Paul: I can't win the GOP nomination

Ron Paul hinted at it Monday, but today the Texas congressman confirmed something the campaign has never explicitly said before: He cannot win the GOP presidential nomination.

But in a convention strategy memo that followed up on his statement Monday about his campaign plans, Paul clarified the mission and shed more light than ever before on his intentions and expectations for the Republican National Convention.

From the Paul campaign's convention strategy memo:

We will head to Tampa with a solid group of delegates. Several hundred will be bound to Dr. Paul, and several hundred more, although bound to Governor Romney or other candidates, will be Ron Paul supporters. Unfortunately, barring something very unforeseen, our delegate total will not be strong enough to win the nomination. Governor Romney is now within 200 delegates of securing the party’s nod.

(PHOTOS: Ron Paul)

While that news will come as a blow to some of his most ardent supporters, the acknowledgement lays out the contours for what constitutes success in Tampa.

As James Hohmann reported Monday, Paul wants GOP platform planks on monetary policy reform, prohibitions on indefinite detention, and Internet freedom. And he believes his campaign has amassed enough force to guarantee serious consideration of these "liberty issues."

Having signaled to the party the size of the movement and the issues that matter, Paul also sent a tacit message to his supporters with the memo.

By calling for a "large, respectful and professional delegation," the Texas congressman is subtly reminding his backers that some of the disruptive behavior that has marked recent state party conventions is counterproductive.