Erica Waddell's Blog
Strategic thinking for the intelligent person's candidate
Who should a person put their support behind for 2008? We want to get away from politicians who charm us with promises and break them in office. Forget the idea of having a beer with your favorite candidate, because it won't happen while they are surrounded by Secret Service personnel.
So who would be America's best choice? Let's look at history. Many people look at our more personable leaders as their favorites, like JFK or Reagan. When people ask me, I say either Jefferson or FDR. Why? They didn't just energize our country, they changed it.
For historical comparison to our current race, I compared JFK to FDR. But while his career was cut short, we should compare the Kennedy legacy to that of other modern presidents. As I lean Democratic, I am only analyzing their primary. However, I would argue that the comparison could be loosely applied to the Republican party likewise.
Roosevelt was the Governor of New York before becoming our longest serving President. Had he survived, I wonder if he wouldn't have continued as President through to Eisenhower. His political longevity came not from his personality as a pushy leader and a heavy drinker, not from his visual appeal as overweight and handicapped, and not from his wife's either. What made him win in 1932 was his man of action attitude at a time when our country needed it. We didn't need blame. We didn't need someone to tell us what problems we faced. We didn't need holier than thou politicizing. We needed a way to make America work. FDR passed record legislation in his first 100 days, starting the New Deal which led to FICA bank insurance, Social Security, and a way to keep people working so that their skills did not erode. From his elected throne, FDR changed the Democratic Party, the role of the President, the responsibility of government, and the status of America to be a world leader. For a man in a wheelchair, he ran circles around his predecessors.
Kennedy, too, managed to accomplish a lot, but came from a different perspective. The senator triumphed over Nixon because of his personable manner, his good looks, and fashionable wife. The media loved him, and people with their new fangled televisions couldn't help being wooed. He had been groomed for politics since his birth and was catapulted into a presidential track by his dad following his brother's death in WWII. America was superficially complacent after Ike, and JFK had much fewer domestic issues to combat than FDR. Civil rights were a brewing issue, but it was LBJ who signed nondiscrimination into law in 1967. Instead, JFK focused on being a leader who helped America's image, revving up the Space Race, starting the Peace Corps, and trying to stop communism in Vietnam.
Both Presidents were good for our country. However, the Kennedy charm led to a charming America. The determined will of Roosevelt led to an America that would prevail against all odds. Our involvement in WWII was a clearly understood principle, despite our late entry. The Vietnam War was based on principles that were no more clear at the end then when Kennedy was authorized to use military force.
Fast forward to 2007, when the Democratic field has many parallels to both men and both times. Of the 8 candidates, 6 (Dodd, Biden, Clinton, Obama) are current or former (Edwards, Gravel) senators, 1 is a congressman (Kucinich), and 1 is a governor (Richardson). Of the 4 current senators, all are in the Northeast, like Kennedy.
The Kennedy comparison is clear with the 3 frontrunners. They all have succeeded through charisma, visual appeal, and appealing spouses. Obama, Edwards, and Clinton are all great speakers when the camera is rolling. Yet one of Obama's most famous lines, "I may not have been in Washington long, but I have been there long enough to know that Washington needs to change," was uttered almost verbatim by Edwards in his presidential primary in 2003. Ironically, Kennedy's most famous quote, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," was originally credited to William Harding, who is also credited with leading us into the Depression. Furthermore, Harding's win in the Roaring 20's is attributed by many historians to his good looks. Edwards has been running for President since 2001, and while his plans are better developed than Obama's, but like Obama, he does not have any experience running a government to show that a fresh outlook will translate into real change. So far, Clinton and Obama have come out to be far from progressive on plans for healthcare and international security.
Yet it is Bill Richardson, the governor, who is the unpolished get-it-done type who has offered America the boldest vision, the detailed plans to implement it, and the resume to prove that he can do it on a national scale. His political pace was not one of capitalization on opportunity, instead it was a slow and steady ascent into the high ranks of the representative and executive branches (as Minority Whip and Secretary of Energy). As a governor, he has implemented dramatic changes in one of the country's poorest states, creating new jobs in high-tech industries, rebuilding the education system, and powering New Mexico with renewable energy. Richardson has an exceptional resume, but he is a man who is discontent to rest on laurels. He has some of the boldest plans of any candidate on a wide range of topics. This includes his energy plan, which implements cleaner, greener energy faster than other candidate plans. Plus, his background as Secretary of Energy under Clinton and Gore with his track record for renewable energy, light rail, and electric vehicles in New Mexico makes his plan more than a position paper. His healthcare plan goes farther than any candidate to give veterans access to the care they deserve. He doesn't just talk about the children as our future or growing America's middle class - he's cut taxes for all income brackets while keeping the New Mexico budget in surplus, raised teacher salaries, reduced border crime and illegal immigration, reduced junk food in schools, made sure all kids have access to health insurance, and removed sales tax on food and medicine.
As far as the times, we are facing a delicate geopolitical environment, humanitarian and ecological crises that threaten life as we know it, an economic conundrum, mounting civil rights issues, and a military-industrial complex. Some candidates are still testing these issues regardless of the large public outcry on them. Candidates such as Obama frequently ask supporters whether there is consensus that these issues are problems. Richardson, however, feels that what should be discussed now is not the existence of these issues, but the best answers to them.
Roosevelt treated Russia as an ally in international times of need despite ideological differences between the USSR and the USA. Richardson is a diplomat with more international experience than any other candidate as a part-time negotiator and former UN Ambassador. He has sat face to face with Castro, al-Bashir, Kim Jong Il, and Saddam Hussein to save lives.
All of the candidates talk about major international issues, but it was Richardson brokered the temporary ceasefire in Darfur in early 2007. Rather than trying to exert a military solution to a human problem in the Sudan as other candidates have supported, he suggests that the problems can be solved nonviolently through economic pressure with China. He speaks with urgency about AIDS, poverty, pandemics, and water.
All candidates talk about extending prosperity to America, but only the governor has direct experience attracting new industries that create sustainable jobs. He raised the minimum wage to rates higher than what was set by the Senate in 2007. He created 85,000 jobs, including high-wage jobs, in what was a poor state, much like Arkansas under Clinton. Under Richardson, New Mexico has been one of the leading states for economic growth and is considered one of the best areas to for employees. He attracts new businesses that focus on technology and sustainable development like Tesla Motors, one of the most promising electric car companies in the world.
Roosevelt is largely credited with changing the voting patterns of Blacks to Democrats. Though Lincoln was a Republican, Roosevelt believed in helping all Americans in need, which included many poor minorities. He was the first to appoint minority and women cabinet members, even in his first administration. While the Democratic field fully embraces civil unions as an extension of equal rights, only Richardson has lobbied for it in his own state as Governor. He signed nondiscrimination based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation into law. In addition, he voted against Don't Ask, Don't Tell and has been unafraid to include the gay community as a support base.
Rather than supporting more militarism, Kennedy talked about peace. Yet, Kennedy also led our country into the Vietnam War. Roosevelt was slow to enter World War II because he felt that domestic issues were Americans' top concerns. By contrast, it was a last-second Russian submarine message that kept the Caribbean from a devastating decision by Kennedy. Echoing Kennedy's commitment to peace, all Democratic presidential candidates talk about there being no military solution in Iraq. Yet all of the current senators and the leading former senator support keeping some troops in Iraq after an official withdrawal. Only the governor, Bill Richardson, and the congressman, Dennis Kucinich, have expressed that no troops should be left behind.
The President has a unique opportunity to solve. Roosevelt saw problems and used executive power to fix America. Despite campaigning on his early opposition to the idea of invading Iraq, Obama sent his supporters an email 4 years after the invasion asking them to tell him why Iraq is a problem and what their story, not their solution, was. Richardson is a problem solver. His common sense yields innovative solutions that have yet to be resembled in the candidates who promise a fresh outlook, as the adage suggests that common sense is anything but common.
When people ask me who is the best candidate for 2008, I say Richardson. I support Richardson because I like a person of action, not a person of words. Without a television, I read transcripts and am hardly wooed by large rallies and good articulation. Leadership is more than a stance, it is the combination of stance and steps in the proper direction. I wish all Americans set aside their favorites for what would be best for America. Vote not for a candidate, vote for what a candidate can do for your country.
So who would be America's best choice? Let's look at history. Many people look at our more personable leaders as their favorites, like JFK or Reagan. When people ask me, I say either Jefferson or FDR. Why? They didn't just energize our country, they changed it.
For historical comparison to our current race, I compared JFK to FDR. But while his career was cut short, we should compare the Kennedy legacy to that of other modern presidents. As I lean Democratic, I am only analyzing their primary. However, I would argue that the comparison could be loosely applied to the Republican party likewise.
Roosevelt was the Governor of New York before becoming our longest serving President. Had he survived, I wonder if he wouldn't have continued as President through to Eisenhower. His political longevity came not from his personality as a pushy leader and a heavy drinker, not from his visual appeal as overweight and handicapped, and not from his wife's either. What made him win in 1932 was his man of action attitude at a time when our country needed it. We didn't need blame. We didn't need someone to tell us what problems we faced. We didn't need holier than thou politicizing. We needed a way to make America work. FDR passed record legislation in his first 100 days, starting the New Deal which led to FICA bank insurance, Social Security, and a way to keep people working so that their skills did not erode. From his elected throne, FDR changed the Democratic Party, the role of the President, the responsibility of government, and the status of America to be a world leader. For a man in a wheelchair, he ran circles around his predecessors.
Kennedy, too, managed to accomplish a lot, but came from a different perspective. The senator triumphed over Nixon because of his personable manner, his good looks, and fashionable wife. The media loved him, and people with their new fangled televisions couldn't help being wooed. He had been groomed for politics since his birth and was catapulted into a presidential track by his dad following his brother's death in WWII. America was superficially complacent after Ike, and JFK had much fewer domestic issues to combat than FDR. Civil rights were a brewing issue, but it was LBJ who signed nondiscrimination into law in 1967. Instead, JFK focused on being a leader who helped America's image, revving up the Space Race, starting the Peace Corps, and trying to stop communism in Vietnam.
Both Presidents were good for our country. However, the Kennedy charm led to a charming America. The determined will of Roosevelt led to an America that would prevail against all odds. Our involvement in WWII was a clearly understood principle, despite our late entry. The Vietnam War was based on principles that were no more clear at the end then when Kennedy was authorized to use military force.
Fast forward to 2007, when the Democratic field has many parallels to both men and both times. Of the 8 candidates, 6 (Dodd, Biden, Clinton, Obama) are current or former (Edwards, Gravel) senators, 1 is a congressman (Kucinich), and 1 is a governor (Richardson). Of the 4 current senators, all are in the Northeast, like Kennedy.
The Kennedy comparison is clear with the 3 frontrunners. They all have succeeded through charisma, visual appeal, and appealing spouses. Obama, Edwards, and Clinton are all great speakers when the camera is rolling. Yet one of Obama's most famous lines, "I may not have been in Washington long, but I have been there long enough to know that Washington needs to change," was uttered almost verbatim by Edwards in his presidential primary in 2003. Ironically, Kennedy's most famous quote, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," was originally credited to William Harding, who is also credited with leading us into the Depression. Furthermore, Harding's win in the Roaring 20's is attributed by many historians to his good looks. Edwards has been running for President since 2001, and while his plans are better developed than Obama's, but like Obama, he does not have any experience running a government to show that a fresh outlook will translate into real change. So far, Clinton and Obama have come out to be far from progressive on plans for healthcare and international security.
Yet it is Bill Richardson, the governor, who is the unpolished get-it-done type who has offered America the boldest vision, the detailed plans to implement it, and the resume to prove that he can do it on a national scale. His political pace was not one of capitalization on opportunity, instead it was a slow and steady ascent into the high ranks of the representative and executive branches (as Minority Whip and Secretary of Energy). As a governor, he has implemented dramatic changes in one of the country's poorest states, creating new jobs in high-tech industries, rebuilding the education system, and powering New Mexico with renewable energy. Richardson has an exceptional resume, but he is a man who is discontent to rest on laurels. He has some of the boldest plans of any candidate on a wide range of topics. This includes his energy plan, which implements cleaner, greener energy faster than other candidate plans. Plus, his background as Secretary of Energy under Clinton and Gore with his track record for renewable energy, light rail, and electric vehicles in New Mexico makes his plan more than a position paper. His healthcare plan goes farther than any candidate to give veterans access to the care they deserve. He doesn't just talk about the children as our future or growing America's middle class - he's cut taxes for all income brackets while keeping the New Mexico budget in surplus, raised teacher salaries, reduced border crime and illegal immigration, reduced junk food in schools, made sure all kids have access to health insurance, and removed sales tax on food and medicine.
As far as the times, we are facing a delicate geopolitical environment, humanitarian and ecological crises that threaten life as we know it, an economic conundrum, mounting civil rights issues, and a military-industrial complex. Some candidates are still testing these issues regardless of the large public outcry on them. Candidates such as Obama frequently ask supporters whether there is consensus that these issues are problems. Richardson, however, feels that what should be discussed now is not the existence of these issues, but the best answers to them.
Roosevelt treated Russia as an ally in international times of need despite ideological differences between the USSR and the USA. Richardson is a diplomat with more international experience than any other candidate as a part-time negotiator and former UN Ambassador. He has sat face to face with Castro, al-Bashir, Kim Jong Il, and Saddam Hussein to save lives.
All of the candidates talk about major international issues, but it was Richardson brokered the temporary ceasefire in Darfur in early 2007. Rather than trying to exert a military solution to a human problem in the Sudan as other candidates have supported, he suggests that the problems can be solved nonviolently through economic pressure with China. He speaks with urgency about AIDS, poverty, pandemics, and water.
All candidates talk about extending prosperity to America, but only the governor has direct experience attracting new industries that create sustainable jobs. He raised the minimum wage to rates higher than what was set by the Senate in 2007. He created 85,000 jobs, including high-wage jobs, in what was a poor state, much like Arkansas under Clinton. Under Richardson, New Mexico has been one of the leading states for economic growth and is considered one of the best areas to for employees. He attracts new businesses that focus on technology and sustainable development like Tesla Motors, one of the most promising electric car companies in the world.
Roosevelt is largely credited with changing the voting patterns of Blacks to Democrats. Though Lincoln was a Republican, Roosevelt believed in helping all Americans in need, which included many poor minorities. He was the first to appoint minority and women cabinet members, even in his first administration. While the Democratic field fully embraces civil unions as an extension of equal rights, only Richardson has lobbied for it in his own state as Governor. He signed nondiscrimination based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation into law. In addition, he voted against Don't Ask, Don't Tell and has been unafraid to include the gay community as a support base.
Rather than supporting more militarism, Kennedy talked about peace. Yet, Kennedy also led our country into the Vietnam War. Roosevelt was slow to enter World War II because he felt that domestic issues were Americans' top concerns. By contrast, it was a last-second Russian submarine message that kept the Caribbean from a devastating decision by Kennedy. Echoing Kennedy's commitment to peace, all Democratic presidential candidates talk about there being no military solution in Iraq. Yet all of the current senators and the leading former senator support keeping some troops in Iraq after an official withdrawal. Only the governor, Bill Richardson, and the congressman, Dennis Kucinich, have expressed that no troops should be left behind.
The President has a unique opportunity to solve. Roosevelt saw problems and used executive power to fix America. Despite campaigning on his early opposition to the idea of invading Iraq, Obama sent his supporters an email 4 years after the invasion asking them to tell him why Iraq is a problem and what their story, not their solution, was. Richardson is a problem solver. His common sense yields innovative solutions that have yet to be resembled in the candidates who promise a fresh outlook, as the adage suggests that common sense is anything but common.
When people ask me who is the best candidate for 2008, I say Richardson. I support Richardson because I like a person of action, not a person of words. Without a television, I read transcripts and am hardly wooed by large rallies and good articulation. Leadership is more than a stance, it is the combination of stance and steps in the proper direction. I wish all Americans set aside their favorites for what would be best for America. Vote not for a candidate, vote for what a candidate can do for your country.
Why Richardson?
In a word, leadership.
Look at our candidates and look at our country. What we need is not a Kennedy. What we need is an FDR. Our nation has as much at stake now as it did 75-80 years ago. A charismatic senator can make America look good, but we need a bold governor who can get things done to make America work right again.
What makes Richardson leadership different? Seven things.
1 Proven executive leadership
2 Man of action, not a man of words
3 Bold visionary
4 Pro-growth champion
5 International respect
6 Bipartisan support
7 Gets more done than anyone
Proven executive leadership. (Governor for 6 years, Clinton Cabinet secretary, only Democratic candidate with executive experience)
Man of action, not a man of words. (Pushed record number of bills through NM legislature while others were debating on the Senate floor. Known not for one great speech but for 25 years of government service to the US)
Bold visionary. (Former Secretary of Energy who has the most aggressive energy independence and global warming policy of any candidate. Education policy for minimum wage for teachers, fully accessible preschool, no junk food in schools, and high standards for graduation have all been enacted in New Mexico. Healthcare plan supports veterans far better than other candidates, even though
Obama is on the Senate Veteran's Affairs Committee.)
Pro-growth champion. (Cut taxes across the board in New Mexico while creating a budget surplus, brought new industries to New Mexico such as space travel, renewable energy, film, and electric car manufacturing, created 85,000 jobs)
International respect. (Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 4 times, UN Ambassador, negotiated for hostages with Castro, Saddam, Kim Jong Il, Al-Bashir, and others)
Bipartisan support. (Has passions that are on both sides of the spectrum. However, no candidate should subscribe to every party whim, remember Gore is pro-life and Romney allowed gay marriage. Won reelection as Governor by 69% including 40% of Republicans in a swing state)
Gets more done than anyone. (He sleeps 5 hours a day. While other candidates have waited to put forth plans, so far this year Richardson brokered ceasefire in Darfur, negotiated with North Korea, had the most bills passed through the State legislature in New Mexico history, released a book, and campaigned, all while writing some of the most comprehensive plans of any candidate.)
In a word, leadership.
Look at our candidates and look at our country. What we need is not a Kennedy. What we need is an FDR. Our nation has as much at stake now as it did 75-80 years ago. A charismatic senator can make America look good, but we need a bold governor who can get things done to make America work right again.
What makes Richardson leadership different? Seven things.
1 Proven executive leadership
2 Man of action, not a man of words
3 Bold visionary
4 Pro-growth champion
5 International respect
6 Bipartisan support
7 Gets more done than anyone
Proven executive leadership. (Governor for 6 years, Clinton Cabinet secretary, only Democratic candidate with executive experience)
Man of action, not a man of words. (Pushed record number of bills through NM legislature while others were debating on the Senate floor. Known not for one great speech but for 25 years of government service to the US)
Bold visionary. (Former Secretary of Energy who has the most aggressive energy independence and global warming policy of any candidate. Education policy for minimum wage for teachers, fully accessible preschool, no junk food in schools, and high standards for graduation have all been enacted in New Mexico. Healthcare plan supports veterans far better than other candidates, even though
Obama is on the Senate Veteran's Affairs Committee.)
Pro-growth champion. (Cut taxes across the board in New Mexico while creating a budget surplus, brought new industries to New Mexico such as space travel, renewable energy, film, and electric car manufacturing, created 85,000 jobs)
International respect. (Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 4 times, UN Ambassador, negotiated for hostages with Castro, Saddam, Kim Jong Il, Al-Bashir, and others)
Bipartisan support. (Has passions that are on both sides of the spectrum. However, no candidate should subscribe to every party whim, remember Gore is pro-life and Romney allowed gay marriage. Won reelection as Governor by 69% including 40% of Republicans in a swing state)
Gets more done than anyone. (He sleeps 5 hours a day. While other candidates have waited to put forth plans, so far this year Richardson brokered ceasefire in Darfur, negotiated with North Korea, had the most bills passed through the State legislature in New Mexico history, released a book, and campaigned, all while writing some of the most comprehensive plans of any candidate.)
1. Donate.
Money helps to get Richardson the air time he deserves. You can do it conveniently through the website, attend an event, or host a fundraiser.
2. Table.
We need to make sure that supporters in key demographics are registered to vote. Meeting people makes the campaign feel alive.
3. Canvas.
Meeting neighbors face to face can be an effective way to get the word out. We should make sure that our materials are not wasteful and are more keepsake than a postcard. This should probably be done in the fall.
4. Phone bank.
Picking up the phone is easier than knocking on the door. We can do it effectively by calling first to see who people are voting for (saying that we are calling on behalf of California for Richardson), following up with undecideds to see if they have chosen Richardson and with Richardson supporters to try to get them involved, then calling before the primary to those who are planning to vote for Richardson to let them know where their polling place is and reminding them to vote. This should probably be done in the winter.
5. Wear it proud.
Tee shirts are a great way to get your message across to voters. You can make your own at Spreadshirt.com very easily. I have several at Link. These are at cost, so I don't make any money from them if you want one.
6. Stick it.
Bumper stickers get noticed by drivers. You can make your own at CafePress.com.
7. Buttons.
Pass them out at parades and events. You can also make them at CafePress.com or Spreadshirt.
8. Postcards.
You can make blank postcards on CafePress.com or other printing sites and put them in postcard slots in coffeeshops and clubs. This is a very good viral marketing tactic if the postcard is funny or interesting.
9. Write.
Letters to the editor do work, just ask at Joe Wilson. One of the members of my MoveOn group was published in the NY Times.
10. Blog.
Cyberspace works, whether you have your own blog or are posting comments to a major site. We need to generate content.
11. Link back.
Google and other sites base their algorithm on links more than hits. So if you link to a supportive article or Richardson blog, it will return higher in search results.
12. Banners.
Do you have a website? Make a banner to support Richardson. Have it click through to the main website.
13. Party.
Attend a house party to plan events. If people feel that Richardson supporters are fun to be with, they will be more inclined to volunteer.
14. Meet.
Have casual meetings like dinners and picnics with Richardson supporters. Meeting in a public place to talk about Richardson creates buzz.
15. Watch.
Support the air time that Richardson has by boosting his ratings and getting others to watch. If he boosts ratings, talk shows will want him more.
16. Listen.
The same goes for radio.
17. Call in.
Radio is a little easier to get heard on. Call in to shows that are discussing an important issue or Richardson and let them know where you and he stand.
18. Talk.
When someone asks you about Richardson, be ready to give a brief one minute rundown of why someone should support him. Then add your personal reasons for supporting him. Be ready to speak to his strengths.
19. Defend.
Be ready for comments that people don't like him for a given reason. Know your position now so that you are not caught off guard.
20. Ask.
Find out who others are supporting. It is a good way to start the conversation on presidents.
21. Be nice.
People normally stick to decisions that they feel that they made on their own. Don't argue - instead, encourage your conversant to consider all of the candidates and make their own decision.
22. Drop in.
Go to other candidates' parties and find out what they like about their candidate. Be honest that you are their just to find out. Tell them who you are supporting and why. Remember that frequently the best response to a silly reason for supporting another candidate is, "Really? Hmm."
23. Petition.
Richardson has several petitions on his site. Be sure to click through.
24. Endorse.
Formally support Richardson and support others to do the same.
25. Thank.
Be nice to the people who are endorsing him. Let them know how much it means to you.
26. Send notes.
Let Richardson and the campaign know how much you appreciate them. Jeff Gulko is the Grassroots Director and can be reached at JGulko@richardsonforpresident.com.
27. Lawn signs.
Put signs in your car, on your lawn, and in your window to let the public know.
28. Organize.
Network through other organizations and events to build a response team. Keep the grassroots movement growing.
29. Rally.
Get involved in existing rallies and parades. Bring Richardson materials with you, like signs and buttons.
30. Tie in.
Richardson has credibility nonpareil in major issues. Plan a public interest event like a climate change or deauthorization rally and highlight his stances.
31. Report.
Get in front of the media when you have an event. Fax them ahead of time if you are staging something large.
32. Get out.
If you happen to be traveling, try to meet with other supporters. Also, keep pressing Richardson's credentials and credibility with other people.
33. Educate.
Do you have speaking engagements or something that you are promoting? Try to tie in your endorsement for Richardson.
34. Test drive.
Richardson is a major proponent of electric cars, putting down 60% of the money to build Tesla's first US production facility in New Mexico. Attend car shows that Tesla is at and be there to generate buzz.
35. Be energetic.
Go to energy conferences and seminars to create buzz that Richardson is the best candidate for clean, sustainable energy given his position as Secretary of Energy under Clinton and Gore and making New Mexico the Clean Energy State with the first transmission and distribution network for renewable energy. Remind others that his energy plan has been lauded by the Sierra Club and others as the most ambitious energy plan of any candidate with the grasp of reality and federal experience to make it possible.
36. Foreign policy.
Attend lectures and events for foreign policy to create buzz that Richardson is only candidate with direct UN and Nobel Prize-nominated diplomatic experience.
37. War deauthorization.
Encourage peace supporters to listen to the MoveOn Iraq debates where Richardson first called for a deauthorization of the Authorization for Use of Military Force to end the Iraq War. Then have them listen to his candidacy speech, where he touted diplomacy first, diplomacy second, diplomacy third. Remind them that while Richardson didn't take a stance on the war from the beginning, he's the best candidate to bring it to an end.
38. Rebuilding Iraq.
Remind candidates that Richardson is the only candidate (that I am aware of) who has called for a sustainable, post-carbon economy in Iraq (I've been saying it for years, and finally someone listened). Then tell them that aside from Kucinich and Gravel, he is the only candidate who wants no troops left behind and a pull out by the end of the year.
39. Civil rights.
Richardson was one of the first candidates to openly support civil unions and pushed through civil union protection in his state. We need to remind the 10% of America that is LGTB that he was against don't ask, don't tell and shot down Gen. Petraeus's comments immediately.
40. Fiscal sense.
Richardson has cut taxes across the board in his state as well as removed taxes on food and medicine. He did this while building a surplus in the State Treasury. Democrats are scared that he will keep Bush's tax cuts, but they need to understand his record.
41. Space travel.
New Mexico has become a high tech heavy weight. Make the Kennedy comparison with the space industry in New Mexico.
42. New jobs.
If you recall, Clinton was elected for at least three major reasons (likeable and cool headed, intelligent, touting that his Governorship reduced poverty and created jobs in one of the nation's poorest states). Richardson has at least the last two credentials. He has built a space industry, renewable energy industry, and (don't mention this in Southern California) film industry in New Mexico, one of the nation's poorest states. It can work again in 2008.
43. Experience matters.
Make the CEO job interview comparison when people are saying that they don't want someone who is a Washington DC politician with a lot of experience. Remind them that Richardson has been coming out with comprehensive plans and bold vision backed with diplomatic expertise and executive credentials - everything a President needs.
44. Frame.
Keep the frames on the White House simple - executive power is different than representative leadership (presidents veto, senators just vote); credentials mean credibility; we need credibility not popularity; America is a world leader that needs to regain its credibility through innovation and diplomacy; America's roots are as an immigrant nation; America rewards those who work hard; a leader can unite people of different nations, parties, races, and genders; the ideal President will know what it is to be a representative of the people's interests, a decisive executive leader, and a figurehead to the rest of the world. These need to be simplified, of course.
45. Convene.
Go to conventions to support Richardson. Bring your signs!
46. Make friends.
Sign up for groups and reach out to friends on the grassroots network. Other people have good ideas that you may be able to execute.
47. Plan.
Don't overcommit yourself too soon. Look through your calendar and figure out when you can put time on Richardson.
48. Think.
Use your creativity to brainstorm on other ways to help. Richardson is the intelligent person's candidate, so I don't doubt that all of you are intelligent.
49. Host.
Develop your own political skills by having an event at your home or planning a happening. Use conference calls (easyfreeconferencing.com or others) to connect with people in other areas.
50. Email.
Email your friends and family to tell them why you are supporting Richardson. Read More »
Money helps to get Richardson the air time he deserves. You can do it conveniently through the website, attend an event, or host a fundraiser.
2. Table.
We need to make sure that supporters in key demographics are registered to vote. Meeting people makes the campaign feel alive.
3. Canvas.
Meeting neighbors face to face can be an effective way to get the word out. We should make sure that our materials are not wasteful and are more keepsake than a postcard. This should probably be done in the fall.
4. Phone bank.
Picking up the phone is easier than knocking on the door. We can do it effectively by calling first to see who people are voting for (saying that we are calling on behalf of California for Richardson), following up with undecideds to see if they have chosen Richardson and with Richardson supporters to try to get them involved, then calling before the primary to those who are planning to vote for Richardson to let them know where their polling place is and reminding them to vote. This should probably be done in the winter.
5. Wear it proud.
Tee shirts are a great way to get your message across to voters. You can make your own at Spreadshirt.com very easily. I have several at Link. These are at cost, so I don't make any money from them if you want one.
6. Stick it.
Bumper stickers get noticed by drivers. You can make your own at CafePress.com.
7. Buttons.
Pass them out at parades and events. You can also make them at CafePress.com or Spreadshirt.
8. Postcards.
You can make blank postcards on CafePress.com or other printing sites and put them in postcard slots in coffeeshops and clubs. This is a very good viral marketing tactic if the postcard is funny or interesting.
9. Write.
Letters to the editor do work, just ask at Joe Wilson. One of the members of my MoveOn group was published in the NY Times.
10. Blog.
Cyberspace works, whether you have your own blog or are posting comments to a major site. We need to generate content.
11. Link back.
Google and other sites base their algorithm on links more than hits. So if you link to a supportive article or Richardson blog, it will return higher in search results.
12. Banners.
Do you have a website? Make a banner to support Richardson. Have it click through to the main website.
13. Party.
Attend a house party to plan events. If people feel that Richardson supporters are fun to be with, they will be more inclined to volunteer.
14. Meet.
Have casual meetings like dinners and picnics with Richardson supporters. Meeting in a public place to talk about Richardson creates buzz.
15. Watch.
Support the air time that Richardson has by boosting his ratings and getting others to watch. If he boosts ratings, talk shows will want him more.
16. Listen.
The same goes for radio.
17. Call in.
Radio is a little easier to get heard on. Call in to shows that are discussing an important issue or Richardson and let them know where you and he stand.
18. Talk.
When someone asks you about Richardson, be ready to give a brief one minute rundown of why someone should support him. Then add your personal reasons for supporting him. Be ready to speak to his strengths.
19. Defend.
Be ready for comments that people don't like him for a given reason. Know your position now so that you are not caught off guard.
20. Ask.
Find out who others are supporting. It is a good way to start the conversation on presidents.
21. Be nice.
People normally stick to decisions that they feel that they made on their own. Don't argue - instead, encourage your conversant to consider all of the candidates and make their own decision.
22. Drop in.
Go to other candidates' parties and find out what they like about their candidate. Be honest that you are their just to find out. Tell them who you are supporting and why. Remember that frequently the best response to a silly reason for supporting another candidate is, "Really? Hmm."
23. Petition.
Richardson has several petitions on his site. Be sure to click through.
24. Endorse.
Formally support Richardson and support others to do the same.
25. Thank.
Be nice to the people who are endorsing him. Let them know how much it means to you.
26. Send notes.
Let Richardson and the campaign know how much you appreciate them. Jeff Gulko is the Grassroots Director and can be reached at JGulko@richardsonforpresident.com.
27. Lawn signs.
Put signs in your car, on your lawn, and in your window to let the public know.
28. Organize.
Network through other organizations and events to build a response team. Keep the grassroots movement growing.
29. Rally.
Get involved in existing rallies and parades. Bring Richardson materials with you, like signs and buttons.
30. Tie in.
Richardson has credibility nonpareil in major issues. Plan a public interest event like a climate change or deauthorization rally and highlight his stances.
31. Report.
Get in front of the media when you have an event. Fax them ahead of time if you are staging something large.
32. Get out.
If you happen to be traveling, try to meet with other supporters. Also, keep pressing Richardson's credentials and credibility with other people.
33. Educate.
Do you have speaking engagements or something that you are promoting? Try to tie in your endorsement for Richardson.
34. Test drive.
Richardson is a major proponent of electric cars, putting down 60% of the money to build Tesla's first US production facility in New Mexico. Attend car shows that Tesla is at and be there to generate buzz.
35. Be energetic.
Go to energy conferences and seminars to create buzz that Richardson is the best candidate for clean, sustainable energy given his position as Secretary of Energy under Clinton and Gore and making New Mexico the Clean Energy State with the first transmission and distribution network for renewable energy. Remind others that his energy plan has been lauded by the Sierra Club and others as the most ambitious energy plan of any candidate with the grasp of reality and federal experience to make it possible.
36. Foreign policy.
Attend lectures and events for foreign policy to create buzz that Richardson is only candidate with direct UN and Nobel Prize-nominated diplomatic experience.
37. War deauthorization.
Encourage peace supporters to listen to the MoveOn Iraq debates where Richardson first called for a deauthorization of the Authorization for Use of Military Force to end the Iraq War. Then have them listen to his candidacy speech, where he touted diplomacy first, diplomacy second, diplomacy third. Remind them that while Richardson didn't take a stance on the war from the beginning, he's the best candidate to bring it to an end.
38. Rebuilding Iraq.
Remind candidates that Richardson is the only candidate (that I am aware of) who has called for a sustainable, post-carbon economy in Iraq (I've been saying it for years, and finally someone listened). Then tell them that aside from Kucinich and Gravel, he is the only candidate who wants no troops left behind and a pull out by the end of the year.
39. Civil rights.
Richardson was one of the first candidates to openly support civil unions and pushed through civil union protection in his state. We need to remind the 10% of America that is LGTB that he was against don't ask, don't tell and shot down Gen. Petraeus's comments immediately.
40. Fiscal sense.
Richardson has cut taxes across the board in his state as well as removed taxes on food and medicine. He did this while building a surplus in the State Treasury. Democrats are scared that he will keep Bush's tax cuts, but they need to understand his record.
41. Space travel.
New Mexico has become a high tech heavy weight. Make the Kennedy comparison with the space industry in New Mexico.
42. New jobs.
If you recall, Clinton was elected for at least three major reasons (likeable and cool headed, intelligent, touting that his Governorship reduced poverty and created jobs in one of the nation's poorest states). Richardson has at least the last two credentials. He has built a space industry, renewable energy industry, and (don't mention this in Southern California) film industry in New Mexico, one of the nation's poorest states. It can work again in 2008.
43. Experience matters.
Make the CEO job interview comparison when people are saying that they don't want someone who is a Washington DC politician with a lot of experience. Remind them that Richardson has been coming out with comprehensive plans and bold vision backed with diplomatic expertise and executive credentials - everything a President needs.
44. Frame.
Keep the frames on the White House simple - executive power is different than representative leadership (presidents veto, senators just vote); credentials mean credibility; we need credibility not popularity; America is a world leader that needs to regain its credibility through innovation and diplomacy; America's roots are as an immigrant nation; America rewards those who work hard; a leader can unite people of different nations, parties, races, and genders; the ideal President will know what it is to be a representative of the people's interests, a decisive executive leader, and a figurehead to the rest of the world. These need to be simplified, of course.
45. Convene.
Go to conventions to support Richardson. Bring your signs!
46. Make friends.
Sign up for groups and reach out to friends on the grassroots network. Other people have good ideas that you may be able to execute.
47. Plan.
Don't overcommit yourself too soon. Look through your calendar and figure out when you can put time on Richardson.
48. Think.
Use your creativity to brainstorm on other ways to help. Richardson is the intelligent person's candidate, so I don't doubt that all of you are intelligent.
49. Host.
Develop your own political skills by having an event at your home or planning a happening. Use conference calls (easyfreeconferencing.com or others) to connect with people in other areas.
50. Email.
Email your friends and family to tell them why you are supporting Richardson. Read More »
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