Ron Paul only sorta likes Mitt Romney

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Remember, back during the GOP primaries, when Romney, coming under assault by Gingrich and Santorum, cozied up to Ron Paul (and vice versa)?

It was almost like they were BFFs, and it sort of made sense, Paul's anti-government right-wing libertarianism lining up nicely with Romney's plutocratic, the-rich-are-awesome douchebaggery. There were even reports of the Romneys and Pauls getting along like four peas in a pod of paradise, the best of friends in sea of partisan rancor.

And with Romney pretty much assured of the nomination, it was more than likely that Paul would feature prominently at the convention. Surely Mitt would make that happen.

Well, Paul has his own extremist agenda, of course, and it doesn't always line up with the demands of his own party. And it would appear now that Paul doesn't even like Romney all that much:

Mr. Paul, in an interview, said convention planners had offered him an opportunity to speak under two conditions: that he deliver remarks vetted by the Romney campaign, and that he give a full-fledged endorsement of Mr. Romney. He declined.

"It wouldn't be my speech," Mr. Paul said. "That would undo everything I've done in the last 30 years. I don't fully endorse him for president." 

Don't fully endorse him. That may be one of the greatest quasi-endorsements ever.

Sorry, Mitt, your old BFF has abandoned you. Not that he was ever really with you. (And like so many in your party, he's not terribly enthused by you.)

He's a true believer, you know. And you're not... it.