Ron Paul and a Brokered Republican Convention

One of the longest standing goals of the Ron Paul movement has been trying to force a brokered Republican convention in September. While many Ron Paul supporters realized that Ron Paul didn't have much of a chance to win the Republican nomination, a brokered convention and significant delegate count could bring momentum and visibility to the Ron Paul Revolution.

The goal continues. Over at NolanChart.com, George Dance writes:

Ask Ron Paul why he remains in the Republican race for President, and he will speak about giving true conservatives someone to vote for. Ask him what he hopes to accomplish, and he will mention adopting a conservative platform, winning the battle of ideas, rallying a new generation to the cause, and the like.

All noble and worthy objectives. However, there are hints that something else may be afoot.

One big hint comes from an unlikely source: Hillary Clinton. Last month, Clinton told Newsweek magazine:

I have a very close race with Senator Obama. There are elected delegates, caucus delegates and superdelegates, all for different reasons, and they're all equal in their ability to cast their vote for whomever they choose. Even elected and caucus delegates are not required to stay with whomever they are pledged to. This is a very carefully constructed process that goes back years, and we're going to follow the process. [stress added]

Clinton is right. There is a difference between "pledged" delegates and "bound" delegates. Some pledged delegates are bound: that is, they must vote as per the primary or caucus results for their state. Others, though, are unbound: they are free to vote for the candidate of their choice.

Fair enough, because that is technically how the system works. Many have even made the argument that Ron Paul will win the nomination based on a brokered convention and delegate maneuvers. It's technically possible.

However, there is one question left completely unanswered by Ron Paul fanatics: Let's say that you successful force the GOP into a brokered convention. What makes you think that a party which wants perpetual war, big spending, and the government in your bedroom will all come together to support a candidate who runs on a platform of liberty?