The Rally for the Republic is in the history books and the Campaign for Liberty is looking forward. But first, I want to take the time to say thank you to all of you who participated, sponsored and contributed in so many meaningful ways to make it such a success and look back at my own experience in Minnesota.
Things kicked off on Sunday with the Real Politics Training School. The room was truly a sight to see. We sold out the 500 seats for the event, but so many more showed up that by the time Campaign for Liberty executive director John Tate began his opening remarks, more than 600 people were packed into the hall. Despite a broken air conditioner for much of the day, the attendees checked in at 11 AM and put their noses to the grindstone listening and learning until late into the night. While the Republican apparachiks came to the Twin Cities to schmooze and party, the Ron Paul R3VOLUTIONARIES came to learn, network, and organize. There was also a well attended and well received delegate meeting that night. A special thanks to Delegate Coordinator Drew Ivers for making it happen.
Standing room only at the Real Politics Training School
Monday started out with the Campaign for Liberty Leadership Summit. John Tate, National Field Director Debbie Hopper, Young Americans for Liberty founder Jeff Frazee, Southwest Regional Coordinator Jeff Greenspan, Precinct Leader Programmer Adam De Angeli, and others took the stage to lay out the vision and plans of the Campaign for Liberty to a packed house of representatives from every state and almost every congressional district in the country. A special thank you to Deb Wells for working so hard on both grassroots events.
Young Americans for Liberty founder Jeff Frazee addresses the Leadership Summit
In the afternoon, over a thousand people turned out for Dr. Paul’s signing of “Revolution: A Manifesto” at the Borders Books in Roseville, Minnesota. Unfortunately I missed it as I was in Blaine prepping the Ron Paul Nation Celebration.
Thousands gathered on the perfectly maintained grass of the National Sports Center for an incredible evening of music and motivation as congressional candidate and emcee B.J. Lawson kicked things off with stirring commentary before introducing the other Frank Sinatra, Rick Ellis. Ellis warmed the crowd brilliantly before giving way to Hope Anthem crooner Marc Scibilia, the effervescent Aimee Allen and home town favorite Rockie Lynne.
Aimee Allen showing how she became the “Muse of the R3VOLUTION”
It was a perfect late summer evening and Lawson kept the crowd as entertained as the bands did before giving way to a beaming Dr. Paul. This was his chance to say “Thank you” to everyone that worked so hard for the last few months and he did so with humility and grace as the assembled throng roared their approval.
“Thank you”
Afterwards, the party continued at Club Jaeger with Steve Dore and hundreds of freedom lovers as well as at Ronstock where I was supposed to be. Unfortunately, there was a mix-up with directions and half of the staff and Aimee Allen ended up driving around rural Minnesota until the wee hours of the morning. If something had to go wrong, I’m glad this was it. We needed the sleep.
All dressed up and no where to go
The next day brought the excitement and anxiety of the big show. 450 credentialed media, volunteers, activists, supporters, RNC delegates, party regulars, libertarians, constitutionalists, cops, caterers, musicians, and the some of the most important voices in the freedom movement trickled in throughout the morning. A side event in the main hall left sound checks running late and the doors opened a bit later then planned, but once the supporters came rolling in, the day was off to a rocking start. Work kept me backstage for most of the show, but every once in a while, I would slip onto the floor to drink in the excitement and catch a few pearls from one of the brilliant speakers.
Being backstage did have its perks
All day the energy grew as the crowd grew and the speakers, performers, and videos stirred patriotism and righteous indignation within those who had traveled from far and wide to be a part of this historic event. Finally, with a powerful introduction by Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., Ron Paul took to the stage as red, white and blue confetti rained down and 12,000 patriots tore the roof off of the Target Center.
Ron Paul addresses the Rally for the Republic
The after-party at the Lone Tree/Annex was just as amazing. Aimee Allen jumped on stage with Jimmie Vaughan as friends old and new laughed and shared stories while Dr. Paul, Lew Rockwell, Peter Shiff, Erik Vendt, Adam Kokesh and many others made the rounds shaking hands and taking pictures. A special thanks to Charlie and Epic Events. You guys lived up to your name!
Cutting lose after an amazing day
The last few days, and indeed the last few months, have been transformative for me as they have for so many of you. I am deeply humbled to have been a part of this amazing event and I thank each of you for making it so memorable.
I also want to thank and recognize a couple of the unsung heroes like Matthew Hawes. Many of you know Matt as a blogger and copywriter for C4L. Most don’t know the excruciating long hours that Matt worked on programs, and bios, and scripts. Then, when I can ask no more, we suddenly needed a stand-in emcee. Matt stepped up with poise and professionalism and hit it out of the park!
Marianne Stebbins was on the ground wearing all of the hats in Minnesota that were divided between several DC staffers for weeks before this event. She performed super-human acts of organization and savvy and we could never have done it without her.
I also must thank Radarworks. They are a Seattle-based events management company, often employed by Microsoft, that came in with a relatively short window and moved mountains to guarantee the success of the Rally.
Finally, thank you to all of you. I have heard amazing stories of long rides and great sacrifices to be a part of the rally and it just reminds me what a truly unique political/cultural/philosophical movement we have. Let it never be said that we lack the courage of our convictions or the will to see our nation transformed.
Don Rasmussen, Events Coordinator, Campaign for Liberty
