Open Thread: End Run Around the MSM
It was great having the opportunity to attend debate in New Hampshire but in truth, sitting through debate itself was like torture. I wanted to hear Dr. Paul’s opinion on all of the questions, but CNN / the mainstream media (MSM) didn’t give him the chance. It was painfully clear that CNN was most interested in hearing from, and amplifying the opinions of the Rudy McRomney Trio. They put them smack dab in the middle, banishing Dr. Paul to the far right of the stage.
Dr. Paul is getting more and more coverage in the mainstream media, but it was clear from the debate that this coverage will only go so far. Yes, he can make it on the Daily Show, and Bill Maher, but when push comes to shove, the establishment will attempt to silence him by ignoring him. It is therefore imperative to find alternate avenues to get Dr. Paul’s message out.
One idea that has been discussed is having official weekly video addresses by Dr. Paul himself that would be uploaded to YouTube. Most of the unofficial videos – those produced by independent supporters – have been widely viewed and always quite popular. YouTube is extremely powerful because the videos can be embedded in any website and even in emails and viewed an infinite number of times.
Dr. Paul is a prolific writer – nearly every week he has a new piece out (See Speeches and Statements and Texas Straight Talk, and his writing is widely reproduced on a number of financial sites – including my own bullnotbull.com, as well as other great financial sites like safehaven.com and many more.
My First idea is simply for Dr. Paul to read his writings each week for a YouTube broadcast. Additionally, he could do a regular voice recording as well for use as a downloadable podcast. This would be an easy way to extend the value of some of the information he is already producing. Other websites would happily publish the videos and link to the podcasts and the size of his audience would certainly increase. Some people don't like to read, but are more than happy to watch or listen.
Second, I think it would be great to have a number of short (1 – 5 minutes) YouTube spots with Dr. Paul just talking about his positions on issues that are important to Americans in this campaign. It was great to be able to talk to Dr. Paul in person – he’s exactly like he is on TV. So this would be a great way for others to understand - not just his ideas - but also get a flavor of who the man actually is. Off the top of my head I can think of some topics that I’d be interested in viewing and sharing with my friends: individual rights, fiat money, the government & trade deficits, gun control, corporatism, history, blowback, etc. I’m sure there are more. The point is - many people enthusiastically support Dr. Paul - but it can be difficult for some to explain why. It is much easier just to email a video and say, "This is why I support Ron Paul. Watch this video - its only 2 minutes long." My experience is that if people start listening, the message really takes over.
The point is – many people still have never heard of Dr. Paul - but a 3 minute clip that outlines his views will go a long way toward attracting attention and encouraging more research. Once people start doing their own research, they're much more inclined to be a supporter, to turn off the MSM, and encourage others to do likewise! This is a good thing!
Unlike a TV spot that costs a lot of money and can only be viewed when it is on (a lot of people mute TV or go to the bathroom or something during the ads) there is no limit to how many times a YouTube video can be viewed and shared. Plus, it is practically free.
Right now I’m reading the book The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Joe Trippi, the strategist who catapulted Howard Dean to fame in 2004. Trippi understood the power of the Internet before nearly anyone, and most people still don't get it. In his book he talks about how his famous refrain was, “You don’t get it!†Very few people “got it†when it came to the internet. Dean raised $15 million, most in donations under $100 - and this was before YouTube. The Internet truly is a game changer, but most people still don’t get it yet. I predict Paul will raise at least that much before the primary as his message gets out. One report yesterday says he's already up to $5 million!
The MSM talks about Ron Paul “spammers†but that is a terrible distortion. MSM is frightened and threatened by this groundswell because they can’t control and limit the message the way they can via the traditional channels. MSM is centralized information broadcasting to the masses. There is no such thing as "the individual." The internet is all about individuals sharing and talking with one another - sharing relevant (as opposed to so much of the irrelevant MSM info) information and changing minds. Of course the MSM is threatened - they're losing control so the best they can do is attack Ron Paul supporters it and hope people ignore us.
Obviously - it didn't work out when Giuliani attacked Paul at the last debate - it only ended up helping him. So it was clear what the new strategy was: ignore him.
I believe that YouTube is a great vehicle that the Paul campaign itself needs to exploit much more. You don’t need expensive cameras, lights or studios – a $300 Mini DV camcorder is fine for the internet’s current low resolution broadcasts.
People, what do you think? I’d like to hear about what would you like to see in the videos. What issues would you like to hear Dr. Paul address? What format would you like to see? I will try to pass all information along to the campaign, so your voice really matters! Even if you see that someone has already expressed your opinion, express it again. Intensity is a way to measure interest level.
Thank you all for your continued support!
Michael Nystrom
Editor
DailyPaul
Is anyone in contact with his campaign?
We've posted some, in my opinion, great ideas here that would really help get the word out on what Dr. Paul believes and what his goals would be as President. But, has anyone discussed doing some short video clips and posting them on the web with Dr. Paul's campaign? From what I can tell, the clips could be done in several formats:
- Online "Town Hall" type meeting, whereby Dr. Paul can field web-submitted questions on a variety of topics from interested voters. A short answer video could be done in response to this.
- Debate videos whereby Dr. Paul could use his video to explain his differences with what his opponents say. This would not have to be nasty in any way. Simply have Dr. Paul talk about what his opponents believe and the pros/cons of it along with his views.
- Short informational videos whereby Dr. Paul can give short (anywhere from 2 - 5 minutes) explanations for his beliefs. What is important here is that Dr. Paul is able to realistically state what he believes he can achieve if elected President. No empty promises. For example, he's for getting rid of Medicare and Welfare, but he's stated that we have a couple generations of folks who are dependent on the system and that you can't get rid of it overnight. This would have to be tranistioned. This format would give him the opportunity to speak on how such a transition might work.
- Lastly, 30 second ads. I've seen a couple that looked very nice and professionally done.
If the MSM wants to call us "organized" then lets show them how organized we can be. Certainly, many of us are skilled and have the ability to create some very professional videos.
So, Paul campaign, what do you think? Do you think Dr. Paul would be interested in doing something along these lines?
Paul on PajamasMedia again
W00t!! Paul is on Pajamas Media again since he polled 1% in the last Gallup Poll. Go vote.
5 to 8 minutes is too long
I see several people talking about 5 to 8 minutes clips. I think that's too long. A lot of people have a pretty short attention span. I am one of them. I'll sit down and watch a longer video once I'm interested in a certain subject, idea or person but when it comes to grabbing my attention with something I'm not familiar with I'd say 5 to 8 minutes is too long. Someone else mentioned 2 to 4 minutes and I think that sound better already. Four minutes being the maximum. You can always add a more comprehensive, longer video on the same subject, which people can watch as a follow-up.
DEBATE DEBATE DEBATE
Ron Paul should debate the other candidates (whoever is willing), record it, and post it on YouTube! People will leap at the chance to get to see a real damned debate instead of the crap they (MSM) are putting up now. This is absolutely the way it will be done in the future, and Ron Paul should lead the way!
I should say...
I meant in a one on one debate against the other candidates; one at a time, in case that wasn't clear. :)
Clips
IMO, it doesn't matter that CNN and the like don't give Paul his due time. Because of sites of YouTube, you can take the time they do give and publish those. Therefore, when we want to hear Paul on all the issues, we then have the choice (as we're seeing now).
I think this will work well, and is working well, and is the way forward. Like a truly free market, the Internet video system will win out over "Main Stream Media."
60 Minutes
Of all the MSM, I think 60 Minutes would be the most likely do a story on Ron Paul. I don't know how effective his PR staff is at this point, but maybe if his supporters could lobby CBS, he would have a pretty good shot at it.
60 Minutes
Sounds reasonable. Perhaps we could all request it on our own of CBS.
I think the absolute fool proof way to get him on MSM would be to have him do something that they simply couldn't ignore - for example, if he actually did raise $5 million (or more). Or if he wond the Iowa Straw Poll that is coming up this September.
VOTE - Media (MSM) Conspiring With Search Engines to Hide Blogs
Vote to get blogs on the Google home page to get past the MSM
Request:
1) Please vote
2) Please pass to friends
3) Please keep on this topic if you comment - no political talk.
Thank you.
This is a great idea.
This idea is great. Use Youtube, iTunes, any online format to get the ideas out. Everyone I talk to think all the main candidates are a joke, but don't see any real alternatives. Short 5-10 minute clips on targeted issues would be great and give people a better feel of what his ideas are.
YouTube, great idea
I think the YouTube idea is excellent, as so many others already expressed. The podcast is perfect for the longer, more in-depth topics. And perhaps YouTube videos of Ron Paul ‘supporters’ would be useful as well. Like a short clips from respected personalities; a supporter from the financial community; a supporter on active duty; or from an everyday (but articulate) supporter – stating their reasons and maybe quoting Ron Paul?
Another place to show your support for Ron Paul:
.
Another place to show your support for Ron Paul:
.
http://www.protectronpaul...
.
Best,
Rer
.
RP videos in wmv or mpg format necessary too
YouTube is great, but Ron Paul videos (and audio) also need to be available in "downloadable" formats.
Most corporations filter YouTube and related sites. Yet, let's face it, many employees -- like yours truly -- peruse the internet and personal email during lunch. I could guarantee at least a dozen people at my work would watch a video (or listen to an audio track) during lunch if it was brief.
As a matter of fact, they are more likely to watch it during lunch at work then if I sent it to their home address where there are more competing distractions.
"Downloadable" fomats also allow for easier distribution to those who don't have high-speed internet service.
DRS
add wmv and mpg
Good point; wmv and mpg formats are crucial.
Great Idea, With Limited Reach
This is a great idea, but the reach of such videos may be limted. However, they're likely to reach more likely voters than non-likely voters, and that's where the difference will be made. I'll just make an assumption that MSM TV reaches more UNlikely voters than it reaches likely voters, but I don't have numbers to back that.
Here's broadband penetration numbers as of March 2006...
As of March 2006, 42% of all American adults had a high-speed internet connection
at home. In March 2005, 30% of all adults had high-speed internet at home.
¢ This growth in broadband adoption has been fueled in part by an increase in internet
penetration in the past year, from 66% to 73%. Nearly half of these new internet
users subscribe to high-speed services at home.
¢ The 40% increase in home broadband adoption from March 2005 to March 2006 is
double the 20% rate of increase that occurred from March 2004 to March 2005
http://www.pewinternet.or...
Think strategically - Let YouTube do the work.
The campaign should produce simple videos *targeted* to specific hot-button audiences. The idea is for the campaign to provide the material that all of us in the field can pick and choose and then pass along.
Contrast this to the "top down" approach of ~broadcasting~ messages or running annoying phone banks. It's wasteful because you cast the wide net hoping to catch the few. The campaign should provide the ammo, we'll do the targeting.
We know our neighbors, family, co-workers, and customers. We know what they are interested in. We can forward the homeschooling video into *our* personal 'network' and then let the video *proliferate* within *their homeshooling network, etc. Let the internet do the work.
Another example is the NAIS (National Animal Identification System), an expensive, big-brother approach to tracking all livestock AND *farmers.* It's a narrow issue, but people are PASSIONATE about fighting it. For the thousands of people across the country that are ~livid~ about this issue, a message directed right at them adds up the votes for Dr. Paul.
The fact is with his long legislative career and prolific writing, Dr. Paul's ideas are *out there* but they are bound up in books or archives. The ideas are not in an easily distributable format.
One of the best was Dr. Paul sitting in a lobby of a hotel, just like you'd walk up and talk to him. Make it conversational. He is a thoughtful man, not a sound-bite machine behind the podium or desk.
Let YouTube do the work. Let us, the friends of the ideas of the candidate, pass the messages right to our friends. In business this is called the warm referral and it is THE strongest method of making the sale.
This also gives us the opportunity to head off mis-information that will come as Dr. Paul rises.
Targeted videos can also highlight the differences Dr. Paul and the rest of the field. We know no one holds a candle to his fiscal conservatism-- let's be able to show the graphs and tables with Dr. Paul giving a voice over.
Ok, ok, too many cooks spoil the soup. But I impress upon the campaign to take advantage of *us* his base.
Hot Button
You have wonderful ideas!
The campaign should use one of its staffers to Q&A Ron Paul on the lesser known but still important issues out there. The setting should be relaxed, the interaction friendly, but the questions should be serious. Ron Paul doesn't need softballs pitched at him. We all know the man can bat. These Q&A sessions could address specific issues like the NAIS. I hope the campaign reads and takes note of your excellent post.
Regards,
Blofeld
The right approach
I think you are exactly right about producing targetted messages that can be circulated by people passionate about the particular issue.
And some of the issues people care about are surprising. I know someone who became very excited when Ron Paul talked about legalizing competition in mail delivery, because her local Post office is terribly inefficient. I had never heard of NAIS before you mentioned it, but there obviously people agitated by it. So I think the key to getting people's attention is to target their personal issue.
YouTube videos
This is a fantastic idea. Ron Paul can be heard by a lot more people with these videos. If we depend on the media for coverage of his views too many people will be left in the dark as to what a wonderful man/candidate he is. We all could send the videos out to the world and not have to hope that the media will spread the word about Ron Paul. I really believe that he is our last hope to stop the fall of the United States into something that we will be very sorry for.
YouTube
I'm even trying to coin a "meme." I'm calling this "The YouTube Election." As a Large-L Libertarian veteran of the literally-massive news media bias against Dr. Paul from 1988, I'm most heartened of all by "secret weapons" like LadyJade and GinaGoddess. One thing we definitely lacked back then was good looking females, and Lord knows this campaign has 'em now. I'm excited. :)
JMR
Local town hall meetings via Internet/You Tube
This idea, mentioned before in this thread, is AWESOME.
This would mobilize and engergize the local groups. Think about it: most voters are frustrated because they feel that national politicians don't listen and don't understand their needs. Along comes ONE who is conducting a town hall meeting for THEIR city. Finally! Someone who is listening.
This is a ground war. Our first objective: New Hampshire. After we win NH, the MSM will be forced to talk about our next President, Ron Paul.
We will have momentum on our side.
Believe.
National Parks
I don't exactly know his position on National parks but I would bet my life that we can count on him to follow his oath to the Constituition. Since the Constituition does not give the power to the federal government to run national parks, I suspect he would advocate giving the parks back to the State governments. Relinquishing power back to the States where it rightfully belongs is part of Ron Paul's philosophy.
Preempting the Inevitable Attacks
I think part of the reason why this is important is that Dr. Paul needs to be able to preempt the inevitable attacks that will come as the campaign picks up speed. For the time being, no one is attacking him because it would only help Dr. Paul. But I'm certain that as time goes on, his popularity will only increase.
However, listening to this analysis of him on public radio : http://www.dailypaul.com/...
I heard some red flags being raised. Dr. Paul has tremendous crossover appeal to Democrats based on his Anti-war stance. But what will those liberals think when they hear (as was said in the interview) that he wants to privatize the National Parks!? This even gives me pause. The National Parks are a great national resource, but the only ones able to afford to buy them at this point would be huge corporations. But the idea of someone like Texaco or Enron, or Walmart buying the public parks is terrible.
I'm sure this is not what he has in mind, but this is the kind of sound bite that could absolutely kill interest in him. I can just see it now - "I don't like Ron Paul because I heard on the news he wants to sell the National Parks to Enron." Whatever. This is the power of distortion that the MSM has. But if he had a clear position statement, it would be a kind of insurance. If MSM tried to pull any monkey business like that - the campaign could come back and say - No, Ron Paul's position is here. Then he could turn the tables on MSM - why aren't they doing their research - it is all right here on the internet in an easily digestible format.
This is why he should think hard about these position videos. To explain most of his positions takes more than a sound bite. There is considerable background that most people don't have - groundwork that needs to be laid, which could be done in the videos.
He should make these on all the topics that are likely to be misinterpreted (probably all of them), but including:
- terrorism
- immigration
- the elimination of government
- abortion
- the environment
- the Second Amendment
Anyway - imho. I think this could really help him. When a lot of people can't sleep at night, or they have time on their hands on the weekend, they go searching online for an education. Why not make it easy for them?
Yielding Style of Compliant Art
Manystrom,
You always have brilliant ideas to share. I think that once the Ron Paul campaign train gains steam then the Big Media will sabotage the tracks. It's easy to derail campaign trains even if Dr. Paul happens to be the conductor. He needs to follow your advice. His opinions on the important topics should be available for everyone to access. If the Big Media tries its tricks to discredit him then he needs to be quick, flexible, and reactive--think of a jujutsu master using the power of his opponent's strike to counter attack. I think Ron Paul has already shown ability at jujutsu following the second debate. But he is not a master yet.
Regards,
Blofeld
United Nations?
Temper the national park issue with this:
http://www.freerepublic.c...
Who would you rather have...Wal-Mart or the U.N.?
Interview format
From the various footage I've seen of Paul so far it seems to me that he possesses a high degree of natural charm which comes out best in his face to face interviews, as opposed to being just a taking head. I'd like to see him discuss and present his perspectives and opinions in relation to the public's questions in a series of informal interviews on you tube in a relaxed format/environment. His honesty and consistency is his best weapon and that only becomes apparent through his conversations imho.
I also think it's very important that the campaign balance out the 'Dr.No' for big government with the 'Dr.Yes' of local government, and what advantages that brings for people, so far I'm not seeing a lot of how that is going to balance out. People want to hear what a candidate is going to do for them, and more often than not you need to demonstrate/illustrate that rather than rely upon them to figure it out. Saying Paul isn't for big government isn't quite the same as saying that Paul wants to put the power to decide more in the hands of the locally elected, so you personally have the opportunity to say how things are run in your state rather than Washington decide for you.
Agreed
Ron Paul is very charming when he is taking to a person. You can tell that he cares about the person that he is talking to. That would be a very effective way to showcase his charm.
Also - the "Dr. No" is clever and funny for those in the "know" - but for those who don't understand the reference, it might be kind of a turn off. I would like to hear more about how people can be empowered at the local level. Here are two examples of how to make this effective -- that I heard from members of Dr. Paul's family:
1) Who do you trust more to make a better decision that will affect your family: The federal government or yoursefl?
2) If you had $100 to donate to help this country, who would you choose to donate it to - FEMA or the Salvation Army?
Those are pretty effective -- and true -- eh?
Don't Just Go Around MSM - For Liberty, we must Change MSM!
It's great that there are now channels to utilize to get the word out for Ron Paul, but while the large majority are being brainwashed by the MSM, we have a duty to shake its very foundations.
This must be a long term strategy, but it might also prove useful during Ron Paul's campaign.
Let's face it, the MSM is a tool of the powerful elite, who are using it to manipulate the people and to access and control governmental power. There people are the enemy of freedom!
Within the MSM are a host of producers, directors, journalists and talking heads who bow to the powers above them!
Without these people there is no MSM! So they should be the target of change. We need to make them more scared of the people than they are of their bosses. I do not mean scared in a physical sense, but in a career sense.
One method of forcing these MSM middle men to change is to shine the light on their hypocrisy, lies, distortions, stupidity and bias.
We can do this by collecting video and newspaper evidence and then producing investigative videos highlighting their actions and calling for their apology and reform, or else further pusuing them with lobbying to advertisers, syndicators etc demanding they remove their support.
Hurt the MSM by targeting its mouthpieces and the advertisers and soon they will have to change their methods of reporting.
This shouldn't be just a Ron Paul fan movement against MSM bias and lies, but a FREEDOM MOVEMENT AGAINST CORRUPT MEDIA (FMACM).
We could start by producing a video on Hannity being an ass (should be easy to find). Include in the video a list of the advertisers on his program, and call for all viewers to register their support to boycot these advertisers.
Ask the advertisers to request an apology from Hannity or to remove their advertising from the show if they want the boycott to end.
If they fail to take any action, that company may be targeted for further negative PR action from the FMACM.
Let's get organized and bring these tyrants and their financial supporters to their knees. Let's SMACK'M with FMACM !
BINGO - We need to draw attention to the MSM Bias in a big way!
I agree 100% - expose the bias ASAP to the general public. One idea I have is to stage a 'modern-day' Boston Tea-V Party - inviting all supporters for accuracy in media, including the other candidates from both the Dem's and GOP, unfairly eliminated from this race by the MSM without the American people ever having a chance to really hear their message.
I know time is short, but I suggested, in an earlier post, that on National Ron Paul Day (the 4th. of July) we organize large rallies in the major cities where Dr. Paul has the most Meet-up support. The spin-off will be called, "The Boston Tea-V Party" - Dump Main-Stream Media! With a patriotic theme, the setting is a park or staging area in a busy part of town. Bring in a large dump-truck and hang sign all around on the truck that says, "Dump Main-Stream Media". Have supporters come dressed in their best Tea Party costumes. Have them bring their favorite major newspaper and old TVs with CNN, Fox News, and PBS signs taped to the front (easily found in thrift store dumpsters). Supporters for a given candidate can use this as a rally to bring attention to their candidates positions. Press releases will need to be sent out. A website to promote the idea can be put in place. RP DVD's & fliers can be given out. Set up a PA - have people line up to say why they're voting for their candidate (RP supporter will obviously be there in numbers).
I know time is short. Anyone think this can be pulled off?
Bill Kosloskey
MIForRonPaul.com
877-777-9909
Online Town Hall Meetings
That's a great idea. I saw there are something like 1600 meet-up demands for RP now. So, not only is this a great idea, he might also be able to at least partially answer the demand. And, it makes for a GREAT story for someone to write about how many demands he has from supporters and the creative way he answered some of the demands. Sounds like a great Press Release from the RP headquarters. It would get some play, I bet. Besides.....sigh..I wanna go to one. Right now! Really good idea keys2heaven.
Online Town Hall Meetings
Maybe someone already mentioned this. But what about having folks submit questions for Dr. Paul to answer via a series of "town hall" meetings. Let's face it, how much does the average American citizen learn about a candidate's views during the debates where answers are usually reduces to scripted soundbites. The PTB are certainly trying to "silence" Dr. Paul by ignoring him. Well, let him turn the tables on the MSM and talk to the American people directly. As someone else suggested, these question/answer sessions could be burned to DVD and then be passed out.
This is a great idea! I
This is a great idea!
I would like to add that one way he could do it to bring attention to more people is to advertise in a local paper or tv asking for the local citizens to submit questions. That way it would attract the interest of people who had not heard of Paul, plus maybe the local media would report when he does answer.
Then he puts his "town hall" on YouTube for all to see.
So let's say one week he asks the people in a town in New Hampshire. Next week he'll spotlight a town in Iowa. And so on.
This is very innovative. It would also make for a MUCH better ad than the standard "I support America..blah, blah, blah. Please vote for me". It would actually engage the voter.
Can't Just Rely on Debates
Each national debate catapults Ron Paul to a higher level of awareness among the public. But after the debates, I feel the momentum does slow down a bit. Despite the debates, I feel the majority of the people still don't know who Ron Paul is. None of my co-workers I asked knows who Ron Paul is. They all rely on mainstream media like CNN. I think videos by Ron Paul made specifically for YouTube (like H. Clinton), TV interviews, radio interviews, and audio uploads are great ways for Ron Paul to make his way slowly into the mainstream media, whether the mainstream media like it or not.
rp
YouTube Broadcast Ideas
I think it's a great idea for Ron Paul to further use YouTube as a medium to broadcast his viewpoints on various topics. Thus far, majority of the video clips are interviews captured by the general public and then uploaded. I think it would be a good idea for Ron Paul to specifically address certain issues on a regular basis to the public via YouTube. I thought reading his own writings would be nice too, either as a video or audio upload.
rp
Couldn't Agree More!!!
I just finished watching a piece run by the News Hour on PBS about how the Internet is revolutionizing campaigns. The vast majority of the piece highlighted Romney's online efforts, touting the number of YouTube, MySpace, and Facebook subscribers he has. How he creates videos specifically for YouTube, and how his supporters are able to reply to his videos, and even, *gasp*, create their own. Any word of Ron Paul? Not a single mention of his name! I can't even begin to express how infuriated I am at the moment.
While the MSM regards Ron Paul supporters as nothing more than bothersome "spammers", every other politician's supporters who use the Internet are revolutionary. Yet more proof, in my opinion, of the MSM trying to marginalize Ron Paul and promote the Rudy McRomney trio, even on Public Television, OUR medium. I will never again donate a single penny to PBS, despite the generally excellent programming. If this is the type of "news" my contributions pay for, in the words of Stephen Colbert, PBS is dead to me.
So a resounding YES! to this suggestion. I have been following Dr. Paul's exploits for years via lewrockwell.com, safehaven.com, dailyreckoning.com, etc., I'm not a afraid to read! Lately I've been searching out video and audio interviews of Dr. Paul, as it's far more convenient to listen while doing other work on the computer. The recent Exchange interview with New Hampshire public radio, and the Joe Briggs interview (on YouTube), are two of the best I've heard. It would be great to have more of this type of information available, not just for myself, but like you say, to forward to others as well.
One point I disagree with, and that is the length of the video/podcast. While it would be good to have some that are 2-3 minutes in length, Ron Paul really needs more time than that to explain his ideas. I think the best approach would be a mixture of short videos/podcasts for those pressed for time, or just needing an introduction, in conjunction with longer, more in-depth presentations of his proposed solutions.
After Ron Paul is inaugurated and putting his plans to work as our next President, I think it would be an excellent idea to continue this practice, regularly communicating to the American people what he has identified as problems, and what he is doing to address them. Let's hope that he'll be able to get some air time then, and if not, put the videos up on the whitehouse.gov web site, it might actually then begin to get some traffic.
Give me Ron Paul, or give me death!
Is that piece available
Is that piece available online? Got a link?
It is as of this minute
http://www.pbs.org/newsho...
Last video link on that page:
Candidates Utilize Campaign Web Sites
The NewsHour Reports on how presidential candidates are using their campaign Web sites to publicize their opinions and gain support.
Should it disappear by the time you read this, just type the title above into the search box:
Candidates Utilize Campaign Web Sites
Issues and Positions
Jane said:
The 5-8 minute short videos would be posted directly on his site and people could view them on each issue they cared about.I would not wait for one weekly -- I'd just make a library of his positions and DO IT NOW.
I agree with Jane 100% and am doing just that. Warning: Making your own library may lead to "hero worship" . That's my experience so far!
Excellent!
I've always thought a series of 5-8 minute videos on the issues to post on his website directly would be excellent.
Hillary does it all the time!
It speaks to the people and is a record of his positions and he doesn't have to be at the mercy of the hands of the moderator.
A longer speech might not be something people are willing to sit and listen to, but the 5-8 minute shorts of his positions on all the issues in plain simple language would be an EXCELLENT thing and I hope they start doing it right away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I Like His Suits
...much better than Bush's "flight suit"...cuz that wuz silly . I've found as I age that when I see someone's soul, hear their truth and recognize their goodness, I just find them very attractive in all ways. I doubt Ron Paul has much time now to have suits fitted or shop. Just my opinion, but I think he looks and sounds more Presidential everytime I see him. Still I think he should get some new duds if he or his wife or his staff think that's a good idea. I don't care and I used to be in corporate PR/Public Affairs. At least he's got clothes...I mean he's not an "emperor with no clothes" like we have in the White House now.
Yes for weekly video
I think a weekly video by Dr. Paul would be excellent, and think it is much needed. Seems like for the most part we're out here totally on our own doing the grassroots thing.
A weekly video would help to cement us together. But don't stop there, many people have only dial up and have no use of video. Put this weekly in text also. The text could be copied and distributed to our friends that don't have computers( and there are many).
Les
Ron Paul debate answeres on YouTube.
I think in the future Ron Paul should use YouTube to answer questions he will not get to answer on future debates.
He can even use footage from the debate to show and tell how he differs from the other candidates or to elaborate on his ideas.
Great Idea!
Have him answer "questions he will not get to answer on future debates." through Youtube videos. I thought this was a great idea, the first thing I thought of when I read the post. You could even have him refute other candidates answers. You know, kind of like a... um, a debate?
Myk (In the absence of light, darkness prevails...)
Yes, more YouTube of Ron Paul on specific topics
I've been saying this for weeks. I believe Ron Paul should speak 2-5 minutes however frequently he can in front of a video camera on the pressing issues of the campaign. He can educate America on the issues that are subject to full media blackout, such as the horror that is the Federal Reserve System and the coming North American Union.
I would create some type of issues graphic/grid on my site and you could click on an issue/question and it would play his YouTube video on that subject. I would create a page or post for people who are new to Ron Paul so they could learn all about him in one place by video, which I think is a very effective medium.
They would also be podcasted so those with iTunes or another podcast app could be updated as they are release without having to go looking for them. Please get this request to the campaign!!
Joe Naab
http://www.citizensforron...
It is not Dr. Paul they are
It is not Dr. Paul they are afraid of, it is his message, our message. We want our country back.
Please tell Ron Paul...
Excellent analysis of the situation. Furthermore the idea of short videos on specific subjects definitely needs to be implemented asap (2 minute clip max).
Just one thing, could somebody tell Ron Paul to buy new fitted suits. He doesn’t look presidential at all with its loose suits. No offence but he looks more like a peasant (I come from a peasant family) than a potential president of the US. Appearance matters, especially for viewers who get just a glimpse of him on MSM.
New Suits
I agree with you!
rp
New suits good idea
New suits are actually a good idea. But no $400 haircut please!
Offline Marketing - Don't leave the house without fliers/DVD's
There are target groups that need to be reached that simply aren't on the internet. Seniors, folks who can't get high speed due to cost or proximity, people that don't like the internet, people without computers, etc. So...if they can't be on the internet, let's take the internet to them.
Don't leave your house without some kind of RP material...fliers, DVD's, wear a Ron Paul T-shirt, etc. etc.
I wish we had down loadable messages that can be copied onto DVD's. For the most part, the message Dr. Paul has is for all. However, there would be some benefits to tailor a special message to specific people groups. For example, one could view the special message for veterans; one for seniors; one for our nation's young people; one for families; one for legal immigrants, etc. All would be on the same DVD, along with PDF files for fliers, brochures, and other promotional material. In addition, to the message, have the DVD cover art and text insert for the jewel case with the file.
Then, we can burn those on our own computers, and:
1. 'Lend' them to folks, "Hey...I need this back tomorrow...watch it today", creating a sense of urgency for the individual to watch the DVD.
2. Watch it with them, then ask them if they'd like a copy for themself, or to pass out to others.
3. Encourage folks to watch it, and pass it on to keep the message circulating (kind of like those emails you get, over and over).
4. Carry a portable DVD player with you and play the DVD at school, in the lunchroom, during breaks at work, at church, at the bar...where ever.
We have the DVD medium today that didn't exist to this extent four years ago. Let's use it.
Another idea is a bank of 'form' letters that one can download and personalize that, again, are targeted towards a specific group...seniors, military, clergy, etc. After you customize the letter, sign it and snail mail it to folks who aren't online.
And fliers are awesome - Don't leave home without them. I passed out probably 25 fliers at garage sales today. Lots of old folks at garage sales. I simply say, "Hey...how are you. Would you take a look at this flier for Congressman Ron Paul? You know he's running for President on the GOP (or Republican ticket) as the most conservative one of the group. And, he's resoundingly won the first 3 debates - please will you look him up on the internet and review his positions? People were gracious and even allowed me to engage them in further discussion about immigration (a real hot button with many), and patriotism and the Constitution (a good one with the older folks). When talking about the Constitution, I'll usually ask the person, "Have you ever heard of the Constitution?" to break the ice. Most come back with a "...of course I've heard of it...although it's being trashed!"
That's my two cents for now on how to reach those not on the internet.
Bill Kosloskey
MIForRonPaul.com
877-777-9909
Look What They’ve Done...
On the Takin’ It To The Streets idea – btw Bill, I enjoy reading your well thought out posts; but I do have a different take on the lyrics. I prefer not to grab someone else’s stuff for my own purpose. I do like to quote from songs a lot, but not put to work as a slogan I guess. Maybe I’m wrong on that, I don’t know (or I just prefer Johnston). But I can still remember sinking into my chair the first time I heard an oatmeal commercial to the tune of ‘Look What They’ve Done To My Song, Ma’ – to quote Zachary Smith “oh the pain, the pain†…sardonic irony too.
Fortunately, in Ron Paul’s case, other options exist. Several people have written songs expressly for him. Take Steve Dore for example (strike that, take Steve Dore specifically - I like him) he’s got several songs already and with good stuff; plus you don’t need permission to use it – it’s implied; I mean, that’s why he wrote them. Come to think of it, I was going to order Inflation Nation this week-end, no telling what’s on that.