Topic: Ron Paul
A Wakeup Call to the Ron Paul Campaign Committee & Staff As Ron Paul's campaign is continually marginalized and blunted by outside forces and cabals, a question needs to be raised as to the innate competance and effectivity of his campaign managers and staff.by Gary Trieste
(Libertarian)
Friday, February 8, 2008
We know you are busy, and we know you are harried, but you should know that you can not be incompetent!
On Jan 23, 2008, I feverishly tried to get a message to Ron Paul and his campaign staff that there was an open invitation by a major media outlet (WAMC radio out of Albany NY) that covers 7 North Eastern states (NY, MA, NH, VT, CT, NJ, PA), with a regular listener population of millions, for a 1 hour exclusive interview with Dr. Paul. The timing was important because it was scheduled for the weekend right before Super Tuesday.
After the message went out, via several channels to the campaign from me and several local Ron Paul coodinators (phone calls, emails, website full article publishings), we got a communication back that the campaign would not consider an offer for media interviews unless the media station itself called and asked for it. Hours after that, we had the radio station do exactly that.
However, days went by and despite continued reminders from me and others, and not a word was heard back from the campaign.
Finally, as I saw this opportunity being needless thrown to the wind, I sent another email to campaign:
"To X:
What can I say; you can't set these things up any sweeter than this, and yet no response from the campaign. Gives me an icky feeling inside.
What an opportunity that appears to be being lost. A weekend statewide spot right before Super Tuesday. This is very frustrating; we complain so loudly about MSM bias against Ron Paul, but here is a willing, pristine media venue that spans 7 states and millions of people, dedicated exclusively to Ron Paul, and the campaign can't seem to get him up to the plate??? Discouraging, and I can't blame anything here on the MSM, just the campaign managers.
Gary Treistman Hudson Valley Libertarian Party Chapter Representative."
After still no response I sent another:
"To X
This is a needlessly lost opportunity, possibly available after this weekend to pick up what pieces may be left. We are all complaining about Mainstream Media bias against Ron Paul, and here his campaign shoots itself in the foot. There was a sweet invitation for an exclusive 1 hour interview on WAMC radio (7 state coverage), but was not only provisionally turned down, but snubbed by not even replying to the offer. Saying you can't do it is bad enough but understandable. To ignore it and snub people thusly is another. I am fairly disgusted, and may just want this behind me.
Gary Treistman
Hudson Valley Libertarian Chapter Representative"
In response to this, on penultimate Friday when it was too late for the station to schedule the interview, I received an email from one of the campaign staff stating:
"Gary,
Thank you for your poignant communication to me, but I would urge you to save your disgust for nation's social and economic woes.You must understand that Dr. Paul receives hundreds of similar radio interview requests and simply cannot spend an hour with each one. Additionally, the campaign has identified particular focal points (such as Minn. Colo. Wash. and Alaska) and is investing more resources there right now, the media understand that a candidate is a limited resource. In fact, we receive so many requests that we find it difficult to process all in do time, thus we process those that fall within our strategy first. We will take care of this. In the mean time, thank you for making me aware of this.
Regards X"
Even later, I received a communicae indirectly from the Ron Paul campaign committee on Feb 2 (Saturday), claiming that it had been sent, but the radio station, nor anyone else had received it:
"Regrettably, Dr. Paul's schedule will not avail him the opportunity be a guest on Mr. Chartock's show at this time. We are honored by your request and thank you. In the event that Dr. Paul's schedule so allows in the future, we will certainly make contact with you to explore that possibility.
Warmest regards,
Ron Paul 2008 Presidential Campaign Committee"
In summation, if we HAD received that last communication in a timely fashion, I wouldn't even be writing this article. Despite what I think is a strategically stupid decision, at least it would have shown character and professional attention to simply say "Forgive us, but we are too busy and can't make it at this time". I would have been disappointed but understanding.
That said, and this article now being of public domain, I now need to question publically, what exactly was Ron Paul doing, throughout that weekend, that his campaign administrators felt rivaled the importance of this large mass media outlet opportunity??
Did whatever he was doing truly compare to the 7 state coverage, and regular listenership that this Main Stream Media outlet could have provided? The station itself has 12 repeaters stationed all over New York State, and is listened to by a politically savvy and involved demographic.
It was forum showcasing and highlighting Ron Paul's campaign for one full hour, exclusive with him, his stance, his issues and his personna. It was just about as perfect as it gets. And yet it was turned down by his campaign staff.
And yet another question, even if he couldn't show up at the studio, why couldn't they schedule the interview over the phone? Radio lends itself just fine to such an interview (even though oftent the audio quality suffers some).
Really now. 1 hour of his time to do exactly what he supposed to be doing? Is he really too busy to . . . Campaign for the Presidency? (or GOP nomination)
Rabid Ron Paul supporters are rightly pissed at the anti-Paul bias and short shrift the Mainstream Media has given him, the cancelling or post-hoc denigration of online or phone polls showing his support, we are also pissed at the many provable instances of election fraud, and illegal misinformation at polling booths given to voters, as well as the general disinformation intentionally dispersed across the internet; we are eager to point fingers wherever we may sense there was a violation of fair play in allowing Ron Paul just the opportunity to run on a fair platform. (We didnt' demand favors or special treatment, just an equal footing)
Unfortunately I think those fingers will retrospectively start pointing to Ron Paul's Campaign Committee and its (valid or not) shortcomings as well.
Since Dr. Paul had a A-List level of funding for his campaign, on par with Romney, McCain, Guiliani, Huckabee, the question will be imputationally raised:
"What was done with all that money. Was it intelligently spent. And did they use it in the most efficient ways possible?"
On the eve of Ron Paul possibly (hopefully) continuing his presidential campaign independently of the GOP nominatoin, these questions are even all the more germane, can his staff deliver the high quality results needed for a successful campaign, given the high quality of his popular and financial support therefrom?
Hopefully history will shine kindly upon his campaign staff and their performance overall, but the rejection of the the offer mentioned in this article portends a likelihood of many other systemic snafus.
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The views expressed in this
article are those of Gary Trieste only and do not represent
the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Gary Trieste is
solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an
employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
Posted By: Paul M. Green
Date: 2008-02-08 10:58:20
I agree with your frustration. The campaign shucked an opportunity in Seatle as well, by ignoring an ivitation to be interview on a widely listened to radio station there. I called the campaign, and told them of the opportunity, but they seemed like they didn't know what to do. The radio station contacted them, but they didn't respond.
It seems as if the camaign is trying NOT to win sometimes. And I DO wonder where all that money went. Why didn't the campaign DEMAND equal time on the networks, to include taking legal action, and complaints to the FCC?
I wonder if any of the staff at the campaign have a clue as to how to run a campaign. I'm no expert, but I know the importance of name recognition and quantitive air time on the MSM. There is a treasure of talent out here in the grass roots whom the campaign ought to employ to produce engaging campaing ads for TV and radio. There are marketing professionals who could be hired to sell the Ron Paul name to prospective voters. The campaign staff seem to be doing this by the seat of their pants.
I hope they have an ace up their sleaves, because right now their hand looks pretty bad.
While I agree that a wasted spot for such a large demographic is dissappointing, I must say that Ron Paul has managed to get himself elected to congress 10 times so far, and he may just know a little bit more than the average Joe about campaigning. I may not understand what he's doing or why, but knowing his integrity and his expierience, I won't second guess him. I'll just continue to support him, and pray that the rest of America will get the chance to hear his message. I know that is very important to him, & I'm sure he won't let us down. A year ago, nobody thought he would have gotten this far, and still be going. Whatever he's doing, it's gotten him this far...and he's still on the ballots! So, suck it up & let's go wave some signs!
I don't think this was a swipe at Dr. Paul's campaigning ability. The best campaigner cannot know all that his staff decides. The unknown is whether these two opportunities, New York and Seattle, ever reached Dr. Paul for final say. That's something we won't know. Between Ron and Rand Paul something may have been able to be worked out if the campaign elevated the decision high enough.
Personally I've not been able to get any response from the campaign in nearly two months. Even in calling in I talk to staffers that pass me to staffers that take a message. Twice this past week the questions have been simple but no one could answer them and so I was passed to the highest message taker and then the message must be delivered to the black hole since even when told I'd receive a call within an hour or two it nevers comes. Emails don't garner any better results the last month.
Communication within a campaign is critical to the flow and confidence of information. As a past candidate for Congress I know it gets tough yet this is no Congressional campaign and a bad impression here and there begins to add up. I think its a good wake up message. Not damning but it sends a flare of concern that needs to be sent, IMHO.
I saw his CPAC speech yesterday and I couldn't be more disappointed. Seems to me he could have used a portion of the millions raised to have hired a professional speech writer and read it with conviction and composer from the telestrator. It could have been tide turning. He had plenty of time to prepare for that moment. On top of that for what ever reason they weren't even able to get it played live on CSPAN. I watched stream on Fox of all places. Wasted opportunity.
I love Ron's positions. Particularly cutting overseas before we even think about doing it here. I'm not on board with his position on abortion. Only because I just don't think it is any business of the government. But that one (me being a man and all) isn't a deal breaker for me.
It comes down to this. The man doesn't appear to be serious about winning. Why should I be serious about supporting him?
You don't get it. They have things planned months in advance. You gave the guy a week or two, I know because I picked up on it and also sent it to amanda lee, his event coordinator, when I heard about it.
I'm not tucking my head though. Things are starting to make sense to anyone who really pays attention.
Sounds more like people are wanting to find reasons to bail out with the responses people are giving. The guy has a plan. Believe in him like you believe in his platform.
@Jim“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”
I will continue to support Dr. Paul in any way possible. Does that mean that I agree with the strategy and every action taken by the campaign? Of course not. I may have done many things differently. However, as a person with previous campaign experience I can truthfully say I have never agreed one hundred percent with the strategy and actions of any campaign. That having been said, I would like to point out that the individuals managing the campaign have willingly accepted a tremendous responsibility, and as that responsibility is theirs, and not mine, I will leave it in their hands and not play Monday morning quarterback.
After Dr. Paul wins the nomination, or is defeated, then comes the time to review and evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign strategy. I do not go into the locker room at half time and start a critique of the game plan. When the game is over there is nothing wrong with engaging in a reasonable assessment of the entire effort. I understand the frustration of some supporters, especially when what appears to be an excellent opportunity is missed or communication is not forthcoming. As with any team, I will continue to do my best and play to win. I cannot control the actions of others, only my own.
While Dr. Paul always indicates that this is not really his campaign, but that of his supporters, the fact remains that he is the candidate and ultimately he has to live with the decisions he makes. I have to live with mine and that is why I will not refrain from continuing my support. Besides, this is more a campaign for principles than for a candidate. This is not a bad thing, but a blessing. Any cult of personality is doomed to failure, but a campaign for principles has the ability to endure and grow and change the world.
Therefore I will come out fighting in the second half, because that is the role I choose, and that is the role the campaign needs me to play. The coach calls the plays, and it is my decision to be in the game.
Play every down. Fight for every inch. Do not stop until the final whistle.
Armchair Quarterbacking by trolls to make Ron Paul and his staff look bad is common. Armchair Quarterbacking by people who think they know something about politicial campaigning, but actually know nothing, is common. My suggestion, for actual supporters, is to get off your butts and go door to door and stop whining about your uneducated perceptions of what Ron Paul is doing right or wrong. He has won many elections and he knows how to play the game of the turtle and the hare better than any candidate out there. His staff is professional and knows the playing field. With the thousands of e-mails and letters that pour in everyday, you can only be so many places at once. Stop second guessing and get off your butts and march, supporters, and stop chit chatting about BS like this.
Events in story show great error on the manager’s part, Ron Paul needs to be made aware of. The other issues is getting in the streets and talking to folks, canvassing. I learned here in Minnesota canvas, calling works to get out the vote. The revolution started without a campaign, media manager. So let us continue and learn from the mistakes.
If he's on the ballot I'll vote for him. There simply isn't any other candidate who says anything I even remotely agree with. Otherwise I won't vote at all.
If his somewhat "sloppy" campaign style is a wild Machievellian strategy to keep the press from covering him so that he can implement this strategy - http://tinyurl.com/29sg7d - I'm not sure how I'll feel about that. I really don't like secrets. But then our existing government is operating in total secrecy....a bloodless, technically within the rules overthrow seems fair......so......why do I get the feeling I'm gonna get f***** no matter what?
Dr. Paul has a secret plan(No single state win plan).
RP has won 10 times his CD(His opponents, keeps on coming though, and he is less than halfway mark of fund-raising goal, with a day remaining). Time for another max donation.
It's his message and platform( I would be better off reading through his library, then sweating out and maxing out on his inefficient HQ or fed. beuracracy ).
Did he have a public office executive experiencce?
I wish, I would have hedged my money on a Gold Futures contract as my vote.
I dont see him or his family members donating his message/platform enterprise. Yes i checked the FEC records.
Now, with competing freemarket result oriented impulse, What would have Huckster done (Delegate strategy) with over $25 mil. and thousands of motivated volunteers?
Two neophyte home-schooler running an online campaign for Huckster, compared to RP's lapse in even recognising star fund-raiser Trevor Lyman($ 4 mil.).
A vintage Reagan-era guy, Drew Ivers as a Iowa campaign manager walks away with over $60k for a month. That sure was a good Ole' message.
So far the 'Secret plan' has cost $1mil./Delegate, so i assume, we should be ready for another $1 Bil. to win the delegate strategy.
'With a heavy heart' and broke, I have to get off this strategic train and figure out a New Liberty train.
Sure RP is our Jefferson, but he aint close to Washington.
Were the so ridiculed 'Sheeples', Pundits(Stephanopoulos), MSMs right in their questioning of RP's unelectability to the White House?
We will find out this November.
Sorry to post twice, but I cannot help myself. One thing I do know; all politics is local. In the case of Congressman Paul’s campaign, this means that there is no substitute for working precincts door-to-door, or at the very least on the phone. Identify supporters and potential supporters. Make sure those supporters turn out to vote. There are no short cuts, particularly when you are not the establishment candidate.
Do want better results? Notning can guarantee a win or anything for that matter. You simply have to do what you can. Just contributing money to the campaign, great. Speaking to friends and trying to get them to vote for Dr. Paul, fine. Putting up signs in your yard, car, or waving them at street corners, terrific. Becoming a precinct leader, teaming up with others to work a precinct, phoning or visiting your neighbors, fantastic. Only action can change outcomes. If you do all you feel you can do, then you have nothing of which to be ashamed. You can carry your head high and with self-respect.
An earlier poster said "saw his CPAC speech yesterday and I couldn't be more disappointed." What speech did you hear? His CPAC speech was IMO the best speech he has delivered to date.
I agree that he has a tiger by the tail and his staff should be better organized. But growing pains are inevitable. Keep up the spirit. Did we think success was going to be easy and quick?
I'm ecstatic to see the message of freedom finally reaching this much momentum, since I have been in the fight for over twenty years. I still can't believe the monetary policy is finally being discussed in a campaign.
Gallion,
Very rightly said: "Just contributing money to the campaign, great. Speaking to friends and trying to get them to vote for Dr. Paul, fine. Putting up signs in your yard, car, or waving them at street corners, terrific. Becoming a precinct leader, teaming up with others to work a precinct, phoning or visiting your neighbors, fantastic. Only action can change outcomes. If you do all you feel you can do, then you have nothing of which to be ashamed. You can carry your head high and with self-respect."
Did you ever see RP, unlike all other contenders(Through bus tour) retailing their message?
No wonder, even lazy Thompson did better in Iowa.
To get an email likening our battle to valley forge, is far from reality.
Washinton was with the troops on the ground at all the battles, and not defending his estate every weekend.
Gary: thanks for the article. As written, it is probably someone witht he campaign, not Ron Paul. He can still use this the coming week(s) for VT, PA etc? (In any case for thoose states that had Super Tuesday, it could be good that the people hear and the delegates could be positively influenced, and a family/friend can always tell people in other states where primaries still to be held?
The campaign should use Rand Paul, Barry Goldwater etc. for times when Ron Paul is not available? I think some people would also like it to hear naother voice and person?
Posted By: Sarah Joy Albrecht
Date: 2008-02-08 15:43:25
To the comment, "If he's on the ballot I'll vote for him." -- the problem is that he's was ERASED from the ballots at some of the polling places in NY. Take a look:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=x5Qb3ZfyztE
The right to vote for whomever we choose is a right that Americans have died for. It doesn't matter who the candidate is - this is criminial.
This campaign is bigger than Ron Paul, as he says. It's about the need for a Revolution in a America. Keep in mind that many of the Ron Paul volunteers are just that - volunteers. If anything, be a volunteer who IS organized and work on _planning ahead_ if you want to make a difference.
Start with what is right in front of you. If me, a mom of five little kids ages six and under, can be a precinct leader, so can you: https://voters.ronpaul2008.com/grassroots/
Rons supporters are feeling frustated by the numbers after not so Super Tuesday. There is also the blatant political corruption with the media that the government seems to be turning their back on. We try to communicate with our leader and seemingly get turned away.
Anyone that has done the all so important door-to-door canvassing has been met with ridicule about vote wasteing and questions like "Who is Ron Paul ?" and "Is he running for President ?" All of which is very frustrating.
The major problem here is just poor planning because Ron didn't plan on running until the race had already started. It wasn't until all the other candidates were off and running before Ron had even put his shoes on. If he had he planned on participating at an earlier stage, a lot more could have been done.
But that didn't happen and this is where we are. Everyone supporting Ron believes that he is the only hope for this country. There is things happening in the world that need immediate attention and can't wait until the next election.
Just because he falls down and scrapes his knee, doesn't mean we shouldn't help him get back up, and if he runs around in circles instead of heading directly for the finish line, doesn't mean we should stop cheering him on.
Discussing it in this forum is like having the half time prep talk in the locker room , as players we all get to say our piece and let off some steam.
Now lets get back out on the field and Kick Some Ass !
Note - While it may not have the same impact... You people that have these oppertunities with radio stations, could go on as representatives of Ron and help get his issues out to the voters.
Ron Paul is a small government campaigner, but the Ron Paul Campaign is a big government bureaucracy.
Why didn't he simply go with a very small team of strategists and researchers as soon as possible, and then rely on the massive number of volunteers to handle what the campaign was supposed to (but clearly failed to in many aspects) do?
Well, now we focus on spreading the message, figuring out what next, and be motivated that this message does win over a lot of people, and that one day, it will win the day.
You bunch of afraid little girls you make me sick!! what did you think Ron Paul is the reason so many people united, so many people with different views and beliefs united, WHY? Because as Americans we are sick and tired of watching our country get handed over to the hmmm well I call them NorthAmericanUnionists because thats what they are. Not me, Just made an offer on a Hotel and Tarpon fishing spot in of all places Nicaragua, At the ripe ole age of 40 it is time to retire from all this bullshit and go fish, so see ya. RonPaul 08 till the day I die I will say there is only one American running for President in 08 and thats Ron Paul
There were similar complaints about his last presidential campaign, 20 years ago -- a very cautious & controlling campaign office. Reason's blogger commented that his announced shift to focus on the primary for his H.R. seat will have the salutary effect of getting the office out of the way of the presidential campaign.
Just to technically correct things, I'll point out that neither WAMC (AM) nor WAMC-FM has as wide a coverage area as claimed above, but they do have a regional network of primary stations and translators that go into the areas listed.
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