Ron Paul Grassroots Supporters at the Nashville Fairgrounds Gun Show

The Grassroots Ron Paul Supporters of Tennessee had another successful and wildly popular table at the Bill Goodman Gun Show at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Some of our most popular items included Ron Paul 2012 and Ron Paul Revolution Bumper Stickers, Ron Paul for President 2012 buttons, and the Ron Paul GI JOE t-shirts.

The Nashville Gun Show crowd were very receptive to the message of Ron Paul. As a staunch defender of the 2nd Amendment, Ron Paul is the candidate to share with your friends and family who believe in the Constitution.

Our most common complaint about Ron Paul was "I like Ron Paul except his Foreign Policy". The majority of volunteers who ran our table are Military Veterans, so they could explain Ron Paul's Foreign Policy of Freedom with confidence and first hand experiences.

A very sincere thank you to everyone who showed up and ran the table, donated money, and dropped off Ron Paul merch when we ran out.

Tabling for Ron Paul at the Gun Show

   I'd like to share some insight from our efforts to campaign for Ron Paul at a gun show in Franklin, TN

Tabling for Ron Paul at your local Gun Show is an easy, affordable, and high traffic alternative to sign waves and door to door campaigning.

• Go to this site http://www.gunshows-usa.com/ and find your State

• Pick a city/date convenient for you and your meetup group. The tables are usually $60

• Use FACEBOOK/TWITTER/MEETUP/CRAIGSLIST to advertise your event

• Plan on having two volunteers run the table. Optimally, a male and female, extra points if your Ron Paul Volunteer is a Military Veteran.
• The rest of your meetup can drop by the table and relieve volunteers for lunch breaks and drop off literature.
• Ron Paul Volunteers at the table should wear a Ron Paul Shirt or Business Casual with a Ron Paul Button.
• Those additional supporters should wear Ron Paul Shirts as well. After relieving fellow supporters, send your group out to chat, shop, and interact with the rest of the Gun Show. Gun show attendees and vendors will notice the friendly Ron Paul Supporters who make purchases and ask questions about guns.
• While you walk around the gun show, pay attention to how people look at you. We had two to three people at our Ron Paul Table and we had 5-10 Ron Paul Supporters wearing Ron Paul Shirts shopping and frequenting fellow Gun Show Vendor Booths. This is when the 100th Monkey Effect can occur. I walked by a large group of rifle carrying gentlemen and heard one of them say "That's about the 20th time I've seen someone wearing a Ron Paul Shirt here, guess we better find out who this Ron Paul fella is"
• When talking with vendors and making purchases ask them if they support Ron Paul and if you can leave some literature with them. Most gun shows have a policy that prohibits walking around and giving out pamphlets/fliers, but during a private conversation look for an opportunity to inject Ron Paul and his 2nd Amendment stance. 
• Be a good neighbor. Most gun shows are on Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm. You will be set up next to vendors selling guns, camo, knives, etc. Your behavior, speech, and enthusiasm will be noticed. When we were packing up and heading home, the staff from two different tables approached us and asked for Ron Paul literature. Previously, they had asked us to watch their tables for them when they ran to the restroom. One vendor thanked us profusely for our enthusiasm for the Constitution and for our efforts to educate the public about the 2nd Amendment. I am pretty sure they will vote for Ron Paul after listening to us for two days share the message of freedom!
• Avoid arguments, getting angry, fringe/conspiracy theories or insulting other Presidential Candidates.  It's OKAY to bring up Romney/Santorum's poor voting record, but you don't want to BASH them. Follow the example of our humble Dr. Ron Paul. 
•  Your job is to share the message of Ron Paul. Here are some suggested conversation supporters "Are you a Ron Paul Supporter?" "Would you help me protect our 2nd Amendment rights by voting for Ron Paul in the upcoming Republican Primary?" "Do you have any questions about Ron Paul?" 
• Smile, be friendly, and have your literature arranged in a presentable manner. The Gun Show provide the tables, so bring a tablecloth or use a Don't Tread on Me and/or Liberty or Death Flag as a tablecloth. Attach a Ron Paul Banner or Sign to the front of your table. You can stand behind your table or in front of it with Ron Paul 2nd Amendment info in hand. Some people will take your literature and move on, some will stop and ask questions. 
• The most common complaints I encounter concerning Ron Paul: he's too old, I don't like his foreign policy, Ron Paul doesn't support Israel. (see links below for how to answer)
• Keep your answer concise, short, and simple. Lectures about Austrian Economics or blowback could cause you to lose their interest. Your job is to be friendly, have a polite/engaging conversation, get their name/email, and insert campaign literature into their hands. Remember you are trying to secure votes for Ron Paul, not necessarily looking to recruit new Ron Paul Enthusiasts/Ron Paul meetup members.
• That being said, you want to make sure the people you encounter can vote for Ron Paul. Some Americans are not registered voters and don't know when/where the Republican Primary is. Have appropriate handouts/voter registration forms available.
• The Ron Paul Table should have two people running, three people at the max. I know that I am always excited to talk to people about Ron Paul, but it can be intimidating to a casual observer to ask questions/listen to three energetic Ron Paul supporters talk at the same time.
• Bring snacks/bottled water and offer to share them with your neighbors.
• Have a clipboard/notepad with extra pens to record names/emails.

RESOURCES:

-2nd Amendment handouts
http://www.ronpaul2012.com/store/slim-jim-4x9-issue-card-packs/protect-gun-rights-issue-cards-pack-of-100/

http://files.meetup.com/497787/RonPaul%20GOAflyer.pdf

Gun Owners of America Republican Presidential 2nd Amendment Report Card:
http://gunowners.org/2012presidential.htm

Rick Santorum
http://www.nationalgunrights.org/rick-santorums-anti-gun-history/
http://www.nolanchart.com/article9242-the-real-dirt-on-slick-rick-santorum.html

Mitt Romney

http://www.issues2000.org/2008/Mitt_Romney_Gun_Control.htm
http://www.thepoliticalguide.com/Profiles/Governor/Massachusetts/Mitt_Romney/views/The_Second_Amendment/
http://www.multiplechoicemitt.com/

Newt Gingrich:

http://gunowners.org/newtgingrich-2012.htm

Affordable Ron Paul resources:

 http://ronpaulproducts.com/

 http://www.ronpaulproducts.com/brochure2.html

 http://ronpaulcards.com/

buy this 30 minute DVD about Ron Paul and make copies for distribution:
http://onedollardvdproject.com/Videos/RonPaul2012/

Ron Paul supports Israel:
print out and make copies: http://www.americansforisrael.com/americans-for-israel-flyer-ready-for-2012/

The Military Supports Ron Paul:
http://www.ronpaul2012.com/2011/10/18/ron-paul-campaign-tops-others-in-q3-active-military-donations/

I like Ron Paul, Except on Foreign Policy:
bring your laptop and have these youtube videos ready
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqdH6y4-8xU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLYsITa3vYs


How to Table for Ron Paul


http://iroots.org/2012/01/09/how-to-win-in-new-hampshire-and-beyond/

How to ensure Ron Paul wins the Republican Primary

The most effective campaigning methods for Ron Paul 2012:

Door to Door Campaigning
 Knocking on doors of previous Republican Voters who have a track record of voting in the Primaries is the number one way to ensure Ron Paul wins the Republican Primary. It worked for Rand Paul and will work for Ron Paul if you do your part. Dress business casual, be polite, don't argue over issues, and leave some Ron Paul Literature with the potential voter. A positive interaction and the appearance of an active and organized effort will impress voters.
Suggested campaign materials:
http://www.ronpaulproducts.com/brochure2.html 
https://sites.google.com/site/ronpaulemporium/
http://www.ronpaul2012.com/store/slim-jim-4x9-issue-card-packs/

Phone Banking
http://www.dailypaul.com/187069/the-most-important-thing-you-can-do-to-help-me-become-the-next-president-of-the-united-states-ron-paul
Advice straight from the good doctor himself:

"Besides contributing financially, there’s literally NOTHING you can do to help my campaign more.
It was our Phone From Home program that helped lead to my historic finish in the Iowa Straw Poll.
That’s why I’m personally asking you to help me achieve VICTORY in key early primary and caucus states by signing up to Phone From Home."

here's how:  http://phone.ronpaul2012.com/v/login.php?v=1

It's free, easy, and you can do it from home. If you need some motivation, host a Ron Paul Phone from Home Party.

Ron Paul Supporter Baby Steps

This is simple. All Ron Paul should at least do this.

• Place a Ron Paul 2012 bumper sticker or window decal on your automobile. 
• Proudly stake a Ron Paul 2012 sign in your front yard.
• Wear a Ron Paul 2012 shirt when grocery shopping, on campus, running errands, at the gym, etc.
• Keep extra Ron Paul Literature in your vehicle, backpack, or briefcase.

This is the very least you could do for Dr. Ron Paul who has fought to uphold the Constitution for 20 plus years. By making it visually obvious that you are a Ron Paul Supporter you will invite others to ask questions. When you are approached, questioned, or complimented on your shirt, you can confidently spread his message by sharing a polite reason for supporting Ron Paul and then sharing the extra Ron Paul materials you have handy in your pocket, trunk, etc.
for Ron Paul merch I suggest:
http://ronpaulswag.com/  
http://ronpaulproducts.com/ 
http://www.ronpaul2012.com/store/  
https://sites.google.com/site/ronpaulemporium/

Sign up as a Ron Paul Delegate

All you need are some signatures and a willingness to stand for Truth.

http://ronpauldelegates.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/RonPaulDelegates2012

Donate to the Ron Paul 2012 Campaign

http://www.ronpaul2012.com/
Buying shirts, signs, etc from the official site also counts as a donation.

Tabling for Ron Paul in areas that Conservatives gather

Gun Shows, Farmer's Markets, Tea Parties, Protests, etc. Be creative and vocal. Make a couple of phone calls and/or emails to secure a booth at the next gun show or Farmer's Market. These events tend to be frequented by 2nd Amendment Enthusiasts and those who enjoy nutritious food grown in your local community. If you cannot get a booth/table, then you can go to a gun show or Farmer's Market, make friends, and pass out Ron Paul Literature. Talk to the Gun Booth operators and Farmers, chances are that they support the ideas of Ron Paul and may allow you to leave literature at their table/booth.

http://www.gunshows-usa.com/
http://www.localharvest.org/

Culture Jamming for Ron Paul

Keep in mind that this is the least effective way to campaign for Ron Paul. This should be something you do as a group for fun. This is a release, something you should schedule as a meetup group after you have put in the "sweat equity" of door to door campaigning, etc. Nonetheless, the Ron Paul Revolution is known for their creative and dedicated supporters.

Culture Jamming for Ron Paul:

http://iroots.org/2011/10/19/culture-jamming-for-black-this-out-101911/
Post these stickers in bars, college campuses, bus stops, coffee shops:

http://thetrepanation.com/trepanation-store/viral-sticker-packs/

Hang Signs on Telephone Polls

Have a Ron Paul Sign Wave at busy intersections

Place Ron Paul Fliers underneath windshield wipers in parking lots

Specify your message for your audience, for example you could canvass the parking lot of a church with these fliers:
http://www.ronpaul2012.com/store/slim-jim-4x9-issue-card-packs/a-man-of-faith-issue-cards-pack-of-100/

Keyboard Warriors for Ron Paul

This is another method which I feel is least effective. It can give a false sense of accomplishing something for Ron Paul. It is not my intention to insult bloggers or those who frequent Facebook and post incessantly about Ron Paul or those who vote in every online straw poll. Your efforts are appreciated and the rise of the Alternative Media has kept Ron Paul from becoming completely blacked out by the Mainstream Media. Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter should be utilized for Ron Paul, but keep in mind that there is a finite amount of time before the Republican Primary. Don't spend all your time arguing with a Herman Cain supporter on Facebook. Your extensive knowledge of the Federal Reserve will not make him change his mind, nor will it win more votes for Ron Paul.

Host a Ron Paul Viewing Party

Ask around town and secure a location that will allow you to host a Ron Paul Party. Ideal venues are bars, coffee shops, or apartment clubhouses. The venue should be accessible to your target audience and that can vary depending on if you are targeting college students, traditional Republican voters, etc. Negotiate a time, place, and date with the owner of the venue. Prior to advertising your event, make sure adequate parking is available, a sound system, television screens, seating, etc. Contact any local liberty minded musicians and ask them to play some songs to rouse your target audience. Advertise your event via youtube, make it a Facebook Event, a craigslist ad, local newspapers, and post fliers around campus. With permission, decorate your venue with Ron Paul banners, signs, and balloons. Have Ron Paul merch on hand for distribution and have fun!

Ideas/Examples

Show this DVD (only two dollars and is 30 min long)
http://onedollardvdproject.com/Videos/ronpaul2012/ 
Ron Paul Balloons:
http://www.ronpaul2012.com/store/miscellaneous/12-ron-paul-balloons-pack-of-50/
Our first Ron Paul Party in Nashville, TN
http://www.tennesseeforronpaul.com/2011/09/ron-paul-2012-nashville-party.html

related:
http://iroots.org/