Topic: Media
Libertarians to Win Important Elections? Win the Media First The key for Libertarians to working towards winning elections is simple...win over the media. Ask me how.by Dan Steward
(libertarian)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
You want your local newspapers, radio, and television stations to say only the best things about your fine, competent, thrifty, and very capable Libertarian Party candidates? Of course you do. Now what have you done for them?
I'd like to think that I'm writing this article for much more than just the sheer joy of hearing the keys click. So just in case you let that last question fly by you, I'll ask again: What have you done for them?
True, you may both dislike and distrust the media, (excluding nolanchart.com folks, naturally). Who doesn't? That notion, for these purposes is entirely beside the point. But when have you done something for them? Raise any dough for their charities? Offer to mow their lawn while they're on vacation? Wash their cars?
You can put the L.P. Logo and contact websites, local party phone number, on everything you have at their charity events including banners, while you offer to go in at least half on their food. Don't be a skinflint, cheapness shows.
Set up a car wash to raise money for your group. Send out press releases to all major media. For example: Car Wash - $5...All those showing media credentials - FREE
Have you ever fed them?
Before you answer that one, please keep in mind that your meet-up at Chili's more likely than not ended up with invited press paying for their own victuals & libations. That obviously doesn't count. In the future if you can more than afford to buy food for a media event and don't do so, I'm going to call you a cheapskate to your face.
Are you fortunate enough to have access to a decent sized office that's not in use during twilight hours? If so, lucky you. You saved yourself the rental fee on a meeting hall.
The reason why the media asks us dumb questions or makes snide remarks about our candidates is because they don't know them.
If you are wise you'll not deliver those press packets to the news outlets but instead save them for your event where you can pour a (free) drink or two down Mr. Reporter's gullet when you could actually SHOW HIM what's in the packet. Also offer to call (and pay for) a cab for any attendees who get too loaded.
Use your imagination, make it as fun as you can. Give out awards to some of the media present (you did make sure they R.S.V.P.'ed when you sent out the invites, right?) for objectivity & fairness. Show them what freedom and liberty are really about and you'll win the hearts and minds of at least the ones that matter. Good luck.
With Liberty,
Dan Steward
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The views expressed in this
article are those of Dan Steward only and do not represent
the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Dan Steward 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.
Wow. What you're suggesting is a radical notion - that Liberatarians actually engage in a pragmatic, real campaign rather than using their candidacies as a soapbox for philosophical purity.
I'll take your suggestions one step further.
ALL politics is local. Libertarian candidates can not rely on internet contacts with college kids to run their campaigns.
They must be in the local Lions Club, serve as soccer coaches, go to the American Legion breakfasts, raise funds for the local theater group, volunteer for the United Way, and be involved in the community on a regular basis. Far too many Libertarians believe that they 'deserve' the votes of 'right-thinking' people if they simply "say" the right things and argue passionately for their philosophy.
Ain't gonna get elected that way. Which is why it hasn't happened.....
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