Nov. 23, 2011

Matt Drudge knows a thing or two about hot topics – how to recognize them and how to create a buzz.

So it’s noteworthy that following Tuesday debate in Washington, the top story on the internationally famous Drudge Report was a well-written Christian Science Monitor analysis of Ron PaulRon Paul’s chances in the Jan. 3 Iowa Caucuses and beyond. What is especially interesting is that even though Drudge had post-debate stories from the entire Web to choose from, he chose a two-day old piece that focuses on how it is “too soon” to write Paul off.

Way too soon. In fact, you can bet that if Ron Paul somehow fails to win the GOP nomination, a lot of people will be writing him in if that’s what it takes to cast their vote for the Texas congressman.

The Punditty Project is not privy to Drudge’s editorial decision-making process, but after watching the debate, the Monitor piece may well have been picked to lead the page because Drudge can see where the race is leading. Dr. Paul dominated the D.C. debate on national security and foreign policy, rising above the field like the forward-thinking “adult in the room” that he is. Paul will win the Iowa Caucuses on Jan. 3 because when all is said and done, he is the only Republican candidate – apart from the manipulatively marginalized former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson – who is actually offering a fresh approach to the same stale problems that have plagued the U.S. for decades.

Drudge’s decision to lead with the Monitor piece is a great example of editorial foresight. In a Nov. 18 report, TPP ran a column explaining why Paul will win the Iowa Caucuses. As the entire Republican field sees their numbers rise and fall like so many worthless pieces of wind-blown junk mail, Paul’s base has not eroded. Now, in spite of widespread media snobbery toward his campaign and high-profile media personalities like Glenn Beck railing against him, the truth of Paul’s message is breaking through into public awareness and finding a very receptive electorate.

With a pre-debate poll showing Paul now in the lead in Iowa with a solid 25 percent of likely Republican Caucus-goers supporting him, look for Paul to buck the “Flavor of the Month” trend that has plagued the GOP candidates this debate season. Paul’s detractors will continue to bash him as the caucus date approaches, but with a consistent record based on the principle that the United States of America does its best when freedom reigns, Paul will withstand the onslaught.

Paul does not have the same character weaknesses that plague the likes of Texas Gov. Rick PerryRick Perry, former Federal Reserve executive and Godfather Pizza CEO Herman CainHerman Cain and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. And while he’s not as slick as former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt RomneyMitt Romney, he is far more attuned to the will of the voters. When all is said and done, unless Johnson can miraculously get noticed by Republican voters, Paul’s growing band of Liberty-minded loyal supporters will carry him to the GOP convention in Tampa with a very real chance of winning the party’s nomination.

At some point, the nation’s punditocracy will have to acknowledge Paul as a serious contender. Drudge, as he has been many times before, is simply ahead of the curve.