This is not based on any evidence or things I have seen written (though I would be shocked if thousands had NOT already brought it up, because I'm not exactly that original
). It is just a question I think is interesting after some of the threads here and news reports I have seen, and especially the controversy about the super-delegates.
If the delegate count is too close to call going into the Democratic convention, with Obama generally having won more individual votes then Clinton, but she ends up taking the nomination due to the super-delegates, what are the chances he goes independent?
He seems to have some loyal support from the voters, and at least the appearance of support from the general media.
It would be a hard thing to do, and he most likely would become a villain among the Democrats for splitting the party, but could it happen?
I don't think he could win, and mostly he would end up guaranteeing John McCain as the next president, but if he were to find the right running mate (particularly a moderate Republican) and managed to keep the message of change at the front of his campaign (instead of fighting over individual issues) he could actually bring change. Whether it is within the Democratic party, within the party system as a whole, or even maybe actually winning.