Is it time to fight fire with fire?

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

Herman Cain's campaign is producing some pretty silly, but attention-getting videos. I don't know what it's costing to produce them, but it looks like they're getting a pretty good return on their investment. I'm wondering if we should counter with a few of our own. After all, who is better at videos than RP's grassroots organization.

Instead of the typical fare, maybe its time to play around with some more unconventional approaches. Doctor Paul has encouraged us to have fun, so let's consider it. I don't know how to produce videos myself, but I know we have plenty of talented people among us that can.

We need to be careful to avoid amateurish presentations. This is the big leagues. If necessary, we should explore the cost of professional assistance.

Let's face it, Ron Paul is a humble man who keeps a low profile. It's just not his nature to draw attention to himself and we can't afford to let him get lost in the crowd. The media thrives on controversy, so maybe we can use satire, humor or some good-natured ribbing to create some. It might even result in more attention during the debates. Just make sure it doesn't compromise the dignity of our candidate or our campaign.

Give it some thought and put those creative juices to work.

[thegrinch2]

I don't think we should get stupid like Cain. But I would like to see more edgy vids. If we keep playing nice, we WILL loose. I think more things need to be made to get the occupy type crowd. I know a lot think they are all socialists, but I don't think so. I think many would get behind Paul if they heard him speak more.

[cero]

dude we tried that last campaing he really did not catch on....

[thegrinch2]

Things are much different now.

[69360]

The kids are onboard, not a whole lot of need for edgy ads to appeal to them. We need mainstream ads that appeal to older folks who are the typical GOP primary voters.

[Captain Shays]

The answer is YES. We need to do EVERYTHING to WIN WIN WIN

[Proph]

Hah...Like it. Off the top of my head...Have a bunch of stupid stuff other candidates say...and then cut to a different American after each segment saying something to the extent of "Really?"...then it can finish off with something from Paul....cut to a split screen of all the previously baffled Americans side by side and they all say "Wow." all at once (via video editting, not standing together). The professionalism doesn't really matter, imo. Cain's ad looked very unprofessional, yet it still gained media attention...but then again...this isn't a level playing field (so maybe I'm wrong). I only say that professionalism doesn't matter because if you say it does, it might discourage others (amateurs) with some talent from actually trying their hand at making one of these things.

Or...

Everyone has seen those "reaction" videos of those nasty youtube videos, right? Someone could try posting a reaction video to listening to each of the individual candidates. It could range from the serious ("wtf are those people talking about?" looks) to the silly (people having to go get a bottle of alcohol to finish).

^^Just some thoughts. Maybe if I throw some stupid stuff out there, other people will feel more comfortable contributing their good ideas

As for the fighting fire with fire title...I want to say "it's up to us supporters to do the mud slinging, since Paul and the campaign have too much integrity to do so themselves"...but that could very easily backfire and get Paul smeared (like that's not already happening now? hah..). I think ideas like this are better made for youtube (so they can go viral). It's essentially free, Paul doesn't endorse the message, and it can potentially access a wider audience. Let's be realistic, regardless of how good one of Paul's commercials is...the media won't talk about it (unless it's absolutely horrible...in which case they will react negatively).

Just throwing some stuff out there.

[RIPLEYMOM]

This kind of attitude^

I was watching one of Chainspell's cool videos where he flashes through RP supporters; on the wall behind one was a poster of Ron Paul walking on a city sidewalk with what seemed to me, some serious attitude. the above image came to mind.

[musicmax]

If we keep playing nice, we WILL loose.

If we don't learn how to spell lose, we WILL lose.

[KingRobbStark]

If we don't learn how to spell lose, we WILL lose.

True dat.

[Zarn Solen]

Cain is getting a pass, despite his unprofessional approach. If Paul goes unprofessional, they will have something they can use to belittle him.

Edit: Creative is fine, but we need to be smart about it.

[RDM]

Here's a idea for someone who knows how to do cartoon animation. They can turn it into a short video less than 30 seconds or so. They would have to design a cartoon character of Ron Paul that looks like Ron Paul.

Ok, Here is a idea I have. Maybe a artist can visualize this.

It's Ron Paul in a tug of war contest. Ron's by himself. Ron would be dressed in attire they wore back when they signed the constitution. In tug of war the winner is the one that moves the flag past a marker. Now the flag on the rope would be the American Flag. The marker for which the flag has to cross would be the constitution.

Now I said Ron would be by himself with a tug of war against people that are clearly marked as such. One person each from the major media outlets. They would be wearing a hat or maybe a shirt with the media logo like ABC, NBC, CBS, etc. The other characters would be a couple of people showing they are GOP "establishment".

The concept is Ron Paul is in a tug of war with the media and the GOP establishment and he is trying to pull the American Flag across the constitution to win.

I also thought of something else that could be in it. Some people standing in the background holding signs saying "Go Ron Paul", "Ron Paul 2012". A small fan base cheering him on.

Ron's tug of war opponents can be yelling things like:

"We can't let him win, he'll steal our power!"
"If we lose this, I'll lose all my lobbyist support!"
"If he wins this, the American people win!"

[sailingaway]

I like the campaign's cinematic ads. Cain has nothing to say of substance, so just going freaky pays some dividends. Ron has information he needs to convey

[Zarn Solen]

I think it could also work if the people starting picking up the rope on Ron's side and helped him pull it, but I also think your way is great, too. It depends on the image we want to give Paul. Are we trying to paint him as a super hero or as someone we can get behind and help get this country back on track?

[Proph]

Here's a idea for someone who knows how to do cartoon animation. They can turn it into a short video less than 30 seconds or so. They would have to design a cartoon character of Ron Paul that looks like Ron Paul.

Ok, Here is a idea I have. Maybe a artist can visualize this.

It's Ron Paul in a tug of war contest. Ron's by himself. Ron would be dressed in attire they wore back when they signed the constitution. In tug of war the winner is the one that moves the flag past a marker. Now the flag on the rope would be the American Flag. The marker for which the flag has to cross would be the constitution.

Now I said Ron would be by himself with a tug of war against people that are clearly marked as such. One person each from the major media outlets. They would be wearing a hat or maybe a shirt with the media logo like ABC, NBC, CBS, etc. The other characters would be a couple of people showing they are GOP "establishment".

The concept is Ron Paul is in a tug of war with the media and the GOP establishment and he is trying to pull the American Flag across the constitution to win.

I also thought of something else that could be in it. Some people standing in the background holding signs saying "Go Ron Paul", "Ron Paul 2012". A small fan base cheering him on.

Ron's tug of war opponents can be yelling things like:

"We can't let him win, he'll steal our power!"
"If we lose this, I'll lose all my lobbyist support!"
"If he wins this, the American people win!"

Maybe whoever made the "Plastic Men" commercial could look into it. They might already have some of the props/models they'd need; but then again, they might also have to make a *lot* more. I like the idea, but I'm not so sure about the cheers (unless they are quiet...which could add to its "re-watch-ability"...as well as some controversy) . I think the imagery should speak for itself. I might even take it one step further and be sure to put Paul on the right, with everyone else on the left (solely for symbolism).

[RIPLEYMOM]

Why yes, yes it is time to fight fire with fire.
Hope it's okay...I did already start a thread to share what this guy has to say about OWS, but want to bump it here, too; I think it fits in. The way he slams the media really boosts my morale! He's got a Vin Diesel 'thing' going on which doesn't hurt, either. Track this guy down for a staring role in the next Ron Paul Video!

Courtesy: The Daily Bail

[rideurlightning]

We can plat dirty without making ourselves look stupid.

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

This kind of attitude^

I was watching one of Chainspell's cool videos where he flashes through RP supporters; on the wall behind one was a poster of Ron Paul walking on a city sidewalk with what seemed to me, some serious attitude. the above image came to mind.

I would love to see some clever videographer superimpose Ron Paul's head on John Travolta's body in this clip. Can you imagine that? And at the end, where it shows the electronic signs in the background, I'd love to see Coca-Cola replaced with "Fox News Presidential Debate". Imagine the scene of Ron Paul strutting off from the debate with a look of absolute conquest about him. Maybe I'm being kooky, but hey, it's all about having fun, right?

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

A few more ideas...

If we could find a Ron Paul look-a-like we could probably do some really creative stuff with him. It would also be neat to find someone with RP's physical stature who is very agile and could act in fighting scenes, etc. By limiting the cinematic angles, he could simulate RP even if his face wasn't similar.

I'd also like to see a brief video animation simulating one of the presidential debates. I hear criticisms that RP is too mousy and not aggressive enough. Imagine using an animated debate to reveal the "Incredible Hulk" in Dr. Paul.

Remember all those Hitler movie satires that floated around Youtube? Remember how much fun they had substituting Hitler's words with other subtitles? That same type of delivery could be borrowed from practically any scene of any video where English isn't used. It could even be borrowed from scenes where no words are spoken at all. It's just a matter of using your imagination to create something that will help promote our message while keeping things more playful and engaging.

Some people tune out political campaigns because they find them boring or apocalyptic. We certainly don't want to be one of those campaigns.

[RDM]

I think it could also work if the people starting picking up the rope on Ron's side and helped him pull it, but I also think your way is great, too. It depends on the image we want to give Paul. Are we trying to paint him as a super hero or as someone we can get behind and help get this country back on track?

The image in my mind was him portraying himself as the "lone man" who is fighting for the freedom and liberty for ALL Americans in this country and the enemies that are trying to stop him.

[wgadget]

How about a Crazy Uncle Ron commercial. No, I'm being serious. Let's have fun with it!

: )

[FBappDev]

What would Congressman Dr. Ron Paul do ?

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

What would Congressman Dr. Ron Paul do ?

This is really at the heart of what began this thread. We always know what Ron Paul will do because he never wavers. That's one of his greatest assets. Unfortunately, it also results in being a drawback. The other candidates are constantly drawing fire because they are so inconsistent. However, the attention it garners gives them continual press coverage and more speaking time during the debates. The purpose of this thread is to brainstorm creative ideas that might generate more attention for Ron Paul.

[IndianaPolitico]

In the 60s the rather corny "Batman" TV show was a major hit in it's first year. In response "The Man from UNCLE" turned into a campy TV show in an attempt to compete. In the end, both shows failed...

Let's keep on plugging away with strong ads, that appeal to mainstream Republicans.