Iowa Straw Poll: The Ron Paul Revolution

The Washington Post reports:

A fife and drum duo dressed in colonial attire led Rep. Ron Paul's (Texas) chanting supporters into the Hilton Coliseum moments ago.

Paul, who last ran for president in 1988 as a Libertarian, has -- without question -- the most vocal backers of any of the candidates actively participating in today's GOP straw poll.

He came to the stage to a huge and long-lasting cheer. "Our campaign is all about freedom, prosperity and peace," Paul said by way of introduction.

Paul urged that Roe v. Wade be overturned, proposed the elimination of the departments of Energy and Education and argued that the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, "could have been prevented if we had had a lot more respect for the Second Amendment."

Again and again, Paul received loud applause during his speech, most notably when he spoke of defending the Constitution. "The answers can be found in the return to the rule of law and strict interpretation of the Constitution," he said.

Here's the speech.