You Can Spread Ron Paul's Message In The Media
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Grass Roots Radio Talk Show Participation
by Christine Smith
Radio talk shows are one of the most popular
forms of media in the nation. From the local city talk shows to the big
50,000-watt stations reaching dozens of states simultaneously - all
offer a wonderful opportunity to share your support for Ron Paul with
many others.
It's free (except for long distance if
applicable - but usually that's toll-free).
It's quick.
It's easy.
But, it takes advance planning to be most
effective.
* Turn off the TV and turn on your
local AM stations.
Excellent times are morning shows (the drive
to work), drive home shows, and late-night shows. Develop a knowledge
of the hosts in your area; keep track of future planned show topics &
guests. Listen to those hosts, when possible, in advance so you learn
their style (fair, judgmental, arguementive or objective) and prepare
phone numbers in advance - don't wait for host to give out number. Have
your calling list(s) ready and the numbers programmed into your phone.
*Know Your Subject
The 2008 presidential race is often the
subject these days, giving you the open door to call in to share Dr.
Paul. But, it has been my experience, often he is not even being
mentioned. Thus, you may be the first to bring up his name. If a host
is not even mentioning Dr. Paul, be prepared for a less than serious
response or some degree of ridicule at worst -- or at the very least the
old "wasting your vote" argument. Be prepared for a negative response.
Never get provoked by the host. The truth needs no defense. Remain
calm, steady, and rational no matter what. Do not go into a "defensive"
voice, instead listen calmly to their objection, then reply strongly
with the facts.
If the topic is the presidential race,
you're ready with your talking points as to why you are supporting Ron
Paul.
But, even when the topic is not specifically
on the presidential race, I have found that the majority of talk show
discussions can easily be used as a means to share Dr. Paul's stance on
a particular issue as it relates directly to the conversation. Think
about it: crime, poverty, inflation, war, terrorism, education, privacy,
taxes, energy, healthcare/health freedom, etc....the list is endless of
the many crisis facing our society and our nation. Every single issue
virtually can be turned into an opportunity to share Dr. Paul. In such
instances, you can easily begin your call-in comment by immediately
stating that you agree with Ron Paul on this issue in that (and
then explain) OR begin by stating a reference that you support the
congressional bill Ron Paul introduced which would (then explain).
These are just examples to give you the idea--almost any topic can be
turned into an opportunity to somehow mention Ron Paul's pro-liberty
position and by doing so you've just reached hundreds, thousands or
millions with a positive mention of him in the mainstream media.
This is what each of must do--because media
bias often paints an entirely different picture of him--it's up to each
of us to let everyone else know his positions, his credibility, his
consistency, and of his widespread national support.
*Tell The Screener the Minimum
The screener usually just asks your name,
location, and a very brief summary of what you wish to say. Brevity is
the key, simply restate the topic being discussed and say you have a
comment in agreement or not or something to that affect. Do not begin
discussing your opinion or facts in detail. Keep it general.
*Share Who You Are - When Relevant
Once you're on-air: If who you are or what
you believe or have experienced would strengthen your opinion, share
it. For example, talking about education--share that you're a
parent....talking about non-interventionism as a foreign policy--share
your military experience....talking about social security--share your
place in life as it relates, etc. Again preface your call (on-air) with
your credentials and make it short but only when time permits (still do
it quickly) and only if it in itself might make others listen to the
opinion with greater interests because of that credential as it relates
to the topic. Briefly sharing you who you gives you credibility and
makes others, similar to you, identify with you (and then they listen
closer!) But do not share such a fact unless it directly relates to the
subject being discussed, otherwise just get right to your point. And,
remember, no personal reference to yourself is even necessary, just use
it during times when it might make a good opener.
Examples:
"I'm a mother of two, and I think that...."
"I'm a veteran (share your service) and I
think that...."
Whatever category you might can briefly
state is powerful--whether it's a bit of information about your age
group, profession/retirement, or any other category or belief you have
that others in the listening audience may identify with, provide it
(skip this if time is very short OR if you feel the point itself is not
strengthened by an identification). You know the host/show style and
thus listenership - you decide who is likely listening and what
identifier might interest them if any.
*Admit You Don't Know & Know When To
End the Call
Of course be prepared as possible, but also
be ready to admit you do not know an answer if the host poses a question
to which you are unaware of the answer. It is strength to admit you do
not know but that it is an interesting question which you will
research. Never try to answer a question unless you know for certain
you know the facts. Frequently, an objective host will engage you in
conversation unless time is short. But never be provoked into answering
irrelevant hypothetical questions by a host, instead focus the
conversation once again on the point you called in about. State your
point firmly and do not repeat yourself, except to reiterate the point
if the host tries to attack you by posing hypothetical questions. End
your call, calmly, if the host becomes emotional. Most host of talk
shows appreciate informed callers and most of your calls will likely be
good experiences.
*Talking Points
I've made my list of talking points directly
from/as a result of the many articles/speeches Ron Paul has given. You
will be most passionate speaking about the points you are most familiar
with and most concerned about. Do not try to be an expert on every
issue, choose the issues which you find yourself thinking the most about
and sharing naturally with those you know. When you speak about those
issues which affect you deepest you will be most persuasive of.
Thus, choose your talking points in this
way: Select topics you are most personally concerned about (even to the
exclusion of other issues you may agree with but which aren't
necessarily your forte.) Read and listen to Dr. Paul especially
regarding the areas you feel most comfortable speaking about. Then,
create your soundbites or bumper sticker phrases which in a nutshell
express your opinion - then write 2-4 facts which buttress the opinion
stated - and memorize those.
A few of my favorite RP resources:
Ron Paul archives at Lew Rockwell's site:
Articles & Speeches by Ron Paul:
and, of course, the official website:
*Get/Create Lists
I recommend using the internet and also to
immediately sign up at
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/join --check off you are interested in
writing letters to the editor and you might receive a good media list
for your state (including both radio & print).
Do web searches such as "radio stations"
"your city" to get information online, or do searches such as "radio
talk shows" with your "city." And you always can create your own by
simply tuning on the radio and always keeping pen/paper handy.
But I emphasize, visit
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/join and click off all the volunteer
activities you are willing to do (you might receive an excellent media
list based on your state/zip code for your area in your email inbox if
you indicate your willingness to volunteer/write letters to media).
*Be Confident
If you have the knowledge and the personal
conviction of the rightness of what you want to share - your call is
going to be very powerful. Do not worry, and do not doubt the efficacy
of your call. Your voice is essential to the cause. Voice your opinion
- support it with fact - and do so at every opportunity. Remember, even
if the host rejects your point or disagrees, the value of your call
is in the many listeners who just learned more about Ron Paul all
because of you.
