Liberty Maven

One of the more interesting developments to rise out of the Ron Paul Presidential campaign was the “money bomb.” The “money bomb” is an effort to get the multitudes to donate to a campaign within a specific period of time. Usually, the period is the 24 hours in one single day. The day also normally has a theme associated with it. Ultimately, the purpose is to pool campaign donations in a short period of time as an attempt to gain more funding and perhaps most importantly, free media attention.

What is even more interesting is that the “money bombs” are completely independent efforts from official campaigns. They are conceived and promoted by grassroots supporters via YouTube videos, web sites, forum postings, email lists, and blogs. Technically they are not grassroots efforts, but more aptly, netroots efforts.

Ron Paul had 3 major money bombs and several minor ones. The largest filled his campaign coffers with over $6 million. That amount helped him close out the final quarter of 2007 with the most money in the quarter when compared to his GOP rivals. This was an astounding feat for a candidate who received very little media attention.

It would not be surprising to see future Presidential campaigns take the money bomb concept to new levels in attempts to get similar attention. There is a problem with this though. In order for it to work, it must be a grass/net-roots effort. This requires many like-minded individuals banning together around a candidate and helping to promote the day. If the money bomb is an effort from the official campaign, it is likely doomed to failure.

The money bomb concept is now being taken to new levels by candidates who are running with a Ron Paul style message. In fact, a Ron Paul Republican in my district here in Virginia has an upcoming money bomb on May 1st. His primary is on June 10th and he faces a 28 year incumbent who seems to have lost his way over the years in office. Vern McKinley’s money bomb site is: MayDayMcKinley.com. I strongly encourage everyone to pledge to donate to him on May 1st. He has a great shot at winning. Two Dr. No’s in Congress are certainly better than one.

The legacy of the 2008 Ron Paul campaign is still being written. It is clear that legacy includes at least two new political concepts that complement each other. They are the “money bomb” and the “Ron Paul Republican”. It is important we keep both concepts alive and kicking by participating in money bombs to help elect Ron Paul Republicans to office and keep them there.

NOTE: For more information, read the ongoing Vern McKinley Liberty Maven interview.