Going into the first GOP Presidential debate last night in Greenville, South Carolina, the biggest story was about who was not there. That indifference actually spread down to the press, as it was reported that both the Associated Press and Reuters were going to join Mitt Romney, Donald Trump and others, in sitting out the contest.
But although national pundits say the forum was best for the candidate they have deemed the most "serious" who attended – Tim Pawlenty – the night was made bearable by the two libertarians who made up 40 percent of the field last night – Texas Congressman Ron Paul and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.
Paul distinguished himself running for President in the GOP primaries in 2007-2008, mainly for his critical stance on U.S. foreign policy, even going so far as to suggest that it contributed in part to the 9/11 attacks.
Paul's iconoclastic perspective was joined last night on the dais by former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, perhaps best known as being an advocate for legalizing marijuana.
Speaking of drugs, Paul got one of the biggest laughs and cheers of the night when he was asked by panelist Chris Wallace of Fox News about why would social conservatives in South Carolina support a man who has said that if states want to – they should legalize pot, cocaine, "even heroin", along with gay marriage?
This article appears in May 5-11, 2011.