Ron Paul: Former presidential candidate in hospital after suffering medical emergency during livestream

The leading voice of the libertarian movement was reportedly ‘lucid and optimistic’ in hospital

Ron Paul recovering in hospital from a medical emergency (Twitter / Ron Paul)

Ron Paul was hospitalized after appearing to suffer a medical emergency during a live stream on Friday, according to reports.

The former presidential candidate was broadcasting an episode of Liberty Report on his YouTube channel when his speech began to suggest signs of an emergency.

The Independent is not publishing video circulating online due to its sensitivity.

Mr Paul, 85, who was discussing federal stimulus money at the time, was taken to hospital in Texas for “precautionary” reasons, Fox News reported.

He posted an update from hospital saying he is "doing fine" and thanking everyone for their concern.

Mr Paul, the father of Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, served in Congress for 23 years and made three presidential bids in 1988, 2008 and 2012, before retiring in 2013.

Earlier on Friday, Senator Ted Cruz joined the well-wishers online, saying Mr Paul is an “extraordinary warrior for Liberty”

"Praying for former congressman and presidential candidate @RonPaul who has been hospitalized," tweeted Alabama Republican Mo Brooks. "He's a patriot and a fighter."

First elected in 1976, Mr Paul became a leading voice in the libertarian movement, running as a libertarian in his first presidential bid before running as a Republican.