by Andrew Kirell Mediaite
Last night, we reported on the Republican National Conventions tribute video for Rep. Ron Paul, full of praise for the outspoken sorta-libertarian who has done an exceptional amount to change the conversation in Washington. The video featured various Republicans heaping praise on the outgoing congressman for his consistency, his fiscal responsibility, and his dedication to never backing down on his principles.
Let me be a downer here and say: The GOP isnt fooling anyone.
Its clear the party is at least somewhat afraid of losing the Paulites to Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson (or Obama, or non-voting), and this tribute video much like the partys newfound respect for Paul came off as an overproduced attempt to save face with a group the stodgy, fickle GOP has mistreated, ignored, and wished away over the last five years.
The video made frequent mention of Pauls efforts to reduce the federal deficit and added boilerplate praise for his fiscal responsibility and never back down-ness, but it conveniently glossed over the many important issues that have made Paul so attractive to his followers issues that the Republican Party seems entirely unwilling to incorporate into their platform.