Ron Paul and the SC Straw Poll

Report From The South Carolina Straw Poll

Columbia, SC

The whirlwind of Presidential politics descended upon Columbia, South Carolina, on September 20th.

The event, a "stump meeting and straw poll," which was held by the Palmetto Family Council –– a sister organization to Dr. Dobson Focus on the Family –– attracted around 600 value-centric voters.

While candidates from both parties were invited, only the Republicans showed up or phoned in –– with the notable exception of Mayor Giuliani.

Four Republican candidates spoke live. The rest phoned in. Romney displayed his typical one-upmanship, by joining attendees via video message. If that wasn't enough, Romney also had a surrogate speaker.

Ron Paul might not have been in attendance, but his signs were everywhere. His supporters were measuring a perfect ten when it came to zealousness. Whenever a candidate finished speaking –– it literally did not matter who it was –– the Paulites would chant their candidate's name and wave his signs. Congressman Duncan Hunter even joked about the strong turnout for Paul, saying: "I've had my picture taken with at least a hundred Ron Paul supporters."

A series of boos were reserved for the absent Giuliani, who not only refused to attend, but did not phone in, send a pre-recorded message, or send a surrogate.

The two candidates who owned the night were Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. Together, they earned over 70% of the total votes cast.

(I will have footage of the debate, including Huckabee's speech and Paul's message, on Youtube by tomorrow. So please check back soon.)

Poll: Do you think that the recent New Hampshire Republican Debate was stacked against Ron Paul?

Poll Results

Do you think that the recent New Hampshire Republican Debate was stacked against Ron Paul?

Yes (He was clearly discriminated against) 83.33%
Somewhat (He wasn't the favorite) 0.00%
No (He was treated no worse than any other candidate) 16.67%