The Republican party's sudden hatred of the Federal Reserve and easier monetary policy, as encapsulated by Rick Perry's suggestion that Fed chairman Ben Bernanke might be committing "treason" by "printing money," is considered a vindication of Rep. Ron Paul's growing ideological clout among the party's rank-and-file. Ron Paul's goal for several decades has been to eliminate the Federal Reserve, after all! And yet even he thinks that Perry's comments were kind of insane.

From the Wall Street Journal:

Referring to Mr. Perry, the Texas congressman told supporters at a campaign event in Concord, N.H., Wednesday that "He realizes that talking about the Fed is good, too. But I tell you what: He makes me look like a moderate."

Mr. Paul added: "I have never once said [Fed Chairman Ben] Bernanke has committed treason."

So... the old man's finally getting soft, hmm? His fans won't like this refusal to casually accuse prominent government officials of capital offenses against the state. Won't like it one bit.

[Image via AP]