“Barr, who seems likely to get the nomination of the Libertarian Party, is in a good position to grab a significant chunk of voters away from McCain, especially those who disagree with or are tiring of the war, and who take the Rush Limbaugh line on McCain’s inherent unsuitability. Of course, he could also draw in all those Obama-cons who reportedly crossed over and voted for their guy in open primary states: Moveon.org is even doing a special television ad appealing to this constituency. I think, in the end, however, that Barr could very well cost the GOP the election, if it’s close, a result that would suit many ‘movement’ conservatives, like Richard Viguerie — who’s backing Barr — just fine. All the better for their fundraising …. Yet it isn’t just that conservatives want to get on board the Ron Paul so they can milk that golden calf — there are real ideological differences that have developed, certainly in Barr’s case, and no doubt in Viguerie’s.” (05/16/08)