditch effort and that they would not be the first country in the Middle East to introduce nuclear weapons to the area.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ron Paul with all the detail…
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I love it when they let him explain himself in detail. He’s so good at it.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I lost what little respect I had for Rick Santorum for acting like a DOUCHE BAG towards Mr. Paul.. Shame on you Rick! I thought you had more class than that. Acting like a bully gets you no where.. Ron Paul 2012!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
ronald reagan delt with the iranians and soviets, today he would be considered anti- american. isnt there something wrong with that?
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Santorum and the rest of that phony bunch ought to know better than to mess with a truth teller.. End of story! Ron Paul 2012!!!!!!!!!!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ron,
Another great interview, always enjoy hearing you speak. Keep fighting the good fight.
-Much love from Michigan!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
lol Des Moines got some weird people . GO RON PAUL!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
wheres the rest of the interview? is there more or did they cut him off after saying “we have time for a few more questions”?
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Stop all wars, stop all foreign aid. Take a look at the live online US Debt clock and tell me what you think America’s number one priority should be..
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
RON PAUL.. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!! FINALLY SOMEONE WE CAN TRUST!!! SOMEONE WISE WHO MAKES SENSE…. SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T LIE.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
He is a Republican who thinks like a Democrat
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
He is a Republican who thinks like a Democrat
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ron Paul 2012
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ron Paul 2012
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Wow. Fox is obsessed with Israel. No issues pertaining to the United States and the preservation of the American people. 100% is about preserving those selfish parasites.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0