September 2, 2008 04:59 PM

By Brian C. Mooney, Globe Staff

MINNEAPOLIS -- As Republicans gathered in St. Paul to get their convention on track today, thousands of devotees of Ron Paul, the Texas congressman who lost a bid for the GOP presidential nomination and became an irritant to John McCain, held an all-day counter convention across the Mississippi River.

Democrats and Republicans alike were verbally abused by speakers at the "Rally for the Republic" at the Target Center, the home of the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA.

The irregular band of libertarian-leaning activists heard author Bill Kauffman say "there are a lot more of us than there are Dick Cheneys, and he knows it, that's why he sleeps in his bunker."

Thomas Woods, an author and professor, derided the major party candidates as "McBama," and Doug Wead, an author-historian, who worked in the White House of the first President Bush, declared: "I say to the Republicans across the river, come home, come back. This is where you started, these are your roots. Join the campaign for liberty."

Wead received a standing ovation from the several thousand in the arena.

Commentator Sean Hannity may be the darling of the right, but when he appeared twice on a video clip after the Fox News Channel presidential debate early this year, he was roundly booed both times by the assemblage.

Besides Paul, who is to address his supporters tonight, scheduled speakers included from Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, former Minnesota governor and professional wrestler Jesse Ventura, Howard Phillips, chairman of the Conservative Caucus, and John McManus, president of the ultraconservative John Birch Society.

2 comments so far...

1. God help America. It's sad to see a nation so asleep as to allow the hijacking our our nation through the sold out Replicrats. Please look at what has caused 15,000+ Americans to travel from all 50 states and Europe to attend. Ron Paul is on to something and if YOU don't take the time to find out, YOU will be responsible for the downfall of this once-great nation.

Posted by Bill, a political patriot September 2, 08 05:20 PM


2. I've been watching the Rally for the Republic today on CSPAN-2. Wow, what a great convention! As ticked off as I'd been at Tucker Carlson for what he did during the presidential campaign, seemingly to intentionally damage Ron Paul's image, Carlson has been a very inspiring speaker on behalf of Ron Paul today! Jesse Ventura, for all of his roughness around the edges, was very pointed in his speech as well. Great event all around!

Posted by Darryl September 2, 08 05:50 PM


http://www.boston.com/news/politics/pol ... es_hi.html