Campaign Suggestion: The Paul Doctrine, Changing Republican Voter Perceptions on Foreign Policy
Submitted by mixtli on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 06:05Right now, we're losing, and it's almost entirely due to foreign policy. I'm not trying to be negative. The campaign has been incredible, but we don't have a primary win under our belt, we're slipping in the polls, and the media is already writing us off. We need something drastic to pull in voters worried about FP.
I believe Paul should immediately announce a major foreign policy speech. He needs to get some buzz going. He needs to make out his foreign policy to be peaceful, but STRONG. Maybe get it a nice catchphrase like 'The Paul Doctrine' and get the media talking about it. The important thing is that he confidently lay out his foreign policy to the voters in a way that makes them feel like they will be safe if they vote for Paul. A strong policy speech would seem presidential and send voters a message that Paul is a serious candidate.
In it, he could talk about defending our borders, defending our shipping lanes, nuclear submarines, bilateral diplomacy, specifically targeting terrorists while avoiding nation building and quagmires, only going to war with a declaration from congress, and retooling our military for 21st century battles. He should emphasize that we spend more on the military than the rest of the world combined and that he still wants to have by far the largest military in the world, but streamline it, narrow it's mission and make it cost effective. He should discuss Israel and pulling aid from their adversaries. He should talk about granting Israel their sovereignty. In short, in this speech he needs to cover all the common criticisms.
He should also in the speech talk about making our economic policy part of our national security policy. He should lay out the fact that the US will not be able to defend itself if we have a dollar crisis and that financial security IS national security.
I think if he got a kick ass speechwriter to work on this with him, got some buzz going about an upcoming major policy speech, got his policy some branding (Paul Doctrine), it would be hard to ignore and it might sway huge swaths of people who aren't necessarily 'hawks' but think Paul's FP is 'naive'. That seems to be a lot of people. He doesn't need to be a warmonger. He just needs to show that he understands there are dangers in the world and he will address them. Peter Schiff has been saying the same thing. Lots of people are saying the same thing. At dinner table conversations with conservatives, this is what I'm hearing. It's always: "I like Ron Paul, but his FP is crazy." We need a solid, statesmanlike speech to show that his policy ISN'T crazy. It's balanced, it's constitutional, it's realistic, and it defends America.
If he doesn't do something DRASTIC about the perception people have of his foreign policy, HE WILL LOSE. He can't keep ignoring this issue. I hope to god the campaign is listening. This would be something that is almost free. It would cost hardly anything and has the potential to pull in millions of people wavering on Paul.
CAMPAIGN: THERE IS NO TIME TO WASTE. THIS MUST HAPPEN NOW. I have no idea what the downside could possibly be. But it's clear, we have to try. If we don't, we lose. Plain and simple. The campaign has done such a fantastic job with the ground game, and it makes me crazy that it's all going to waste because we can't formulate a clear FP vision that will alleviate the concerns of millions who'd like to vote for Paul but can't because of FP.
Everybody else: We need to pressure the campaign now on this. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Now. Clearing up people's fear (and that's what it is, fear) on FP MUST happen or he will not win.
This is not meant as a slam against Paul or the campaign in any way. When this all started, I didn't think we'd do nearly as well as we've done, and it's a testament to the hard work and tireless campaign efforts that we've come this far. But I think there is SO MUCH low hanging fruit that could be collected with a clear foreign policy statement. Maybe even up to ten or fifteen percent or more. That's enough to win.
Thank you for reading this.
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Last Chance
It's now or never. We must get a win by super tuesday. Paul still has a ceiling due to foreign policy. Please contact the campaign and let them know what you think:
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http://www.ronpaul2012.com/contact-us/
It's time, Dr. Paul. A major speech in front of the Washington Monument, or another symbolic location. Get a tailored suit. Get some generals and admirals and intelligence officers to stand on stage with you, and tell the American people that you will keep them safe. These are the optics you need to win with Republican voters.
I agree...
...an attention-grabbing speech in an attention-grabbing location is needed. What would be a good location? Colorado? Pearl Harbor? Normandy? Time to put 'meat on the bones' of what a strong defense looks like.
Push the MOST salient point, not the whole magilla.
Scarborough framed it well recently I thought. We have been engaging in a "reckless foreign policy." I'm been paraphrasing that as I talk to swayables.
John & Jane Doe don't need to hear (first and foremost) that we should play nice in the sandbox, they need to hear that America's 21st century foreign policy has been particularly reckless. Reckless spilling of American blood and treasure around the world. Reckless disregard for consequences from our actions.
White paper not needed yet. Phrases can be put to work in his interviews, his debates and his new commercials.
I also like this: "Big Government Foreign Policy has to end." It reframes the issue in a way that will invite some swayable voters to snuggle up to.
The first 5 million supporters of Dr. Paul are 'early adopters.' The next 10 million will require a modified approach.
We might be more successful with less all or nothing thinking
We go from conservatives' belief that the US is completely benevolent to your view that the US is a worldwide bully. The truth is somewhere in between. Most Americans will never subscribe to such an anti-American view.
How about, In the legitimate struggle to resist communism and fascism around the world, the United States took positions and adopted policies that has unintended consequences. Defeating communist created entangling alliances with nefarious people and those strategic alliances may need to be put asunder today.
What the American People want..
The American people want a sound and sustainable Foreign Policy, not Foreign Policemanship.
The Ron Paul FP-doctrine:
Free Nation = Restoration of the Just War Tradition.
Free citizens = Free Trade, Talk and Travel.
From / Amsterdam (clip) /, Holland, with respect and appreciation,
Richard
Does anyone from the campaign
Does anyone from the campaign read this forum?
I'm really hoping this happens before Nevada and Maine. We need an aggressive play or we're just going to end up languishing at 15% the entire election.
bump
.
I hope Wead, Benton et al
are working on this or something similiar. It is needed and I agree it will or might make THE difference to turn the tide in our direction. Now is the time to do this!!!
It is very very hard to
It is very very hard to change people's minds on foreign policy and get them out of the outdated liberal vs conservative mentality. I don't think conservatives ever got over the cold war mentality. They were galvanized by fear of a legitimate threat-the Soviet Union, and never accepted that the threat was over and only continued to amp up the foreign aid and overseas military expansion. The problem is that most Americans actually think that the US government is a benevolent force for good in the world. They are almost wholely ignorant of the many murderous dictators America has propped up and elected governments the US has taken down throughout the 20th century even unto today. They really don't see our government as a dominating meddling bully who forces most of the rest of the world to act as Washington demands or suffer horrendous consequences. We are fighting a losing battle because we can never convince the kind of people who would vote for the likes of Santorum and Huckabee that America is not some pure and wonderful power that only intervenes for the good of others. We have to destroy this religious like faith in the goodness of Washington's policy of bribery (foreign aid), puppet states and permenant occupation.
I know we can't reach
I know we can't reach everyone. But we've already reached a lot of people, and more every day. We just need to accelerate the process somehow. Even a 5 to 10% bump would be enough to put us in the first tier and make us competitive with Romney and Gingrich in several states. While there are many Republicans who are locked into cold war mentality, I'm finding talking to people that there are many more who really aren't warmongers, but just have gotten the impression that Paul is weak on defense (from the media of course). If we can help get them over that hump, many would like to vote for Paul's domestic policies.
I agree. Its slow but we are
I agree. Its slow but we are winning over some. You're right about the media misinforming people to thnk Ron Paul is weak on defense. Foxnews implies that all the time.
We don't need a speech, we don't need a debate point...
we need hard-hitting foreign policy ads featuring Michael Scheuer, Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, Lt. Colonel Douglas MacGregor or Lt. Colonel Anthony Shaffer. All back at least part of Ron Paul's foreign policy stance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08aFAnZYp2U&list=UUQB7GremTkZ...
why not both?
We do need a Paul Doctrine speech and white paper. It would be enormously important. Sure, the liar media would likely try to ignore it, but (a) maybe they wouldn't and (b) if they did, we would force the issue by referring to it non-stop for the rest of the campaign.
The ads you mention would be TERRIFIC as well, and could feature a quick mention of where to get more info about the Paul Doctrine at the end.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What is begun in anger, ends in shame.
Exactly. I'd like ads too,
Exactly. I'd like ads too, but we need a coordinated pushback on foreign policy messaging, and I believe the Paul Doctrine should be the centerpiece. This is all about controlling the narrative. Ads can provide a link at the end. Paul could refer to the doctrine (speech and policy document) in debates and interviews. Whenever people question his fp, they can be directed to the speech and will be forced to contend with it on Paul's terms. Formulate a strong message and refer to it constantly. Repeat it constantly. Force the issue. Just an ad can easily slip under the radar for the vast majority of people. But a comprehensive attack centered on a solid doctrine could penetrate the national consciousness. Lots of people, even republicans, would welcome it if someone were to explain to them how they could have a strong foreign policy without all these wars which everyone is tired of.
Ads are expensive and they only run in certain areas.. Basically wherever there is a primary that week. We need to change the national dialogue, and I think this is the way. Ads can help support that mission. I would like to see the people you mention show up at his speech and stand side by side with Paul as he delivers his address. Show people that he has the support of foreign policy and military heavyweights.
To quote a movie: Repetition works Daaaaaaavid. Repetition works.. Daaaaaaavid. You think those nitwits out there in zombieland ever remember anything?
Well said!
I'm with the OP 110% on this one. We need a clear FP vision last week. I can't emphasize how important I think this is, and won't try because the OP already expressed the same.
I hope this makes it to the front-page, and I hope people also email the campaign.
Show me the "Plan to Defend America Now" or the "Paul Doctrine" (branding IS important) or whatever. Produce a document to go with the speech and pass it around to the media. Try to get it some press in advance, invite the media to the speech, and we'll spread the video everywhere we can online.
They could whip up a very solid plan in a few days, it's just a matter of putting down on paper what Ron already believes.
Let's do this!
Bump. I really think this
Bump. I really think this needs to happen before Florida. Please email the campaign at let them know what you think. http://www.ronpaul2012.com/contact-us/
The Paul Doctrine:
- Honest Friendship
- Strong Defense
- Free Trade & Commerce
- Golden Rule
- Talk & Diplomacy
- Unrestricted Travel
- Constitutional Wars If Necessary
Sounds good to me!
Ron Paul / Rand Paul 2012
A Father/Son Doctor Duo Challenging The Statist Quo
Take away their many argument
Take the biggest objection head on.
Agree, but no speech.
Delivering a speech is too easy for the media to ignore and too complex/boring for the sheep who have better things to watch, like American Idol.
Instead, if one can whip a room full of evangelical Christians into an applauding frenzy over defending adultery to a national audience during a debate, than I'd say that's the best way to go.
The fact is Ron Paul's foreign policy should be a cakewalk to defend...
- The establishment view of foreign policy is in direct conflict with our troops. To claim support for the troops while ignoring them is hypocrisy. It's also a very arrogant position, to find ignorance in the views held by those who are risking their lives.
- Ron Paul's foreign policy is the only constitutional stance. How can the others swear an oath they have no intention of obeying? What else do they view as optional in the Constitution?
- As a military veteran, Ron Paul is most qualified to be Commander In Chief.
Below is a suggested Ron Paul response to foreign policy that I made on another post. Perhaps this can be tweaked to give Ron Paul that epic moment where the establishment is put on the defensive for supporting a dangerous and shameful position. Heck, if Gingrich can get the people behind him breaking commandments than there's got to be a way for Ron Paul to defend his "golden rule" policy.
===== SUGGESTED RP STATEMENT ==============
"Our active duty military overwhelmingly support my foreign policy, donating more to my campaign than all the other candidates combined. As the only military veteran running for Commander In Chief, I would ask why these others believe they know better than our brave men and women who's lives they risk?"
Unless Ron Paul! -Lorax
I don't think a debate answer
I don't think a debate answer is going to be enough. For one, you have to wait for the right question. Secondly, few people watch any given debate. The idea with a speech and a formal 'doctrine' is that it's something he can come back to and refer to and push again and again and again. It's something the grass roots can refer people to.
I'd even like to see a money bomb correspond to the speech. As soon as he announces the date, the grass roots could set up a money bomb to go off the moment he walks off stage. Use the synergy to simultaneously promote the speech and fundraising. It's all about marketing.
Ex-CIA Michael Scheuer 'Dr Paul's foreign policy will make
America more safe'. I posted this and it dropped. http://www.dailypaul.com/208210/ex-cia-chief-michael-scheuer...
He Can Win Every time if he
Adjusts his delivery not the message. I am neurolinguistic practitioner and have been in communications for quite some time and if I was Ron Paul's advisor, I would begin every foreign-policy response with a statement that is 100% true, but delivered not to the minds, but to the hearts and emotions of the people. Something like this
"the brave soldiers who are in the front lines, fighting for mine and your Freedom, and understand what is going on better than anyone, have already chosen their commander-in-chief by donating to my campaign twice as much as all the other candidates combined. Those of you who oppose my plan and call my ideas Crazy, you're also opposing and putting down those brave men and women and their families who are sick and tired of watching their Kids arrive in body bags, or without limbs. This is not what they signed up for, and if you ignore the fact that we are completely broke and will destroy the defense of this country not by force but by going bankrupt, at the very least, show some respect for Life and these brave men and women who in the last 10 years have been dying without a cause, or a constitutional declaration of war. I will strengthen our military and defend this country with more power and determination, than the other candidates, by cutting the waste that is driving our defense and economy to a complete collapse."
Of course this can be shortened, but the point is that there is no way you can rebuttal that statement and also it hits the most emotional and sensitive spots of the American public. Use this correctly, and even vote fraud wont help the othors win. Every major news anchor has been trained in neurolinguistic programming and they use it against Ron Paul all the time. It's very simple, people make final decisions subconsciously. If you ever purchased something, came home and regretted it or weren't sure why you bought it, you were influenced by subliminal messages that tricked your subconscious to believe it's the right thing to do.
excellent points
very emotional, factually correct.
LivingTheDream
Well
said and completely agree...this needs to happen. Even my dad who has sat down and watched all the debates with Paul doesn't completely understand Ron Paul on foreign policy. It needs to be explained in detail.
OK call me crazy but I think RP should have a sit down with
Ahmandinejad. Go ahead skewer me. Prove he can talk with this crazy man. Meet somewhere neutral. IDK, maybe that is not even allowed. I am giving Ahmandinejad the benefit of the doubt and say that he would be willing to talk to RP because of his stance on foreign policy and how he would like to change things for the better and get our nose out of their business.
That is all I hear from the naysayers is that if RP gets elected, and we pull out of the Middle East, we are going to get nuked and the whole place is going to implode and they are coming to get us, and on and on.
My feeling is that there is
now much less media exposure for Ron Paul then before the elections. But I might be wrong of course. I am really glad with all the campaign suggestions by the DP'ers. Just feels like a miracle needs to happen now! to get out of this awkward place.
Ron Paul on Missile Defense
Recognizing the nuclear missile threat posed by the Soviet Union, Ron Paul, as did also his friend and fellow anti-Communist colleague Rep. Larry McDonald (D-Ga.), supported President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), or “star wars” missile defense.
The purpose of SDI, as Reagan stated in his famous televised speech from the Oval Office on March 23, 1983, was “rendering these nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete.”
In an article entitled “Space Warfare” in the December 1, 1983 issue of Congressman Ron Paul Reports, Paul addressed those opposed to SDI; Paul wrote:
Earlier this year, when President Reagan announced plans to develop a space defense system, critics said he was opening a new horrifying era in the arms race: the militarization of space. Such a system, they said, would be “provocative,” forcing the Soviets to build their own “Star Wars” weaponry.
Paul went on to state that, “Nothing could be more misleading,” noting the hypocrisy of the Soviet Union:
Despite the barrage of propaganda from the Kremlin — propaganda that has been scandalously effective at influencing public opinion in the West — space has already been “militarized.” And it is the Soviets that have been the “militarizers.”
Paul concluded his article by paraphrasing and giving the last word to General Daniel O. Graham, “father of the High Frontier space defense concept and former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency….” Paul wrote:
In the event of a nuclear attack by the Soviets, General Graham reminds his critics, you’d better believe there will be weapons in space. They’ll be flying right at us. And it is this that those who seek a real defense capability are trying to prevent.
Ron Paul continued to maintain his support for SDI as far late as 1988, when during a televised interview, while running as the Libertarian Party presidential candidate, he was asked, “What about Star Wars/SDI?” Paul replied:
I think that it’s worth doing research on SDI, but I would take the money out of the money we spend overseas. Seventy percent of our military money is spent overseas subsidizing rich allies that should be spent on the defense of this country, such as SDI.
Ron Paul observed that a space-based missile defense such as SDI likely would be a far more effective way of deterring a Soviet missile attack than having to be the policeman of the world with U.S. troops and bases in over 150 countries.
Rather than having to maintain an empire overseas, the United States could still protect and even deter the possibility of Soviet nuclear aggression by the development and deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in space — and this was the position held by Ron Paul.
The Soviet Union was not the only world power seeking to impose Communism on the rest of the world. In addition to the Soviet menace, Ron Paul stood his ground against other communist states such as those in East Asia.
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There is some more good stuff here:
http://thenewamerican.com/history/american/8677-ron-paul-as-...
It seems like everyone would like to have one comprehensive detailed speech on foreign policy / national security. It would highlight all of his major beliefs and actions that would show everyone how we would then have the strongest defense and be the most safe.
Reagan thought it was a good idea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VXXwyl5G0A
Stand up and tell them
Want them to hear you? http://www.ronpaul2012.com/contact-us/
Peace through Strength and Trade!
Tell me what your going to do that is right, not just is wrong.
How this will keep us safe and secure?