View Full Version : Gary Johnson Think before you reply: What to do about Gary Johnson
cdc482
09-23-2011, 03:18 AM
Gary Johnson had some good lines tonight. If you check out his website, he looks really good. Very similar to Paul, and I think many people on RPF might even agree with Johnson more than Paul. You'll also notice that his focus is on NEW HAMPSHIRE (Dr. Paul's stronghold). What do we Ron Paul supporters do about this?
I'll be blunt. (I'll probably get called a troll for saying this, but I can assure you that's not true. I have supported Ron Paul since 2008, and he is the first candidate I have donated money to but) I really like Gary Johnson.
We've always been in the minority, and we've never had this problem before. After tonight there may very likely be two candidates with decent chances of winning, VERY good political views, and histories of honesty. What do you plan to do?
Please share. Please be thoughtful.
(Please don't debate their policies. IMO, their policies have very little practical and even philosophical difference.)
Disclaimer: Obviously, if Gary does go up in the polls, the RP campaign and Johnson campaign should come to some kind of agreement before screwing each other in the primaries. This is meant for discussion only.
HeyArchie
09-23-2011, 03:22 AM
I think it is sort of a non-issue because Gary Johnson won't make enough of an impact. I agree with you that Johnson is a good candidate. He is the only other candidate I would bother going out to the polls to vote for other than Ron Paul.
Johnson will drop out of the race soon and he said that this is it and he won't be running for office again.
Article V
09-23-2011, 03:23 AM
Gary needs to build better name recognition before he could be a true contender. 2012 is his version of Ron Paul's 2008.
Ron Paul is running now for the final time in his career. If we ever want Ron Paul to be President, the time is now. Gary can wait. Ron Paul can pave the way for Gary, Rand, and others by winning the nomination and returning the GOP to its libertarian roots.
If we divide ourselves to help Gary, we lose Paul who is a much more viable candidate. Ron Paul is the way. Ron Paul 2012!
CaptainAmerica
09-23-2011, 03:23 AM
Gary Johnson has 0.002 percent in straw polls last time I checkedand no record other than being a governor.I think he got 2 votes in one of the straw polls. I don't know why he is even running this far in the race with little to 0 support and all he manages to do is take up air time and water down Ron Pauls impact on stage as being the contrasting candidate against the status quo.I know a lot of you think Gary helps him, imo it hurts Ron a lot to be bundled with Gary Johnson who polls in 0.002 percent.
cdc482
09-23-2011, 03:24 AM
That would make things really easy. And Johnson's presence definitely gave a HUGE plus to Ron Paul!
cdc482
09-23-2011, 03:27 AM
ArticleV. I was hoping to avoid that whole schpeal in this threat. Obviously we all like Ron Paul.
HeyArchie's scenario would make things simple, but I think Gary Johnson might get a huge bump after tonight. He had solid answers, his website looks good, and he's treading. Remember Ron Paul's biggest competition from below is at 5%.
I hope it works out. There is no obvious solution right now. But I would be very disappointed in Gary and Ron if they decided to play politics with each other.
John F Kennedy III
09-23-2011, 03:33 AM
Gary Johnson has 0.002 percent in straw polls last time I checkedand no record other than being a governor.I think he got 2 votes in one of the straw polls. I don't know why he is even running this far in the race with little to 0 support and all he manages to do is take up air time and water down Ron Pauls impact on stage as being the contrasting candidate against the status quo.I know a lot of you think Gary helps him, imo it hurts Ron a lot to be bundled with Gary Johnson who polls in 0.002 percent.
In this debate he helped. Now he needs to drop out or use all of his air time in future debates to praise Paul.
HeyArchie
09-23-2011, 03:34 AM
ArticleV. I was hoping to avoid that whole schpeal in this threat. Obviously we all like Ron Paul.
HeyArchie's scenario would make things simple, but I think Gary Johnson might get a huge bump after tonight. He had solid answers, his website looks good, and he's treading. Remember Ron Paul's biggest competition from below is at 5%.
I hope it works out. There is no obvious solution right now. But I would be very disappointed in Gary and Ron if they decided to play politics with each other.
I think Johnson knows that he has no chance. When I started researching the GOP field early this year, I ran across him and I was like "wow, I believe almost everything this guy does" but never saw him so I knew he was not going to happen. I would never ever switch from RP to GJ unless Ron withdrew from the race. I think most of RP supporters feel that way. When GJ drops out (and he will), Ron won't receive any boost because GJ's support is so small.
I'd be surprised if GJ polls any better after tonight. He had 6 mins of talking time and the crowd was not super into him. While I think he is President material, it felt like the crowd did not. If he starts polling better, that's when we should get a plan of action. I'm sure GJ is a reasonable man and we all know Ron is. They aren't going to be duking it out for contention this go-around, IMO. I also agree with Article V that him being in the race, while helping to spread the idea of liberty and make it more mainstream, dilutes Ron's support just a little bit. But, it is very very tiny. If people don't switch from other GOP candidates to RP, then they definitely won't switch over to GJ. And any RP supporter who switches over to GJ after tonight is just of eh. He just doesn't have a chance in hell. I like what he believes and would like to see him in RP's cabinet, but you can tell he's not in it to win it and this is his first and only attempt at president (he said that himself).
Aldanga
09-23-2011, 03:35 AM
Ask again when Johnson gets at least 8% in polls. Until that happens, I am not concerned. Gary does not have a "decent [chance] of winning" right now. RP has a decent chance, but someone polling in the very low single digits with low name recognition has little chance.
cdc482
09-23-2011, 03:37 AM
Fair points. We'll have to wait and see.
HeyArchie
09-23-2011, 03:40 AM
Fair points. We'll have to wait and see.
I am interested to see the polls after this debate.
1. Romney
2. Perry
3. Paul
4. Huntsman
5. Cain
6. Bachmann
7. Gingrich
8. Santorum
9. Johnson
That's how I think America sees the field right now.
Elfshadow
09-23-2011, 03:44 AM
I'm not sure what to do about him. I get the feeling that he is running as a Fair Tax candidate, running to educate instead of trying to actually be elected. I think we saw evidence of that last night when he said that he would select Ron Paul as VP.
I'm more worried about Huntsman then anyone else.
cdc482
09-23-2011, 03:47 AM
So strange of Fox to let him on the debate. Could it be that the Republican Party wants to have a "big tent" again? I mean, Paul is the only well-known conservative libertarian, and they kind of treat him like shit.
LibertyEagle
09-23-2011, 04:06 AM
So strange of Fox to let him on the debate. Could it be that the Republican Party wants to have a "big tent" again? I mean, Paul is the only well-known conservative libertarian, and they kind of treat him like shit.
Don't be ridiculous. Look at what you are doing in this thread you felt you needed to start in Ron Paul Grassroots Central! Yes, you have just answered your own question. Mission accomplished.
MJU1983
09-23-2011, 04:11 AM
What do we Ron Paul supporters do about this?
What do you plan to do?
Continue to support Ron Paul.
Support Ron Paul even more.
Darin
09-23-2011, 04:38 AM
Gary Johnson is, I think, probably the most qualified person running for President. Having said that, I would much rather Ron Paul become President because I think he would do great and he's the greatest champion of liberty, and that is very important.
I think it's clear that the new strategy with Ron Paul rising in the polls is to introduce Johnson to try to split the vote. Splitting the vote only works if your basis for voting for someone is practically non-existent. I don't think it will work, I don't think it will have any impact.
I'm not sure what other Ron Paul supporters are thinking, but I imagine what we do about Gary Johnson is understood by them like men understand the Men's Restroom Laws without ever having discussed them. Go for Paul.
I think the best thing for Paul supporters to do is to cheer Johnson on at the debates, if voting in the polls and you see Paul winning by a landslide, vote for Johnson. Validate his views. Republicans who don't like Paul might come around to the message through Johnson, and that's a win for us, especially if Johnson ends up endorsing Paul.
I loved that Johnson chose Paul in the VP question, and in a way I really was hoping Paul would return the favor... but it's probably smarter that he didn't, and he answered it well.
I feel a bit bad for Johnson as I'd love to be on his side, but he just picked the wrong year to do this. And with Rand likely to run next, I'm not sure anyone else can split our support.
- Darin
Revolution9
09-23-2011, 07:01 AM
He was brought in a a VP running mate for RP and his humor and views being introduced to the public so when Ron teams up with him he is a known quantity. You folks act like these things fall out of the sky. He already proved he has Ron's back from my following of the debate thread last night. Ron played the counter perfectly.
HTH
Rev9
erowe1
09-23-2011, 07:08 AM
There's nothing to do. GJ is not a factor, and he's not going to become a factor. There's no need to make him into one. And there's no need to burn any bridges for when he bows out.
The Free Hornet
09-23-2011, 07:48 AM
GJ's answers on the budget and use of veto were great! I really want to know how the war-mongers and department reformers (as opposed to department eliminators) intend to balance the budget.
brushfire
09-23-2011, 07:53 AM
Not that I ever disliked Gary, but I like him more now.
That said, not to say that Ron Paul is entitled, but as having paved the way for non establishment candidates everywhere, I think that Gary is right to pay him respect. It would also be a shame for Gary to retire so early - the cause of liberty is a long marathon, and he should consider sticking it out for a while.
I think Gary's presence in the debate was excellent - I love it when fox shoots themselves in the foot!
klamath
09-23-2011, 07:57 AM
Suckered by Fox news of all sources. The RP vote is spliting. GJ played it real well. He said he wouldn't have RP a VP before now he says he would. Wonder why? The rest of the news is going along with the meme that GJ is the electable libertarian which he is not.
SCButterfly
09-23-2011, 08:00 AM
Well, I could just kiss him square in the mouth!! He gave very public homage to the Good Doc so I am waaay happy with him.
speciallyblend
09-23-2011, 08:03 AM
Paul/Johnson 2012 Bring Our Troops Home, for the debbie downers on johnson, please turn around so i can shove that stick a lil further for you!!
speciallyblend
09-23-2011, 08:06 AM
Suckered by Fox news of all sources. The RP vote is spliting. GJ played it real well. He said he wouldn't have RP a VP before now he says he would. Wonder why? The rest of the news is going along with the meme that GJ is the electable libertarian which he is not.
gary just told fox to f off with what he said last night. fox has become a joke and it will only blowback on them. gary is on our side for sure as i have been saying from day one!!
speciallyblend
09-23-2011, 08:08 AM
Don't be ridiculous. Look at what you are doing in this thread you felt you needed to start in Ron Paul Grassroots Central! Yes, you have just answered your own question. Mission accomplished.
get ready to complain about me LE Gary is on our side and fox will get blowback from all this. Paul/Johnson 2012 Bring Our Troops Home. the only folks withtheir heads in the sand are ron paul purists who do not undertsand 9 voices of liberty or 2 voices of liberty are better then 10 gop establishment candidates!
speciallyblend
09-23-2011, 08:10 AM
Gary needs to build better name recognition before he could be a true contender. 2012 is his version of Ron Paul's 2008.
Ron Paul is running now for the final time in his career. If we ever want Ron Paul to be President, the time is now. Gary can wait. Ron Paul can pave the way for Gary, Rand, and others by winning the nomination and returning the GOP to its libertarian roots.
If we divide ourselves to help Gary, we lose Paul who is a much more viable candidate. Ron Paul is the way. Ron Paul 2012!
gary is not dividing anyone. he is building a different base for 2016. i agree with you on this!! gary is not a threat would the ron paul drama queens plese stop it!! stop watching lifetime network folks hehe
InTradePro
09-23-2011, 08:18 AM
Gary will endorse Ron before this is finished. If you see Gary's latest ad he practically did already. => http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0J04iO2JGw
This is very good for the message and Dr Paul credibility in general.
It's good to have him on the stage. He can make Republican's more comfortable with libertarian views and brings credibility to the more libertarian sect of Conservatism. He is not a threat to Ron as his willingness to distance himself from the loaded Paul question showed. This is still a support Ron Paul forum, so although there's lots to like, the focus can never be about his campaign.
So, I don't "DO" anything about Gary Johnson
Tinnuhana
09-23-2011, 08:30 AM
Anyone see the YT with this republican discussing the debate and rating the performances? Pretty "Ehh!" on Romney and Perry. Doesn't trust Newt. Thought Cain did a great job. Chuckled about Ron Paul and said he "tried" really hard (and did a pretty good job) to not act crazy "with all the AJ-type conspiracy theory stuff" and thought Johnson made a couple of good points, but couldn't undertand why he was kissing up to Ron Paul.
Not having seen the debate, I thought, "Of course, they just agree on a lot of things", and that he was mis-interpreting. But now reading this thread, I wonder. And if this guy's perception is right, then to whom is Gary kissing up: Ron Paul or us?
brushfire
09-23-2011, 08:55 AM
I dont think Gary was kissing up to anyone, and I think saying such a thing is insulting.
Gary was being respectful, just as Ron Paul had been before. Ron had advocated getting Gary into the debates, and showed plenty of empathy. Ron also had some nice things to say about him - so why wouldn't he reciprocate. Lastly, there is a lot of common ground between the 2.
Fox is just trying more manipulation, as their previous strategy has failed. Its looking like this will backfire on them too.
libertybrewcity
09-23-2011, 08:59 AM
Gary Johnson for Senate 2012!
mello
09-23-2011, 09:05 AM
If Ron Paul was not running, Johnson would be my next logical choice.
acptulsa
09-23-2011, 09:12 AM
What am I going to do about Gary Johnson? That was the question? Simple.
Whenever I come across someone (and there are a lot of them around here) who agrees with most of what Ron Paul believes but has been hopelessly brainwashed against him, I'm going to talk to them about supporting who you beilieve in this early in the thing and turn them on to Gary Johnson. With any luck, they'll feel so good supporting someone who is actually intelligent and actually makes sense that they'll become addicted to it, and then when push comes to shove they'll have no choice but to come home to Ron.
Run, Gary run! Educate 'em!
LibertyEagle
09-23-2011, 09:17 AM
It's good to have him on the stage. He can make Republican's more comfortable with libertarian views and brings credibility to the more libertarian sect of Conservatism. He is not a threat to Ron as his willingness to distance himself from the loaded Paul question showed. This is still a support Ron Paul forum, so although there's lots to like, the focus can never be about his campaign.
So, I don't "DO" anything about Gary Johnson
+1
Shane Harris
09-23-2011, 09:26 AM
Gary needs to build better name recognition before he could be a true contender. 2012 is his version of Ron Paul's 2008.
Ron Paul is running now for the final time in his career. If we ever want Ron Paul to be President, the time is now. Gary can wait. Ron Paul can pave the way for Gary, Rand, and others by winning the nomination and returning the GOP to its libertarian roots.
If we divide ourselves to help Gary, we lose Paul who is a much more viable candidate. Ron Paul is the way. Ron Paul 2012!
this
Eleutheros
09-23-2011, 09:58 AM
The answer is really very simple: Show appreciation to GJ for his express and implied support of RP via the debate responses and his campaign ad - and nothing more.
I am very grateful for what GJ has done and I think he will make a great constituent in the RP Revolution movement, but now is not the time to focus on him. I trust that RP will reciprocate in kind at the right time and under the appropriate conditions, but it is critical that we keep our eyes on the prize, and that is Ron Paul winning the 2012 GOP nomination. Once that is accomplished, there will be ample opportunity to thank Johnson for his support, be it a VP running mate (I think GJ will come around on the abortion issue, I'm not worried about that), or another cabinet position. And even if RP doesn't win the nomination, there's nothing to say that Rand won't consider him on a future presidential ticket.
In short, show Gary Johnson some love, then keep it pushin'.
doctor jones
09-23-2011, 10:50 AM
I love Gary Johnson... and he may poll well following this debate but the audience didn't get to hear his positions on legalizing drugs and being pro-choice -- two things that will be well known if he begins to get traction which will sink him shortly following. I hope Gary stays in the race for liberty's sake but the long term choice for this race is still hands down Ron Paul.
I read somewhere that Gary isn't running for political office after 2012... I hope that's not the case because he could definitely impact the political debate more for years to come if he chooses to involve himself. I hope he will.
PaleoForPaul
09-23-2011, 11:17 AM
I support Gary Johnson the same way I support Ron. It's the message not the man. When it comes time to give money this cycle, I'll simply give it to whomever has a better chance at winning. I do think Johnson is more electable, which is why they will never give him any serious airtime. I also believe having Johnson in the debates is good for Ron Paul, it validates his points rather than making him look like a kooky libertarian.
Most importantly, it helps keep the message alive and associated with the Republican party. Notice that people on stage were laughing at Ron Paul in 2008, now they're agreeing with him on many issues. Ron Paul is shifting the party like Goldwater did long ago.
musicmax
09-23-2011, 11:40 AM
Gary needs to build better name recognition before he could be a true contender.
How much name recognition did Huntsman have before the media started knob-slobbing him?
GJ served longer as governor than Romney and Palin combined, has a far more conservative record than Romney or Perry or Huntsman, got elected twice in a state with plurality-Democrat registration, and has a great personal story as well.
He's a pretty poor speaker despite last night's dogs line (I played a drinking game where every time he said "I'm going to cut the budget 43%" I took a shot - I'm still drunk). The thumb-twiddling was kind of distracting. But on policy he is clearly head-and-shoulders above every GOP candidate save for Paul.
musicmax
09-23-2011, 11:42 AM
Gary Johnson for Senate 2012!
Absolutely. Then Rand/Gary 2016 if Ron doesn't win in 2012.
Johncjackson
09-23-2011, 11:42 AM
Gary Johnson has 0.002 percent in straw polls last time I checkedand no record other than being a governor.
I don't think Johnson has a chance, either. However, saying he has no record other than Governor makes little sense and is really the opposite of reality in most POTUS races. Generally, being from Congress is considered a negative/neutral while having 2 terms experience as Governor of a state is considered a major qualification. Ron Paul, whom I support, has no executive experience in government- which is the experience voters traditionally look for. Congressional experience might count for people who "get stuff done", but Dr. No is more known for not getting anything done ( which is a positive in reality, not so much politically).
Personally, I don't think Johnson is any more "electable" than Paul, mostly for the same superficial reasons.
donnay
09-23-2011, 12:22 PM
Gary Johnson for Ron Paul's Secretary of State!
Diashi
09-23-2011, 12:25 PM
The media are unquestionably pushing Johnson just enough to try and cause an internal Libertarian conflict and divide us. We're much better than this. Don't let their mind games push us apart.
Despite his much lower polling, Johnson has shown good respect to Paul in the debate and his recent ad. When he drops, I don't want his supporters to feel sour against Paul's base, because we're in it for the same ideas, regardless of our minor differences.
Don't push Johnson supporters away. Instead, invite them to help us elect someone who will allow an environment for Libertarian candidates in the future.
Athan
09-23-2011, 12:31 PM
I also agree it is a non-issue. The media shut his campaign down before it began by keeping him out of the previous debates. We also don't need to attack or even antagonize our strongest allies the Gary's supporters. We can simply agree to support Johnson if they help support Paul this time around if it comes down to it. However, right now we need BOTH of them to promote liberty and discuss this issue with each other behind the scenes.
acptulsa
09-23-2011, 12:31 PM
Don't push Johnson supporters away. Instead, invite them to help us elect someone who will allow an environment for Libertarian candidates in the future.
Or better yet, just praise them for their good sense and let them enjoy while they can. Furthermore, if you come across someone who agrees with Paul more than they know, but think they could never support him, turn them on to Johnson.
I'm betting that once you support a candidate of principle, you never go back. Let's play those odds and see what we get in the end.
brandon
09-23-2011, 12:36 PM
We don't need to do anything about it. He's a good guy and I believe his only goal right now is building his name recognition for future political (or otherwise) endeavours. To this end I am completely confident he will drop out and endorse Paul well before the primaries. To do otherwise would tarnish his name and, therefore, make his entire mission a failure. Quote me on this one.
pacelli
09-23-2011, 12:53 PM
I'm glad Johnson gave Ron Paul props regarding the VP spot at last night's debate.
What do I plan to do about Johnson? I'll continue to watch how he handles himself in the debates and the media. I don't plan on donating to his campaign. His presentation during last night's debate was much different than I remember him. He was actually engaged in the process and didn't come off as a flake. That's good for him.
I'm a Ron Paul supporter, so I really don't plan on doing a whole lot with Johnson. I'm not going to put a Gary Johnson bumper sticker on my car.
Brian4Liberty
09-23-2011, 12:59 PM
I like them both. As long as Ron is on the ballot, he gets my vote. Absent Ron, Johnson gets my vote. Not too complicated.
trey4sports
09-23-2011, 01:04 PM
Johnson is great, but Ron is #1.
The Free Hornet
09-23-2011, 01:09 PM
I am all in favor of pulling the Republican party in the libertarian direction. Or the Constitutional conservative direction for those who prefer that nomenclature.
ronpaulitician
09-23-2011, 02:01 PM
What to do about Gary Johnson?
Donate to his campaign.
Talk about his campaign.
I use the 10 to 1 approach. For every ten dollars I donate to Paul, I donate one to Johnson. For every ten times I mention Paul, I try to mention Johnson once.
jmdrake
09-23-2011, 02:28 PM
There's nothing to do. GJ is not a factor, and he's not going to become a factor. There's no need to make him into one. And there's no need to burn any bridges for when he bows out.
+rep
Dianne
09-23-2011, 04:13 PM
I actually like Gary Johnson a lot.. When we finally saw why Perry lobbied to have Johnson at the debate last night.. and that is, the one question they asked Johnson basically to attack Paul; and tell why Johnson is a better candidate than Paul (from the libertarian point of view).
Johnson took the high road all the way, and refused to make the next morning headlines by attacking Paul. I have a lot of respect for him, for that. That might be our ticket in 2020 ..... Rand Paul/Gary Johnson.
GeorgiaAvenger
09-23-2011, 04:39 PM
Johnson will never get much support.
But having him in the debates helps Ron tremendously.
Win-Win
deadfish
09-23-2011, 05:47 PM
I gave $25 to GJ. I wish he would come run for office in my state. Or stick around for a another presidential run.
bill1971
07-29-2012, 11:03 AM
It's tough to decide whether to write in Paul or vote Gary Johnson. I prefer Paul.
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