Rand's "Image"

[thasre]

Looking over the poll results, here, I was pretty surprised to see that Rand is losing among young people in all scenarios and a little less surprised to see him losing among women voters in all scenarios. These problems are even more pronounced in the run-offs against the Democratic candidates.

I think now that Rand has essentially established himself as the lead contender for the Republican nomination, it's probably wise to start thinking of ways to broaden his appeal with an eye to the general election. I don't particularly like "image" politics, but I'm afraid it has to be part of every campaign strategy.

So does anyone know of ways to tailor Rand's message to women and younger voters? I imagine the younger voters are less of a problem, since young people don't really vote very reliably and I'm sure the ones not supporting Rand are the generically "progressive" college student types who think they're just so liberal, but Rand does seem to have a real problem with women voters.

I suspect this is because Rand and male voters are the type that want "Just the facts, ma'am" and find it interesting to discuss wonkish policy issues, whereas women are more likely to want "feel-good" discussion of broader issues and "what they mean" for the voters. So what can we as grassroots activists do to reach out to generically "progressive" and "feel-good" voters? And what can we encourage the official campaign to do?

[LibertyEagle]

He hasn't won the Republican nomination yet. Way too early to count it "in the bag".

[AJ Antimony]

No, he has to keep working on getting the Republican nomination first. He will then have 6 months to win the general election.

[skyorbit]

Once he wins the Primary, he can start focusing more on the anti-war part of his platform to attract Democrats and independents. He's with-in the Margin of error against the Democrat Head to Heads already.

Tracy

[Ethek]

There is no anti-war part of Rands platform. Rand is for a strong national defense and for Constitutionally declared wars. Rands positions are what he is representing to the people of Kentucky .

To reach young people I think Rands approch to the Constitution as a 'philosophy' or liberty is the ticket. After outreach and a fair amount of education it becomes more evident that a 'philosophy of liberty' can not survive in a state of continual war. Let's stay on target to deliver Rands message, not ours.

[Aratus]

concerning women... something as simple as not having the campaign people
buzz cut rand paul's hair could draw in more female voters. i think a youthfulness
and a politeness is a draw, also. stressing his family values helps. then we talk issues...

[MRoCkEd]

There is no anti-war part of Rands platform. Rand is for a strong national defense and for Constitutionally declared wars. Rands positions are what he is representing to the people of Kentucky .

To reach young people I think Rands approch to the Constitution as a 'philosophy' or liberty is the ticket. After outreach and a fair amount of education it becomes more evident that a 'philosophy of liberty' can not survive in a state of continual war. Let's stay on target to deliver Rands message, not ours.

exactly

[hueylong]

True that the nomination isn't at all 'in the bag'. Rand's strong principled positions on spending, the role of government, and against bailouts are what has him in the thick of the race. He needs to stay strong with that.

Rand can attract more women with the his personal bio and narrative. He has a very attractive family, and his professional profile as an eye surgeon who is involved in pro bono health care work is a strong draw with women. These personal characteristics need to be highlighted in advertising to broaden his appeal to the larger electorate while still enhancing his bona fides with Republicans, conservatives, and Republican women.

Issue wise, he still needs to learn how to frame his positions in terms of 'the best way to solve a problem is local, and making the greatest use of our non profit and community based institutions' -- as opposed to a simple 'less government' message. To women, large cuts in government represent a shredding of the social safety net.

Rand needs to position his small government conservatism as a philosophy that wants to STRENGTHEN the capacity of local government and community institutions to address our social problems and that this can be best achieved by loosening the stranglehold the federal government exercises over all aspects of our daily life. This is something women can relate to.

[skyorbit]

Well Huey, the main thing is, he needs to keep running like he's the underdog.

I guess personally, I'm opposed to big government at the local level too, but yes, it would be much easier for private charities, and churches, etc to deal with these problems if it weren't for the FED.

Tracy