Why We Should Drop the "Dr." Moniker, Ron Paul

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Feb 13, 2008
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What do you think about politicians running using the "Dr" moniker? I have a feeling that you lose some votes possibly because of the "Dr", with an average voter thinking too much into it, "Maybe the guy thinks he's elite, better than us because he a Doctor", or "Who does he think he is?" kind of mentality. I have the utmost respect for someone's dedication and hard work to become earn a doctorate, and don't think someone should hide their accomplishments, however if you're trying to convery what's best for the people, who knows them better, I think addressing a candidate as simple "Ron Paul" for example bring him down to the people, closer, more "attainable". Again, I'm talking your average voter here. This is maybe why Ron Paul did so poorly amongst Christians (evangelicals) even though he was pro-llife. People see "Dr" as maybe putting more faith in science than in God.

Finally, it also possible that in previous times, the moniker "Dr" was viewed with extreme admiration and respect. But, unfortunately with the health care situation as it is, media stories of celebs overdosing on Doctor prescribed medication, the pro athelete being prescribed steroids, plastic surgeons making mistakes, "big pharma" etc, the moniker "Dr" is viewed now in the public area as somewhat negative, and definitely not "of the people".

My opinion is to just drop the "Dr", as is my advise to Ron Paul. It's sure to be a hard pill to swallow for the Dr's, having to "dumb down" maybe there accomplishments, however they are running for a public office, and thus should to try to come as close to the public as they can, in action, policy, and even in name.

Thoughts?
 
I will too out of respect, but I don't think it's helping his campaign. This is a sincere question, because I have no idea: Has there been any high ranking public official elected that was known as a Doctor?
 
I think you're over-thinking it, and I doubt it's had any impact on anything.
 
As for me, I feel more comforted by the possibility of a Doctor as President than all of the lawyers that have gone before.
This is an absolute stupid argument and post.
I love the good old Dr. Congressman Paul moniker. He is distinguished and should be celebrated as such!

Once again Stupid post !!!!!
 
I don't know of any negative associations with the Dr. prefix, if anything it adds to his prestige.
 
OK, but we're all supporters, so yeah...I guess it was a dumb question to ask current Dr. Ron Paul supporters :)

But, maybe try to think outside the box, in someone else's shoes. Go ask someone that didn't vote for the good Doctor, lmk what you get.
 
To be honest, when I first saw it here at the forums, it struck me as a little strange, a kind of cult-thing. Though I know this to be untrue, I'm just saying it struck me like that at first.

I agree, though, used in introductions, etc., it just makes him seem more qualified, intelligent, etc., to KNOW what he's talking about.
 
OK, but we're all supporters, so yeah...I guess it was a dumb question to ask current Dr. Ron Paul supporters :)

But, maybe try to think outside the box, in someone else's shoes. Go ask someone that didn't vote for the good Doctor, lmk what you get.

I have a feeling that if I ask people who didn't vote for Dr. Ron Paul, they're going to reply, "Dr. Who???"
 
Did Dr. Martin Luther King have this problem?

Did he run for office? I'm not saying it doesn't give his arguments, statements more credibility in the public forum...I'm saying it makes him less electable.

For the average Joe, which is the majority of America, simply get turned off by ANY kind of "flash". Typicial response "Dr? Who does he think he is, better than all of us?" (again, not my view, but a very possible one by other)

Or this "Oh, excuse me DR know it all"...you get the point.

This horse is almost on its last leg ;)
 
I use "Dr. Paul" to emphasize that he is a medical doctor; which I consider to be among the noblest of professions. This draws great comparison to the trial lawyers, lobbyists, heirs, and political-bloodline candidates that he opposes.
 
Did he run for office? I'm not saying it doesn't give his arguments, statements more credibility in the public forum...I'm saying it makes him less electable.

For the average Joe, which is the majority of America, simply get turned off by ANY kind of "flash". Typicial response "Dr? Who does he think he is, better than all of us?" (again, not my view, but a very possible one by other)

Or this "Oh, excuse me DR know it all"...you get the point.

This horse is almost on its last leg ;)

The difference between Dr. Paul and "Dr." Martin Luther King, Jr. (aka Michael King) is that Dr. Paul is a medical doctor (or physician) and MLK was bestowed a PhD. through the submission of a dubious (and many say plagiarized) dissertation.

Honestly, I don't think anyone who is not a medical doctor should wear the "Dr." title outside of an academic setting. It's pompous and it's often irrelevant. If someone is has a PhD in European Poetry they are technically a "Doctor," but that sure doesn't mean they know anything about anything else.
 
Congress has an approval rating in the teens. People think by a wide margin that government is broken, politicians are corrupt, and the lawyers who usually run for public office are the biggest crooks around. I think being a doctor is still considered one of the most honorable professions. I say we continue calling him Dr. Paul. :)
 
I will call him Doctor, because he has earned it!

Sounds like yet another post trying spin the fact that the opponents do not have this kind of credibility, and worthwhile respect.
 
I agree with the orginal poster. My first reaction to everyone referring to him as "Dr" paul was that everyone was a bit brainwashed. How long has he been in office? I think Congressman Paul is a much better title. I believe one that is currently practicing medicine or one that practiced medicine his whole career would be better called "Dr".
 
I think people are respectful of "Dr." even if they do not know if it is a medical doctor or a doctorate in an educational field
 
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