Just in case of Moderation, the case for a Remake of Ron Paul.

[JDouglasFisher]

Since this is the campaign suggestion box, let me encourage a couple of things here which I myself, as well as many Republicans in New Jersey, feel need to be addressed.

Although it was the "Professor" Ron Paul that has brought forth the new blood to the party, unfortunately, it will not be the "Professor" who will win this campaign. George Stephanopolous in essence could've been right all along when he said "you can't win."

Way back when a little known red necked governor from Arkansas was running a campaign for presidency, very few people in the nation took serious notice of him. Then, something strange happened.

His campaign sent him off to be made over in appearance, and he had someone who prepped him before every speech and debate.

and Guess What? Bill Clinton became the 42nd president of the United States.

Now, Clinton didn't have a hardcore following like Dr. Ron Paul does, but yet the strategies employed by his campaign made him a winner.

Ron Paul has an advantage. All of us supporters are steeped in the grassroots tradition. So half the work is already done. Now, its time for the big sell to the rest of the Republican party.

The only way we are going to achieve this is through marketing. Yes, just like regular sales, we need to "market" a Ron Paul Presidency.

But its hard to sell a used to car someone who is looking at newer cars on the lot.

The last debate, both Romney and Huckabee looked very good. They were sharp looking, had well rehearsed answers, weren't afraid to assert themselves when being pressured. Truly presidential looking candidates.

Ron Paul on the other hand, well, besides being too humble, and thus allowing himself to get beaten up, he looks beat.

Many Republican voters I speak to, all tell me the same thing, "I like his platform, but he looks like a wimp."

This is the problem we need to overcome. Among average Republican voters, confidence in the image of Ron Paul is very lacking.

So I am proposing to you to send Ron Paul out for a Presidential makeover, then hire someone who can prep him before he speaks at various events.

I know money is not the issue, so don't cry poverty to me. I also know that the grassroots effort has gone above and beyond the call of duty in getting his name recognized.

As for Getting out the Vote, yeah, we are still learning, but relying solely on GOTV efforts of grassroots volunteers is a terrible mistake. We need to add an insurance policy to our campaign, and by giving Ron Paul a good coat of polish and a tune up, and we will end up having many more voters flocking to our cause without having to redouble the efforts already put in.

Consider this a wise investment.

I can put you in touch with the right people for the job, who can get the results that we need. I encourage you to call me at my home @ 973-907-2963

J. Douglas Fisher, Organizer
Ron Paul Revolutionaries of Passaic County #1251

P.s. Oh and Lew, just so you know, there is a movement going around in email about removing you and several other key campaign management components and replacing them with capable people. If "we the people" don't start seeing improvement on many levels of this campaign, everything from appearance, to assertiveness, preparedness and better campaign organization, which will yield much better results in the primaries, there will be an angry supporter revolt.

It would be wise to view Christopher Gadsden's flag for a moment, and realize that just like the Timber Rattlesnake, our political revolution is a self minding creature of great beauty and poise, but when threatened and disrespected, is capable of delivering one hell of a venomous blow.

 

[celticsman7]

I agree. There aren't too many debates left though and we've already passed Iowa. I don't know but I think it might be too late to change his image and get everyone to see his new image.

 

[AlexMerced]

I think it'd be against pauls principles to do a makeover, and while you may think his principles may be the deathblow to his campaign, it's the reason many of us will be loyal to him and will continue this fight beyond 2008.

Ron Paul never got into politics to win, he got in it to spread a message and to educate, we want him to win and we're doing the best we can, but I thin it's pretty Paul rather lose than sacrifice an iota of his principles, he's said it himself many of times.

Whether how you feel it effects our chances, it's a quality of our candidate we should be proud and applaude him for.

Very few people would turn away the spotlight, much less power ove the whole world to hold on to their principles.

ROn Paul might be the greatest story most will never know.

 

[me3]

This is not the campaign suggestion box, I flagged it to a mod to be moved.

Good post. I've tried to stay positive, but short of some miracle on Tuesday, I'm starting to lose faith.

 

[me3]

I think it'd be against pauls principles to do a makeover, and while you may think his principles may be the deathblow to his campaign, it's the reason many of us will be loyal to him and will continue this fight beyond 2008.

Ron Paul never got into politics to win, he got in it to spread a message and to educate, we want him to win and we're doing the best we can, but I thin it's pretty Paul rather lose than sacrifice an iota of his principles, he's said it himself many of times.

Whether how you feel it effects our chances, it's a quality of our candidate we should be proud and applaude him for.

Very few people would turn away the spotlight, much less power ove the whole world to hold on to their principles.

ROn Paul might be the greatest story most will never know.

Not good enough. People have put $27 million into winning, quitting their jobs, moving across the country, and spending thousands of man hours.

Playing not to win is not good enough.

 

[JDouglasFisher]

Yeah, well I posted it here to because the Campaign Suggestion Box requires moderator approval, and to be honest, I don't trust some of the people here.

So sometimes its better to post the same thing in more places than one to see to it that people are reading it...

JDF

Edit : I see we have moved... Very good. Lets hope they see it now..

 

[Change]

When exactly would you suggest he get a make over, two days before the NH vote. He does very well with the press and is very likable. He delivers a very complicated message with ease. In my opinion, he has greatly impacted the race, everyone is using his sound bites. We all need to chill out on him and start focusing on really pounding the editors, and blogs with support for him. Get some sound bites down that will really support his Dollar Message to the media. Get on the hannity.com message board immediately after the FOX debate, and call some of these other candidates out on why they would sell out to FOX and go on the debate without Ron Paul. Start tracking stories that fit into the Campaign and drop them in the tell drugdereport box on his website. The goal is to back him up on the front lines at this point.

 

[thisisgiparti]

Yeah, well I posted it here to because the Campaign Suggestion Box requires moderator approval, and to be honest, I don't trust some of the people here.

So sometimes its better to post the same thing in more places than one to see to it that people are reading it...

JDF

Edit : I see we have moved... Very good. Lets hope they see it now..

I can't blame you for that. Nice post.

 

[Shak]

I completely and whole heartedly agree with you in this regards. Ron Paul is too humble at times and people perceive this as a weakness. We must show the nation the Paul of 1988 when he was very assertive in his remarks.

A presidential makeover would certainly help improve the image of Ron Paul to many voters.

 

[freedomforall]

JFC. Who do you think you are? You have no right to change the person that Ron Paul has been for his entire life. If you want to win, you must do the strong willed talking, because that is not his nature. Paul explains his issues and is quite an expert on them. When you talk about a 'makeover', I consider an affront on Paul's integrity. This man is pure, and it seems as though you are trying to corrupt him. When Franklin said, "Those who are willing to sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither", he was talking about people willing to sacrifice their ideals for momentary success or happiness. If you want to prep somebody on what they should say so that they will get the vote, go to Washington, their's plenty of soulless bodies who are willing to reguritate anything, but Ron Paul expresses his position with honesty, intelligence, and poise, just like our Founding Fathers. If we want this to be a revolution then it must stay pure. Let's just remember that shortcuts are not the way toward President Paul. The way to save America is through spreading Paul's message and showing people the light in it. That was the purpose of his '88 campaign, and that is the purpose twenty years later. If we spread the message thoroughly enough, then, and only untill then, will we have president Paul. Ron Paul '08.

 

[JDouglasFisher]

Who the hell do I think I am...



Well, to answer your question, I am a REAL REPUBLICAN who WANTS TO WIN God Dammit! I don't want a Neo-Con Fill-in candidate, and sure as hell do not want another god damned tax and spend liberal.

Now, that we cleared the air, let me further expound,

By trade I drive wreckers for a living. (Yeah I know, hard to accept that a tow truck driver is so politically involved). Regardless, whenever I go on a job interview, I always go with the best presentation set forth in mind and appearance.

Although my credentials in the field speak very highly on my behalf, and can land almost any job without even having an interview, the point is I still take them one on one, and do so in the best appearance I can. This is the insurance policy I talk about, but also allows me to negotiate work schedules, wages, benefits, preferential equipment that I wish to operate, etc.

Trust me, I have walked out on job opportunities with employers begging me for weeks afterwards because something wasn't quite what I liked. You'd be surprised what you can negotiate when you have the skills AND instill the confidence.

Its the same thing here. Ron Paul has more than enough credentials to qualify him as a candidate for the white house. The problem is he has become too humble and allows other candidates to beat up on him like the fat kid on the playground (and I can say it cause I was the fat kid..) He needs to really start asserting himself much more often, and not be afraid of raising his voice to the level of his competitors.

He also needs to clean himself up a bit, and posture himself in a much more presidential way. Dilly daddling with his pen like he did in the ABC debate makes him look like Monty Burns from the Simpsons.

What I don't understand was when he first shot out the gate during this whole process, he was full of vigor and was just the man. Now, he's somehow diluted and doesn't have that strong desire like he first had.

This is why some are starting to believe that he doesn't want to win, and that this is truly a protest candidacy. Others aren't convinced that he can gain the support because they feel that he is too wishy washy.

I haven't fallen into that rut yet, but I do believe if we are going to win, we need to play like we want to win. The grassroots have done and excellent job against all odds, but now the campaign needs to refocus.

So yeah, Ron Paul needs someone to prep him before an appearance and someone needs to clean him up a bit.

oh, and one more thing,

Save the Battered Wife Syndrome for someone else.

JDF

 

[ButchHowdy]

RP is singlehandedly morphing the Grunge movement to the Coot movement!

I like the ole Coot persona!!

 

[ErikBlack]

Your letter seemed well thought out and effective, until the last two sentences, when you committed several negotiation fauxpas, which are usually deal-breakers.

• You assumed, right off the bat, that the other party does not share your views and they will be reluctant to comply with your request
• You played your cards too soon by stating what your intended reaction would be if they did not comply
• You adopted a confrontational tone instead of a friendly, optimistic, flexible one
• You directly threatened the person across the negotiating table from you

This letter will end up in a garbage can because the reader will be personally, emotionally offended by it. They will not even consider its merits because of the way it is presented. Perhaps you may benefit from hiring a PR expert to help polish your communication skills as well.

 

[joshuarosenblatt]

Not good enough. People have put $27 million into winning, quitting their jobs, moving across the country, and spending thousands of man hours.

Playing not to win is not good enough.

what is winning? this is so much bigger than this Presidency!! this is a movement! Please do not lose hope if we don't win the Nomination or the General Election... this revolution of ideas has taken root!!

Who had expected what we have accomplished to date a mere few months ago??? Certainly not Dr. Paul.

Imagine 14, 15, 16 year old kids who's first taste of political activism and awareness is a Constitutionalist message starts to grow!! Think of the activism being inspired in every state, in nearly every town. jsut look at the nearly 100,000 people on meetup alone!

No, this isn't about winning the presidency anymore... it's about watering, nurturing, growing the message and eventually bearing fruit! -albeit, the sooner the better!!!!

RP in 08...but in for the long Haul for Paul's message.... 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 etc

 

[BlueCalico]

I'm not sure you realize that Mr. Ivers and others on Ron Paul's staff are long-time friends of Dr. Paul. If we can't trust Ron Paul to hire the people he wants around him, who can we trust?

 

[Jeremiah]

Since this is the campaign suggestion box, let me encourage a couple of things here which I myself, as well as many Republicans in New Jersey, feel need to be addressed.

Although it was the "Professor" Ron Paul that has brought forth the new blood to the party, unfortunately, it will not be the "Professor" who will win this campaign. George Stephanopolous in essence could've been right all along when he said "you can't win."

Way back when a little known red necked governor from Arkansas was running a campaign for presidency, very few people in the nation took serious notice of him. Then, something strange happened.

His campaign sent him off to be made over in appearance, and he had someone who prepped him before every speech and debate.

and Guess What? Bill Clinton became the 42nd president of the United States.

Now, Clinton didn't have a hardcore following like Dr. Ron Paul does, but yet the strategies employed by his campaign made him a winner.

Ron Paul has an advantage. All of us supporters are steeped in the grassroots tradition. So half the work is already done. Now, its time for the big sell to the rest of the Republican party.

The only way we are going to achieve this is through marketing. Yes, just like regular sales, we need to "market" a Ron Paul Presidency.

But its hard to sell a used to car someone who is looking at newer cars on the lot.

The last debate, both Romney and Huckabee looked very good. They were sharp looking, had well rehearsed answers, weren't afraid to assert themselves when being pressured. Truly presidential looking candidates.

Ron Paul on the other hand, well, besides being too humble, and thus allowing himself to get beaten up, he looks beat.

Many Republican voters I speak to, all tell me the same thing, "I like his platform, but he looks like a wimp."

This is the problem we need to overcome. Among average Republican voters, confidence in the image of Ron Paul is very lacking.

So I am proposing to you to send Ron Paul out for a Presidential makeover, then hire someone who can prep him before he speaks at various events.

I know money is not the issue, so don't cry poverty to me. I also know that the grassroots effort has gone above and beyond the call of duty in getting his name recognized.

As for Getting out the Vote, yeah, we are still learning, but relying solely on GOTV efforts of grassroots volunteers is a terrible mistake. We need to add an insurance policy to our campaign, and by giving Ron Paul a good coat of polish and a tune up, and we will end up having many more voters flocking to our cause without having to redouble the efforts already put in.

Consider this a wise investment.

I can put you in touch with the right people for the job, who can get the results that we need. I encourage you to call me at my home @ 973-907-2963

J. Douglas Fisher, Organizer
Ron Paul Revolutionaries of Passaic County #1251

P.s. Oh and Lew, just so you know, there is a movement going around in email about removing you and several other key campaign management components and replacing them with capable people. If "we the people" don't start seeing improvement on many levels of this campaign, everything from appearance, to assertiveness, preparedness and better campaign organization, which will yield much better results in the primaries, there will be an angry supporter revolt.

It would be wise to view Christopher Gadsden's flag for a moment, and realize that just like the Timber Rattlesnake, our political revolution is a self minding creature of great beauty and poise, but when threatened and disrespected, is capable of delivering one hell of a venomous blow.

"Marketing" and "makeover" are euphemisms for lying. GW Bush won the Presidency with smart "marketing". All the other candidates are using smart "marketing" techniques. Ron Paul means "humble ruler". He is not in this race to win at any cost. He is here to speak the truth and to inspire others to take up the challenge. If he does as you suggest then thirty years of patient championing of freedom would be thrown away. He will not do it. The threat you make to overthrow the current team and replace them with your own "marketing" managers is frankly repugnant. The figure of speech you use, the rattlesnake, and the serpentine language you employ to describe its character, may be appropriate for you and your fellow travellers but it has nothing in common with Dr. Paul.

If there are those who will give up at the first sign of disappointment or adversity then it is better they should leave. This is not a journey for the fainthearted nor those who seek instant gratification. That is the very disease that plagues the nation.

Your suggestion that Dr. Paul should "sell" himself to the "rest" of the Republican party is ludicrous. The leadership of the party had him excluded from the Fox forum and they will oppose him all the way to the convention because he is everything they are not and they hate him for it. But everything they do to undermine him will simply rebound on them and cause him to be more popular. The Republican Party cannot win the Presidential race without Dr. Paul. Any other candidate will ensure a Democratic victory. The Republican leadership must know this so that tells me the fix is in. The other Republican candidates are cannon fodder. Every one of them has an Achilles heel. Only Ron Paul is able to carry the day. But he can only do it if he remains true to himself and his loyal followers who believe in his message because he delivers it in a humble way without the usual packaging and marketing techniques that you recommend.

 

[HOLLYWOOD]

That's not what it says on RON PAUL's website... that not what RON has been saying in al his interviews.... yotta yotta

MARKETING IS EVERYTHING... THIS IS CAPITALISM

GESUS, even CASEY STANGLE COINED, "Nice Guys Finish Last!"


PS: HAS ANYONE SEEN THE CAMPAIGN STAFF?

 

[midevilmark]

Dr. Paul has the greatest message of our time, the problem is the packaging. When he starts to talk about monetary policy he losses half the audience. It is not that the American people are stupid, they have just never been introduced to this subject (maybe on purpose). I once had an Econ professor that could not explain how the Fed works, imagine Joe Squash. Dr. Paul needs to use analogy and real world examples to drive the message home. E.G.: In 1974 a Hershey bar was $.15, today it is nearly a $1. The question is, “has the Hershey’s bar become 666% better over time or has your purchasing power been eroded by 85%. Back when money was backed by something that same Hershey’s bar was $.05 from 1921 until 1968. He could repackage basic ideas like this to really drive the point home.
On the notion of the Fed and linking it to Gov’t spending, he could use the analogy of a family using a group credit card. They run up the card, then the credit card company calls that outstanding debt owed to them an asset, and in turn borrow more money against it.
When it comes to foreign policy he may want to scale it down to show how absurd it really is. For example, would we accept the notion in this country that I thought the guy that lives a block away from me was going to harm me, so I went out and delivered a preemptive strike and killed him? People like that we put in jail, politicians like that we put in office.
He is not going to lose one intelligent supporter due to trying to deliver his message to as many people as possible.

 

[1000-points-of-fright]

He needs to call the government's arbitrary printing of money exactly what it is... counterfeiting. Then ask what would happen if you did it. Jail. So why should the government be allowed to do it?

 

[Hardrock]

Well, to answer your question, I am a REAL REPUBLICAN who WANTS TO WIN God Dammit! I don't want a Neo-Con Fill-in candidate, and sure as hell do not want another god damned tax and spend liberal.

Now, that we cleared the air, let me further expound,

By trade I drive wreckers for a living. (Yeah I know, hard to accept that a tow truck driver is so politically involved). Regardless, whenever I go on a job interview, I always go with the best presentation set forth in mind and appearance.

Although my credentials in the field speak very highly on my behalf, and can land almost any job without even having an interview, the point is I still take them one on one, and do so in the best appearance I can. This is the insurance policy I talk about, but also allows me to negotiate work schedules, wages, benefits, preferential equipment that I wish to operate, etc.

Hey JD,
I know exactly what you are saying. Former over the road O/O here, (among other things).
You couldn't be more right.
At work, I'm all Levi's and ball caps, but when I deal with my banks and my clients, I wear a different hat altogether.
When you represent your product, you want it to be well recieved by those that you are dealing with.
In our case, as well as with RP, our product is "us".
You may be the best driver with the best equipment going, but if you walk into the bank wearing greasy jeans and an old LedZepplin t-shirt with a fist full of crumpled paper you call a "business plan", the first thing they wonder is..."Does this guy know anything about cash flow?... break even points?.....ROI?....Amortization?" "Can he deliver?"
Point is, they're more receptive dealing with businessmen, not truck drivers.
You and I know you have to be the former to ever succeed at the latter.
Presentation is EVERYTHING!
You know your capabilities, you just need to remove any doubt in their minds.
You NEVER have to compromise your values or your beliefs to make a favorable impression.

The American voting public is SOOO conditioned to fawn over candidates in taylor made suits sporting $300.00 hair-doos, that they might not afford themselves the opportunity to hear the message of a common man with the best plan.

As unfortunate as that is, and as wrong as it sounds, it is, none the less true.
We live in a "dumbed down" society where shiney objects capture our attention.
Where some 40 yr. old women STILL vote for the "most cutest hunk!"
Joe Average still votes along local Union party affiliation lines.
Junky RED cars sell better 2 to1 over reliable green cars.
The public is pretty fickle.
There may come a day when all that changes, and we look for integrity, content, honesty, etc. For now that's secondary, at least with the larger number of voters.
(Not RP supporters, thank G-D!)

Do I think RP needs put on the rack, hoisted up and given a "frame up overhaul?"

NO!

Do I think he needs to compromise his integrity?

NO!

Do I think it would be wise to appear a little more "Presidential"?

Probably.
Only to get the attention of the "shiney spoon" voters, and maybe, just maybe the rest of the so called "Free World" out there that is no doubt watching this election with great interest.
Other nation's leaders will have to deal with him at some point, and the impression he gives American voters, he also gives the world....
Just a thought.

Personally, I believe he needs to get a bit more agressive, a bit more competitive, and, if nothing else, abandon the "Mr. Rogers' neighborhood" approach.
That may work really swell in a delivery room, but the political arena is dog eat dog.
Stand tough, talk with authority, never back down, and always, ALWAYS come away from any encounter the same noble Statesman you were when you arrived!


To assume that the voters at large are as "awake" as RP supporters, would be folly.
They're in a coma and need alot more than common sense and sound reasoning
to grab their attention. (Sadly)

My 70 yr. old Mother joked...."If you could put Ron's brain in Rommney's body and
speak with Thompson's voice...." LOL! Bless her heart!