I wore jeans and a polo shirt last year. I may switch to shorts and a t-shirt this year.
If you've never been to something like this, brace yourself. Half the audience will be chickenhawk warmongers either of the frat-boy variety or the "I went to college rather than Vietnam" crowd. They will cheer wildly at every crazy jingoistic war cry from the desperate-to-please speakers.
The other half will be either Ron Paul-friendly or at least tolerant. When the good doctor starts speaking expect a few of the bloodlusting group to get up and leave in a huff. Last year, about two minutes into his speech, an old lady got up in front of me and left, muttering, "I'm not listening to this crap." The giant screens to either side of the speaker lend an Orwellian patina to the whole thing and Ron Paul's speech will be like a sweet oasis in a desert of neo-con insanity.
haha great post.
You make a good point about folks who've never been to these types of events and what to expect. You run into GOP/conservative-lite activists with whom you will have stark differences. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to be enthusiastic about Ron Paul, but not to denigrate them or their candidates. Let them be nasty toward you if they can't help themselves, but don't return it. By not doing so, you win.
A lot of these people don't know, believe it or not, much about Ron Paul. The best thing one can do is be a happy supporter, and try to be inclusive of others. It's a bit of a group social experiment. People want to join others that seem like they're having a good time.
Can't emphasize enough how being friendly will win you converts.
Edit:
Something I would say to a Tim Pawlenty button-wearer: I like Tim Pawlenty! Seems like a down to earth guy.
Pawlenty Supporter: Oh great! Want a button.
Me: Thanks! Not quite there to being a full supporter, but if he convinces me he's not weak on foreign policy, I'll definitely pin it on and get on board.
Pawlenty Supporter: You think he's weak on foreign policy? Why?
Me: Meh well he seems to be a liberal internationalist on it. He sounds good on free trade, but I am concerned about his wanting to use our troops all over the world to spread democracy like Woodrow Wilson promoted.
Pawlenty Supporter: Hmm I don't think that's really....hmm well----
Me: I am an old school, traditional conservative. I believe in a strong national defense, but given our current fiscal situation, we cannot afford to be Team America - World Police. I mean Ron Paul in my view has the perfect position on this. He has my support for now.
