Some do. They can appreciate the lacuna between a group that fights a false war and those who call for it's end. When Dr. Paul called out Rudy with principle and reason in the second GOP debate, he remained just as consistent in the third by declaring the doctrine of preemptive war unjust and immoral. As his popularity snowballs in what was the sole province of progressive netroots activism , that group (and others) is now reacting against the libertarian movement in general. While I have few doubts of the libertarian's position (especially the economic ones) and it's ultimate verity, especially in relation to "Progressivism", it's worthy to note that they are indeed reacting where once they may have been conveniently ignored or dismissed as unrealistical, extremist, the Paul candidacy. 
Some don't get it. They have been hardened by the vitriolic rancor of bi-partisan rule and engage in tactics which seek to vilify and discredit the person rather than the ideas. While it may be possible to review the legislative record of an individual over the years and cherry pick issues that fit into an indignant diary or YouTube post with little regard to the possible reasons or justification. Perhaps us third and fourth tier commentators have little influence on the process which ultimately favors celebrity, money and false hype. There is a realistic eye to be cast on the online fussing about the Paul campaign. One wonders if Kent Snyder has the acumen to grow and develop the effort like Joe Trippi did for the other unknown doctor who rocked the Net in the last POTUS race, polls and plain old regular
Savvy progressives ought to realize that Dennis Kucinich is not capable of lighting the fires of the netroots any time soon. They may embrace the message and can defend their positions far more eloquently than the pick-up driving guy who thinks his jobs are going overseas. But that guy who Dean identified with the Confederate Flag evoking Reverend Sharpton's ire last go, is not about to flip for losing his guns to a geeky ex-mayor of Cleveland with really tall women at his side who is a Vegan. Dr. Paul's been married for close to or perhaps more than fifty years. He's delivered over 4,000 babies. What life long lawyer or person of serious ambition can claim so noble of a purpose in life and direct and real results. It is life and death stuff folks, it really is.
I wish Dr. Paul would open up and advocate an open border in a free society. Fort America will not last as the poles of power changes to these growing communities. Even amongst progressives the old domineering white guy, the King, still is the basis and roots of modern law and power. They've played the game on the fringes far better than the libertarian movement is capable. They had Clinton for eight years and reveled as the Age of Aquarius had come into its own. Perhaps Obama is the man for ours, he seems to enjoy great numbers. If he's truly anti-war (which I would suspect as he hires the Holbrooke crowd for foreign affairs, he'd soon be in Darfur under the proviso of the forgotten Dean Doctrine delivered before our 'ol buddy popped up from a spider hole near his old stomping grounds . . ) the peaceniks on the left will fall in line or break away with Nader again. 
Truthfully I think it's just a matter of the progressives not understanding the zeitgeist of the Old Right as justifiably non-interventionist, rather than the curse of isolationism hurled back in disdain and obvious folly. They want a set of ignorant knuckleheads like the GOP has been for quite some time now. There is a quiet, persistent truth to what libertarians are saying. Some do it very well and will handle their own arguments very well. Other may be petulant and repugnant in their adolescent humors. Rothbard ( I know you LRC people caught me) realized that the war was the crux of the political issues. While he produced an axiomatic truth/logic which was impractical in political terms, ultimately the ethos that all violence is wrong for political means or ends, is the answer. It's a Jesus thing too. temporarily allying yourself with those to whom that value of war is most distasteful, we can stop it. After that we'll talk about the welfare state and the free market. But don't treat us as rubes or johnny-come late lies. There's still a lot of Gen-X'rs going to the forty ranges real soon. We've seen and done a lot. Respect those who chose choice . . . all choice. Libertarians do it voluntarily if you will . . .
As a small and big L libertarian, I do find myself rooting for and defending him on classic libertarian precepts and issues. While Dr. Phillies is reticent to abolish the Federal Reserve and has a similar position as Paul's with regard to immigration, I would gladly cast mine own ballot in Party's name, but for and all for the historical need. The need to hold tight as a Party. They may gleam and call us any number of things. 'They' being inside and out. But if the LP wannabe candidates out there for Congress were at any hope, they would be forming committees in vulnerable districts and preparing for a different type of conflict. Sharpen up your Austrian blades and be prepared to defend those who choose agorism, shrug if they know a lot of Rothbard too. Or just lighten up and pick a few good issues and get those signatures. Either take advantage of the new dialog and press for advantages.
I'll be happily catcalling from the streets as the big leaguers play. As long as the majority captures the district, successful factions will be either/or for eternity. They will succeed with money, attract the talent and the people. They will win and live again to fight the next day. But if libertarians and progressives cannot unite under the banner of civil liberties and fair representation, if we cannot call for the end of shooting wars and drug wars, if we can not openly and consistently call for truth and fairness in debate and rule of law . . . who than but an occasional candidate like Paul will excite and cast aside indifference to press for greater justice in the world ? Find your clippings in old newsletters and dig through the Congressional Record, but listen to the people who are not Ron Paul, who want change and a restoration of America they remember or have never felt. It's about regular people trying to waylay the big corporatism of the process. Let this side try, lend a hand if you can, get over the vapid vagaries of your own ideological vanity. With any luck the Free State Project makes a go of it and helps deliver a Primary blow in New Hampshire. Otherwise follow what's left of the season up till May and watch the fascinating LP process unfold. After that it's just a coronation of the Donkey and Elephants, paid for by you, the American Taxpayer. Enjoy your summer, next year's won't matter.