What I learned in New Hampshire working this weekend - *warning* divisive

[Apparition]

Seriously... Ron Paul has way too much money and grassroots support to quit after NH, no matter what the results.
Let's at least get Super Tuesday under our belts before we all collectively commit mass suicide.....

Remember... war of attrition.

 

[thoughtbombing]

Grassroots has been taken over by nutjobs who don't know the meaning of the word "decorum."

There was never a grass roots that wasn't full of nutjobs. Liberty is a popular message if you sell it for what it is. You don't have to agree with everyone to agree about what is truly important. Just focus on what we agree on, so when we have differences, we have a basis to go on.

 

[dante]

There is a limit to the number of people you can win over on a purely intellectual level.

There is no limit to the number you can win over with the right presentation. You want young people? Make whatever you're trying to present look cool. You want old people? Make it look respectable. Either way, you have to rely on some level of emotional appeal, and to do that you have to make your audience empathize with you.

You can tailor your appearance and your approach to fit who you are trying to reach, but one thing is for sure, being clean, presentable, and polite NEVER hurts anyone's pitch.

QFT
I was on the ground in IA and 2/3rds of our group fit Avery characteristics completely. fortunately there were a couple of us logical members of the group who finally won them over into behaving.
Biggest problem is a lot of the youth who support RP are anti-authoritarian types who won't listen to common sense if it isn't there own. I'm a hard core $2300 dollar donor to RP and the biggest thing that consistently bugs me about this campaign is the stupidity of its supporters time and time again

 

[rs3515]

Go pull out a one dollar bill. Check out that guy. George Washington had long hair, a wig even. Damned hippie. Now pull out a five. Check out that "well groomed" individual. What the hell is that? Some Amish nutcase?

Look folks. This is America. Land of the free. Freedom is about ideas not grooming.

Yes, but you are missing one major point. The people you just identified were both leaders and statesmen. You can be a leader without the need to be offensive toward others.

 

[usmcZ]

Everyone goes about supporting Ron Paul in their own way. You shouldn't make up your mind on how a handful of said candidates supporters act, if you do, that is just wrong and you need to take a look in the mirror (Not directed at OP). Making an informed decision based on the issues is what should matter, although this day in age it doesn't.

I don't know what is worse, an unkempt "ungroomed" individual who truly cares about the country and where it is headed, that has a few tattoos or the "nice and neat" supporter who has their head so far up their ass that they are voting based on a candidates religious preferences.


Besides, don't republicans support the troops? I'd say at least 8/10 Marines here have tattoos Does that make us unprofessional?

 

[ultimaonliner]

Everyone goes about supporting Ron Paul in their own way. You shouldn't make up your mind on how a handful of said candidates supporters act, if you do, that is just wrong and you need to take a look in the mirror (Not directed at OP). Making an informed decision based on the issues is what should matter, although this day in age it doesn't.

I don't know what is worse, an unkempt "ungroomed" individual who truly cares about the country and where it is headed, that has a few tattoos or the "nice and neat" supporter who has their head so far up their ass that they are voting based on a candidates religious preferences.

Besides, don't republicans support the troops? I'd say at least 8/10 Marines here have tattoos Does that make us unprofessional?

QTLFC (This post is not directed at any individual poster)

I didn't wake up one morning thinking that I was going to enjoy wearing a suit and tie. I hate it. But I did one day in my past realize that it doesn't matter what SHOULD be in life, the reality is that some people will receive you (and your message) better if you DO CARE about IDIOTIC THINGS LIKE DRESS and MANNERISMS.

I agree that people shouldn't care about physical appearances and superficial mannerisms, but if one cares enough about Dr. Paul, then one will SUCK IT UP and do what's necessary to communicate his message EFFECTIVELY.

 

[beobeli]

Successful Marketing = Story Telling

What each supporter/campaign is trying to do is to market their candidate. People take a glimpse at your "story" and then they reconstruct the rest. It takes about 15 seconds for this to occur. Based on their initial "reconstruction" they'll look into a candidate further, or completely dismiss the candidate and move on.

This initial "story" is "told" primarily visually. There is no time for much verbiage in 15 seconds. Time and again it's been said: first impression is important. That is why some "experts" say that political candidates succeed because of: looks (54%) , pitch of the voice (37%) and their actual message (4%) [percentages are approximate because I can't remember them exactly, but roughly to scale].

Why is Obama moving ahead? Because people told themselves their own story about Obama. They may have lied to themselves, because this story may not be realistically true or correct, but based on their preconceived notions, experiences and perceptions they believe in it. The key is that this "internal story" was developed on sound bites sampling of Obama's actual campaigning, appearances, etc. In fact, the less you tell the audience, the "story" developed in audiences heads will be more compatible with their own beliefs. This dynamic similarly applies to (and explains) Huckabee's surge (without much money), McCain's comeback (with actually completely wrong message for America), as well as Thompson's "going nowhere" status. The same dynamic also elevated Ron Paul messages among his supporters which turned into a powerful movement. Ron Paul's movement is the prime example of the power of "story" -- glimpse + your own discovery + candidaes authenticity (recored) = powerful followership/sale.

Huckabee is the only one who is showing some indications that he actually may understand and exploit this dynamic. He has to, he has no money to do it otherwise. He is feeding sound bites across all important messages (yes, he is stealing from Ron Paul), and is pretending to be funny and likable guy. Based on those "sound bites" (without real substance) some people fall for it and tell themselves "I like this guy".

In a gist... There is no point in pushing hard. The smart "tease" is much more powerful. ("these" not like in "don't tease me bro".) The people need to discover Ron Paul on their own, after you initial SMART "virus injection". And they will. Calm down and don't ruin the viral spread of Ron Paul.

I should add that Ron Paul is the only candidate who can provide all important authenticity to his story. His record, his knowledge and his bravery are so pure and contrary to any other candidate, that Ron Paul is the only one whose story will "stick". (Why do you think mainstream is trying to have him "disappera"?) But the story must be planted and grown in the minds of voters first. McCain's up and down (and probably out) support over time is the result of his non-authentic story. Similarly this is Hillary's problem too. They both are telling they want to fix the country, but they are actually part of the problem. And people see it. Contradition = lack of authenticity. Obama has advantage because his record is largely "unknown" so any story that people tell themselves is a positive one -- it is a leap of faith -- but in mind of people it is positive.

Consequently the original post remarks are right on the money. Ron Paul marketing is out of control. And that is OK, in fact great, it's viral. But will it converge in the right direction is anybody's guess. Did we plant the right seed? Did we contradict what Ron Paul stands for, thus chipping away on his inherent authenticity? Are we overbearing, thus communicating to potential supporters "something is fishy here"? We'll know over the next few months.

Ron Paul for President!!!

 

[Cardinal Red]

There is a limit to the number of people you can win over on a purely intellectual level.

There is no limit to the number you can win over with the right presentation. You want young people? Make whatever you're trying to present look cool. You want old people? Make it look respectable. Either way, you have to rely on some level of emotional appeal, and to do that you have to make your audience empathize with you.

You can tailor your appearance and your approach to fit who you are trying to reach, but one thing is for sure, being clean, presentable, and polite NEVER hurts anyone's pitch.

QFT-- Notice how those disagreeing with this never present any actual arguments about HOW THEIR STRATEGY WORKS TO GET MORE VOTES FOR RON PAUL. All they do is lecture the rest of us about how presenting an image that is appealing to your constituency is somehow selling out the movement.

 

[partypooper]

No, I understood your point, conform, and yes, that would probably increase votes, but those who expect you to conform might not be as receptive to a message of freedom anyway.

increasing the votes is good enough for me. not everybody needs to swear by dr paul's collected works.

I mean, if someone is not going to listen to you because of the length of your hair or what is growing on your face, would you really expect them to become interested in Paul's brand of libertarian ideas, especially the ones that excite you?.

some of them, yes. people are, for the most part, inconsistent mishmashs of beliefs and attitudes and can be persuaded in myriads of ways.

 

[dianeh]

It's advertising

Its a question of respect. Someone who walks in with a shabby beard and unkept hair will not be taken as seriously as someone who is well groomed. Someone who presents their arguments logically and confidently, even in the face of ridicule and slander, receive respect.

No matter what any of you choose to believe basically everyone makes snap judgments about people based on their looks, it's human nature to do so. The question is "whats more important to you?", your superficial facade, or your principles and ideals? I think most reasonable people would realize that its worth it to sacrifice your facade as a "rebel" or "anti-culture" in order to make it easier to bring others to our cause.

EXACTLY! It's good advertising-- you are marketing a product.

 

[Apparition]

QFT-- Notice how those disagreeing with this never present any actual arguments about HOW THEIR STRATEGY WORKS TO GET MORE VOTES FOR RON PAUL. All they do is lecture the rest of us about how presenting an image that is appealing to your constituency is somehow selling out the movement.

The argument is that these are all real people doing the protesting. They get the people talking about what's going on... and when people start talking about it, they get more informed. They key is for people to understand WHY these protesters are acting the way they are.... and that they AREN'T doing anything wrong.

 

[aknappjr]

There is a limit to the number of people you can win over on a purely intellectual level.

There is no limit to the number you can win over with the right presentation. You want young people? Make whatever you're trying to present look cool. You want old people? Make it look respectable. Either way, you have to rely on some level of emotional appeal, and to do that you have to make your audience empathize with you.

You can tailor your appearance and your approach to fit who you are trying to reach, but one thing is for sure, being clean, presentable, and polite NEVER hurts anyone's pitch.

Exactly. If you want to persuade, act the part.

 

[Sam_Adams]

People, please.... the media wants to portray Ron Paul supporters as hippies wearing their bluejeans and t-shirts... and for the most part, this may be a good representation. But, even if Ron Paul HAD a suit and tie army, the media would still want you to think that Ron Paul supporters are young and fringe and ignorant.

 

[aknappjr]

Why aren't you there right now canvassing?

I know you've done a lot, but Jesus Christ... man this is not a sprint for us. We might lose all 5 of the first primaries like Bill Clinton did and still be the only team on the field come Feb.

I realize it's frustrating, but we can win bigtime in Michigan still. Very pro Second Amendment state. We can win on that alone. Failing industries are being regulated to death, taxes are high, services are low. They need the answers we got. Let's keep our eyes on the ball, please.

Work.

 

[aknappjr]

Kudos to the original poster. It needs to be said.

Anyone remember "Get clean for Gene" ?

We apparently need a mantra: "Be Polite for Paul."

Thank you! I was trying to remember that quote!

 

[Paulitician]

People, please.... the media wants to portray Ron Paul supporters as hippies wearing their bluejeans and t-shirts... and for the most part, this may be a good representation. But, even if Ron Paul HAD a suit and tie army, the media would still want you to think that Ron Paul supporters are young and fringe and ignorant.

So? The point is to win people over face to face. We're not talking about the media right now.

 

[Todd]

From 1968 on through the seventies there was this left-wing, long-haired, drug-stoned, free love movement in Germany. They didn't appeal to the masses, they didn't win elections, but 25 years later those guys dominated the media and politics. You maybe now former German secretary for foreign relationships Fischer. He was one of those and was caught on photo attacking policemen in the 70s. Current secretary for foreign aid was very socialist in the 70s and current secretary for health care was in fact member of a maoistic union.

This revolution has raised conciousness of many people and they will never forget it.

The point is not to wait 25 years.

 

[Spirit of '76]

Our base turned out. The Republican base didn't. Which you would know, if you had bothered looking at the county-by-county numbers before developing your theory.

Shows us these county-by-county numbers which supposedly show that our voters correspond to the numbers in our volunteer database. Sure, we took more independents that the other Republicans, but our GOTV was dismal.

 

[Spirit of '76]

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=75080

 

[Caravello]

I used to say the same things about Church. When I was a kid (I'm only 40, it wasn't that long ago), people would wear their "Sunday Best" to Church. Then they started going in jeans and flip flops, and I stopped going as a result. People have to realize that putting decent clothes on is a measure of respect, at least in the minds of maybe half of Americans. If you go to the pain of squeezing your feet into uncomfortable shoes, choking yourself with a tie, tucking your shirt in, it's a sign of a "mini" sacrifice, and it is something people can relate to. I bet if you kids would put some decent clothes on, or at least wear a dress shirt and a blazer, that we'd go a lot further in persuading people. I know you all may measure sacrifice from all the hard hours you put in, by the bags under your eyes, by all the cold pizzas you eat, which is great, but remember there are a lot of potential voters who judge by a different set of criteria, namely clothing and grooming.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox.