Op-Ed: Ron Paul - The Swing Man

Ron Paul has garnered the support of many people in his effective, albeit brief attempt at becoming President of the United States. And with Bob Barr becoming the official Libertarian choice, could Paul jump ships to become VP for Obama or McCain?

Ron Paul has been the dark-horse candidate of 2008. He's the new Nader in a sort of way. In 2000 and 2004 Nader seemed to be the guy who had just enough of an audience to be bothersome to the big two parties (or rather, one of them) and in that way, Paul is the new Nader. Paul's audience is larger, younger, and more fervent. And his votes just may be enough to swing the election come November. Now, Ron Paul is a little different for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, he isn't a weirdo... I mean c'mon - if aliens flew down to earth and became American citizens, they'd vote Nader. Another notable point - the one that is behind this article - is that Ron Paul can see past party lines, something that Nader did not do in 2000 or 2004 (perhaps for ego, perhaps for lack of interest). And now that he (Paul) officially is not the Libertarian party candidate, why would it be impossible for him to cross party lines once more in an effort to become the V.P. for either candidate running the big two? Having Ron Paul on the ticket makes sense for both candidates, doesn't it? I mean, coming with Paul is not just a level head. So too comes the fanatical support of his rather large and ever growing audience. For McCain, Paul could be the man to convince young people that Captain Combover is with the times enough to deserve their vote. For Obama, Paul could be the man to convince right-leaning white people (sorry for the brash term, but that is what it is, no?) that Obama is the man for the job. I know that there are many other candidates vying for the VP jobs; people who make a lot of sense, too. For McCain, Condoleezza Rice mus be somewhat appealing (again, I apologize for being brash) as she covers the female vote and the black vote. For Obama, John Edwards makes a lot of sense as he appeals to the poor white people that may otherwise vote McCain. And of course just the idea of an Obama-Clinton super ticket is enough to bump Paul out of our minds. But no VP's have been named. And other than perhaps Hilary with Obama, Paul would likely make the best VP option for either Barack or John. Ron Paul has an outstanding track record as a congressman; He's got a large and motivated audience; And he's got the demeanor of man that can be trusted - he speaks his mind and in doing so doesn't sound like an idiot. As Bob Barr has taken the Libertarian party away from Ron Paul, perhaps now could be the time that Paul make his case to both parties that he could be the man to ensure a victory for either in November. The votes that Paul has banked are ones that - if things stay as they are - will not end up supporting either of the big two candidates. Paul's supporters will either stay and vote Libertarian or not vote at all; they love their doctor. It is for that reason that Paul would be so valuable to either candidate, McCain or Obama. Of course the likelihood of such a thing happening is slim to none, but if anyone would be willing to do it, it would be Ron Paul - the man cares more about helping out his country than feeding his ego... And doesn't that sound just like the kind of person who would make a great VP? What do you think? Would Ron Paul make a good Vice President? Which party would he be more likely to join? Which candidate would be more likely to reach out to him? Thanks for reading, GRMM