RP only has experience saying words that don't matter regarding finance, not in doing anything useful. He had a chance to slam Berspanke during the approval process for the massive bailout [TARP was a bridge loan, the bailout was and is the 0% money] but didn't do it. He continues to have a pulpit in his current position on the House Finance committee.. but he's done zip with it.

because what is he going to be able to actually change as that one crazy guy he's always been perceived to be? if you look at some of his historic videos, he has always represented a stark contrast to popular belief, despite his caving into it.

only now, since he has brought his ideas to the forefront with his strong grassroots campaign this year, are people taking his beliefs seriously enough. it still isn't going to be enough though.

"Foreign aid is taking money from the poor people of a rich country and giving it to the rich people of a poor country" - Ron Paul

RP has some positions that are quite attractive to left leaning people, mostly thanks to Obama being such a big fail, but...
damn, all the gold fetishism and economic wackery is simple nuts.

Upside to that is that the US political system is easy to block so nothing is done. That does away with a lot of the down side of RP.