NEXT CONFERENCE CALL IS SLATED FOR EARLY SATURDAY AFTERNOON – BE THERE!

NEXT CONFERENCE CALL IS SLATED FOR EARLY SATURDAY AFTERNOON – BE THERE!.

This information is from the Drafting Ron Paul to Stay in the Race event page, https://www.facebook.com/events/343258709094797/

The next call is Satruday at:

12:00 PM ALASKA TIME That is:
1:00 PM Pacific – 2:00 PM Mountain – 3:00 PM Central – 4:00 PM Eastern

If you are willing to support this effort, please share this event and call in:

Conference dial-in number: (559) 726-1200

Participant access code: 811476

We now have a simulcast-Live-stream of today’s conference call set up, thanks to Leandrah Grace. If you can’t afford to call in, just go to http://tobtr.com/s/3742575. to tune in!

HT LIVE Teleconference Simulcast – Electing for Ron Paul
www.blogtalkradio.com
Simulcast Teleconference Electing/Drafting Ron Paul Conference dial-in number (559)726-1200 Participant access code: 811476 The new Facebook Group for everyone in this effort will be open to ALL who wish to join, though negative people will be promptly banned. www.WeNeedPaul.com Facebook Page is “W…

Please understand that any of District Chairs and Bonus votes and other Party officials can be REMOVED from their State Central Committees or other offices for joining this group or otherwise promoting a candidate for office in a party not their own.

As the founder of this group, I’m most likely going to have to resign from my own position on the State Central Committee of the Alaska Republican Party. It’s worth it to me to make a stand for Liberty, but it’s a risk to consider. I do not want to see us lose all the progress we have made in the Republican or other parties, so I hope most people with hard won positions will keep them, and let the rest of us campaign for Liberty, Peace, and Sound Money.

PaulJohnson 2012 Mission Statement

PaulJohnson 2012 Mission Statement.

The Early Hours of September 3rd, 2012.

This site is dedicated to a Paul-Johnson or Johnson-Paul ticket for the 2012 presidential race. There is no intent to disenfranchise voters or campaign contributors, pressure candidates or staffers, or anger the grassroots or the electorate. There is only the desire to create a winning ticket by asking Gary Johnson, Jim Gray, and/or the Libertarian Party to make accommodations to the Ron Paul camp. This does not mean anyone should blackmail or belittle or berate the Gary Johnson team, but simply that we should ask them to weigh the requests and arguments and decide, voluntarily for themselves to potentially forgo one or both of their chances of becoming the president or vice president, for the sake of the cause. For those Libertarian Party members out there who find this idea reprehensible, I respect their rights, but I question their reasoning. I am certainly not for winning at all costs under any circumstances, but I am for asking all the candidates and officials in question to consider the merits of proposals such as what will be posted and promoted on this blog. Namely that the Libertarian Party make room for Ron Paul.

First, and hardest of all to accomplish would be having both Gary Johnson and Jim Gray step down so that Ron Paul can be placed at the top of the ticket and Gary Johnson at the bottom. Secondly, perhaps easier but still likely to elicit an initial backlash if not permanently damaged relationships between lovers of Liberty would be to have Jim Gray step down so that Ron Paul can take his place at the bottom of the ticket. And thirdly, would be to have Gary Johnson and/or Jim Gray and/or the Libertarian Party promise to appoint Ron Paul to a cabinet level position. There may be the chance that they plan on doing this anyway, but were they to make the promise, and to contact Ron Paul directly about it, before the November election, preferably soon, it could boost their polling numbers, their campaign contributions, and their voter turnout by a considerable margin. Enough to get media attention. Enough to make it into the debates. Enough to compete. Enough to win.

There will always be those die hard Ron Paul supporters, some of whom like Gary Johnson, and some of whom just don’t trust him, that do not plan on voting for Gary Johnson for a variety of reasons. This is their right. All men should be free to vote their conscience. Ridiculing them for this serves no purpose but to alienate you from them and them from you. How does this promote the cause of Liberty? But the numbers of such stubborn people would decrease considerably were they to be given some reassurances. These might include acquiescence to one of the aforementioned proposals, an endorsement of Gary Johnson by Ron Paul, or Gary Johnson convincing people of how much he and Ron Paul have in common, in spite of Gary Johnson’s perceived, though relative, ignorance or halfheartedness on so many issues ranging from the Natural Law to Economics to the Constitution to Foreign Policy to the War on Drugs.

If all of this could only come about at greater cost to the Liberty movement than benefit, the very idea should be cast aside lest a schism rends all that we have fought for asunder. Such rifts only occur for ideological reasons, and even then rarely. They should not be found to arise between former comrades who merely disagree on a few items of strategy.

I would appreciate any and all feedback, great or small, positive or negative. Please note that none of these things are originally my idea. I simply felt compelled by recent events (namely the Evan Alaska Conference Calls, one the night of September 2nd, and another on the night of September 6th, as well as rumors on the DailyPaul that gained traction after the Convention and particularly with the news of Ron Paul’s September 4th appearance on Jay Leno) and the hard work of others to become a part of this. For the record, I am a Ron Paul supporter who likes Gary Johnson but remains wary of him. I don’t even know that I could vote for him without some of the above requests being granted.

To All the Factions Here on Daily Paul

To All the Factions Here on Daily Paul.

This is also posted here.

To those planning on voting for Johnson:

Gary Johnson can not get elected unless he gets into the debates. He can not get into the debates unless he gets 15% in three nation-wide polls. He can not reach 15% for a long enough period of time to span three separate polls unless he includes Ron Paul on his team or Ron Paul powerfully endorses him. I do not think either of these things will happen unless we continue to lobby Doctor Paul, Governor Johnson, Judge Gray, the Libertarian Party, and our friends who support Ron Paul or Gary Johnson, even if it means convincing them to change their minds. It is true that the Libertarian Presidential ticket could lose ballot access in a few states for just changing its Vice Presidential nominee. But the amount of support adding Ron Paul to the ticket could bring could offset this, especially if Gary Johnson made it into the debates. Additionally, lost ballot access need not follow, as a legal battle could end in the tickets favor. The Libertarian Party can not hold another convention, and thus may not be able to amend their by laws or pick another running mate, but there is one loophole in its bylaws that could allow them to change their Vice Presidential Pick. It would ultimately be up to the chair whether utilization of this loophole would stand.

To those planning on writing in Paul:

A Paul write-in will only have an impact if Richard Gilbert of Lawyers for Ron Paul wins his case to have states comply with his understanding of the Voting Rights Act, which is that anti-write-in laws are in violation. If he succeeds in doing this, I will be the first to congratulate his efforts and promote a write-in candidacy.

To those who would vote for a hypothetical JohnsonPaul if it were switched to a real PaulJohnson:

Many states have sore-loser laws meaning that Ron Paul can not run at the top of a ticket because he was in the Republican Primary and lost (albeit through the cheating of the Romney team and other assorted establishment cabals). I personally would favor a Ron Paul Gary Johnson ticket over a Gary Johnson Ron Paul ticket, with good reason. But this would cause several law suits. The ones won would be costly, perhaps counter-productive, and the ones lost would result in loss of ballot access.

To everyone:

There is only until about Monday the 17th to lobby Ron Paul to contact the Libertarian Party about his intentions to join their ticket. This idea has been well-received by high-ranking Libertarian Party officials on the state, national, and campaign levels. They are somewhat indecisive to be sure, and though they will try to make this work if Ron Paul contacts them, they make no promises, and the likelihood of a GJ/RP ticket happening decreases with each passing day.

PaulJohnson 2012 Mission Statement

PaulJohnson 2012 Mission Statement.

The Early Hours of September 3rd, 2012.

This site is dedicated to a Paul-Johnson or Johnson-Paul ticket for the 2012 presidential race. There is no intent to disenfranchise voters or campaign contributors, pressure candidates or staffers, or anger the grassroots or the electorate. There is only the desire to create a winning ticket by asking Gary Johnson, Jim Gray, and/or the Libertarian Party to make accommodations to the Ron Paul camp. This does not mean anyone should blackmail or belittle or berate the Gary Johnson team, but simply that we should ask them to weigh the requests and arguments and decide, voluntarily for themselves to potentially forgo one or both of their chances of becoming the president or vice president, for the sake of the cause. For those Libertarian Party members out there who find this idea reprehensible, I respect their rights, but I question their reasoning. I am certainly not for winning at all costs under any circumstances, but I am for asking all the candidates and officials in question to consider the merits of proposals such as what will be posted and promoted on this blog. Namely that the Libertarian Party make room for Ron Paul.

First, and hardest of all to accomplish would be having both Gary Johnson and Jim Gray step down so that Ron Paul can be placed at the top of the ticket and Gary Johnson at the bottom. Secondly, perhaps easier but still likely to elicit an initial backlash if not permanently damaged relationships between lovers of Liberty would be to have Jim Gray step down so that Ron Paul can take his place at the bottom of the ticket. And thirdly, would be to have Gary Johnson and/or Jim Gray and/or the Libertarian Party promise to appoint Ron Paul to a cabinet level position. There may be the chance that they plan on doing this anyway, but were they to make the promise, and to contact Ron Paul directly about it, before the November election, preferably soon, it could boost their polling numbers, their campaign contributions, and their voter turnout by a considerable margin. Enough to get media attention. Enough to make it into the debates. Enough to compete. Enough to win.

There will always be those die hard Ron Paul supporters, some of whom like Gary Johnson, and some of whom just don’t trust him, that do not plan on voting for Gary Johnson for a variety of reasons. This is their right. All men should be free to vote their conscience. Ridiculing them for this serves no purpose but to alienate you from them and them from you. How does this promote the cause of Liberty? But the numbers of such stubborn people would decrease considerably were they to be given some reassurances. These might include acquiescence to one of the aforementioned proposals, an endorsement of Gary Johnson by Ron Paul, or Gary Johnson convincing people of how much he and Ron Paul have in common, in spite of Gary Johnson’s perceived, though relative, ignorance or halfheartedness on so many issues ranging from the Natural Law to Economics to the Constitution to Foreign Policy to the War on Drugs.

If all of this could only come about at greater cost to the Liberty movement than benefit, the very idea should be cast aside lest a schism rends all that we have fought for asunder. Such rifts only occur for ideological reasons, and even then rarely. They should not be found to arise between former comrades who merely disagree on a few items of strategy.

I would appreciate any and all feedback, great or small, positive or negative. Please note that none of these things are originally my idea. I simply felt compelled by recent events (namely the Evan Alaska Conference Calls, one the night of September 2nd, and another on the night of September 6th, as well as rumors on the DailyPaul that gained traction after the Convention and particularly with the news of Ron Paul’s September 4th appearance on Jay Leno) and the hard work of others to become a part of this. For the record, I am a Ron Paul supporter who likes Gary Johnson but remains wary of him. I don’t even know that I could vote for him without some of the above requests being granted.

SIx Page Version of How to Achieve Draft Ron Paul to Libertarian Vice Presidential Slot

How to Achieve Draft Ron Paul to Libertarian Party Vice Presidential Slot 6 Pages Click on Link for Ideas and Info!

via SIx Page Version of How to Achieve Draft Ron Paul to Libertarian Vice Presidential Slot.

How to Achieve Draft Ron Paul to Libertarian Vice Presidential Slot – Click on Link for Hyperlinked Version

How to Achieve Draft Ron Paul to Libertarian Vice Presidential Slot – Click on Link for Hyperlinked Version.

How to Achieve Draft Ron Paul to Libertarian Party Vice Presidential Slot 4 Pages

Evan Alaska Third Conference Call. Brief Transcript.

Evan Alaska Third Conference Call. Brief Transcript..

Evan is speaking. Says he has a horrible cold/flu. His energy is low and he needs people to step up. We have had over 5,000 people sign the petition on RonPaul2012.net since we started this. Not enough people yet. We have until about Monday to lobby Doctor Paul to contact the LP about his intentions. There has been a surprising amount of discord between the various Paul factions. This is natural given what we experienced with things like what went on at the Convention. It can still be done, winning Paul over. We have 5 or 6 days to get more people to lobby him. [The most important thing to do is to write, email, call Paul and his offices and get others, be they people or organizations, to do the same through social media.]

A lot of people have put a lot of energy into the Lawyers for Ron Paul case [the original one had to do with election fraud]. Richard Gilbert’s one case filed so far was rejected, he appealed and it was thrown out again on September 5th. He did not share this fact immediately. Gilbert does not appear to have the best record winning cases. Richard thinks he can win the case to make the states comply with the voting rights act as he understands it, no paper work required to have Paul run as a write-in candidate. The time period has expired in all 50 states, so his suit would have to overturn the law in all 50 states before November.

Sore loser laws prevent Paul from running for President, not for Vice President. Gary was challenged under the sore loser law in two states. He won these cases because of how early he got out of the GOP race. Only one state’s sore loser laws would block Ron Paul from being VP.

Odds are he won’t be able to run, let alone win in the presidential slot, so we need to stop focusing on that and look at the VP slot with the VP.

Virgil Goode has indicated that he would give up his spot for Ron Paul. But the Constitution Party is only on the ballot in about half of the states.

Gary is polling at around 5% nation wide. This was the old threshold to get into the debates. If Paul were to join him this percentage would be higher.

On the Vokle conference Gary Johnson held last night he did not get around to answering Evan’s questions about Paul. He did say he would consider Paul as a Cabinet choice, though. Evan is not sure if it is even legal to make promises about cabinet positions.

Spoke with the Treasurer and General Counsel for Gary Johnson campaign. They said they would make room for Paul if he got in touch with them.

Mentions his website, weneedpaul.com, other blogs, the facebook group, meetups, Young Americans for Liberty, Campaign for Liberty. Says there are sample posters and images as well as links, ideas, contact info on the facebook group.

If we are going to do this we need to exponentially increase our energy and teamwork.

First caller: Leandrah from the Holistic Truth blog talk radio program, which is simulcasting the conference call. Says Edward in her chat room says delegates from Virginia that were detained on buses in Tampa should contact Richard Gilbert at richardattorney@gmail.com. Another person in the chat room asked How do we make all this happen? Leandrah says that she knows that Evan just addressed this.

Evan says there are only 26 people on the call, down from 105 on the previous call and 1804 on the first call. Says this reflects the declining optimism and the schedule change (third call was originally Monday but switched to Tuesday). [I would note here that some maybe be listening to the simulcast and other might dial the number for the recording of the call.]

Second caller: “Shotgun” Susie in Louisiana. Says the website isweneedpaul.com or weneedpaul.org. Evan says the facebook groupis the better place at the moment because he has been unable to tend to the website because of his cold/flu. Susie says we can spread the word with signs, even billboards.

Evan agrees and mentions bulletin boards in coffee shops. We should even try prayer. Says he understands that Paul himself might not even have the energy to do this but that we should continue to lobby him. Susie and Evan both state that one excuse we could use is that the Libertarian Party needs his help to get into the debates by joining their ticket. We should bring this up when we contact him.

Third caller: Nemo (thats me). Asks if Evan payed attention to the Gary Johnson Reddit Ask Me Anything event earlier in the day. Evan says he hadn’t. Nemo says Gary only answered about 12 questions, none of which touched on what we are talking about today. There were about 3000 questions that ere asked. Gary said he would answer more if he had time later today or tomorrow. There were about 100 [a rough estimate] that addressed, in some way, what we are talking about. So there is a chance he might answer them. Nemo says Gary didn’t answer any like this last night on the vokle online conference. Just want people to know about this so they can keep an eye on it.

Evan says thank you. I know the reason for that, at least according to the General Counsel and the Treasurer for the Libertarian Party, is that they already tried reaching out to Paul and they don’t want to disrupt the ticket they already have until Paul actually steps forward. [This is why the most important thing to do is lobby Paul himself and get others to do the same.] Johnson won’t answer these questions until then. Evan’s understanding is that if Paul does step forward, the Johnson team will do what it can to make it work.

Nemo says this is a much needed clarification. Says he was pretty sure that our main job was to lobby Paul, not necessarily the Libertarian Party.

Evan says yes, we must lobby Doctor Paul mainly. That also answers the controversy for those who feel the VP slot is not good enough for Paul. If I’m wrong about all the reasons it makes the most sense for him to go for the VP slot, at least there is something we all agree on and that is that Paul should stay in the race. But logistically he can’t run as an independent or write-in. The deadlines have expired.

Nemo asks if Paul was to contact the LP and the Gary Johnson team, Jim Gray would need to resign, but would there also need to be a change in the LP bylaws?

Evan says that his understanding is that the 14 member LP Central Committee is receptive to all this, but that they would need to poll their state organizers and chairs. The general feeling among these people is that the vast majority have always wished Paul could have been on the ticket, though there will be those who are upset. They do not have time, however, to hold a new convention. The longer Ron Paul waits, the harder it will be for them to poll their state organizers. Says the LP is receptive at some levels and that they need Paul to get onto the national stage in the debates and that Paul haas the power to help them. Says that Gary has decent favorability built he is still widely unknown. For this to change, and for the message to get out there, he needs to get in the debates and Paul can help him. Chaotically voting for the Green Party, the Constitution Party, write-ins, etc. may or may not get noticed, but if we want any chance of actually wining, Johnson and Paul need to team up. And even if the LP didn’t win, Paul would help the LP spread its message by getting them into the debates. Anything else?

Nemo says he’s done and will let someone else have a turn. Evan says thanks and to keep posting. Nemo will.

Fourth caller: Kim in Wisconsin. Says she found out about the first conference call in several places but the second two, particularly this one were not as well known-about. Wonders why. Evan says he only posted the first one in one place and the message spread fast because it was a new, somewhat cryptic thing. That’s why we had so many people on the first call. On the second call we had 105 people, but that was also simulcast online. If we want more people we need to spread the message. Kim was to the call late so brings up Richard Gilbert again. Evan restates much of what he talked about earlier in the call. Also states his doubts as to the possibility of voiding all write-in laws in time. Evan says a RP write-in attempt would not get as much national attention as a VP run on the LP ticket because he would definitely not get into the debates or have a meaningful campaign presence. It would be hard to let the voters even know a write-in was even a choice.

Logistically, we have until about next Monday (the 17th), maybe a day or two longer. The LP would have to file paperwork in 50 states to change that. Shortly after that, the first ballots will be printed and shipped to servicemen. That is September 22nd. Kim asks if what the Libertarian Party is waiting for is for Doctor Ron Paul to come to them. Evan affirms this and says that the LP would do everything it can to figure things out. Evan says he has spoke to both the General Counsel and the Treasurer. They are not saying all this publicly because they don’t want to steal the energy from their current ticket. Kim asks what it takes to convince Ron Paul Evan says he doesn’t know but we need to take it to another level. Sign the petition, get more people to email Doctor Paul. Evan says his energy is low due to his fever and others need to step up to help lead this effort.We have six days. It seems like a monumental task, but it might just take ONE more person to get to Doctor Paul in the right way. If you haven’t done it yet, please do so now while there is still time, be it email, telegram. Get other friends to do the same. If there is enough people, we can make this happen. Kim says that the Texas number; those people were the nicest. Evan says [Presumably his Lake Jackson office.] They were thankful and appreciative. Kim mentions the 800 number. Evan says its the campaign number and they direct you to send email. Kim affirms this and thanks Evan. Evan says he wishes he could do more but is sick, thanks Kim and asks for more callers.

Fifth caller: “Shotgun” Susie again. Volunteers to step up and help Evan lead this effort. Evan tells her the best way is to post things, but that Evan will be deleting negative posts, not because he is mean but because the group has a purpose.

Sixth caller: Leandrah again. Says she can use her blog talk show/site to host groups getting together and that she has a lot of listeners. Evan encourages to do this and tells her (and us) to post stuff on Daily Paul. Evan says if it weren’t for his cold he could be more energized in organizing all of this. Leandrah says she can talk for hours. Evan says if he starts to feel better he will join her. Evan and Leandrah will discuss this after the call.

Seventh caller: Barry in Maine aka Papa Bare on facebook. Says he wrote to Ron Paul and told him he was voting for him no matter what unless Ron Paul directs him to do otherwise. Barry will not and CAN not do anything other than this. Encourages others to send emails, and push Paul “over the edge”, let him know that we are not going to say no to him. I know how modest he is and how he loves to stand down, but we need to push him. Its the only way its going to happen.

Evan says that he personally feels that Doctor Paul owes us this. He is the one that got us interested in Liberty. He is the one who should lead us. He does deserve a rest as he has worked hard, but we need him to be brave a little longer. George Washington didn’t stop fighting. It’s not over yet.

Barry says he has the impression that either Ron or his family has been threatened. Evan says he doesn’t like to focus on negative things like that but relays a story from 2008 where Evan asked him directly if he knew the risks. People would try to stop him, maybe even through assassination. Ron Paul said he knew that and he was willing to face that. I don’t know what would change his attitude about that. Also let people know that Jesse Benton resigned from the Ron Paul campaign and Campaign for Liberty. All the people frustrated with him during the campaign should know that. It leaves room for the grassroots to do the campaigning, like they have done anyways.

Barry says he was a Maine delegate and relays what happened with Maine and the Romney campaign in Maine. Evan says that he just resigned from his position in the GOP because it against the rules for him to campaign for someone other than the nominee, Romney. Evan says he plans on getting back into the his position after his current efforts are over.

Barry says he is not outgoing in person, not as much as he is online. Says we should keep plugging. Evan asks if Barry was one of the delegates that made it to Tampa. Barry says he wasn’t. Evan asks him his thoughts on what the Romney and the RNC did to the Maine delegates that did make it to Florida. Barry says he is really upset and that they stole what we worked hard to get. Wrote letters to people in his state who were in part responsible for that fiasco. Relates how he met Ron Paul one time and how he had never met a man like him in his life (Evan agrees). Brings up that Ron Paul has real values, values that people share. Asks what’s the matter with people who think a twelve-term Congressman is unelectable. Evan says it’s because people watch TV and newspapers that are controlled by the same military-industrial complex and everyone else who benefits from us being debt slaves thanks to the Federal Reserve’s printing press, us paying the interest the rest of our lives. We have to give a third of our work every year to support stuff we don’t even agree with like bombing other countries. Barry says nobody even asks us what they can do with our money. they just go out and they do it. It’s totally irresponsible.

Evan says that some good has come of all this fighting. We won some positions. We learned how to get organized. And though we were cheated, at least everyone knows it. This only strengthens us. Alaska is one good example. Barry talks about his background. Small communities. Evan says he is the same way. Evan says that the people in small communities notice when people get involved to make a difference. This movement is spreading. Barry says he is spreading the word. Evan says he has another caller. Barry tells Evan to take care.

Eighth caller: Jerry (woman) from Youngstown Ohio. Says she is new to all this, never into politics. In 2008 thought Ron Paul was just another Ross Perot. Got a computer a little over a year ago and it has helped her to see things she never would have believed were going on in our country, and our government. The deceptions that people are under, our whole idea of what America is. When I saw who Ron Paul really was, I fell to my knees and was asking forgiveness for what I said about him and thought about him. He is an honorable man and I’m a Christian and I feel Ron Paul was placed here to lead us. I don’t mean to offend anybody. There are enough people in our country that are praying I think God has sent him for this time and for this purpose. For anyone in their right mind to want to lead a country it has to come from God. Or else its greed or power hunger. I know Paul is not those. Paul’s life is on the line.

Evan says Paul was drafted in 2008 and again in 2012, so he has been a reluctant leader, but let’s hope we can draft him one more time. We have six more days to try and figure this out. Jerry says she can’t do a lot as she is disabled but says she has gone to Walmart and passed out brochures to the employees and customers. She says the employees took them even though it might risk their jobs. People don’t have time to look into politics, but they know something is wrong and they don’t like Romney. Some didn’t even know Ron Paul was still in the race. Some of them didn’t even know who he was. Suggests others try to get into places when people are working, because they don’t have time to go home and do the research.

Evan says there are only six days, so this sort of campaigning is not what he has in mind. Jerry says that she means to pass out the contact information. Evan says not to procrastinate, to send out the emails now. The best way to lobby Doctor Paul is to tell the people that already support him to contact him. Evan says we need to consolidate all the info into one big message on the We Need Paul facebook page. Evan says he is behind on his work or he would do this himself, but he can’t. Get all the flyers out, the contact info, the url, the suggestions. Make a list, and upload it as a pdf or other type of document.

Jerry apologizes for being late to join the conference and asks what became of the Richard Gilbert suit. Evan says he doesn’t want to repeat the whole thing and that she can listen to the recording. But the main thing is that he lost his delegate case, but is filing another case to allow us to do write-ins in all fifty states. Jerry thanks Evan and says it is important. Evan says the best thing we can do is convince Doctor Paul to get back in the race. Jerry asks if he is running independent or Libertarian. Evan says he is not running unless we can get him back in the race. Thank you very much.

Evan asks for more callers. There are none, so he plans another call for Saturday and ends the call.

Gary Johnson Reddit Ask Me Anything Earlier Today

Gary Johnson Reddit Ask Me Anything Earlier Today.

Today Gary Johnson held an AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit. He recieved what I would guess to be in the neighborhood of 3000 questions and 7000 total comments (including the questions). There were 17,000 up votes and 14,000 down votes. These numbers are all growing still. To put things into perspective, reddit.com/r/IAmA has almost 2,000,000 subscribers, reddit.com/r/GaryJohnson has about 6,000 subscribers, reddit.com/r/Libertarian has about 60,000 subscribers, and reddit.com/r/ronpaul has about 24,000 subscribers, reddit.com/r/romney has about 800 subscribers, and reddit.com/r/obama has about 21,000 subscribers.

First I will give you Gary’s introduction, then the reddit comments relevant to a Ron Paul VP or cabinet position or a Ron Paul endorsement. Not included, for the most part, are comments asking Gary his positions on abortion, decriminalization with regulation and taxation of drugs, humanitarian interventionism, and states’ rights, which were concerns that many Ron Paul supporters (at least on reddit) had. Also not present are the many comments of Ron Paul supporters saying they definitely will vote for Gary Johnson. There will be some mention of some of these things below, but primarily the focus will be on a Gary Johnson Ron Paul alliance.

I am Gov. Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate for President. AMA. (self.IAmA)

submitted 4 hours ago* by GovGaryJohnson

WHO AM I?

I am Gov. Gary Johnnson, the Libertarian candidate for President of the United States, and the two-term Governor of New Mexico from 1994 – 2003.

Here is proof that this is me: https://twitter.com/GovGaryJohnson/status/245597958253445120

I’ve been referred to as the ‘most fiscally conservative Governor’ in the country, and vetoed so many bills that I earned the nickname “Governor Veto.” I bring a distinctly business-like mentality to governing, and believe that decisions should be made based on cost-benefit analysis rather than strict ideology.

I’m also an avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist. I have currently reached four of the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Mt. Everest.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about me, please visit my website: www.GaryJohnson2012.com. You can also follow me on Twitter,Facebook, Google+, and Tumblr.

EDIT: Unfortunately, that’s all the time I have today. I’ll try to answer more questions later if I find some time. Thank you all for your great questions; I tried to answer more than 10 (unlike another Presidential candidate). Don’t forget to vote in November – our liberty depends on it!

• 7410 comments
• share
• save
• hide
• report

[–]YouthInRevolt 1739 points 2 hours ago*

In the event that you are not allowed into the presidential debates, would you please consider holding a roundtable discussion after each debate with Dennis Kucinich, Jill Stein, Ron Paul, and Russ Feingold where you all discuss Romney and Obama’s answers?

Put it on CurrentTV and/or stream it over the internet…

Edit: PM me if you want to help make a subreddit to organize people behind making this idea a reality.

I’m thinking r/thirdpartyroundtable. What do you guys think?

Edit II: The John Stossel Show (FOX), on Thursday September 13th at 9pm EST, will be featuring a discussion between Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson, Socialist Party candidate Stewart Alexander, and Constitution Party candidate Virgil Goode.

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]OHhokie1 293 points 2 hours ago

Hello Governor Johnson,

I am a moderator of the subreddit devoted to your campaign,/r/garyjohnson, and the campus coordinator at Virginia Tech where we are hosting your VP, Judge Jim Gray, next Monday.

I have a few questions for you, feel free to not answer all of them if you are short on time:

• As a former worker and district chairman for Ron Paul’s presidential campaign, I am very familiar with Ron Paul fans. From my observations, it seems roughly 30-50% of Paul supporters will vote for you this fall, but many refuse to do so without an endorsement from Dr. Paul. I understand the reasoning behind not asking for Dr. Paul’s endorsement, but I still feel like it is something you should try to obtain. If you would promise Dr. Paul a cabinet position or Fed Chair when you win, I assure you most of his supporters will do the asking for you with regards to the endorsement. Is this a possibility and would you consider publicly offering Dr. Paul such a position?
• I helped with gathering you the required signatures to be on the ballot in our state. As I’m sure you know, one of the biggest hurdles for third party candidates such as yourself is the ridiculous election laws/regulations. As President, would you support electoral form? Would you consider more radical changes such as run-off voting or a Constitutional Amendment setting a minimum number of “official” parties?
• What are the chances that you will be able to debate on the national stage this fall? I know the LP has paid several private polling organizations to conduct polls without Mitt Romney’s name, where you polled well over 15%, as an attempt to mock the fact that you are not included in the polls. Are those also being conducted in preparation for legal challenges?
• If you are allowed to debate, most would still consider your campaign a longshot but at least possible. In the case that you are not allowed to debate, most would consider a win in November practically impossible. In the latter case, would you consider changing your campaign strategy to concentrate your efforts as to maximize your impact? For example, if that was the case, why not concentrate on New Mexico where you enjoy popularity and name recognition? Even if you lost in a landslide on the national level, it could have huge implications for the future of the LP if we won even a single state.
• Are you running campaign ads on TV in any states yet? What is the financial hurdle we need to pass to get your ads on national TV competing with Romney/Obama?
• If you were allowed to debate this fall, what issues do you think you would be able to hammer Romney/Obama on?
• Many libertarians and Paul supporters have criticized your support of humanitarian wars, private prisons, and some have claimed your knowledge of monetary policy and willingness to abolish the Fed is not sufficient. Can you clarify your positions in these areas?

Also, photos from our recent VT rally for you:http://i.imgur.com/R8atp.jpg, http://i.imgur.com/0zeXc.jpeg,http://i.imgur.com/LkEsv.jpg, http://i.imgur.com/2NSQi.jpg

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]OHhokie1 50 points 1 hour ago

Would it be illegal to say “If elected, Ron Paul will be at the top of my list when looking for a Fed Chairman”?

1. permalinkparentreportreply

[–]Ewarrior190 11 points 1 hour ago

He said this exact thing kast night, under the condition Ron Paul wanted one. Both he and I doubt it, as he’s retiring.

1. permalinkparentreportreply

[–]ZNaught 16 points 2 hours ago

1. How do you plan to be allowed on the debates?
2. As a Ron Paul supporter, the only issue I have is with you being pro-choice. What would you actually do in regards to abortion as president?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]cadez01 3 points 2 hours ago

I’m a huge Ron Paul supporter and I’m 99.9% sure I will be voting for you in the elections, because I don’t feel there’s much difference at all between Romney & Obama. What needs to be done for a third-party candidate to be viable in our current two-party system? I would love nothing more than to have a 3rd option that actually had a chance in this election.

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]exdirrk 3 points 2 hours ago

Mr. Johnson,

First, thank you for your time and for doing this. I am a Ron Paul follower and am looking at your policies and see that they align for most of the issues that are important to me. My biggest concern is that you are not going to be in the presidential debates for the public to actually get an opinion of you. What are you doing to give yourself more visibility nationally and what can we do to help your cause?

Thanks

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]signposthead 0 points 2 hours ago

Hello Mr. Johnson, thank you for doing an AMA, I just have 2 questions for you:

1. Now that the Republican Primaries are completely finished, many former Ron Paul supporters are now backing you due to the similarities in your policies. When the primaries were going on, the media treatment of Paul’s run for the nomination was not unlike the current media treatment of 3rd party candidates such as yourself and Jill Stein. What do you think should be done – and what do you plan to do – about the mainstream media to give ALL candidates – regardless of party – equal coverage? It seems hard, if not impossible, to find a completely unbiased source for news, but as of now alternates to the 2 major political parties get only a sliver of the airtime, if that.
2. We live in a country that currently follows a clear 2-party system. What do you think normal citizens should do in order to bring more attention to the alternate parties and candidates such as the Libertarian Party and yourself?

Thank you again for your time here.

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]MisterPresident813 1 point 2 hours ago

Governor Johnson, as someone who is studying Political Science I believe everyone should have to come across John Hospers, it is truly eye opening.

My question for you is why no select Ron Paul as a running mate and really stir things up, and if that idea was already explored why did it not come to fruition?

Thanks for doing this and Go America

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]feracyn 2 points 2 hours ago

Mr. Johnson,

I believe you are the man for the job. But I’ve been a Ron Paul supporter. I have been trying to decide whether to write him in or give you my vote. I am having difficulty making this decision. Can you comment?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]The3rdhorsemen 0 points 2 hours ago

1.) What is your opinion of Ron Paul? 2.) What are your thoughts on how the Ron Paul delegates and supporters were treated during the GOP Convention? Thanks for doing an AMA.

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]rp_rEVOLution 1 point 2 hours ago

Gov. Johnson,

Not a question, but just letting you know, the Ron Paul Revolution stands by you. I am truly happy to know that your name will be on all 50 states. You are an inspiration and hopefully this will be the begining of the end of the two party system. Best of luck to you and just know you have my vote!

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]Wowwzaa 0 points 2 hours ago

If there was a zombie apocalypse, how would you go about keeping our country safe? But seriously now, how are you going to go about getting Ron Paul supporters on your side? I know many have already switched to your side, but how do you plan on appealing to the ones that are kind of on the fence to voting Independent? Just curious, and thanks in advance Mr. Johnson.

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]LordHill 1 point 2 hours ago

What kind of place would Ron Paul have in a Gary Johnson administration, and what made you decide that the best way to advocate personal liberty was in the Libertarian Party rather than the Republican Party? Also, how can you convince Ron Paul Republicans of the same thing?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]metalfreak666 1 point 2 hours ago

Hi Gary Johnson! It is an honor to be talking to you and doing this! I know you maybe getting these questions already, but I just want to ask these questions!

1.) Have you considered Ron Paul in a cabinet position? Why or why not?

2.) I have been hearing that you would do humanitarian wars and might go to Uganda to fight off the LRA and find Kony. Can you elaborate on this? Because I thought you were against wars. I thought that libertarians were against interventionism.

3.) How does November look in your perspective?

4.) Have they finally let you on the debate stage with Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]Alexxandros 1 point 2 hours ago

First off I want to say since seeing you in the small time you were allotted to speak in the GOP debates I’ve been a big fan, and an even bigger one once it was clear Ron Paul was not going to be the nominee. You are definitely doing great things for Liberty and for that I thank you.

-You speak a lot of legalizing marijuana but what about all drugs? I understand we have to start somewhere but is it your opinion that the drug war as a whole violates liberty or are you just concerned with Marijuana?

-Also if you were elected President who would you pick as Fed Chairmen?

-What do you think is the most critical part of your platform?

-Do you think you’d have more success with a democratic congress, a republican congress or a mixture of the two?

Thanks!

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]ShadowDrgn 2 points 2 hours ago

How do you feel about the Ron Paul strategy of attempting to return the Republican party to its small government roots rather than mounting a challenge as a third party? You also tried running in the Republican primary and seemingly used the Libertarian Party as a back-up plan, much like what it appears most liberty-minded supporters have also done. However, a protracted Republican primary fight certainly hasn’t done the LP any favors because the people who should be your biggest supporters are already tapped out, both financially and motivationally, trying to get Ron Paul the Republican nomination. On the other hand, the system IS rigged against third parties…

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]everyotherredditor 1 point 2 hours ago

Why aren’t you Ron Paul?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]utohs 2 points 2 hours ago

Gov. Johnson, I have been an avid Ron Paul supporter for 5 years. I justified voting for him 4 years ago by stating that I am sick of voting for the lesser of two evils. I like most of your policies and believe you are far and away better than Romney and Obama. I believe that Ron Paul has a better stance on foreign policy than you, so my question to you is this: How would voting for you (as opposed to writing in Ron Paul) be different than still voting for the lesser of two evils?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]0RPH 2 points 2 hours ago

I voted for you in the primary and I am planning on voting for you again in November. I realize that your chances for actually winning this time around are null, but I hope that if enough people vote for you now that in four years you, or another libertarian candidate, may have a real chance at succeeding. My question for you, is what is your strategy for getting the libertarian ideals more understood in this country? Do we need to go the Ron Paul way and try to convert the republican party from the inside, or do we need to work from outside the party lines? Both? Neither? How do you hope to effect real positive change in this country?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]jca2u 1 point 2 hours ago

Would you have still ran on the Libertarian ticket is Ron Paul would’ve (miraculously) gotten the Republican nomination?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]hazyharry 1 point 2 hours ago

If you started a revolution, you would have followers. An army so to speak. Especially if you teamed up with Ron Paul.

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]Shahe_B 2 points 2 hours ago

Just wondering if you and Ron Paul had any discussion about running for office on the same ticket this year.

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]yoshiknows 1 point 2 hours ago

The Libertarian Party needs a leader, and Ron Paul needs to annoint that leader. Ron is a fantastic guy, but his ideas, while solid in foundation, were too radical. One step at a time. Yes, I get the idea of legalizing heroin, but don’t want to go there….yet. Maybe pot…Ron’s message really resonated with people – keep the momentum going. We are all sick of Wars, Government, Lobbyists, NeoCons, Gay Rights, Women’s Right, etc. Get government out of our lives – the GOP doesn’t get this, yet they preach it.

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]edisekeed 1 point 1 hour ago

Big fan Gary and will be voting for you in November! I was wondering if you considered asking Ron Paul to publicly support you. Since he has a huge following and supports many of your libertarian principles its seems like a decent possibility and would definitely boost your chances.

My question is, do you think federal government has any role in providing a safety net, no matter how basic, for poor people?

Thanks again!

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]vjpantin 0 points 1 hour ago

Hello Gov. Johnson, thanks for doing an AMA. I was just wondering how you became affiliated with Ron Paul and if you think he will be playing a larger role in the office than most other VPs (i.e. Joe Biden). Thanks, and good luck!

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]Pseudophobic 1 point 1 hour ago

As a Ron Paul supporter, why should I support you instead? How are your views the same and do you differ on any issues?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]rancegt 0 points 1 hour ago

Ron Paul has a lot of people vowing to write in his name for the election.

What would you say to them to persuade them to vote for you?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]Shapeshiftingkiwi 1 point 1 hour ago

Simple question, why should i bother voting?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]LibertarianCentrist 2 points 1 hour ago

I am a Ron Paul activist and you have not quite earned my vote. I am a bit put off by you’re take on a lot of social issues. You mentioned that your plan is to nationally legalize and then tax marijuana. I feel that this doesn’t hold a lot of regards for states’ rights and I don’t see why we need another tax. I also am a bit put off at your insistence on taking issues like gay marriage and abortion to be federally legislated, when I feel these are issues that ought to be left to the states. Can you please elaborate your positions and explain why a constitutionalist should vote for you?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]tsilb 1 point 1 hour ago

• I saw you say once that if Ron Paul had a chance of winning the GOP nomination, you’d drop out. If he decides to run as an independent, will you continue the race?
• What can we do to help get you into the general season debates?
• How quickly would you balance the budget? How quickly do you think we could reasonably pay off the national debt?
• Would you favor any federal-level regulations? If so, what kind?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]suspen_sion 1 point 1 hour ago

What are your thoughts on Ron Paul?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]rigelstarr 1 point 1 hour ago

Why do not you and Ron Paul join forces to create a undefeatable dynamic duo that could transform our govenment?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]emjayar08 1 point 58 minutes ago

Do you have any interest in bring in Ron Paul as your VP?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]ColbyM777 1 point 36 minutes ago

Wouldn’t it be easier to lean back and put the laptop on your lap? You look uncomfortable in the picture. Oh, and if elected would Ron Paul be your VP? Are you going to try and make the government smaller, if so, how?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]MPBlaster 1 point 23 minutes ago

Did you consider asking Ron Paul to be your VP? I know alot of us were thinking you might be.

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]simplejaaaames 1 point 2 hours ago

hello Mr. Johnson! what’s going on? how is your day going? i have a few questions i would like to ask you. 1, what would you say to the Ron Paul supporters were going to vote RP to get there vote? 2, what are your plans if you lose? i would love to see you continue to liberty movement and see you run for senate maybe? 3, this is a question from my mom, what would you do about social security? she is in her 50′s and is scared to death she will have to work until she dies. she also would like to know where the SS money currently is. you already have have my vote sir. i am a RP supporter voting for you because you are that absolute best candidate left standing. i’m showing all of my friends, including my mother, how much of a good candidate you are. thank you for doing this AMA and have a great rest of the day sir.

Gary Johnson: A true american hero

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]billardkarr 2 points 2 hours ago

How would you involve Ron Paul with your administration if you became President?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]SovereignRLG 1 point 2 hours ago

Do you support Ron Paul running again in 2016?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]FingerBuckley 0 points 2 hours ago

Any chance that Ron Paul could end up as your running mate? (as in VP candidate)

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]bryansmall41 0 points 2 hours ago

First off thank you Gov Johnson for doing this AMA. Got a lot of questions 1) What are you doing to gain national attention and be included in televised debates? 2) What are you doing to gain the young crowd that Ron Paul introduced to libertarianism? 3) What is the best thing a broke college student can do to help spread your movement? 4) What is the biggest limiting factor stopping true third party politics in America?

1. permalinkreportreply

[–]morpheus342 -1 points 1 hour ago

Gov. Johnson, Y U NO PICK RON PAUL YET????

1. permalinkreportreply

Important Links for Organizing the Effort to Draft Ron Paul

Important Links for Organizing the Effort to Draft Ron Paul.

The Ron Paul Meetup Groups. If You are already involved with one, either on facebook or meetup.com, great! Get in touch with them and inform them of the effort to get Paul elected, most likely as VP on the Libertarian ticket. If you are not part of one, it is relatively easy to join. Join one and get involved.

Gary Johnson Live Online Townhall tonight in lieu of Evan Alaska conference call which is rescheduled for tomorrow night. I do not know what will specifically be addressed, but I have no doubt some will try to bring up the effort to draft Paul. Here is the info from the Daily Paul:

Johnson answering Paul supporters questions in Live Online Town Hall tonight 9PM EST/6PM PST

Submitted by hardymacia on Mon, 09/10/2012 – 16:19

in

• Daily Paul Liberty Forum

With the RNC over many Ron Paul supporters are now shifting their support to Gary Johnson’s campaign for President, some are still on the fence, or they want some face to face time with Johnson.

Everyone has questions so bring your questions for Governor Johnson, and he will spend 90 minutes tonight answering as many of your questions as he can.

Location will be: http://www.vokle.com/events/74213-gary-johnson-ron-paul-revo…

If you have a video camera you can ask your questions directly to him live. If no video camera then you can submit short text questions.

Elle’s Plan on Organizing and Spreading the Word: Facebook, Daily Paul, WeNeedPaul.com, Meetup Groups

Elle’s Plan on Organizing and Spreading the Word: Facebook, Daily Paul, WeNeedPaul.com, Meetup Groups.

Read this for tips on how to get the message out there. We need everyone who is willing to lobby Doctor Paul and other willing people. Tell him you support him and that We Still Need him. Four more years might be too late.

Evan Alaska

Here are some of Elle Black‘s ideas for organizing. Feel free to run with these in any positive direction: Hi Evan,
The following is not edited. Hopefully you get the idea. I am very serious about this, as I believe you are as well. I know others who are still serious too, they just need to be re-engaged. If you want to do this I will help.

I firmly believe that a GJ/RP ticket has a chance of winning, OR at very least getting into the debates.
To get RP to agree to this I think he needs to see an out-pouring of support- 2007 style. The only thing that I see holding us back is the fatigue and depression being experienced by so many Ron Paul supporters after being cheated and marginalized for the last 5 years. If we can break through that and regain even just a portion of the exuberance from 2007 WE CAN SHAKE THE WORLD. By doing the following we will concurrently show Paul we’re serious AND get the word out at the same time.

The Website must be catchy, easy to use, inspiring! WeNeedPaul.com is a great start, needs more color/pizzaz. (Do you have a website guy, I could offer some quick design ideas if you like but my html is way too rusty for me to be of use.) The points of what we are trying to do-and how it would work- have to be simply stated, on the front page.

Rekindle the fire- Need good slogan, go viral. We need an army of people to post ALL OVER DAILY PAUL!! Daily Paul is crumbling, focus is gone. As the biggest Ron Paul site in the world we need to get them back on board-and it can be done, but we need many people posting all over the site EVERY DAY. The moderators there must feel the urgency of the situation, and cover it on the site accordingly.

Simple message of how GJ/RP ticket could win, with poll results etc. Also address that even not winning, getting into the debates would have intense and far reaching effects.

Put to rest concerns about getting on the ballot. Even if there were some states where they weren’t on the ballot, the THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of supporters in those states could pour their energy into all the other States where they are on the ballot- can easily be done via computer or phone! (see below) Each one of those supporters could get 5 MORE votes in another State.

Address the “anti-Gary Johnson” folks, respectfully. There are a few issues and they must be addressed one by one, not glossed over or ignored.

Get the message out there Nationally as well as Globally.

Press releases to ALL media outlets (compile list of reporters who have covered RP articles/news in the past first): Local & National papers, Patch, RT, HuffPo, etc. Get concise hard hitting video on all Community TV stations (might be tricky, I don’t know if they allow political “ads”, but could easily be done as an informational piece).

Have an army of grassroots activists posting in online comment sections of newspapers/TV shows EVERY DAY! Ditto Facebook

Calls in to talk radio all over the country 24/7

Outreach to the Meetup groups- multiple contacts from different people all on the same day would be the most effective, would create a viral feeling- “wow lots of people are talking about this, it must be big!”.

Get non-computer volunteers on board- a HUGE number of supporters are barely on the internet, if at all! Many of them are retired and have plenty of time on their hands! First of all figure out how to get ahold of them- Then get them on the phones, first to other non-computer people then to radio shows etc. Get them handing out info at events/farmers markets, at lines outside the movie theater! Get out where the people are!

All of these tasks must be organized and orchestrated to be effective in the shortest amount of time.

Example:

Identify someone (or a few people) who are very fired up and on-board from each State to organize and “delegate” the above tasks to meetup groups in that State. Come up with a simplified list of top priority tasks, in order of importance so that volunteers can easily plug in and get started IMEDIATELY. Divide the “computer” people from the “non-computer” people, get the non-computer people engaged first as they are the most difficult to get a hold of.

Have a few people working on Global level- I believe this is important, as if this message can get out there we can have supporters all over the world helping-even though they can’t vote.

2nd Example:

Have people in charge of different tasks- ie one person (or a few) in charge of talk radio, and another person in charge of HuffPo. They would compile all the relevant information and disseminate it with contact info/links to the waiting volunteers.

I haven’t thought yet about which is the best way to go- If you’re on board with it we can iron out those details.

~Elle