The Republican Party's road to the 2012 presidential elections hasn't been without its fair share of gimmicks and off-the-wall antics. (If you haven't seen Governor Rick Perry's "Strong" campaign video, then you're in for the perfect example.) The latest, however, has certainly piqued my interest as well as that of the Huffington Post, as they reported Saturday that presidential hopeful Ron Paul will reduce his presidential salary from $400,000 per year to $39,336--the median salary of American workers--if elected next November.
If there's one thing Ron Paul has been about during his political career, it's delivering consistent messages--for decades even, in come cases. This one, however, (that government positions are paid far too handsomely) seems to blatantly tug at middle class American heart strings. Such a promise could certainly influence middle class voters, and it seems suspicious considering that over his last 12 terms in office, the Texas Congressman hasn't reduced or even suggested reducing his six figure congressman's salary. Had he set the example for government salary reductions upon entering politics in 1974, I might buy it outright. (It wouldn't be farfetched either. JFK donated his government salary to charity from his entrance into Congress in 1947 to just before his death in 1963.) But let's face it: elections are cutthroat, and creating an image to sway voters is an unfortunate component. The GOP primaries are fast approaching, and Congressman Paul needs votes to contend with top dog candidates like Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. I'd like to believe that Paul would reduce his presidential cut by $360,000, but I can't imagine it's anything more than a final push to stay in the game.
What do you think? Are politicians ever genuine or is something like this more of a political stunt to secure votes?
--Chris
Photo taken from this photostream and used with permission of a Creative Commons license.
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