Peter Schiff considering Senate run in 2010!

[mello]

http://westernstandard.blogs.com/shotgun/2009/01/peter-schiff-on-us-bond-markets-and-his-possible-2010-senate-campaign.html

Senator first...President next.

[Jeremy]

Sweet, I didn't know he actually knew about it.


I'm not running for anything, but apparently there's an effort to convince me to run or to draft me. They are trying to put together an organization and raise funds -- and they're hoping, in the field of dreams "if you build it they will come" -- and if they can create an organization and fund it that they might be able to convince me to run for Senate.

I have no idea whether or not I would make myself a candidate for Senate, even if they did put together an organization to raise some money, I don't know. But it's not a hundred percent that I wouldn't do it.

I don't even know if they could even be successful, I have no idea how much they could raise, or how much is needed to try to have a legitimate campaign for Senate. But the problem for me in deciding whether or not I wanted to run for Senate would be "what could I accomplish if I won?" Although I think winning would be a lot tougher than running -- but you know running -- anybody can run. But I don't know what I would be able to do as a Senator. I know Ron Paul is in Congress and hasn't been able to accomplish much as far as legislation; he's accomplished a lot recently, I think, with his campaign and his message has resonated with a lot of people, and I think that's great, particularly a lot of younger people, and I was surprised because you generally think that the young people are more left-leaning; the old expression was if you're not a socialist by the time you're 22, you don't have a heart and if you're not a conservative by the time you're 28, you don't have a head. But a lot of young people are gravitating to Ron Paul. I know myself [that] a lot of people on college campuses know who I am, and a lot of them know who I am because of my affiliation with Ron Paul. I know its more powerful as a Senator -- instead of being one out of four-hundred-and something, you're one out of a hundred -- but still, even if I had a Senate seat, I'm one percent of one half of the Congress. So what can you actually do?

I'm not trying to discourage this grassroots movement. I wish them well, you never know if they can organize and if they can raise some money. Worst case scenario if I don't run, maybe they can find a productive use for the money in other candidates who do run, but that's what's going on.

I had nothing to do with the website, I had no idea or intention to run for anything. My main goal is to build up my brokerage firm, EuroPacific Capital, and to spread the word of freedom and capitalism every avenue that I can, just as an American and a patriot, to get the word out -- and also as a businessman to try to promote my company and what I'm trying to do through my company, which is trying to protect the wealth and the savings of as many Americans who understand what's going on and who want to take actions to preserve their wealth before its gone.

I live in CT :D

[Chiznaddy]

www.schiff2010.com

[gls]

I wonder how difficult it would be for him to get the CT GOP Senate nomination. It's not exactly a highly-sought after post. The last time around the state party put up some guy heavily in debt as a result of his well-known gambling addiction, IIRC. The LP may be another option, although I don't think they currently have statewide ballot access. Still, I bet if Schiff were to request it, an army of volunteers would gather the required signatures in no time (might even be best to run as an independent, like Lieberman did after he lost the Dem primary).

edit: Although I don't know how seriously Peter is even contemplating this. He seems a lot like RP in that he never rules anything out 100%.

[Jeremy]

I wish he was a bit more enthusiastic lol

[ClayTrainor]

I wish he was a bit more enthusiastic lol

He's pissed and i don't blame him. People are getting flatout robbed as we speak.

[constitutional]

http://westernstandard.blogs.com/shotgun/2009/01/peter-schiff-on-us-bond-markets-and-his-possible-2010-senate-campaign.html

Senator first...President next.

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showpost.php?p=1899235&postcount=107

Do I get a cookie? I deserve it.

[emazur]

digg it:
http://digg.com/politics/Peter_Schiff_considering_Senate_run_in_2010

[BarryDonegan]

this means hes thinking about it. lets make him do it. sounds like a dare to raise money.

if we had BJ lawson type money behind a candidate with the seriousness of Schiff, it would be a guaranteed win. He is no slouch and i think establishment republicans would get behind him.

[Peace&Freedom]

Schiff may be cautious because of the Paul example, and doesn't want to expend all the energy required in a hostile stacked deck enviornment. There's also the issue of his famous father being in jail---though i think he could actually play on his tax honesty connection to Irwin.

[nullvalu]

Schiff / ???? 2016!

fill in the blank

[RevolutionSD]

What's Schiff going to accomplish in the Senate? He's then working for the enemy. Ultimately, government is a gang of thugs- working for them and trying to turn them into a virtuous organization is not going to work.

Anyway, I frankly do NOT think he is going to run for Senate. I believe the other rumor out there more strongly, that he may be running for governor of a pretty big state!

I say we just all abandon government altogether and work on agorism. Schiff can be the leader in using gold as currency, and we can all join him in the real economy.

[yongrel]

Here we go again :rolleyes:

[Brassmouth]

Oh christ.....

Explain to me why you guys want to disrupt this man's respectable, essential career and throw out all his integrity so he can be a useless, completely ineffective senator?

He'd stop appearing on TV, because he'd be too afraid of offending constituents because he's not PC.

Really, the very fact that he didn't rule it out completely kinda irks me, considering the State apparatus enslaved and destroyed his father. Oh well.

Now flame me for making sense...

[gls]

Here we go again :rolleyes:

What's the matter, he's not approved by the Stato Institute?

[sevin]

Yeah, I don't think he'd be as effective or influential as a senator. In fact, I'm really starting to give up hope that the state will ever get better. I'd like to start learning more about agorism.

[Brassmouth]

What's the matter, he's not approved by the Stato Institute?

Actually that brings up another point.

HE'LL NEVER GET ELECTED!!

Assuming of course he doesn't sell his soul to the State and bribe people. I think Peter is better than that.

[yongrel]

What's the matter, he's not approved by the Stato Institute?

:rolleyes:

[Jeremy]

Maybe yongrel is referring to Murray Sabrin's run

[Brassmouth]

this means hes thinking about it. lets make him do it. sounds like a dare to raise money.

if we had BJ lawson type money behind a candidate with the seriousness of Schiff, it would be a guaranteed win. He is no slouch and i think establishment republicans would get behind him.


omfg...

Does no one around here learn anything? How many votes did Lawson get? How many votes did PAUL get, with his insanely rich campaign?

Need I remind you that they didn't seem to take him seriously AS THEY LAUGHED AT HIM!

People, the only reason he's on TV so much now is because 1) his predictions were correct. and 2) because of his youtube popularity. Thats it. None of those talking heads actually believe him. No "establishment republicans" believe him. No politicians believe him (except for RP). He. Will. Not. Get. Elected.

And he should not try.

[Brassmouth]

Maybe yongrel is referring to Murray Sabrin's run

That too! Sabrin failed so epically that I forgot about him completely. And I live in NJ!!!

[HOLLYWOOD]

Get an Ally on the Senate Commitees:

http://appropriations.senate.gov/

http://banking.senate.gov/

http://budget.senate.gov/

http://finance.senate.gov/

I guarantee you, if Schiff runs for a Senate seat, BOTH the National Party Committees (DNC/RNC) will spend 10's of MILLIONS to see to it SCHIFF never makes it into the Capital buildings.

The Criminals in DC have to protect their Schemes, Corruption, Theft, territory. Damn, Schiff would expose ALL the FRAUD, GRAFT, THEFT, especially some notables like; Schumer, Dodd, Conrad, Cochran, Obama, Clinton.

[satchelmcqueen]

now theres the dream ticket Paul/Schiff or Schiff/Paul.

[RevolutionSD]

An anti-statist cannot win running for a state position.
If Schiff runs for anything, it would simply be for educational purposes.

The state is a gang of violent thieves. Nothing more. There is no reason to think a libertarian will EVER win trying to join that cesspool.

Do you think we are capable of turning the mafia around? If so, let's start there instead of the government. If not, what is the point of sanctioning criminals?

[Uriel999]

So with all these comments about how he couldn't win...what are you all here for if you don't want to support liberty minded individuals for public offices?

[thasre]

An anti-statist cannot win running for a state position.
If Schiff runs for anything, it would simply be for educational purposes.

The state is a gang of violent thieves. Nothing more. There is no reason to think a libertarian will EVER win trying to join that cesspool.

Do you think we are capable of turning the mafia around? If so, let's start there instead of the government. If not, what is the point of sanctioning criminals?

Is it sad that I sometimes feel like I'd rather be governed by the mafia than by the government?

Also, I think Schiff could win. I think we tend to overestimate the influence of the people in power, in terms of their ability to sway elections. Hell, 2008 actually serves as a decent example... clearly the ones Bush wanted were Giuliani or Romney, and McCain and Bush hate each other (remember South Carolina in 2000?), but it was McCain who won. And even the Clinton machine couldn't stop Barack's Obamomentum (unfortunately).

Now, Obama and McCain are obviously media-annointed candidates, too, but the fact that they were able to work against intra-party chicanery by the leadership shows it can be done. And with Republicans grasping at ANY viable candidate just to win seats, Schiff stands a far better chance than he would when Republicans could be choosy.

[RevolutionSD]

So with all these comments about how he couldn't win...what are you all here for if you don't want to support liberty minded individuals for public offices?

I don't support "public" offices. It's a fiction. Money is stolen from one group so that another can rule over it.

[Sandra]

We all know Peter's lurkin' around here so maybe we can give him a verbal boost.

[Uriel999]

I don't support "public" offices. It's a fiction. Money is stolen from one group so that another can rule over it.

Then what the hell is this movement about then? Or is it simply 6 bitchy libertarians living in their parents basements who are not out to do anything other than complain?

[Captain America]

You people who say he will never win or be ineffective make me sick. Why are you even posting on this forum if you have that train of thought. Last time i checked history there are only two ways to gain power in the world and this United States. Either work hard to elect as many people to high positions of power as possible or overthrow the government by force. I thought our goal was to spread liberty and to reinstate the Constitution of the United States.

[Uriel999]

You people who say he will never win or be ineffective make me sick. Why are you even posting on this forum if you have that train of thought. Last time i checked history there are only two ways to gain power in the world and this United States. Either work hard to elect as many people to high positions of power as possible or overthrow the government by force. I thought our goal was to spread liberty and to reinstate the Constitution of the United States.

Thank you!

+1776

[american.swan]

It might be better for Schiff to be a state governor.

Remember a senator can stop any legislation he/she wants.

[Call Me V]

What's Schiff going to accomplish in the Senate? He's then working for the enemy. Ultimately, government is a gang of thugs- working for them and trying to turn them into a virtuous organization is not going to work.

Anyway, I frankly do NOT think he is going to run for Senate. I believe the other rumor out there more strongly, that he may be running for governor of a pretty big state!

I say we just all abandon government altogether and work on agorism. Schiff can be the leader in using gold as currency, and we can all join him in the real economy.

Keep dreamin bud..keeping dreaming.

Schiff has a much better chance getting elected into the senate than us abandoning government...

I mean really....

[haaaylee]

All this "he can't win" talk and "what difference would i make" by him makes me sick.

sounds a lot like "but im just one person, what can i do?" or "what will my vote matter, he isn't going to win anyways."

didn't we rid ourselves of that kind of talk ages ago? isn't this about more than "winning"

if he does win, he'll be our new ron paul. voting for us even if no one else votes with him..
and if he doesn't maybe he'll still be our new ron paul, having attracted more people to this idea. plus - you can't assume he'll be as insulted as ron. thus far i haven't heard him talk about anything but economics... no blowback, etc.



you can't really fix the problem unless you are apart of the problem. ..

[PlzPeopleWakeUp]

nt

[mello]

If a man that used to wear feather boas & beat the crap out of wrestlers could become
a governor then a man that predicted the financial collapse 3 years ago can become
a senator.

[Chase]

I think Schiff should run if for no other reason than contributing further to the public understanding. What we have to realize is that economies can recover very quickly, but only after government stops shooting them up with heroin. We need more sane voices to make sure that the Ron Paul fever keeps spreading.

[yaz]

He would have a better chance if he ran for a house seat. If the establishment throws 10 million against his campaign that just means we have to have 2 money bombs instead of one.

[RonPaulwillWin]

you can't assume he'll be as insulted as ron. thus far i haven't heard him talk about anything but economics... no blowback, etc.



you can't really fix the problem unless you are apart of the problem. ..

Listen to some of his latest podcasts. When he gets fired up he will mention stuff like "bring the troops home" , "founding fathers " etc...

[Brassmouth]

So with all these comments about how he couldn't win...what are you all here for if you don't want to support liberty minded individuals for public offices?


You're pathetic if you think we can achieve freedom through the State. Not to mention quite idiotic.


You people who say he will never win or be ineffective make me sick. Why are you even posting on this forum if you have that train of thought. Last time i checked history there are only two ways to gain power in the world and this United States. Either work hard to elect as many people to high positions of power as possible or overthrow the government by force. I thought our goal was to spread liberty and to reinstate the Constitution of the United States.

Last time I checked history INDIVIDUALS brought about social change, not government.

And why the fuck are you talking about gaining power!?! You're just like them if all you want to do is use the State to use violence to dominate others.

I'm not saying he definitely won't win (although you're delusional if you think he will) but I AM saying it'll be a waste of his time and your money. He'll accomplish nothing as a parasitic politician, and all the while the State will grow bigger and bigger, until it has consumed the last of our liberties.

The State doesn't shrink itself. Ever.

[ShannonOBrien]

At first I thought Peter running for senate was a bad idea. But then I thought about it a little more. I think we should think realistically about this. (I am speaking to those who believe the government can be changed peacefully. The anarchists here think differently. That's fine. No need to respond, I'm not going to change my mind just as much as you're not going to change yours.) Most of us here are in the infant stage when it comes to changing our country for the better and creating a successful movement. But you know, if you put it in perspective, we are doing better and better all the time. There's just none of that instant gratification. The numbers of people signed up as precinct leaders on C4L is still growing every day. I was not expecting that. It seems like more and more often we see posts about people getting RP republicans elected into the party. If he ran, we should be prepared for him to lose but that doesn't mean he shouldn't do it at all. It will be a very useful learning experience for all of us. We are just taking baby steps and seeing what works and doesn't work. Be patient. Keep going.

[alaric]

That too! Sabrin failed so epically that I forgot about him completely. And I live in NJ!!!

Sabrin failed BECAUSE of NJ! This commie pisspoor 'state' is impossible for real candidates. Only parts of NW jersey elect anyone decent.

[alaric]

so with all these comments about how he couldn't win...what are you all here for if you don't want to support liberty minded individuals for public offices?

+1776

[alaric]

If a man that used to wear feather boas & beat the crap out of wrestlers could become
a governor then a man that predicted the financial collapse 3 years ago can become
a senator.

excellent point!

[MRoCkEd]

Sabrin failed BECAUSE of NJ! This commie pisspoor 'state' is impossible for real candidates. Only parts of NW jersey elect anyone decent.
As if CT (Lieberman, Dodd) is any better...

[Jeremy]

As if CT (Lieberman, Dodd) is any better...

I'd like to see how the media would respond to Schiff running though. I mean they DO acknowledge that he predicted this all

[tajitj]

They are setting this up well.

Twitter account set up.
http://twitter.com/schiff2010

Youtube channel.
http://www.youtube.com/user/schiff2010

[Captain America]

You're pathetic if you think we can achieve freedom through the State. Not to mention quite idiotic.



Last time I checked history INDIVIDUALS brought about social change, not government.

And why the fuck are you talking about gaining power!?! You're just like them if all you want to do is use the State to use violence to dominate others.

I'm not saying he definitely won't win (although you're delusional if you think he will) but I AM saying it'll be a waste of his time and your money. He'll accomplish nothing as a parasitic politician, and all the while the State will grow bigger and bigger, until it has consumed the last of our liberties.

The State doesn't shrink itself. Ever.


Your a silly person aren't you. Yes individuals bring "change" as you put it by electing a individual to some position of power. Power meaning a elected office.

Anarcho - Capitalism is the way to go but we need a small government. Peter and any other liberty minded people need to be in those positions.

[RevolutionSD]

Keep dreamin bud..keeping dreaming.

Schiff has a much better chance getting elected into the senate than us abandoning government...

I mean really....

And what exactly would Schiff accomplish? Do you really think Schiff can shrink government, despite hundreds of years of failed attempts by others working "within the system" with that goal?

I think Schiff is better off working in the free market, and promoting the idea of using gold and silver as currency.

[dude58677]

"I would only be one percent of the Senate, so what can I actually do?" Peter Schiff

Fillibuster the IRS.

[Chase]

Schiff is very good at imposing his voice and explaining government insanity in the 30-second and 2-minute soundbyte world. He would be excellent at stirring up a ruckus about the country's financial problems.

[Peace&Freedom]

Brassmouth is largely correct about Schiff not being electable for Senate, but for the wrong reasons. He thinks our kind of candidate can't win unconditionally, while I think where conditions are right they can, but the movement has ignored looking for those situations. What most politicans do in seeking office is to look for the open or clearly vulnerable seat, and run there. They only run where they can raise at least the mininum funds that actual winners have historically raised for the position they are seeking (e.g. for a house seat that's at least $400k, a senate seat at least $2 million).

The pros run for the party nomination the district or state actually trends towards (Republican in GOP areas, Democrat in a Democratic leaning area/state), or at least look for a 50-50 swing district. They wait for a winnable nomination situation to open up, instead of trying to swim uphill against an incumbent party machine. They should have a sizable mass base of support that will come out to vote for him/her, even for frivolous or irrational reasons. These are among several basic considerations needed to be thought out beforehand, before setting out to expend enormous amounts of time and energy in running.

Lawson, Conway and others lost because they ran a typical third party type campaign that disregards the basic factors above, and seeks to win over a basically hostile district they have no real base in, on token funds and on a wing and a prayer. Sabrin had some of the elements for a victory (was able to raise real money, and being in a swing state), but had no base vote and was never in a position to win the GOP nomination. Folks, just having a great candidate is NOT ENOUGH. Schiff should not run against an entrenched Democratic incumbent Senator, he should instead run for Congress to replace a retiring Republican in a GOP district, and raise about a half million or more to do so. If he selects the former course, he will almost certainly lose.

[tajitj]

A local Conneticut columnist is taking notice of Peters possible run.

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/lifestyles/columnists/x743979580/Dodd-could-face-serious-challenge-in-re-election-bid

"Outside shot
Schiff, on the other hand, is a dark horse, but would appear to have the background in the one area that could prove to be Dodd’s Achilles’ heel — Schiff’s an expert on the nation’s financial markets. Dodd, of course, is the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and at the forefront of the financial meltdown.
An Austrian school economist, Schiff is frequently seen as a guest commentator on CNBC, Fox News, CNN and Bloomberg Television, and just as frequently quoted in major financial publications. He supposedly predicted the economic crisis we’re now facing, and served as economic advisor to Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul during the 2008 GOP primaries....."

[itshappening]

does anyone else think this is actually a great opportunity..... ?

i wonder if the people would elect him if he could get the Republican nom and it doesn't sound like there's many "heavyweights" to take on Dodd

[MRoCkEd]

i'd campaign for him!

[Austin]

I'd definitely consider vacationing in CT for a week or so to do some heavy campaigning for him, ala Ron Paul's Christmas Vacation.

3rd smallest state
29th in population total
4th in population density

[dr. hfn]

he could def win!

[Chiznaddy]

Schiff2010 is looking for forum administrators and people with other talents:


If you have any talents with regards to programming, graphic design, social networking, blogging, forums, etc. and would like to get involved, please contact us at schiff2010@gmail.com

[RevolutionSD]

No one has explained to me what exactly Schiff could accomplish working in the moral cesspool of the U.S. Senate. RP has been in congress for decades, yet, he has done little to nothing to change the direction of government.

Government itself is the problem. Almost everyone who wants to work for this criminal organization is an authoritarian sociopath. I greatly admire and respect Peter Schiff, but I honestly don't think it would help the cause of liberty to get him into government. In fact, it just again legitimizes the system, and ultimately you can't beat them at their own game (using violence, theft, and lies), so it may make things worse for us.

[Nathan Hale]

Brassmouth is largely correct about Schiff not being electable for Senate, but for the wrong reasons. He thinks our kind of candidate can't win unconditionally, while I think where conditions are right they can, but the movement has ignored looking for those situations. What most politicans do in seeking office is to look for the open or clearly vulnerable seat, and run there. They only run where they can raise at least the mininum funds that actual winners have historically raised for the position they are seeking (e.g. for a house seat that's at least $400k, a senate seat at least $2 million).

The pros run for the party nomination the district or state actually trends towards (Republican in GOP areas, Democrat in a Democratic leaning area/state), or at least look for a 50-50 swing district. They wait for a winnable nomination situation to open up, instead of trying to swim uphill against an incumbent party machine. They should have a sizable mass base of support that will come out to vote for him/her, even for frivolous or irrational reasons. These are among several basic considerations needed to be thought out beforehand, before setting out to expend enormous amounts of time and energy in running.

Lawson, Conway and others lost because they ran a typical third party type campaign that disregards the basic factors above, and seeks to win over a basically hostile district they have no real base in, on token funds and on a wing and a prayer. Sabrin had some of the elements for a victory (was able to raise real money, and being in a swing state), but had no base vote and was never in a position to win the GOP nomination. Folks, just having a great candidate is NOT ENOUGH. Schiff should not run against an entrenched Democratic incumbent Senator, he should instead run for Congress to replace a retiring Republican in a GOP district, and raise about a half million or more to do so. If he selects the former course, he will almost certainly lose.

John, while we disagree about a lot, I agree with you on this. While I would support Schiff for Senate, I'd much rather he run for Congress. We have an uphill battle regardless of the race in which a candidate of our condition runs, so it's foolish to reach for the stars when we can much for effectively gain power in smaller doses. Schiff for Congress!

[Dave39168]

No one has explained to me what exactly Schiff could accomplish working in the moral cesspool of the U.S. Senate. RP has been in congress for decades, yet, he has done little to nothing to change the direction of government.

Government itself is the problem. Almost everyone who wants to work for this criminal organization is an authoritarian sociopath. I greatly admire and respect Peter Schiff, but I honestly don't think it would help the cause of liberty to get him into government. In fact, it just again legitimizes the system, and ultimately you can't beat them at their own game (using violence, theft, and lies), so it may make things worse for us.

IDK if he would win or not, but if he did he could do a lot.

Bring a lot of important points to the attention of the general public. He is much more outspoken than Ron Paul. He would probably raise some hell at times. Ron Paul is sometimes too much of a gentleman to get thru the thick skulls of americans. I have seen Peter Schiff get intense and passionate at times. These are things that make people want to listen to what you're saying.


Don't be so negative. No, he wouldn't be able to end the income tax or the FED as 1% of the Senate? But someone has got to step up. Our republic is not going to fix itself. We need hundreds of people like Paul and Schiff in Congress, but its not going to happen overnight. Its one battle at a time, one seat and one race at a time.

[The_Orlonater]

omfg...

Does no one around here learn anything? How many votes did Lawson get? How many votes did PAUL get, with his insanely rich campaign?

Need I remind you that they didn't seem to take him seriously AS THEY LAUGHED AT HIM!

People, the only reason he's on TV so much now is because 1) his predictions were correct. and 2) because of his youtube popularity. Thats it. None of those talking heads actually believe him. No "establishment republicans" believe him. No politicians believe him (except for RP). He. Will. Not. Get. Elected.

And he should not try.

This seems plausible, anyway the West is doomed.