Rand Paul – Network in 50 States - Message – Take Me Seriously – and We All Should

The Washington Post’s article yesterday outlined Rand Paul’s networking operations, which are extensive, in an article titled “Rand Paul Building National Network Courting Mainstream support for Presidential Bid” (Washington Post). The article outlines Paul’s efforts at building a 50-state support group focused on fundraising, and goes on to suggest that there are others with the same plans – yet no one has ever move so quickly in any recent election memory. The fact that Paul is becoming a successful fundraiser, through all channels, should send a clear message to the national GOP and other detractors that he is capable of running as a national candidate. What is not mentioned is his enormous appeal to those millennial, who have been waiting for an icon – and they have found one in the Kentucky Senator. That enthusiasm puts boots on the ground in every state of the union. Include members of both political parties, and include Libertarian and Tea Party supporters and one can well imagine what Paul can accomplish by the time 2014 comes to a close (or the official start of the 2016 Presidential Sweepstakes.

What might be most appealing to those who despise the political dynasty bids, and those bids by both parties for the “came in second last time, will be the frontrunner this time”, is that Paul is, in a word, fresh. He does have a family political name, but from his Libertarian father, who ran unsuccessfully as both a Libertarian and a Republican for the highest office. That, in a nutshell, does not compare to the Clinton or Bush Dynasties – in any way, shape or form. His appeal extends beyond the millennial, as his message appeals to women (wait, he’s against women if one is on the left, but, it now rings similar to a boy who cried wolf – women are concerned about their pocketbooks.)

It will be interesting as it unfolds and the inside bickering develops – as Paul is a take no prisoners legislature, expect the same in a campaign. This lends to the appeal, rather than the usual nonsense seen in both parties general election process.

Therefore, as he becomes more mainstream, and as he positions himself to appeal to the base – pick a base – his positions transcend – his demeanor is sincere. That is why he will be the frontrunner, for now, and depending on how the right reacts (and the standard bearer for the National GOP), he may well be the frontrunner through the end. It may happen regardless of any support or sabotage from the National Party – perhaps, just perhaps, the people will surprise them, and their chosen candidates and for once, those of us who have been holding our noses to pull a lever for someone who just might do the nation some good, will finally get the chance.

Speculation on the Papal visit – Obama Visit to Pope Francis – Outreach for Catholic Voters – the Politics of Religion.

Image from hprweb.com - article on Pope Francis worth the read

From Yahoo News , the article entitled: “Obama meets Pope Francis, looks for Catholic boost”, an AFP piece, suggests that the President is meeting with Pope Francis for political purposes – the Pope, as the article points out, is extremely popular in the United States, and further, the article suggests, both men may find common ground based on their fight against inequality.

That said, the Pope is a Jesuit, and although they embrace education, knowledge and a penchant for all things humble, they are also a religious order established by a devout Spanish nobleman turned priest. To learn more about the Jesuit society visit www.jesuits.org. In a Catholic world, with its various orders, the Jesuits are considered by laypersons as the most devout and strict of the orders. This may be due to their strict adherence to defending both the teachings of Jesus as well as the Pope. Although many have read much into statements made by Francis, his meaning was clear – in order to convert, one must accept the sinner, only then will one be able to communicate with that individual.

In this mind, it is a meeting which gives the head of the Vatican State, as well as the Head of the Catholic Church an opportunity to convert another head of state. With the mandates from the Affordable Health care forcing religious organizations to pay for contraceptives and abortions, to the export of funds to perform abortions worldwide by the administration, one might think there will, indeed, be a meeting of the minds Never mind any perceived or real aggression (in word and or deed) that the President has committed. One can expect glowing reports and carefully conceived photographs, as the kindness prevalent in the Order will show as it should, harmony. However, it will, by no means, be an endorsement of character, rather a hope that certain practices may be given a second look, and stopped cold.

Although very popular here in the U.S., it is doubtful with the conditions of the nation, that the Pope’s blessing of the President, would do nothing more than offer a short-lived bounce – certainly not enough to save the Senate nor the Congress in 2014. These institutions are, at the moment, for the GOP to lose. What is most galling to those of us who understand that the Constitution guarantees Freedom of Religion rather than Freedom from Religion, it galls to find elected officials pandering to certain demographics by professing to be Catholics, yet, supporting grievous practices abhorrent to the very faith. It is, however, in the Universal Christian doctrine, between those who practice abominations, and God. However, it is exceedingly clear that will also apply to those who knowingly put into a political office, someone whose actions and beliefs run contrary to this doctrine. This from a religious and political perspective – religion and politics are odd bedfellows indeed.

2014 Elections - John Dennis to Run for CA-12 Against Nancy Pelosi (D) – Receives Endorsement from Rand Paul

John Dennis, running against Nancy Pelosi, CA 12 - image from benswann.com

John Dennis, the Libertarian Leaning Republican will run against Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House and infamous liberal firebrand, in 2014. This will be the third time Dennis will attempt to unseat Pelosi, in a district that had been gerrymandered to ensure her continued political career. It is considered one of the top 10 most gerrymandered Congressional Districts in the Country, making Pelosi appear incredibly safe. (PJ Media)

O n a recent, successful visit to the Valley, Senator Rand Paul suggested that Dennis would be a good candidate to run against Ms. Pelosi (San Francisco Chronicle). Today,Senator Paul took it a step further, officially endorsing Dennis, according to according to RandPAC

Dennis, although a Republican in a Democrat district is clearly undeterred. Suggested read: realclearpolics.com/Pelosi Challenger John Dennis has Bigger goals here.

To learn more about John Dennis, or contribute, volunteer, or lend a hand to unseat Nancy Pelosi – visit www.johndennisforcongress.com

CNN – Opinion Speculates on Why Obama is Losing the Millennials' –the reasons - and what that means for the 2014-2016 election.

A young CPAC attendee - standing with Rand - the image from genprogress.org - asks "...but do conservatives stand with his generation?". Note: CPAC attendees are conservative activists.

An opinion piece on CNN by Julian Zelizer, a CNN Contributor, suggests that Obama, besides his best efforts, is losing the Millenials (18-24) due to a lack of jobs, however, there may be more to the distance than that alone. There is a growing trend in that particular age group , like so many generations before them, that casts a pall over those in positions of authority, specifically government, and the real or perceived injustices of the particular time. They are concerned over jobs, no doubt about it, but also the skyrocketed costs of borrowing money for student loans, an industry that has been placed squarely in the hands of the government, a government they no longer trust due to the NSA data mining of civilians. In addition, they are more self-reliant than the generations before, although much has been made of a few who made headlines recently, those are the exception, not the rule. They know that the costs of the Affordable Health Care Act/Obama Care has increased premiums and has become cost-prohibitive to their parents, and in many cases, some have lost their coverage entirely. In the age of instant information through multiple social networks, making “friends’, is no longer confined to one’s home, state or campus, but includes the nation, therefore, knowing several people who are suffering due to a government program is not out of the question. A growing trend toward self-reliance, entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to partake in the original concept of the founding fathers is fairly amazing – they read the Constitution and are prone to prefer free markets, no taxes and peace through strength. They are not racist and they are not prone to any particular party affiliation – they are, if anything - Libertarians.

Which explains a lot of the appeal for Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, and of all parties, the Tea Party – they are a conundrum – many of whom did not vote in the 2012 election and if they did, are regretting their vote based on advice from teachers , professors and yes, parents.

They speak of having no future and t hey are sick of it, which will play out in one of two ways politically. In the first instance, although fed up – they may also retain the lack of interest in voting as in the previous election (those old enough at the time) and simply not vote. On the other hand, they may join their fellows from Berkeley, and campuses, tea houses, pizza shops, fast-food restaurants, and the like, and get out the vote for the individual who offers them what they want to hear and has done something about attempting to fix any number of the their grievances, someone who appears younger, and in tune with what is currently happening in their lives. They will support the candidate that has never held office, approves of free markets, and lower taxes, in 2014 and in 2016.

The President, like so many before him, has aged, and in the continued drumbeat about his actions or inactions from all sources, he is old and authoritarian to one who is a Millennial. He has also painted the party in the same vein. It is these old men and women, from both parties that are the perceived problem –reminiscent of the 1960’s mantra: “Don’t’ trust anyone over 30”, this generation prefers not to trust anyone over 50 who is currently a politician and a repeat offender (i.e. multiple terms).

The big “if” is at issue – “if they vote”, they could propel the modified Libertarian-Republican party to the forefront of history.

Note: Based on opinions of male and females 18 to 24 years old in random selection partaking in non-scientific interviews from campus and non-campus locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. The particular blue of these areas and the answers of the majority (89.5%) were exceedingly surprising.