Ron Paul

Congressman Ron Paul of Texas enjoys a national reputation as the premier advocate for liberty in politics today. Dr. Paul is the leading spokesman in Washington for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity- backed currency. He is known among both his colleagues in Congress and his constituents for his consistent voting record in the House of Representatives: Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution. In the words of former Treasury Secretary William Simon, Dr. Paul is the “one exception to the Gang of 535” on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Paul is the author of several books: Challenge to Liberty; The Case for Gold; A Republic, If You Can Keep It; and The Revolution: A Manifesto. He has received many awards and honors from numerous organizations A fellow congressman commented, “Ron Paul personifies the Founding Fathers’ ideal of the citizen-statesman.”

MB: How long have you been speaking in public?

RP: Since 1974. That was the first time I ran for Congress. I didn’t do it before that.

MB: Were you anxious or nervous at all when you began to do public speaking?

RP: I don’t remember being nervous about it. I think the anticipation of getting started, even today, is the same as it was back then. But I always felt more comfortable if I knew my subject. On occasion, I might be stuck in a situation where I’m not well informed [about the topic under discussion]. That would tend to make me more tense.

MB: Are you telling yourself anything that helps you be less tense?

RP: Yes. I usually tell myself a few things. One is not to be antagonistic, and to come across as sincere. That’s easier when you’re knowledgeable. [Laughs] But I always make an effort not to offend the opposition, which I think not only helps me, but it helps the message, too.

MB: So to help yourself not be nervous, you’re telling yourself not to be antagonistic?

RP: That’s what I’m thinking about: “How do I present this without getting overly excited, or accusatory?” And that sets the stage for me.