Paul’s digital chief bemoans outdated campaign thinking

Republicans can’t win by running Ronald Reagan-era campaigns anymore, said Vincent Harris, Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-Ky.) chief digital strategist.

In an interview published Tuesday, Harris said Paul’s vow to focus more resources on digital and online tools was a big selling point as Harris jumped ship from Sen. Ted Cruz’s (R-Texas) operation last year. 

{mosads}“I wouldn’t have left Sen. Cruz to go to work for Sen. Paul, unless Sen. Paul was a huge believe, as he is, in digital, and unless he was going to put the amount of resources in his organization that are necessary to run a digital tech operations,” Harris told ABC’s and Yahoo New’s “The Fine Print.”

Harris moved over from Cruz’s operation back in November. Both senators are considering runs for the White House. The 26-year-old Harris has worked with a number of other high-profile Republicans in the past and previously started a firm based out of Texas. 

Harris blasted some consultants for overemphasizing TV advertising. The focus, he said, should be on building up an online database and digital staff, as well as online advertising. 

“This is about furthering our ideals, and running the same type of campaign that Ronald Reagan ran is not going to do that,” he said. “And it is TV consultants largely and this establishment class in this Washington bubble beltway who are running campaigns the same way. And you can’t do that anymore.” 

In today’s media environment, Harris said, politicians need to focus on inserting themselves into the debate. 

“We need to insert ourselves — and Sen. Paul is a big believer in this — insert yourself into the news story,” he said. “Insert yourself and your message and your brand into the conversation that is happening.”