Ron Paul: "Restore America Now"

I will be writing my image repair paper on Ron Paul.  I chose this candidate because I've always been interested in him, but never really knew why, or really much about him. 

When I first started surfing the web for ideas on how I could possibly give input into his campaign and image, it seemed as though an overwhelmingly large amount of his strategy consisted of trash talking his opponents. 
For Example:  Paul's disapproval of Santorum

I mean, I know that every candidate makes a snide comment here and there about an opponent, but it seemed to me like Ron Paul did a lot of this. Through my continued research, I developed four specific flaws in Paul's image that I will be attempting to offer solutions to through examples from the past. 

Ron Paul's image issues include:

1. Has difficulty appealing to voters of all ages, relates more to an older crowd (although he is working on this).

2. Going unnoticed in the ballots; not receiving enough media coverage.

3. Focusing more on tearing down his opponents than on his own campaign.

4. Paul doesn't utilize his social and online media as he should.

Ron Paul 2012

I will be looking specifically at Hilary Clinton and Barak Obama, as they were both relatively unknown at the beginning of their presidential races, and by utilizing online and print media effectively, they became very popular and respected.  Like Paul, Clinton and Obama both had hindering factors that led people to question if they were fit for leading America.  Gender, Race and age are all prominent concerns when analyzing the presidential race for these three candidates.
Fan Site

Ron Paul uses his, "Restore American Now," slogan for the 2012 presidential race.  This platform expresses Paul's concern for where America has headed and his longing to restore it to what it once was.

Although Paul had had trouble relating to younger voters in the past, he has been making some progress in this area.  He will actually be speaking at Texas A&M Tuesday, April 9.  I would LOVE to make it to this rally if at all possible.  One of my friends is going, so he said he would take pictures for me if I can't be there.
Visit to Texas A&M

Conclusions:
1. I found that while Ron Paul suffered no rea crisis in the recent past, his overall approach to the presidential race is a little backwards.

2. He must begin to utilize both traditional and new media outlets in order to promote himself in a different and more attractive way.

Ultimately, image repair tactics are a valuable tool that any public person must be fully prepared to utilize.  In the case of Ron Paul, his traditional ways may be hindering to his overall image.

The Changing Media Landscape

We had the opportunity to hear Jay Hicks speak about how media in public relations is changing at a rapid pace.  Hicks is the Director of New Media at CBS Affiliate KWTX-TV.  He has an extensive history in communications and oversees all of the station's efforts in online and new media involving developing and executing content on multiple platforms.  The way we now communicate is much more interactive than it was in the past, and is now a two-way conversation.  Hicks spoke about how we can promote ourselves in the best possible way, and be remembered by employers.


I thought what Hicks said about being a "digital story teller" was very interesting.  I've never really considered creating a video resume, but after seeing some examples, I've realized that they would in fact make a lasting impact on future employers.  I realize how important it is to stand out at an interview, and in this day and age, you must do something drastic in order to be noticed.  Hicks stressed the importance of good writing and an interactive resume.


He spoke of the three C's, including, credibility, which is the power to inspire, control, the power of command, and lastly, charisma, the power of personal charm.  As I have just recently had an interview, this talk proved extremely helpful.  I was able to spice up my resume a bit and remember how important the correct form of communication truly is.


Hicks also discussed the need for some type of branding.  He said we must consider:
1. How does our message use verbal communication?
2. How does our message use nonverbal communication?
3. How can either be  made stronger?


He also encouraged us to keep several different blogs.  A "me" blog, passion blog, a professional blog, etc.  Hicks main point was to just keep up with social and interactive media.  We need to market ourselves as though we were a product.  Innovation and new ideas are what will get us a job we really love.


I look forward to creating new and innovative ideas for my resume and PR career!