The Tribal Champion
By Randy Gage
We spoke a lot lately about tribes and the movements that drive them. Certainly the election of Barak Obama was a wonderful demonstration of this phenomenon in action. But there was actually a much better example in the campaign…
The Obama campaign did a masterful job, galvanizing support, attracting volunteers and raising money. But it is important to note that he did so by promising people lots of goodies, and pandering to their entitlement mentality. You can argue that McCain lost the election because he didn’t do as good a job promising free health care, mortgage payments and other entitlements as Obama did.
But want to see a real tribe of fervent followers? Look no farther than the army assembled by Representative Ron Paul. Never in U.S. history has a candidate ignored by the party bosses and media made such a dramatic impact, raised so much money and created such a powerful movement. And here’s the important thing: Paul did it by taking stands that were very UNpopular, and not pandering to the herd’s desire for more free goodies.
He said the invasion in Iraq was a never-ending sinkhole when it was still popular. He spoke out against the socialistic proposals for health care, education, and other things. He railed against the bailout packages.
Along the way he raised millions of dollars in “Internet money bomb” days, put a book on the bestseller list, galvanized a legion of new followers to the political arena, and turned out thousands for live events.
I still get emails regularly from his campaign and they continue to build their constituency. So for those of you studying how movements are made, take a good look at someone that did it the hard way. Built upon principles that don’t pander to the herd, but call people to something higher. His Campaign for Liberty is growing by the day, even in the face of all the goodies the Democrats and Republicans are promising the herd. Stop by his webpage here.
Food for thought…
-RG
