http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/15/ron-paul-fringe-candidate-shaping-2012-race_n_926947.html
Ron Paul has been re elected to the House of Representatives time and time again by those who live within the 14th district of Texas. He serves those within his district similar to any American Congressman who lives in Washington DC: reading legislation, responding to constituents, seeking votes etc. Despite this commonality, Ron Paul has been able to become an iconic figure to college students throughout the country who support his libertarian viewpoint.
Ron Paul certainly doesn’t have the charismatic appeal that Obama was able to leverage to harness college student votes. And at 76 years old, he surely can’t relate to musical artists like Lady Gaga, Jay Z, or Taylor Swift all whom are considered cultural icons of a generation. Despite these differences, Ron Paul has been able to use his libertarian views to become the unelected leader of the Young American’s for Liberty movement, which has chapters at many colleges across the United States. Ron Paul’s libertarian viewpoint struck accord with college students who are discontent with those in Washington, and feel that the founders’ views for the country have been forgotten. Paul travels around the country holding rallies at college campuses and students flock to offer their support. His support has become such a force for change that he has been able to run for president and usually is able to put a small dent on elections. He does this without any solid backing from Republicans or Democrats who both think his views are too radical to be taken seriously. He is able to make a dent in these major elections by solely utilizing the support college students have offered him and the work they put in coordinating his movement.
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Dan Becker
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I agree with you and this article that it is surprising and slightly confusing how Ron Paul has been able to have such a backing and from an age group that is not even his own. I believe one way he has been able to do this is because he can truly inspire these college students and young adults. The people who attend this rallies walk away believing that they can indeed change the world. Although he is not charismatic in the traditional sense I would argue that he has able to get many people on his side, which is evident from his political background.
ReplyDeleteThis comment written by Emily Seaholm
ReplyDeleteRon Paul definitly comes across as having an openness personality factor that draws others to him. He always seems inform and asking questions that other politicans refuse to ask, which I think has increased his popularity among young people.
ReplyDeleteDan Becker
I feel like it's very hard to capture the attention of young people today. I know for me personally my attention always shifts from one thing to the next. We like to get our information on the fly which makes Ron Paul's ability to cater to todays youth all the more impressive. It's unique that he is elected to the House of Representatives but he has unelected power as a trusted voice for youth everywhere.
ReplyDeleteWhoops! That last post was Tyler Hubert. This could take some getting used to.
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