Can Ron Paul wake up stagnant progressives? [Archive]

roc_rob

01-08-2012, 03:34 PM

A difficult challenge so long as he shares the stage with the likes of Santorum. I think the real underlying challenge is most accurately framed as: appealing to progressives while not alienating social conservatives. A tendency exists for progressives to view any republican candidate as just another republican---which is certainly not a favorable thing, especially given the party's record in recent history. Confirmation bias (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias) is what we have to battle. In many cases it almost immediately takes over when Paul is advocated, making it difficult for progressives to even hear his message.

Anything controversial from Paul's past is immediately seen by progressives as confirming that he is just another republican, making it extremely difficult to stress the consistency of Paul's record in opposition to viewpoints associated with that controversy.

Meanwhile, to counterbalance that effect it is difficult to hold up something like the ACLU's favorable report card for Paul, without risking alienating social conservatives. Again, confirmation bias kicks in.

I think both social conservatives and progressives add massive value to Paul's campaign. It is great having us all together working toward a common goal. Thankfully, Paul's own views are not inherently inconsistent with either side of our nation's divide. Rather than advocating for the total victory of either perspective, he stands in opposition to the federal government being used by either side to force their views upon the nation. It is why I believe he has a real shot at the presidency. Paul unites.