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Pens and Pistols
columnist: Alexander Edward

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Topic: Ron Paul
Ron Paul: Down, But Not Out

Ron Paul's finish in the Iowa Caucuses was not what we had hoped for, but it's not over yet. The road is long and difficult, but we can still win.
by Alexander Edward
(libertarian)
Friday, January 4, 2008

I think it’s time to be honest. Ron Paul’s Iowa finish feels disappointing. Most people were hoping for a third place finish, ahead of McCain and Thompson. Fifth place was far below what we were shooting for. Although, it should not be all together very surprising, as Ron Paul finished fifth in the Iowa Straw poll held in 2007.

It is encouraging that Ron Paul finished far in front of Giuliani and that he landed a double digit percentage of the votes. However, the real lesson of the Iowa Caucuses is that we (Ron Paul supporters) need to work harder to win in the states to come. New Hampshire is ripe for the taking. Just like after the Iowa Straw poll, we need to come together and push hard. Ron Paul’s message is great, but there are a lot of things we could be doing better:

1) Don’t try to convince people Ron Paul is a front runner. Talk about Ron Paul like that should be taken for granted. Our attitude about Ron Paul plays a large part about how he’s perceived.

2) As much as Ron Paul has gained on being an ‘insurgent’ campaign, we need to show that he is part of the Republican Party. His positions are very obviously conservative on almost every issue. Stress the conservative points of his platform unless you are talking to someone on the left, an independent, or questions are brought up about how he’d fair in general election.

3) In the same vein, take note of candidates with similar platforms. We cannot rely on the anti-war platform alone! We can potentially pick up votes from supporters of Giuliani, Thompson, Hunter, and McCain. Romney and Huckabee voters are unlikely to switch their vote, as their emphasis will likely be on Christian Values. This isn’t to say we should give up on religious voters. It’s just that they will be harder to sway since Ron Paul is not overt about his religion. When talking to religious voters, however, be sure to emphasize Ron Paul’s strong Pro-Life stance.

Giuliani: His supporters are likely to be ok with ideas that are usually associated with the Left. If they are not, point out how liberal Giuliani really is. They may be uncomfortable with the scandals of his personal life. Try to show Ron Paul’s integrity, and it may, by juxtaposition, show Giuliani’s dishonesty.

McCain: People see McCain is very honest and straightforward. Show them that Ron Paul can be counted on to be just as honest with his views. When Ron Paul says, "no new taxes" his record shows that he’s never voted to increase taxes. McCain is strongly pro-war, and his supporters are likely to side with him on this issue. Offer them this: since both candidates can be counted on to be honest and intelligent, if they change their mind about the war, they should look in to Ron Paul.

Hunter: Point out that Ron Paul is a more viable candidate and that he is just as strong and advocate of border protection.

Thompson: Ron Paul has a lot in common in his stance with Thompson. They are both for more State’s rights and less Federal Government. Point out the similarities in their views. Once they realize how close these candidate’s views are, just convince them to look in to Ron Paul themselves. Ron Paul is much more motivated than Thompson and, as such, has a good chance of converting Thompson supporters without much convincing. Paul is more experienced, as well, regarding economics.

Take heart! It is a difficult road, but we can still win this! Remember, we don’t want to antagonize other Republicans or their supporters, we want to show them that we are like them…but better prepared to get government out of their lives.

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©2008 Alexander Edward, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Friday, January 4, 2008
Last modified: Friday, January 4, 2008

The views expressed in this article are those of Alexander Edward only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Alexander Edward 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.

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Reader Comments:

Posted By: Griz
Date: 2008-01-04 21:00:42

Maybe it was disappointing to you. I was very pleased. Ron paul beat the pundit's projections and broke double digits in his first state. He tenchincally won 4th place because Thompson and McCain tied for 3rd. And the margins were very close between those three. Most of all, he completely smoked Giuliani. Quit worrying about his so-called "5th place" finish in a state where 60% of Republicans say they attend Church regularly. Start thinking about New Hampshire...or Alaska, where he's #1 in the polls.

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Posted By: Homer
Date: 2008-01-04 21:00:45

You say this as if you're 100% assured that the votes were not tampered with and/or the numbers were reported correctly.

May I ask what tangible evidence leaves you so certain? 

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Posted By: JusticeRanger
Date: 2008-01-04 22:33:49

Ted Gunderson Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 6:56 pm

LIKELY VOTE COUNT FRAUD IN IOWA REPUBLICAN CAUCUS UNDER INVESTIGATION.
Former FBI Division Chief, Ted Gunderson [see: 1-free-dvd.com and tedgunderson.com] sent a private investigator to Iowa for the republican caucus.
This investigator discovered suspicious VOTE COUNT activity that may prove that Dr. Ron Paul and his supporters are victims of fraud. The investigation is continuing and a full report is forthcoming. Meanwhile, for more information other investigators may collaborate and contact Ted Gunderson @ 337-235-0651.

ATTENTION ALEX JONES.
FROM: Ted Gunderson

RE: Ted Gunderson sends investigator to Iowa Caucus on Jan. 3rd who uncovers likley proofs of REPUBLICAN VOTE FRAUD COUNT!!!

Ted Gunderson requests that Alex call him ASAP to set-up a 3 way call with him and his investigator who he sent to Iowa who acquired new information of suspicious VOTE COUNT.

Contact Ted Gunderson at: 337-235-0651

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Posted By: Tess
Date: 2008-01-04 22:43:48

Great article, many thanks.  Ron Paul will be victorious, actually he is already as far as I am concerned.  I was so frustrated with what we were being offered as far as Presidential candidates, and then came Ron Paul, he brought me back to my senses, and the true meaning of being an American.  It is called Liberty and Freedom, it is called following our Constitution, but this is not only an American dream, others from different Countries that have been suppressed as we Americans have been know exactly what I am talking about. I am a former United States Air Force member, and I support and will vote for Ron Paul. I took an oath when I joined the United States Air Force to obey and follow our Constitution and I plan on doing that, with or without the help of the media. The media is either with the people or they can stand by and watch us take over.

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Posted By: shm224
Date: 2008-01-05 04:34:09

I wasn't very happy with the Iowa caucus until I discovered that Paul didn't really spend too much time there (far fewer visits than Giuliani). I think that's pretty good.

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Posted By: Karen
Date: 2008-01-05 09:25:13

As far as Huckabee supporters, tell them Ron Paul is a Christian. A better man than Huckabee, he just doesn't wear it on his sleeve to get votes.

http://christians4paul.wordpress.com/2007/11/21/ten-reasons-for-christian-to-vote-for-ron-paul-for-president/

Read Ron Paul's statement of faith here
http://www.covenantnews.com/ronpaul070721.htm

There is a lot of information out there to support Dr. Paul as a Christian, as well as pointing out that Huckabee uses his faith to get votes.

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