This video is from MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show, broadcast October 29, 2008.

 www.youtube.com/watch

Ron Paul: Obama won't pull troops out of Iraq

rawstory.com/news/2008/Ron_Paul_Obama_wont_pull_t roops_1030.html

David Edwards and Stephen C. Webster
Published: Thursday October 30, 2008

On Wednesday's Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, the rising-star host spoke with 'political phenom' Ron Paul, a popular Republican congressman from Texas, about whether or not the GOP is at an 'end.'

Paul, in arguing for a return to truly conservative ideals, espoused the belief that Obama will not be able to bring the troops home from Iraq within 16 months, as the Democratic candidate has promised.

Maddow's introduction detailed an article in Politico, which outlined a plan by senior Republicans to meet two days after the election and discuss a plan to "revive" the party.

"... Which is not something you typically plan to do if you think your nominee is gonna win the White House," said Maddow.

With looming electoral defeat and internal power struggles, what will become of the Republican party? This question in mind, Maddow introduced her guest.

"Why did you decide to stick with the Republican party straight through the primaries, and not try to be the nominee of the Constitution Party or the Libertarian Party this year?" she asked Rep. Paul.

"Mainly because the laws are very biased against some people doing that," he said. "Some won't even allow you to do it. The system is not very democratic for third parties and alternate choices. All the rules and all the laws are written by Republicans and Democrats, and it's very hard to get into debates.

"If I hadn't been in the Republican primary, I wouldn't get into the debates. It's very hard to get on ballots, although they've done relatively well. It takes a lot of money. They'll spend half their money just getting on ballots. The system is very biased against competition."

"We have fallen into a terrible trap," Paul explained moments later. "Unfortunately, the two major candidates aren't even talking about Syria, Pakistan, and the things that are important. They essentially agree with that viewpoint; they both say send more troops to Afghanistan.

"And, quite frankly, I am not expecting the troops, regardless of whether Obama wins, to be home in 16 months. That is just pure political talk."