Nominating Ron Paul is just about the only way Republicans could blow this election.
Actually, quite the opposite. It's about the only way that Republicans can win it.
You can argue about the assets/liabilities of Ron Paul's policies -- and that's a separate issue -- but Ron Paul could get past the Republican nomination (meaning Repubs support him) there is no doubt in my mind that he we would beat Obama. I know of no other Republican candidate that generates the kind of enthusiasm that Ron Paul does -- on both sides of the aisle. His toughest audience are actually old Baby Boomer Republicans -- get past them, and he's home free.
Alternatively, those same Ron Paul voters are not going to vote for a Newt Gingrich at gunpoint -- and would probably sleep through a mindless Mitt Romney ballot. The potential crossover Dems for Paul will scurry right back to Obama. And I know that no one wants to hear it, but it's doubtful that there would be enough Repub votes left to eject the Obama from office if Ron Paul isn't the guy.
Are you under the impression that Romney would win against Obama?