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The debate was the first time I have seen Ron Paul personally. I must admit that his supporters are very vocal, while a small minority. It is very apparent that he believes in what he says. There is no "political" spin of any kind. You either agree with him or not. He doesn't care. He just wants what he believes is best for the country.

In many of his libertarian ways, I agree with him. I agree that something is either right or wrong. That the constitution is the constitution, as written, and in plain terms. That it is not subject to "interpretation" based on current values. That the interpretation can only be changed by constitutional amendment.

However, his interpretations seem somewhat extreme in many cases. His statements on national security seemed to contradict his position. That the founding fathers, despite their many written and recorded statements of intent, never intended us to protect ourselves beyond our shores, regardless of changes in technology, geopolitical situation or weaponology. While he truely believes this, he needs to go back a study their writings further A few examples;

"Let us recollect that peace or war will not always be left to our option; that however moderate or unambitious we may be, we cannot count upon the moderation, or hope to extinguish the ambition of others."  Alexander Hamilton January 1788

"On every question of construction carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed."  Thomas Jefferson June 12, 1823

"To judge from the history of mankind, we shall be compelled to conclude that the fiery and destructive passions of war reign in the human breast with much more powerful sway than the mild and beneficent sentiments of peace;and that to model our political systems upon speculations of lasting tranquillity would be to calculate on the weaker springs of human character."  Alexander Hamilton January 1788

"There is a rank due to the United States, among nations, which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it: if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready for war." George Washington December 1793

Of final note, in the exchange with Gov. Huckabee, the Congressman was outclassed.