Did Ron Paul raise the standards for presidential candidates?

Question

I realize he isn't going to win. At this point he can't because he lost the Republican nomination. However, did he at least raise the standards for candidates? Did he plant a seed for the future of America, in which we don't believe we have to settle for the "lesser of two evils"? Will 2016's election be one where the voters are more open minded to third party candidates. I will be voting for Gary Johnson because my conscience would not allow me to vote for either Obama or Romney, but perhaps in 2016 I'll be able to vote for him (or a candidate like him) with a much more optimistic feeling in my gut :)

Update:

@Foghorn. I sure would love that. I just think 3 months isn't a very long time to get his name out there. But we will see what happens in November!! :)

? · Accepted Answer

Why wait till 2016 lets make it happen now.

Gary Johnson 2012

Anonymous · Answer

I sure hope so. He was destroyed by the mainstream media and crooked RNC rule breaking, but thanks to the internet the message still got out there and got a lot of people more educated and involved in state politics. I'll be voting for Johnson too, but it still seems to me like Obama is going to win reelection this year and if that happens then after four more years I wouldn't be surprised if even more people would be open to the idea of third party candidates. If Gary Johnson and Jill Stein were the main nominees, I'd bet the political discourse of this country would have a lot less to do with talking points and personal attacks, and more to do with the legitimate issues.

Thunderstruck · Answer

I tell you what. The biggest reason Ron Paul wasn't a serious contender is because of his stance on 9/11. If he didn't come out of LEFT field with that, he would have been a serious, serious contender. There's been too many sacrifices of blood and tears to bring that thoughtless BS opinion. If a third party candidate rose out of the ashes with a message that the majority of the country was interested in, they'd have a chance. I don't see anyone of interest that isn't a little too much on the fringe.

Amanda · Answer

As far as standards i don't really think so, but maybe starting a more growing trend for third parties it could be a possibility

Anonymous · Answer

I'd say so. I really disagree with Paul on his economic policy (which I like to call letting the inmates run the asylum), but he knows his history, he doesn't pander to this conservative "America is always right no matter what" rhetoric, he works with people across the aisle like Barney Frank, and he actually seems to have (Gasp!) principles. I'm pretty socialistic, but I'd probably keep Paul on my team in some capacity. Good luck topping him, GOP and Democrats.

? · Answer

He based his vision on lies. Why vote for a allusion?  Understand the facts of history then develop your opinion. Don't start with a opinion, and look for facts that fit and ignore those that don't

sunshine · Answer

ron paul is a radical

he would have abolished the dept of:
education
commerce
energy

he wants to end medicare and social security

? · Answer

No.

Did Ron Paul raise the standards for presidential candidates?

8 Answers