Precisely. I've been called a downer here since joining. But I'm just very disappointed that many supporters are unwilling to understand the communication side of things (well, it's good thing I've started studying communication science since joining, huh?) How does [X] translate to audience perception through [Y].
Y = either every direct or indirect media message
Getting a decent number of delegates early on in the race is great and all, but no media outlet will report on that. None. And so, it will come to a standstill as an establishment pick who won a lot of the popular vote in Iowa, NH and SC early on.
If Rand ends up third on either of the first two primaries, it will be a reported as a 'strong showing for Rand, but his ceiling, like his father before him. His unorthdox ideas cannot win him the presidency'.
A first or second in either Iowa or NH and third in SC is acceptable, but that's it.
If you can't force the media te report that you've "won" (in their eyes) Iowa or NH through popular vote, you didn't win.