In 2008, Bob Barr got 0.4% of the vote. Much of this could be chalked up to (1) him not really trying after having been stuck with Wayne Allyn Root as VP and (2) McCain managing to get his skeptics back in his camp after picking Palin.
What if Bob Barr had broken 5% in 2008?
Barr was an ACLU consultant, NRA Board Member, American Conservative Union Board Member, member of Congress, and on the Libertarian National Committee.
First things first, Barr needs a running mate who isn't a hack just trying to sell books. I can think of three not-terrible picks: (1) Mike Gravel; former Senator from Alaska, 2008 Democratic and Libertarian Presidential Candidate, (2) Michael Colley; former Vice-Admiral of the US Navy and Member of the Libertarian National Committee, or (3) Jim Gray; a former presiding Judge in the Superior Court of Orange County* as well as 2012 Libertarian Vice Presidential candidate.
*Also California Judicial Council Member, Advisory Board Member of the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Board Member of the Orange County Law Library, and a Member of the Board of Councilors of USC Law School, among other positions. Mostly state and local stuff.
McCain also picks Joe Lieberman for his running mate, resulting in a conservative revolt. Newt Gingrich was friends with Bob Barr and hinted that he'd endorse Barr if McCain picked Lieberman for VP.
Anyways, what if Bob Barr had broken 5% in 2008?