Wouldn’t it be great if Ron Paul won the Republican primary? Well, I’m not getting my hopes up, and neither should you. Winning straw poles is one thing, but mass media is hell bent against acknowledging that Paul has any real chance winning an election. So long as they repeat on-air that he can’t win, he can’t win. This is how propaganda works.

Waiting until after another Republican wins the nomination to have a backup plan is foolish, and will certainly seal the fate of any real chance Paul has of getting elected. The contingency plan should start now, and I humbly offer this:

On the day that another candidate is chosen to run for the republicans, all third parties should announce that they will be running Dr. Paul as their candidate.

Why would they do that, you ask? Good question. Here is what’s in it for them. 5%. While Nader came close and Perot actually broke 5%, there is enough traction in the Paul campaign that it is very likely he could break 5%, if he was just on the ballot. Running as a third party candidate is tough, especially trying to just get on the ballot in all 50 states to begin with. Most third party candidates are not running in all 50. 5% means matching federal funds next time around. Now while I am not intricately familiar with campaign finance law, I see no reason why two or more third parties couldn’t collaborate and *both* ensure matching funds for the next election. Today it’s hard enough for one third party candidate to get 5%, and then only have the funds for a single cycle. Imagine what the field would look like in 2012 and 2016 if 5 or more third parties all had federal matching funds. It could radically alter politics in this country.

What’s in it for Paul and his supporters is an actual shot at office. I believe that enough people are disillusioned with the two-party system that a real and viable candidate for office such as Paul has a shot. If Paul were to become a third party candidate and land his name on the ballot in all 50, I don’t think people would be afraid they would be throwing their votes away. Paul might even have a better shot as the third party underdog, considering just how fed up the nation is with the democratic congress and the republican president. (both have record low approval ratings)

In a nutshell, when Paul is not given the republican nod it gives third parties an opportunity to band together for the greater good. If you are active in any third parties, or know someone who is, please start talking to them regarding. In order to navigate the minefield the two-party gatekeepers have left for third parties to get in the game, this collaboration will need to get off the ground asap.

Your comments and criticism are invited