Ron Paul - The Smear Campaign

I know we've all seen the Jon Stewart video 5 times, but this YouTube video explores the smear tactics used by the MSM against Ron Paul. Many people say "Ron Paul isn't being ignored, he's been interviewed and covered by every MSM outlet!", but let's take a look at what tactics, whether subtle or blatant, the corporate media is using to make Ron Paul look bad.

I'll break them up into the different corporate media stations to illustrate how it's not just one of them, but all of them.

Fox News:

--The first example is Neil Cavuto bringing up a $500 campaign donation from a white supremacist.
--Next, some dude flat-out says "He does not like the United States".
--The third one is of Cavuto claiming that Ron Paul believes those who do not pay taxes are "heroes".
--Some guy calls Ron Paul a crackpot, and says "the extreme left and the extreme right has always hated Lincoln", key-word "extreme".
--During a debate hosted on their channel, Rudy Giuliani says that Ron Pauls claim that we were attacked on 9/11 because we were attacking Iraq prior is "absurd".
--Some Fox News analyist says that when they "tested" Ron Pauls foreign policy, his stance on Iran was the most negative thing in all of the debates.
--During the debate, Wallace asks Ron Paul if he's basically saying that "We should take our marching orders from Al Qaeda"
--During a debate, some guy says that many of Ron Pauls supporters call themselves 9/11 truthers, and further elaborates that they believe the US government was complicit with the 9/11 attacks or covered it up.
--Some guy calls Ron Paul "certifiably insane"
--During a debate, a guy asks Ron Paul "Do you have any?", referring to electability.
--Some guy asks a question to a group of people: "How many of you would say Ron Paul was the loser tonight", and they almost all raise their hands, and he concludes that Ron Paul was the loser.
--During a debate, Romney says that Paul shouldn't be reading too many press releases from some guy who I don't know, but Ron Paul stares him down and says "Make fun, buddy."

MSNBC:

--Some guy calls Ron Paul a crackpot.
--MSNBC reporter says "he's found out that Ron Paul smoked at a pro-secession conference in 1995", here in this one sentence he associates Ron Paul with secession and smoking (presumably the green goblin based on the context)
--Some guy says that Ron Paul "speaks in code", he says certain things that at first don't appear "overtly racist, but to certain audiences they know what he's talking about"

CNN

--They show a quote from Roger Simon of Politico who says "In terms of the presidency, nobody cares what Ron Paul says, perhaps not even Ron Paul."
--They show an excerpt from the The Daily News which says "...Ron Paul, whose performance Tuesday proved him the Sanjaya of the political arena", I guess comparing him to this dude from American Idol.
--Some guy says that if you want to be a serious candidate, you must say serious things and you can't "sound like Ron Paul".
--Some guy mentions that the Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party is going to try to get Ron Paul out of the debates.

ABC

--Interviewer asks Ron Paul what success is to him in his campaign, he responds with "to win", and the reporter says "That's not going to happen".
--During an ABC debate, Romney says that Ron Pauls is "reading their propaganda", then it pans over to Giuliani cracking up.
--Ron Paul says we have to deal with the monetary issue to solve the the health care issue, and some guy laughs at him, then more people start laughing. Then he sarcastically repeats what he said.



I just made a thread about the corporate media in America and how they influence public opinion, and Ron Paul is a perfect example of this. Here is an excerpt from that thread:

Tactics:
--Selection of topics
--Distribution of concerns
--Emphasis
--Framing of issues
--Filtering of information
--Bounding of debate

As you can clearly see from those examples, they employ these tactics against Ron Paul. Selection of topics, you can see this in any Ron Paul interview in which the interviewer constantly brings up elements of Ron Pauls policy that he tries to spin and make him look bad.

Distibution of concerns, the MSM constantly voices their concern that Ron Paul is unelectable.

Emphasis, they constantly emphasize how he's a "crackpot" or "crazy"

Framing of issues, they highlighted his stance on FEMA in all three MSM interviews a few nights ago.

Filtering of information, they constantly air footage that makes him look bad.

Bounding of debate, at one point they talked about excluding him from the debates. And during conversations, they always highlight aspects of his campaign to try to make him look bad rather than focusing on the broad range of his issues.

They determine, select, shape, control, and restrict in order to serve the interests of the dominant elite groups.

You might not believe it, but the MSM affects the opinions of millions of people in this country. The corporate media has an agenda to push, and it is clearly an anti-Ron Paul agenda. They use every trick in the book, whether it's a subtle mention that he's unelectable or an accustion that he's a crackpot, to try to make him look bad. You can even see the effects on this very website where the motto is "Deny Ignorance", people constantly go on about his unelectability and how he can't win, how he's too extreme in his policies, and so on.

If you don't believe that the MSM is biased against Ron Paul, post an interview on one of the major MSM networks: CNN, FOX, MSNBC, or ABC, and I will do my best to point out what tactics they are using to smear him.

Think for yourself, and stay away from the corporate media. You don't need a reporter reading a script who works for a biased media outlet to tell you what to think, that's what your brain is for.

Great breakdown of the smearing going on by the media. One simply has to look at their facial expressions and body language whenever they speak about RP to see that:

A - they truly are retards who believe the crap they spew
B - they're following orders-from-headquarters
C - All of the above

reply to post by TXRabbit

Great breakdown of the smearing going on by the media. One simply has to look at their facial expressions and body language whenever they speak about RP to see that:

A - they truly are retards who believe the crap they spew
B - they're following orders-from-headquarters
C - All of the above

Yeah that's a good example of one of the subtle yet powerful tactics they use. When discussing one of Ron Pauls stances on an issue, they often smile when they talk about it, have a sarcastic/condescending tone, laugh while they talk, make a face like they're thinking "what a kook!", and things like that.

Once a person sees that enough, whenever they hear Ron Paul or a Ron Paul supporter discussing those things, they're been programmed to evoke a certain, desired response.

Using my limited knowledge of Psychology, I'll attempt to explain how it's just like Ivan Pavlov training a dog to salivate at the sound of a bell.

Before conditioning, a person hears the name Ron Paul and associates it with presidential candidate Paul. So by constantly associating Ron Paul with being a "crackpot" who is "unelectable" when they mention his name in a negative news story about him, eventually when a person hears his name either while watching MSM or just having a conversation, hearing his name makes them think "Ron Paul is crazy and unelectable".

Smear campaigns are a part of politics. and I don't see them stopping any time soon. To me they are very annoying.....I sift through all the rubbish...and then make up my own mind... on.what is true...what is not and then I vote!

MSM owned and operated by Zionist millionaires, what makes you think that they are going to give Ron Paul the time of day? Are you for real? Why would they start giving fair coverage to a man that wants to cut funding to their beloved Israel.? Wake up!

How does this so-called smear campaign stack up against tactics used against Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Rick Perry?

I would say it is similar if not less extreme.

I think Ron Paul supporters just have a thin skin.

Also you people cry when he gets no attention, now that he his getting some you are still crying.

reply to post by Carseller4

How does this so-called smear campaign stack up against tactics used against Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Rick Perry?

I would say it is similar if not less extreme.

I think Ron Paul supporters just have a thin skin.

Also you people cry when he gets no attention, now that he his getting some you are still crying

You constantly bash Ron Paul on this website, no matter what the discussion revolves around. I don't know if you sincerily believe what you're saying or not, but you always have something negative to say about him.

Please, do me a favor and show me some evidence that Perry is being slandered by the MSM.

And you say that we cry when he gets no attention, but now that he does we're still crying, did you even read the OP where I addressed that exact point?:

Many people say "Ron Paul isn't being ignored, he's been interviewed and covered by every MSM outlet!", but let's take a look at what tactics, whether subtle or blatant, the corporate media is using to make Ron Paul look bad.

I acknowledged that Ron Paul is no longer being ignored to such a severe degree, but the MSM is now trying to make him look bad every chance they get, and I provided dozens of examples of that.

Like I said in the OP:

If you don't believe that the MSM is biased against Ron Paul, post an interview on one of the major MSM networks: CNN, FOX, MSNBC, or ABC, and I will do my best to point out what tactics they are using to smear him.

Just so I'm clear on where you stand, do you believe that the MSM is not biased against Ron Paul?

You are right, Tupac, and so is TXRabbit. The anti-Paul attitude is very evident in the demeanor of many of the news anchors. I encounter many people, even in my own circle of friends, who repeat the "Ron Paul is a nut" mantra. Clearly, these people are getting this idea from the media, because if anyone really listens to what he is saying, he is far from being a nut. He's the most sane politician we've seen in a long time. It makes me very angry, but I can't control what others think. All I can do is inform and hope they change their minds about Ron Paul.

reply to post by Carseller4

How does this so-called smear campaign stack up against tactics used against Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Rick Perry?

If any "tactics" are being used against Bachmann, Palin, and Perry, it most assuredly is at their own hands. These three give their opponents plenty of material to work with in this regard. Ron Paul, however, does not. These three also receive bountiful coverage in the media that is supportive....Ron Paul does not.....he gets media blackout.

Your argument is an epic fail

I wouldn't be surprised if there were not paid anti-Paul trolls on here.

reply to post by discharged77

I wouldn't be surprised if there were not paid anti-Paul trolls on here.

Good, you shouldn't be. There are probably going to be campaigners for all of the candidates hovering around these threads until the 2012 election is over....and that includes people from Ron Paul's campaign. It's just politics as usual.....lol

Originally posted by TupacShakur
reply to post by Carseller4

 

How does this so-called smear campaign stack up against tactics used against Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Rick Perry?

I would say it is similar if not less extreme.

I think Ron Paul supporters just have a thin skin.

Also you people cry when he gets no attention, now that he his getting some you are still crying

You're a perfect example. You constantly bash Ron Paul on this website, no matter what the discussion revolves around. I don't know if you sincerily believe what you're saying or not, but you always have something negative to say about him.

Please, do me a favor and show me some evidence that Perry is being slandered by the MSM.

I don't dwell on the slander. But recently I seen criticism of Perry for owning stock in a movie rental company 15 years ago because they also sold porn. Perry also was wailed on by the media for holding a prayer rally. Just right off the top of my head.

Also, I am not so much against Ron Paul as I am opposed to his supporters. There is absolutely no way you can deny that he receives a lot of support from the anti-Israel, anti-war left. He also receives a lot of support from the drug legalization crowd. Many RP supporters will send money, put up signs, and spam every online poll for him, but on primary day many will walk up to the polling place only to be turned away because they are not even registered as a Republican. This is why he is does not have a chance.

reply to post by Carseller4

. Many RP supporters will send money, put up signs, and spam every online poll for him, but on primary day many will walk up to the polling place only to be turned away because they are not even registered as a Republican. This is why he is does not have a chance.

How do YOU know this is going on? Prove to me that this isn't just some assumption on your part. I don't think you can.

reply to post by Carseller4

TI don't dwell on the slander. But recently I seen criticism of Perry for owning stock in a movie rental company 15 years ago because they also sold porn. Perry also was wailed on by the media for holding a prayer rally. Just right off the top of my head.ext

Well, did Perry own stock in a movie rental company that sold porn? If he did, that isn't slander, is it....it would be fact. Also, which MSM source "wailed" on Perry for holding a prayer rally. I find it hard to believe that a mainstream media source would do such a thing without serious backlash from the public. You're gonna have to do better than this, Carseller.

Originally posted by NightGypsy
reply to post by Carseller4

 

. Many RP supporters will send money, put up signs, and spam every online poll for him, but on primary day many will walk up to the polling place only to be turned away because they are not even registered as a Republican. This is why he is does not have a chance.

How do YOU know this is going on? Prove to me that this isn't just some assumption on your part. I don't think you can.

Ever heard of the phrase "History repeats itself" I am not even talking ancient history, I am talking 4 short years ago. His current run is a mirror image of his last one. Dominating online, and straw polls, sporadic media attention, massive influx of cash through "Money bombs." But when it came down to the primaries, he fizzled. There is no indication that anything will be different this time. Look back 4 years ago on ATS, and you will see the same type of Ron Paul rhetoric from the same type of Ron Paul supporters. Nothing has changed.

These are all from 2008 or earlier.

Get some updated material...you are outdated.

I acknowledged that Ron Paul is no longer being ignored to such a severe degree, but the MSM is now trying to make him look bad every chance they get, and I provided dozens of examples of that.

Examples from 2007/2008.

reply to post by OutKast Searcher


Post any interview on one of those networks with Ron Paul, and we'll see how nicely they're treating him.

But you're right, I should have included more recent examples, such as these:

Then there were the three interviews last weekend on MSM networks (Look in my profile if you haven't seen them), and they all brought up his stance on FEMA and talked about that for the majority of the time. In fact that's the only thing that was discussed during the 6:00+ interview on CNN, and the whole time Anderson Cooper tried to make him look bad on his position.


2011 Ron Paul bash-fest:

2011:

2011:

2011:

2011:

2011:

If you aren't satisfied with those, let me know, because I will gladly find many more examples of the propaganda they spoon-feed the braindead masses who are incapable of making their own decisions about presidential candidates.

Originally posted by Carseller4

Originally posted by NightGypsy
reply to post by Carseller4

 

. Many RP supporters will send money, put up signs, and spam every online poll for him, but on primary day many will walk up to the polling place only to be turned away because they are not even registered as a Republican. This is why he is does not have a chance.

How do YOU know this is going on? Prove to me that this isn't just some assumption on your part. I don't think you can.

Ever heard of the phrase "History repeats itself" I am not even talking ancient history, I am talking 4 short years ago. His current run is a mirror image of his last one. Dominating online, and straw polls, sporadic media attention, massive influx of cash through "Money bombs." But when it came down to the primaries, he fizzled. There is no indication that anything will be different this time. Look back 4 years ago on ATS, and you will see the same type of Ron Paul rhetoric from the same type of Ron Paul supporters. Nothing has changed.

I beg to differ! Ron Paul's popularity has increased tremendously since the last election. I was around 4 years ago supporting/endorsing Paul and am doing the same this time around, as well. The negative comments about Paul on the web this time around are minimal. And he, this time around, has the support of many well-known people like Jim Rogers, Doug Wead, Bruce Fein, Tom Woods, Gary Franchi...not to mention several Christian/Evangelical and even Jewish Coalitions, many Tea Parties, Vets for Ron Paul, Blue Republicans, etc. Heck, even my ex-governor, Ed Rendell, a Democrat, publicly stated that Ron Paul is the only candidate telling the truth! He will be the next POTUS.

I find it truly remarkable that ignorance is so highly valued over rationality.

and that this ignorance is such an exorbitant commodity of the media and mainstream society.


but that is where America is. That is what it has become. A country of ignorance.


A country where so many are blinded - and happily led by TPTB, where irrationality dominates the social mindset to such a degree that when a true, positive rational is presented, it is shunned and dismissed.


This is why RP will never have a chance to make the changes America needs.


Ignorance. On an unprecedented scale.

Ignorance that plays to the negative perception permeated by the media and TPTB of RP.


And this is a battle RP cannot win.


His ideas are too deep for the media and the masses to grasp, for they deal with the complexities that are plaguing the country, not just the singular issues.


And the media, TPTB, and the ignorant masses can't have that.