An Open Letter to Ron Paul

Representative Paul: I first came to know you and your campaign after your debate against Rudolph Guiliani in South Carolina. You were by far the most impressive candidate, with your firm grasp of history, respect for the Constitution, and rational, well-reasoned arguments. Most impressively, however, while the deck was clearly stacked against you in that debate, you remained unflappable and cool under fire.

In more recent debates, however, your delivery has changed. Your message is still true, but the expository reasoning is getting lost beneath gesticulations and strident, pressured speech. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Here’s Rational Paul:

Here’s Intense Paul:

I only make these observations in the context of watching undecided folks react — while your passion is evident and appropriate, there’s a point at which emotion interferes with a listener’s ability to digest the message. In the words of Teddy Roosevelt, “speak softly and carry a big stick”: in this case, there’s no bigger stick than reason and the Constitution.

One last point: the debate last night was so obviously biased against you, and the antics of the moderators (snickering while asking questions) and producers (split-screen view of Rudy smirking) so childish, that it more resembled bullies gathering in a schoolyard than a serious discussion. Viewers see that you are being attacked. Continuing to remain coolly rational under those challenging circumstances is an easy (although simultaneously difficult) path to victory.

And you can count on your army of supporters to set the record straight when Faux News lies (yes, lies) about their own post-debate poll:

Unbelievable. But yet not surprising.

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