Liberty Maven

Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch of Reason magazine sit down for an online chat at the Washington Post. They discuss the rise of Ron Paul and answer questions about Libertarianism and it’s role in today’s political universe.

Williamsburg, Va.: Some journalists and bloggers have complained about the amount of angry responses they get when they print something negative about Ron Paul. I think this may be because up to now, he has gotten so little coverage that his supporters are very protective of whatever coverage he does get. With little coverage, a negative story can be especially hurtful. What is your take on this strong protective reaction to bad press?

Matt Welch: Well, journalists complaining about ANYTHING re: reader response strikes me as rich, but … let’s just say Ron Paul’s biggest fans are passionate and know how to use the InterTubes thing. In all cases, I believe, people *over*-estimate the power of the Evil MSM one way or another, and the more Paul rises (assuming he still does) the more the flame-warriors will maybe begin to relax a bit.

Read the rest of the transcript at the Washington Post.