2008: Why Ron Paul isn't the Republicans' Mike Gravel

The question is asked, by the same people surprised by the rise of Mike Huckabee, why Ron Paul is still around. He's polling in single digits, he's way outside the GOP mainstream, yet he's raising more money than an internet IPO and there is a handmade "Who Is Ron Paul?" sign on every light pole in the country. Here's why:

1) He opposes the occupation of Iraq in particular and liberal imperialism in general.
2) He energizes those dissatisfied with the sorry quality of the Republican candidates. Unlike his cohort:

a) He's honest. Wrong on nearly every count, but not disingenuous about where he stands.
b) He's intelligent. Wrong on nearly every count, but able to make a case for most of his program.
c) He's articulate. Speaks clearly and to the point.
d) He's consistent. Ron Paul of today is Ron Paul of twenty years go.
e) He would actually dismantle the federal government: the revenge of generations of Republicans who voted for smaller government and got bloated bureaucracies and massive deficits instead.
f) (Did I mention?) He's against the war.

3) He inspires romantic longings. David. Don Quixote. Robin Hood. The Lone Ranger.
4) A $10 contribution via PayPal is a relatively easy way to Stick It to the Man.
5) He has a blimp. Who doesn't love a guy with a blimp?