The Age of Ron Paul

Jo Jo was a man who thought he was a loner
But he knew it couldn't last
--The Beatles

Juan Williams argues that the conversation inside the Republican party is being shaped to a large degree by Ron Paul. Williams admits to some amazement in stating so, but he thinks that the GOP has to seriously cope with what he calls 'the Age of Ron Paul.'

It's easy to be surprised. After all, Ron Paul has been mocked, dismissed, etc by partisans on both sides of the aisle for decades.

On the other hand, look at the essence of Ron Paul's message. Our country was conceived in liberty, but we've been ceding that liberty away. Unless we institute policies that better align with the freedom ideals (free markets, limited markets, fiscal responsibility), then the future of this country is in doubt. That message, it seems, is resonating with ever greater numbers of Americans. Last fall, that message was reflected in behavior at the ballot box.

As Ron Paul's message gains traction among the citizenry, the GOP is being forced to cope. We noted early last year that many Republicans were likely riding the coat tails of the Tea Party movement despite not having much ideologically in common w/ Tea Party philosophy. If the Tea Party movement gained traction, we suggested, then the Republican party would face a cross roads.

That cross roads may have arrived. Neocons are beginning to place anti Ron Paul commentary in some interesting venues.

However, as much as Republican hardliners might dislike the Tea Party and its 'Father,' they surely understand the risk involved with dismissing Ron Paul outright. The risk is that the party breaks in two, with Tea Party partisans moving to form their own party.

Should the libertarian message continue to resonate among the people, the Republican Party will either need to reinvent itself, or face self-destruction.