Imitation is the highest form of flattery.
Think about it... if Ron Paul was really only doing mediocre in the polls why would all of the other candidates adjust their rhetoric to fit him? I'm talking about the fixed "professional" polls like Rasmussen and Quinipiac, I think that the Online Polls after the debates display the attitude the best. Paul is WAY ahead and the reason why they didn't cut him out yet like they did last year. It would be to obvious.
Bachman - There to prevent Paul from monopolizing the Tea Party vote. Won't drop out and will act as Paul spoiler till the end, posible Vice President to Perry.
Romney - Cult of personality Neocon candidate. Support will go to Perry when he drops out.
Santorum - To attract the Pro life vote. Support will go to Paul when he drops out.
Perry - The designated candidate by Bilderberg
Cain - There to attract Libertarians away from Paul, whom are ignorant of the Fed. Support will go to Paul when he drops out.
Huntsman - A Democrat there just to suck up question time.
Gingrich - Cult of personality Neocon candidate. Expect a scandal to force this guy out, because he wont go on his own, then the support will go to Perry.