The case for and against Jesse Benton's professional campaign involvement

[cajuncocoa]

I'm not going to make a case for or against Jesse Benton. It's all been said before. I wasn't positive about donating to a Rand Paul campaign anyway. Money's a little tighter right now, and I just don't feel the same as I did about his Dad. If Rand takes Jesse Benton on board, it will seal that decision for me.

 

[newbitech]

to Benton's credit, here is an early video of him talking about the internet strategy in May 2007. He sounds and looks pro here.

 

[Demigod]

Why did Benton go to work for McConnell? Think about it....


Just throwing that out there...

Because Rand got him a job in his deal with McConnell.Please don't tell me that Benton was the best the establishment could find with their almost unlimited funds.

Please tell me Collins what is that you work and have worked ? Of course just trowing it out there.

 

[Matt Collins]

Well, then. I've never known someone to go public with information from within an organization unless they have tried to get the issue in question addressed by people from up the food chain within the organization. Whistleblowers generally at least try to figure out who within will want to do the right thing before doing an end run outside the hierarchy.

What whistleblowing? You are confused, what Tom did wasn't whistleblowing, it was undermining the campaign openly and publicly. If they didn't take his private suggestions, then there was a reason for that. Tom was too arrogant or dense to understand this apparently.

Because I'm sorry, Matt, but the fact that you suggested that Woods should have 'picked up the phone' is not proof to me that he even had Ron Paul's phone number.

I assure you he does... if you don't believe me look here:


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?....763286017382.2135438.84101326&type=1&theater

But, you know, the lack of transparency in and of itself is an indication of something.

No, actually its not. Just because the Generals don't let their plans be known to the public doesn't mean their plans are nefarious.

 

[Matt Collins]

The almighty dollar? Using his position with the Ron Paul campaign to secure himself another high-paying prestigious political position?

For the same reason that anybody accepts a job: to get paid, and make a living.

Nope... Jesse was set... he could've continued working at C4L, or any other of Ron's organizations. Or he could've gotten a job outside of Ron's world making mega bucks.

It should be obvious to anyone now that Jesse went to work for Mitch because he was trying to position Rand for a 2016 Presidential run. And it paid off since Mitch has already endorsed Rand for President.



Seriously people, try to think through things instead of letting your emotions do the work

 

[newbitech]

another early interview also to Benton's credit. August 2007. He was certainly out on the front lines early and seems to have had a very good grasp on what it would take to get the internet fired up.

An easy argument could probably be made that his vision for using the internet (assuming he was the early driver for Ron Paul's message online) is what lit the early brush fires.

 

[Demigod]

Nope... Jesse was set... he could've continued working at C4L, or any other of Ron's organizations. Or he could've gotten a job outside of Ron's world making mega bucks.

It should be obvious to anyone now that Jesse went to work for Mitch because he was trying to position Rand for a 2016 Presidential run. And it paid off since Mitch has already endorsed Rand for President.



Seriously people, try to think through things instead of letting your emotions do the work

I am really glad you wrote that .I am glad you managed to make enough money in politics to go around to set all of you for life.

 

[newbitech]

here is Collins admitting that Benton is "incompetent"

He blames Benton for Ron Paul getting trashed on the radio. Wonder what that was all about?

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showth...st-bio-and-pic&p=545903&viewfull=1#post545903

 

[Matt Collins]

here is Collins admitting that Benton is "incompetent"

He blames Benton for Ron Paul getting trashed on the radio. Wonder what that was all about?

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showth...st-bio-and-pic&p=545903&viewfull=1#post545903

Yep that was back in '07.... He has grown quite a bit and become much more experienced since then (as have I).

 

[Matt Collins]

I am glad you managed to make enough money in politics to go around to set all of you for life.

As long as one isn't a candidate, there is nothing wrong with making a ton of money in politics. It's all marketing, and when people are good at what they do, then they are well rewarded.

 

[Crashland]

Nope... Jesse was set... he could've continued working at C4L, or any other of Ron's organizations. Or he could've gotten a job outside of Ron's world making mega bucks.

It should be obvious to anyone now that Jesse went to work for Mitch because he was trying to position Rand for a 2016 Presidential run. And it paid off since Mitch has already endorsed Rand for President.



Seriously people, try to think through things instead of letting your emotions do the work

So you are saying that Benton working for McConnell's campaign is a plus for Benton because it helped bring McConnell on board with Rand's 2016 run? This might be the first actual positive claim about Benton we have heard yet. I am inclined to agree that regardless of Benton's intent, Benton working for McConnell probably did help somewhat in that regard to get Mitch closer to the Pauls. This doesn't really change anything though about the negatives about him actually being involved with Rand 2016.

 

[acptulsa]

What whistleblowing? You are confused, what Tom did wasn't whistleblowing, it was undermining the campaign openly and publicly. If they didn't take his private suggestions, then there was a reason for that. Tom was too arrogant or dense to understand this apparently.

Now there's a fine line. You do realize how much you sound like McCain talking about Snowden, right?

I assure you he does... if you don't believe me look here:

I have been on the boats of people whose cell numbers I did not have.

No, actually its not. Just because the Generals don't let their plans be known to the public doesn't mean their plans are nefarious.

Generals generally should have nefarious plans. But I did say it was indicative of something, and it is. What it is indicative of may be open to interpretation. But it is indicative of something.

Nope... Jesse was set... he could've continued working at C4L, or any other of Ron's organizations. Or he could've gotten a job outside of Ron's world making mega bucks.

It should be obvious to anyone now that Jesse went to work for Mitch because he was trying to position Rand for a 2016 Presidential run. And it paid off since Mitch has already endorsed Rand for President.



Seriously people, try to think through things instead of letting your emotions do the work

Hm. Benson had to have been working for McConnell to get his endorsement for Rand, even though he was 'making mega bucks' outside of the Paul 'world', and even though it would look mighty strange and be mighty impolitic for the Senator not to endorse the popular junior senator of his own state and his own party. Yet you aren't actively trying to get us to 'let [our] emotions do the work' by playing this mere theory up as some kind of fun and amusing conspiracy.

Whatever you say, Matt.

 

[newbitech]

here is an audio link from Jan 2008, with Benton and Ron Paul's grandson Matt Payeatt (Benton married his sister) talking about money and getting paid to staff.

http://mp3.rprradio.com/misc/32KRPR_Benton_Speaks.mp3

 

[newbitech]

Yep that was back in '07.... He has grown quite a bit and become much more experienced since then (as have I).

as have most of us

It's impossible for all of us to be part of that inner circle although we'd all love to be, see the audio I posted where Benton answers the question of what its like to be in that inner circle.

These are legit questions Matt. I've met you many years ago, and it felt really good to be able to meet Dr. Paul (I have several times). I am sure there is a lot of envy for Mr. Benton's unique position.

My concern is that blind loyalty looks a lot like a political dynasty. Unfortunately, people aren't going to want to just believe that Rand and the Paul clan and the people they surround themselves with are any different from any other political dynasty.

I really don't know that Benton has any unique or special skills that go beyond just being in the right place at the right time.

I am sure he's a good guy outside of the political realm. Right now, he seems to be a political stick of dynamite and maybe Rand should think twice before picking up that risk?

Benton seems to have made some mistakes in spite of his growth and learning. He is human after all.

 

[Demigod]

As long as one isn't a candidate, there is nothing wrong with making a ton of money in politics. It's all marketing, and when people are good at what they do, then they are well rewarded.

Of course there isn't and I wish you good luck.I just hope that most here will be able to go over their emotional and financial involvement so far and see the truth.

 

[presence]

..

Add something to this list that you don't like about Jesse Benton

1) He's Facing Federal Election Fraud Charges
2) Born in 1977 ,Benton's political career began in 2000 when he worked with the Republican National Committee.
3) Basically straight from college into politics with paychecks in the 100K range from family members campaign funds.
4) It's ok for Jesse to air grievances about Tom because Jesse is "on the inside"
5) Rand Paul dropped Chris Hightower in 2009 for less. http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showth...ton-s-professional-campaign-involvement/page3
6) Jesse's definition of winning and what one must do to 'win' is exactly opposite of what the grassroot's definition of 'winning' is and what one must do to 'win'
7) Jessee sought to co-opt grassroot power and attempted to use it to further his own ends
8) I do not think his text message to Peter Schiff regarding Paul Fest was appropriate.
9) Benton was never a part of any campaign until he hooked up with Ron Paul's granddaughter. 2007, "He had no knowledge of Ron Paul, he was unemployed and affordable."
10) If you want to pit Tom Woods integrity and transparency against Jesse Benton, I will take Tom Woods 100 times out of 100.
11)undermining the campaign hurts the candidate. Duh... Jesse pretty much drove the nail in the coffin.
12) Rand bringing on Jesse Benton to his campaign team will demonstrate cronyism, nepotism and a lack of quality judgment
13) his management Ron Paul got fewer votes than RICK SANTORUM in 2012.
14) his management Ron Paul got fewer votes than NEWT GINGRICH in 2012.
15) Jesse Benton showed in 2012, he didn't know how to tailor a political message to HELP HIS CANDIDATE WIN.
16) Benton didn't know how to guide the energy of the grassroots
17) busy spraying Roundup everywhere trying to kill the grassroots.
18) wasted MILLIONS OF SUPPORTERS' DOLLARS and more importantly (and unfortunately) WASTED MONTHS OF THEIR LIVES.
19) use of RonPaul2012.com to defend a Mitt Romney endorsement.
20) the lack of transparency in and of itself is an indication of something.
21) Can you say that Rand won't have to defend him in some regard? Can you say that Rand won't have to cut ties in an embarrassing kerfuffle?
22) Benton's learning curve leeway is all used up and I'm having a hard time figuring out what, if anything, he has learned.
23) raised more money than the campaigns of Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich, and still couldn't win a single state's popular vote.
24) time and millions of dollars of the grassroots supporters helping Mitt Romney win the nomination

 

[Carlybee]

Nope... Jesse was set... he could've continued working at C4L, or any other of Ron's organizations. Or he could've gotten a job outside of Ron's world making mega bucks.

It should be obvious to anyone now that Jesse went to work for Mitch because he was trying to position Rand for a 2016 Presidential run. And it paid off since Mitch has already endorsed Rand for President.



Seriously people, try to think through things instead of letting your emotions do the work

The jury is still out on what concessions were made in that deal. Why would McConnell endorse anyone for president who hasn't even announced yet? What deal was made between them and the establishment? Drop out and endorse Romney in exchange for a future endorsement? Water under the bridge now but it should help you to understand that the grassroots didn't appreciate being thrown under the bus and it should be clear to you why very few people here think Benton is an asset. If he was willing to do whatever it took to secure Rand a place for 2016 what makes you think he wouldn't turn on a dime if it was politically expedient in the future. I'm not even saying this is how it went down but it sure looks that way. Add the bribery scandal on top of that. One reason I was a Ron Paul supporter was due to his honesty and integrity. Those are things that should be rewarded with loyalty.

 

[Occam's Banana]

As long as one isn't a candidate, there is nothing wrong with making a ton of money in politics. It's all marketing, and when people are good at what they do, then they are well rewarded.

The lawyers of General Dynamics and the lobbyists at Archer-Daniels-Midland heartily approve and enthusiastically endorse this message ...

 

[Brian4Liberty]

The fact that he was forced to resign from McConnell's campaign due to allegations of shady dealings is a red flag because the competition will use every negative thing out there to try and smear Rand.

You beat me to it. That is a fact that will have to be taken into account by Rand and his campaign.

 

[Brian4Liberty]

Bryan, thanks for this thread, and the opportunity to actually have this much-needed discussion.

I personally am neutral on benton. I've met him in passing a couple times, and he certainly seemed like a nice enough guy. The benton-bashers' case and positions are well known. We all know about the bad things he has done, and the good things he hasn't done. Those against benton have made a good argument. He has proved to be a controversial figure who has caused a large division among Ron and Rand's supporters.

I'm pretty much in the same boat. I've never met him, and do not have any inside information. I'm not sure of what roles he has played in the various campaigns, other than his official titles. It's nearly impossible to know what really goes on unless someone is directly and intimately involved. Hard to pass judgement from the outside.

We do know he had to resign from the McConnell campaign.

However, what I'm interested in hearing is the counter argument. Yes, he's family for Ron and Rand. He is apparently trusted by them. This is why I am still neutral. But being a trusted family member is obviously not enough to qualify him for his position. There is some other reason why Ron and Rand feel he is essential to their campaign staff. My question is, what is it? What does benton bring to the table, that makes his inclusion worth the controversy and division among supporters? What is he able to do, that someone else without the controversy attached to them is not able to do?

No one seems to be able to actually answer this.

Good question, that can only be answered by Ron or Rand. He has been involved in multiple campaigns, so there must be something worthwhile about hiring him up to this point in their judgement.

We know that he was successful as Rand's campaign manager in 2010.

Apparently McConnell thought that he was "best in the business at building and organizing conservative grassroots movements". Obviously there are some disagreements with that in the actual grassroots.

“We’re committed to running a presidential-level campaign in Kentucky and that starts with a presidential campaign manager,” McConnell said in a prepared statement. “Jesse is literally the best in the business at building and organizing conservative grassroots movements and I’m thrilled he’s chosen to return to Kentucky to lead my campaign.”
...
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/09/mitch-mcconnell-hires-ron-pauls-campaign-manager/