Ron Paul, Buy a 15 Minute Block Of TV Time. Subvert The MSM! Speak To The People!

[tangent4ronpaul]

Becuause I'm trying to persuede people from squandering their money and time on unproductive activities and instead encourage people to do productive things that will help achieve electoral victory .

People can do both. It's not like this is going to be a huge time drain on people. But the payoff could be really big!

-t

 

[Napoleon's Shadow]

People can do both.

Well if you want to win the election then you should focus all of your resources on the most productive tactics.

 

[AgentOrange]

You're a broken record... it's getting booring.

This project is not about what you want to do. Why don't you go off and focus on the types of activities you are focused on rather than telling us we are all wrong. Better yet - go knock on some doors and do some of that phone banking you spend endless hours talking about.

The hard work of winning campaigns IS boring...and that is what I think we both want, which is why I keep harping on this idea. Obviously, you are free to spend your money & time as you wish, but it you want to win the REPUBLICAN nomination, I wish you would spend it more productively. We tried the "new" stuff last time around, the blimp, the moneybombs, the You Tube bits....and it got us ZERO states. My life, just like yours, will be adversely affected by Ron Paul's losing.Converting Democrats & Independents will NOT help us win the Republican nomination.

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

If you don't like what we are working on - go start your own thread

 

[sabu140]

Well if you want to win the election then you should focus all of your resources on the most productive tactics.

Can you recommend some information on how a novice can do this? As a C4L coordinator they have some good videos on canvassing. If an experienced veteran can piece together a how to guide we can help people. If everything isn't laid out from those with knowledge people will always be reinventing the wheel or not even trying.

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

Can you recommend some information on how a novice can do this? As a C4L coordinator they have some good videos on canvassing. If an experienced veteran can piece together a how to guide we can help people. If everything isn't laid out from those with knowledge people will always be reinventing the wheel or not even trying.

Could you please move this to a new thread - it is OFF TOPIC for this one!

 

[Tarzan]

People can do both. It's not like this is going to be a huge time drain on people. But the payoff could be really big!

Indeed... this could be an important addition to other campaign methods!

This method has been used successfully by other campaigns (BHO, etc) and should be seriously considered for use in this election cycle. Unfortunately, some members of the campaign staff are not able to appreciate the scope of a Presidential Election. They are stuck in the limited methods they have been taught. Methods that work well is you want to be elected dog catcher. But, it takes more to win a Presidential Election.

The limitations of techniques best suited for local campaigns
Some of these paid campaign staffers post repeatedly on this forum in an attempt to "guide" the stupid people of the grassroots. I think this may be something that violates the coordination of grassroots and official campaign activities rule... someone should look into that. We also hear that anyone in disagreement with the staffers shortsighted position is "uneducated" or "ignorant". Truly inspiring stuff! It is also remarkably amusing considering the source... the old "pot and kettle" issue. The unfortunate part of this is that almost all suggestions by the grassroots, and on this forum, are ignored or disregarded out of hand because they do not match with the preconceived notions of these staffers. This mind set does not allow for creative thinking or going beyond the narrow vision currently being used. Most of our thoughts that are posted here are futile as the ideas never reach the proper level in the campaign for critical appraisal... in the same way my post will be largely disregarded (though, I expect the normal attack dog to appear and repeat his limited perspective... yet again).

Do we need to try something new and innovative... NO! NO! NO!
We need to learn from winning Presidential campaigns and use those tactics to win this election. Techniques that work in local elections will not be sufficient. This infomercial approach HAS been proven to be effective and needs serious consideration and proper due diligence. We don't need another blimp... we don't need to sponsor a NASCAR team... we don't need to march on DC. We DO need to consider tried and proven techniques to broaden Ron Paul acceptance and positive perception in the mind of voters. We have the real deal here in Ron Paul... we need to use effective means to get that message out to as many voters as possible.

Learning from other examples
Winning a Presidential election has a great deal to do with perceptions in the mind of all voters... not just Republicans, but all voters. We have a perfect, recent example of why perception is so important. Look at the ascendancy of Dick Parrot to the top of the polls. A rise that has caused the perception of many voters to accept him as a viable candidate. There was no phone banking, no door-to-door campaigning, no direct mail pieces that got him to the top of the polls. It was how his campaign handled his announcement and entry into the race. And, while I absolutely can't stand the guy, his campaign has done an excellent job. We need to take a lesson here but it is being missed.

With his lead in the polls many voters (yes, Republicans included) see him as a viable candidate and will vote for him when the time comes. And, those high poll numbers will affect the perception of other primary voters who will go in his direction for the very same reason... perception. Our goal should be to achieve an even better perception of Ron Paul in the minds of all voters. That Ron Paul is the "real deal" and is the only Republican candidate who can beat BHO... but is also the only candidate worthy of being President.

Broadening the Ron Paul Supporter base and winning votes
We, in the grassroots, as well as the campaign staff, need to broaden our scope of perception when viewing a Presidential Election. If 85% of voters are won over by perception, without a thorough understanding of the issues, we need to approach them in a manner that will reach them and garner their support in the polls and at the voting stations. We need to expand our vision beyond dedicated Ron Paul supporters and reach out to the broader electorate. Personally, I would (and have) recommended a different course that requires a paradigm shift from the current campaign thinking. The Republican leadership and other candidates are now being attacked on their record. While it is deserved I do not think it serves our best interest in getting Ron Paul elected. Instead, Ron Paul has been right on the issues for a long time... he needs to point that out and when other candidates attempt to usurp him on any given issue he needs to thank them for supporting his long held position... and welcome them to the Ron Paul movement. Then, the very next words should be about the solutions he will implement as President to get us out of this mess. He needs to demonstrate that HE is the leader who saw the problems long ago... that HE is the leader with the depth of understanding to chart a new course... that HE is the leader who can get us out of this mess because he understands the problems and has the solutions we need.


The Infomercial Idea is worth careful consideration and implementation
Like a few others here, I think this may be our last chance to save America... if we don't win this one I honestly do not think we will recognize the 2016 election... if there is one. America is in a very real crisis and we need to use every effective technique we can to win this election... while there is still time. The Infomercial idea could be an invaluable tool (among others) in our arsenal for winning this election.

 

[Napoleon's Shadow]

Can you recommend some information on how a novice can do this? As a C4L coordinator they have some good videos on canvassing. If an experienced veteran can piece together a how to guide we can help people. If everything isn't laid out from those with knowledge people will always be reinventing the wheel or not even trying.

Real simple, order literature from the official campaign store.

Then get your voting rolls from your local county election office. OR even better yet, get Voter Vault access through your Republican Party (if you aren't in with your local Republican Party then you are already many steps behind).

From the list find out which voters are likely Republican voters. You'll know because those who are likely Republican voters have voted in the last 3 out of 4 elections.

Figure out which precincts are the most Republican. This is because the more Republicans that exist the closer it will be between Republican houses, meaning its denser, thus you are able to hit more houses in the same amount of time.

Then go door-to-door, give literature to the people, 1 slim jim at a time. Write down any feedback they give you. If their issue is abortion, then make a note of it. If their issue is guns, likewise. Then you can come back at a later date and give them issue specific information.

 

[BLS]

I think this is a wonderful concept and is very doable.

I would also agree that the content be directed mainly towards the economy.

 

[BSU kid]

An infomercial would be awesome, people will finally get it.

 

[Tod]

This page might be of interest...

hxxp://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/PerotCampaignCommer

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

Indeed... this could be an important addition to other campaign methods!

This method has been used successfully by other campaigns (BHO, etc) and should be seriously considered for use in this election cycle. Unfortunately, some members of the campaign staff are not able to appreciate the scope of a Presidential Election. They are stuck in the limited methods they have been taught. Methods that work well is you want to be elected dog catcher. But, it takes more to win a Presidential Election.

The limitations of techniques best suited for local campaigns
Some of these paid campaign staffers post repeatedly on this forum in an attempt to "guide" the stupid people of the grassroots. I think this may be something that violates the coordination of grassroots and official campaign activities rule... someone should look into that. We also hear that anyone in disagreement with the staffers shortsighted position is "uneducated" or "ignorant". Truly inspiring stuff! It is also remarkably amusing considering the source... the old "pot and kettle" issue. The unfortunate part of this is that almost all suggestions by the grassroots, and on this forum, are ignored or disregarded out of hand because they do not match with the preconceived notions of these staffers. This mind set does not allow for creative thinking or going beyond the narrow vision currently being used. Most of our thoughts that are posted here are futile as the ideas never reach the proper level in the campaign for critical appraisal... in the same way my post will be largely disregarded (though, I expect the normal attack dog to appear and repeat his limited perspective... yet again).

+rep!

You are making me want to frame that and hang it on my wall!

Everything else you said I also agree with 100%, it was just a bit long to quote.

As to the staffers coming in here and trying to shove THEIR WAY down our throats - I cannot even begin to tell you what a huge turn off that is. It does NOT make me want to participate in any activity they are pushing and it makes me reluctant to donate another penny to the official campaign.

I imagine I'm not the only one that has gotten this impression.

Could a mod separate out all their 40-60 posts and give them their own thread so this one isn't that hard to read? After all, they all basically say the same thing.

-t

 

[Crystallas]

Why are some people so liberal with the spending of campaign funds? I see these threads, and it reminds me of our Congress.

A 15 minute spot cross-targets too many of us who are already on board. It's not exactly an effective way to spend money. Ross Perot aired infomercials, and while it did help, it also turned off many voters too. Not to mention, that was such a different era, it's not even fair to compare the two.

 

[Tarzan]

Why are some people so liberal with the spending of campaign funds? I see these threads, and it reminds me of our Congress.

A 15 minute spot cross-targets too many of us who are already on board. It's not exactly an effective way to spend money. Ross Perot aired infomercials, and while it did help, it also turned off many voters too. Not to mention, that was such a different era, it's not even fair to compare the two.

OK... honest answer here. The campaign funds were donated by the grassroots. A lot of people, many of whom have little in the way of funds to spare, are making real sacrifices and hoping for real results. There is some feeling of ownership or, at least, a small partnership feeling in this regard. I don't think more than a few people believe that everything suggested here should be adopted by the campaign. But, there are several ideas worth real consideration.

As far as targeting of any infomercial... that is where you need real professionals to make those targeting decisions. We are actually fortunate to have at least two on RPF who would qualify to provide assistance. You are quite right... an infomercial aimed at the current supporters would be a complete waste of time and money. That is why traffic control (the art and skill of where and when to run such a spot) needs to be carefully planned.

Ross Perot had an ego problem and threw money around unwisely. A more current example would be BHO's infomercial as it is from this era. Or, the infomercial the RP campaign ran in Iowa last cycle. Not quite as contemporary but still worth consideration because of the change in poll numbers after it ran (only once).

Cross marketing also helps make other campaigning methods easier and more effective. For example, door to door campaigning is much better received when the person being visited is familiar with the candidate... particularly if the cross marketing (ad, infomercial, etc.) have touched on an issue with which they agree or interests them. An infomercial could make potential voters more receptive to the 'standard' campaigning techniques. This is a common practice in marketing. Think of that billboard you pass everyday... when you finally need the service or product they are offering who are you most likely to call? The cross marketing creates a perception that you know them... even though you have never dealt with them before. The same is true in political campaigns. Think of the celebrities that have been elected to political office. Its usually not because of their stance on the issues... its because we are so familiar with them.

There is still a lot to be considered before an infomercial is produced or run... cost being a big factor. But, it is certainly worth consideration and should be viewed as part of a coordinated effort... not a stand alone, single answer miracle... it will not be. But, it can be an important part of an overall strategy.

 

[trey4sports]

experienced, campaign-types push those traditional tactics because those are the things that have a history of being effective.

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

Why are some people so liberal with the spending of campaign funds? I see these threads, and it reminds me of our Congress.

A 15 minute spot cross-targets too many of us who are already on board. It's not exactly an effective way to spend money. Ross Perot aired infomercials, and while it did help, it also turned off many voters too. Not to mention, that was such a different era, it's not even fair to compare the two.

I can understand your not wanting to read through all 213 posts. It would really help if a quarter of them were not 2 3 people (presumably campaign staffers) trying to derail the thread and kill the project.

I think 1 or 2 people suggested the campaign do this in IA or NH, but basically the game plan is that the grassroots raise the money, probably through REVPAC and the grassroots air the ads.

Paul is polling at between 8% and 15% consistently among likely republican voters. That leaves 85% - 92% of republicans we could reach.

Republicans only represent 1/3 of the voting public. Another 1/3 is Independents who can vote in 3/5ths of the primaries. Roughly 30 states.

Then there are Democrats who can vote in 2/5ths of the states. About 20 of them.

Then there is the 50% of the population that doesn't vote but know they are not happy with the direction this country is going.

Most of these people don't know they can vote in a Republican primary. We need to tell them that they can. Most that do vote, just vote in General elections and we need to tell them that they have to vote in the primaries if they don't want to hold their noses and vote for the lesste of 2 evils come Nov 2012 if they want someone GOOD on the ballot. Finally, we need to tell them why they should pick our guy and why it's worth the effort to go to the effort to vote in a primary.

Perot probably turn off many voters - but they were not going to vote for him anyway. If done right, it should turn voters and potential voters on.

One other thing. I saw a poll a little while back that indicated Paul only had 85% name recognition. That needs to change.

-t

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

OK... honest answer here. The campaign funds were donated by the grassroots. A lot of people, many of whom have little in the way of funds to spare, are making real sacrifices and hoping for real results. There is some feeling of ownership or, at least, a small partnership feeling in this regard. I don't think more than a few people believe that everything suggested here should be adopted by the campaign. But, there are several ideas worth real consideration.

I really think the campaign should stay out of this and stick to local ads targeting republican voters. That we have staffers over here trying to sabotage the project and their single focus on only likely primary Republican voters makes this a NO-GO for them.

This is something the Grassroots could pull off.

If it can't be a national ad, I'd say go for all the states before Super Tuesday and all the Super Tuesday states.

-t

 

[Andrew76]

Do you want hope and to make people feel good, or do you want to achieve electoral victory?

Campaigning is not sexy. Phone calls are not always fun. Going door-to-door is hard work. But that's what wins elections.


We don't need a kum-by-ya session, we need victory, which means doing those unfun things that are necessary to win.

I have to agree here. And can someone point out, specifically, where campaign members are attempting to guide the grassroots? And even if they were, who cares? You can choose to ignore them, if that's what you want. Let's do our own thing, BUT... as Napoleon's Shadow has correctly pointed out, the first step here is to win the Republican primary. We must convince likely R voters to vote PAUL in the primary. Period. Many states have specific laws requiring people to register as R or D to vote in the primaries. There are rules to this game, we need to know them.

I don't think it's productive to spin our wheels debating how good or bad the Campaign is doing it's job. We can hope for the best, we can write letters, emails, call them up and give suggestions or register complaints but if you're really bent out of shape over something Campaign is doing/not doing, then get involved in the Campaign. I'm assuming they need lots of volunteers?

Anyway, this thread I started is not my idea, just one I thought was cool and should pass along. It's currently turning into a giant game of "telephone." Could the money be better spent elsewhere? Maybe. Has the campaign considered something like this? Perhaps.

I just liked the initial dream of addressing A LOT of people all at one time, uninterrupted. Bang! And we'd be off.

 

[Andrew76]

Also, maybe this is for another thread, but what about a 15 minute, uninterrupted radio broadcast? Can you buy a 15 minute block of time? Would this be any cheaper? Too scattershot?

Haha, can you tell I'm getting blurry eyed over my John Galt radio address fantasy? Ahhh, a fellow can dream.

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

I just liked the initial dream of addressing A LOT of people all at one time, uninterrupted. Bang! And we'd be off.

And a lot of people like that idea. REALLY LIKE IT!

And SUPRISE! - A lot of people that like Paul are NOT registered Republicans. We probably have more Paul supporters that are Independents, disenfranchised Democrats and people that have never voted before than we have registered Republicans. The numbers were posted somewhere here before from a poll, but I believe Republicans were the minority. In many/most states these people can vote in a primary.

Most of them don't know that or why they should.

Planning, production team, moneybomb, ad buy = done deal. It's not like we are stealing door knockers from the campaign, if anything we are trying to give them more people to knock on doors and they are too set in their narrow vision to see that.

-t