Paul-Romney Alliance: You Guys Thought I Was Crazy

Back in January, I speculated that Congressman Ron Paul and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney had some sort of deal cut. An unspoken one, of course, but one nonetheless. Both have been exceedingly kind to each other in the debates, with Romney deferring questions to Paul and Paul rarely directly attacking Romney. And when he does, it isn't in the same way he's taken on former Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Senator Rick Santorum, or Texas Governor Rick Perry. And Paul's attack ads are typically focused on the Not-Romney candidates and usually only mention Romney in passing. The Washington Post also has sources speculating what the Romney camp could offer Paul and his supporters in terms of the Republican Party platform, such as an audit of the Federal Reserve.

And you all thought I was crazy.

Since then, the New York Times has documented the personal bromance between the two candidates. And the morning after CNN's latest Presidential debate, what was on everyone's tongue was the unspoken Paul-Romney alliance. Santorum and his chief strategist both commented on it, with the strategist wandering out loud if Romney offered Paul a Vice Presidential nomination. Governor Perry commented that the alliance between Paul and Romney is "interesting". Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and talk radio host Rush Limbaugh have also recently noted how friendly the two candidates are to eachother. MSNBC host Joe Scarborough even called the deal "bizarre". Scarborough goes on to note that if the deal is real, it isn't likely to sit well with many Paul supporters.

And just think of the first two contests, and how much differently they would've played out if Ron Paul wasn't there.

Paul essentially acted as a firewall in both Iowa and New Hampshire. Finishing below Ron Paul was the kiss-of-death for Perry, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Even if their vote totals didn't increase, their placing would've, and that could've changed the dynamics in South Carolina, Florida, and so on.

I won't claim to understand why this alliance was formed, or how Paul will benefit from it.

But it sure is interesting to watch.

Ron Paul's "Collect Delegates" Strategy for Dummies

MSNBC talk show host Rachel Maddow recently had Doug Wead on to explain what exactly is Ron Paul's path to "victory", at least victory as defined by Ron Paul's campaign. Basically, it's to become a delegate at the precinct level, which then goes to the county, which then goes to the state, where the actual delegates are assigned for the national convention. And even though precincts might've voted a certain way, these delegates will pledge their support to Ron Paul.

It's very creative. There aren't enough caucus states for Paul to win a nomination. But if say, there were three other candidates in the race until the convention, it could lead to the first brokered convention in decades.

If the above video is taken down, it's also hosted on MSNBC's site.

Local Media Firm Hired by Ron Paul's Presidential Campaign

The Englehart Group, owned by my good friend Blair Englehart, has recently been hired by the presidential campaign of Ron Paul to do some video work for the campaign. Staff of the group will be leaving tomorrow morning to join Paul's presidential campaign in New Hampshire. Paul is campaigning in New Hampshire prior to the state's Presidential primary, which is the first in the nation. Paul placed a repsectable third in the recent Iowa caucuses.

You can monitor The Englehart Group's Facebook page where the videos will be posted over the next several days.

Congratulations to my friend, Blair, and all of the folks at the Group. They work hard and do great videos and will be competing with some of the best out there.