That's a provocative and potentially controversial position for him to take, but it's decidedly not the same as advocating or in any way supporting any of the popular conspiracy theories. Paul's views still fall within the political norm and they don't in any way endorse any alternate interpretation of the basic facts of the events of 9/11.
Because there is this common perception among his own supporters that he holds beliefs which he seems not to, he ends up being asked about it a lot. Those supporters are delusional, so they pretend his answers denying their movement don't exist and for his part, Paul seems puzzled and annoyed that the rumors persist, as you can hear in this radio interview:
Paul has even rejected 9/11 conspiracy theories in a presidential debate, early in the 2008 election. But in this case, as often happens, when offered an opportunity to speak directly to his supporters and urge them not to continue to promote delusional ideas which hurt his candidacy dy association, his natural inclination to support free thought and free speech lead him into the error of appearing tolerant of their beliefs. Despite having every reason to whack them on the knuckles and send them to bed without dinner, he's too tolerant and too nice a guy to be firm with them, even if it may well cost him the presidency again in 2012 as it did in 2008.
A lot of this is a function of wilfull denial of reality, a kind of cognitive dissonance where the truthers are absolutely divorced from reality. In this video truthers ask him about the conspiracy and he gives a reasonable and compelling explanation for why their theories are irrational, because the government is too inept to have actually carried out a conspiracy on that grand scale, and that if anything went on it was just a coverup of government incompetence.
Clearly some people get the mssage, but a core group among his followers won't accept the truth about 9/11 even from a revered leader like Paul. The response you can see on the message thread which goes with the video shows how delusional his truther followers are. One writes "yeah sure.. he can't say it was a total inside job even though IT WAS. You have to be cautious about these harsh comments." Another rationalizes away Paul's statements saying "I think Paul suspects that it was an inside job too, but he doesn't want to cross that line, for it would completely ruin his presidential aspirations."
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - truth seeker
Infighting and division are the number one tactic of divide and conquer. Ron Paul stands for the constitution as our forefathers intended. A 911 investigation revealing the "truth" will only occur when the elite cease to control the process. If our constitution was followed, the coverup would not stand. Tell me what establishment candidate will alter the status quo so that "the people" can have justice and truth? Only Ron Paul by reducing govt.s control as the constitution requires.
Wake up - Seek the truth!
Liberty and freedom!
2 - KSH
I am a passionate seeker of the truth. Whether it is current events or biblical events. I want to seek it, and if I do, I will find it someway someday. I think that the truth is not always the government sanctioned story. Some are downright fairy tales. The attacks on this country on 911 are worthy of delving into the facts available. Many have, and still do. I think that those who do it to find the truth are valiant. Those who would rather be called Liars than Truthers, will always be the majority. One day, we will know all the facts, but not on Obama's watch.
3 - Dr Dreadful
Fascinating.
Dave, you've come up with a hypothesis that is genuinely testable and repeatable... right here in the comments space. Kudos.
Keep 'em coming, folks!
4 - Frank
Anyone who believes that it is reasonable to give up a little freedon to gain saftey must believe that a slave is the most secure person. This is obviously false. Freedom IS security.
5 - roger nowosielski
Dave, a few typos in there you can easily correct.
6 - RJ
Ewoks did 9/11.
7 - Thomas Jefferson
RON PAUL 2012 !! PEACE ! PROSPERITY ! FREEDOM !
8 - Baronius
Ron Paul's silence on the issue makes me wonder, has anyone proven that he wasn't involved in the 9/11 attacks? He's a congressman with serious connections and a seemingly limitless supply of money, and he doesn't want to pursue the 9/11 investigation any further. What's he trying to hide? Who's he really representing?
9 - Architect
If everyone looks at the Video For World Trade Center 7 They would all Agree we Need a new investigation.
10 - Dr Dreadful
Yes, the giant robotic termites clearly visible In the Video chewing away at the girders are a dead giveaway. In one or two frames you can also clearly see Bush and Osama operating the remote control.
11 - steve kimsey
More staus quo propaganda' Don't listen to it people. Look in to Ron Paul for yourselves via Ron Paul speeches and his voting record.
12 - RJ
The Death Star was an inside job.
13 - Dave Nalle
Steve, are you under the impression this is an anti-Paul article? Did you read it?
Dave
14 - 9/11 Questioner
Paul has stated in essence that while he may not be a truther per say, he acknowledges that there are several unanswered questions about 9/11 and he would support a INDEPENDENT investigation.
BTW way at leat 7 of the alleged hi-jackers have been widely reported as "ALIVE", now which story is really implausible? Can some guy in a cave thousands of miles away get NORAD to stand down? I could go on and on about the questions the investigation left including how 3 buildings came down when only two were hit by a plane. Google, "building 7" do your own research.
15 - Dr Dreadful
I could go on and on about the questions the investigation left including how 3 buildings came down when only two were hit by a plane.
Building 7 may not have been hit by a plane but it was hit by a much larger building which had, in its turn, been hit by a... ahem... plane.
16 - Tommy Mack
Paul and Cain could champion a formidable 3rd Party, when they lose in the GOP primaries. Palin and Bachmann could create an equally formidable 4th Party when they lose in the primaries. Substance remains the issue.
Tommy
17 - TaxesRUs
I've already used the Google "block this site" from the search engines. What a piss poor article. Thanks for wasting my time. How about giving readers the important information about candidates, not just your opinion, author.
18 - TaxesRUs
This site runs Google ads, just keep clicking on them, people. He will lose his AdSense account because he will be seen as a risk to advertisers, lol Piss poor journalism... you deserve Google to kick your A$$!
19 - Jordan Richardson
So the dude upset about this article wasting his time elects to waste more of his time clicking on the ads...
Okay.
20 - RJ
Google "lunar zombies did WTC with death rays" and do your own research.
21 - Dr Dreadful
RJ, I just did what you suggested and guess what? Google sent me straight back to this article! It's a conspiracy, I tell you! A conspiracy!!!
22 - zingzing
and he doesn't seem to understand how the ads work... "TaxesRUs" doesn't seem to know the first thing about money. odd.
23 - RJ
21:
Unbelievable! This conspiracy runs deeper than even I realized...
I'll be in my underground shelter adjusting my tin foil chapeau and drinking unfluoridated water if anyone needs me.
24 - Arch Conservative
Paul is not a 911 truther but when it comes to discussing the most pressing issues facing the nation today, he is the only truther. He is the only national politician in the nation, save perhaps Dennis Kucinich, who won't lie through his/her teeth to you as he is shaking your hand and looking you straight in the eye.
25 - ConspiracyFearist
I recently heard an interesting conspiracy theory that Ron Paul is a crazy, unelectable cook and his followers are really just a couple of pimply-faced hackers with state-of-the-art spamming technology.
Fortunately, I don't believe conspiracy theories.
Ron Paul 2012