So I was cruising around one of my favorite political snark blogs, SadlyNo, and I noted with interest a new development in the candidacy of Ron Paul. Facing the hardships of being a third-tier candidate and constantly either being ignored by the general populace or dealing with misinterpretations of his message through the mainstream media's spin machine, Ron Paul has a new way to take his message straight to the people.
He has a blimp.
No, I'm serious. He has a blimp, people.
Not content with the limited coverage the mainstream media has allowed him, the supporters of Ron Paul have taken their message to the sky. No longer will the skies be subject to the lone voice of the small business advertisements or fetus banner-towing planes and the love letters of skywriters, there's a new flying object in town, and it's ready to spread the message of "Who is Ron Paul?" to those who just may have missed out on the revolution.
Funded completely by donations from his loyal supporters, the blimp is so far scheduled to fly on the East Coast throughout the 2008 election season. For the more adventurous Ron Paul supporter, a $5,000 donation will not only put you closer to seeing your dream man's name in the sky, it also will ensure that you will be one of it's passengers as it glides across the sky promoting the Ron Paul campaign for all of America to see. The only thing that could make it better for the fans of Ron Paul is if he were piloting the blimp himself.
It sounds like a nice ride. From the website www.ronpaulblimp.com:
Sporting a 12 seat gondola w/restroom and 2 porsche engines the SKYSHIP 600 measuring in at over 190 feet long & 60 feet tall is sure to grab the imagination and awe of all who lay their eyes upon it!! It also happens to be one of the largest airships in the world!! Nearly 2/3's of a football field and almost as long as Boeing 747 this is the world's largest flying billboard and can be seen from over 3 miles away!
Force people to acknowledge your candidate in style.
Now, don't get me wrong, although this feat is begging for the assault of pre-made lame jokes (insert how Ron Paul is full of hot air here), I personally think this is kind of a neat idea. It is beyond politics as usual, and has a chance of gathering interest not only for Paul's campaign, but the 2008 election and politics in general. So I say kudos, Ron Paul supporters. You may not convince me to support your candidate, but you definitely have my attention. And as we know, my friends, that is always half the battle.