If Ron gets second in Iowa this is what will happen during the nomination season. Same as Nevada 4 years ago. They will push the #1 with %80 of the time and headlines, then jump right to their next man with %15 and %5 to all the rest.
He quite simply MUST WIN. After decades of making a big deal out of these caucus votes people (even dumb people) WILL say what the hell when the media tries to disregard it.
Thus far they have been playing the book by the numbers. Pushing every candidate they can for all their worth, introducing new exciting candidates and saving "the best" for last. Just as they did with McCain 4 years ago, it was like clockwork. I don't honestly think they believe Ron would be back this time in any kind of strength. So far his campaign has been nearly flawless.
If they feel threatened enough though, the all cards on the table maneuvre will be to drop out 2 other major candidates with endorsements to their chosen man. The problem with that is I also don't believe they know who that is. With McCain they had the elderly, tough war hero Americana underdog whom was always their choice. Romney was clearly lacking, as was Huckabee. Romney is still lacking and The Grinch just has too much baggage to maintain. Bachmann is a nutjob, as is Santorum.
They will try to marginalize any 1st or second place victories Ron gets to downplay the excitement, then sacrifice their own to prop up the chosen ones momentum. I know a lot of people can see this, i'm just thinking out loud. If Ron continues to garner support at that time, I would say it's time to get him a full time security detail at all times. I am not a conspiracy theorist by any means, but I know a lot of you have to be thinking the same type of thing.
One thing i'm certain of now though. Ron has beaten all who laughed at him and held him down. His message is out beyond the reach of the mainstream now and will be carried forward by his son when his time is done. I was proud to have been around here last time when he mobilized a small percentage of freedom fighters against the political machine. This time he's gonna win!