Reflecting on the Rand Paul Campaign

Rand Paul came in 5th place in Iowa. I’ve tried to have realistic expectations so I can’t say I’m surprised. It could have been worse. Top 5. That’s better than some pollsters predicted. But still, not exactly great.

I’m sitting here reflecting on the Rand Paul 2016 campaign. In particular, how it differs from Ron Paul’s previous presidential campaigns. I’ve seen many people point out how Ron Paul did better in Iowa in 2012. Of course, Trump and ISIS have thrown things off this election cycle. But why did Ron do well in Iowa?

Ron Paul had a bold consistent message. He tapped into the anti-establishment sentiment of voters. He talked about how Washington was screwing them. His campaign staff understood the message of liberty and how to connect with the grassroots. They were in it for the long-haul. They wouldn’t dare jump ships to another campaign. They weren’t on his campaign to build a resume, but to promote an idea.

Starting after the 2012 election, there was much talk online about how the Rand campaign would be more polished. More professional politicos who had campaign experience. Rand Paul could win. He could reach out to non-libertarians in ways that Ron couldn’t.

I was excited.

Then 2015 came. Rather than build on the excitement of the previous Ron Paul campaigns, I noticed some mixed messages coming from the campaign. I saw the message of liberty being watered-down. The campaign was focusing on traditional Republican issues like taxes and abortion that did not separate Rand from the rest of the pack.

Some even speculated that the campaign was trying to keep its distance from Ron Paul. It raised eyebrows when Ron Paul was present at Rand’s campaign announcement but didn’t speak. During this time, I saw how the Ted Cruz campaign and PAC was actively recruiting by contacting prominent Ron Paul supporters and giving praise to Dr. No.

When I voiced my concerns early last year when Rand was still up in the polls, I was called a purist and told to shut up.

Okay, then.

I backed off. My intent was to help the campaign by providing constructive criticism. I didn’t want to be accused of hurting the campaign. I’ve always felt that Rand Paul is the best out of the Republican field (still do).

Then we all know what has happened.

It does seem like the campaign is trying to correct some past decisions. I’ve noticed the campaign getting bolder lately. The decision to skip the undercard debate was genius. He got more press than he probably would have if he participated. It was also great to see Ron Paul stumping for Rand in Iowa this week. Awesome.

I do have to wonder, though: is it too late?

I hope not. Go bold or go home. It’s do or die time.