Apparently you are missing out on the little detail that the [for the most part] behind-the-scenes party leadership determines who they run in the general election. The "primary" is a farce who's primary purpose is to generate media hype for various candidates, make the people who waste their lives as pundits, analysts, political media, etc have a purpose/feel important, and generally to make Americans feel like we are more participatory in the selection process than we actually are.
Even if 60% or 65% of the GOP was anti-war, the GOP would not nominate Ron Paul, because he doesn't walk the party line. Ron Paul is, as far as I can tell, far too dignified, opinionated, and principled to be an actual factor in a presidential election. He should stick to Congress where moderate havoc can be raised from the fringes. He is going to come out of this being made to look like a babbling old fool, which is unfortunate.
