I have two goals in my symbolic run for the U.S. presidency — which I announced on Jan. 10, 2016 in this Dallas Morning News Watchdog column. They help me promote the power of storytelling to get people to think differently.
The public face of this campaign is to highlight how easy it is for scammers to get away with their crimes. I will suggest that we use the same technology at the center of the War on Terror to chase crooks who call, email and mail us their scammy come-ons. The fake IRS agent. The purveyor of make-believe sweepstakes. The fake electricity company representative.
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Watch the #watchdogforpresident campaign debate video here.
Read Dave's original campaign announcement here.
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That's the newspaper columnist part of me. But the professional speaker in me who believes strongly in the power of storytelling to create movements and change sees this as an opportunity to have fun, which is no small thing.
This pretend candidacy is also a way to foster greater engagement with community members who find humor in my mock campaign. I will meet and hear from people who otherwise would not have crossed paths with me.
I see a yearning in Americans to support a candidate who is not a bully, not a liar, not secretive — and oh, I could go on. Sometimes a play candidacy such as this serves as a relief valve, allowing humor to replace frustration.
Sometimes a play candidacy such as this serves as a relief valve, allowing humor to replace frustration.
I've tested the concept twice. In 2000, I ran as the Yankee Cowboy for Vice President. The Bush-Yankee Cowboy team didn't make it, but Joe Lieberman was picked as veep on the Democratic side. I always say I paved the way as the first Lieber-man.
A few years after that, I ran my youngest son Austin Lieber for governor against Rick Perry. That served as a fundraiser for my Summer Santa children's charity.
I still love his campaign video. Here it is:
Here's the 2016 presidential campaign video, produced by Tommy Noel.
In the end, if people laugh a lot and learn a little, I'll consider the #watchdogforpresident movement a modest success.
Visit our rolling blog at www.dallasnews.com/watchdogforpresident.
Tweet with #watchdogforpresident
Great talk by storyteller/columnist @DaveLieber tonight at University of Charleston. Touching, funny, humble, human. pic.twitter.com/RThPjrTkB3
— vicburkhammer (@vicburkhammer) March 18, 2015
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Watch the #watchdogforpresident campaign debate video here.
Read Dave's original campaign announcement here.
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Remember that you can bring Dave Lieber to your group. He’s an expert on storytelling for business and showing the power of storytelling to increase sales, build support, raise money and attract attention.
He’s a Certified Speaking Professional and a fabulous entertainer offering fun and funny insights to make your life better. He’s The Watchdog columnist at The Dallas Morning News.
Dave Lieber. Authentic. Engaging. Interactive.
WATCH: Dave Lieber’s 2-Minute SIZZLE REEL
WATCH: Dave Lieber TED Talk: THE POWER OF STORYTELLING TO CHANGE THE WORLD
BOOK DAVE NOW. Contact his office here or CALL 1-800-557-8166.
