Transcript
Larry Kudlow: That’s right, folks. My lead story tonight is an exclusive interview with Congressman Ron Paul, he’s still very much a factor in the Republican race. And the sizzle story today is the shocking charge that Ron Paul has an alliance with Mitt Romney that could lead to his son, Senator Rand Paul, being installed as the Romney vice-president. Take a listen to all this.
Joining us exclusively now is Texas Republican Congressman, and presidential candidate, Ron Paul. Dr. Paul, welcome back to the show, as always, sir. Let me begin with this: Rick Santorum was whining this morning on the Laura Ingraham Radio Show, he was whining that you are attacking him too much, and you never attack Mitt Romney, and he’s accusing you of having an alliance with Mitt Romney. What’s your reaction to that? I thought this would be a great spot for you to respond to this Santorum business.
Ron Paul: Well, if anybody would check the records very carefully, you know, I’ve had Mitt in the ads as well, or earlier on, and I called him a flip-flopper and all these things. But I think it’s partially strategy, if I have to compete against Mitt Romney, I have to take away the votes from the other people who are competing with me. So it’s a bit of strategy, but it’s also because he’s topping the polls right now and I’m very honest about his voting record, it wasn’t like I made it up. And I try very hard to stick to the voting record when I criticize him, but he really wasn’t a real good conservative.
Larry Kudlow: That’s the thing, you called him a fake during the debate, and I wondered if you’d expand on that thought?
Ron Paul: Well, it was whether or not I would defend it, because that’s in our ad, because he pretends he’s the most conservative and he’s the conservative alternative to Romney but, philosophically, I don’t see a whole lot of difference. But Rick has gotten himself into more trouble because he was the whip, and when he said he was a team player, that was one of the things that has annoyed me the most. Because when they’re whipping you and they think they can get your vote, they finally come down. The ultimate test is for the speaker to come to somebody in the House and say, “You got to do it, you got to be part of the team. And this is what Santorum was saying, “It’s a team thing”. And I think that’s what is wrong that’s what I said in the debates, I think that’s what’s wrong with Washington. I said, “No, it isn’t, it’s good economic policy, good foreign policy, follow the oath of office, follow your promises. But it’s not to go along to get along and to participate”. I don’t know if you’ve recognized over the years, when we have a Republican president, the Republican Congress sort of whips out. Right now, I vote much more with the Republicans in the Congress, but when we had a Republican president, that wasn’t the case. And I think when Santorum was there, he had to defend the moderate policy of a moderate president, and that’s how he gets himself into trouble. But to claim that he’s a real sound fiscal conservative, I think that’s where I think he’s faking it.
Larry Kudlow: Let me take this up; okay, he’s faking it. My friend, Joe Scarborough, former House member (you probably know him), has been speculating and ruminating that you do have an alliance with Mr. Romney. But Scarborough’s take is, and I want to get your reaction to this, that it’s about your son, Senator Rand Paul. Because there could be a deal that Rand Paul will go under a Romney ticket as vice president, or would serve in a position in the cabinet in a Romney administration. So now we’ve gone from a potential from whining from Santorum to an alliance between you and Romney in order to get Senator Rand Paul a job as VP, or a cabinet secretary. Your reaction to that train of thinking?
Ron Paul: Well, I don’t think my son needs my help to get him a job. Besides, I think that’s a distraction from Rick’s performance, because he knows now that he was knocked down a few points and, therefore he has to distract from that and say it was something sinister or some type of alliance, and the media likes that kind of stuff. But the truth is, Rand and I have never had a talk along those lines, about what our political strategy is, because there really isn’t any. There are times when different candidates align themselves in different ways depending on what states they’re in, but I have to admit, it’s been easier to talk. My staff has an easier time talking to Mitt Romney and, of course, I’ve known him for a long time and at least we’re respectful to each other, which is a little bit different with what happens with the other candidates.
Larry Kudlow: But you can’t say there is no clear alliance between you and Mr. Romney?
Ron Paul: Absolutely not, because it would be foolish on his part and I think I did hear something this morning when they were interviewing Governor Pawlenty, and they were saying, “Yea, there is some conspiracy and there’s a backroom deal. And I thought Pawlenty cleared it up pretty well, he said, “If you think Ron Paul is going to do a backroom deal, you got another thought coming”, something along those lines
Larry Kudlow: Alright, we’ll leave it all there, I just want you to be clear and go on the record on that. Let me ask you, I want to talk taxes, you and I often talk about the Fed and money and so forth, but I thought we’d talk taxes this evening. Romney has come out with his 20% across-the-board tax cut, I wonder what’s your thoughts about it. And I wonder, especially, sir, specifically, what does your tax reform plan look like?
Ron Paul: Well, my ultimate goal would, of course, be to get rid of the income tax and get rid of the corporate tax, but you know that’s a ways off. Because you’d have to change the role of government, you’d have to change the attitude that we police the world and we have an entitlement system. But when I look at a bill or a proposal like that, if I have to accept it or reject it up or down, anything that lowers taxes, I’m for. In any way whatsoever, I’m going to lower taxes, but I’m always willing to cut the spending as well.
Larry Kudlow: But have you set any targets on the way to getting rid of the income tax, a to be desired. But in the mean time, Romney now has a top rate of 28%, Santorum has a top rate at 28%, Gingrich has a flat tax option with 15%. Have you ever pinpointed any of those specifics?
Ron Paul: Well, anything that’s lower. I aim for 0%. If they want 28%, I want 25%, if they want 25%, I’m going to aim for 20%. But that is secondary to the spending, so we have to deal with the whole program. But I think what was in my proposal was a corporate tax of 15%. But it doesn’t give us the answer, it’s this whole attitude that we have to collect all these revenues, and if we don’t collect the revenues, we have debt. So that’s why we have to address the spending and the deficit.
Larry Kudlow: But let me just dwell for a moment on the dollar. Oil prices, as you well know, are surging again, gasoline prices are surging. A lot of people are blaming it on a potential crisis with Iran, some people are blaming it because we don’t drill enough. I just want to ask you from your perspective, your Austrian free market view and your sound money view, is it possible that the chronic rise in the price of oil is because of the chronic devaluation or weakness or lack of confidence in the dollar? Is the dollar the key to the oil prices, or are there other external factors?
Ron Paul: No, I think the dollar is the key, but there’re the other factors, too; the Iranian crisis and the potential that the war is going to start there. So I always look to the oil price as maybe some serious talk behind the scenes that they’re actually getting ready to do something, which scares the living daylights out of me.
Larry Kudlow: Let me just ask you quickly, you mentioned that you’re scared to death about what Iran might do, there could be war in the Middle East. You are known for your non-interventionist foreign policy. If Iran did declare war in the Middle East, if Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, which might drive oil prices, at least temporarily, to $200 a barrel, would you, as President Paul, take any action against Iran in those events?
Ron Paul: Well, first off, there’s zero chance of that happening, they’re not suicidal, they’re under the gun, they’re surrounded by 45 United States Air Bases and military bases around there country with the navy over there. So they’re not going to commit suicide. And they haven’t even threatened to closed down the Strait of Hormuz unless they’re attacked, they’re trying to say, “Look, you better be careful, or we might retaliate” But I don’t think they will then, too, because they’re going to lose as much as we would lose, because they have to export their oil as well. But the foolishness of this is driving the Iranians into the arms of the Chinese. First we have a new government in Iraq, and it’s not all that friendly, it’s breaking down, and we’ve driven Iraq into the arms of the Iranians, and the Iranians into the arms of the Chinese. The Chinese are making a lot of money from us, and what are they doing with it? They’re investing it around the world, they’re investing in oil and energy in Iran, in Africa and different places. So I think our policy is just foolhardy.
Larry Kudlow: Alright, I’m going to leave it there. Congressman Ron Paul, as always, sir, we enjoyed interviewing you, all the best on the campaign trail.
Ron Paul: Thank you, Larry.
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RON PAUL!
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RON PAUL OR NONE AT ALL!
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romney SUCKS
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Wouldnt shock me in the least. Paul will likely figure it’s still the best move to get a foot in the White house and have an effect on the policy. Hope its not true.
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… RON PAUL 2012, theres nothing wrong with trying
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why do we need to leave the country to make a new constitution when we already think the one we have is perfectly fine? its you fuckers who keep fucking with it.
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both the republican AND democratic party have some seriously fucked up ideas.
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To all Ron Paul Supporters out there. I have seen us at times harass or belittle other candidate supporters. It is contrary to what Congressman Paul would have you do. Please show respect for others regardless of who they are. If you want to show them up use facts and respectful candor. If you earn their respect you may earn a vote for Ron. Some of them come here misguided to harass lets show them the character that Ron and us really have.
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Paul’s victory speech? You are more naive than a 4 year old. I’m a democrat and love Paul. He has a lot of democrat beliefs. What? We shouldn’t be at war in the middle east? We were called unpatriotic for saying that shit a few years ago. Paul is part of a really F’d up party though that keeps moving further to the right and can’t check themselves. Paul will not be the nominee. That’s a fact. Sorry people but posting videoes and then commenting RON PAUL 2012 and pressing Like doesn’twinelections
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doesn’t matter what ron paul says if romney says deal theres a deal
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I can’t wait to hear Ron Paul’s victory speech. He’s the only president I’ll go in person to listen to. 2012 is Ron Paul’s.
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Not at all. I think he’s a very smart man who has done his part to educate a portion of the American people, mostly people registered Republican, but I’m sure there are some Democrats out there who learned something from him as well.
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Hint: Do a bit more research into Somalia.
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You think all the incredible things he’s brought to so many people’s attention wasn’t worth it?
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Once Ron Paul libertarians like yourself get to Somalia you guys can draft your own Libertarian Somali Constitution and have Paul as undisputed leader and the President of Somalia. Libertarian think tank Von Mises Institute even praised Somalia for its govt free status ( mises.org/daily/2066 ).
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You really just asked that? Have you ever hear of this cool document called the Constitution? You, are starting to sound like a traitor. Yea, thats in there too. Have a good read.
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Why not Paul supporters just leave the US and move to Somalia. It is the most libertarian nation in the world.
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Safer for you to stay in your made-up fantasy world. How can you even breathe with an IQ that low? Much less cross the street by yourself… Always need a hand out, don’t you? You are welcome to leave the US whenever you like. We aren’t holding you hostage.
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Disgraced former Speaker of the House is having better luck than your candidate in Primaries which gives an idea on how much primary voters detest Paul.
Yeea..”Gold Standard” “End the Fed” “North American Superhighway”……in your dreams hopeless loser.
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6?? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! Try 60%+ in Missouri alone. wow, you like inventing stuff, don’t you? Even Anderson Cooper and John King have announced this.
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yes 6% candidate will lead you to grand victory
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Another scared troll. Don’t feed the trolls like this WorldTravelDude. Like Thumper said, WAYYYY to easy to disprove that “off the top of your head” comment.
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Are you trying to paint Paul as some fresh face in Congress and in Washington ? You have to explain where did he spend last few decades ?
Primary voters have better idea than your unsuccessful hogwash.
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FREE for All! Howdy Folks!
Right Now, you can get a swell New ebook with lots of pics absolutely FREE! It’s called;
“100+ Quotable Quotes By & About Dr. Ron Paul~ A Real Amer-I-Can!” Compiled by Steve Nelson
This book is available right now at: Smashwords (dot) com
So go there and search that title and just download your FREE ebook!
Do it Today!
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FREE for All! Howdy Folks!
Right Now, you can get a swell New ebook with lots of pics absolutely FREE! It’s called;
“100+ Quotable Quotes By & About Dr. Ron Paul~ A Real Amer-I-Can!” Compiled by Steve Nelson
This book is available right now at: Smashwords (dot) com
So go there and search that title and just download your FREE ebook!
Do it Today!
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he always has the best responses.” my son doesnt need my help getting a job” effin priceless.
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Romney is going to need Ron Paul at the brokered convention. Good time to broker a freer America.
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I think it was a dumb thing posting this on an american republican video, ouch.
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I am Russian myself and I do know a few things about communists. Communists are made communists by their economical policies, by Marx, it is possible to build socialism, yet still have a democratic government.
Personally, in my honest opinion, the best way to do this is to create a mixed economy, but, I doubt this is the only way. I know quite a lot of communism supporters. The ideas are great, but the methods is what matters.
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Seriously, you have no idea. The nazis were far right. They’re completely the opposite to communists. Just because a government is totalitarian, don’t automatically assume they’re “evil” left-wing socialists. There can be corporatist or capitalist dictators and tyrants too. A little thing called “fascism”.
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fuck ron paul. how many states has he won? one insignificant one. lmaooo
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VivaMessico is a good example of a Ron Paul fan, with “fan” being short for “fanatic.” As he says himself, he believes he should be allowed to kill people he disagrees with politically, suggests others he disagrees with kill themselves, and responds to people by calling them “dim-witted cretins”. It’s good for the rest of use to see what the Ron Paul fan base is truly about. Thanks to VivaMessico for educating the rest of us on that fact.
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ObamaRomney is one agenda. Mormonism from it’s inception was named “The Islam of America” for its violence and polygamy. Mormonism mocks word meanings, creates lies from whole cloth, like The Book of Mormon & Abraham Papyrus then pass them off as Moral Truths to use Against you. Their polygamy “nullifies all non Mormon marriages & contracts”, defines innocent blood & threatens wives with death for non compliance. Mormons Swear Oaths to “Avenge the blood of the prophet on this nation and people
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SELL OUT!
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not having a formal, possibly illegal deal with romney doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist. Actions speak louder than words and the fact is while a teary eyed paul attacked the staypuff marshmallow candidate gingrich over draft deferments he never brought up the fact F-A-C-T that romney hid out in france during vietnam! What a sell out and liar paul is. You don’t skate over those facts without reason.fact is paul is chicken to bring the subject up in fear of mitt attacking him over the newsletters
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This petition, is about abolishing the Federal reserve & TO bring GOLD & Silver back to our money. I hope you will sign it and share it on your social media. wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/!/petition/abolish-federal-reserve-act-1913-abide-coinage-act-1792-which-makes-only-gold-silver-copper-money/72CHSV9k
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I really don’t blame the Repbulican party for intentionally misleading the American public. They all have their heads up their erse so far they can’t hear what they are saying.
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I really don’t blame the Repbulican party for intentionally misleading the American public. They all have their heads up their erse so far they can’t hear what they are saying.
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You ignorant PaulTards, the time has come for Ron Paul to quit again and for you idiots to come support Honest Mitt Romney. We need you PaulTards to vote for for Mitt so we can make that loser Rick Santorum lose the nomination also. Mitt has earned your vote. Bishop Romney is a Mormon and very rich. Do not be jealous and envious of his great wealth. Mitt is supported by Wall Street Investors, our Global Banking System and our wonderful Federal Reserve. You PaulTards owe Mitt your support.
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