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Entry: The Revolution and the Right Link: http://www.takimag.com/site/article/the_revolution_and_the_right#17417 Post contents: Dear Prof Gottfried: Strategic thinking for a new GOP majority based on the Ron Paul revolution/movement: The Ronald Reagan revolution combined social conservatives ("Religious Right and others"), fiscal conservatives (libertarians) and security hawks (neoconservatives? big govenment, military complex) together in one. This has proven a success in terms of a ruling majority, but, especially with George H Bush, not a success for small governmemtn conservatives. The Neoconservatives (really a small group) have managed to take over with regard to foreign policy. With the 08 campaign we see the GOP is split in different groups. Strategy for Ron Paul to achieve a majority with the GOP could (should?) now be to bring together fiscal conservatives (libertarians, according to the Cato Institute 13%), of which Paul has a major stake already, social conservatives (Evangelical, Southern Baptist/Religious Right but also Catholic Christians and others) , Independents and anti-war/anti-US aggression, but 2nd amendment Democrats and security specialists (important factor of the GOP). The "neoconservative" and interventionist GOP (Kristol, Frum etc.) should then be "moved back" to where they started (Democrats) and combine with current interventionist faction within the Democratic Party, so that their coalition ranges from all the "neoconservatives", all the way through to socialists etc.. This could be the recipe for a new majority with the GOP. What do you think? With regard to the GOP convention, if Huckabee and Paul can manage to keep McCain from getting the majority delegates , a brokered convention could be enforced. L;ately it seems like Huckabee will go through and continue. He has states himself that the VP position is not the position he is aspiring and know he would not be among the shortlist of McCain, so that is one incentive to continue, apart from the media bias. Ron Paul campaign should achieve the maximum delegates and build momentum. A lot can still happen with McCain, he has already made mistakes, that the Democratic contenders will ruthlessly expose for political purposes, despite his endorsements. He does not enjoy the support of Newt Ginrich, Dick Amery and others. Paul should combine with these conservatives. McCain managed to get an anti-war vote within the GOP. Paul campaign should ensure that these delegates support Paul, as the only-anti-war candidate, and likewise Romney, Huckabee, Thompson delegates should vote for Paul, although their leaders endorsed McCain. There exist some dissatisfaction. One read about stealth Ron paul support/delegates with other campaigns (in winner takes all states)...this could be a possibility and be of help with the convention. The pro-Iraq war majority should be persuaded to vote for Paul, based on anti-McCain factor/elements, potential for Independent and Democratic support for Paul, fundraising ability for Paul etc. Also with regard to strategy, compromise, support from establishment GOP's, Paul's preparation for the RNC should be well coordinated. The future of the US is at stake. Sent at: 2008 05 16