The **official** campaign has failed... it time for new tactics

[Tarzan]

Guys I think Ron Paul knows something may be going down.

I don't understand your post... could you elaborate?

 

[ForLiberty-RonPaul]

It had nothing to do with the campaign screwing up. They did way better than they were supposed to.

We just will never win spread out in tiny little pockets. We have no credibility that way and it's tiring to be one of only a few. We need to unite together in one place where we'll actually have some leverage. That's the only answer.

no it isn't. centralization sucks.

 

[Juliet*]

News...a word from the founder of the "Hotties 4 Ron Paul"

HI, Team!

Wow. What a thoughtful message from Tarzan! I agree with 90% of what you say. And New York, you are right on!

I do believe that we should march on Washington, since this will not require anything from the people who seemed a bit inept in advertising (yes, in my opinion the BEST way to let people know about Dr. Paul and his message). I see the march as an opportunity to show to the country, the media and each other, that Ron Paul not winning the nomination for the presidency does NOT spell the end of the Revolution! It's a way of revitalizing our cause and showing our strength!

And sadly you are not alone in finding that the media is perhaps not as purely evil as one might have thought! :oI have heard from various other sources how media personnel had wanted info from RP's campaign but could not get a phone call back! If this is not inept (after culling millions of dollars from us unpaid grassroots people) then I don't know what is! And I did not think the commercials were very well-done, either.

That being said, I am not discouraged. In fact I am very inspired. Projects like www.BreakTheMatrix (Trevor Lyman and Rick Williams' latest project) and http://ronpaulambassadors.com/ which you already mentioned (founded by Katharine, Miss September of the "Hotties 4 Ron Paul"!) will carry on the work of the Revolution!

Now some news of my own just for you here, since I did get so much help through the Ron Paul Forums! Good stuff...

Dear Fellow Patriot or Hottie of the New American Revolution ~

First, thank you kindly for your support of my project, the "Hotties 4 Ron Paul" Official 2008 pin-up Calendar! I hope you enjoy yours and find it a great conversation-starter and way to introduce fellow Americans to the Freedom message of Dr. Paul.

Though my idea for a unique medium to help spread the word about Ron Paul and his Freedom message, was initially met with some mixed feelings and controversy within our movement, my perseverance seems to have paid off as the "Hotties 4 Ron Paul" made news on radio shows including NPR, newspaper front pages like the L.A. Times, and even U. S News And World Report. (We're now somewhat of a favorite with Andrew Malcolm, the senior blog editor for the L. A. Times!)

I wanted to bring you up to date on a couple things Hottie-wise... First, I decided after selling out of my first printing of the calendar, that I'd do a very small and absolutely final (100 copies) re-issue of the calendars for those who really wanted one, but missed out the first time around. These will be available to be sent out on March 11th. I already have pre-orders for about 60 of them. This will leave only about 40 of them available.

I thought I'd let you people be the first to know before I go on Ron Paul Radio and let the usual bloggers know. (At that time we are sure to sell out quickly and there will definitely be no more re-prints!)

If you're interested, please let me know by sending me back a quick e-mail here or at [email protected] saying how many calendars you would like. If you just want one, you can order directly at: www.Hotties4RonPaul.com again.

I'm limiting orders to 5 per address. The cost is $15 each + shipping/handling. I'll then send you a PayPal request for that amount to secure your calendar(s).

The other announcement is that you may go to this great site, www.LibertyPoster.org and order a very high quality, vinyl poster featuring a Hottie with some great copy and some a bit racier than in our calendars...they are very cool!

Thanks again for all of your encouragement, suggestions and support for the Hotties 4 Ron Paul project! We look forward to seeing you in Washington DC at the March for the Revolution! (June 21st is my personal preference)

Peace, Love & Liberty,
Juliet Annerino

"I know that every good and worthwhile thing stands moment by moment, on the razor's edge of danger and must be fought for!"
~ Stanislavsky

"Go forth and set the world on fire!" ~ St. Ignatious Loyola

 

[expatinireland]

If campaign is disbanded, movement is over.

The official campaign has been a disaster.

Advertising, press relations, volunteer coordination and education - all bush league.

Nonetheless Ron Paul is the one who brought us all together with his message of Peace, Freedom, Liberty, and Prosperity. Ron Paul's message brought in Republicans, Libertarians, Democrats, Independents and the apathetic.

Using this board as a gauge, purely from my subjective view, it seems like its mostly only those dedicated to Republican party who remain active at this point.

There must be a catalyst to keep the disparate group of supporters together - and simply promoting taking back the Republican party just is not going to do it. If Ron Paul just goes back to being a congressman I am sorry to say it is all over - we become a footnote.

I was hoping that Ron Paul would run as an Independent, as I saw that as probably the only way that this movement will stay together having a strong central leader promoting a unique philosophy. Otherwise, our group is destined to splinter and go the way of the Reform party.

Keeping the campaign going with a rally in DC gives the opportunity to regenerate some of the enthusiasm that surrounded the campaign last autumn and just maybe a new political structure can somehow spring forth from it.

 

[Tarzan]

The official campaign has been a disaster.

Advertising, press relations, volunteer coordination and education - all bush league.

Nonetheless Ron Paul is the one who brought us all together with his message of Peace, Freedom, Liberty, and Prosperity. Ron Paul's message brought in Republicans, Libertarians, Democrats, Independents and the apathetic.

Using this board as a gauge, purely from my subjective view, it seems like its mostly only those dedicated to Republican party who remain active at this point.

There must be a catalyst to keep the disparate group of supporters together - and simply promoting taking back the Republican party just is not going to do it. If Ron Paul just goes back to being a congressman I am sorry to say it is all over - we become a footnote.

I was hoping that Ron Paul would run as an Independent, as I saw that as probably the only way that this movement will stay together having a strong central leader promoting a unique philosophy. Otherwise, our group is destined to splinter and go the way of the Reform party.

Keeping the campaign going with a rally in DC gives the opportunity to regenerate some of the enthusiasm that surrounded the campaign last autumn and just maybe a new political structure can somehow spring forth from it.

Thanks for the thoughtful response.

My concern regarding these tactics is that we would only be putting off the inevitable. Third parties are not a reality in today's America and the GOP is ripe for the picking... that's why I think we should be targeting them for a takeover.

I want us to come up with a better idea than the "March on Washington"... or rally, which has no defined purpose or objective... or even a date. Even a "traveling freedom show" to go to diverse cities for education and unity efforts might work better... or something else. Whether it is DC or St. Paul we will achieve no real objectives for the short or long term. I think we would be spending our last energy on a "feel good" event... I want more.

We also need to take this out of the hands of the current leaders... the campaign staffers. We need to involved board to oversee actions carried out by a professional group with a proven history of success.

You have obviously given this some thought... I know you are a US expat so you may be in a unique position to "see the forest from the trees"... please consider where we are and where we are going to share any ideas you may have.

We need help here to keep this movement together and give ourselves the best chance of winning the Revolution.

good luck to us all

 

[hypnagogue]

I'm going to say something that I'm certain will piss many people off. It is, however, my honest opinion.

We need to separate this message from it's failed messenger. Yes, the Ron Paul presidential campaign has failed. If we continue to make this movement about Dr. Paul, instead of Constitutional government, we run the very definite risk of going down with the ship, so to speak. This is not to say we disown him. Far from it. I am suggesting we bow out gracefully and begin upon our next project.

I see this movement, if it perseveres, taking things local. I believe the meetup groups are perfect seeds to become a better organized, more experienced, and even larger network of liberty-minded activists. If these groups can begin to produce candidates for local and state offices, we can continue to make progress, and perhaps in the long run, have an even more dramatic effect than a presidency. I am very excited about the handful of us who have already launched campaigns for state or federal legislative positions. I believe these should be our focus now, and Ron Paul can play an important role helping them to campaign.

I am, however, less enthusiastic about the prospects for reforming the Republican party. I have to acknowledge though, that I still feel some enmity for the organization, so I will not argue the wisdom of the effort. Indeed, I have become a delegate and will be attending the Senatorial conventions. We will see then what possibilities for reform we may actually have.

 

[ForLiberty-RonPaul]

I'm going to say something that I'm certain will piss many people off. It is, however, my honest opinion.

We need to separate this message from it's failed messenger. Yes, the Ron Paul presidential campaign has failed. If we continue to make this movement about Dr. Paul, instead of Constitutional government, we run the very definite risk of going down with the ship, so to speak. This is not to say we disown him. Far from it. I am suggesting we bow out gracefully and begin upon our next project.

I see this movement, if it perseveres, taking things local. I believe the meetup groups are perfect seeds to become a better organized, more experienced, and even larger network of liberty-minded activists. If these groups can begin to produce candidates for local and state offices, we can continue to make progress, and perhaps in the long run, have an even more dramatic effect than a presidency. I am very excited about the handful of us who have already launched campaigns for state or federal legislative positions. I believe these should be our focus now, and Ron Paul can play an important role helping them to campaign.

I am, however, less enthusiastic about the prospects for reforming the Republican party. I have to acknowledge though, that I still feel some enmity for the organization, so I will not argue the wisdom of the effort. Indeed, I have become a delegate and will be attending the Senatorial conventions. We will see then what possibilities for reform we may actually have.

well at least your opening statement was correct. Ron Paul will be a Republican for at least the next 2 years. And so will I.

 

[expatinireland]

Thanks for the thoughtful response.

My concern regarding these tactics is that we would only be putting off the inevitable. Third parties are not a reality in today's America and the GOP is ripe for the picking... that's why I think we should be targeting them for a takeover.

I want us to come up with a better idea than the "March on Washington"... or rally, which has no defined purpose or objective... or even a date. Even a "traveling freedom show" to go to diverse cities for education and unity efforts might work better... or something else. Whether it is DC or St. Paul we will achieve no real objectives for the short or long term. I think we would be spending our last energy on a "feel good" event... I want more.

We also need to take this out of the hands of the current leaders... the campaign staffers. We need to involved board to oversee actions carried out by a professional group with a proven history of success.

You have obviously given this some thought... I know you are a US expat so you may be in a unique position to "see the forest from the trees"... please consider where we are and where we are going to share any ideas you may have.

We need help here to keep this movement together and give ourselves the best chance of winning the Revolution.

good luck to us all

Just a quick thought as I have some other things on.

I tried becoming active in the Republican party previously but found that too many people in the party were either one issue oriented or were on the sleeve born again Christians - I just didn't fit in and I would never try again. I just don't believe that there are enough open minded people in the Republican party that will want to take on the Ron Paul Libertarian philosophy.

The best type of organisation imho might be a PAC that will support candidates of any political stripe so long as they ascribe to holding up the Constitution Ron Paul style. In this way our organisation can be inclusive as to both its membership and those it supports.

 

[porcupine]

no it isn't. centralization sucks.

It has nothing to do with centralization. There's no central headquarters or person giving orders. It has to do with working together.

If you think you and the 3 RP supporters in your area can change the world, great. Show me how it's done. Surprise me. Meanwhile, I'll be working with thousands of people who are already making real progress in New Hampshire.

 

[contain1359]

If I am understanding your entry correctly. You are a senior member and are admitting to a highly probability of Ron Paul not receiving the Republican nomination. You have a right to your position. And based on the msm stats. You are correct. Its not over yet.
Understanding the meaning of insanity is not one of your strong points. If you are suggesting that those who attempt to learn from previous encounters in life and use a different and stronger means of getting to the original goal is insanity then you are fighting for the wrong cause my friend.
What is disappointing is that there are people who have been condidtioned to listen and do as those in authority positions say, such as yourself, only to find out that the people listening could have done much better on there own thoughts and choices. Example: Our President and the majority of individuals in congress who have been walking around for terms doing absolutely nothing but agree with the Presidents dictatorial rule and his administration.
I will not bow down or give in to the majority. There is always hope when there is someone willing to take a risk. And Ron Paul has done this. We must continue towards the presidency of 2008 until every door is closed. We still have an opportunity. Primaries are nearing an end not the convention.

 

[WilliamC]

Elaboration Provided For Those Who Really Don't Get It.

I don't understand your post... could you elaborate?

Personally I think Ron Paul knows of things that he does not share with the public, perhaps including his campaign staff.

Obviously all I can do is speculate, but I've often wondered why the campaign didn't re-tool back in May/June when it was obvious they were becoming far more popular than they ever anticipated.

My best guess (and I do mean guess) is that Ron Paul never intended to win the nomination, he has essentially come out and said as much on more than one occasion.

Why would he not do everything in his power to win? There could be several reasons of course and I have no inside knowledge.

But the most obvious reason is that, in order for our Country to be restored to something resembling it's Constitutional roots, it will take far more of an effort than just electing a President who wishes to do so.

Not only would Ron Paul as President have the entire establishment against him, the Congress, the Courts, most of the bueracracy of the Executive, the Media, and the wealthy elite against him, he would also be a very easy target for the type of action which has taken place in the past against Presidents who had the audacity to actually try and lead the Country away from collectivism and back towards individualism.

And even if the ultimate sacrifice wasn't necessary for him to make, it is almost a forgone conclusion now that the economy will collapse within the next year or two.

Were that to happen on Ron Paul's watch then his message and his policies, which would in no way be responsible for the problems he would have inherited, would nevertheless take the blame for the calamity that our Nation will be facing.

And that would set back the freedom cause far far worse than merely having him defeated in the Republican nomination.

But now he has awakened many 10's of thousands of us, and he will remain in Congress to serve as the focal point and leader for our movement so we can start getting him allies elected in Congress and in Local and State Government positions.

I admit that last July/August I was much more naive than I am now and was expecting a much greater showing in Iowa and New Hampshire than we had. Personally I have little doubt that the integrity of our voting process is severely compromised and that there was outright fraud that kept Ron Paul's momentum from growing.

But as to why Ron Paul himself seems to have taken a passive role in this campaign, well I think he knows that in order for the rEVOLution to last past his career and to have any chance of actually retaking control of the Government from the collectivist, that it will need much more depth and seasoning that can be provided by a 1 year presidential campaign.

The real job begins after the primary. Now is when the grassroots needs to dig into the establishment and retake control of local Republican Party organizations, re-write the platforms, learn how to play the game, and start getting individualists into positions of power. Then in 2010 we can elect more of our politicians, start moving them into the fray, and further consolidate our gains.

Hopefully by then or shortly after a charismatic individualist will arise who can make a serious run for the Republican nomination, who has a commanding presence, a great oratory style, who looks good on TV, who has a sense of humor, but who will not sell out our principles for their own power.

And Ron Paul will be there in Congress to provide the inside information, the guidance, the experience, and the wisdom to make him win.

So there is no giving up if you are serious about liberty, about freedom, about what the USA is supposed to stand for, and about our future.

Shake off your stupor, dump your doubts, nix your negativity, and get back to work.

We need you. Don't fail us.

 

[Bradley in DC]

It had nothing to do with the campaign screwing up. They did way better than they were supposed to.

What? The official campaign did "better than they were supposed to"? What does that mean? What happened to the give us $12 million and we'll WIN Iowa and New Hampshire?

 

[Primbs]

Ron Paul had a grassroots that other presidential candidates would die for. I was very optimistic that Ron Paul could pull off some interesting surprises. Very few candidates have supporters that will drive across country to attend an event.

 

[porcupine]

What? The official campaign did "better than they were supposed to"? What does that mean? What happened to the give us $12 million and we'll WIN Iowa and New Hampshire?

You read that as a guarantee? Really? You're kidding right? In a field of 11 candidates, you thought $10 million would buy the single most important states of the primary election? You think a flashier ad or a better-written press-release would've gotten Ron Paul from 8% to 40%?

Considering where this campaign started (I mean, in th beginning, his website looked like something from 1995), he did extremely well. I don't know what people expected him to do. It's obvious most Ron Paul supporters haven't been following politics for very long.

It doesn't come down to mistakes. It comes down to the fact that America does not agree with us because they have never seen what freedom looks like. We need a change of strategy. We need to unite to join our efforts in one place, make it free and show them what freedom looks like.

 

[crazyfingers]

It doesn't come down to mistakes. It comes down to the fact that America does not agree with us because they have never seen what freedom looks like. We need a change of strategy. We need to unite to join our efforts in one place, make it free and show them what freedom looks like.

The message can be a winning one if it is conveyed in the correct manner -- just ask Ronald Reagan. Sure he failed to live up to the rhetoric when in office, but the point is he got himself into the White House on a platform that was in many ways similar to the one RP ran on. Paul was seen as a "doom and gloom"candidate who failed to offer any realistic (e.g. incremental) solutions or alternatives. We can argue if this was actually the case but that is how he was perceived by the vast majority of the electorate...at least those that had even heard of him in the first place. It is a quintessentially American message that can take us all the way to the top, but it means getting behind somebody who is much more politically astute than the good Doctor (and has the sense to hire experienced/professional/competent staff).

BTW I like the idea of the FSP and plan on moving to NH shortly, depending pretty much entirely on the type of employment opportunities I can find. I suppose if worst comes to worst I could live in Nashua and commute to Boston.

 

[raiha]

Ronald Reagan was a movie star! Seems to work in the US.
Great post Tarzan except i think the march is a must. Only problem is by the time the date is announced there will only be two people going.
This forum itself has lost 2000ish active members since January alone. As days go by it will dwindle further.
Dunno what, but some leadership and an end to squabbling would be a good start.

 

[jacmicwag]

Personally I think Ron Paul knows of things that he does not share with the public, perhaps including his campaign staff.

Obviously all I can do is speculate, but I've often wondered why the campaign didn't re-tool back in May/June when it was obvious they were becoming far more popular than they ever anticipated.

My best guess (and I do mean guess) is that Ron Paul never intended to win the nomination, he has essentially come out and said as much on more than one occasion.

Why would he not do everything in his power to win? There could be several reasons of course and I have no inside knowledge.

But the most obvious reason is that, in order for our Country to be restored to something resembling it's Constitutional roots, it will take far more of an effort than just electing a President who wishes to do so.

Not only would Ron Paul as President have the entire establishment against him, the Congress, the Courts, most of the bueracracy of the Executive, the Media, and the wealthy elite against him, he would also be a very easy target for the type of action which has taken place in the past against Presidents who had the audacity to actually try and lead the Country away from collectivism and back towards individualism.

And even if the ultimate sacrifice wasn't necessary for him to make, it is almost a forgone conclusion now that the economy will collapse within the next year or two.

Were that to happen on Ron Paul's watch then his message and his policies, which would in no way be responsible for the problems he would have inherited, would nevertheless take the blame for the calamity that our Nation will be facing.

And that would set back the freedom cause far far worse than merely having him defeated in the Republican nomination.

But now he has awakened many 10's of thousands of us, and he will remain in Congress to serve as the focal point and leader for our movement so we can start getting him allies elected in Congress and in Local and State Government positions.

I admit that last July/August I was much more naive than I am now and was expecting a much greater showing in Iowa and New Hampshire than we had. Personally I have little doubt that the integrity of our voting process is severely compromised and that there was outright fraud that kept Ron Paul's momentum from growing.

But as to why Ron Paul himself seems to have taken a passive role in this campaign, well I think he knows that in order for the rEVOLution to last past his career and to have any chance of actually retaking control of the Government from the collectivist, that it will need much more depth and seasoning that can be provided by a 1 year presidential campaign.

The real job begins after the primary. Now is when the grassroots needs to dig into the establishment and retake control of local Republican Party organizations, re-write the platforms, learn how to play the game, and start getting individualists into positions of power. Then in 2010 we can elect more of our politicians, start moving them into the fray, and further consolidate our gains.

Hopefully by then or shortly after a charismatic individualist will arise who can make a serious run for the Republican nomination, who has a commanding presence, a great oratory style, who looks good on TV, who has a sense of humor, but who will not sell out our principles for their own power.

And Ron Paul will be there in Congress to provide the inside information, the guidance, the experience, and the wisdom to make him win.

So there is no giving up if you are serious about liberty, about freedom, about what the USA is supposed to stand for, and about our future.

Shake off your stupor, dump your doubts, nix your negativity, and get back to work.

We need you. Don't fail us.

I tend to agree with a lot of what you and Tarzan have posted. Maybe Trevor's new media outfit will become a focal point. The message was worthy and so was Ron but a combination of events and the perceived fringe label, made it nearly an impossible task to win (this time). Getting involved at the precinct level is an absolute must which many of us are now doing. I'm not sure that the present RP coalition will ever be able to win the hearts and votes of mainstream America. I don't think I need to go into detail here but to say we need to inspire not scare people with the message. So we have several mountains to climb as the various RP supporters/factions distill and move forward. One thing I believe - we have to move more center with the message which really plays to all people regardless of party. Extremism was probably our strength this time around but the same ideas can be packaged slightly differently for broader appeal and consumption. Since we all know the message is worthy and true, it's our job to make sure it gets a fair hearing.

 

[Banana]

This is more of an answer to the call to end the official campaign, though not necessarily opposed to other ideas such as taking over advertising and so forth. (I posted that in another thread)

Some of you feel that presidential campaign is over and we need to refocus our goals and I want to offer this food for thought:

By pushing all delegates we can to both national and states' conventions, we are actually accomplishing the goals of getting like-minded candidates elected and making 3rd party runs more feasible.

See, if we push delegates, we can then pack the rules committee, credentials committee, and leadership within the party both at national and state levels with our people, and therefore make the whole party more friendly toward liberty candidates.

This is why Ron Paul wants us to be delegates; it is truly up to us to take over the party and pave the way.

Some say that the system is rigged against us and therefore we should work outside the system. But the system *IS* the problem and we already know how viable 3rd/Indy runs are. It's simply that- up to us to take back that system by packing all committees and delegates.

For those thinking that 3rd party will be more friendly, I already mentioned that if CP and LP members became Republicans, the process would be a easy slam dunk. We don't need to split; we need to unite and guess what? Ron Paul's message is something we can all unite, regardless of our personal beliefs! Also, that sort of coalition is quite common in European parliaments; we would do well to learn by their example and consolidate for strength.

Now, for independent run, I'm afraid I'm a bit stumped on that- I'm simply not sure whether it is possible for Ron Paul to run as independent without losing all privileges of being a Republican and his seat. If that isn't the case, then I would agree that having his name on ballot as Independent would be a handy bargaining chip come the convention. We will need to find that rule...

Bottom line: None of those goals are mutually exclusive, but by achieving the goal of becoming delegates for Ron Paul, we make all other goals much, much easier than if we said, "Screw it. I'm not going to work in the system and will do it my way!"

Whether your opinions of PCC may be, I firmly believe we need to push all delegates we can; it simply will do no good to pull off the most slickiest, smooth-talking, and appealing advertising blitz and have largest and organized grassroots support if we aren't actually winning over actual power (e.g. the party's committees and delegates for example).

 

[JS4Pat]

It had nothing to do with the campaign screwing up. They did way better than they were supposed to.

It just blows me away how ANYONE who paid attention to the Ron Paul movement over the past year could possibly come to that conclusion!

Are you being paid by someone to express that view????

 

[JS4Pat]

Considering where this campaign started (I mean, in th beginning, his website looked like something from 1995)

Yes in within a couple months hundreds of VOLUNTEERS had created incredibly informative and marketable websites, commercials, databases, print advertisements etc. WITHOUT 10 million dollars!

HUGE MISSED OPPORTUNITIY by the National Campaign to capitalize on the talents and expertise available to them via Grassroots Supporters!