My stump speech for tomorrow

[pebcak]

I'm definitely gearing up for tomorrow! I live across the river from Iowa but have the opportunity to speak at a precinct tomorrow for Ron Paul. Here's what I plan to say for my 2 minute stump speech:

Good evening. Tonight I want to tell you about Congressman Dr. Ron Paul. Ron Paul is a man of consistency and principle. Throughout his 12 terms as a Texas Representative, Ron Paul has never taken a government paid junket or government pension and has not voted for a single congressional pay raise. During his time in Congress he has voted against every tax increase and against every unbalanced budget (which has been all of them). He is the only candidate who doesn't just talk about balancing the budget, but has a plan to reduce federal spending by $1 trillion in the first year alone, and to balance the budget within three years.

Unlike most of his colleagues, Ron Paul has consistently stood for the Constitution. As an Army veteran who served in Iraq, I took the oath to support and defend the Constitution seriously, and I have learned that the fight for our liberties is not on some foreign shore, but is here at home. Maybe this is why Ron Paul has received more donations from active duty military members than all other candidates combined. He is also the only candidate to have served in the armed forces, and I know that as president Ron Paul will continue to fight for our liberties in DC.

As a physician, Dr. Paul has delivered more than 4000 babies, and understands the sanctity of life. He will bring the troops home, protect our borders, and eliminate deficit spending. His platform is consistent with every vote he has ever given in Congress, so I know that as president he will continue to practice what he preaches. In terms of electability, despite what you may have heard on television, polls have shown that Paul would do best among independents and minorities, and has the best chance to *beat* Obama in November. In short I would summarize his platform as this: peace, prosperity, and freedom! I urge you all here tonight to vote for the one candidate we can trust who will restore the Constitution: Dr. Ron Paul. Thank you.

 

[ventron]

Nice. Especially how you mention you're an iraq vet.
However, if I were to change anything I'd spend more time talking about jobs and the economy, as those are the issues polls say are overwhelmingly most important to Iowans.

 

[EuRa]

I'd take out the "which has been all of them" part. That's confusing.

Rest is great.

 

[SchleckBros]

Emphasize that he is the strongest on national defense and will keep our nation safe.

 

[Maximus]

In your second paragraph, I think it would be more clear if you said:

"I am an Army veteran who has served in Iraq" because until you finish the sentence, it sounds like you are talking about Dr. Paul rather than yourself, and your service is something that should be highlighted in your speech. Also consider pausing after saying that line, you may receive applause, if people clap, let them, then keep talking.

Also, Rick Perry is a veteran, so you'll need to tweek that line about Ron Paul being the only vet in the race. So maybe say, "Ron Paul is an Air Force veteran who has worn the uniform of our country with pride and distinction". Something like that.
Thank you for your service and your support of Ron Paul.

 

[pauliticalfan]

He's not the only candidate to have served. Rick Perry did too. I would probably change that, don't want to upset his people.

 

[jclay2]

Awesome + rep, let us know how your experience is tomorrow night.

 

[svobody]

You really can't overemphasize the Iraq vet part. This plays a huge role in people's decision making, and it should. Chances are many people there will have never met an Iraq veteran for Ron Paul. What a great opportunity to turn a bad war into a good thing.

 

[garyallen59]

if i'm not mistaken Perry was in the Air Force as well so i would take out the part about Paul being the only veteran.

looks great!

 

[sailingaway]

I think the most important thing to say because the media never does and the older folks need to hear it, is "Ron Paul's budget plan would balance the budget in three years without touching Social Security, medicare or veteran's benefits."

You might want to have a copy with you, for proof if asked.

My understanding is that caucusers trend older and certainly those who AREN'T there for Ron are likely to.

I don't know if you want to go negative in caucus never having been in one but you COULD add that Mitt Romney's only trims part of the increase OVER todays spending, yet cuts medicare to do it.

 

[Maximus]

I think the most important thing to say because the media never does and the older folks need to hear it, is "Ron Paul's budget plan would balance the budget in three years without touching Social Security, medicare or veteran's benefits."

You might want to have a copy with you, for proof if asked.

My understanding is that caucusers trend older and certainly those who AREN'T there for Ron are likely to.

I don't know if you want to go negative in caucus never having been in one but you COULD add that Mitt Romney's only trims part of the increase OVER todays spending, yet cuts medicare to do it.

The first part is wonderful, no need to go negative.

 

[YankeesJunkie]

Maybe talk about deficit spending and printing money make people like the one in caucus poorer and that if it continues that there liberties will be diminished or something along those lines. Foreign policy is controversial especially when economy is much more important for this election and ron paul dominates it even more. Just an opinion.

 

[SaulPaulinsky]

That is a great point, sailing.

Just make sure to constantly reinforce your big points. Use transitions to remind people what you just told them, then summarize at the end and tell them AGAIN what you just told them in fewer words. Then they'll hear your pitch several times.

Big winners are
Getting out of Afghanistan
Getting government spending/debt under control and balanced budget -- letting people keep more of their money
Getting the economy moving (which would be easier if we weren't devoting so much money to war)
Conservative credentials -- pro-life, born-again Christian, family man devoted to his wife of 54 years.

If it was me, I wouldn't stray too far from those.

 

[Salvial]

I think the most important thing to say because the media never does and the older folks need to hear it, is "Ron Paul's budget plan would balance the budget in three years without touching Social Security, medicare or veteran's benefits."

That!

+ "As a veteran I took an oath to the constitution and the protections it provides. Obama has just trampled over these protections in the NDAA... Paul is the ONLY candidate who has fought against this bill."

Maybe? What do you guys think?

 

[shadowhooch]

I think the most important thing to say because the media never does and the older folks need to hear it, is "Ron Paul's budget plan would balance the budget in three years without touching Social Security, medicare or veteran's benefits."

Yes, definitely this ^^^^
That is what makes Ron Paul's plan so unique from all the other candidates (won't touch SS, Medicare, or Vet Benefits). This is huge and not enough people realize it.

 

[pebcak]

Thank you for the replies -- especially about Rick Perry. I didn't realize he was in the Air Force, and I don't want to spread any misinformation! I'll take all your comments into consideration for a second draft before tomorrow. Here we goooo!!!

 

[sailingaway]

That!

+ "As a veteran I took an oath to the constitution and the protections it provides. Obama has just trampled over these protections in the NDAA... Paul is the ONLY candidate who has fought against this bill."

Maybe? What do you guys think?

Cross over indies and Dems would appreciate it. Half the GOP wouldn't know what you are talking about more's the pity.

 

[Cap'n Crunk]

if i'm not mistaken Perry was in the Air Force as well so i would take out the part about Paul being the only veteran.

looks great!

Ya. This should be changed. Otherwise, great job!!

 

[SchleckBros]

I think the most important thing to say because the media never does and the older folks need to hear it, is "Ron Paul's budget plan would balance the budget in three years without touching Social Security, medicare or veteran's benefits."

BOOM.

Isn't there an AARP poll which had 77% of seniors saying that they would like to see our troops come home to save Social Security and Medicare.

 

[SchleckBros]

That!

+ "As a veteran I took an oath to the constitution and the protections it provides. Obama has just trampled over these protections in the NDAA... Paul is the ONLY candidate who has fought against this bill."

Maybe? What do you guys think?

The average voter couldn't care less about NDAA. If they did care about NDAA then they'd already be supporting Paul. Bringing NDAA up during a speech would just fly over their heads and wouldn't win over anyone.