With Paul, all of the factions are united. There won't be any libertarians voting LP or constitutionalists voting for the CP in the general. Many independents and both the populist left and right would vote for Paul because of the war. And even the remaining portion of the GOP base (religious and pro-war conservatives) would still vote for Paul, because there's no way in Hell they're going to vote for Hillary."
Excellent post. I think there are a number of Republicans in denial about this, but it is so true that if we end up with a status-quo Republican as the nominee, we lose. Say hello to president Hildabeast. The numbers just aren't there.
I have no doubt that if the race came down to Paul vs Hillary, Paul will stomp Hillary. People are sick of Clintons/Bushes, they are sick of politicians who are sold out to other interests, they're sick of the status quo, they're sick of corruption, they want someone genuine and someone who isn't sold out.
Paul has not only the disgrunted Republicans, but independents, libertarians, third party conservatives are uniting behind him, plus crossover Democrats, AND a large number of new (previously apathetic) voters and young people who have never voted before. No one else has that. People can laugh at this if they want, but I honestly believe he is the ONLY one who can beat Hillary in the general, hands down. I'm going to repost what you said, because people need to get this...
"Whether Paul goes 3rd party or not is irrelevant. The GOP in its current makeup does not have the votes to defeat Hillary in the general. That is a fact."
To expand on your sentiments:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-rlc/1940361/posts?page=17#17
Where's the proof? Numbers and polls change almost daily. The fat lady hasn't even been invited yet.