Evangelical Vote

[oldpaths1611]

Ok, I just received the following email from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), of which I am a member. HSLDA is primarily a Christian home schooling organization which practically millions of home school families are members of. So now there are some Christian leaders endorsing Fred Thompson and others endorsing Mike Huckabee. Believe me when I tell you that most of the HSLDA members will read this email and go, "Yeah...Huckabee!" Here's the problem....The millions of primary voting Republican evangelicals in America are being reached - BUT NOT FOR RON PAUL! We have a lot of work to do with these folks if Dr. Paul is going to have a chance.


HSLDA PAC--Mike Huckabee for President

Dear HSLDA members:

HSLDA's PAC Committee has taken the historic step of making an early
endorsement in the 2008 race for president.

We believe that Mike Huckabee, Governor of Arkansas, should be elected
the next President of the United States. Mike is a principled
conservative, a friend of homeschooling, a man of character, and a man
with a mature faith in Jesus Christ.

Mike Huckabee, as governor, was the first to appoint a homeschooler to
the Arkansas State Board of Education, and to our knowledge the first
to do so in any state. He is adamantly opposed to the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child and is committed to stopping the
erosion of parental rights. He is pro-life. He supports traditional
marriage. He believes that the Internal Revenue Service should be
abolished and replaced with the Fair Tax--a move that we strongly
support because it would greatly benefit homeschooling families. He
believes and is willing to say that Islamic extremism needs to be
understood as a theologically driven threat. He believes that America
must be strong, but should never be perceived as a bully. He believes
that our borders must be secured not only from illegal immigration but
from the growing trend among American judges of "illegally importing"
international law into our American judicial systems.

There are a few other candidates in the race who are properly
described as principled conservatives. None of the media's
"frontrunners" would qualify for this designation. But we believe that
Mike Huckabee is by far the best communicator in the race--he is able
to articulate his conservative principles in an incredibly winsome and
articulate manner. Moreover, among the principled conservatives,
Huckabee is the only one who has been a governor. And we have not
elected members of either the Senate or the House--and certainly not a
mayor--as President of the United States in nearly a half century.

We believe that Mike Huckabee may be the only candidate in the race
who could defeat Hillary Clinton in 2008.

Because of her past support for the UN Convention on the Rights of the
Child, we believe that it is absolutely essential to find a candidate
who can beat her. If she is elected president, both homeschooling and
parental rights would be in serious jeopardy.

To date, based on early polls, we are told that Rudy Giuliani is the
front-runner for the GOP nomination. It is our judgment that Giuliani
cannot possibly beat Hillary Clinton. Since 1976, no person running
for president as a moderate Republican has ever won the election. (Not
everyone running as a conservative proved to be a true conservative,
but we are analyzing elections.) Ford and Dole--both moderates-- lost
in 1976 and 1996. Reagan, a clear conservative, won landslides in 1980
and 1984. George H.W. Bush portrayed himself as a Reagan man in 1988
and won. But as president he violated his famous "read my lips-- no
new taxes" pledge, and was defeated in 1992 when it had become clear
to America that he was a moderate. George W. Bush ran as a
conservative and was elected in 2000 and 2004.

Moderate Republicans simply cannot win the presidency. If the nation
wants a Democrat, they choose the real thing. This is particularly
true on the abortion issue. Giuliani supports Roe vs. Wade and will
never win the support of the crucial block of social conservatives.
Hillary Clinton will be elected president if Giuliani is the
candidate. We think this is true of any of the other
front-runners--none of whom comes close to being labeled a truly
principled conservative. Do not believe the early polls. History is a
far better means of analysis. No moderate Republican can be elected
president.

We have taken this historic step of an early endorsement because the
process of electing our president is based on a radically different
timetable in this election. The vast majority of the primaries will be
earlier than ever before. If we do not act now, all conservatives will
be driven from the race by lack of funding and we will be left with
only unacceptable choices.

Thus, we urge our members to do four things:


1. Support Mike Huckabee in your state's presidential primary (or
other nomination process).

2. Please pray for him on a regular basis.

3. Please consider volunteering for his campaign. You can view his
website at http://www.explorehuckabee.com/.

4. Please make a donation TODAY to his campaign at
https://www.explorehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contribute.Home.

Do not think that your gift is insignificant because you cannot give
thousands of dollars. A campaign like Huckabee's will only work when
thousands of friends network together giving, $25, $50, $100, or even
just $10 each. Frankly, a campaign that receives $25 from 10,000
people is far stronger than a campaign that receives $10,000 from 25
people.

Grassroots conservatives often complain about the big-dollar types who
try to control the process. The only solution is for a whole bunch of
small-dollar people to stand together and give together. And the left
has learned to drive millions of people to websites and to fund large
campaigns based on grassroots supporters who contact their friends and
urge them to get involved.

It is far safer for an organization like ours to sit silently on the
sidelines for a long time. But, it is our judgment that we must get
behind a conservative candidate who will provide a viable option to
Hillary. Moreover, many of us have waited a long time for a
presidential candidate who is a truly qualified and articulate man who
shares our values down to his core. Mike Huckabee entered politics for
the same reason that most of us began homeschooling. He wants a future
that is grounded upon timeless values.

We think that the time is now. Please support Mike Huckabee.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President

Michael P. Farris
HSLDA Chairman & General Counsel

 

[angrydragon]

I guess they don't know that Ron Paul supports competition and home-schooling, unlike the other candidates.

 

[winston84]

I'd agree that the Evangelical vote is important, but I'm surprised how nobody brought up the "rapture" factor. These particular Evangelicals relish chaos, they want the US military pounding at the doors of Middle Eastern countries because they want to accelerate the end times as stated in Revelations (too bad they skip over the part about the mark of the beast), they also are hardcore supporters of the state of Israel. Just listen to them, their mindsets are fundamentally static and are much tougher to change then say for an atheist neo-con. Getting them to endorse RP is like getting them to convert to another religion. I'm a Christian, but I believe that these people are the most vile people on Earth for having perverted and hijacked doctrine to fit their political goals. I am against mixing of religion and politics in such a direct matter ie. a pastor encouraging his congregation who exactly to endorse or to even be distributing materials on a church's premises.

 

[oldpaths1611]

I'd agree that the Evangelical vote is important, but I'm surprised how nobody brought up the "rapture" factor. These particular Evangelicals relish chaos, they want the US military pounding at the doors of Middle Eastern countries because they want to accelerate the end times as stated in Revelations (too bad they skip over the part about the mark of the beast), they also are hardcore supporters of the state of Israel. Just listen to them, their mindsets are fundamentally static and are much tougher to change then say for an atheist neo-con. Getting them to endorse RP is like getting them to convert to another religion. I'm a Christian, but I believe that these people are the most vile people on Earth for having perverted and hijacked doctrine to fit their political goals. I am against mixing of religion and politics in such a direct matter ie. a pastor encouraging his congregation who exactly to endorse or to even be distributing materials on a church's premises.

I'm a Christian and I certainly believe in the "rapture" of the church. I also know what scripture teaches about the central role Israel plays in the last days. I don't agree that evangelicals "relish chaos." I do believe their zeal for the war is caused by their support for Israel, and by their excitement that these are indeed signs of the last days. I have no doubt that these are the last days and everything happening is prophesy fulfilled. So in that sense I'm one of "them," and I'm voting for Ron Paul! So there is hope for the evangelical neocon, as long as Ron Paul is presented to them in a manner which will attract them. If you go back and read the posts and links, you'll find some ideas on how to approach them.

I'll tell you what will NOT win over the conservative right. Associating Ron Paul with revolution, trutherism and a lot of other things going on in his name. I'm a truther to the core, but I know evangelicals. They will certainly not be won over by guys driving down the street screaming about "Bilderberg scum" and "911 was an inside job" and throwing Dr. Pauls name into the mix. If anything, they will be absolutely revolted by those kinds of shenanigans. Anyway, I think there are plenty of other threads on that particular issue.

I too am against the mingling of religion and politics. However, if a pastor wants to endorse a particular candidate and promote that candidate to his congregation(currently illegal for a 501(c)3), I will fight for his right to do so. That's what freedom is all about.

 

[LibertyEagle]

oldpaths,

Since you're more familiar with homeschoolers than I am, what do you suggest we do to inform them about Ron Paul?

 

[johngr]

It looks to me like the Dr. Paul's has hardly any competition for the Christian vote. Rudy "abort 'em" Guillani is poison (and a Yankee to boot). Romney might as well be the devil's son. McCain (aside from his name ) need I say Feingold? That leaves only Thompson. Crude analysis but am I not right?

 

[oldpaths1611]

oldpaths,

Since you're more familiar with homeschoolers than I am, what do you suggest we do to inform them about Ron Paul?

There are many reasons why parents choose to home school. Religious and academic reasons are two of the top ones. Why is it though that parents like myself would never even consider putting their children into public (government) schools? Bad influences and poor education certainly rank at top of the list, but one of the underlying facts is that WE DON"T TRUST THE GOVERNMENT...especially with our own children. The typical home schooled family is religious, traditional, family-minded, independent thinking, productive, patriotic and conservative. These are all great attributes to build upon when discussing Congressman Paul. He's a family man, pro home school and as traditional American as they come. I have no doubt that if home schoolers, like the church, were just exposed to Dr. Paul they would fall in love with the man.

As far as what to do practically...every state has several home school associations and organizations. There are many local groups also. You can try to contact these groups and send them Ron Paul info. Here's a link to a list of these groups.

http://www.hslda.org/orgs/default.asp

If you know any home schoolers personally, talk to them. In the home school world word of mouth referral is everything. If you can get just one or two to get on the bandwagon, the word will spread. There are also many blogs that you may be able to get in on. Here's a popular one.

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/home.php

If you do speak with home schoolers, remember to present aspects of Ron Pauls message that will be of particular interest to them - no federal interference with their schooling, pro-life, etc.

 

[oldpaths1611]

It looks to me like the Dr. Paul's has hardly any competition for the Christian vote. Rudy "abort 'em" Guillani is poison (and a Yankee to boot). Romney might as well be the devil's son. McCain (aside from his name ) need I say Feingold? That leaves only Thompson. Crude analysis but am I not right?

Thompson and Huckabee. Huckabee is a professing born again Christian and a former pastor. He also believes in creation. As a born again Christian myself, no one would be happier than I if Huckabee is the real deal. I would never vote for him though. Just about every president that's played the Christian card has turned out to be a disaster (Carter, Bush, Clinton, et al). I think Huckabee may turn out to be an even bigger contender for the evangelical vote than Thompson, especially after the last debate where he boldly stood up for his beliefs on creation. When talking to Christians about Thompson, make sure to bring up the fact that he's CRF (i.e. a one-worlder). Unfortunately, even after 8 years of Bush, I don't think most of the church have learned their lesson. Many have, but there's a long way to go.

 

[johngr]

As true as they want to be to their religion, they must also consider practical politics. Huckabee would be great if they were choosing the president of of the Republican Party (to paraphrase Dr. Paul). But Ron Paul has a good shot at winning the election. And certainly he is an honest Christian man with no objectionable past, political convictions or voting record. As you say you must play down the socially liberal positions and the too far out there tinfoil hat stuff. On the other hand the CFR connection, North American Union, new world order stuff is too widely reported in the MSM (Lou Dobbs reports, CFR quotes) and their own documents not to consider. And Ron Paul shines like a star in that department. HE WILL NOT PRESIDE OVER US GETTING MICROCHIPPED OR EVEN THE PRECURSOR TO THAT. IN FACT, HE WILL I BELEIVE TEAR DOWN THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE BEST OF HIS ABILITY AND WITHIN THE LEGAL CONSTRAINTS THAT WOULD SUPPORT THAT. That might be sold as the big difference between Dr. Paul and Thompson.

 

[oldpaths1611]

Well, here's what some professing Christians think of Ron Paul. Everyone needs to give these fools a call and stir things up a bit.

http://www.citizensforronpaul.org

 

[TrueGenius]

So the solution is to impose your version of morality on everyone else?

You do realize that millions of people immigrate to this country every year and the majority of them are not christians. The federal government does the best it can to give both militant christians, like yourself, and people that just want to live in peace away people like you the best of both worlds. If you want to discuss history, what you are implying is a disgrace to your religion and the people that fought so hard to be free of people like you.

You

 

[TrueGenius]

So the solution is to impose your version of morality on everyone else?

You do realize that millions of people immigrate to this country every year and the majority of them are not christians. The federal government does the best it can to give both militant christians, like yourself, and people that just want to live in peace away people like you the best of both worlds. If you want to discuss history, what you are implying is a disgrace to your religion and the people that fought so hard to be free of people like you.

You're taking the quote out of context. What was meant is that this is the way to appeal to the evangelicals. Of course they want to express their views , just like you do and I do. It's our right under the constitution to express our beliefs. It's not necessarily imposing other's moral values on the rest of us; though there are some in every lot who think we all should think and act like they do. Though this is the point in the larger picture, it's not necessarily the point here, however. The point and the question is how are we going to appeal to the evangelicals? We need to speak their language in promoting Dr. Paul or we lose them - or rather - never get them on our side. We NEED them on our side. Speaking to what THEY think is moral or not is a way to do so. It's not imposing their views on the rest of us, it's talking to what they find important.

I'm on Dr. Paul's side for other reasons. The language used in converting the evangelicals to our side would not work to convert me and vice versa. Get the point?

 

[TrueGenius]

Is there no one in the Ron Paul camp who is meeting with these evangelical and christian leaders to endorse Ron Paul? This is what should be happening. It's not really that we need to reach millions of evangelicals, we need to reach the leaders of these churches and get them to endorse Ron Paul. Once they do, their flock (so to speak) will follow.

Does anyone know what strategy the Ron Paul camp has on this?

Also, we need a high level of organization on these matters discussed here. We can throw around ideas all day long, but unless we come together with a strategy and execute it nothing is going to happen. What strategy is being implemented around the country? We need to come together as a group and not just do something small on an individual level - like putting together a YouTube video. This is great, but how many people do they really reach?

 

[Seamaiden]

I do not know of a specific strategy the RP camp may have regarding this constituency. However, being from Texas, I might think that he would be able to speak to them on an eloquent level. I know that there are several people who are strong of Christian faith who belong to my meetup group.

My husband and I live in rural California. While many of the Christians here may not fall under the heading "Evangelical", they are a very strong constituency in this county. From our travels, we have come to the conclusion that they are quite representative of a good portion of America.

In any event, we talk to everyone who wants to listen, and we have both found that many, many people have many questions. Not only that, they are quite willing to listen and give consideration! Not what many would expect from a strong Christian community. I think that this is a portion of the population that should absolutely not be ignored or marginalized. I think that this is a good idea, certainly couldn't hurt!

 

[oldpaths1611]

RP

 

[oldpaths1611]

Is there no one in the Ron Paul camp who is meeting with these evangelical and christian leaders to endorse Ron Paul? This is what should be happening. It's not really that we need to reach millions of evangelicals, we need to reach the leaders of these churches and get them to endorse Ron Paul. Once they do, their flock (so to speak) will follow.

Does anyone know what strategy the Ron Paul camp has on this?

Also, we need a high level of organization on these matters discussed here. We can throw around ideas all day long, but unless we come together with a strategy and execute it nothing is going to happen. What strategy is being implemented around the country? We need to come together as a group and not just do something small on an individual level - like putting together a YouTube video. This is great, but how many people do they really reach?

As far as I know, the campaign itself is doing nothing to reach the church....as far as I know. This absolutely mystifies me as anyone running for President must realize the importance of the evangelical vote. Particularly on the Republican side. Here's an email I sent to them a couple of days ago. I haven't heard anything back yet.

Dear Sirs,

I am a Bible-believing Christian and a former pastor. I'm also a supporter of Congressman Paul and would very much like to see him in the White House.

The reason for my writing you today is that I would like to ask what, if anything, the Ron Paul campaign is doing to reach the tens of millions of conservative evangelicals? As you are aware, the vast majority of evangelicals are registered Republicans. These are the very people needed in order to secure a nomination in the primaries. In the past, the evangelical voting block has either made or broken a candidacy. This is the group that gave Bush his eight years!

Unfortunately, the vast majority of evangelicals are blind followers of the neocon agenda. They are led by neocon shills like Dobson and Robertson. Leaders among the evangelical right, such as Joseph Farah and Kevin McCullough are doing all they can to either keep their followers ignorant of Dr. Paul or to paint a very unflattering picture. Also, many of these pseudo-Christian celebrities are now endorsing CFR Fred Thompson.

The great majority of evangelical Christians are completely ignorant concerning who Ron Paul really is and what he stands for. Ironically, Congressman Paul is the ideal candidate for the conservative right. In fact, he is too good to be true! The problem is that they don't know anything about him other than what they are told by their leaders.

It is my belief that if you folks are serious about Ron Paul taking the White House, you need to put together a strategy to educate the these people. If we can wake up the sleeping giant that is the church and get them to "see the light" regarding Dr. Paul, there will be a real shot at the presidency. However, to ignore the church is to ignore the largest conservative voting block, the one group that can put Paul over the edge. Ignoring then would most likely cost Dr. Paul the nomination, and the presidency.

Sincerely,


I have to say that most of the exposure I see Ron Paul getting through the internet, YouTube, street work, etc. seems to be geared toward the younger crowd. That's fine and well, as their vote is important also. The fact is though, that there are other demographics, including older evangelicals, that must be reached also if Dr. Paul has any chance. These are the people with the power, and the money. Most of these folks will not be won over by much of the way the congressman is being presented right now. Different tactics must be used. You have to know you're target audience and tailor your message (without changing it) in a way that will best reach them.

I'm trying to come up with some ideas on how best to do all this, and any suggestions would be appreciated. The fact remains though, that unless the Ron Paul campaign themselves get on the bandwagon, we won't get very far.

 

[oldpaths1611]

A good article on why many Christians would not vote for Ron Paul.

http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/23766.html

 

[oldpaths1611]

Here's where the marriage of the neocon state and the neocon church will ultimately lead America if evangelicals are not reached with the meassage of liberty. Folks, we're already further down this road than most realize.

http://alamoministries.com/content/english/Antichrist/nazigallery/photogallery.html

 

[Bouhk]

I'm classified has an evangelical but I'm not a Republican or a Democrate. I do not believe in God,...I believe God! So I am one of those fundamentalist who wants encourage Ron Paul with the following..

1- Both the old and the new Testaments are clear that poverty is nothing to frown at. In fact, God told Israel that there would be no poor among them. What God meant is that there would be no poor people who feel that the quality of their lives has been drained from them by rules and regulations that are unfair to people. Obviously the Law was not as bad has our modern day laws that condemn the poor to death if they are not educated enough for Darwinian services. Ron Paul needs to strike at the Social Darwinism that has $tereotyped many people and ruined this country down to the inner core.

2- Close the Mexican border.

3- Ron Paul needs to consider the damage done to the countries morale by forcing evolutionary humanism on every single individual in America, even those who do not agree with the theory of evolution, who are forced to live the lifestyle of a monkey or ape. I believe that an easy win will be an honest one and the best way to convince a skeptical evangelical like me to vote is to address the problem of the salvation by education plan that has already failed many millions and suggest that only knowable Science, History, and Psychology be taught in the public schools. The public schools should only teach knowable Science, History, and Psychology--no Evolution and no Creationism. The Christians and Evolutionists both have book stores; the Christians have their Churches and the Evolutionists have their Blue Lodges.

 

[ShaneC]

IMHO, those of us posting here - regardless of religious beliefs, believe in the freedom of personal freedoms. Meaning - if we're here, regardless of our beliefs, we want the freedom to choose for ourselves.

The infighting is wasteful. Good points, but wasting time. We are the Ron Paul movement. Target whom you can to help THE CAUSE. We all believe in RP...we don't need to argue his points amongst ourselves.