UPDATE 2: I'm NOT trying to say that individuals saving up to donate are doing something wrong.... yikes.. If you can't afford to donate, don't!! But I think some people have the idea that all that matters is breaking records and having huge days. All I'm saying is, keep the actual goal in mind... If the campaign says they need money, please donate. Media buys cost a million plus dollars each! That makes having 5 or 8 million in the bank not seem like so much, ESPECIALLY when you are trying to plan weeks or months in advance or you're trying to win the most important states in the primaries.
UPDATE: Remember the current goal is to win NH and get Ron Paul the GOP nomination, NOT to raise more money than anyone else in a single day. Winning NH is worth 100 Tea Parties or November 5ths.
TeaParty07.com is an amazing effort... and I think it will be a great day. But the fact is that it's harming the campaign right now:
"If you wait a month from now to donate, your money will only be spent after Iowa caucus-goers and New Hampshire primary voters have made up their minds.
We are rapidly running out of time. The Iowa caucus is just 44 days away. New Hampshire is in 49 days. With so much ground to make up, we can't afford to waste a single day."
Jonathan Bydlak
Fundraising Director
Ron Paul 2008
He's right, of course. Donations have all but dried up in anticipation of events that are still nearly a month away. The campaign is spending money as fast as they can raise it, EVEN with November 5th on the books. They can't wait for the money and we can't wait to donate. Please give today! Give tomorrow. December 16th is too late to have an effect on this primary season. We need to make a splash in NH, Iowa, and the other early states, right now! Donate again on the 16th for the media coverage or the symbolism if you would like, but no amount of press that close to the actual vote is going to help the campaign as much as more TV and Radio ads over the next 30 days will. PLEASE donate today.
A few people have argued that we're going to lose all the value the press on another record breaking fund raising day would bring us... But what will that matter if it's too late to really influence voters, which is the name of the game. We could have a $12 million dollar day and it wouldn't generate as much press as a win in the New Hampshire primary. We need to keep our eyes on the prize here and work towards the real short term goal, which is getting the GOP nomination for Ron Paul! More TV ads, more radio ads, more fliers, more direct phone calls, more marketing, that is what is needed from TODAY until the end of the quarter. The only things that gets us there are your support and frequent generous donations.
Waiting until December 16th is waiting over 75% of our remaining time away... The time to act is now, the action to take is a big fat donation.
11/20/07
The Time For The 2007 Tea Party Is Right NOW!
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161 comments:
i gotta say... i disagree.
i can definitely see where Mr Bydlak is coming from, but people poo-pooed Nov 5th for the same reason. do you honestly think the campaign would be taken as seriously or currently have $8.6 mil for the quarter without it?
by all means, throw some money in now. but don't give up on Dec 16th. it will be a HUGE story going right into the primaries. it will get Dr Paul more exposure than spending $5 million on advertising and will get him far more money than a steady trickle will.
assuming $5 mil on Dec 16th (i think a low estimate), it would take a solid $200,000 EVERY DAY until then to match it. not likely to happen.
the Tea Party is about excitement. people are far more likely to give on days like that than any other... that is, unless the excitement is all diffused beforehand by pleas like this.
I agree with weston, but also disagree. The big days are a great idea... but, December 16th was simply too long to wait. December 1st would have been the best since many folks would have just received a paycheck... of course, if you can, donate now AND on December 16.
Nov 5th was a great day and there is no doubt in my mind that it REALLY helped the campaign... and I'm sure Dec 16th will do similar great things... but it doesn't have to be bigger than nov 5th to be great.
Press and money 2 weeks before a vote is next to worthless... we need to be gathering supporters and voters TODAY... It's not about breaking records anymore, it's about attracting voters and that takes time. December 16th is just too late.
I'm living on a budget, but I will sacrifice $25 today to follow the campaign's lead. I will make another small donation on 1 Dec (sorry, my mortgage is due!). Finally, I will also commit to my $100 donation on 16 Dec.
I think it would be better for the campaign to continue to rise in the polls in NH now rather than wait for the last minute to show once again he has a strong Internet following.
maybe send an email to all the teaparty subscribers asking them to donate at least half now; maybe thanksgiving day and then half on dec 16. Just a idea.
The email from Bydlak said they spent $3 mil in oct. Since they've got over $8.5 mil so far this quarter, that means they have over $5 mil to spend right now. Blow it all on NH and iowa, isn't $5 mil enough? Then come teaparty, they get another $5 mil, to advertise to the rest of the states.
They must want to blow around $10 mil on just NH and iowa. I see no other reason they'd threaten teaparty like this.
hells bells cormack - if my commander says he needs more money today - then that is what i am going to do.
Hmm, whats going on today?
First Huckabee's donation started to surge and now Ron Paul's do as well. The reason for the latter is probably Mr. Bydlak's mail, but why is huckabee doing so good today?
"They must want to blow around $10 mil on just NH and iowa. I see no other reason they'd threaten teaparty like this."
If the goal is to win NH and IA... it's not "blowing" anything... I hope they get to spend $20 million in NH... a win in NH is worth 100 November 5ths plus 20 more December 16ths.
Is there any way the campaign could borrow money now and pay it back after December 16? I know it violates the zero-debt spirit of the campaign platform and it's difficult to precisely assess how much December 16 will raise to pay back any debt, but every other campaign is doing it, and we're lucky enough to have the November 5 data point to help us assess a rough multiplier to apply to the number of pledges listed on the teaparty07 website.
to the anonymous user who's message I deleted... If you want to be that negative, don't do it anonymously on MY blog.
The issue is TIME... we need time to convert voters.. and if you think TV, Radio and newspaper ads don't work, you've been living in a hole for the last 30 years.
Huck is having his mini-moneybomb go off today per nov20forthechildren.com and Fred's is tomorrow per fredsgivingday.com .
Trust Paul and Bydlak. Give early and often! Don't armchair-general this one-- get in the trenches.
Mathematically, there is zero risk of the funds drying up for either event because of the other. People will give what they can in proportion to the strength of the appeal and the availability of the funds. SO GIVE ALREADY!
I think that in order for the campaign to be successful, we need to have a good amount of sustained donations ($100k per day or so) PLUS the big money bomb days to get us over the top and get us in the news. There is no reason that we as a group should not be able to reaise $20+ million for Dr. Paul this quarter. If Fred's people have been told to "give until it (almost) hurts", then we need to give until it REALLY hurts, and then KEEP ON GIVING MORE. We will all be saving thousands a year in taxes after Dr. Paul is elected, so look at it like an investment if you have to - paying a little bit now to get a lot down the road.
5.4 million cash-on-hand at the end of Q3 + 8.6 million raised Q4 = 14 million
It still seems to me that even after all the funds spent this quarter I wouldn't think that the campaign's bank account is all that unhealthy.
Regardless, I gave $50 today and I still plan to give the same amount on the 16th.
Another option is that the campaign borrows some money for a month? Other campaigns are also borrowing money, right?
I gave on November 5, will do so again for the Tea Party, but gave again today since they asked. Money today in politics is always more valuable than money tomorrow.
Separately, I want to float the idea of new money bombs that are issue-related. Why not a 7-day 1-issue-per-day series of money bombs? Day 1 might be "Abolish the Federal Reserve Day" and Day 2 could be "Bring the troops home now Day" and so on. We'd also get a (non-scientific) read on what's hot.
I think we need some organization on this one. The Teaparty is out to the MSM and they're watching. If we fall short it might really take the air out of the balloon. You can't buy the kind of publicity we got from the 5th, and they still found a way to call us terrorists. I think a ten million dollar tea party would be huge. And it really could propel, what I really think is gonna be a third party run and victory. (don't yell, I already know)
That being said, I understand what they NEED to do.
I donated today, but I'd really like to hear from everyone as to what would be the best strategy. also, quick question: If I hit the 2300 max and he decides to run as a third party, can I donate another 2300?
One thing to remember when considering fundraising totals is that the campaign has invested a lot in opening new offices and expanding their operation. They've raised some nice money but it doesn't all go to advertisements.
I am taking the campaign at their word, they must have a significant need for more money in order to maximize their chances in Iowa and New Hampshire. They wouldn't have sent out an appeal this specific and interfere with TeaParty07 if that wasn't the case.
Anonymous:
Today was the moneybomb day for Huckabee, he was doing well, until now, and we are about to pass him and blow him out of the water.
Jeff: You can donate 2300 in the Primaries then another 2300 in the General. So if he runs as an Independant, OR if he runs as the Republican nominee, you can donate another 2300 then.
thanks John
I love the idea posted earlier about a Thanksgiving donation. We can show that we are thankful for our liberties--and thankful that our fellow Americans are starting to wake up!
OK, I can do $25 this week and next, but that'll tap me out until December. Anyone else out there that is having trouble with their budget; remember that even $5 or $10 dollars can rack up to thousands in very little time.
About the Tea Party; I created a pledge to encourage new people to get involved. There are people who don't have $100 to donate but their support is equally important. Many small donations and 1000+ new donors would be welcome at the tea party.
www.pledgebank.com/microdonordrive
The campaign cannot have too much money. They need money now for the early primaries and caucauses, but they are going to need money later as well. Win in the early states are bigger than one-day records since they are more specific to the question - can your cause get out the vote.
This is a great e-mail because it makes it seem imperative to give now. Also, we are early enough from the teaparty that giving today will not stop most who are inclined from giving later. This seems to me to be the perfect prod - perfectly timed. If everyone who gave on Nov. 5th gives $25 in the next 24 hours, Paul will raise $1 million in 24 hours. We sould promote this.
If you gave on the 5th, give $25 more today. Let's see what we can do on short notice. I gave.
GHoeberX,
I looked into the "borrowing" and here is what I found: 1) Ron Paul can personally lend money to his campaign, but he doesn't have millions; 2) 501(c)4 organizations can raise and spend money, but there are hoops to go through. In particular it can't be coordinated with the campaign. So a 3rd party loan is apparently not legal.
SubmarineVeteran Says:
Although there is a certain historical value to the sixteenth of December, it is merely a date of historical significance and there is no reason at all that we shouldn't make our own date in history, the twentieth day of November in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Seven.
What greater gift could we leave for our children, and their children than to have the history books cite this date as the date we started the restoration of our constitutional republic, the date we started the restoration of the "Great Experiment" and the rebirth of America as our founders envisioned it?
There is currently no publicity that could be more profound than a simple request from the campaign and a response of the American people of such a magnitude that this day, TODAY, could go down in the future history books, books written in the same consistent and truthful manner as every word that comes from our next POTUS, Dr. Ron Paul.
It's time to get real folks. This is about WINNING, not about getting the attention of these inane "talking heads" that flood the airwaves and fill our homes via the "slime oozing out of our TV sets" (thanks Frank Zappa).
Let's give the VEGITRON talking heads something to talk about on tomorrow's Good Morning America. Let's give Glenn Beck a real heart attack (if that's even possible - gotta have a heart).
DONATE TODAY AND DONATE TILL IT HURTS!
"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." -- George Washington
What if we moved the Dec. 16th Tea Party to November 23rd? That is the day after Thanksgiving, also known as, "Black Friday". This is when all the retail stores make big profits to close out the year. If we focused on that day as the next "money bomb", it could be very big as well. It's only 3 days away and would get the campaign the money it needs sooner as well as the media attention. Let's get all those committed to Dec. 16th to shift to Nov. 23rd. They can still dontate on Dec. 16th as well. Go Ron!!!
If a lot of you are like me, you're not close to "maxing out."
So here's an idea: GIVE SOME CASH NOW and help get the TV ads blasting away in NH.
I've decided to scrounge around and sell some junk on eBay. Everyone must have *some* valuable junk lying around...
That way, I can kick in cash now, and whatever EXTRA I can raise between now and the Tea Party (it's almost a month, after all!) is all getting dumped in then.
Come on, people. If we trust Ron Paul to be president, the very least we can do is trust him now if his campaign says that cash is needed PRONTO.
Disagree all you want, but money is needed now.
Is what might be possible on December 16th important?
Probably.
Is building the base of supporters today, more important?
Yes!
Each dollar spent today will mean more votes come the day of the primary, more foot soldiers spreading the word, more contributors for now and on the 16th, and more influence among the general public.
I don't donate a lot and I sincerely wish I could do more, but I do something every week. On November the 5th and coming up on December 16th, I may scrimp and scratch by to make the extra donation, but each week a small portion of my check goes to Dr. Paul.
The press has been building and the attention growing. I am sure each of wish it was more. But do most of us see what is happening on the ground in NH, IA, or SC? I hope for the day that I see a campaign commercial here in my local town. This may not happen unless we get as many commercials running in the first primary states.
Even if we only add another $4.3 million on December 16th, it will still be significant enough if we get him there with $12 million in contributions for the quarter before that day.
Obviously there was plenty of though put into the campaign's email. And it is true that the primaries begin in early January this year.
The official campaign has spoken.
I will contribute today and again at the Tea Party. I'm becoming quite vested in Ron Paul. Let's do it!
If we can get Ron Paul over the $10,000,000 mark by midnight Pacific time I will donate another $1000. Go to work people!!
I would just like to shout out a big "Thank You" to everyone that has been working so hard on the Tea Party drive so far. From the organizer (thank you!) to the devoted Paul supporters who have been telling everybody they can (thank you!)
Even if the urgent call from Mr. Bydlak deflates the results of the Tea Party, I just want to let everyone involved know that this has been inspiring so far.
I have a renewed hope for our country.
If you trust Ron Paul enough to be president, shouldn't you trust his campaign when they say they need the money sooner rather than later??
Of course, Ron isn't the one who wrote the appeal, but I'm pretty sure that he must keep close tabs on what is going on.
Also, I think we shouldn't see this appeal as an attack, in any way, on the Tea Party or its supporters.
They're just telling us what they see the needs of the campaign to be.
They asked for it - give it to them! Guys, this is as serious as you all are thinking there sitting at your computers. This may be the last time before we are plunged into socialism (some would say fascism). Pull out your VISA/MC and put in 25 bucks now. The RP08 campaign are efficient and effective with their funds. Let's make sure Huckabee doesn't get any credit for his celebrity commercials. Who needs Chuck Norris when we have the Constitution.
I was going to wait until December 16th to donate, but then I ready that butt-munch Mike Huckabee is trying to duplicate the Ron Paul effect with his own fundraiser. Then my Ron Paul cult programming activated and I decided I can spare a few bucks today, and still donate on the 16th.
Remember, NH has not set a primary date, but it may be middle to end of December considering Iowa's is set for Jan 3.
I will donate $100 on the tea party because it's clear the positive press from that effort has done a ton to make the media take notice. However, I went ahead and chipped in $50 today because the campaign makes a good point! - zartan
After reading through these inspirational comments, I have decided to donate today.
I still plan donate on the 16th as well. I would, of course, like to keep as much of my money as I can, but when I thought about it, I relized that I am not necessarily *that* strapped for cash. This is the future of my country, and my life.
I am not going to let anyone other than Dr. Paul become president!
Remember, we must always maximize our efforts toward increasing our numbers, in terms of money and support regardless of what day it is.
Everyday is a good day to support Ron Paul :)
Simply, because there is an imminent grassroots money-bomb (MB) there is no reason to procrastinate or become passive under any circumstance.
We need to continue our creative campaign approach, talking with people, and learning new ways to spread the Liberty message to others.
This is especially important in highly contested early primary states such as New Hampshire and Iowa where "time" is of the essence.
Stay focused on present objectives. Regardless of your role or contribution level, be it donation or raising awareness. Just do your best always.
RON PAUL FOR THE WIN!!!
www.youtube.com/sharedvoice
Why don't we have a Thanksgiving money bomb? When most families are at home watching TV, wouldn't that be the best time to try to get media attention through a fundraising event?
Donate on Thanksgiving - November 22
I agree completely with Bydlak on this one and I think even the Tea Party will benefit from early donations because the advertisements will generate a larger support base. The more people we are on Dec 16th, the more money we can donate.
One thing that I do know for sure is that the goal here is not Tea Party 2007... it's getting an honest and decent man elected as president.
I really think the campaign and independent web organizers should have discussed things, and figured out a game plan before just posting this stuff, and telling people to donate now instead of for Tea Party. Tea Party has too much potential to be done away with all together. There has to be a way to satisfy all we need. Let's think first. and then act.
another thought - they will still need money for the february primaries so the tea party is still critical. pretty much every article i read cites the moneybomb as a reason he is not just a fringe candidate with fake supporters, so we can't deny the importance of those events. however, as i said above I kicked in money today and can't wait to see 8 figures in mid december... zartan
I totally agree that the campaign should have coordinated better with the major grassroots supporters.
I've been wondering how this will impact the ad that comes out tomorrow in USA Today. If I remember correctly, Mr. Lepard's ad specifically mentions the tea party...
Let's have the Tea Party. It's fun. Having fun is one of Ron Paul's few campaign rules. Let HQ do what they think is right, and we will do what we think is right. Hopefully, it will all work out in the end.
By contributing sooner rather than later, the resources will be available to spread Dr. Paul's message sooner and increase his support. By increasing his support now rather than later, not only does this make him more competitive in the early primaries, but could also create a larger group of people willing to contribute to the campaign. By contributing now, you could potentially help make Dec. 16th dwarf the 5 million the odds-makers in Vegas predict.
Suggestion: on Huckabee graph, change the link to an embedded YouTube.
I've done work for a lot of large retailers. When people put off a purchase, they rarely come back. It's a missed opportunity. When they buy once, they're more likely to come again.
It's against common sense, but the act of donating increases one's commitment, not the other way around.
I gave another $50 today and will give the next month too. Encourage folks to give now. It'll help the money bomb.
and i agree with other folks on this thread, waiting a month is too long.
At the rate we're going with the devaluation of the dollar, $100 today won't be worth nearly this much on Dec. 16th.
To Dan B, who deleted my post:
I post anonymously because I don't have a google account, and I don't feel like getting one. I do question things that others choose not to see. In NH, everyone in the state has received two mailings. Radio and TV ads have already been bought and are playing. Why was it enough to get 8 million by the end of November to pay for this, when there already was more than 5 million in the bank, but NOW it is not enough, even when the 8 million was reached by the middle of November? I love your graphs, but now they show that people are already dropping off the December 16th Tea Party because of this. Is that really a smart move by the campaign? I invite you to read my post again, and see if you can't see the REASON in it, even if you don't like its "negativity."
Frankly, I don't care if you remove this post as well. I think you are a fairly intelligent person, and I'm just trying to get YOU to THINK about how this (ham-handed email) undercutting of December 16th hurts even the expectations Dr. Paul has hinted at in the media. I think jumping on this bandwagon without thinking about it first is unwise.
For a campaign that is for an honest man like Dr. Paul, I'm not finding any accounting as to how much they spent so far and how they will spend the more $$ we give, nor even any guideline as to "we need X million" to do XXXXX. You don't find that even a little strange? I do. I know the money is needed, which is why I will donate as much as possible. But to advise people to abandon December 16th is unwise in the extreme, for PR purposes.
Delete my posts if you want, again, I don't care, but try to understand the caution I am throwing out here. Try. Try.
Dan, can you graph the number of visitors to teaparty07.com so we can see what kind of bump we get during the day frm the usatoday ad?
Let's strike a good balance. Let's keep funds flowing in, but still contribute for the Tea Party.
Also...if we can get more supporters in the next few weeks, perhaps that will mean more people joining in on December 16th.
I understand both sides. It is a bit hurtful that people are saving for the TeaParty... we're not the rich supporting Doc Paul, but we are the muscle behind this society. We do what we can, and that has proven to be a lot.
I'm from IOWA. The TeaParty is great! But I AM BEGGING YOU PEOPLE TO HELP NOW! I WANT TO SEE RON BREAK OUT IN MY STATE! AND HE CAN DO IT WITH ADS THROUGH OUR CONSERVATIVE RADIO 1040 WHO! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, HELP ME SEE OUR CANDIDATE DO WELL IN MY STATE!
most of us can give some now and still honor our pledges for the tea party.
I am going to rework my Christmas gift list - heck, what better present could we give than liberty?
I have to comment. This fire-drill style communication from the Paul staff to the supporters is really grating. They need to get their shit together and PRONTO. The staff is a direct reflection on Ron Paul's ability to hire competent people and thus far we've seen a bunch of hare-brained mistakes made. This campaign needs to GET ON TOP OF THINGS! They wait until today(!) to run around screaming about today needs to be the day for donations. That's bad planning and a clear indication that they are clueless about the supporters activities. Ron, your people are making you look stupid, and I know you're not stupid.
@Deleted anon guy - you can sign your name without an account... at least that's something.
I deleted your first post because you were very rude and offensive towards the campaign staff.
"But to advise people to abandon December 16th is unwise in the extreme, for PR purposes."
No one is talking about abandoning the 16th.... but there's no reason it has to be 2 or 3 times the total raised on Nov 5th or the best day in the history of fundraising. We need money now but we don't necessarily need another record breaking fundraising day literally days before the first primary vote! When you are making purchasing decisions in the millions of dollars at a shot... you need to know the donations are going to be coming in steadily... counting on another amazing miracle day is pushing it... what if there is some bad press or some other disaster days before the teaparty... It probably won't happen.. but you can't bet the entire campaign on a single day... and you can't take out loans to buy something on the 14th if you don't have the cash.
"Delete my posts if you want, again, I don't care, but try to understand the caution I am throwing out here. Try. Try."
I have been saying since before november 5th that holding back donations for a certain day makes it difficult for long term or even medium term financial planning. People see the millions raised and the millions in the bank and think we're good to go, but that's just not the case. Individual media buys cost upwards of a million dollars.. and our main competition has millions more than us in the bank. Just because we're gaining ground and doing amazingly well compared to where we were doesn't mean the battle is even close to won. This is now a big money and exposure game and we can't just sit idly by while 75% of our remaining time to the primary passes us by waiting for December 16th! We must grab the momentum by the horns and ride it right through New Hampshire and Iowa! Another great Nov 5th style victory will be fantastic for our cause, but winning New Hampshire is worth 100 of those! The entire country is watching New Hampshire... only a percentage are watching interesting fund raising stats EVEN when they break records.
Sometimes it's hard for those of us who spend a huge amount of time online to realize that the internet isn't the whole world, not even close. Radio, TV, Cable, Newspapers, Snail Mail, Telephone.... those are the media that will still ultimately get people to come into the fold and learn about the message. Just because we now have an ad or two in NH doesn't mean we're done...
Telling donors they are hurting the campaign by participating in the TeaParty money drive is totally inappropriate. If the campaign needs money ask for it people will donate, but don't blame the donors organizing money drives.
They are right, the time to donate is now. If they don't have the money to advertise in a large form in NH now then they will not have enough time come Dec 16th to get the message out.
Donate now, donate tomorrow, donate as frequently as you can but don't squander it away now hoping that in the two weeks after Dec 16 that people will hear the message.
"Telling donors they are hurting the campaign by participating in the TeaParty money drive is totally inappropriate."
Hey! I'm not saying that AT ALL!!! please see my update at the top of this post.
I'm trying to help end the mentality that all that matters are record breaking days... If you can donate, please do... If you can't, that's ok!
It seems a simple solution to me. Donate what you can out of your current paycheck NOW.
Then donate out of your next paycheck on december the 16th.
I can't agree that all the media coverage on the 16th and 17th of December won't help. Its not too late. Having a huge wave of FREE press would be a wonderful thing.
I'm in ........NOW and also on the 16th.........
I suspect many others are as well........
Earl in Georgia...
and thanks Dan for keeping it clean........
I think the idea is a steady stream of $$$
- although not as exciting as a mega day - is a good idea - but placing ads takes ti me - so get the bucks in there sooner rather than later (or too late) so if everyone who had planned on giving Dec. 16th - if they give half of that now and half on the 16th - then I think the campaign would benefit
The Teaparty will also have another positive effect.
Almost all the candidates are planning on blowing their whole saving on the first few primaries. This will mean they will have very little on hand after its over.
With the Teaparty funding coming in, Ron Paul could have more money on hand than any other candidate when the end of quarter figures are made public.
This would result in a huge amount of free press on the 16th and 17th AND another round of media attention when the figures come out.
Whats hurting Ron Paul right now isn't lack of money or lack of advertising, its lack of coverage in the MSM. The TeaParty will get him two lots of positive coverage. BOTH before the primaries.
I would give my life to make this country a better place for my children. The least I can do as a patriot and Ron Paul supporter is give my money to this campaign's success. I encourage all to give now, give later and give again.
This country and Ron Paul needs your time, your influence and your money to succeed. Think not of yourself but of your children and the country that we all so dearly love.
Another commenter mentioned they find the campaign fundraising communications grating. I agree. No "thank you", no acknowledgement of the fact that the campaign's 4th quarter fundraising goals are being met and exceeded, or of the commitment and effort of tens of thousands of supporters who have committed to donate even more next month.
$12 million in the 4th quarter was an ambitious goal. Supporters have rallied to make it a reality. Now, the campaign is changing the rules in the middle of the game. Raising the bar is fine, but not in the middle of the jump.
I'm willing to reserve judgement on whether and how this reflects back on Ron Paul, but others may not; this move risks potential to dampen the enthusiasm of some of Ron Paul's strongest supporters.
I suggest we, "connected" (online), Paul supporters give as steadily as we can throughout this month... THEN... let's have a MASSIVE nationwide FREEWAY BLOG event on December 15th & 16th to raise funds from OFFLINE donors. Let's get out on our city streets ALL OVER THE COUNTRY holding Ron Paul signs AND TeaParty07.com signs!
Organize your local meetup to pull this off! We could even scout out RonPaul-friendly coffee shops with wireless access that might allow us to throw "tea parties" on that day.. with laptops set up and pointed to the RonPaul2008.com website to encourage immediate donations!
We just need to re-double our efforts -- that's all!
Give what you can this week. On Friday, I will give all that I possibly can at that point.
We should all do this.
Give what you can, at any given point.....
but make sure to *plan* for the 16th.
We can donate now and still have a big day on the 16th.
Don't buy those coffees, don't buy scratch tickets, don't go out to eat as much. A little bit of sacrifice can get a LOT more Money to our future president!!!!!
I think the Ron Paul campaign is making a mistake with this. They have more than enough money to campaign in two or three states, for the rest they can wait until the 16th of Dec. The goal is to use the money bomb as a way to shock the system and demand media attention. Even if we get to 12 million in the days leading up to the 16th it will hardly be news. The campaign needs to let the supporters run the show. We have already given them all they need for New Hampshire and Iowa. The rest of the money needs to go to shock the media and so he can focus on the other states. Are we trying to win the nomination or just NH? I say hold off on the money and donate on the 16th instead. Plus, they are well ahead of their goal of 12million so they should have all the cash they need, and in fact more than they expected. The media blitz generated by the Dec 16th money bomb will be the exposure necessary to get people off their couch and in to the voting booth. Remember Remember the 16th of December!
Franz - Wait a sec.
If you look at the 4th QTR. chart
- the least squares regression - we've
fallen below that just a day or two ago
So while Dec. 16th would push us well well
beyond 12m - If just a trickle comes in before the 16th - the benefit to the campaign is less because of the time
needed to spend the money effectively.
There was a HUGE thank you from the
campaign for NOV. THE 5th.
I don't think anybody is changing the rules - perhaps you need to rethink this
as a positive development with the thinking that when the 12m goal was set it was a good idea - but since NOV. 5th
- the idea of getting 12m by the end of DEC. while still being a good thing - getting the $$$ sooner is MUCH BETTER since it can be put to use - with EVEN BETTER results
This in and of itself is saying - You
(the donors) have exceeded all our expectations and let's keep it going!
Breathe....breathe.....ok, that's better. I was, at first, confused and concerned about what to do. I think the Tea Party is going to be fantastic!!! But then again, I saw the official campaign's message about donating now makes sense. What to do? What to do???
I had originally planned on giving $200 on December 16th. So instead, I'm going to give $100 now and still honor my $100 commitment on the 16th.
Ads now from the official Ron Paul campaign, and free publicity on Dec. 16th, just before the primaries and for families to talk about over Christmas. Sounds perfect to me!
And who knows, maybe by the 16th, I'll still be able to give $200 after all.
Ron Paul isn't stressing about any of this - he's just spreading his message of liberty and peace. So let's not stress about it either. Just give however much you can, whenever you can.
To those who think this campaign plea was a bad idea - How would you feel it they kept their mouth shut and Dec 16th comes and it's a HUGE success, but then they announce "sorry the $ from the 16th came in too late to get the big TV ads on air"
So what they are doing is smart - giving everyone a heads up on the reality of the situation.
Any other person running for office would hide the truth and then tell you after the fact - "oh yea sorry, but you are screwed, sorry we forgot to mention that"
Many people have commented on the big slowdown since the 5th, and this is a wake up call.
It seems like the email from the campaign has backfired and I am so sorry to say that. What should have been done was just a call to action or a call to donate to beat Huckabee. There should have been no hint at all that people should shift their money from the 16th to now. I really hope Mr. Bydlak has not just let all the air out of the tea party. In reality I think his email will hurt the final total in the long run. By deflating the 16th you could see the final total decline by 2million. He says that donations a few weeks before the primary are useless? What Ron Paul needs is to rock the political world and the mass media, not send out more and more fliers and cheaply produced radio and tv ads. I am so frustrated that Mr. Bydlak has stepped in. It was such a badge of honor to know that the campaign was standing back and letting the support grow. Sort of a bummer.
sorry killing the tea party will kill Paul's chances. Paul went from and asterisk to 5-6% nationally after November 5th. He went from 1-2 percent in New Hampshire to 8%. In other words it archived more than RP's entire conventional campaign thus far. Killing tea party is madness utter madness weakening it is madness too.
Calm down, everyone!
**NO ONE** from the campaign is saying we need to "kill the Tea Party."
They just said they need some money now, and that's understandable. Running a national campaign has got to cost a fortune... so let's give some now, and a bunch later on.
And take a deep breath, will ya??
:) :)
I agree with what an anonymous poster said above. Saying something like "let's beat Huckabee" would've done the trick. Or having another one of those "let's raise $430K in 3 days" emails would've done wonders without detracting from or deflating Dec. 16.
In the end, I think the idea we should take from this *should* be to donate twice. Donate today or tomorrow, and donate on Dec. 16. Forget about the tone of the now "infamous" Blydak email--he's right. If you look at Dan's top ten worst days--the last 3 days were among the worst of the quarter! How sad would it be to see the each day be worse than the day before it.
That's why I think Dan's graphs are so great. They keep us honest!
I had planned to contribute $500 on Dec. 16 to help create a giant news splash -- again! However I agree completely with the need for more advertising buys now. I've given $400 today and will put in the requested $100 for next month's Tea Party.
I hope tomorrow and Thanksgiving day will continue today's half-day drive and bring in at least $1 million new dollars.
I don't see how this is killing
the Tea Party
If you take the
"We cannot afford to wait for bursts of press activity."
He is not saying that the Tea Party $$$
or the attention it will bring is by any
means bad - what he is saying - in order to get the TV ads in there for late Dec.,
a more steady stream of $ is needed soon
I see nothing wrong with that, and I am sure that those who pledged for the 16th will keep those pledges
Remember if YOU think your $$$ are more effective on the 16th - go ahead and wait - if you believe the campaign about the AD funding - then give something now - or you can do both - nobody is forcing anyone's hand - this is an all volunteer effort
I think the response to the email - looking at the totals has been good
If you really want to get down to it , what is needed is the BASE 300,000 to 500,000 people who will vote for RP (no matter what happens) to shell out $100 - that would produce some real fireworks
with 38,000 donors we've done pretty good so far - but that is only 10% of his actual BASE supporters - so stop wining about "ruining the tea party"
I think most of us agree that the manner in which Mr. Bydlak sent out the email and its wording was done poorly and possibly even a bit offensive. Regardless of him, it is we who are running the show. I have been noticing Huckabee is getting real close to catching ron paul for the day. LETS DONATE A LITTLE NOW TO RUIN THE HUCKABEE DAY AND THEN LETS HOLD STRONG FOR THE 16TH. I dont feel sorry for the campaign to have to scrape by with almost 9million in 7 weeks. Next time you send out an email Mr. Bydlak thinking first.
I meant - try thinking first.
A couple thoughts, for what they are worth.
First, I was planning on dropping $150 on the campaign on Dec. 16 -- so I gave the extra $50 early. The need bucks, I've got some, here ya go.
Second, as to the issue of the professionalism of the campaign...yeah, they do need to step up. One of my favorite newspaper columnists, the New Jersey Star-Ledger's Paul Mulshine, a fan of Ron, talks here:
http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/mulshine/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/11953649863720.xml&coll=1
about how they muffed things at the Philly event, press-wise, and blew their chances for even better coverage.
That said, Mulshine's column is sort of the whole point: if you are going to run a professional campaign, you need to raise money beyond just events. A campaign like Paul's is going to need a steady flow -- he can't just go to Big Industry/Big Labor for millions at a drop.
The "promotional" value of a November 5th or a December 16th is huge, I agree, but there's also something to be said for continuing, solid, growing contributions, especially for attracting even more supporters and donors into the campaign.
I agree with both sides. The email was very poorly worded and almost came out as bitter against the supporters who have pushed Ron Paul into the mainstream with their burst donations. The email should have said nothing about and implied nothing about holding money for a month or about the Tea Party. It should have said "we need money now because of the important ad buys in December" and left it at that. Instead it specifically tries to take wind out of the Dec 16 sails.
Donate now, those ad buys are important, if they say they need it then they need it. The press that will be generated based on a successful Tea Party with be far, far greater than the campaign could afford with earlier steady donations. There is nothing wrong with requesting donations now as you need them, but the "ad buy" on Dec 16 will be much larger and will be free (in the sense that the campaign won't have to pay for it).
We have to do both!
1) We must continue donating to the campaign on a steady basis, personally I would say at least 50,000 / day!
2) We all know the value of money bombs. Nov. 5th was great and I am sure Dec. 16th will be even better.
Unfortunately, despite some recent publicity, Ron Paul is still being largely ignored by the MSM.
We, the people, must rise.
The campaign staff is doing the best they can, opening offices, running ads, organizing rallies.
And we, the grassroots people are doing the best job we can. Organizing meetups, moneybombs, charts, handing out flyers.
We're up against apathy and we must change that. That's why we must rise NOW!! It's not either or. Let's do both!
Alrighty then. I will donate $50 now and still keep my $100 pledge for the Tea Party.
I'll leave my pride aside and just say it: I don't have any money. I am struggling desperately to pay for my son's daycare. But today I donated $10. It is more than I have. Some would say that I'm a fool for giving when I have nothing to give. But I believe that I am looking at the big picture. If I need to work from home to take care of my son, but Ron Paul becomes our president, then my efforts have been worthwhile. This is the one cause for which I will give beyond my means: at the tea party, today, or any other day when the Ron Paul campaign needs me. My son will grow to understand. And his life will be better because of it.
I do agree that the tone of Mr. Blydak's e-mail was a bit terse, but I think it should serve to remind us that we're ALL trying to get Ron Paul elected, and this is NO game. I'm sure Blydak is under a lot of pressure, and I have no doubt he's doing his best, just as we all are.
This is a very serious effort, and to me, Blydak sounded like he needed to get a point across, and fast, and he didn't have time to make a "pretty-please with sugar on top" kind of e-mail. Why else would he send it out in the middle of the day like that? This wasn't timed, this wasn't a strategically crafted and distributed e-mail. It was one man looking at the numbers and saying to himself, "Crap, we need more money, and NOW," and then he hammered out an e-mail.
It's great fun and very inspirational to be part of the effort to get Paul into office, but let us not forget the urgency and seriousness of the effort.
If they say they need money now, give them whatever you can. Do not take personal any lack of PR finesse on the part of the campaign. We The People are all on the same team here.
I love the spirit of the grassroots effort. I love our strength; but let us not be divided from within. We want a new leader in this country, a real leader. Ron Paul's presidency will not be one where the government "handles" as much as we're used to. That means times will be tougher, and more will be up to us. I have seen, and been inspired by, the uprising of some hearty American spirit since this campaign began. Get a thick skin, put on your helmets, and let's get this job done! The new leader will not be Ron Paul my friends, it will be WE THE PEOPLE. This is OUR country, not just the President's!
Reading the comments over this issue are inspiring. This is actually a forum where I am eager to learn and to weigh both sides of the argument. What I like to see is that Ron Paul supporters are torn between wanting to help now and feeling a bit deflated and holding out for the big bomb on the 16th. It shows we still have our minds and we have not fallen asleep at the wheel. We are like one big family. I am finally starting to calm down after my initial frustration with the Bydlak email and am replacing the frustration with a feeling of unity and strength. These comments that we write really do shape opinions and drive the campaing. It is obvious to all who read these comments just how much respect we have for Dr. Paul. I have posted some earlier comments which may come off as harsh against Mr. Bydlak. I know we are both fighting for the same thing, its just that I think there could have been much better ways for him to ask for money. Contests and humor work wonders. It is obvious that he has made a mistake and probably has not consulted with Dr. Paul. Look, the campaign is not perfect, to be honest, their ads suck. The message is just so great that it shines through all of the faults. I just hate to see a total ass like Romney get so far off of no message and great packaging. Or Julie-Annie turning his disastrous handling of 9/11 and its coverup into his ticket to the nomination. If the campaign is reading this then they need to understand that they have an untapped resource in the Ron Paul base. And its not just money. We are here to march, to create tv ads, to create radio ads and newspaper ads. We need more contests and big ideas. The Dec 16 money bomb should have been treated as sacred and hardly mentioned by the campaign. Dr. Paul handled the Nov. 5th money bomb perfectly by mentioning it just a little and then stepping back. He was doing the same with this one until this last disaster by Mr. Bydlak. See, for us, its like giving a surprise present to Dr. Paul. We get excited to shock the campaign and the rest of the world. We would prefer that you do nothing else than prepare for the donations and step out of the way. Anway, and this is really important- IF YOU WANT US TO DONATE EARLY SO THAT YOU CAN CREATE PUBLICITY AND ADS WITH THE MONEY- THEN YOU HAVE TO MAKE ADS THAT ARENT TERRIBLE. I think we are all deep down thinking that we would rather create the ads and the media attention rather than let the campaign waste another million dollars in NH with a bunch of lame actors. I could make a better ad with 2 hours of free time and a couple beers. What I meant to say in all this is that we are a family and we all care deeply about this cause. Still, I wish this email thing had never happened. Peace
Ultimately, it shaped up to be the third best day of the quarter. This needs to continue tomorrow: Today was Huckabee's ripoff moneybomb, tomorrow is Thompson's.
I did it, I donated $25 and I will again early next week after the bills go out. I'll have to see about the first week of December.
I pledged for the Tea Party and I'm keeping that commitment.
Every individual needs to make their own decision about when they are going to make their donations to Ron Paul. There is no best decision. All the money up front would be far worse than a gradual increase in donations as time goes on. If the almost $9 million donated so far in Q4 had been donated in Q3 and none of it in Q4, Q3 would have looked very good with $14 million and the campaign would have set a goal of $20 to $30 million for Q4 and the campaign would fall way short and it would be looking terrible with zero dollars donated so far in Q4. The media would be justified in saying that Ron Paul has fizzled out and he would lose support as a lost cause.
The campaign set a very ambitious goal of $12 million (almost $1 million per week) for Q4 and the supporters have come through ahead of schedule. An in the worse case scenario will still be on schedule on the day before the December 16 money bomb. Therefore, the campaign has no reason to be dissatisfied with how and when people have been donating.
Those that wish to give earlier should. Those that wish to donate some now and also for the Tea Party money bomb should, and those that wish to wait until December 16 should. That will provide for funds now and hopefully a huge money bomb for December 16.
Obviously, winning in NH would be more important than a huge Tea Party money bomb. However, it is not an either or. If all the money that is going to be donated on December 16 was donated today, that would not guarantee that Ron Paul would win NH. Also, waiting until December 16 to donate will not prevent Ron Paul from winning in NH.
Yep, the big days are great.
Sad thing is, if you guys that want to hold onto your money get your big day on the 16th, but prove Bydlak right on the timing, what will the huge media chatter have been worth?
Probably about the same as the FRN's you are hoarding to send to Ron for the tea party....NOTHING.
What a waste that would turn out to be.
I understand the desire to make a big splash, and Nov. 5th was megathrashinawesome, but if they say they need the money now, I'm guessing they're not BS'ing.
While the inexperience of the staff at running a large campaign does, at times, shines through, I would dare say that Dr. Paul's campaign staff probably has more experience running a presidential campaign than all the Nov. 5th donors combined.
What needs to be remembered is that it is not about us making a media splash, it is not about us making a statement, it is not about us at all, at least not yet.
It is about getting Dr. No elected as PotUS. Once that happens, it will be about us again, about "We The People", as originally intended by the founders.
You can hold onto your money until the Tea Party if you want, I'm just afraid that, if that happens, it could be one of the greatest missed opportunities in history.
Opportunity only knocks once. Are we going to answer the door?
Here's the middle ground:
Everyone give $25/week for four weeks until December 15/16. Then, when those days hit, give $100 more. If we get 37,000 donors to give $100 more between now and December 16, then the campaign will have hit its goal for the quarter of $12 million by then... and we can STILL have a record-breaking day.
Fair enough? ;)
Trying to infer the intentions of others can often be a fools errand, but I'm going to try. I think Mr. Bydlak may have been checking out RonPaulGraphs.com and was concerned about what he saw on the "Total Raised Today Paul vs. Huckabee" graph.
I could be wrong (and this now applies to yesterday so I can't check) but I think at one point today the Paul line was below the Huckabee line. Mr. Bydlak had the ability to do something about that, and did it.
I agree with Mr. Bydlak. It's important to always be donating money to the campaign. I would also like to remind all you activists out there with dvd burners that THE TIME IS NOW to be mass producing Ron Paul dvds & giving them out to everyone you know, strangers, family, loved ones, everyone! Let's not forget the grassroots efforts as well. That's why I called my hardcore Ron Paul buddy Rick in NH, he came down in his Ron Paul van (seriously, he has 2 4x6 feet Ron Paul signs on both sides of his van& burned him 800 Ron Paul dvds with 'Freedom to Fascism' on the backside for him to give to NH voters. He reports massive Ron Paul support in NH, lets keep it up guys! I have been giving Dr Paul $20 a week, but intend on jumping on the tea party free for all for sure! Keep it up guys!
I was going to donate 300$ on the 16th. Instead, I donated 200$ now, and will donate the other 100$ on the 16th.
Keep TeaPart07.com going, especially since it's going to be in USA today tomorrow!!!!!!!!!
If the Campaign says it needs money now, then we should participate. With RP's integrity on the line, they would never ask if they did not think it was critical IMHO. I found at nearer date that is worth a "mini-money bomb" of sorts. It is in 1782 when Britain signs agreement that recognized US independence. Call it "Realization Day" or something, but we need a sooner date to rally around then 12/16. No worries, 12/16 will be historical. But I know the movement can help considerably before that!!
I don't know if anyone said it already, but time is of the essence to spread the message. If Ron Paul's message is good, it will draw many new supporters to the campaign. One dollar by a donor now will be replaced by more than one dollar from new donors by Dec. 16th. Call it compounded growth if you will. It has worked for the campaign so far, and the sooner capital is invested, the more it keeps growing. I already donated the maximum amount, but I for sure will walk precincts next week. Every new eyeball can become a new donor. Some of my friends didn't like Ron Paul until they heard of him from a second source. It needs a couple of times to understand this brilliant and honest man.
I'm going to do as much money before hand as I can, plus the 100 on Dec 16th. Today was huge.
There seem to be two dominant views so far:
*View 1. The 20 Nov. call to action by the RP campaign cuts into the
funding that would go towards teaparty on 16 Dec. We need to hold until Teaparty.
Pros:
-Teaparty promises to be a phenomenal event that will draw more MSM and voter attention to RP.
-RP will have a sudden, and substantially greater amount of cash than other candidates for primaries.
Cons:
-Donation rate continues to decline, stemming lethargy in supporters and loss of excitement/momentum.
-RP campaign spends significantly less ($1-2 million) on early
campaigns than they would if they had the money earlier.
*View 2. The other camp believes that holding off completely until
Teaparty hurts the campaign's more immediate needs; Spend some of the
Teaparty money now.
Pros:
-RP can draw the money as early as possible for Iowa and New Hampshire
-A steadier stream of money provides some more accurate idea of what the campaign can reasonably spend and expect to receive through the end of the year.
-Steady income is credibility.
Consequence:
-Press attention and the news boost that would come with the Teaparty
will be deflated whether linearly or exponentially proportional to the amount directly drawn away for much sooner donations.
-People take back their Teaparty pledges.
-The campaign will lose money from people who normally are "momentum
donaters" on and following moneybomb days.
***I don't agree with either one of these***
*Why I think that we need to continue to give regulary up until
Teaparty (mini-bombs, etc.): Prior to today, average daily hauls had fallen to below 50k, a direct
drop-off as people held off until Teaparty. While the amount we have
raised so far, especially on 5 Nov. give the campaign a nice warchest,
it also sets a precedent for what they can expect to spend. RP can only spend the money he has, but the campaign also needs the confidence that they can maintain this rate of expenditure even before Teaparty. Flatlining your income stream, and stairstepping after a huge boost (like 5 Nov) is unsettling and makes one hesitant to spend it at all. This is the kind of psychological thing that causes "shakeouts" and panicky selling of stocks despite strong company financials.
*****************Why I think that the call to action by the campaign actually helps - not hurts - the Teaparty******************
-It stirs the fervor of RP supporters. Now, everybody wants to put that much more effort into making Teaparty a success. With a whole month to go, this is exactly the kick-in-the-butt we need to ensure growth, build excitement, and prevent lethargy come the date.
-This is a case of "pay yourself first"...in general those who already planned to contribute to Teaparty will still do so, and in the same amount. However, hearing the urgency to answer the campaign's immediate needs, they will also put in what else they can scrape up now and over the next few weeks. It is NOT a case of taking from Teaparty to pay for Now; People will now simply donate extra money they would have spent elsewhere - on beer, eggnog - in order to tide RP over until Teaparty.
-For those who may feel "guilt" for donating early, they will likely
look for ways to make up that amount in order to meet Teaparty
pledges.
-Understand that those who will "panic" and dump all their tea in have already done so; whatever early shakeout is to come because of the RP campaign plea has already happened.
-Understand that whatever extra money comes in the near future and
over Thanksgiving holiday in response to the campaign's plea is money that probably would have never gone to Teaparty in the first place.
My prediction: The recent activity will relight the donation stream.
Expect another $1 million over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (instead of the measly 250k had the campaign stayed silent). Expect
another 1 million in the two weeks following the holiday - assuming
another grassroots campaign to donate, such as a mini-bomb, campaign plea. The rate will again cool off in the two weeks leading up to Teaparty (no more than 400k total those last days). RP will thus have a nice $11 million by Teaparty - probably would have been only barely over 9-9.5 million if everyone "held". We will probably have close to 30 thousand pledges for Teaparty plus another 40 thousand who do donate but don't pledge; probably about $7-8 million. Anybody who felt compelled to donate a little earlier than 16 Dec. will likely scrape up that amount in the month remaining (no loss). Any "holders" who are worried about some people deflating Teaparty early, will look for the means to scrape up the extra 25-50 bucks to "cover" others (actual gain).
The simple fact is that the majority of a candidate's ability to reach voters is going to come not from commercials or radio ads, but from MSM coverage. It sucks, yeah, but there it is. The amount of airtime even Hillary Clinton can buy isn't worth squat compared to the value of having a well-polished image appearing every single day in the media. She's getting her message across, and for the most part it doesn't cost her a penny to do it.
The way I see it, even Huckabee can do well now that he's got a little serious attention from the MSM, and this despite the fact that he can't buy a lick of airtime in any of the major markets. November 5th proved that there was a fascinating story about Ron Paul and the media latched onto it. Thanks to the coverage and not the airtime it bought, there's a lot more people who know who he is.
What we need, even more than commercials, is a story for the media to pick up. Teaparty07 is a story, but it's a ways in coming. I think a great story right now would be for Paul to demand a hearing on why the Liberty Mint was raided. Bring the issue into focus and take the opportunity to air his views about basing our currency on tangible assets. The media might like that.
There are plenty of Republicans who aren't interested in hearing about the anti-war candidate right now when the war seems to be going well. But I think if they knew how their paycheck was rapidly shrinking, they might just start demanding something be done to stop it.
Anyway, if the Ron Paul campaign can't figure out how to crack the nightly news in a meaningful way and on a regular basis, he's toast. He could raise 100 million and he still wouldn't be able to win. Commercials and radio ads can help draw the focus of the media if they're presented right, but on their own they're not worth jack.
Well all I had to hear was that TP07 was hurting the campaign right now. That's enough for me. This isn't about who can pull of the greatest, most amazing event (although they are awesome. This is about getting the most important Presidential candidate in 100 years in office.
I declare Pay Days are Paul Days from here on out. We are now at "FIRE AT WILL" status!!
-Hx
Greetings Citizens!
Curiously, electoral campaigns are inherently undemocratic and nontransparent, otherwise all of the opponents would be made aware of the campaign strategy.
Keeping media and organizational strategy related information confidential demonstrates that the headquarters staff are behaving professionally.
Mr. Bydlak and the entire staff are to be congratulated. They are probably completely exhausted, and need all of our support right now, as does Dr. Ron Paul and his wife, who are tireless campaigners.
The Tea Party donation concept is only positive if it is useful to the campaign. The one-day donation in mid-December is no-longer what is needed.
I write that as one of the early pledges to the December 16th Tea Party, and as a donor to November 5th.
The Ron Paul 2008 campaign has called for fresh campaign fuel. We have no time to debate, and it isn't our call to make.
Let's adapt, improvise, and overcome. We must respond.
The Tea Party is an inspiration and it is already widely advertised. Let's resolve this so the solution is Win-Win.
Why not make the next 21 days, "All Tea Party, All the Time!" until December 16th.
People can still pledge to the Tea Party, but make one simple change: it's a pledge of a donation of $100 between right now, and December 16th. That's all.
The campaign fundraising goal for the 4Q is $12 million. We're already close, within $3 million. Why don't we try and hit that $12 million goal by December 16th, donating every day between now and then, achieving our 4Q goal two-weeks early on the day of the Tea Party?
We need an average of $1 million dollars per week, for three weeks to meet that target. The campaign could probably use $2 million ASAP, and $1 million the following week or so.
Suggestion: Make the Tea Party date a deadline for a cumulative fundraiser that is front-loaded as much as possible.
If we raise millions - that's news.
If we raise a total of $12 million for the 4Q by Dec. 16th - that's news too.
If we win New Hampshire, that's history!
Everything after hitting our 4Q goal is pure gravy. We will have surpassed our own high fundraising hurdles, and we will have exceeded all expectations by doing what has never been done before.
Two, or three candidates may drop out of the race during December, and many of their votes and activists will come our way, pushing Dr. Paul into double-digits come the primaries and caucuses.
Peace, Freedom, and Prosperity!
Steve. Santa Rosa, CA.
I dropped $100 and will drop $200 on Dec 16th. No worries. I'll just sell my body.... :)
I can't believe they are downplaying December 16th. They should know that without it, they will not make nearly as much overall. We should send a mini-contribution if we are able, but not if it is going to decrease our Dec. 16th donation. I sent $25 and am still going to send $150, as originally planned, on the 16th.
Whoever the campaign manager is should be fired. There was a much better way to handle this other than attacking OUR day of participation. A simple open letter to supporters would have gotten him way more "now" donations than threatening TeaParty07 did. Not only did that email kill a LOT of enthusiasm for that day, it also exposed the RP campaign as being "involved" in the fundraising. We cannot keep making these sophmoric mistakes with a rabid media watching us like hawks.
Come on people.
Please focus negative attention elsewhere. RP's fundraising director's job is to raise funds, and it helped us yesterday and today and probably for the rest of the week. If you don't have the money, don't give any. Ron Paul would agree with this.
Please do not give money, and then pout about it. Donate when you are capable and be proud of yourself and Ron Paul and everything thats been accomplished.
Reserve the pouting for the rest of the politicians, and the military industrial complex, and the media, and the wall st banks, and etc and etc.
As I said before , this wining about
"ruining the 16th" - come on people, get
real - the campaign was telling everyone "the more money sooner, the better, rather than later" and not just saying that but explaining WHY that is the case.
Calls for anyone to be fired because they were upfront and honest is ridiculous.
Hopefully the result will be people donating sooner rather than waiting and
in the end it could result in the numbers for the 16th being lower, which is possible , so what? If the RP campaign benefits from this outcome, what is there to cry about?
What everyone here should be thinking is how to get MORE donors for the present and for the 16th. Mind you 38,000 donors in one day is great , but did that not fall short of the hoped 100,000 on the 5th?
Believe me if there were 100,000 people signed up at this point and this email that was sent out by the campaign , it be a cinch to get 100,000 to chip in $10
to get 1m (or more) just like that.
So we need to stop worrying about
how much less $ might come in on a given
day in the future and concentrate on getting more donors who are willing to
give now and in the future.
I am 56 years old and this is the first time I have left a comment on any internet Blog. I believe the supporters on the internet are great, but we need support from old cronies like me. Most of my friends only use the internet to research purchases or email their kids or friends. They don't even know what a Blog is or how to get on one. I believe The Paul Campaign needs money to reach the electorate who does not get it's news fron the internet. At some point you begin preaching to the choir. The internet may have reached that point and we need the others out there who love the constitution and Dr. Pauls message to hear it and that will mean using money in a traditional campaign way. It was easy to spread the maessage on the internet because you could use your energy to repeat his message enough times for people to understand. It takes money to do that thru the normal media especially since they want to ignore him. We need to push Dr. Pauls message until they cannot ignore the voice of the people.
Damn the torpedoes... Full Speed Ahead....
Donate what you can today and anytime possible. Including Teaparty07. People are watching TV and Listening to Radio. Most of them don't check youtube for the latest 23 second news comment posted. But the masses are watching Commercials on TV.
Thanksgiving Day is a perfect day to donate to the campaign. Aren't we all thankful to have a genuine man of integrity, a straight talking honest man who truly believes in liberty? We are blessed to have this opportunity to help Dr Paul win the presidency
but first we must get him on the ballot. If you have invested money in him before protect that investment by donating now when he needs it.
Don't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
During the first three weeks of October and before most people heard of November 5, the largest week was just under $700k. Donations did drop for the two weeks prior to November 5.
However, even if donations for the last eight weeks had average $700, the campaign would now only have about $6 million. Therefore, November brought in an extra $3 million.
Thanks to November 5 donations are already ahead of schedule to raise $12 million so it is not like the campaign is suffering from lack of funds.
Killing December 16 to raise an extra million now will cost the campaign $3 million. That is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.
I have already donated $1,700. That is $400 more than I would have donated without November 5. I am saving $500 for Dec 16 and my last $100 for the last week of December.
Don't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
During the first three weeks of October and before most people heard of November 5, the largest week was just under $700k. Donations did drop for the two weeks prior to November 5.
However, even if donations for the last eight weeks had average $700, the campaign would now only have about $6 million. Therefore, November brought in an extra $3 million.
Thanks to November 5 donations are already ahead of schedule to raise $12 million so it is not like the campaign is suffering from lack of funds.
Killing December 16 to raise an extra million now will cost the campaign $3 million. That is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.
I have already donated $1,700. That is $400 more than I would have donated without November 5. I am saving $500 for Dec 16 and my last $100 for the last week of December.
Hey - another idea, something I've been doing:
Every time I encounter a "hit" piece on Ron Paul I donate more money to his campaign. It needs to be a smear attempt or a complete misrepresentation of what Ron Paul is about.
But here's the best part: I TELL the author or TV commentator that the hit piece is the reason for my donation, and that the money will be given in his honor. Then I thank him for his "support."
Comments threads: I'm thinking about donating a dollar every time some malicious or uninformed commenter says something untrue about Paul. I'll take the time to thank them, too.
What if 50,000 people did this?
Eventually once they saw the spike in donations they'd realize their smear attempts only backfire. Then maybe they'd just STFU.
For all those who are negative
about the email from the campaign, here's
a bit of news for you.
The Fundraising Director's job is more
or less to say "Gimme (please)"
He did that quite clearly.
We need a NEW 38,000 donors for the 16th,
coupled with those who gave before.
This will make a million $ a week a snap
I remember the days I use to live paycheck to paycheck and donating even $50 dollars would have meant something else was not paid. But that was a few years ago and some of us remember those days but now have more then enough cash. I maxed out my contribution early this spring.
So I appeal to those who have a degree of humble wealth status or extra cash. Of course the form says the money can't come from another source but it's not very defined so if another source earns the cash it's another matter. I have given odd jobs to people from our meet up group and they themselves determine if they donate the cash they earn. To my amazement during the following "meet-up" over 70% donated at the end of our meeting using someone's laptop. That was just over $5K..... Remember I can't influence if they donate or not so I simply said if they wanted to earn some extra cash they could keep it or donate it. Most They donate the cash others are glade to have some extra cash. Either way I'm glade to help.
So if your in a cash position start paying meet-up member who are not even close to maximizing a personal donation and give them odd jobs. I know this sounds silly but I paid $100 to wash my car, $100 to do my grocery shopping, $200 to pick out carpet and tile for a rental unit. Over ten of the 27 people I paid monies too told me without me asking they had donated all of the funds they earned from me. I know this to be true becuase at the end of each meet up meeting we all donate to ron paul 2008....
The point is our group has just over 300 who attend but about 240 who are actually on meet-up. It's our tradition to donate and nearly everyone does donate some amount and we make a big deal about it. They print the confirmation form showing the amount of the receipt and we have a guy who plays the trumpet who blows his horn after it's printed. It's very funny to see our group at times. We hve doctors, lawyers, single mothers, students, business owners and a few red necks who are proud to be called rednecks. After all donations are done he plays "Charge." To add I have meet some amazing people in our meet-up whom I now call close friends. One of our members is a former general who was in the first Gulf War and from his perspetive we have learned a great deal about the Bush crime family. Personally I have always been a GOP member and Ron is the only hope our nation has. Mitt, Rudy, Mike will all sign us into the NAU, create larger debt if they were elected. But to be honest with you I dont' see any of the GOP beating Hillary other then Ron Paul.
The bottom line is it's time to get aggresive on every level. Including setting a goal to talk to 4-5 stragers a day about Ron Paul. You know people you run into who just bought gas, etc.
You also need to start attending local gop functions as I have and start helping to move hard core gop members towards Rons unique and result's driven policies.
Become creative with every wall we face in life and watch the wall disappear.
Ron Paul 2008!
Regardless of our personal views on the tea party and/or Bydlak's emails, we really, really need to bond together with our common cause: get Ron Paul elected.
We face an uphill battle with the MSM. Fox News reports on Huckabee and says he is support has "soared" and that RP has "not yet caught fire in the polls the way Huckabee has".
Of course the MSM will bless Huckabee; he isn't a real threat to their agenda. My opinion is that they keep minimizing RP's impact because they know that the more people that actually hear about his beliefs will be convinced that he is the leader we need.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312366,00.html
#uckabee is a carbon copy of the others.
Who cares what Fox says, ignore them.
Life imitating art?
Anyone remember Pulp Fiction?
"Vincent: I don't mean any disrespect, I just don't like people barking orders at me.
The Wolf: If I'm curt with you it's because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast and I need you guys to act fast if you wanna get out of this. So, pretty please... with sugar on top. Clean the (-------) car!"
I for one will keep focused on our goal...anyone else? -Nate
Hey, I'm all for people donating earlier. No problem. But the campaign could also do something else: take out a loan.
Bottom line: the campaign of course has to make this pitch. That's their job. They need to rev the engine as high as it can be revved because this is a huge sprint given how quickly all the primaries are stacked on each other.
Some can respond and that's great! Others will wait on the Teaparty as planned. My advice to Trevor is to not change a thing. Changing the date would probably lead to fracture and less donations. Just let that effort continue as planned and let others take up the call to try and do something now.
But the campaign could take out a loan if they wanted to. I mean, I think they can safely count on 2 million coming in on Dec 16th.
PSSSSSSST! Always consider the source (I'm no one from no where), but a blogger with "connections" to the intel communities in this and several other countries says the polls cited in the MSM are definitely rigged, no question about it. Early in the campaign "front runner" Giuliani was at 2%. Ron Paul was higher (I'm sorry I forget by how much; I only remember being impressed because obviously the media blackout wasn't working), but he was in the running with Huckabee and that other guy whose name I don't care to remember.
I wonder if there are other groups doing their best to ensure this kind of rigging doesn't happen during the primaries? And God forbid, the election?
My name is Rusty and I'm a Ron Paul supporter.
Every time the Paul campaign has asked for money, or suggested a donation was needed, I have contributed a goodly amount. This is no different - the campaign needs money NOW for whatever reason, and that's good enough for me. They are asking, and I am giving. Plain and simple.
I regard the Tea Party as something separate. I gave a double donation on the 5th of November and I will do a repeat on the 16th of December. I don't blame the organizers of the Tea Party any more than I blame the Paul campaign. Both are asking for committments and contributions in the name of getting Ron Paul elected. They're both worthy efforts. If someone has committed to $100 on the 16th, how many truly cannot afford to chip in another $25 or more TODAY just because the Paul campaign has asked? I have no objections.
Give what you can, when you can. The Tea Party is a worthy effort but if the Paul campaign needs money now then give NOW and then do what you can on the 16th as well. It'll be ok, it'll work out everybody.
I answered the call today but saved a little for 12/16 and then I will be maxed out.
Nell in San Francisco
Right! When you consider that the 16th is well over 3 weeks away, getting the $$$
now is a lot more useful than having the
campaign wait until the 16th where the $$$ will be GREAT , but in many cases too late to place ads.
So if another 1 or 2 million can be rasied before the 16th - so much the better.
Something like 75-100k a day IS easily doable in the next 2 weeks.
The party asked for 12 million by the end of the quarter. If they wanted 12 million by the end of November, then perhaps the money-bomb would have been scheduled for Thanksgiving. The tea party is not an official part of the campaign, so the campaign has no right, actually to ask the tea party contributors to do anything. There are some who want to participate in the tea party, and some who don't. Being anti-authoritarian by nature, I take offense to being ordered to do anything. I will donate to the 3rd quarter goal, as I have already planned to do on the 16th. The campaign will have to make the best of it, just as I have to with my personal budget.
I think everybody here is a Ron Paul supporter, so I think an "outside" view it would help.
I'm from Romania, so I'll not vote or donate money, but I'm interested in this campaign.
This is for Dan : please reconsider the text "Winning NH is worth 100 Tea Parties" from the first page - it sounds strange to me and maybe to other people. Like the Tea Party is a game for kids or something. Isn't the Boston Tea Party Moneybomb related to an event that makes the NH people especially proud ?
Now about the money. It seems to me that a lot of people think that more TV and radio ads will make a big impact on the primaries. I don't know what you think about that in America, but in Romania we don't give a damn about political advertising. I think that for the ordinary people who don't know about Ron Paul, he looks like any other politician.
Do you really think that if the official campaign will have 10 mil. $ more tomorrow, Ron Paul will win in NH ? He will be just another competitor in the money race, where he will play the game with the big boys like Romney or Giuliani by there rules. And those boys have professional staff, not like Ron Paul's campaign.
I honestly believe Ron Paul and his staff can't do more then they have already done to succeed in this campaign. They have just to "walk the line".
The success depends on the ability of the grassroot campaign to create moments like the Nov. 5th and Dec 16th Moneybombs, like the USA Today advertising etc. This is the kind of stuff that will make people think : "Hey, this is something ! Maybe this guy is not like all the rest ?"
Remember the 5th of Nov. moneybomb. Where was he before that ? In the national polls, he was at 1-2%, with Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter. Together, they were the usual pack of loosers of every campaign. After Nov 5th., he is now at 5% - and it is all because of the deep impact of that event and not of some ads in Iowa and NH. Why do you think that Huckabee and Thompson are tring to copy this ? I even heard of a BarackOBomb day proposal !
It's good to have those ads, but don't expect wonders from them. If he will win in NH and elsewhere, it will be because of these succesfull events created by YOU THE PEOPLE.
The comments by the Romanian are right on. The campaign and specifically Mr. Bydlak have made a minumental error in interfering with Dec 16th in any way. The ads so far from the campaign are horrible and make Paul look like every one else. They do not create enthusiasm but instead are nothing more than high priced lawn signs. What the campaign needs are MOMENTS, events that will captivate the imagination and make people want to be a part of this movement. What a giant mistake by Bydlak. Lets all just forget he even exists and lets instead double our efforts for the Tea Party. I know we all want to be kind to campaign staff and say that at least they are trying their best. They have failed in producing great and influential ads. So lets shock the world again with the 16th money bomb. Move out of the way Bydlak.
Hi, like the Romanian I can't donate money, or vote, I hail from New Zealand and have been observing Ron Paul's rise with much amazement... A leader like Ron Paul is exactly what the USA needs right now, the effect this will have on the rest of the world (including little New Zealand) would be very positive.
I don't know about you, but i switch off when TV ads come on, mute it, change channels and generally am cynical about any politician I see. I think moments like the Nov5 Money bomb really do set Paul apart from the rest of the candidates (apart from the distinction of his message).
If you do not have money to donate, don't underestimate the power of your own efforts, Ron Paul radio is great.
Home made posters in your town, mail drops into letter boxes, going door to door, the trick is to saturate the mindspace outside of cyberspace.
How can you most effectively reach those who are asleep, or without the internet, creating controversy, and getting RP spots on talkback shows is priceless!
I think the biggest problem in politics these days is the illusion maintained that there is a right or left, democrat/republican, how many people are not even looking at RP, just because they think "Oh no! we can't have another republican in office!", just like in my country, the main parties are two sides of the same establishment coin.
Looking at Paul's voting record, and his message, and the transparency in his campaign, if I were eligible he would definitely get my vote, and donations.
Obviously if they need money now, they need money NOW and it might be a wise idea to heed their plea. Most important is raising the awareness of RP as much as possible, this in turn will generate more donations as people see it for the noble cause that it is.
On the other hand it is the moments like Nov5 which get RP on TV and force mainstream media to comment on him. FAR MORE EFFECTIVE THAN AN AD THAT WILL GET *MUTED* by people armed with a remote control.
Okay... I am a little surprised at myself for commenting on political life not even in my country, but seldom do I hear a man speaking honestly and involved in shaping world politics, I feel compelled to speak up.
GO RON PAUL.
- Kiwi Observer.
I just donated twice what I donated on 11/5. And that won't change my donation amount on 12/16. Not that I'm an endless source of money, but it's worth it to scrimp elsewhere.
This is the best Christmas present we could possibly buy all of America. What good will an xbox be in a tyrannical state?
Also, I sent an e-mail to Trevor Lyman (the guy arranging 12/16) asking him if he could send this message out to all the people who have pledged and put a note on his website as well. I hope he does it.
I'am addressing the Kiwi Observer.
and feel it's interesting that I also
posted a comment in the English media
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/) which is similar to theirs. Ron Paul could have a positive effect on the entire world and could use the efforts of those outside the USA. Thanks for your interest.
Doesn't the campaign home page say, "$12MM by December 31?
Instead of plastering that for all to see, day after day, maybe it should have been thought about???
They'll probably exceed that amount... so what's the problem?
Here's Trevor Lyman's response to the request: http://teaparty07.wordpress.com/2007/11/21/moments-of-crisis-carry-seeds-of-opportunity/
And here's a website for the "mini-bomb" http://www.rudysreadinglist.com/
I personally don't want to do anything to hurt either the TeaParty or the immediate needs of the campaign, and am fortunately in a position to do both.
Ultimately, you just have to strike a balance between what you can give, when you can give it and the impact that the Tea Party will have.
Happy Thanksgiving America!
Give now or give Dec 16th, or both, just give and keep helping spread the RP message, we are in this toghether. We need to increase our numbers and to stay focussed in reaching our goals. The enemies are many and powerful.
Hi AmyB and Emiliano, Thanks for your comments. I think it's not straight thinking to say to people on the home page "By Dec. 31." Then you're asking to give NOW NOW NOW? I have given a lot, and will give more. I wrote to Bylack, and he never answered... I wrote him about my concerns about the bombs and how it would positively or negatively affect the campaign image but never got an answer -- so I assumed this was not of importance -- but now all of a sudden it is? It's not fair to people who have to budget. It simply isn't. I've given over $1,000, but have 20000 in student loans, and then $40,000 in credit card bills. So I really get annoyed with the contradictions. Thanks.
The problem I have with Bydlak's argument is that we have little visibility into how the campaign's spending the money.
So far, the main things I've seen out of the campaign are a few lame TV and radio ads. How effective are these ads? How do we know we're getting a good bang for our buck?
Whereas the November 5 money bomb generated national exposure, prime time segments on major news programs on CNN, ABC, etc, plus articles in the New York Times, Washington Post, etc. I believe that this press was far more important in boosting Paul in the polls than the campaign ads I've seen so far.
Yes, winning New Hampshire is worth a 100 November 5ths.
But it does not follow that dissipating the December 16th money bomb by giving the campaign money early is the best strategy. I'm certainly not convinced by what Bydlak has said so far, and I'm irritated that he poo poos the November 5th effort.
I gave for the 8th time yesterday. By the 16th it will probably be the 10th. So, please give what you can when you can.
As they say "Give 'till it hurts", well the only paper I may have to wrap presents with this year may be Ron Paul slim jims..
Hoo Ha,
breaze
Bydlak said, “Winning NH is worth 100 Tea Parties or November 5ths.”
That is a false statement. Winning NH would be huge. However, it is not worth over $400 million. Winning in NH and not having the money to continue would not get Ron Paul the nomination. However, $400 million dollars would buy 50 national info commercials and daily TV ads in every market. I’ll take the $400 million dollars; thank you very much.
The campaign set a goal of $12 million ($4 million) and before most of us heard of the 5th of November it did not appear that the goal would be reached until November 5. In any event, we have already raised almost $9 million for this quarter. Not only is that ahead of schedule, it is more than the Campaign will spend prior to December 16. Therefore, giving money now is not going to have much or any effect on whether or not Ron Paul wins NH.
Money bombs raise extra money and the 5th of November gave Ron Paul a lot of need publicity. The extra money and the additional publicity is far more important than raising some of the money a couple of weeks earlier. There is no best decision on when and how to donate and certainly Bydlak has not convinced me that he knows best. Each persons needs to do whatever than think best. As for me, I have already donated $1,700, and I’m saving the balance until the Tea Party.
Bydlak said, “Winning NH is worth 100 Tea Parties or November 5ths.”
he didn't say that. I did. I stand by it. Winning NH would be the surprise of the century for the GOP.
the Huge truth is that we must give TODAY ALL WE CAN. PEOPLE WHO HEAR ABOUT A BIG DAY IS A REAL BOOSTER , BUT HEARING GOOD STUFF IS A LESSON TO LATE FOR THE LEARNING. THE PEOPLE MUST KNOW ON A STEADY REGULAR BASIS THAT RON PAUL DOES EXIST SOMEWHERE BESIDES THE INTERNET . A LOT OF HIS POTENTIAL SUPPORTERS IN THE BOOTH WILL COME FROM HEARING THE TRUTH IN THE MEDIA ADDS. AND THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GO AHEAD IS ABSOLUTLY WITHOUT RESERVATION THE MOST IMPORTANT TURNING POINT FOR RON PAULS SUCCESS AND OURS AS WELL. GIVE TODAY AND GET THE WORD OUT . BUST INTO THE NOMINATION IN COLORFULL ARRAY BECAUSE WE MEAN BUSINESS ABOUT OUR FREEDOM AND WHY WE SUPPORT RON PAUL WHO IS THE FIRST TO STEP UP IN THE FACE OF PEOPLE AND OFFER TRUTHFULL LEADERSHIP IN A WAY THAT ANY AMERICAN CAN UNDERSTAND. STOP JUST A SECOND AND GIVE NOW! PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
I understand the urgency we are in, and the great need to donate now, so that Ron Paul can have the best chance possible to win NH an Iowa, but I'm a little frustrated over the confusion.
Everywhere on Youtube supporters are saying donate Dec.16 or donate as soon as possible, today even. Few are saying to do both. I think this would all clear up, at least on Youtube if Paul's financial chief for his campaign or even Ron Paul himself, made a podcast on Youtube explaining the situation and giving supporters clarity on it, suggestions of what to do. If it’s even a minute or two video, and Paul's campaign asks to have it spread on Youtube, it could make all the difference in the world. Thanks.
Jonathan Bydlak is very wrong to say anything against the Tea Party. The Tea Party is not hurting us right now. He's just plain WRONG. He should be fired.
Without November 5th he would have far less money than he now has. Without the Tea party there will simply be far less money in the coffers. Money needed for the future of the campaign. This should be obvious to everyone.
Money is needed in the short term. Ask for it. Do NOT say anything against the Tea Party Jonathan.
Yes, I also agree that Byd-lack should be fired. He only states the obvious, and he is a lame speaker. What has he analyzed that the rest of us have NOT? NOT much... I presented the current problems many weeks ago and no answer... so much for "thinking..."
Divided we will fall.
It seems as though we are getting there fast.
Here are the facts:
1: We need money NOW.
2: we need money LATER.
Here are your options;
1: DONATE for your FREEDOM now and later..
or
2: FIGHT for your FREEDOM later.
Option 2 is going to require much more than a mere donation.
Hoo Ra
"Divide we will fall"
Amen.
Romney has spent close to $700k on TV alone in just New Hampshire in the last 3 weeks.
If you can't give, OK...if you can...suck it up...it's just that simple.
This is what Dr. Paul needs to do, Address his supporters on youtube, just a short message looking right into the camera saying I can win. If you give me your hard earned money I will win. No more, well there is a chance I could win the nomination. If he addressed his supporters like that. and showed them how the money was spent, video crews, corporate tv meetings, stacks of outgoing mail, thousands of people at his rallys, then said we're going to win this. He would receive a crazy amount of cash.
me personally I could donate 2,000 dollars and max myself out but I'm not going to strap myself down like that just to charge the windmills. I would if it was to win. There it is Ron, look into the camera with sinsarity and say I'm going to win this, I need money. You'll get 2k from me. and millions from others.
Robert,
Ohio
I agree with those that say Bydlack should be fired. He has NO PERSONALITY. He doesn't know how to get people fired up -- I think Trevor Lyman should be the fundraising director (And -- I am NOT Trevor Lyman!!!). I think that would be great -- but let us not get so fired away that we get a jerk like Dopey Kidd -- oh please...
Thanks for reading --
11/20/07 3:21 PM
Brett said...
" hells bells cormack - if my commander says he needs more money today - then that is what i am going to do."
Says everything perfectly.
I was thinking about splitting my donation giving part now and the rest on Dec 16. Mr Bydlak's comments have now changed my mind. I am NOT going to donate any money at all until Dec 16. My reasons are as follows.
1. Before Nov 5, Dr Paul was almost completely ignored by the media. When he was mentioned, he was Portrayed as a candidate with absolutely no legitimacy and no chance of winning. To the average person, he was almost completely invisible.
2. Nov 5 was an idea of an individual WHO WAS NOT PART OF DR PAUL'S CAMPAIGN STAFF. Thinking outside the box, he came up with an idea that greatly increased Dr Paul's visibility. If you go to youtube, you will see that many of the videos of Dr Paul's television coverage were either about the 4.3 million dollar day or occurred after that day. In just about every interview with Dr Paul or discussion about him, his ability to raise 4.3 million dollars was mentioned. As far as the media is concerned, it is that ability to raise such a large chunk of money IN A SINGLE DAY that gave him legitimacy and made him newsworthy.
3. The campaign's goal is to raise 12 million dollars in the 4th quarter. There is no way that is not going to happen. 4 to 5 million dollars on Dec 16 is almost a certainty. There is a little over 5 weeks left until the end of the quarter. The worst case scenario is 4 weeks of raising approximately 0.4 million dollars per week and one week raising at least 5 million dollars. That will put the campaign at something like 15 million dollars.
4. What's are the possibilities for Dec 16? Look at the numbers, on Nov 5, with approximately 20,000 people registered to donate, approximately 39, 000 people gave 4.3 million dollars. At this point, more than 100,000, people have contributed to the campaign. In addition to those people, there are new people who have not contributed to Dr Paul's campaign and, indeed, probably have never contributed to a political campaign but who are planning to contribute on Dec 16. I think those numbers point to a real possibility of a ten million dollar day.
5. What would the effect of raising 10 million dollars in a single day, three weeks prior to the New Hampshire primary be? Will the press be able to ignore that? Would they be able to ignore the "ten million dollar" man? Would such a day raise Dr Paul's visibility and make the people in New Hampshire more likely to believe that Dr Paul has a chance to actually win the Republican nomination and to actually vote for him? I think the answers are obvious.
6. People are much more likely to make a contribution, if it is part of something big, spectacular, and exciting. If Dr Paul's campaign staff sabotage Dec 16, I think they will diminish not just the Dec 16 donations but the total 4th quarter donation totals.
7. I don't really understand what the problem is. Winning NH is worth 100 tea parties? When I do the arithmetic, there are 22 days between Dec 16 and Jan 8, the day of the primary. Why do they need the money right now? It's not the case that we have to choose between Dec 16 and the New Hampshire primaries. It seems to me the most important time for a "Ron Paul" media blitz would be the weeks and days right before the primary. And that is just when the Dec 16 effect would kick in. Of course, I understand the holidays are going to dilute the media effects to some degree but spending money too early and giving people time to forget the message is also counterproductive. Anyway, I think the media effects of a spectacular Dec 16, will be worth more than a couple million dollars spent on one minute commercials.
8. I think we have to be careful about letting Dr Paul's staff inadvertently sabotage his campaign. This isn't the 20th century. In the last century, there was no way for a outsider, especially an outsider with the principles of Dr Paul, to challenge the status quo. The internet changes everything. Apparently, even though Dr Paul understands this, some of his staff don't. They're still stuck in the old 20th century ideas of how a campaign should be run.
Hi folks, this is none of my business as I am an Australian and can't donate/can't vote (although I did contribute my "2 cent's" worth at http://www.whowouldtheworldelect.com/
My thought is that if the campaign needs the money then maybe the campaign should post where it is spending its $ as well, so that those donating publically can see where it is being spent publically as well. Just a thought :-) Good luck to you all
Jack Russell
Ron paul - Hope for America, Salvation for the rest of the World
I've been reading the comments since the post was new. I've contributed to the campaign multiple times and have been following Dr. Paul for quite some time; the only candidate I've ever supported financially. I've never seen a campaign run "by the People" before and this is new ground for everyone involved, Bydlak included. I think the important thing is no one is pushing us to do anything; for once citizens are doing the pushing.
I happened to be fortunate enough to be able to respond to the request for funds, but will still keep my commitments for www.teaparty07.com AND have also committed to www.rudysreadinglist.com. I'm giving all I can afford and have spent countless hours for the last year trying to spread Ron's name.
Here's the kicker though; the feeling of dischord I get when reading these comments (whether or not I'm imagining it) is not constructive. This is a public forum and open to all eyes, if you all get my meaning. Don't be suprised if an RSS goes straight to our competitors.
I am behind Dr. Paul 100%, his campaign is a positive thing and we all need to stay positive too. So donate if you can whenever you can, but please don't complain about it. As it is with most things, a persistent, positive attitude is essential to our success.
Weird,
Well said - and point taken. Yes, this level of dischord is probably music to the ears of RP's naysayers.
I have to disagree with you, respectfully of course, that the dischord is bad. My thinking is that airing our differing opinions is normal and healthy, especially given the diversity of RP's supporters.
On a positive note, I've been reading blogs and comments like crazy since the request from HQ came out, and I haven't noticed RP supporters attacking each other. Everything seems quite civil--I think that as long as the discussion is constructive, we are okay. Everyone here has a common goal: get RP in the White House!
Thanks for your thought-provoking post.
This smacks of an unbalanced budget and then going to the people for the over-run. Dr. Paul's website sends a clear message that 12 million by December 31st equals a win. I believed that was a carefully budgeted stratagy.
Ron Paul: "Say it isn't so Joe."
There are those of us who are not yet as zealous as some. I for one am looking for signs that Dr. Paul can surround himself with strong people whose actions show a similar passion for going to the people for answers. Not to cast blame. Keep the message pure. (((Start with striking statements that WE are somehow to blame for Mr Bydlak's inability to raise funds the traditional way.))) If necessary he needs to take strong action of a leader and make some modifications to his team.
As for your site: Like it or not, you and your website are as much the leadership of the RP effort right now. The press and public are watching. Show them our resolve to execute a plan. I will be giving on Dec 16th, as will the 9 additional "non-bloggers" that I convinced to do so as well.
Yeah, there's some real insanity going on here... the website says one thing -- then we are asked to do another. Geeze Louize -- wrote to Bydlack about this -- how many "
money bombs" does it take until they are totally ineffective? And now a new one? Those people need to rest and re-group, because no sense is being made at all...
This seems a little unususal to me. I've spent money on political ads. The campaign has enough money to buy every TV station in NH. This sounds a little like someone trying to justify their paycheck. I am sticking with my earlier commitment of 12/16. My hat's off to Trevor Lyman for being cooperative.
YEAH, Skip and the one before- what is going on here? Bydlack bit off more than he could chew. Let's oust him before it's too late... before all our money is down the frickin' drain... and we need Mr. Plumber.
Save all your money for DEC 16th.
10 million will get extensive media coverage. We have to be in this for the long haul!. Steady but sure. One record after another being broken by our rabid fans! What is the big day in January? Let make another record!!!!
Yo! Paul has 14 million in the bank!! (5.4 million on hand at the end of Q3 + 9 million raised Q4).
The funds we are raising at this point are not going to New Hampshire/Iowa. Paul may be spending generously in those states, but he's not dropping 14 million on them! The plans and budgets for those states have already been set and aren't waiting on a few hundred thousand to straggle in between now and Dec 16.
Bydlak is a genius and he knows exactly what he is doing. He was watching as the donations were consistently coming in at 20K - 40K/day because more than 40,000 donors held out on donating to the campaign for an event almost a month a way. So he sends out his call to action. Bydlak is betting that a significant portion of those donors holding out for the 16th can still afford to donate in the meantime. And Bydlak is exactly right...whenever the campaign has sounded the call we have given them more than they thought they could ask for.
Sequence of events:
Bydlak sends out the fundraising letter. It reminds us not to get complacent and to rely solely on the moneybomb events. Our response? We end up giving the campaign 60K - 120K days in the period leading up to Dec 16. Heck, as a bonus we'll throw in an unexpected mini-bomb event on Nov 30th. Boom. A simple email with an urgent reminder generates tons of funds that we wouldn't have seen otherwise.
And no, all this giving will not hurt the Dec 16 event. Why not? Because you can't stop it...we're talking about a very large number of people here. Sure, in response to the letter a few folks will have given their Tea Party money before the 16th...but it's not like there is a limited pie chart of funds and we have to choose if we want to split up the pie into single days or money bomb events. No, the intent of Bydlak's letter was to bring more money to the campaign by reminding us of the urgency to continually donate funds thus enlarging total donations. Someone already pointed it out above. This is a marketing tactic.
All of the Dec 16 donors know what Nov 5 was to the campaign and there is no way a fundraising letter can stop what's coming on Dec 16. Just watch.
The earlier you add one supporter to the Ron Paul camp, the more that supporter can communicate with others and get them to become supporters. It often takes time to convince others; it certainly takes time to reach a good number of friends, neighbors, co-workers, golf buddies, fellow fishermen, etc. TIME ticks away at a constant rate, but support is built exponentially.
Getting 1 today is worth 5 converts December 16th. Setting records is certainly fun, but winning the early primaries is almost essential, and doing so will beyond fun. I probably won't be able to sleep the night after the first win!!
Donate a bunch now, and some on the 16th to have fun and reward yourself.
- Larry -
If you PLEDGED $100 on the 16th by submitting your name at the TeaParty site, then a pledge is a PROMISE. You have a COMMITTMENT to honor. A pledge is not a whim of "oh well, if I still feel like it by then and have some money laying around then I will make some kind of donation". NO, the signup at the TeaParty is specific, as in YOU promise to donate $100 ON that DAY. That's a promise, that's a committmtent, that's your word. They even make you authenticate the e-mail so you can't say you clicked by accident, you didn't know what you were doing, etc. It's a very specific committment.
I do not think Mr. Bydlak was suggesting anyone GO BACK ON THEIR WORD or BREAK THEIR PROMISE or FAIL TO HONOR THEIR COMMITTMENT. If he was, I can in all good consciense tell him to go take a freakin' flying leap. Dr. Paul would not be one to make a promise and not live up to it. Dr. Paul would not "flip-flop" on something he said he would do. Dr. Paul would not renig on a committment.
IMHO anyone who signed up to give $100 on the 16th should still do that. You PROMISED. You have a COMMITTMENT.
If you can give some now in addition to that, then super. The campaign will put it to good use. But I have to agree that there is a sizeable war chest already, and I don't think the brakes will be hit just because we don't have 12 million on the first of December.
I am going to donate another $100 via the RudysReadingList effort, but I have to tell you, I think it wasn't the best idea to schedule another one. It may be a nice little shot in the arm, but there are truly a lot of people for whom $100 a month is a real sacrifice.
I do believe that there will be some attention from hitting the $12 million goal early. But I believe there is just as much (if not more) attention to be gained from private grassroots fundraising efforts like the TeaParty. If the TeaParty raises only $5 million it will be big news, seriously big news, and that is another couple million dollars worth of free advertising.
Bycklack is no genius -- he can't possible control all of the donors. He can't sway a bunch of independent thinkers. What he did do, however, was communicate poorly. If anyone is a genius out there, it is Trevor Lyman, and that's for sure. He's the one that put out a real goal... and more than one, at this point.
first of, i see no reason why anyone has the right to say such hurtful things regarding a persons intelligence, ability, or employment status towards someone based off one letter that was a simple 'call for help' (which, if you were unaware, is the purpose of the fundraiser's job). not only do i think it's unbelievably rude, it is not helpful in any way shape or form. it's almost hypocritical of anyone to state that a person is 'hurting' a campaign over something so minor; because all that does is cause a group fighting for a common goal to fight with each other. not to mention the attacks to his age and his personality... for those of you who did that, i just have to say that your arguments become invalid with remarks like that, because it displays your lack of intelligence or basic respect.
i've taken it upon myself to email jonathan blydak a letter of apology on your behalf.
he did not deserve the attacks he received... i'm sure they made his job much harder, and he already has enough to deal with from the other campaigns when it comes to scrutiny. if nothing else, take to heart the fact that ron paul did hire him; and if you believe in this man so much, you should trust his decisions.
the people in ron paul's campaign team are there for a reason. if they do something you don't agree with, that doesn't mean you know better... it means you disagree. thats fine. however, to say you know better is ignorant. that is not only their JOB, which means they probably know more about what needs to get done than you; but also, that is their job under the requested terms of ron paul, which means they probably know better about the specific needs of this job more than you.
so you made a grassroots plan. thats great. but you have to realize that most of the following for ron paul is web based, which means a majority of the following are aware of the dec. 16th tea party, and (if they are like me) don't have much money, so they must hold off other donations till that date to be a part of it. i can understand how that can hurt the campaign. if the majority of your following holds off donation till a later date, you lose incoming funds, which loses momentum in press, campaign abilities, and general moral. and they can't just spend themselves broke in anticipation for a 'money bomb'... thats like counting your chickens before they hatch. nobody really knows what to expect from dec. 16th. it could be HUGE and that would be great; but it could be only a few million, which would still be good. but nobody should trust an unknown when it comes to money.
so, rather than be insulting when someone asks for help... how bout showing the campaign, ron paul, and america that we are compassionate. that we can come to the aid of the request, and keep our grassroots efforts alive to go above and beyond that request.
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