By that term I mean that the "media" is no different than McDonalds advertising. It is not news coverage, it is advertising and manipulation through a medium that Americans rely on for information.
Secondly, Ron is still running because his supporters (like me) still send him money and know that this is about more than getting him into office, it is a rally for us to unite and get the message into the mainstream. It is about getting people to turn their brains on and start thinking. The candidates are a reflection of the public, and one way to change the public is to reach them in the mainstream. Ron has done an excellent job of attracting people that are passionate about Liberty. The challenging part is attracting the Sheep that vote based on nothing definitive about the candidates.
Both McCain and Romney are all over the place, I don't know how you could hold either to any sort of criteria on what they stand for.
I agree in part. I do think the media manipulates the news and public opinion to some degree. They are notorious race baiters. I've seen pandering when it comes to war coverage. So to that extent, I agree the media can be manipulative.
Re Paul, seems to me he is wasting the campaign funds sent to him. He doesn't have a large voice on the debate circuit. He may have attracted a number of followers, but he hasn't been getting comparatively many voters to polls. He's just spending your money.
He has had enormous exposure. He's all over the internet. He has participated in most of the Republican debates on a national stage. The media covered his fund raising success. The word is out. He just hasn't inspired enough voters to become a legit candidate or make a difference in the race.
When you look at his performance in the primaries/caucuses so far, he really hasn't had more of an impact than someone like Ralph Nader.