Topic: Ron Paul
How Ron Paul "Shocked" Iowa Ron Paul will shock Iowa and the world: Here's why.by John Armstrong
(libertarian)
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
"Surprising" or "Shocking" will be the words used by the mainstream media to explain the results of the Iowa Caucus. Ron Paul's supporters have a different word to explain the same event--Vindication.
If you are just hearing of Ron Paul for the first time, you are not alone. Over the past few months, Ron Paul has been ignored by the mainstream in the way the sexuality of the uncle who always brings a "friend" to Christmas is ignored at dinner. But people were whispering. In fact, they were screaming. Those who already knew weren't surprised at all, but those who have been denying the Elephant in the Room are left asking, "Really?" Yes, Really. The closet door is now open. And though the mainstream may have mixed feelings about their gay uncle, these people are going to love grandaddy Ron Paul.
If you are late to the party, here is why Ron Paul did so well.
1. His supporters voted. Ron Paul had been winning straw poll after straw poll all year. He had been dominating internet and text messaging polls after each debate. The mainstream media chose to report this as an aberration. They said that it was just a few people voting mutliple times or that Paul's campaign had a way of organizing these people to get them to vote. What they failed to realize is that these people were voting because they were watching. They were watching because they cared. While most "supporters" of other candidates were watching Seinfeld reruns, Paul's supporters were blogging, marching, talking to friends, raising millions of dollars, and knocking on doors. Even when he broke fundraising records, the reporters quipped, "He needs to teach other candidates how do this." It's pretty simple, actually. Get a lot of supporters who believe in your message strongly enough to give you money. It's simple, but not easy. Regardless of how "small" Paul's following is, they can be counted on to show up and support their man. The only "aberration" would be if Paul's supporters didn't show up.
2. Just like the psychotic ex, the more Paul's supporters were ignored the more steadfast they became in their resolve to be heard. Many patriotic Americans heard Paul's message of freedom and decided to support him. When these same Americans were labeled by pundits and experts as "Paultards" or as being on the "fringe" of society, they decided to show the world they were anything but. From moms to Marines and everone in between, these people understand that they are voting for more than a man.
3. The mainstream media vastly understimated the power and simplicity of Dr. Paul's message. Ron Paul may be the only candidate in our lifetime who has run on such a simple message. Instead of promising programs to solve all of our problems or wanting the government to do more; he actually wants the government to do less and to get out of the way so we have more power to solve our own problems as individuals. The message is this: Freedom. Freedom from a government who for too long has done whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, wherever they wanted in the name of the great citizens of our country. Freedom from having our civil liberties slowly stripped away to fight ideological wars that are not just unhelpful in destroying their stated enemies, but actually strengthen the enemies while weakening our citizens. Freedom from generations of failed policies and broken promises that politicians have used as a way to get elected. Freedom from being told who was "electable" and actually casting a vote for a person the people chose. Freedoms that are guaranteed under the contract "We the People" have with our government called the Constitution that for far too long has been ignored. The vote in Iowa signals that American citizens have finally had enough and that we want our country back.
4. The mainstream media underestimated the internet. Parents sometimes underestimate the influence their children's friends have on their decisions. In the world we lived in before tonight, the mainstream media played the role of parent. They told us what to believe and we never questioned it. After Iowa, America is moving out into its own apartment. And all of our friends know where to find us because we changed our facebook and myspace profiles to let them know. For the first time in modern history enough people had enough access to information to learn that mom and dad may have been holding out on them. And they were able to find enough friends to know that everyone else's parents had been telling them the same things. This marks the beginning of a new age in American Politics. As Thomas Jefferson said:
I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion.
The government and media thought the citizens not enlightened enough to exercise our control so they tried to take it from us. And they did an amazing job of it. Now that we have become enlightened with help from our friends, we are taking back the control we never voluntarily ceded. Why do you really think there is such a push to regulate this beast known as the internet? Why do you think Ron Paul stood firm in his committment to not allow that to happen? Fortunately for Americans, but unfortunately for the powers that be, it may be too late to cage the beast.
5. Polls don't measure passion. During the course of the year, polls showed Hillary Clinton and Rudy Guiliani as the national front runners. Nobody ever stopped to think about the possibility that maybe all these polls really measured was name familiarity. The people whose names are most recognized are also the most likely to not turn out voters because everyone assumes that everyone else will take care of the voting for them. If there is a person lying on the street in a major city, studies have shown that person is more likely to be left alone than if he were lying on Main Street in Anytown, USA. In an ironic twist, Ron Paul's low polling numbers led each follower to feel that his or her vote mattered. So they all went out to lend a hand to the man in the street. The passion caused them to wave signs in the snow, to give up hard earned money they could have used for Christmas presents, and you can be sure it will lead to votes.
This individual responsibility is also a by product of the campaign itself. Because the campaign empowers the people rather than the establishment, the people were determined to make their voices heard. These supporters are Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Liberals, Libertarians, all. There is another thing these people are called--individuals. E. Pluribus Unum. Out of many-One. These supporters aren't "fringe." They may be on the fringe of one of the two parties that 300 Million Americans are supposed to fit nicely into, but they are the mainstream in a bigger party. The banner hanging over the door of that party reads, "Americans Welcome." Is it really "surprising" that a candidate who supports the rights of individuals would have strong support since every person in America is by definition an individual? I guess to mom and dad it might be, but the kids knew all along.
Now that the uncle's out of the closet, or the cat's out of the bag if you prefer, the challenge for the Ron Paul campaign will be to continue to keep the pressure on now after the "favorites" are on the ropes. App. State did it this year to start the college football season in Michigan. They also went on to win the national championship in their own division of college football but Michigan recovered from the loss to win a bowl game in "major college football." Ron Paul supporters don't want to be relegated to a good story and then to go play for the Division 2 title, they want it all. And they have their chance now. As long as they don't let up. Thursday night: Iowa. Next on the schedule: New Hampshire. To paraphrase Willie Mays Hayes from Major League 2: Don't stand on the tracks when the train's coming through.
But you're welcome to jump on board.
Your fellow American,
John Armstrong
Here's a link to an article about how RP's principles make him electable in November vs. Clinton. It's a good one to pass on.
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Comparing us to a gay uncle, a psychotic ex, and a person lying in the street. Wow, this is really going to help win votes in the Caucus tomorrow. Some of these Nolan Chart writers really need to find a new line of work. But anyhow, go Ron Paul!
Posted By: david from texas
Date: 2008-01-02 19:45:43
I could have done without the gay uncle comparison, but nonetheless, the article captures exactly the way that I feel.
I just hope that our hunches are correct, and that Ron Paul really will do well in Iowa tomorrow. I certainly hope so, otherwise, there will be many people who are upset tomorrow, feeling rather lonely and downbeat. Regardless, even if he does not do well, I am happy that he has been in this race. What a breath of fresh air! What an amazing man. What wonderful memories I will have of watching this man respond with grace and intelligence to the abuse and insults. The actions of Ron Paul in this race reminds me of how Jesus Christ responded to His critics.
Posted By: John Armstrong
Date: 2008-01-02 19:46:27
Touche' , Tom. I thought about that as I was writing. Just thought it was funny since it was a situation likely played out in a lot of homes last week. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves a little, don't we. Kinda like comedians calling themselves fat. That's all. Just a little wordplay, but a good point nonetheless. I think Huck has most of the evangelical vote already wrapped up and Dr. Paul has enough true Christians to accept everyone.
Don't worry though, I'm not planning on quitting my dayjob anytime soon.
I do not believe he was comparing us to these things. It's a metaphor. Something that we can relate to. It's more fun to read than "This is something everybody talks about ... well ... not out loud" He's saying that the Revolution hasn't been out in the open as it should have been. I am a staunch Paul supporter. I spend 2 hours every day reading articles and watching videos (even if they are the same ones). I find this to be a very good article. I believe that maybe some more clever metaphors could have been used, but I know the problem with thinking of good stuff under pressure. I enjoyed the article very much, and agree a lot. I believe Ron Paul may end up first. I've read so many articles saying if he gets third it would be the best he could do. No. That's not right. First is the best he can do. It's what we need. I sent in my absentee Ballot today, and it has Ron Paul marked in the box. One vote in Michigan already everybody!
Cool article John, and I hope to see George Snuffalufagus choke on his words come Friday. My daughter had a similar opinion.
Our primary in SC is on the 19th and she said that she hoped it would snow that day. The other candidates folks would stay home but every Ron Paul supporter would get to the polls even if they had to walk through 3 ft of snow. I believe she is right.
It's the message and the passion of the Paul supporters and nothing is going to keep us from voting for the only statesman declaring Freedom as the battle cry!
Thank you for.....nailing it. Many of us (older) who didn't quite get how this was working so well....have recently come to most of your conclusions, but just couldn't put it into words. Just watched the stream of Ron Paul's Veterans Rally (which was about the most mind boggling, unbelievable thing I have ever seen or heard ) and then read your article. What a trip. What a time to be alive. Great synopsis..fun deliver!
Posted By: Patrick Henry
Date: 2008-01-02 20:30:01
I completely got the gay uncle thing and found it hilarious and fitting (but then, I am a gay uncle LOL). Very well written article. I can't wait to hear all the pundits pick themselves up and try to figure out what the hell America knows that they don't.
When it comes down to it, IA is the best Ron Paul will do. There is a major football games and very bad weather set for tomorrow, plus a system of voting that guarantees a minimal turnout. .... so fanatical supporters are at a premium. Paul will do 2x better there than he will in any primary.
I have to disagree, if Ron Paul really does break out in Iowa, he is probably going to knock McCain off his New Hampshire Perch and seriously shake anyone who is supporting Romney. If he can het both Iowa and New Hampshire, with all the support he is getting from the Southern Avenger and his listeners, I think you see Ron Paul show strong, if not win South Carolina. This does not even consider the wallop he will unleash in Nevada. A third place finish in Iowa, everything is uncertain, a win in Iowa and the revolution becomes televised.
I thought the gay uncle comment was funny. Great article and exactly what I was thinking regarding voter turn out. Thanks for all of your great articles on this topic, I always read and enjoy! Thanks again, great work.
I contend that media heads have grossly underestimated the grass-roots support for Dr. Paul. Everywhere I go I see Ron Paul signs, only Ron Paul signs, and mostly home made.He is the most talked about person I hear about anymore.
My friend is a publisher for ROKON Magazine in Seoul Korea; he tells me that he thought Paul was the only one running, and that the American soldiers were requesting articles about him. I was playing an online video game with a gentleman in Pakistan the other night. He was staying in his house because of rioting outside. He asked me if I knew who Ron Paul was… I did. He told me that he is the focus of many a conversation there lately. They see Ron Paul as logical and humanitarian, and he’s right.
Coming from a large military community, a US Army Veteran myself, I am only hearing two names from military friends and family, Hero John McCain and Patriot Ron Paul. The conversations seem to heavily favor Ron Paul. As an Engineer, I travel frequently. In technology sector circles, every political conversation I hear includes Ron Paul. Not that they all favored Dr. Paul, but more he was the gage against which the issues are debated.
I would wager that more teenagers know of Ron Paul, than George Washington. He has received donations from more individual voters, than all the other republican candidates combined in Q4. That’s why I predict Ron Paul will place third or better in Iowa, and first place in New Hampshire.
Authentic, humble and honest, Dr. Paul stands out as an intellectual giant amongst his status-quo peers, is now the Rock Star celebrity of American politics, do in part the obvious bias against him in the media. We American’s love underdogs and that will be weighing heavily in Dr. Paul’s favor come Election Day. It has become popular to donate to Ron Paul. It’s like he is putting on a rock concert, and the tickets are selling out. -Fast!
Consider if political campaigns were businesses making IPO, Paul’s campaign would be The Darling of Wall Street. His quarterly revenue growth curve is unmatched, and with 135,000 separate donors in the last quarter alone, its potential is off the charts!
“Hedge your bets gentleman. Expect the unexpected from Patriot Ron Paul tomorrow, I certainly do!”
Amazingly accurate portrayal of our steadfast support for Dr. Ron Pauls message of freedom. Thanks so much and was a wonderful artticle. May God Bless " The R3vOlUtIoN and Ron Paul." : )
This is just one small skirmish. Win lose or draw this is only the beginning! The Patriots who fought the first American revolution lost almost every major battle but they hung in there and won the war. We will win this war too!
Posted By: E. Pluribus Michael
Date: 2008-01-02 23:23:36
Jack, this has got to be one of the damn best Ron Paul articles I have read to date. Outstanding writing, my fellow RonBot.
We have miles to go before we sleep. -Walt Whitman (kinda).
Excellent article-- and I most fervently hope that you are an even better prophet than you are a writer!
My English-teacher parents however, would never forgive me for failing to point out to your poster(s) that it was not Walt Whitman, but rather Robert Frost, who wrote:
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.
... and I have many promises to keep myself. I have given Ron Paul's campaign more than $100 per month of my $800 per month social security check (I'm shooting for $200 in January), and as that amount is so small, I have spent almost all of my free time for a month calling independent voters in Iowa... tomorrow I start on New Hampshire!
Most Americans I talk to really don't care and don't really intend to vote. When We start talking about issues these people fume at the mouth especially people in the South. Even though these people will not matter its how they feel thats important. I would venture if the media wuld give Ron Paul a fair and balanced reporting their would be a run on the polls by the American tax payer. I am disgusted how the American tax payers rights are violated every day. There is only 90 million of us btw because most people get more back then they put in. The Dems call us the rich people and they get the crowds riled up because they think of bankers like Rockefeller. Now these rich people are more than likely people like me whom are living pay check to pay check but making more than the state average. I don't make more than my other citizens because I am blessed I make more because I stay away from home 8 - 9 months a year. So when You call us the fringe or nuts maybe You need to look at why we are nuts.
Posted By: Richard Brodie
Date: 2008-01-03 11:39:18
My 16 year old David attends a charter school in Oceanside, California. His advisor is an Obama supporter who thinks the North American Union would be a good thing. You might like to take a look at David's essay on America's monetary history which I've posted on his page at our family website.
http://www.richardbrodie.com/david/david.htm
Read it and see if it doesn't give you enough hope to bring tears to your eyes to see how much Truth just one of America's rising young generation has learned in just a few months of watching campaign YouTube videos. David is already very well armed to do battle for the cause of Liberty against the old Marxist instructors and professors whom he will be confronting over the remainder of his high school and college years.
Win or lose this particular election, Ron Paul has lauched a r3VOLution that must ultimately prevail!
Posted By: Richard Brodie
Date: 2008-01-03 23:10:05
There is way too much concern with how many digits there are in a candidate's percentage. It's pretty stupid to make that a criterion for viability. I mean if Dr. Paul gets 10.1% does that really mean that he becomes "viable", but if he only gets 9.9% then he's not viable? How ridiculous!
No meaningful conclusions can be drawn by comparing his showing negatively to Huckabee, for whom Iowa is merely a fluke, nor positively to Giuliani who wasn't campaigning in Iowa.
The important thing is that in the last several weeks he has shot up FIVEFOLD from 2 to 10 percent. And even MORE significant is that tonight Mitt Romney, even with all his name recognition and free media hype, only received somewhat more than double the number of votes Paul did, instead of twleve times as many, as would have been the case had the contest been held when he was still a 2 per cent.
This election season is often compared to a horse race, and I see a certain dark horse closing pretty damn fast on the front runners!
It must be a fluke if he didnt spend hardly any money and had won the thing by 9% with only 15% of the results in. I dont see how anyone that can win by that much that fast has any real chance.
First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up, because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me. by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945
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