Alex Altman investigates:
Several Iowa Republicans suggest that all it will take is a snowstorm, since his fervent fan base would brave a blizzard that might deter the less committed. But for Paul to topple Gingrich and Romney, the final hurdle he’ll need to clear is the electability argument. Paul doesn’t look or sound like a traditional President, and in a year when defeating Barack Obama is the GOP’s primary goal, he needs to pitch voters on his ability to knock Obama off. Paul’s campaign has been heralding polls that show him performing well in a prospective general-election match-up, but RealClearPolitics’ average shows Obama with a 7.7-point cushion, on average, over the Texas Congressman.
Compared with a 6.9 percent cushion against Gingrich. Look: if I were a Tea Partier and wanted a president who would simply say no to any new spending, and veto any bills that didn't slash spending, I'd support Ron Paul. He'd be hedged in by the Congress; but if you want someone who will not flinch, why not pick the dude who hasn't flinched from the get-go? Also: no new wars.
The Dish 