The likelihood of Ron Paul being in the running for vice president is quite plausible, given that his supporters have control over the majority of delegates in Maine, Minnesota, and Iowa, plus decent-sized support in many other states. Therefore some serious soul-searching may be called for, before nominating some other candidate for vice-president, because this could cause a roll call vote, with serious damage to the party’s show of unity and bonhomie.
Given the circumstances, it may be useful to take a look at the implications, should Ron Paul be nominated for a vice president bid.
First, the advantages.
Straight out, it’s clear that Romney would benefit greatly by having Paul as his running mate. Voters, particularly conservative ones, would be calmed to see Paul by Romney’s side, given the presidential candidate’s often apparent inconsistencies. In the net effect, more people would be drawn to vote, and more of these could vote Republican.
Secondly, Paul could bring some credibility to the party’s ‘small government ‘ rhetoric, given that in the same breath it talks about CISPA, the Patriot Act and other obviously not so small issues. The public thinks Paul means, and believes what he says, and a ‘small government’ would, in real terms be small.
Now, the flip side.
Firstly, it’s debatable whether Ron Paul would really have the power to make meaningful changes, given the current position of a vice president in the overall scheme of things in the White House, should the GOP win it. His real function would be to offer advice to the president, but given their already quite obvious difference of approach on a number of key issues, it’s debatable whether the President would give much ear to Paul.
Secondly, Paul’s views are also at odds with a number of his party brethren, and he could find himself in a minority in the GOP, and also attract opposition from within the party – this could be a disruptive development, and could also result in complications in fund-raising. The doubters are already out – Rick Santorum, recently referred to Paul’s views as “scary.” Newt Gingrich warned on CNN Tuesday that, “There will come a morning when people won’t take him as a serious person.”
