Let us be realistic. If Ron Paul runs as a third party candidate, he will get 10 to 15% of votes (my guess). Most of the votes will come from the Republicans. Mr. Obama will be eternally thankful to Ron Paul for his big help in his re-election (think of Ross Perot and Ralph Nader). This is not rocket science, just simple math.
In a debate, Ron Paul told the audience he is not considering a third party candidacy and received a big applause. Hope he keeps his word.
There have been many polls that show favor to Ron Paul or even tie Ron Paul vs Obama amongst Democratic voters. Among Independents, he wins most of them. If you want to talk numbers, look at the polls!
Let's not forget, he can still defeat Romney and win the Republican nomination. The fueds between Gingrich and Romney only cast negative light on Romney. The only two candidates that even CAN win the nomination are Romney and Paul, based on eligibility on delegates. Gingrich and Santorum are not on enough delegate ballots to win.
If Gingrich can defeat Romney in states where Ron Paul is more likely to lose, such as South Carolina, and can continue to do this, Ron Paul has a good chance of defeating him.
Like I say, don't count him out just yet!
And I would rather Obama stay in office than any of the other candidates if Ron Paul doesn't get it. The hypocricy in their actions is just too much for me to desire them leading this country. Santorum's strong desire to ban all abortions, regardless of health risks to the mother or cases of incest or ra** is enough to make me sick. The hypocricy in that his wife would be dead if she didn't have an abortion in the 90s.
Romney's flip flop on his views throughout the last 20 years. He has changed his mind more than an indecisive alcoholic at an open bar.
Gingrich just doesn't do anything! He was horrible as speaker and he'll be even more horrible as President.