Blogcritics - Pauls Supporters Will Cost Him Election
Interesting points made here. Some valid some ridiculous.
Full Article
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/12/14/033154.php
If they want to save the campaign, they need to get over their egotistical attachment to the idea that Paul's unimpeachable principles and honesty trump all other considerations, and face up to the fact that to win a party nomination you have to make some effort to play the game the way the party leaders–from the lowliest precinct workers to the national leadership–expect it to be played.
In party politics it doesn't matter how right you are, it only matters how many people are convinced that you have a winning strategy. Paul's supporters don't understand this or don't want to understand it. They're thinking in terms of running an outsider, grassroots campaign. But Paul deliberately didn't run as an independent. He showed the good sense to run as a Republican, knowing all of the advantages of access and opportunity he would have in the primaries and the base of support he'd be able to count on in the general election if he won the nomination.
If you are not concerned about the direction his largely uncontrolled campaign is taking and the people who are infiltrating it and shaping it, and in the process alienating the GOP “blue hairs”, you are being unrealistic and care more about abstract principle than getting a man of principle elected...
That is the part of Politics I REJECT!!
This... Winning strategy and playing the game..
INTEREST ME NOT... from a personal point of view... that is what has stepped in and allowed those with money... those in control of the rules.. to KEEP THIER POWER..
I know.. we need to be aware of this.. to plot how to OVERCOME THIS.. and perhaps... even play where necessary.. ONLY TO EFFECT A CHANGE OF NOT DOING IT EVER AGAIN...
My opinon... I vote for the lesser of the two jerks I get to choose from ... and neither party offers CONSISTENT good candidates...
UNTIL THIS ELECTION.... SO NOW I AM A REPUBLICAN... AND WILL REMAIN SO UNTIL THEY DON'T HAVE DECENT CANDIDATES ANYMORE.
So I encourage THEM to think hard about letting Dr. Paul goo.... may cost them a lot of supporters....
Maybe not too..
Don't Take This Article Lightly
I was working for Dennis Kuicnich in 2004 and the "thinking that we were right" attitude often made outsiders hate the campaign.
And I think that it's totally true: the caucus system sometimes chooses people who are inferior to Ron Paul (like Huckabee) since caucus leaders can tell people: "he's accessible, he's one of us."
If you watch Ron Paul's first commercial and his Christmas Card, Ron Paul seems to be a genious since, like the Blimp promoters, brains are reaching out to hearts.
This balance is difficult!
Hopefully we're able to find it like Ron Paul has.
i.e. I've talked to some of my friends and they think the energy of the Ron Paul campaign is "extreme" and "too much." Thus, that means I have to work harder to make Ron Paul accessible to them on their own terms.
One thing I do know about
One thing I do know about debates, and that is that the person who is "right" doesn't always win, especially if the ultimate judge is your audience. The one who can sway the crowd and win consensus usually wins. People tend to flock to those they agree with, not those who appear to be argumentative. Word to the wise.
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"The main thing that I learned about conspiracy theory is that conspiracy theorists actually believe in a conspiracy because that is more comforting. The truth of the world is that it is chaotic..." —Alan Moore
Disagree...
"the caucus system sometimes chooses people who are inferior to Ron Paul (like Huckabee) since caucus leaders can tell people: "he's accessible, he's one of us."" More like.... "he's accessible....we can INFLUENCE HIM", or "he's accessible....he will DISH OUT THE PORK".
These same people have lead our country to the dire place we now find it over the past 30 years through their "judgement" on leaders.
Time to energize NEW people to take up the cause.
"Luctor et Emergo" - Struggle and Emerge
People won't vote for a
People won't vote for a policy. Ron's a living, breathing, relatable person also and this needs to come across better every time he is seen in public and interacting with the public, not an easy thing to do even for a seasoned public person.
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"The main thing that I learned about conspiracy theory is that conspiracy theorists actually believe in a conspiracy because that is more comforting. The truth of the world is that it is chaotic..." —Alan Moore
Blogcritic is welcome, but missing the
point. The Ron Paul Revolution is because we are sick and tired of "business as usual" in the GOP, and in Washington D.C.! We now have a genuine, honest candidate on a white horse that stands for REAL change and we're in it to win. Damn the torpedos. We're here to overcome the "business as usual" crowd. More and more people are climbing on the bandwagon.
alan laney
Ditto
I agree, the part they don't understand is Ron Paul's appeal is that he wants to do the people's business. The current system wants us to bow down and work under their direction. They always seem hell bent on attempting to shape our attitudes and actions into their beliefs and plans. This is what led to my apathy in the first place.
Blogcritic can have his opinion just like the rest of us, but my bet is on the current course of spreading the true message of freedom and that will overcome any other strategy
The blue hairs are
The blue hairs are unfortunately the ones sending America's youth to their untimely deaths to keep the price of oil down. Now do you understand why we are concerned?
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"The main thing that I learned about conspiracy theory is that conspiracy theorists actually believe in a conspiracy because that is more comforting. The truth of the world is that it is chaotic..." —Alan Moore
Even that is backfireing on them....
my opinion is that our military is in the Middle East, not to keep the price of oil down, but to bolster the price for the benefit of Arabs who are disgruntled with our devalued dollar. Again, Dr. Paul is right......it's our foolish monetary system. Our dollar is worth so much less, the Arabs demand more of them for their product or else they'll do like Iran, and switch to another currency. Well Bush & Co. can't have that now, can they? Just remember, oil was $20 a barrel before we went to Iraq. Now Iraq's oil production is "shut in". Makes you wonder what the real motives are here.
alan laney
polite, considerate, professional
We were trained to be polite, professional and considerate as Ron Paul representatives. Last Monday evening, at the Republican Executive Committee meeting in Pinellas County, Florida, a man stood up , with a sign reading "vote fraud" and demanded an account of how the local straw poll had been bought by Romney supporters. Admittedly, the poll was rigged, and up for sale. The point is, there is a way to do these things and a way to piss everyone off. He was not openly Ron Paul, but everyone in the building knew he was a Ron Paul supporter, because Ron Paul supporters outnumbered Romney supporters at least 10 to 1 in the straw poll, and it was all on video. It's all on YouTube for anyone who cares to look. The man went on to shout that anyone who had anything to do with it is in fact guilty of TREASON. ( Shouted). OK, so we got him out of there, but it upset the entire evening. Our speaker, Curt Schultz, did an admirable job of repairing the damage. I just want to reiterate; please, for the duration, stay cool, and be polite, courteous, and professional. Just like Ron Paul.
Ron Paul 2012
blogcritic
This guy does not have a CLUE!
I'll take the enthusiastic and energetic young
PAUL SUPPORTERS anyday over the maybe
I'll show up at the primary and vote for whoever
the state party chairman says to vote for--but
I'm pretty busy and the surge is working and
we're only 9 trillion in the hole and I know GWB
said the oil revenues would pay for the whole thing
and the iraqis will love us and it won't take no time
at all but lets keep doing things the way we always have-crowd.
I'm in my 50s and I'm sorry I've been a republican
all my life until now--because of RON PAUL !
Don't let the numbnuts get you down, get registered
to vote in the primaries, please!
The Evolution continues....
Some call it a Revolution. It is an Evolution as well. An evolution of the Republican party.
Those of you whom would have us "tone down" our personas and "fervor" in order to make "super-voters" feel safe on their way to church are talking as though they believe in "Intelligent Design" for political movements as well.
The demographic you describe consists largely of the same people that for the past 30 years "watered down" their intelligence, morality, convictions, instincts, common sense, passions, responsibilities, etc in order to "just get along" as a country. I would offer that it is this very "compromise" that has brought our country to the dire predicament we find it in today, with these same people being largely to blame.
The only reason they have an APPARENT importance as to deciding nominees is the fact that over 6 MILLION elligible voters DON"T.
Passion and enthusiasm, however raw, WILL wake them up from their slumber. Look around.
Those who place religion FIRST in their heirarchy and wear it so readliy on their sleeve will NOT be swayed by one for which religion is a humble, personal matter (Ron Paul, if you haven't guessed). Religion and rationality are often at odds.
Evolution. Revolution. r3VOLution. ALL will continue on... long after Ron Paul is gone.
The loud, frightening "birth pains" you complain about are nothing less that the life force of the newborn Republican party. Welcome it.
"Luctor et Emergo" - Struggle and Emerge
Blah blah blah....
"But Paul deliberately didn't run as an independent."
I stopped reading there. Someone tell this donkey that Ron Paul has been a republican congressman for 10 years. I think that makes him officially republican. Hell, even I'm a card carrying republican now....
One thing comes to mind after reading this....
"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
Chinese Proverb
Dam politicians, not rivers!
Always remember:
"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." ~ Samuel Adams
Stay IRATE, remain TIRELESS, and set those BRUSH FIRES everywhere you go and in all you do!
AMEN!
"In party politics it doesn't matter how right you are, it only matters how many people are convinced that you have a winning strategy."
This is what has spawned the average Republicrat...Be on the winning team like a sporting event...The ends justify the means.
Principles, the Constitution, rule of law, freedom...Who cares..
WE CARE....
"If the people ever allow the banks to issue their currency, the banks and corporations which will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property, until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered." T. Jefferson
The only way to save the Republican party...
..is to bypass all the GOP "blue hairs" who think that favoring unending war and empire is a requirement to be a Republican.
Great responses
to this article. Wow, you people are on the ball. That is why I am so proud of being a Ron Paul supporter.
Prepare & Share the Message of Freedom through Positive-Peaceful-Activism.
We ARE playing their game
We are working on getting the delegates necessary to insure RP's nomination. Many of the rank and file are active in their local GOP meetings and events. The GOP old timers are taking notice from what I'm hearing, at least here in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Most of them appreciate the "new blood" coming in (especially younger enthusiasts) and really don't care "who" they are supporting as they know their party is in decline!
I think most of us are savvy enough to know this is simply how "it has to be done" and are therefore "doing it."
Just my $.02....
Nice try
This guy could of saved ink and said, "Ron Paul's supporters are messing up our plans :( ".
Hahaha, please.
Hahahaha, this guy clearly knows little about social movements. I hope we continue to shock him. The more what we do is marginalized, the more it proves that we're a threat. Any candidate would kill for this kind of grassroots support. And what does he think? That we're all out doing this stuff but aren't going to vote? It translates, buddy. Open your eyes.
~ Corie Whalen ~ (508 - 308 - 9008)
[Assistant Organizer, Boston Meetup]
This is Stupid
Our opponents' lack of supporters will cost them the election :)
Obviously this guy has never been on a campaign
I have been on campaigns starting with Reagan in 1980 - the guy that blogged has no clue what he is talking about.
This is exactly how you win a Presidency. And Ron Paul supporters are among the best I have ever seen, even beating out Reagan supporters.
Second that!
Thank you.
I'm just saying..
Creativity is great!! Enthusiasm is great!! Keep up all of that and MORE but: also broaden your focus. We must think about every angle and how to bring more to our camp. We want to bring them in with what is perceived as "honey" to them NOT VINEGAR!! I'm not saying to stoop just be aware of their "tastes".
keep doing what you are doing people.
keep doing what you are doing people.
WAHOR!!
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/48994
No way
I don't like this article. If we would of listened to this Dr Paul wouldn't be where he is now. These crooks don't listen to reason nevermind "winning strategy". If they were smart and ready for change they would jump into our camp.
The fact is they want evryone to fold into "business as usual"
Correction Ron Paul's supporters will win him the election
Try this dynamic.
Dr. Paul is the "reluctant candidate." They really had to pound him to get him to run. Once he began to run he was not committed. Just looking at him walking around on the exploratory process you could see he was "well, let's see what happens." Is this some kind of character flaw? Is the Doc a lesser man for feeling this way?
NO! He remains his own man. He has held true to himself throughout this process. He did not go out and jack himself up and pretend he wanted to rule the world. In essence, he is honest.
Weeks ago I decided that the only way I could make this fit in my brain was..."we are going to go get the presidency and then give it to Dr. Paul."
In the group dynamic he is "letting us do it." This means he backs away from anything, but, representing the ideas in his own statesmanlike way.
If you feel the need to "go get" something or somebody on behalf of Dr. Paul's campaign...DO IT. That kid posted here with the blimp about 6 weeks ago and it is taking off momentarily.
This campaign is the most remarkable collection of independent contractors I have ever seen.
I really disagree with Dr. Paul needing to change anything. Sure we have the right to complain about HQ, I think they suck. But I think it is a miracle because we can get more done, better than they ever could.
I heartily disagree with changing anything about the supporter effort because I spent a life in business in which I learned one thing:
IT IS WORKING...DON'T MESS WITH WHAT IS WORKING.
I have no patience with people who want to focus on what is NOT working and what needs to be changed and what is wrong and why that doesn't work. STOP IT! Focus on what is working...leave the other sh%$ to take care of itself.
Yes, I am a cheerleader. Yes, I do not spare doubters, but I am a realist. If you spend an ounce of energy worrying about what is not working you are taking yourself out of "IT." Don't! Stay here with us! We are going to Minneapolis.
WE ARE PLANNING TO WIN.
Cheese louise we have 11% in South Carolina and the campaign has spent about 16 bucks down there.
Live with it...it's a miracle.
We want it more than they do and that is why Dr. Paul's supporters are winning this election.
T
Unify
Winning the BASE
This article and the entire thread are discussing strategies to win the base of the party, or the bulk of people who are the votors, doers, and influencers of the party. I have heard some say that by bringing in a large influx of fresh blood, that the new numbers will reshape the base and therefore move the direction of the party our way. I have heard others say our numbers are not big enough and the existing base still wields enough clout to freeze us out of power. It is difficult to know which is correct because we have not had an actual primary vote yet. Caucuses and straw polls are not very accurate indicators of which way the "base" will go. I do believe that as time goes buy, RP is adding to the base by bringing in a large amount of non-votors and disenfranchised used-to-be's. In the end, the first few primaries will indicate what impact our movement is having on the party.
Do we have the numbers without the traditional base to steer the ship in a different direction, or do we still lack the numbers, and therefore need to influence those already there to help? I hope the former, but fear the latter.
Liberty is not free, It must be earned!
Liberty is not free, It must be earned!
This should be our focus:
This should be our focus: It's the economy, stupid. And you can't change that unless you have small government at home and in foreign policy.
Simple. Any good conservative and constitution-loving citizen can understand it.
We don't need to go into the manutia of subjects we discuss, and we don't all agree on that anyway.
ABsolutely correct.
I am a strong Ron Paul supporter, but this is what I've been trying to tell all the other Ron Paul supporters I know. I study and teach political science at a university. I posted a forum topic a week ago about how we *need* to reach Christian Evangelical Conservatives who are *the* base of the Republican Party. That is why Huckabee is winning polls among Registered Republicans who are likely to vote in the primaries. Many key states in the primaries have closed primaries, and not enough Ron Paul supporters will have changed affiliation in time to vote, so we *need* Christian Evangelical Conservatives *desparately*. Let me say this clearly:
UNLESS WE REACH TRADITIONAL REPUBLICAN VOTERS WHO ARE THE BASE OF THE PARTY, RON PAUL HAS NO CHANCE OF BEING NOMINATED OR ELECTED.
This is why I've also urged my fellow supporters to target, focus, and concentrate their efforts during the primary elections to REGISTERED REPUBLICAN VOTERS WHO HAVE VOTED IN PAST PRIMARIES. These are called "super-voters." These are the people who will choose the nominees of the parties. The problem is Ron Paul's supporters have mostly been running a GENERAL election campaign---when we should mostly be running a PRIMARY election campaign--specifically trying to locate and speak with registered Republican voters who have voted in past primaries. Voting records (whether you voted, not who you voted for) are a matter of public record. All we have to do is get the rolls of who voted in the past Republican primaries, and VISIT THEIR HOMES ONLY (for now, until the primaries are won).
Gosh darn it, I'm sorry if I'm frustrated, but the political naivite of so many of Ron Paul's supporters is going to cost him the nomination if the strategies don't change to focus almost all the canvassing efforts for the primary elections on REGISTERED REPUBLICAN SUPER-VOTERS, and THEN once he wins the nomination, there will be many months for canvassing efforts to reach the general public, and win over droves of Democrats, Libertarians, Independents, etc. Win the nomination FIRST among Republicans, and THEN reach the general public.
Can I make this any more clear?