We knew Ron Paul was a long-shot, but he had a more loyal following than any of the other presidential candidates. McCain should choose Paul as his running-mate for several reasons.

First, Ron Paul can measure up to Obama’s charisma which McCain lacks. Like it or not, likability is an important factor in a presidential election, and McCain simply falls short, especially compared to Obama. The excitement that Paul generated in the height of his campaign was unprecedented; it is exactly the excitement that McCain needs in order to win.

Second, thanks to Bush, Republicans are losing popular support. Obama’s message of “change” is not falling on deaf ears of the majority of Americans who disapprove of the current president. Ron Paul is the only other candidate who unequivocally stands for change, whereas McCain’s image is “more of the same.” Currently, it’s hard to argue that if you’re dissatisfied with Bush, your only option is to turn to the Democrats. Through his commitment to returning the Republican Party to its roots, Ron Paul offers another option.

Third, “Republicans for Obama” pose a big problem for McCain, which can be battled effectively by “Democrats for Ron Paul.” Some have said that Obama is doing for the Democrats what Reagan did for the Republicans by crossing party lines. Paul is the only other candidate who has drawn the bi-partisan support that will be essential in swing states.

Ron Paul generated amazing support given his long-shot bid for the presidency, imagine what he could do if people saw him as viable. The big question, however: would Ron Paul accept?