In younger years Ron Paul's history is that he would know exactly how to capitalize on the situation personally, within party structure and politically in terms of issues. But I suspect in his age his ego forces him to a more simplistic and, thus, not only failed but counter productive result for himself and issues. The most opposite will happen in Washington from the Democratic side and the Republican establishment will declare his lose proved his issues are political suicide for a Republican.
Thus, you will get the defeat you maybe want to whine about to prove how evil politics, the parties and media is, declaring all voters stupid too. Self-fulfilling. You probably also would deny that Ron Paul has manuevered and compromised through the Republican party structure and establishment for 5 decades.
A candidate who allows his most militant supporters to define his/her campaign is ultimately a fool. Those always take an absolute do-or-die stance. The concept of alliances, to pursue an agenda collection across time as an evolution, and the obvious that obtaining something is better than obtaining less than zero are all repulsive to militants and extremists.
Whether it is politics, unionism, corporate structure or even religion, all rational leaders understand they need the militants' energy and force, but they must never allow militants to call the final decision shots or be in control. Militants WANT to be Kamikazee pilots and want their leaders to be too.
Since Ron Paul followers have no 2nd option, he has to do little to keep their support, something Obama understands about the left wing of Democrats.
Your battle cry is "everything or nothing... no surrender, no retreat." The result won't just be obtaining nothing if Ron Paul agrees with you, it will be less than nothing - a counter productive result in which you were your worst enemy - in terms of government and the "movement", but you do get to stay the oppressed angry fringe you maybe like to be.
