The Coming Barr-Paul Political Alliance?

One of the great fears of the McCain campaign (and, conversely, a tightly held hope of Barack Obama) is that libertarian Bob Barr could somehow turn his campaign into a vote-siphoning, moderately influential electoral force.

Those fears rest, in large part, on Barr tapping into the grassroots efforts and fundraising apparatus of the libertarian community's true love: Ron Paul, the Texas Republican who raised copious amounts of campaign cash during the Republican primary and, in some states, earned a sizable chunk of the vote.

On Tuesday, a step was made down that road. Tucked into the Associated Press daily calendar of events was this little nugget:

Ron Paul supporters attempt Bob Barr money bomb. Money Bomb for Libertarian Presidential nominee Bob Barr, organized by supporters of former Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul. Similar efforts for the Republican Congressman saw him break single day fundraising records during his Presidential bid.

Could this be the first major step in a political collaboration? Alas, the official answer seems to be no (though with a tinge of hope).

"This is something that [Paul's] are doing independently of the campaign," said Audrey Mullen, a spokeswoman for Barr. "We are not involved we are not coordinating, but certainly we are delighted that they are doing it... We don't know these people who are doing this money bomb thing and we didn't ask them to."

Still, events likes these may be worth keeping note of. For starters, if Barr is able to tap into Paul's money-raising connections, he could go a long way towards making a dent in McCain's vote totals. And the Obama campaign, in a memo sent to reporters, is clearly counting on Barr contributing to Democratic victories in several states.

Already Paul and Barr seem to be edging towards a pseudo-alliance. According to Mullen, the two have spoke to each other recently. Paul, moreover, has praised Barr in public; and the Georgia congressman has returned the platitudes:

"Congressman Ron Paul has fought tirelessly in both the Libertarian Party and the Republican Party to minimize government power and maximize individual liberty," said Barr, in mid-June. "I want to thank him for all that he has done for liberty in this nation, and encourage him to continue his fight through whatever avenues he sees fit."

Comments

[tajitj]

Call is what you want. Many Paul supporters will vote for him. Based on the fact that McCain and Obama talk of zero substance. This biggest issues facing us are never seriously looked. The two now have the same position on the war and FISA.

Barr offers a voice about different issues, nothing wrong with that.

[CruiseCarter]

The differences between McCain and Obama are minimal, when you consider that both believe big government can save you from yourself, and that we can save other nations from themselves as well. I will not play along with the game of lesser of two evils, as I believe that is part of what has plunged this nation into the mess we find ourselves today.

Please visit bobbarr2008.com and give liberty a voice in the Presidential debates and beyond.

[lvogt]

While the primary philosophy of libertarianism is... I've got mine, you can go die in the street,
I do admire Barr and Paul's support of the Constitution.

[barackobama4prez]

Wow, I guess people easily forget the color of BHO's skin. He is NOT gonna win this without appealing to more than just liberals. Why would dems go through this long primary and want him to lose? Lose he will if he only gets support from the left.

[lvogt]

More people in this country call themselves, somewhat conservative.
More people in this country actually support liberal policies when asked about them one at a time.
This is a testament to the degree which the media has promoted conservatives.

[closetodemfection]

Throw HRC in as an Independent and THEN we have an exciting five candidate race!

[Retrofuturistic]

I hope someone comes along, now that Obama is supporting faith-based initiatives and I can't vote for him....

[iblis]

Go Ralph Go!

[iblis]

Dont forget the great RALPH NADER! Before u far left wing 'jobs lather ur selves into an orgasm, here is some news to ponder. The latest CNN poll shows the race gets even tighter when the two most prominent third-party presidential candidates are considered. In a four way match-up that includes independent candidate Ralph Nader and Libertarian candidate Bob Barr, Obama's lead over McCain dwindles to 3 percentage points, 46 percent to 43 percent from a 50-45 percent divide. (Nader registers 6 percent while Barr gets 3 percent.)

[Alfannell]

Run Bob Run!

[KarlaElisa]

I am quite sad that Ron Paul can't go the distance. He certainly was MY first choice.

[HuffPoJim]

If every Obama supporter sent $30 to Bob Barr -- he would have $51MM to siphon off votes from McCain. Barr might then be able to poll over 15% getting him into the debates!

[ouroborous]

Yes, but doing that would be doing the same thing that we were pissed at the Republicans for doing with Hillary.

How is it okay when it serves us, but not okay when it opposes us?

[Pollitrix]

Bob Barr's VP Wayne Allyn Root

[mediamarv]

I personally like the combination. It would scare the MSM shirtless cause they would not know how to deal with them, that is, no easy to follow narrative. The media would actually hve to so some work and figure out what's going on.
Don't wait for it.

[estevancarlos]

I may opt for Barr if he's on the ticket.

[wilburr0g]

Why so much c e n s o r s h i p here? Its almost like you can't mention B a r r , P a u l , Mc R a g e , etc.

[fraterm]

Count yourself lucky were you on RedState or even Wonkette you'd be banned at the first sign of dissent from the echo chambers mob directive.

[Titonwan]

I always believed a third party was a good idea. A hundred party system would be better. From the looks of the last two weeks or so, it looks like the real bosses have gotten to Obama. I worked long and hard for BO, but I'm going back to Paul. He's not even running anymore, but he never was really selling "change you could believe in" (not) but "Hey, did you guys know we have a Constitution, and it gives us rights?".