I think the Ron Paul movement can be explained simpler than that. There are two subconscious factors: 0. People want to complain about the status quo (to feel

I think the Ron Paul movement can be explained simpler than that. There are two subconscious factors: 0. People want to complain about the status quo (to feel smart) 1. People want to support the esoteric underdog (to feel non-mainstream) Simply, supporting a Republican who is against the war and for drug legalization is totally hip and unexpected.