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.
—
This is a rush transcript. If you notice any errors please report them using the “Help improve this post” link at the bottom of this post.
Processing your request, Please wait....
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!
»crosslinked«
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
he always has the best responses.” my son doesnt need my help getting a job” effin priceless.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Romney is going to need Ron Paul at the brokered convention. Good time to broker a freer America.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I think it was a dumb thing posting this on an american republican video, ouch.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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”.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
fuck ron paul. how many states has he won? one insignificant one. lmaooo
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
SELL OUT!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
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.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It’s unfortunate that the current system makes it impossible for third parties to become elected. I know it’s not what RP supporters want to hear, but it’s the truth. It will be Romney and Obama in the end and Obama will become a two term president because the GoP is so fragmented and disjointed right now. I actually agree with RP on many issues including foreign policy and the “war on drugs”. However all he will do in the end is take votes away from Mitt Romney.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Thumbs up if you’d support Ron Paul in the presidential election as a LIBERTARIAN
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I love how in the beginning they get it right about Santorum…prison bitch!! When I interview for a job and am asked if Im a “team player” I love to respond with…”I will do what is necessary to see that (my) particular goals are met in the field.” And you would be suprised at how they think I said “our”. And bamb! I’m hired! {it happened twice in the last 8 years} Thank you Pfizer!
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
How is he a Republican?
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The Atlanteans(basques/catalans) gave birth to the mother civilization of mankind, the Ancient Greeks. Plato, Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Parmenides, Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Pericles, Hypatia, Cleopatra, Alexander the Great were descendants of Atlanteans, hence their level of intelligence…they WERENT originally greek etc..damn glory hunters.
pass it on,this will be known, ill see to it cheatin motherfuckers
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ron Paul said he would have voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He also opposes women’s rights, workers’ rights, earned benefits, sensible regulation, and environmental protections. (Look at the pro-pollution work of his son Rand.) He gave a keynote address to the racist John Birch Society in 2008. And as his anti-choice position demonstrates, he’s not even a true libertarian.
Also, can we say 4th place, even just among the lousy Republicans?
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
What scares the Republicans the most is that Barack Obama is the best President that has ever occupied the white house. A faithful family man whose decison making is stellular. I love this President. Finally, America has a great leader, a great business man that is bringing America back with respect throughout the world. Obama has certainly earned the respect of all Americans. Republicans got no game, can’t sing, or shoot hoops.I would gladly support Barack for a third and fourth term.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Liberalism/Libertarianism recognize that “good” & “moral” are highly subjective & arbitrary terms which mean different things for different people. Therefore, individuals have the right to decide what is “good” for themselves & the state has no authority to impose any “public good” or “morality” on individuals. A Libertarian Constitutional Republic protects the Rights of the Few from Tyranny of the Majority who seek to impose their idea of what is “good” on individuals who believe differently.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
PLEASE take the time out to head to my channel front page and click the link to take the PLEDGE to carry on your supprt for Ron Paul.
If you’re subscribed to his newsletter you will have already got this email anyway on March 8th.
Let him know where you stand, so that it’s NOT just Internet hype as the media portrays it too be.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Everyone ive started this new group on fb called “FreeActivists” where you can chat with other people about freedom and liberties with other people who care to know. Please come and support I just started out.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
1. Romney
2. Santorum
3. Gingrich
4. Paul
Why would he want to be the one who gets crushed in Nov. anyway?
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
is it a felony to write Ron Paul 2012 on the voting screen if they dont give me an opportunity to vote for him anyways?
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Everyone should read Ron Paul’s The Banks vs The Constitution: harvard-jlpp(dot)com/33-2/465.pdf
There are already many FDIC regulations and many laws are pushed through by corporate lobbyists seeking to create a monopoly, drive up costs & eliminate competition.
Regulations can not prevent a Great Recession because the root of the problem is not lack of regulations, but unsound Monetary Policy, inflation, and a US fed govt that operates in the interests of big corporations & central banks.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Rick Santurom is a damb trojan just put there to take votes away from ron paul
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ron Paul is in fourth place even in the lousy Republican primary and well on his way back to TX.
Really, America does not want a regressive candidate who is anti-choice, who told Chris Matthews he would have voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964, who opposes sensible regulation (designed to prevent another Great Recession) and a social safety net, and whose son is every polluter’s best friend in the Senate.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Some racist samples:
Dec 1989 “Racial Violence Will Fill Our Cities” because “mostly black welfare recipients will feel justified in stealing from mostly white ‘haves.’
Aug 1992 “Rep. Barbara Jordan (D) TX is the archetypal half-educated victimologist.”
Dr. Ron Paul:”It wasn’t my language at all. Other people help me with my newsletter as I travel around. I think the one on Barbara Jordan was the saddest thing, because Barbara and I served together and actually she was a delightful lady.”
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It’s quite sad that sincere and well intended Ron Paul supporters actually believe that a man who’s pushing 80 could actually change Washington and usher in a free market utopia. Ron Paul wouldn’t be able to accomplish a damn thing because the system is forever fixed, eternally corrupt, and will remain loyal to corporate fascism until it collapses. Americans are too complacent to vote for an honest candidate. The system must collapse and millions must suffer to bring about real change.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
1996 likes vs 23 dislikes! now check out romney’s likes/dislikes.
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
someone should make a ron paul 2012 video like how they did with kony to help him become more well known
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Kony 2012
Report this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0