Like a lot of people, I used to think of Ron Paul like that “crazy uncle” at the family cookout. You know, the one filled with conspiracy theories.

Maybe it’s the fractured republican primary. Maybe it’s the paucity of candidates who bring anything substantive to the issues. But a lot of people are beginning to see Paul in a new way.

Talking points used to bore me. Now they make me angry. It’s takes a lot of gall to take to a debate lecturn and not know what the hell you’re talking about. Either you thought too much of yourself to study the issues or too little of us to care. Either one is dangerous.

That’s not the case with Ron Paul.

You might not agree with his solutions, but there’s one thing for sure. His principles never change. “It’s none of our business” is frankly my favorite. I actually didn’t like his answer to the healthcare crisis or comments about civil rights legislation, but his answers were honest. Paul is a “take me as I am” kind of guy.

Here’s the other thing. Ron Paul has a grassroots organization that rivals anyone in the race. He, unlike some others, has a team in early primary states with the ability to turn out his voters. That’s real.