Mitt Romney’s victory in the New Hampshire primary was not unexpected. The surprise came in the race for second place. Ron Paul won with 22.8 percent of the vote. A week earlier he scored 21.4 percent of the vote in Iowa to finish third. Paul’s influence in the Republican primary campaign can no longer be ignored.
An analysis of New Hampshire exit polls indicates that Paul’s draw among various segments of the electorate was proportional except for young voters. He won the support of half of the youth. Paul has become the political pied piper.
One can understand how the unbridled liberty of the libertarian philosophy would appeal to the young. In a libertarian world they can do whatever they want as long as they do not impinge on the liberties of others. There will be no police coming to disrupt pot parties.
However, the complexities of today’s world cannot accommodate Paul’s 19th century vision. Politicians must not passively accept the loss of so many young people whose energies will be needed to build a more dynamic nation.
