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Texas Congressman Ron Paul is about to launch his third Presidential bid later this week. Much like 2008, we can expect the ‘Cult of Paul’ to aggressively promote their man at every turn.
Having fired up supporters is not a bad thing. I’m sure Tim Pawlenty would love it if he as many crazed fans as Ron Paul seems to. But there’s a serious downside to this grassroots excitement and energy that, if not properly controlled, can cause real damage to the candidate. In Paul’s case, it’s the unrealistic expectation that just shouting “RON PAUL!” at someone is going to win them over and convince them to convert.
I had the honor of attending the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minnesota with a friend of mine. After one of the evening sessions, we came out and walked a few hundred feet to the Ron Paul area at the edge of the Xcel Energy Center. For hours and hours every day, right near the gates where people with tickets were entering and going through security, these Ron Paul folks were screaming slogans at the top of their lungs. It wasn’t convincing anyone in line of anything, except that they disliked Ron Paul because some guy was shouting at them.
In this short video my friend took, we went over and stood there for a minute as a man shouted “CONSTITUTION!” like a car alarm. What is the point of this?
But it’s not just verbally shouting “Ron Paul” at people that is the problem. Man of the die hard Paul followers spend their weekends painting huge banners and then stringing them up in hard to access spots along public highways. Sometimes they litter the median with homemade signs filled with text about auditing the Federal Reserve.
And sometimes, they just paint graffiti.
That’s the case in Oregon, where a 16-foot high sound wall along Interstate 5 has been repeatedly spray painted with a huge “RON PAUL 2012” mural. The Oregon Department of Transporation had it covered up. The next day, the graffiti artist returned and recreated his work.
“It’s unfortunate. It is very costly vandalism, and eventually it ends up costing taxpayers,” Department of Transportation spokesman Rick Little told the media. He said it cost between $500 and $1,000 to clean it up each time.
“I’d be surprised if we didn’t hear from Ron Paul — you know how he feels about taxes,” he joked.
I know a lot of people will probably call me names for writing this, but I hope at least a few of the Ron Paul folks will consider what they’re doing and if they’re really helping their candidate or just it harder for him to be taken seriously. Ron Paul is a U.S. Congressman and I believe him to be a serious man who should be treated as a serious candidate for President. When his supporters do things like repeatedly screaming his name at a crowd or spray painting a public wall repeatedly, they only hurt their own cause.
If you take Ron Paul seriously, then that’s all that matters. The movement he represents has a few overzealous members, but that happens with any large group of excited supporters. Don’t blame him for the actions of a VERY small minority of people. He has a very good message, and for a lot of his supporters, understanding his views was something of a revelation. Anytime someone discovers something that really blows their mind, they get excited about telling everyone that will listen (or not!) about the new amazing thing they’ve found. Some people just aren’t as eloquent or controlled in their expression. Just recognize the significance of the passion: people are being deeply affected by his ideas.
Joe has pretty much nailed it. The other side of this story (Why do Ron Paul supporters can’t stand the RNC). At my state convention, the McCain supporters did all they could to keep any Paul delegates from going to the National Convention. They even cheated right in front of the whole delegation. They tried to break the quorum but couldn’t. When Ron Paul gets slighted, his supporters get really pissed off and react a bit over the top. I didn’t do anything outrageous at the state convention, however, I was spit on, kneed in the groin, and called names from McCain supporters. I am a disabled vet, but if I were able, someone might of gotten a bit of my wrath for there actions.
I agree with everything Joe wrote. I’m a 51 yr. old Mom of three and grandmother of 1. Been a democrat my whole life, but in 2008 was “introduced” to Ron Paul by my son. I watched him debate and was amazed that here was a man I really had never heard of before with so many of the same views I share ex. right to life and liberty, upholding the Constitution etc. And what really struck me was his honesty. He didn’t just say things to get votes, he stands his ground on all issues. It bothered me how some news groups dismissed him, but this year is different : ) In 2008 he predicted the downturn of the economy and mentioned the word recession. I remember Mitt Romney actually scowled at him. Well everything he predicted has come true. I truly believe he is the only candidate who can get us out of this financial mess, bring our troops home ASAP and start taking care of America, and staying out of every other countries business. I have allready gotten my RP 2012 bumper stickers and will watch tomorrow when he announces that he will run. As for the graffiti no one condones that, like Joe stated its a VERY small group who would do that and not just RP supporters. As of last week I have sent in my voter registration to change to Republican in the hope that I can vote for Dr. Paul in the primary : )
There’s always going to be a few bad apples in the cart and that applies to any candidate. Whether it’s yelling, writing on walls or whatever. It’s to be expected. In 2008, the RNC shot themselves in the foot bigtime for treating Ron Paul poorly and they paid dearly by losing the election. 2012 will be no different if the RNC and their media hacks continue to disparage and demean the candidates. The RNC chair already got the ball rolling at the conclusion of the first 2012 debate by saying “As we all know, there are numerous other candidates that are looking at it — and thank God,”.
Please judge the man and the message.
Constitutionally, legislatively, and morally, Ron Paul has no equal. His 22 year voting record speaks for itself. The World is watching. Ron Paul for President in 2012.
Thank You
ttp://www.issues2000.org/tx/Ron_Paul.htm The facts speak for themselves
The incidents cited by Austin, irritating and even illegal as they may be, are anecdotal in nature. I can write about any number of Paul supporters who helped little old ladies cross the street or stopped a purse-snatcher in the nick of time.
Overall, Paul’s cadre of supporters can be categorized as the most enthusiastic of the GOP presidential candidates – perhaps Michele Bachman’s candidacy will be Paul’s rival in this regard. That’s a good thing. At a time when there is such disdain for politicians and disgust for the political process, it is encouraging to see people get off their seats and get into the arena. Bachman, Paul – and maybe even Sarah Palin – will motivate and educate Americans. Some, such as Austin, may not appreciate the over-enthusiastic fervor of the candidate’s most committed followers, but what’s important in politics is ideas and action. Ms. Bachman has a laser focus on the spending practices of the Washington elite; Mr. Paul has exposed the Federal Reserve as a secretive body in need of an audit and has taxpayers and parents concerned about a jingoistic US foreign policy. Other issue-oriented candidates, long shots or not, will help stir the pot too.
The eventual Republican nominee will probably not be Bachman, Palin, or Paul, but such candidates serve a worthy and historically important role – inspiration and influence. The election may be loud and raucous in nature, but a bigger and more informed voter turn-out – genuinely interested in where America i going and why – will be worth all the fuss.
In the meantime Austin, I suggest you get some earplugs.