What can we do to catalyze momentum for the campaign?

[rb3b3]

I have a novel idea. How about those that claim to support Ron Paul, especially the under 30 crowd, get their butts out of the house and actually SHOW UP to the voting booth and pull the lever, instead of "accidently" forgetting its election day. It was the paltry youth vote that lost Iowa and probably kept us out of third in SC.

^^^^^^^ THIS!!! THIS WOULD BE THE SPARK THAT WOULD PUT US OVER THE TOP!!!! GREAT ANSWER MY MAN!!

 

[Peace&Freedom]

I have a novel idea. How about those that claim to support Ron Paul, especially the under 30 crowd, get their butts out of the house and actually SHOW UP to the voting booth and pull the lever, instead of "accidently" forgetting its election day. It was the paltry youth vote that lost Iowa and probably kept us out of third in SC.

One can hope for that 'til the cows come home, but we know the reality is young voters, regardless of the candidate, do not show up at the polls beyond the 12-15% turnout we have seen. The best way to change that and gain positive control over a higher turnout is for the grassroots and campaign is to pursue EARLY VOTING procedures with that group.

Instead of hoping they get out to the polls, WE GET OUT TO THEM, at youth events or campuses et al, and have them fill out the forms to get the absentee ballots mailed to them, or arrange to get them to the caucuses or town clerks offices to vote. SIMPLE, effective, easy sell to a Paul-friendly population, which can increase their turnout from 12% to 30, 40 or 50% per primary. If we want to DO something that provides a spark, this "voter bomb" approach is probably it.

 

[TheTexan]

Tea Party press conference.

He's the only one on that stage advocating for a smaller government. He just needs to get up on a stage and prove it.

 

[RDM]

One can hope for that 'til the cows come home, but we know the reality is young voters, regardless of the candidate, do not show up at the polls beyond the 12-15% turnout we have seen. The best way to change that and gain positive control over a higher turnout is for the grassroots and campaign is to pursue EARLY VOTING procedures with that group.

Instead of hoping they get out to the polls, WE GET OUT TO THEM, at youth events or campuses et al, and have them fill out the forms to get the absentee ballots mailed to them, or arrange to get them to the caucuses or town clerks offices to vote. SIMPLE, effective, easy sell to a Paul-friendly population, which can increase their turnout from 12% to 30, 40 or 50% per primary. If we want to DO something that provides a spark, this "voter bomb" approach is probably it.

You are absolutely right!!! I also have another suggestion. I think we need to drive the point home how important it is to show up and vote and we can do that online. Drive the point home at every chance and have it drilled over and over again. Here's what I mean:

How many times online in article comments and forums, some Ron Paul supporter will only type: Ron Paul 2012

No more comment and nothing else but, Ron Paul 2012. Here's what you do with this answer. You reply to that poster with something like this:

Hey {poster}, glad to see you support Ron Paul and that's great. But guess what? If you don't actually show up and vote for him, there will be no Ron Paul 2012. If every supporter showed up and voted, Ron Paul would be in first place right now. Get it?

 

[djinwa]

I hate to say it, but America isn't ready for freedom. People are trained to be scared - without government action, we'll all starve, or be killed by muslims, or we'll die in the streets from lack of healthcare, or our kids will all be on drugs, etc, etc. Only when they see government as more of a threat than it's supposed solutions, will we make progress.

Sure, you can get a few people temporarily with some gimmicks. But to keep them, they need understanding. What I see lacking is a single source of information on the issues with background information to address concerns people have. I go to RonPaul2012 and get inadequate coverage of the issues. One has to spend a year or so collecting information from different sources to feel comfortable with Ron Paul's positions. Why is there not a ten or twenty page pamphlet some detail of monetary policy, foreign policy and domestic policy, the purpose of the Constitution, the oath of office, etc. And the background philosophy of how government always grows and wants to rule. I've started work on this, but you'd think the campaign would be on it. Unfortunately, I see campaigns as wanting short-term quick fixes.

For example, many say Ron Paul's foreign policy is dangerous, and Iran is crazy and we have to take them out. Yet they have good reason to fear us because of actions we've taken against them. I've been asking alot of people what we did in Iran in 1953, including my 55 year old brother. He didn't know. He doesn't know most of our history in the middle east, so he assumes they all hate us for our freedoms.

Because they pay few obvious taxes, people also think all the government programs and wars are free. I've been asking people lately if they know why prices go up long-term. Most say it's so the stores can make more money. I then say the costs also go up for the stores. Which gets into money printing, dollar devaluation, and higher prices. I remind them they get to pay for government every time they buy something. They are being robbed and don't know it.

So people think they’re getting all sorts of benefits for free, and Ron Paul is saying he’ll take that away, and we wonder why they don’t support him?

Somehow people have to gain a deeper understanding of how they’re being robbed. Prices should be going down due to increased efficiency, yet they’re going up. Much more is stolen than inflation figures say.

Anyway, we talk in vague terms about the Federal Reserve and most people stand there with their mouth open wondering what on earth we’re talking about. Most voters are not college professors.

 

[sailingaway]

Ron's Budget Plan is very specific and very pro-citizen anti-cronyism in terms of priorities. We don't have to get esoteric about liberty at all, just sell the plan.

 

[rs-fl]

Here's my two cents. Selecting a candidate, like most things in life, are based on emotions. The campaign or an independent group needs to run emotional ads on TV, the internet,or Radio.

Ads that pull at you heartstrings i.e. RP in uniform, babies the cutest babies you can find RP as OBGYN.

Then the ads the fire people up like:
children and women in wheelchairs getting frisked by TSA - RP's bill to end the TSA,

headlines showing congress & Obama trying to take away your gun rights - RP's rating from Gun Owners of America,

scenes of cops or DEA braking down the wrong person's door during a failed drug bust - RP's position about ending the war on drugs,

stock footage of people taking wheel barrels full of money to buy a loaf of bread in Germany during the 1920's - RP's position on ending the fed, Gold standard balancing the budget etc.

At the end of ad he needs to direct people to his web site and ask them for their support.

 

[WD-NY]

At this point in the race, there's very little we (the grassroots) can do to generate positive momentum for Ron. All we can do it make the most out of the coverage and attention generated by Ron and the campaign.

In other words, it's out of our hands to a great extent at this point.

That said, generating attention/momentum isn't rocket science and/or impossible. All that's needed is for the campaign to make Ron's daily calendar look like Newt's (copied below)

• Replace FL with MN, NV, ME & CO
• Rinse and repeat 5-6 days each week for the next 4 weeks

Do this and I guarantee you that Ron will win a couple caucuses.

That said, if Ron continues mailing it in like he has since NH (re: 4 days off last week, 5 days off this week), there's NOTHING we can do to "generate momentum" or improve his poll numbers.

 

[wowrevolution]

Remind Paul voters to vote early. Also, proliferate the idea that "Paul will win if everyone that wants him to win votes." show people that our support is rising steadily, and that with their support e can win. Don't shy away from exposing globalist bankers.

Keep calling out anti Paul propagandists as globalist puppets. Remind people that newsletters weren't written by Paul and show that he is the best candidate to beat Obama and Goldman Sachs. Remind people how both parties are like the GOP and Paul is the only Constitutionalist that want to stick it to the banks. Just keep hammering all the real issues and exposing the powers behind the scenes.

 

[affa]

And I also think a GREAT line for him would be, 'we shouldn't be building bases in Iraq or Afghanistan, we should being going back to the moon and building them there'.

Please. No. Never. I laughed at Newt's moon bases for over an hour today. Ron doesn't spout grandiose ideas, he spouts TRUTH.

And the truth is? We're broke. Lets worry about the people at home before we start building shit on the moon.

 

[Mini-Me]

I hate to say it, but America isn't ready for freedom. People are trained to be scared - without government action, we'll all starve, or be killed by muslims, or we'll die in the streets from lack of healthcare, or our kids will all be on drugs, etc, etc. Only when they see government as more of a threat than it's supposed solutions, will we make progress.

Sure, you can get a few people temporarily with some gimmicks. But to keep them, they need understanding. What I see lacking is a single source of information on the issues with background information to address concerns people have. I go to RonPaul2012 and get inadequate coverage of the issues. One has to spend a year or so collecting information from different sources to feel comfortable with Ron Paul's positions. Why is there not a ten or twenty page pamphlet some detail of monetary policy, foreign policy and domestic policy, the purpose of the Constitution, the oath of office, etc. And the background philosophy of how government always grows and wants to rule. I've started work on this, but you'd think the campaign would be on it. Unfortunately, I see campaigns as wanting short-term quick fixes.

For example, many say Ron Paul's foreign policy is dangerous, and Iran is crazy and we have to take them out. Yet they have good reason to fear us because of actions we've taken against them. I've been asking alot of people what we did in Iran in 1953, including my 55 year old brother. He didn't know. He doesn't know most of our history in the middle east, so he assumes they all hate us for our freedoms.

Because they pay few obvious taxes, people also think all the government programs and wars are free. I've been asking people lately if they know why prices go up long-term. Most say it's so the stores can make more money. I then say the costs also go up for the stores. Which gets into money printing, dollar devaluation, and higher prices. I remind them they get to pay for government every time they buy something. They are being robbed and don't know it.

So people think they’re getting all sorts of benefits for free, and Ron Paul is saying he’ll take that away, and we wonder why they don’t support him?

Somehow people have to gain a deeper understanding of how they’re being robbed. Prices should be going down due to increased efficiency, yet they’re going up. Much more is stolen than inflation figures say.

Anyway, we talk in vague terms about the Federal Reserve and most people stand there with their mouth open wondering what on earth we’re talking about. Most voters are not college professors.

I agree, and I think you should forward this to the campaign: People need more than to be told his positions; they need to be sold on them. The specific budget plan on his site is pretty awesome, but it's hard to find, and even that doesn't explain the necessity or wisdom of some of the cuts (e.g. downsized departments).

I have to agree with WD-NY as well: Ron needs to get out there and campaign like a champion if he wants to win this. Not only does he need the exposure, but he needs to avoid the "too old" meme as well.

Unfortunately, both of these issues are out of our control.

I think Peace&Freedom's idea regarding absentee ballots is a great one for increasing the turnout of young people, but I also think it could backfire HORRIBLY through cooption if it caught on: Imagine what would happen if "Stop Ron Paul" trolls/criminals went to campuses, had kids fill out the absentee forms, "collected everyone's ballot," and discarded Ron Paul votes. The kids would think they've already voted, yet their votes will never be counted...

 

[Revolution9]

Sign waves don't win elections. Neither do moneybombs.

Correct. Those who run win. The money and sign support is just that...support. It helps them win.

Rev9

 

[european]

He needs to butt in (during newt and mittens cat fighting)and declare incredulously that "this is a joke". Look into the camera and ask the citizens "Is this what you want? I cannot do a damn thing until I get your vote."

winner! +rep

edit: and also click on my Blog Entry for some ideas for catalyzing the momentum. Those are my thoughts for this moment in time.

 

[A. Havnes]

Ron Paul needs to call everyone out, yet still look like the adult in a room. He especially needs to hammer Gingrich, whose been talking about balancing the budget, even though he hasn't stated how he'd go about doing this, and propping himself up as the anti-establishment candidate, even though the establishment seems to adore him. People are paying attention to Gingrich's rhetoric and not seeing how the guy probably has no idea how he'd balance a budget and whose record stands against him.

When Ron Paul calls him out, he needs to emphasize that he's already got a plan in mind, tell them how Gingrich wouldn't balance the budget, and express that he wouldn't cut defense spending, social security, and medicare/medicaid.

 

[rb3b3]

Ron Paul needs to call everyone out, yet still look like the adult in a room. He especially needs to hammer Gingrich, whose been talking about balancing the budget, even though he hasn't stated how he'd go about doing this, and propping himself up as the anti-establishment candidate, even though the establishment seems to adore him. People are paying attention to Gingrich's rhetoric and not seeing how the guy probably has no idea how he'd balance a budget and whose record stands against him.

When Ron Paul calls him out, he needs to emphasize that he's already got a plan in mind, tell them how Gingrich wouldn't balance the budget, and express that he wouldn't cut defense spending, social security, and medicare/medicaid.

i dont think people will get mad at newt for not cutting defense spending. he would definately spin that and make ron look bad

 

[wgadget]

I'm pretty sure the "he" referenced was Ron Paul!

 

[EBounding]

If the campaign wants more money and momentum, that's all up to Ron.

If he can get specific about national defense and talk a positive and emotional message in the debates and as part of his platform, the money spigots will open up again like they did briefly after NH. People will also see that he's not weak on defense and begin to trust him since they agree with him on everything else.

He needs to destroy the perception that he's weak on defense and he can do it easily. But just saying you want a "strong national defense" isn't going to convince people who don't believe you. You have to give actual specifics for what you want in a constitutional national defense.

 

[UK4Paul]

I hate to say it, but America isn't ready for freedom. People are trained to be scared - without government action, we'll all starve, or be killed by muslims, or we'll die in the streets from lack of healthcare, or our kids will all be on drugs, etc, etc. Only when they see government as more of a threat than it's supposed solutions, will we make progress.

Sure, you can get a few people temporarily with some gimmicks. But to keep them, they need understanding. What I see lacking is a single source of information on the issues with background information to address concerns people have. I go to RonPaul2012 and get inadequate coverage of the issues. One has to spend a year or so collecting information from different sources to feel comfortable with Ron Paul's positions. Why is there not a ten or twenty page pamphlet some detail of monetary policy, foreign policy and domestic policy, the purpose of the Constitution, the oath of office, etc. And the background philosophy of how government always grows and wants to rule. I've started work on this, but you'd think the campaign would be on it. Unfortunately, I see campaigns as wanting short-term quick fixes.

For example, many say Ron Paul's foreign policy is dangerous, and Iran is crazy and we have to take them out. Yet they have good reason to fear us because of actions we've taken against them. I've been asking alot of people what we did in Iran in 1953, including my 55 year old brother. He didn't know. He doesn't know most of our history in the middle east, so he assumes they all hate us for our freedoms.

Because they pay few obvious taxes, people also think all the government programs and wars are free. I've been asking people lately if they know why prices go up long-term. Most say it's so the stores can make more money. I then say the costs also go up for the stores. Which gets into money printing, dollar devaluation, and higher prices. I remind them they get to pay for government every time they buy something. They are being robbed and don't know it.

So people think they’re getting all sorts of benefits for free, and Ron Paul is saying he’ll take that away, and we wonder why they don’t support him?

Somehow people have to gain a deeper understanding of how they’re being robbed. Prices should be going down due to increased efficiency, yet they’re going up. Much more is stolen than inflation figures say.

Anyway, we talk in vague terms about the Federal Reserve and most people stand there with their mouth open wondering what on earth we’re talking about. Most voters are not college professors.

^^ This.

Again, it comes down to messaging.

"Getting rid of the welfare state" SOUNDS like he wants to take away the elderly people's prescription drugs.

That's what they're hearing at the moment...

 

[wgadget]

Yes, the NUMBER ONE issue is the economy.

Ron needs to call these morons out for acting like children in a time of distress for America.

 

[EBounding]

Yes, the NUMBER ONE issue is the economy.

Ron needs to call these morons out for acting like children in a time of distress for America.

People say that the economy is their biggest issue, but that's only because they assume their candidate will do whatever it takes to defend the country first. They don't assume the same about Paul. They don't think Paul is trustworthy on foreign policy so they don't trust him at all. That's why he needs to specifically explain what he would like Congress to fund for National defense in his administration. If he gets specific about what he will do people will begin to trust him and cross over.