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EDITOR OF REDSTATE

On the Perry Campaign Shake Up

By: Erick Erickson (Diary)  |  January 6th, 2012 at 11:26 AM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

The window is closing for an effective, public shake up of the Perry campaign. What should have happened in the last 48 hours stretches on to the weekend news cycle.

I’m a firm believer that the shake up needs to be public and fill the campaign with new blood at the top of the campaign. I have no doubt the campaign hesitates because it only has two weeks. But in that two weeks it must convince South Carolina that there has been a true turnover recommitting Perry to victory.

One of the issues that I keep running into is my suggestion that the Perry campaign let Joe Allbaugh go. Joe is, objectively, credited with turning the campaign around. Lots of people both inside and outside the campaign say Joe is the man who saved it from being even worse.

I don’t disagree with that at all. But I also know there are as many people internally and externally who disagree. And I am afraid that because the campaign broke into factions if one faction is removed completely and the other left to stay, we’ll spend the next two weeks not having “Perry reboot” stories, but insider accounts of what went wrong.

I hate to suggest throwing a guy under the bus who many people cite as the savior of the campaign, but something needs to happen. A few weeks ago I questioned whether Allbaugh was being purposed right in the campaign. He is a genius when it comes to crisis management and response. He puts out fires better than anyone. He excels at reacting to events and dealing with them decisively.

But the Perry camp needs someone proactive, not just reactive and it is unfair to ask Allbaugh to do both. I don’t think he can. And the criticisms of Allbaugh may very well stem from him having to be both the reactive crisis manager and the proactive political director of sorts. If Allbaugh stays, the Perry campaign needs to rapidly supplement him with a proactive political director who can call the shots moving forward and rely on Joe to make sure the crises that will crop up get responded to while the political director keeps moving the campaign forward.

The Perry campaign missed the Virginia ballot.

It underperformed polling in Iowa. A good campaign can come in higher than polling based on ground game. A mediocre campaign stays even with polling. A bad campaign’s ground game underperforms polling and Perry’s campaign was a bad campaign.

There needs to be a real and visible shake up if anyone in South Carolina is going to be expected to take him seriously. With or without Joe Allbaugh it is possible, but only if it is really visible with some more concretely defined roles between the proactive and the reactive sides of the campaign.

There are two weeks and the campaign needs itself fixed before the news cycle turns over Monday morning, which means there needs to be a plan in place today.

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COMMENTS

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  • NeoKong

    ” Joe is, objectively, credited with turning the campaign around. “

    Define “turning the campaign around”.
    With all due respect to the fine Governor of the great state of Texas…his campaign sucks.

    To say this guy Joe has been doing a good job is to say “Other than that Mrs. Lincoln..how did you like the play…?”

    Rick Santorum is doing better fer’ pete sakes.
    He (Perry) is not even polling anywhere near the blue state Yankee in South Carolina.
    The key word here being… “South”.
    It he can’t make a showing there then why bother anymore ?
    Rick Perry is a man in serious need of a miracle.

  • sharp

    Erik,

    I have read all your comments about probs with Perry’s campaign staff, but want to know what you are actually talking about.

    The proactive/reactive story is the first example you’ve given.

    Please don’t assume we know the details. You go straight to your opinion, as though we already know the details.

    This is like 8th grade science all over again.

    Thanks.

  • nancysabet

    http://caledonia.patch.com/blog_posts/the-adventures-of-mr-ed-and-little-punk-on-the-road-for-rick-perry-final-day-of-the-first-chapter-pt-1#video-8842375

  • chrysostom15

    Perry finished 5th in Iowa. Will finish 6th in NH, and will finish 5th in SC. He will have lost to Romney, Santorum, Paul, and Gingrich in all 3 of the first 3 states. After that, it is interesting to see if Perry will then “re-boot” his campaign for FL to continue his string of losses.

  • Tman8

    regardless of what national campaign staffer stays or goes. Perry has the best A-list group of visible supporters and surrogates in South Carolina of any campaign – and apparently it was some of these folks that convinced him that he needed to compete here.

    I’ve already gotten an email from Katon Dawson today the recent former SCGOP chair that went out today. Perry has been on the television early here and he is supposed to be making a big media buy over the next two weeks. He’ll be in the heavily conservative Upstate this Sunday stumping while everyone else is in NH – in the two counties that account for anywhere from 40-50% of the GOP primary electorate.

    Perry has fmr. Speaker David Wilkins chairing his statewide campaign – who did the same for George W. Bush when he won the highly competitive SC primary in 2000. Wilkins is hugely popular in Greenville which is the largest county in the state.

    Things are looking very positive for the Perry campaign in South Carolina! Let’s WIN!

  • nancysabet

    The shake up needs happen TODAY, before Monday’s news cycle!! I knoe Perry DOES NOT LIKE TO THROW PEOPLE UNDER THE BUS,but, as Eric mentioned, he does not need to do that, but assign a leader in campaign who is proactive.

  • TSquared

    Perry is done. Let it go…

  • bzip

    Personally, I think all this talk about changing out various campaign staff is hogwash and isn’t doing the Perry campaign any good.

    My only suggest to Team Perry is: Get going, get fighting NOW. Get on top of this Santorum surge before it is too late and his support hardens to much making it harder to take him out. You got to get back into the news cycle and start fighting ASAP.

    I don’t fund Erick’s constant bickering over Team Perry’s staff helpful in the least.

    Go perry 2012, our last great hope for a true proven consistent conservative who will make gov’t smaller and reform it.

  • Common_Cents

    Perry needs to man up. Let’s be adults here, not justin bieber fans.

    The only way Perry helps things at this point is to stay in the 2 debates and blast Romney with everything he has to knock Mitt down a few pegs.

    We have a chance to consolidate the anti romney camp but its a short window. Bachmann is out and now Perry needs to get out. Perry underperformed terribly. IA was right up Perry’s alley, with caucus that emphasized ground game/retail, social conservatives, agriculture, etc….He couldn’t even beat Gingrich that had zero people on the ground.

    Perry has said it was a marathon before IA and quit on caucus night. A hesitation is quitting for all intents and purposes as marginal supporters and money will go elsewhere. Look at the Cain campaign hesitaton. He didn’t have any room to spare either. Perry should have said he’s still in to win on caucus night and made changes on the fly.

    No amount of cheerleading and posts with exclamation points “we got perry spirit, yes we do!” will do any good.

    Perry, for the sake of the country, please get out and keep smacking Romney.

  • http://sandysalt.blogspot.com/ Sandy Salt

    The only way Perry can win is by betting the fiscal conservative drum load and repeatedly. I didn’t say the conservative drum because that isn’t going to carry the day. There are a lot of unaffiliated people out there looking for someone that is a fiscal conservative that can produce jobs. Perry has a pretty good track record on jobs, but he needs to show that he is the fiscal conservative alternative to the Joker, Mittens, and Earmark. That is the only way he is going to win and if anyone else that is a proven fiscal conservative with time in office to back it up, then they could jump in today and take this thing from the Joker. The American voter wants JOBS, Fiscal Conservative, and proof of ability to clean up government. You do that and you can steal this election in the blink of an eye. Who is this person, don’t know who is willing, but there are some out there, they just need to step up.

  • therightman

    Santorum was polling at 6% (Rasmussen) in Iowa two weeks before the caucuses so I fail to see your point. Things can change in a hurry. Two weeks is a lifetime in politics as we saw in Iowa.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    because this is over. Perry is the only one with the record and the ability to gain enough resources to go against Romney except Huntsman but only because he can fund the whole campaign himself. Santorum is about to get piled on, and Newt has already shown what ability he has to weather a negative storm of ads showing the voters what his record consist of. If Perry is done, then our only hope of beating Obama is Romney and Huntsman, and to tell you the truth I am not ready to give up, I want Perry to stay until everyone but Romney has to drop out. Other than that we are going to see another 4 years of Obama.

  • dirlie

    Seriously, the Perry campaign is the worst Presidential campaign in history. The posters on this board who are pro perry are laughingstocks. On top of backing the worst candidate in history, most of you Perry people have really been rude and insulting to anyone who challenged or questioned Perry in any way. Redstate has lost it’s way. Start reading other boards, they are all laughing at you. I don’t know why you guys thought Perry was the conservative savior in the first place. His actions clearly show him to be a squish, pro illegal immigrant, big government solution former democrat. The only explanation is that he was planted by the Mittbots to split the conservative vote. Oh, I am sure you’ll get all huffy when you read this. I would suggest getting a mirror out and start asking yourself how you so easily were duped by a false messiah, how you justify being so rude to real conservatives and start owning the fact that you have helped Mittbot the dog abusing liberal Rino ascend to the nomination.

  • jakeofalltrades

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    I think I must post this on my site because it makes sense to battle the media narrative that Perry is drawing empty rallies.

  • jakeofalltrades

    You might be interested to know that you are a hypocrite. But I’m fine with hypocrisy, so carry on.

  • NeoKong

    I don?t fund Erick?s constant bickering over Team Perry?s staff helpful in the least.

    “The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the Palmetto State finds former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney still in the lead, earning 27% support from likely GOP Primary Voters, up from 23% in early November. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is in third with 18% of the vote, followed by Texas Congressman Ron Paul at 11%.

    Bringing up the rear are Texas Governor Rick Perry with five percent (5%) and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman at two percent (2%). Another two percent (2%) of these likely primary voters like some other candidate, and 11% remain undecided.

    It seems to me that Erick would love to see Perry doing a lot better as many people would.
    Hence the advice.
    The guy almost quit the other night and now Ron Paul is even outpolling him in S. Carolina.
    Clearly….something is not working.
    Would you agree….?

    If you have some really helpful advice to pass along then I suggest you do it fast while Perry still has a campaign.

  • therightman

    I referenced in a comment above that Santorum was polling at 6% in IA 2wks before the caucus. He was next to last, polling 1 point more than Huntsman. Should he have dropped out and thrown his support to Perry or Gingrich? I find it funny that everyone wants the other guy to drop out to benefit their guy when their guy is doing quite well in the polls.

    Romney is NOT the problem. The ideology that he espouses is. And Santorum shares that same ideology that big Govt. is the solution and not the problem.

  • tngal

    look, there’s only two weeks left. Romney is not going to drop in two weeks from SC. No way. And even though gingrich has fallen he hasn’t bottomed out and still holds double digits. And lets not forget that weird old guy RPaul polling double digits. Santorum, while he may drop won’t drop that much, that fast to bring up Perry to 3rd let alone a two spot. Perry needs to eke out number two. Four or five isn’t going to cut it.

  • sta46

    if you have not had this conversation with the governor personally, I beg you to waste no time in having it NOW.
    Thank you.

  • buckeyetexan

    I hear two complaints from the not-Mitt crowd about Gov. Perry.

    1. He doesn’t seem to want it.

    Perry portrays his campaign as a slow but steady marathon. Voters want a fighter. They want a candidate who will do battle with Romney first and then Obama. Perry must come out swinging in SC against Romney. Fight hard but not dirty.

    2. Perry seems too easy-going and laid-back like W.

    W refused to defend himself and fight the media’s disinformation campaign. He let them set the narrative instead of using the bully pulpit to set it himself. Voters love how Newt takes on the media in the debates. Perry needs more “you got a name?” moments with the press. He also needs to start redefining the debate questions to fit the narrative he wants to sell voters. He can’t let the media define the questions AND the scope of acceptible answers.

    Another thing I’ve noticed is that most not-Mitt voters don’t care whom the not-Mitt candidate is. They’ll follow whomever is surging at the moment and has the not-Mitt momentum. Thus the surges of Bachmann, Perry, Cain, Newt, and now Santorum. Santorum didn’t win Iowa with shoe-leather politics. He won because he surged after Newt declined.

    Perry’s record is excellent. It speaks loudly on its own. But in order to win SC and FL, Perry must come out swinging at Romney, Obama, and the liberal media. He has to show voters that he’s “got game” rather than running shoes.

    FRegards,
    BuckeyeTexan

  • flgal208

    there is NO leasdership IN FL…been trying to volunteer for weeks and haven’t gotten a return call or email or tweet—no signs on the ground, no bumper stickers, no reaches out to the tea party groups here…can’t get an answer from the GOP NE FL HQ

    I am NOT counting him out, but he HAS TO TAKE FL and I want to see his campaign people making daily FB posts ont he FL page (nothing in a month), tweets going out, a FL web site—-I will do all that for FREE, but finding someone,,,,hello??????

  • gekster

    and remove all doubt.

    Tell me, just what makes you a conservative.
    Just asking here.

  • http://sandysalt.blogspot.com/ Sandy Salt

    Perry can not be a fiscal conservative any more than the Joker, Mittens, or Earmark can. They all believe in big government, which is the last thing we need now. We need a fiscal conservative that has a proven track record of fixing a government entity (any entity would do a state would be best, but a big city would fit the bill as well). Perry is a horrible campaigner and has no hope of winning the nomination.

  • flgal208

    is seriously dropping the ball and that must be fixed ASAP…just look at the Fl Perry FB page and you see the last post in NOV!!!!!

    I could do a ten time better job for FREE, jeez.

  • Scope

    Dogs against Romney

    Gekster, any chance you can post this picture here, if allowed.

  • Common_Cents

    What is going to change?

    Santorum is an anomaly in IA and prob won’t have any staying power.

    Perry staying in only serves to get Romney the nomination now. Perry will be off the radar thru NH for a couple weeks? His only help will to shred romney hard at the 2 debates this weekend.

    Perry should have dominated Iowa. What is going to change for Perry to suddenly pick up steam?

    I would like to see exit polling to see why people didn’t caucus for Perry. The top reasons would be very telling.

  • nicephorus1phokas

    They will sit on their collective hands or vote third-party first. The Republican leaders who have start the drumbeat that we all need to “get with the program/get behind Romney” should take a look at what happened in Canada in the 1980s and 1990s. Establishment Conservative party members gave the base the middle finger so many times that the party simply imploded and totally disappeared from the scene. It took 20 years for a party on the right to reconstitute itself in Canada and get elected.

    http://tammybruce.com/2012/01/a-warning-from-canada-for-the-gop-dont-ignore-the-grassroots.html

    The above is an article every Romneyite and establishment Republican should read.

    You can’t keep thumbing your nose at your most fervent supporters and expect good things to happen.

  • nicephorus1phokas

    They will sit on their collective hands or vote third-party first. The Republican leaders who have start the drumbeat that we all need to “get with the program/get behind Romney” should take a look at what happened in Canada in the 1980s and 1990s. Establishment Conservative party members gave the base the middle finger so many times that the party simply imploded and totally disappeared from the scene. It took 20 years for a party on the right to reconstitute itself in Canada and get elected.

    http://tammybruce.com/2012/01/a-warning-from-canada-for-the-gop-dont-ignore-the-grassroots.html

    The above is an article every Romneyite and establishment Republican should read.

    You can’t keep thumbing your nose at your most fervent supporters and expect good things to happen.

  • lizzie

    “We Can do Better than Ron Paul”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MX7gFB4KR0&feature=youtu.be

    This is from the Emergency Committee for Israel, who was brilliant in helping Bob Turner win NY9 that the Weiner had lost.

    From ECI’s email today: “Today the Emergency Committee for Israel released an ad in which Director Gary Bauer explains why conservatives should reject Rep. Ron Paul?s dangerous foreign policy views.

    The ad is slated to air next week in major South Carolina media markets on both television and talk radio, but is being released online today and can be viewed here:

    “We Can do Better than Ron Paul”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MX7gFB4KR0&feature=youtu.be

    As for Erick’s recommendation for a Perry campaign sake-up?
    Well, if someone would just change the campaign website from an ATM machine to a pro-active source for proving Rick Perry is not “dumb” – I have posted my suggestions to them in other RedState threads, THAT would be far more effective than some public mea culpa throwing Allbaugh underthe bus.

    And, Perry should not waste his happy warrior image by going negative on any opponent in SC.

    Perry needs to make voters believe he is electable as well as a fiscal conservative with moral values and character.

    No need to attack Romney unless he really does win with a blow-out in NH.
    New Hampshire is already a dirty cock-fight, and perry benefits by being out of it.

    Publicly firing anyone would be as damaging as when Kent Sorenson bailed on Bachmann to stand next to Ron Paul in Iowa.

    Perry already honed his message at his campaign rally in Perry, Iowa, and with his last ad. He just needs to be consistent with that, and be presidential every minute from now on. The media in SC is what counts.

    and the next four debates:

    http://www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/2012-debate-schedule/2011-2012-primary-debate-schedule/

    I do not know WHO decided that every website related to the GOP primaries has placed an ad asking for donations to Help Rick Perry Win South Carolina.

    Kind of reeks of desperation in the money contest, especially sincehe is only trying to raise $250,000

  • trapperjohn

    I like Perry, but if he doesn’t hit SC hard, and I mean really hard then it’s all over. Right now, he is not even making a dent.

    He is beginning to remind me of Fred Thompson

    I don’t get to vote until March. I wonder who will be left to vote for.

  • Common_Cents

    We need a 50 state strategy, and it starts in the primary. Why give people a reason not to vote for you by skipping out on their state?

    Perry is awesome and would make a great President, but he’d have little chance in the general.

    He’s a feel good conservative candidate, but if you get out of the Redstate bubble you’ll find people find him nearly RADIOACTIVE. Our country has slipped down the slippery slope for decades, its too big of a jump to get a Perry elected. That is just the reality.

  • gekster

    I dont have that talent, maybe acat will post it for you.

    I’ll try once, but who knows.

    > img src=? http://www.damndirtyrino.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DogsvRomney.jpg? <

    Or this, I don't know which one, or if it will work at all

  • tailfins1959

    Do you think this actually moves votes? This is just silly. So far Romney is the strongest candidate, no one has been able to knock him off his perch. The other candidates deserve credit for trying.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    then at least make them a governor. I have want to see a big government republican like Newt, Santorum, or Romney, Having said that, if I have to have one because some voters do not see it my way, then I?ll go with a governor.

    Here is the thing; Rick Santorum was polling at five percent three weeks ago. SO why in the world should we give up, Perry has the best record and is the only one who I trust to beat Obama and govern conservative. I see no reason for him to follow the media narrative and drop out. Santorum got his second place because he is the last man standing and there was not enough time to vet him, but now the super Pac are going to hit him and he will soon have the same result as Newt. There is room for this race to turn again, and do not be surprised when it does.

  • znjs

    Maybe not spend a ton of money there, but frankly if you can’t compete in every state IN THE GOP PRIMARY what is supposed to make people think you can complete in the states we need to win to take out Obama? No, he’s never going to do great in NH, but to not even be fighting? If you’re trying to fight the perception that you’re not a viable candidate you can’t be picking and choosing which states to bother to be campaigning in.

  • gekster

    One more try.

  • cheetah2

    It seems to me that it is too late for a shakeup in the organization. The only way to save the bacon is for Perry to stay on message and be sure its the right message. His speech in the rally at Perry Iowa was great, he needs to give it every day and everywhere in S. Carolina.

  • gekster

    ..//..

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    and I will tell you why supporting they have shown themselves to be frauds. You think by insulting people you will have media point, this is a joke, Right. You have only shown yourself as having the ability to talk like a liberal talk show host, say Rachel Meadows. You think degrading people is going to win you the day, it shows your ignorance not the people who support the nation?s number one governor. You are parroting James Carvil in calling the Perry camp the worst presidential campaign in history, now I would not be calling Perry supporters laughingstocks when you are walking around talking like James Carvil. In fact we are talking about the guy who wrote ?We’re Right, They’re Wrong: A Handbook for Spirited Progressives.? Are you proud to parrot a guy like that.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    man, I am going to the computer to wrap this up.

  • keepithonest

    is the MSM interview response format. In the last few days before the Iowa caucus Gov. Perry gave quite a few interviews. I could see the ex- Bachman team members influence. The mantra approach was very hard for me to watch.

    One of the main problems with Rep. Bachman’s public image was the appearance that she had no thoughts of her own and was incapable of responding to varied questions without resorting to the same mantra, word for word, over and over again.

    People are looking for authenticity and want to know and understand what the candidate’s thought process is , not what his advisors think the answers should be. One can express the same message time after time, but only if they express it in different ways. This is Rick Santorum’s and Newt’s strength. After reading Gov. Perry’s posting, and watching a few web interviews, I know he is capable of doing just that. Mantras turn people off and people tune out.

    It was good to see that Gov. Perry’s post. It shows he still has his hand on the wheel in Texas and is keeping a close eye on the nation’s problems.

    God Speed Gov. Perry!

  • http://www.writeinryan.com ragnarthepirate

    A few weeks ago you were talking about a none-of-the-above option. Now it looks like you would rather be Perry’s campaign manager. Most of America has given up on Perry. There’s nothing he can do to turn this around. A win in South Carolina isn’t going to convince any non-southern state to vote for him a month later. Besides, he’s likely to stumble badly again in that time.

    It would be far better for you to get serious about your none-of-the-above option. Namely, we should all write in Paul Ryan for President.

    http://www.writeinryan.com

  • texashistorian

    this weekend in NH- unless something has changed that I missed. That should be sufficient in a state that was never going to go his way no matter where he stood in the polls as long as Mitt was on the ballot.

    I will make a Hank Hill confession- I was born in NH, have friends there, and for all the “Live Free or Die” license plate rhetoric, it isn’t the place it was 30 or 40 years ago. It is populated by high taxes refugees from Mass., and Repubs we would consider moderates in the South. Look at their senators, reps, governor etc, over the past couple of decades. It is NOT a GOP bellwether anymore, no matter how the media and conventional wisdom try to cling to that narrative.

    The South will make or break a GOP nominee, as it should in the new GOP demographic, and that is where Perry has to perform. NH for him at this point is a colossal waste of time and money outside appearing at the televised functions.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    and what people on a comment board say does not mirror what the electorate is thinking, Elections are funny in the fact most people do not pay any real attention.

  • flgal208

    if he doesn’t fire then at least HIRE some good web people—the web site is not current (and the fundraising picture needs to come down now!!), the FL FB page is not current—whoever is in charge of electronic media, STINKS ON ICE…Also, the main page used to have where you could find your state to get info, that is gone…now I don’t know if they’re not retuning phone calls/emails to volunteer because they are so swamped or there’s no one running the show, but it needs to be fixed ASAP…running a campaign is like a fork—1 prong is media, 2 is ground game 3 is legal 4 organizing and the handle is the candidate/advisers….1 is broken and the other 3 are having a hard time getting all the food (voters)….the fork is good, but prong 1 needs some heavy duty solder.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    there is a huge difference. I am a huge supporter of states making their own choices.

  • texashistorian

    (wish I hadn’t hit post so fast)

    Why is it we aren’t demanding full out campaigns in DE? or RI? NH is about the same as those two states- not really worth it in terms of delegates or demographics. The primary system needs a major overhaul so that the states that matter set the tone and course going forward.

    For a bit of argument for absurdity try this: Gingrich will not be the nominee because his ground game in Delaware sucks. Shouldn’t he work harder there? If he doesn’t really put much into Delaware, then I guess he isn’t viable.

    Silly, I know, but NH needs to be slapped into perspective. It might be a bit Quixotic of me for this primary cycle, but there it is . . .

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    Perry is, Part time congress, Cut congress pay in half.

  • znjs

    In some other states you could get away with that. Iowa and NH are different – you need to do the retail politics stuff. It’s ridiculous but it’s true. And I’m not saying he has to beat Mitt there. He just can’t be fighting “no opinion” for last place. That’s where he’s headed right now.

  • lizzie

    just posted his speech to the NH Legislature and his 71-minute interview with the NH Union Leader, at least undecideds or anyone-but RS and Dr. Paul who wanted to check Perry out after the debates, would find the best evidence that Perry is smart and thoughtful and totally capable of quoting Daniel Webster.

    Fix the Perry website!!!!

    common_cents: I am way outside the Redstate bubble, except for when I am here, and Rick Perry’s biggest handicap is that false stereotype of “another Texas gov DUMBER than W”. In 1948, Harry Truman was savaged from right to left, and the entire media, as being “too small for the Presidency” and too dumb. He still won in a four-way contest (the Dems had splintered into the Progressives and Dixiecrats). You know how Truman won? His train stop campaign decided at the last minute to detour thru Ohio’s farm area. Truman had been a farmer. He won with that slice of the electorate. And people knew he was a fighter and Perry’s version of “The buck stops here” is “No excuses. It is what it is”.

    Just like Rick Perry, Truman did NOT want to be VP or President, but he answered the call to serve his country. The Dems did NOT want to nominate him in 1948. And he always had to fight the wrong perception that he was just a machine hack, serving the corrupt Prendergast machine. Voters know it when a candidate is real, and they can cut thru the media smears. The entire media tried to falsify the reports of the growing crowds at every Truman train stop.

    Perry’s second biggest handicap is the perception he is a religious fanatic, but that is coming from the Obama base that refuses to believe that they are a minority of postmodern transnational multiculturalists. Not even 20%. They are now going insane over Santorum’s intention to impose a theocracy :)

    The GOP needs to salvage their reputation in the next month or two.
    While Perry reveals he has fire in the belly and somehow throws off that “dumber than W” stereotype while Santorum fades, and someone knocks out Ron Paul. Romney will then shatter on his own.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    “He should change his staff, he shouldn’t change his staff,” back and forth. I don’t know who’s right. All I know is that Perry needs to act and FAST. I’m with him to the end but I’m fighting discouragement. He needs to show his “YOU GOT A NAME” side, the fired-up Rick Perry we saw in Iowa’s last days. Please, Governor Perry, please. We desperately need you to be outstanding on Saturday night.

  • znjs

    That’s why I admittedly wanted RP to win Iowa – it would’ve forced the GOP to blow up the whole process. I’ve written before that I wish we had a rotational system. But we don’t. For whatever dumb reason, Iowa and NH are special.

    That being said, I already think it’s over for Perry anyhow, so it doesn’t really matter.

  • flgal208

    of weeks ago and they ate it up—they applauded big time, so the legislature there, at least, likes his message—the ONLY reason to maybe campaign at little there isn’t to get votes away from Willard/Paul, but to get his face/message on TV for free—FNC is showing sound bites each day of the other candidates and he’s missing out—he needs to replace his communication/media person, that person is failing and making the rest look bad…to me, that’s the bad apple–

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    and about Santorum just weeks ago, then what in the world gives you the right to tell people who they can support. Lay out an argument, that is fine, but expect it to be torn apart if I see it.

  • Common_Cents

    I would like to know. Wonder what the top reasons are.

  • acat

    Mew

  • windwaker24

    Gov. Perry! I guess he never expected Perry to run against him!

  • supergirl2911

    And many at RS have not given up. I appreciate the analysis whether or not I agree. Would you expect hinting write about how to change the Romney campaign? Santorum? Paul? Romney is expected, Santorum is most likely doomed. , and Paul is a group with not a lot in common with other republicans. I think it is a worthy analysis. Time will tell but I have a crappy feeling that we are in a downward slide to inevitable and it looks like a loss for conservative principles without any vision of recovery.

  • acat

    The above ad, tailfins, cost Bill Brady (R-cand, IL GOV) the election.

    This may not be your litmus test, but it surely is one for a percentage of voters. We ignore this, as Brady found, at our peril.

    Mew

  • texashistorian

    LA Pat, and remember Iowa was Tuesday night. It’s now just Friday morning. I know things move fast in politics, but we are not even three full days past the ends of the Iowa caucuses. One thing about Perry, staff or no staff, is that he knows what he is doing. It might work, it might not, but he they are working as we speak.

    Let me toss this at you: we need Perry to be good at the debate. We also need him to be rested and ready. 2-3 days of a break is not a bad thing here- these are men, not machines, right? Keep the faith. Remember Bill Clinton’s ’92 campaign (not the scumbag he is personally) and how he kept at it.

  • supergirl2911

    For this question. I don’t know the details. This is like a classroom where you have content you desperately need to cover, buch each day you lose students and gain ones that have never been to class.

  • gekster

    howed you do that. :)

  • geotan

    Despite Perry’s small government record, job creation, working class upbringing, etc. etc. elections still come down to a one on one comparison contest. This is what ERICK ERICKSON and most Perry supporters fail to understand or overlook. You can have the best qualities and record but if you are not capable of coming across professional, erudite, strong and intelligent than forget about it. Even if Perry could overcome all this he will not be able to perform well enough against Obama. This is not personal this is an objective analysis of Perry. With regard to Romney it comes down to trust. I believe his new social conservatism is genuine and that he was always primarily fiscally conservative. He certainly is the only candidate with real life business experience. This campaign should be run on jobs and while Perry has a strength in this area, his weakness in campaigning is glaring.

  • therightman

    You are still not addressing the premise of my comment. You want Perry to drop out 2wks before SC but Santorum’s win in IA demonstrates that anything can happen within that timeframe.

    SC is more suited to Perry than IA. His brand of fiscal conservatism sells while Santorum’s main support stems from social conservatives. Let’s see how it shakes out.

    What I find puzzling is that supporters of other candidates continue to call on Perry to drop out when they have written him for dead so many times. How is Perry’s 5% more of a threat to Santorum than say Gingrich’s 18%.

    Unless of course, they know he can very well bounce back.

  • cacharlie

    True grit, Wyatt Earp, the real thing – the people are getting it – MSM can’t bury it! Nobody wants another silver tongued devil in the Oval Office! As for Bush II comparisons, the positives are all in Perry’s favor. Perry doesn’t have the negative of being hampered by being respectful of his father’s beltway legacy.
    I just surprised another tough customer with my argument that Perry can beat Obama. It’s we, the people, who compose the Perry campaign and betcha if we talk it up – it’ll happen! GO PERRY!

  • supergirl2911

    Loved it-where was it?

  • flgal208

    media/communication person. Why? 1) the web site has slipped, we live in an electronic age, it HAS to be up to the minute. It has to have all the answers in a click or two AND it shouldn’t be all about fund-raising. I don’t need to be convinced to donate, if I have it, I do, I don’t, it will turn me off to see all you care about is money. YOu need less money if you use more volunteers 2) each state should have a CURRENT/up to date Perry web site & FB page that is posted on each day AND tweets to send AND push volunteerism over money (the USN have volunteers called OMBUDSMEN and they save the Navy multi-millions of dollars every year by handling crisis for FREE) 3) he should have Perry giving interviewS every single day—with today’s technology it can be done from anywhere, even if it’s only the phone or Skpe–it’s free publicity and not just the networks, but local markets…1 person can change all that, oh and I would beg, borrow steal pay for 24 hour staff to answer emails…

  • therightman

    I concur with texashistorian that Perry is probably resting and prepping for the NH debates.

    Some, including Erick, are asking Perry to fire his staff, reboot his campaign, etc… I say he should take all the time he needs to make whatever changes are needed.

    Good executives don’t rush in their decision-making. Perry didn’t get to be one of the best governors in the country by accident. He knows the importance of both haste and care in decision-making.

  • renl57

    Here’s the latest CNN poll on South Carolina, taken January 4-5:

    Romney: 37%
    Santorum: 19%
    Gingrich: 18%
    Paul: 12%
    Perry: 5%

    The problem with hoping for a Perry surge is that it’s Romney and Santorum who are doing the surging right now. (Up 17 points and 15 points respectively over a month ago.)

    They can’t all surge; if two of them surge then others have to decline sharply. Which ones?

    Perry can’t win evangelicals away from Santorum. They regard Santorum as one of them. So far, Perry’s argument against Santorum is that Santorum isn’t electable–yet this poll suggests that argument isn’t selling.

    Can Perry try to win over Gingrich’s supporters, citing his executive experience?

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    Yes, this is Friday morning. Yes, we have two weeks till South Carolina. Two weeks ago Santorum was at the bottom of the totem pole.

    *SIGH* I don’t remember Clinton’s campaign because I was a VERY small infant. What did he do? All I know is that he polled badly in Iowa. When did he start winning states?

    Perry has GOT to be good tomorrow night, he just has to. I pray he and his staff are working like mad.

  • renl57

    And if you don’t finish second to Romney, then quit–this time for good.

    You can’t lose a major Southern state with a heavy Christian presence and still stay in the race. If you can’t win in SC, you can’t win anywhere.

  • acat

    Compare the original source to the source I’m using.

    Some sites don’t like it when you deep-link their graphics.

    Mew

  • geotan

    When he said “oops” at the debate it was already over but some people around him are so obsessed with defeating Romney that they will go on a suicide mission and take everyone down with them including Romney. Obama will win 2012 if this foolishness persists.

  • david1313

    I will gladly loss to take down Mr. Romney. Rick Perry, though granted a weak candidate would be much better than Mr. Romney win or lose. Newt is the one that both Romney and Obama fear. Why else would millions of dollars be spent to bring him down.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    I may be mistaken, but I seem to recognize you from HotAir. If you and TheRightMan from over there are one and the same, then my hat’s off to you and I’m glad to see you here at RedState. At least here you won’t be mocked and belittled all the live-long day ;)

  • texastaxpayer

    You do realise you sound no better than the fools who fell for Obama with that statement. “He forgot a government agency so he isn’t quailifed to be president”. Yeah that sounds like someone who is intelligent enough to treat choosing the leader of the free world as the intellectual exercise its ment to be. I mean let’s not bother looking into someone’s background, their accomplishments, their record or life story. Hell let’s just make this whole process into American Idol, we can quiz contestants I mean candidates on such important questions as “do you prefer kittens or puppies?” and then all vote on our phones. Sound like a plan to you?

  • jakeofalltrades

    You know they’ll end up doing that one day.

  • david1313

    He can get a few votes in South Carolina and muddy up the picture and help Romney. Is that the role you want him to play? That deer in the headlights look is one I know well. I live in Texas. Yes, he is an ok governor, but he is no George W. Bush. And of course he is not a ‘dumb man’. His problem is that he sometimes plays one on T.V.

  • nicephorus1phokas
    With a liberal Republican, like Romney, the Republican brand and conservative brand get blamed for failed big government polcies that Romney will surely support.

    With a second Obama term things will be bad. I suspect our financial system and economy will see a shock shortly due to the European crisis and our debt. By 2016, America will be deperate for change. Perhaps, that is what is needed. Perhaps America must hit rock bottom before people will quit playing games. When things get bad enough and all of the big government ‘solutions’ have failed, then it will be time for small government, low tax, pro growth policies to be tried. If we need to wait until 2016 for this opportunity then I am perfectly willing to wait.

    You’ve been silenced.

  • nicephorus1phokas

    With a liberal Republican, like Romney, the Republican brand and conservative brand get blamed for failed big government polcies that Romney will surely support.

    With a second Obama term things will be bad. I suspect our financial system and economy will see a shock shortly due to the European crisis and our debt. By 2016, America will be deperate for change. Perhaps, that is what is needed. Perhaps America must hit rock bottom before people will quit playing games. When things get bad enough and all of the big government ‘solutions’ have failed, then it will be time for small government, low tax, pro growth policies to be tried. If we need to wait until 2016 for this opportunity then I am perfectly willing to wait.

  • rickperryreport

    Like Perry, I am an Aggie and a USAF pilot. I know from where Perry comes. I know his mettle. This country is in crisis, primarily because of the moral failure of spending more than we have. Perry set the tone in Texas by vetoing 80 bills during his first legislative session. He vetoed more bills since the Civil War! Since then, he has held the line on producing 6 balanced budgets, and two of those budgets, including the 2011 budget, are composed of HARD decisions on spending cuts. That is exactly what needs to be done in Washington. Perry has the guts to do it. He said, “The liberal media is never going to like us, so let’s stopping currying favor with them.”

    Perry is the most likely of all the candidates to do what he says he will do.

    As proof, the Texas [liberal] media HATES Perry, because he and the legislature that he leads have had to make hard decisions and were successful at doing so.

    This election isn’t about process narratives; it’s about saving the country.

    Only Perry has the proposals AND the agenda to do that.

    Get your head out of the “process” stories and look at the entire picture!

    Joe @ Rick Perry Report

  • nicephorus1phokas

    If Perry dropping out will boost someone else in SC and FLA then he needs to “take one for the team” and do it.

  • nicephorus1phokas

    If Perry dropping out will boost someone else in SC and FLA then he needs to “take one for the team” and do it.

  • texastaxpayer

    4 more years of a failed presidency is better than 8.

  • nicephorus1phokas

    Go talk to your local Tea Party group and their next meeting and ask them how they feel about Romney. The sound you hear is all of the excitement and enthusiasm of the conservative base of the Republican Party draining out of the contest. Republican turnout this year will be low and sullen.

  • bauer

    2008 – Redstate loves Fred Thompson.
    Thompson gets pummelled.

    2012 – Redstate loves Rick Perry.
    Perry gets pummelled.

    Jindal and Rubio are gonna be on the phone asking you to take them off your love list.

    OK, relax, it’s just a lame attempt at ironic humor.

  • jakeofalltrades

    Obama is succeeding in his transformation of the country. Welfare rolls are vastly expanded, and Obamacare will be implemented in the next term.

    He is changing the country and moving in left using government benefits. We will never be able to roll that back. We won’t be the same country anymore if Obama is re-elected.

    Also, we can’t overturn Obamacare while Obama can veto the repeal.

  • Common_Cents

    are they going to have some last minute revelation? You’d think he’d do well in polls if SC is right up his alley, no?

  • flipflopper

    for fostering such extreme anti-Romney sentiment that your readers are willing to let Obama win over voting for Romney.

  • flipflopper

    Redstate for fostering such extreme anti-Romney sentiment that your readers are willing to vote for Obama over Romney…this has really done this country a great service.

  • keepithonest

    I love the soaring commercials but you should concentrate on quick, hard, hits and short messages. You can run the soaring commercials when he has the nomination. You run them before every critical occasion and it seems as though it pressures him.

    You might take each one of his great achievements one at a time in rotation and compare his record to the lack of record of the others on that same achievment. I love the doer not talker attitude but you might want to use the word achiever instead – America’s favorite word. Gov. Perry – the Achiever not Talker.

    People remember short, witty, commercials and it does not hurt if they are on the the opponent’s record. They get tired of commercials anyway and they all run into to each other.

    I am just expressing an opinion here and I am certainly no expert.

  • nicephorus1phokas
    He will tweak Obamacare but fundamentally leave it in place. He will expand all of Obama’s government programs, perhaps at a slightly smaller rate, if we’re lucky. Our country will continue to be transformed regardless of whether Obama or Romney is elected, because they have the same basic philosophy, BIG GOVERNMENT.

    At least with Obama the country will really want change in 2016 and perhaps a conservative can figure out how to navigate the GOP primary process and make it to the general election. Only then will America have a real choice. I am willing to wait, basically because there is no alternative with who is likely to run in November this year.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    I really appreciate it. I’ve loved getting your daily emails and your perspective on the Iowa caucus. Keep up the good work.

  • jakeofalltrades

    <img src=? http://www.damndirtyrino.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DogsvRomney.jpg? width=”400″/>

  • Robbrou

    The problem isn’t that he’s not beating the right drum loudly enough. The problem is that no one wants to listen to the drummer.

  • jakeofalltrades

    Blogs usually allow it though.

  • clowngirl

    3 reasons:

    1. Perry is good at smacking Romney

    He can do that to best advantage if he’s in the debates this weekend.

    It’s possible that he’d focus his fire on Santorum instead- but that is also good for Gingrich.

    2. He’s got the money and the motivation to wage an air war against Rick Santorum and possibly Mitt Romney ( along with maybe Newt — but I think Santorum would be -by far- the bigger target)

    Santorum is currently the leading non – Romney in SC (though in one poll he’s only a point ahead of Gingrich) and he’s the only candidate who

    1. is not well vetted (and whose vetting is not well publicized) so ads highlighting his flaws could really be an eye opener.

    2. he and Perry focus in on social conservatives much more than Gingrich. So he is the more direct competitor.

    Sounds like Newt is not going to really attack Santorum much on his own and we need to consider the possibility that his momentum won’t fade substantially just in the next week.

    3. He’s likely to pull more support from Santorum than Gingrich, and, by pointing out problems with Rick S., is likely to lead some who formerly supported Newt back into the fold.

    4. Romney is also likely to spend some resources attacking Perry.

    5. He might even scrap with Ron Paul a bit.

    Newt is still smarting from recent attacks and his 4th place finish in Iowa (which was good under the circumstances, but far from ideal) and he doesn’t need to waging a 2 (or even 3) front war.

    Better if he goes into SC spreading his message and taking on Romney and letting Santorum and Perry spar (at least to some extent) with each other)

    I also think that Santorum (basically) tying for first helps Newt more than if he’d been a decided second or third, because Romney will presumably feel the need to deal with him in SC — m eaning Newt won’t have to deal with the full force of the Romney machine.

  • flipflopper

    are beginning to sound as desperate and out of touch with reality as Ron Paul supporters. Perry is finished, but go ahead and let him stay in. It just means another win for Romney since the anti-Romney vote won’t consolidate

  • jakeofalltrades

    If you think he will, you’re in outer space. Come back to Earth; Romney is infinitely better than Obama.

  • david1313

    It is easy to see if you follow the money.

  • Common_Cents

    Perry drops and endorses Gingrich.

    Perry is now free to bash away on Romney, and help Gingrich w/ fundraising and ground game.

    This way we don’t have Romney benefitting from any support Perry would get if he’s still in it. It would go to anti Romney (Gingrich) which is the goal.

    We need consolidation. Perry dropping and endorsing Gingrich would help.

    I agree that Perry staying in through the NH debates to slam Romney is a good idea. But anything beyond that will hurt our chances.

  • flipflopper

    If Perry’s staff is so terrible and the reason for the disaster that has become his campaign, doesn’t that reflect on Perry’s executive abilities. After all, he chose his staff. Is this the kind of problems that we are going to see if he becomes President? I think that fact that his staff is such a disaster just makes it more evident that he would be a bad president. He would choose all the wrong people to advise him and assist him in leading the country. Just a thought

  • tmkane

    Perry has 10+ years executive experience as Governor or Texas, created a job friendly environment that leads the nation in job creation, cut taxes, balanced 6 budgets in Texas, has cut General Fund spending for the first time since WWII, kept our rainy day fund sound, and has spent close to half a billion dollars to help secure our border with Mexico since the Feds refuse to do their job. This is just a few examples of the job Perry has done. I can give you more. To relegate Perry supporters to a Tween heart throb fan, is extremely condescending, arrogant, and insulting. It won?t make me like or support your candidate.

    Since you are so fired up to consolidate?you are welcome to come over to the Perry camp. He can win, and we would love to have you. The path to the nomination is to take it to Obama! He needs to assume he already has the nomination and campaign against the Bamster not some silly conservative wanna-be?s. They will do themselves in. Perry will do Obama in.

    Quit and assess do have two different meanings. The first is to release from obligation, the second is to determine the importance, size, or value. Perry said assess. Please don?t think I am uninformed and try to sell me your misinformation. It makes you look like a lib.

  • tmkane

    Perry has 10+ years executive experience as Governor or Texas, created a job friendly environment that leads the nation in job creation, cut taxes, balanced 6 budgets in Texas, has cut General Fund spending for the first time since WWII, kept our rainy day fund sound, and has spent close to half a billion dollars to help secure our border with Mexico since the Feds refuse to do their job. This is just a few examples of the job Perry has done. I can give you more. To relegate Perry supporters to a Tween heart throb fan, is extremely condescending, arrogant, and insulting. It won?t make me like or support your candidate.

    Since you are so fired up to consolidate?you are welcome to come over to the Perry camp. He can win, and we would love to have you. The path to the nomination is to take it to Obama! He needs to assume he already has the nomination and campaign against the Bamster not some silly conservative wanna-be?s. They will do themselves in. Perry will do Obama in.

    Quit and assess do have two different meanings. The first is to release from obligation, the second is to determine the importance, size, or value. Perry said assess. Please don?t think I am uninformed and try to sell me your misinformation. It makes you look like a lib.

  • flipflopper

    He has stated without question that he would work to repeal Obamacare. Please tell me where you get this idea from? He certainly hasn’t said it. Or is this just your way of trying to scare people away from Romney and misrepresent his positions?

  • tmkane

    and you lost my respect when you insulted me.

  • tmkane

    and you lost my respect when you insulted me.

  • Scope

    I’ve been seeing the same stop bashing the Perry staff sentiment elsewhere. It is not helping him or his efforts at all. If you have something to say about the staff, or anyone on it, call the campaign, call Perry, make your suggestions in private. Perry did a great job with asking Mike Allen for a name when he talked about his campaign being in a mess. He did the same with Chris Wallace. Now here we are at RS doing the same, but actually naming names of his staff. Unless someone here has the direct line to Perry, and or any of his staff members, knows exactly what his plans are, and what everyone on the Perry team is saying, it would be best not to air speculations and/or campaign advice in public.

    And you know it fills the anti-Perry hearts here with glee to see Perry and/or his staff knocked in public, just so they can pile on, and they do.

  • trelane

    At this point they have lashed themselves to the mast of the USS Perry and have chosen to go down with the ship. Rational discussion isn’t going to help any more.

  • kamiller42

    Can you name one state in a better position than Texas?

  • goodgovernance

    Was the way after his disappointing night in Iowa, he lashed out at Iowans. He said they weren’t “real Republicans” but “quirky” and closet Democrats.

    That’s not a gracious loser.

    As for Perry supporters, I can understand rooting for an underdog (I’m still rooting for Huntsman, despite the polling evidence), but I’m starting to get the feeling they’ll still be rooting for him and saying the same things all the way up to when Romney gives his acceptance speech at the convention.

  • acat

    I’d say Perry had a point.

    Mew

  • Scope

    Where is PETA when you need them? LOL

  • wbf

    http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/01/ethanol-group-sent-out-fliers-supporting-rick-santorum-mitt-romney-before-iowa-caucuses/

    Ethanol groups definitely did not like Rick Perry!!

  • Scope

    I wrote down your instructions, and will try to learn how to link pictures myself in the future.

  • jakeofalltrades

    If you’ve got only one shot, you take it!

  • http://sandysalt.blogspot.com/ Sandy Salt

    I was being sarcastic about Perry winning. He is just another corrupt politician that seeks to line his pockets with taxpayer dollars. The more I learned of his dealings in Texas the more unappealing he became. We need a small government, fiscal conservative that can bring Washington under control.

  • Scope

    from the uber liberal James Carville. He has been saying that Perry is the worst presidential candidate in history. dirlie just came here to repeat it.

  • kamiller42

    :-)

    Would you say Perry participating in two debates is off the radar?

    One theory Perry didn’t dominate Iowa is one word: Ethanol. http://t.co/oYyAT0vS

    To correct your record, Perry never said “quit” or “suspend” that night. He had to review the results and find a path to victory going forward.

    He was on the heals of Newt, and Newt likes government bought corn.

  • pttx333

    m

  • renny

    If he cannot win something in the South, he should find someone to support, preferably not Mitt, and return to TX and wait to be made Sec. of Commerce or Interior.

  • clowngirl

    Santorum isn’t expected to hold up as the non-Romney front runner and Newt didn’t beat Governor Perry by such an overwhelming margin in IA that he can legitimately claim the mantel consensus conservative.

    And Governor Perry is not running to be a spoiler — there’s still a plausible path to the nomination and we shouldn’t object to his candidacy running its course. I think he can be trusted to get out if it becomes clear that is no longer the case.

    I agree with Newt – conservatives will gradually coalesce around one candidate and that candidate will beat Mitt Romney.

    Perry supporters aren’t ready to give up on their candidate and I think he owes it to them to try to win in South Carolina. (if it had been Newt finishing 3% behind Perry I’d want him to stay in for a couple more contest and see if he could recover)

    If it’s a week before the primary and he’s still at 5% and Newt’s running neck and neck with Willard then, yes, it would be very classy of him to drop out and endorse and campaign for Gingrich before the primary.

    I’m actually a bit annoyed with the relatively small number of endorsements this year, it seems to be one of the factors making it difficult for any non-Romney to sustain momentum. The media keeps tearing into the best qualified candidates and there aren’t enough people defending them..

    I don’t really get this “I’m not going to endorse during the primary” thing. It seems non committal, self protecting, and possibly self interested (and there’s the fact that some people saying that suddenly flip flop and endorse Romney) It’s possible to endorse while also being respectful of the rest of the field.

    Did appreciate Giuliani going to bat for Newt w/regard to electability. Pointed out that the Democrats were just dying to run against Reagan…

  • http://www.writeinryan.com ragnarthepirate

    not about telling people who they can support.

    We all like Perry because he’s the best on paper. No one is disputing that, but he’s made an unfavorable impression on most of the country and he’s toast.

    So there are two options: the people that do not like Perry can vote for someone currently in the field that we don’t like, or we can convince them to vote for someone not in the field like Paul Ryan.

    If we convince them to vote for Paul Ryan, those delegates aren’t going to go to waste in a brokered convention. As a side note, we might actually convince him to enter.

  • znjs

    Right after he had his “oops” moment he was on Leno, did a good job of making a joke of the whole thing, had an ad campaign that was praised by Erick and the rest for being the right way to handle the gaffe. In fact almost all his ads were praised to high heaven around here, with the possible exception of his Strong ad which Perry insisted he do over the objections raised by some members of his team. His meet and greets around Iowa were well attended and received, suggesting that his team put him in good spots and did a good job getting the information out that he was going to be there and getting people to show up. Posters here talked up his great ground team that was going to be the reason Perry would do better then the pollsters predicted. He was able to connect with donors and raised a ton of money. Meanwhile his big negatives were his debate mistakes such as his brain farts and his revealing “heartless” comment.

    Naturally the thing to do is fire his campaign team!

  • jakeofalltrades

    So I guess his opinion cancels out yours.

  • goodgovernance

    Blaming Iowa voters is the last thing Perry needs to be doing. Especially as Iowa is a swing state in the general. It’s just another example of an unforced error by Perry.

    I’m more than a little disturbed that the problems in the Perry campaign have been there and pointed out from the moment he announced, and yet Perry has largely not been able to fix them.

    Unless Perry can really knock Romney back on his heels in the debates tomorrow and Sunday (and wipe away Romney’s clear disdain for him), Perry’s almost through.

  • Common_Cents

    Except, giving Romney a chance for momentum early will make him darn near unstoppable. Just as you mentioned, so many people are on the sidelines, but if Romney wins IA, NH, does ok or even win in SC, maybe win FL……it’s over. Everyone else will largely fall in line.

    The big tea party SC gov Haley, loved by RS, endorsed Romney early for goodness sakes!

    Gingrich’s plan was to win SC as that has been predictive. No matter how you spin it, if Perry is in SC that will hurt, and only help romney.

  • nativetexan41

    Perry still has a chance in SC and as his supporters we should not be discouraged and we need to give what we can to his campagin. I have gotten two e-mails from the other Rick asking for money, they all are asking for money. Of course no money for Rick S. from me.
    Gov. Perry is the one we need to make changes in DC.
    As a senior citizen, I am encouraged to hear young people like Center77(Timothy) being so involved in the election on the conservative side .
    I am proud of you and your support for the good Gov.
    Perry 2012!!

  • Common_Cents

    That’s reality and every candidate has to deal with it. That’s why Perry is unelectable. Perry is largely radioactive (a fun RS term from awhile back) outside of TX. Sad but true.

    If your product doesnt sell well, you don’t blame dumb quirky customers! That doesnt help your bank account.

  • texasroots

    liberal media. Erick spews what the folks at CNN spew. I wish that Perry had not announced his candidacy at the RedState gathering. I unscribed to Erick’s newsletter a long time ago because Erick is all over the place, Why not call Perry on the phone? I still believe that all the media, including Erick, want four more years of the current president. It is very disheartening.

  • trueredfromtexas

    Perry has indeed garnered crowds,,, but the make-up of the crowds have not been tallied as either regular person from the area being visited, supporters from Texas helping out in multiple campaign stops, news reporters, and undercover agents and security detail protecting the Governor.

  • Rapunzel46

    He was the only candidate who said he does not support ethanol subsidies. The ethanol industry is huge in Iowa.

    Look at the voter guide the industry put out

    http://iowansfueledwithpride.com/voterguide.pdf

  • Rapunzel46

    then we we are doomed to four more years of Obama…… no one else in the race has the record to go against Obama and win.

  • federalfarmer1

    Better schools, better roads, less crime, etc. Id take nd, SD, ne, mn, ia, ok, ks, and wi over Texas any day.

    Better football teams too.

  • cimmarontrails

    United we stand and win…divided and splintered…selling out our principles and referendum…we loose! cacharlie…such wisdom you have…go ahead the doubters…argue about it…UNITY IS WHAT WE MUST DO…UNIFY AND WATCH US WIN ALL THE WAY AROUND!

    (Sorry if those don’t like caps…I am a writer and this now almost taboo method of making the point stand out, is completely fabricated in the minds of those who don’t want to think for themselves…Left wing tactic of attack…I am very much Right wing…not polically correct…won’t ever be!)

  • Rapunzel46

    dislike the entire Tea Party movement. Santorum IS the real third George Bush term, they are two peas in a pod, big spending social conservatives. Romney has no core and will do and say what he needs to in order to get elected… his record is more Obama than anything and too many of his friends work for the Obama administration to make me comfortable.

  • jakeofalltrades

  • http://www.doctor-bob.biz rsklaroff

    I just finished compiling a summary of the Des Moines experience?
    http://www.scribd.com/doc/77378886/Perry
    ?and will provide relevant citations regarding Santorum [compiled from ~1000 entries on RedState sites during the past three days.

    There were relatively few posts with specifics but, in the interest of providing full-disclosure [to enhance discussion], to follow are themed comments in this regard. First is a personal assessment:

    Although EE has advocated changes-at-the-top, The Bob [?dr. bob and Guzzardi?] can only praise the quality/efficiency of those who ran a clockwork organization from the perspective of the volunteers/surrogates. Without intruding upon their time-pressure, nothing but openness/politeness were encountered?belying underlying anxieties that had to have been animating their activities. From when non-disclosure pledges were signed-off to when new friends were exit-interviewed, candor/content abounded which?whenever it was vetted?was consistently validated to tough critics.

    *

    Next are others:

    ?treeofliberty? provided the most cogent attack on Perry?s staff, to wit: ?If you look at Perry?s poll numbers, he had already nosedived by the time of the infamous ?OOPS? gaffe?.it started well before then in September. I think all the attacks from all sides took their toll on Perry, his inadequate responses to them, seeming weak and ill prepared, and also let?s not forget how much of the conservative media like Fox and talk radio ranged from neutral to outright ?anti-Perry? which didn?t help as the candidate himself was not responding and answering the attacks?adequately anyway.

    I blame Carney and his handlers more than Perry. They should?ve known the condition of their candidate, regarding back surgery and debate prep?those first debates he did NOT look prepared at all. That?s more the staff than the candidate IMO. They should have rested and prepped Perry fully before throwing him into the lion?s den. I think they really, naively expected a much more ?gentle? and easy going atmosphere than the one they received.

    Perhaps they excepted the ?Romney? treatment?big surprise.

    It was just poor campaign strategy and execution all the way around. And spending time in New Hampshire when your guy is in single digits?? And running 4th or 5th in Iowa and SC??

    It just made no sense.

    *

    ?snappy101? detailed why he felt Perry had a ?Poorly Run Campaign? thusly: ?While the other candidates? history bungled their up and down, Rick Perry did it with his own hand by 1) poor debate performances; 2) not emphasizing specifics in his own successful record and instead emphasizing his social consevatism and promises; 3) Not spending advertising dollars contrasting himself with Romney; 4) Not telling people since day one on the debate stage that his executive experience is what all of those people out of Congress lack. Whoever advised him on these things, especially Number 2 above needs to go. How many times do the polls have to tell him that Number One on people?s minds is the economy and jobs and he, who has something worth bragging about, barely mentions it. He had a governor campaign ad with great stats and awards to show Texas is successful. I saw it before he declared he was running. All he had to do was change the ending to say ?Let Rick Perry Do For The Country What He Has Done For Texas? or something like that. But no, we get ads that talk about social issues and promises.

    *

    ?Scope? recapitulated many of the prior points, adding: ?If it is true that Perry hired some of the former Bush people for his campaign team, he needs to dump them all

    *

    *

  • pttx333

    nn

  • cimmarontrails

    Do we want the truth? Or do we want to appease? Iowa is a swing state…indeed to let those Dems vote in a Republican process…those Dems will swing to obama in the end game. Caucus’ in Iowa corrupted in 2008…are we FED UP with the process? I am! I want what you call yourself…good governance…and that takes telling it like it is! Thanks for following the right path here tho.

  • clowngirl

    But I don’t think it’s necessarily so straightforward.

    Even when Newt was soaring, head to head polls with Romney were close.

    There will be people who will be reluctant to vote for Newt because he’s never been a governor, because he’s on his third wife, or who may really like him but are scared of his baggage (that was Frank Luntz’s impression in IA)

    Perry can split the “I want a Governor whose been faithful and only had one wife” vote so it doesn’t all go to Romney.

    Seriously. It could play out in unexpected ways.

    Right now Romney looks strong and low risk — that means people who would vote for Newt will do so out of principle or because they really like him and his record.

    But if they have to compromise with either candidate, why not go to the one everybody is saying is more electable.

    Better to have a somewhat crowded field until Newt starts looking strong and electable again (to a broad range of people)

    Somebody wrote an interesting diary about Nikki Haley (Something like Nikki Haley’s Endorsement: Unexpected Poison Pill for Romney) saying that endorsement may actually backfire.

    But even if what you are saying is true — it’s just not fair to ask Governor Perry to fall on his sword yet.

    And I don’t think South Carolina would be the end of the road even if the dreaded Willard were to (almost certainly unimpressively) win.

    South Carolina may be predictive (and it was stupid for Romney not to strongly compete there in 2008) but it was Florida that really made McCain the undisputed front runner and Super Tuesday that sealed Romney’s (2008) fate.

  • joshdunn

    since he first started posting here a few days ago.

    I’d monitor him.

  • cimmarontrails

    Perry had numerous supporters in Iowa from other states than Texas…where is Bobby Jindahl from? Sheriff Joe? Governor of Kansas…Bettina Viviano, Hollywood Producer and numerous other Californians all went to Iowa on their own dime…It is not just a Texas thing…it is a PATRIOT thing…a thing to take back our country from the elitist establishment on both sides of the aisle. Perry is radio active…even the RNC wants him buried…we won’t let it happen! Perry is the leader to fight for we the people who want our country back!

  • joshdunn

    I’ve seen some ugly flame wars in my time, but I’ve never seen anything quite as ugly as “The Purge” we’ve been having here over the last 12 months.

    It’s getting better, though. I’ve noticed that Leon’s call for civility has resulted in a toning-down of the harsh, mocking, belittling rhetoric that was so prevalent when ABR was the mantra here.

  • texashistorian

    has sent me fundraising emails too. Where they heck did they get my email addy from? I never signed on to his site, or received updates from his campaign or anything related to Rick the lesser. Some other candidate or organization sold my email info to the Santorum campaign and it kind of pisses me off . . .

  • Common_Cents

    The shakeup was real. Perry was denying it. Erick is right, Perry has to be public about it and can nearly everyone, or pull out. Going public will show he is making changes otherwise its same stuff, different day.

    I’m surprised he quit on caucus night. That was a near fatal blow. You cannot take a timeout. Being President it tough, you can’t press pause and go back to TX to think about things. He could have easily said, we are going on to SC, then announce whatever changes on the fly.

  • keepithonest

    The point I was trying to make is, this should be a narative and a pleasant conversation instead of just talking points. There are many good things to discuss and point out.

    I enjoy your posts and I look forward to reading many more.. I do not post often unless there is something heavy on my mind.

  • joshdunn

    He’s basically irrelevant except perhaps as a guy who could take a few points away from Santorum/Gingrich.

    If he really wants to win and is not just staying in the race because his consultants want to continue getting paid, then he should shake up his team. If he could bring in a big name like Ed Rollins or Karl Rove, it might help. But Rove doesn’t like him and I’m not all that impressed by Ed Rollins.

  • nicephorus1phokas
    Accuse your primary opponents of being democrats and try to silence everyone else’s opinion. “I’d monitor him” Who do you think you are, the Gestapo? This is a good example of why a lot of Republicans and conservatives despise Romney on a personal level and would never consider voting for him even if they find his positions closer than Obama’s to their own.
  • nicephorus1phokas
    Accuse your primary opponents of being democrats and try to silence everyone else’s opinion. “I’d monitor him” Who do you think you are, the Gestapo? This is a good example of why a lot of Republicans and conservatives despise Romney on a personal level and would never consider voting for him even if they find his positions closer than Obama’s to their own.
  • joshdunn

    But the primary process needs to be changed.

    I propose the following tweak: start by assessing which states are most crucial in the general election.

    This year, the big 5 are: Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and Colorado.

    Give these states the preferential treatment that has been hoarded by Iowa and New Hampshire.

    Let Ohio go first, then Florida, then North Carolina, then Virginia, then Colorado. then has a super-primary for states in the next tier: Texas, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Georgia.

    These states aren’t swing states by any means. But they are big states with a lot of Republicans in them.

    After that, have 3 or 4 regional primaries and call it a done deal.

    Iowa and New Hampshire shouldn’t get to go first just because “it’s always been that way”.

  • joshdunn

    He was the candidate that the Democrats and the media feared the most. Now that they’ve basically beaten him, it’s time to look at the other candidates.

    Perry could have only stood up to the combined power of the media and the George Soros/netroots left if he had the kind of money and organization that Bush had in 2000.

    He didn’t have it. Wasn’t able to raise the money or attract the talent.

    I don’t see any path to the nomination for Perry at this point. His poll numbers, even in South Carolina, are going down the drain.

  • nicephorus1phokas

    n/t

  • ctredstater

    it is upsetting to continue to read these posts, which are about a lot of inside baseball I simply no nothing about. Erick may be completely right in what he says. or not. but it doesn’t seem to me that it helps the cause to continue to air dirty laundry for public consumption.

    I would respect it if Erick were in there advocating internally for these thilngs. But it just looks like a broken down Chinese Fire Drill.

  • joshdunn

    Honestly, I don’t know anything about your politics, other than the fact that you don’t like Romney and you tend to post everything twice for the benefit of people who are seeing double.

    Why don’t you tell me about which candidate comes closest to your views?

    Which issues are most important to you: fiscal issues or social issues?

    With info like that I can make a better evaluation as to who you are and why you are here.

  • joshdunn

    Specifically prohibited by the rules of this site.

    Saying that Obama’s re-election is better than electing Romney is exactly what the White House is saying this week.

    You should probably go post things in dKos, HuffPo, or TPMcafe. I think you’d like it better there.

  • joshdunn

    This has led to people like nicephorus to think that the people who post here are reactive right-wingers who will buy his/her liberal talking points as long as they are anti-Romney talking points.

    I agree with you, we need to re-think what the mission here is if all we’re doing is sitting around bashing the front-running Republican.

  • trueredfromtexas

    Instead of blaming others, Rick Perry should blame himself. Perry is a ‘Texas insider’ being an elected official for over twenty years yet he has a TV ad condemning ‘Washington Insiders’! Perry has muffed so many debates i8t’s becoming harder to remember them all. Perry’s own track record, Gardasil mandate through his Executive Order. Allowing illegals to obtain the much lower in-state tuition. Calling people heartless for not agreeing with him on the in-staste tuition break he gave to illegals. People see that tuition break for illegals as a draw for more illegals to come to the US… and Texas. His support for a $5 billion dollar tax hike to Texas taxpayers while he was a State Representative. His support of a new business margins tax. His doubling the costs of running TX government as Governor. His call for sending troops into Mexico to fight the war on drugs. His signing SB313 into law stripping voters in some TX counties of their right to vote against being forcibly placed into a neighboring water district.

    Unfortunately for Perry, he’s not a good debater and he has been in office way to long thus having a long history that is subject to viewing.

  • nicephorus1phokas
    Conservatives won’t be silenced. They will speak loud and clear in this year’s elections. Your candidate’s tactics will be rejected as will he.

    No man cruel enough to drive 12 hours on the expressway with his dog on top of his car has the character to hold public office. Enough said….

    See, doofus? I just silenced you.

  • joshdunn

    Interesting. I would have expected more from a Texas taxpayer.

  • trueredfromtexas

    Perry could graciously bow out now… and endorse Santorum. In doing so, Santorum would benefit form this as well as Texas Taxpayers. As Perry is on the campaign trail seeking his personal quest to become President, Texas taxpayers are footing the roughly $400,000.00 a month security costs for his security detail. Sure Perry is Governor, but let Perry pay his security costs out of campaign donations since he is NOT performing duties in the name of Texas while campaigning.

  • pttx333

    someone who isn’t for any of our candidates – other than maybe Ron Paul.

    And, whoever doesn’t like RedState is certainly free to move on to other sites who are really, really liberal – there’s scads of them out there.

  • therightman

    You call yourself ‘trueredfromtexas’ and yet parrot Dem talk points? How much did American taxpayers pay for Obama, Hillay, and McCain’s campaigning while still in the Senate?

    It seems only Dems are allowed to campaign while employed as governors/legislators. Republicans need not apply.

  • lineholder

    The $4.6 trillion in debt that Obama has run up against our nation during the past three years…that’s Obama being conservative, because the left needs 4 more years to further it’s fundamental transformation process AND to have our society become acclimated to the point that there is little likelihood of reversing course!

    And if think our society won’t become acclimated to it, look again, because that’s exactly what is already happening with socialized O-care…people have lost the fire to fight against it and are adjusting to this as being a new element of the new “status quo” in our nation.

    Then there will be the continued and multiple efforts of the left to impose the principles of state managed capitalism across our society as a whole, interjecting into free-market activities in such a way that businesses become increasingly dependent on government…and those who don’t conform will surely pay the price for standing in their way. It takes only looking at the actions of the NLRB alone to see this.

    And they will act in every way they can think of undermine morale and any element of patriotism to what American has been that still remains!

    Not to mention undermining education of our society, so that only those that gain their favor will be granted superior education from this point forward.

    What makes you think we can afford to wait?

  • http://moelane.com/ Moe Lane

    Thanks for validating said banning, by the way.

  • pttx333

    also inferring that he is not still our Governor, performing his duties while doing so? Was he not on the ground during the wildfires, leading and directing the firefighting efforts, visiting with those harmed by said fire? At least he has a JOB, unlike Santorum or any of the other candidates!

  • acat

    Good hunting, Moe.

    Mew

  • Bill S

    We silenced you again, herakilos, and I am going to silence as many of your retread comments that I have the patience to get rid of.

    Now go back to your mom’s basement and watch some Spongebob.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    don’t know if you’ve been to HotAir recently, but they tend to be far worse than anything you’d see on RedState. There are no language rules and sometimes they get so nasty and coarse…the atmosphere is very dark there. If therightman is the same TheRightMan from HotAir, then at least he’ll get some relief from that here.

  • Spazzinout

    Notice he filed paperwork to be listed on primary election ballots in Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Vermont and Washington, D.C.

    http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/06/2103820/perry-says-he-will-compete-nationwide.html

  • lineholder

    And may God bless you for it!

    Regardless of our differences in who we support on the R side, we need to be united against Obama and the left every step of the way.

  • nancysabet

    One battle at a time. In addition to his incredible ability to govern , Perry is a military man, he is not going to quit fighting. , he is going forward and we, as his best soldiers, will follow him all the way into the battle ground and win it or get killed together.
    I don?t want any whining, and discussion about how and why? next battle is in South Carolina, our commander is heading that way and we are going to follow him full force with all our ammunitions. I want everyone to take a week off and plan to be in SC starting next week-end.

    GOD BLESS AMERICAI

  • trueredfromtexas

    While one may compare the 4th place finish of McCain in IA and his 12% garnered to Perry’s fifth place IA fisnish with 11% garnered… just remember in the end… MCCain and his IA 12% got colbbered by Obama that November. Lert’s not repeat the same misstake.

    Unfortunately for Perry, his record is not as pristine as you and others see it. If not for his numerous debate blunders and his long history of supporting non-conservative issues, I might even support him.

  • nancysabet

    Can?t you all see they are trying to crush his soul!! Let?s not let them to do it to us.
    I don?t want any whining, and discussion about how and why? next battle is in South Carolina, our commander is heading that way and we are going to follow him full force with all our ammunitions. I want everyone to take a week off and plan to be in SC starting next week-end.

  • avagreen

    I’m still counting on Perry. He’s not out until he says he’s out.

    I think he’s right here in Texas re-tooling his outfit. W.a.t.c.h. o.u.t.!.!.!
    That’s all I’m gonna say. This isn’t his first rodeo. ;)

    Maybe yours is.

    Not him. ;)

  • trueredfromtexas

    Perry himself knows it is not just his debate gaffes, but his liberal beliefs and record that people are aware of (all a matter of public record) that is keeping his poll numbers in the single digits in South Carolina. People do not want a person as President that’s willing to call people heartless. Then there’s how far would Perry go to show the world he has a heart… amnesty for all illegals… any illegals with relatives back south may bring those relatives to the US… those poor folks down south do not have enough schools or roads so perhaps heartfelt Perry would mandate the U.S. build new schools and roads for the people of Mexico ( as Senator Cornyn proposed) with our taxpayer moneys…. perhaps foreign aid would triple under heartfelt Perry with all those needy people in those third world countrie needing help… and so on.

    Give it up Team Perry… and pass your huge stack ofcampaign contributions to the R nominee to aid him in November.

  • pttx333

    “talking points” sound like hundreds more that I’ve read regarding Rick Perry, so I assume you got the daily memo today. Right? Who DO you support?

  • lineholder

    Tell him to go strong on being the Governor of a RTW state when in SC.

    It isn’t just about the events of the past year with the NLRB. It goes all the way back to the 70s when textile trade died out in SC and the state struggled to establish the kind of environment that would be appealing to employers. They didn’t rely on or depend on the federal government to do it for them. They found a way to succeed in it themselves.

    I think Perry, as the Governor of a RTW state, may have an edge on this point.

  • Tbone

    Like goofball Newt is going to beat Romney? LOL

    Newt, hasn’t a chance.

  • avagreen

    as if it hasn’t.
    Perry is a ?Texas insider? being an elected official for over twenty years yet he has a TV ad condemning ?Washington Insiders?
    Errrrrmmmm……..being an AUSTIN insider is nothing like being a DC INSIDER.

    Perry?s own track record, Gardasil mandate through his Executive Order. Allowing illegals to obtain the much lower in-state tuition. Calling people heartless for not agreeing with him on the in-staste tuition break he gave to illegals. People see that tuition break for illegals as a draw for more illegals to come to the US? and Texas.

    Get a clue. None of that is true. And, people who think it is are uninformed.

    Here again for the umpteenth time:
    Instate Tuition was enacted in Texas to avoid civil & federal lawsuits. 38% of legal citizens in Texas are Tejanos and a large chunk of these are multi-generational Texicans who have family and commerce on both sides of the border going back over 100 years . Has has been the case since the earliest days of the Republic. Most who move here to Texas settle in Texas and become legal Texans. Perry ticked off a lot of people over the Anti-Sanctuary City bill (Most of Houston) which is why the legislature tabled it.

    Another outside-the-box idea Perry had. Bi-National healthcare idea. Perry & other legislators promoted a feasibility study to see if Mexico could help foot the bill on healthcare for squatters in the Colonias along the border. Texas isn?t allowed to deport squatters in the colonias but Texas is under order from federal court to school them. Did you know that the state has cut off services hoping they would migrate back to Mexico and then another liberal organization shows up to sue the state for discrimination??It?s a crooked mess with a-holes on both sides of the border exploiting everything they can with the Feds doing their level best to mess it up based on the way political wind blows.

    The simple truth is this?The Federal Govt. won?t deport 12 million people back to Mexico?Not in this economy.

    The Federal Govt. won?t secure the border unless a border governor does it?everybody else will Punt in an out of sight out of mind way and we will be stuck in the legal quagmire we are in now. Feds won’t deport and will not allow us to.

    Can’t build a fence in the middle of a river or at the bottom of the ravines of Big Ben National Park, which were the border (the Rio Grande) between Mexico and Texas runs.

    The best solution is boots on the ground and a serious focus on cartel activity. If there is a strong show of force both migration back south will increase & likely Mexico will start to get a handle on the trouble. The schitzo policy is a mess just like every other schitzo policy.

    Texans want to clean it up without messing up the economy?So does Mexico.
    building a wall in the middle of a river doesn?t make sense and damming the Rio Grande as it goes into New Mexico won?t fly either. But having troops and bass and surveillance & enforcement will.

    Perry isn?t perfect?But Texans an ornery bunch keep electing him cause he does his job for Texas. He?ll do the best he can for the nation. It won?t be perfect according to purists but he won?t do a Reagan Amnesty ( He?s for guest worker which means documentation and taxation and cleaning up the immigration courts & prosecuting the grafters)

    He probably knows more about Border Issues and Mexico and The economies from FL-CA then anybody in the race including most of DC?

    Romney is a technocrat who couldn?t be re-elected. Perry is a politician who can form consensus and lead which is crucial with the border as he?ll have to work with the governors of each border state.If he is effective at it he will make serious inroads into Democratic support in the Hispanic base which ill benefit the GOP decades out imho.

    It is because of the Texas Economy that he can beat Obama?.All Obama will have is scaring seniors (Romney?s tactic) and women and gays.

    This election will be about the economy.

    His doubling the costs of running TX government as Governor.
    Texas was ranked 49th among the states in per-capita taxes, at $1,434 a year in 2005, according to a 2009 Census Bureau report and a Texas Public Policy Foundation analysis (Feb., 2011) shows Texas with a 7.9% combined state/local tax burden, ranking it 45th among the states ?
    http://peskytruth.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/seventeen-17-things-that-critics-are-saying-about-rick-perry-part-2/

    SB313
    While that is some [relatively small]negative, Perry has also signed all kinds of conservative legislation including a strong eminent domain and a pair of tort reforms, while building up the best state economic record in the country.

    All people have negatives. There is no perfect candidate. And, the things you listed aren’t even real imperfections as much as myths/lies being put out by his naysayers.

    I?ll definitely vote for Perry. Texas? excellent economic health under his watch, cannot compare to any other state.

  • trueredfromtexas

    Let each vote for the one they BELIEVE is the most conservative, then in November, vote for the R.

    If Romney and Santorum share the same ideology that big government is the solution, then another name to join that group is Rick Perry. The cost of running TX government has doubled in the last ten years. As a State Rep., Perry supported a $5 BILLION Dollar tax increase for Texas taxpayers. As Governor, Perry supported and implemented the new business margins tax. Not exactly following the Republican principles of less government and less taxes. Supporting illegals having the much lower in-state tuition…Perry has shown how far must government go to educate people of other countries here illegally.

    The slick ads by Perry and others are just that… slick ads wanting your vote.

    These ads, some quite offensive and daring, remind me of a story about a guy about to die and God came to this young man and gave him a glimpse of what Heaven was like? people were smiling, everyone in white garments, everything so peaceful. Then the devil came to the young man and showed the young man what hell was like? a green golf course, plenty of beer, pretty women, people partying and having a wonderful time, and many of his friends were there. So the young man decided he wanted to be with his friends in hell? with the partying, the beer, the pretty women and all. The young man soon passed away. When he arrived in hell, it was fiery hot, with people screaming and moaning in pain. The young man asked the devil? where?s the golf course, the beer, the pretty women? The devil replied? I was campaigning? now you voted.

    Vote conservative now, vote R in November.

  • jakeofalltrades

    righteous

  • avagreen

    http://www.redstate.com/center77/2011/12/31/three-governors-in-this-race-one-real-choice-rick-perry/#comment-43

  • aesthete

    I sure wish we’d had a few more failures every now and again.

  • jakeofalltrades

    lol

  • avagreen

    http://www.redstate.com/erick/2012/01/06/on-the-perry-campaign-shake-up/#comment-158233

    Isn’t there a rule against spamming the same post over and over??

  • Common_Cents

    Why did a successful Gov quit on IA caucus night?

  • federalfarmer1

    Give me four years of advancement like that anyday. The twelve years of slow retreat that followed was the real failure.

  • nancysabet

    One battle at a time. In addition to his incredible ability to govern , Perry is a military man, he is not going to quit fighting. , he is going forward and we, as his best soldiers, will follow him all the way into the battle ground and win it or get killed together.
    I don?t want any whining, and discussion about how and why? next battle is in South Carolina, our commander is heading that way and we are going to follow him full force with all our ammunitions. I want everyone to take a week off and plan to be in SC, starting next week-end.
    GOD BLESS AMERICA

  • texastaxpayer

    Did I. Said a four year period of a failed presidency is better than an eight year period. Surely even a Rombot is capable of simple logic. Romney in my opinion is no different from the curremt president. Disagree if you like I personally dont care. But dont try the false “Romney or we lose” bit with me as I feel romney is a loss.

  • http://travismonitor.blogspot.com Freedoms Truth

    … that should have been delivered a month ago. Yet Perry had a mistake-free December, did well in many forums and in the debates … alas it didnt move his numbers.

    Post-Iowa, I don’t get how any shakeup can save Perry’s campaign from recovering from prior blunders, nor will it change the campaign dynamic. Best he can hope for is a strong consistent message and the implosion of S + G simultaneously (hence the distateful attacks on Santorum, basd on the theory that guy in 2nd place is ‘in the way’ of the guy in 5th place.)

  • nancysabet

    Can?t you all see they are trying to crush his soul!! Let?s not let them to do it to us. Let’s not to let them to do this to America!

  • JSobieski

    periods of time for conservatives in DC.

  • cheetah2

    He took some time to go shooting.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/rick-perry-tweets-photo-of-himself-just-relaxing-at-shooting-range/2012/01/06/gIQAQqKkfP_blog.html

  • aesthete

    I really felt like I could get a beer with him, so he was a successful and good President. Gingrich is kind of a douche, so he was an un-successful and bad Speaker. /rollseyes

  • Common_Cents

    Hastert!

    Pelosi!

    Boehner!

    Boy, they really cut down on ethics violations, they really cut government, the R’s really kept the libs in check! Freakin brilliant!

    I remember that Hastert and Boehner revolution!

  • nancysabet

    I don?t want to read any whining, and discussion about how and why? next battle is in South Carolina, our commander is heading that way and we, his best soldiers, are going to follow him full force with all our ammunitions. I want everyone to take a week off and plan to be in SC starting next week-end.

  • texastaxpayer

    :o

  • cheetah2

    I for one don’t see it that way. How do you know Perry sees it that way? No one knows who he would want to see win if he doesn’t himself. How do you know it wouldn’t be Romney?

    I scoff at the idea that I must give up supporting Perry or that Perry must drop out before he is ready just because someone thinks we thereby hand the nomination to Romney by fracturing the conservative vote. All the candidates are on a continuum as far as being conservative goes. The notion that there is a non conservative camp with only Romney in it and a true conservative camp with everyone else in it is just laughable. Also why assume that we all have the goal of defeating Romney? My goal is defeating Obama actually, and I give credence to the idea that Romney is positioned very well to do it.

  • therightman

    It is indeed yours truly. It’s great to meet you here. I’ve been a longtime registerd member of RedState and do come here often to read but refrain from commenting. I just didn’t want to get into the thick of things :) .

    But now I have to go on the offense for Gov. Perry and pray to God that conservatives give him the second look that he so richly deserves.

    Only he can stop Romney but I fear conservatives will find out when it is too late after riding the Santorum train to Romneyville.

  • lineholder

    when it was badly needed, even though he knew beyond any shadow of doubt that it would make him persona non grata with certain people, particular Pres. Bush I, if he succeeded.

  • aesthete

    I’m not going to defend his personal conduct towards his wives, which is reprehensible. I’ve also been given to understand that Newt is a rather demanding and egocentric personality. However, we should give the man his due: he got conservatives some of their most successful years while in leadership, and was strongly opposed to the impeachment of Clinton and many of the other trends since. Do I care for him as a President? Not really, but as I said — give the man his due.

  • Tbone

    Only two and got run off.

  • avagreen

    HotAir occasional poster here, as well.

    I see you posting your great posts over there……sometimes you’re about the only voice of reason. ;)

  • Common_Cents

    Gingrich ushered in a lot of change and was demanding. Most of the spineless wussies in congress didn’t like getting their feathers ruffled. Waaaaaa.

    Show me a boss who aims to be popular and I’ll show you a loser. Ousting Gingrich just shows that congress was that far gone already back then.

  • aesthete

    if conservative principles were enacted into policy. That’s certainly more than can be said for Frmr Pres Bush, who had 8 years of not running, and very little to show for it besides exploding deficits and two burgeoning Islamist “democracies”.

  • Scope

    I’m watching you on CNN right now. Can I suggest that when you look at the camera, that you look a little more downward. Your double chin is showing big time.

    I just love how you said that if Perry can’t do something in SC, that he will be to blame for the Romney surge. Yup, it will be Perry who is responsible for giving us the Romney dude. I guess the Perry campaign just didn’t listen to your armchair quarterbacking for his campaign. Puke.

  • acat

    Take it to the contact page.

    Mew

    p.s. The posting rules are over here. I don’t see where spamming, manual or otherwise,is explicitly forbidden, but if you have a concern, you should bring it to the Moderators’ attention.

  • captkirc

    Erick has written posts unfavorable to the character or Conservative credentials of Huntsman, Romney, Gingrich, Paul, and now Santorum. The only criticisms he has lobbed towards Perry is on his campaign staff and his performance as a candidate. It is clear to anyone not blinded with partisan zeal, that Erick really wants Perry to pull this out and is frustrated with what he feels is a superior candidate that has run a dreadful campaign.

    Perry supporters have claimed for months now that he far and away the best candidate in the Republican field yet he has performed horribly in the polls and in Iowa. Logically there are only two explanation for this: 1. He is not the best person to be the next President or 2. He is the best man to lead our country but has run such a poor campaign that he barely hanging on after only one state contest. Assuming Perry supporters are not going to concede the first point, maybe instead of personal attacks on Erick for daring to offer good faith advice, the Governor and his supporters might just consider that maybe Erick is right.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    and he came out, and he will now fight, watch what is coming, it will be a fight.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    which makes what you are saying that Bill Clinton was one of the most conservative presidents, even if he did not want to be. Obama should just blame his speaker for everything he did as well.

  • http://www.nighttwister.com NightTwister

    They were both leaders. The worked together and accomplished some good things. Leaders get credit for accomplishments. They also take responsibility for failures. That’s how it works (or should).

  • JSobieski

    to conservative reforms. He deserves credit for being somewhat reasonable (in contrast to Obama).

    The conservative things that Clinton did were not initiated by Clinton, they were initiated by the Contract for America Congress.

    Almost nobody in government can do anything by themselves.

    Everything Perry did involved a legislature for example.

    The question is: but for Newt and the Contract for America, would Clinton have turned rightward?

    That answer is no. Newt was the leader in making that happen. The guy has a lot of weaknesses, but his achievement is undeniable.

  • gekster

    Erick has presented both sides of all the candidates, with the exception of RP, for obvious reasons.
    Erick has opined on the strengths and weaknesses of them all.
    You can’t just show up now and then and get the whole meaning of what’s up.
    If you do an RS search on each candidates names, you will find that Erick has been equally fair to all, in pointing out both sides.

  • carolynr

    Finally…people a becoming aware of the Obama machine and how it set out to wreck this thing from the beginning. I wrote a whole blog on it…no replies. So simply put…if you want a Republican candidate…let the Republicans vote…no Indies…no Dems….Republicans.

    This is where this dip whistle ideology that you have to get the Independents to win. Do you all know who the Independents are…go blog on the Wash. Post or Politico…you’ll see who they are…they’re progressives.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    You, Aslan’s Girl, gophergirl, and a few others are some of the bravest Americans I’ve ever had the pleasure to read and “meet!”

  • trueredfromtexas

    It is a fact that Perry issued an Executive Order mandating the Gardasil vaccine to all sixth grade girls. Before the Legislature overturned it, there was an opt out, but it was not a given opt out… but a written request for one that could have been denied.

    So for you to merely say it was not true is very misleading cause it is true.

    You must have missed the debate in which Perry said something about not having a heart (heartless) for those unwilling to give these illegals that were brought here through no fault of their own an education (the much lower in-state tuition). Perry was referring to giving illegals in-state tuition which he supports. Perhaps he should have vetoed the bill and let the Legislature over-ride his veto.

    Again…tis true, tis true

    You and I both know the government will not deport the 12 million illegals. But let’s stop the draws which entices them to come here… work, in-state tuition, free medical, anchor babies, amnesty in the future.

    Perry talks a good game of State’s right,,, but according to you gives in at the first federal lawsuit concerning illegals. Seemed to have caved in pretty quick.

    Doubling the costs of running Texas government and taxes per capita… not the same… it is how much it costs to run the size of Texas government.

    And it has DOUBLED under Perry.
    Tis true, tis true.

    And Senate Bill 313, that is what it is… and he signed it into law. Sad day it some Texas counties.

    How would a strong show of border force induce illegals here and in other states to voluntarily go back to Mexico? It wouldn’t.

    The so-called eminent domain bill… very weak and full of holes.

    It is important as we vet these candidates that in November, we support the R Party.

  • Common_Cents

    who want to return to the “glory days of clinton” will have to give Gingrich equal credit.

    Not a bad way for Gingrich to run against Obama, taking away the Clinton advantage.

    Thanks for agreeing.

  • carolynr

    if we get Romney as the candidate…we will lose America. That might not sound so horrible to you now…but it will end as you know it. I’m not being desperate…I am stating factual information.

    You have a big spending progressive governor of a state that is fondly referred to as Taxachusettes. He is a three time loser. He lost more jobs at Bain than he created…and his state, while he was governor came in 47th in job creation.

    You have a unethical former speaker of the house with lots of ideas and no conclusions. He backs different people at different times that are at odds with his assertion that he is a Conservative.

    You have a senator of pa who thinks that manufacturing can be brought back to the USA. We need to look at how he plans to do that…tax cuts…which is another way of saying…subsidizing the unions. The man is also a spendthrift and is now touting himself as a compassionate conservative…oh memories of GWB.

    We have a nut case congressman who constantly talks in a language that is unfamiliar to the public, i.e., bubbles. His foreign affairs ideas a off the charts…NUTS.

    We have a very learned Utah governor that painted himself as a moderate and dug a hole he can’t seem to get out of.

    Than we have Perry. Do you know why there is a media blackout on Perry…because the media is the handmaiden of the DNC/Obama/Progressives. But…the old guard republicans don’t want him either…why because he stands for US and the USA. He wants to dismantle DC. Can you tell me anything, flipflopper that runs right in DC…anything. The only thing that seems to go smoothly is money into their pockets. And the money is yours…flipflopper…yours and mine and your neighbors…and they have been stealing it from us for decades…and finally someone says…stop…look at the proof…look at the record…stop what you are doing…you are killing our country…and what do taxpayers says…oh…I heard it on Fox News…so it must be the truth….after all would Hannity lie?????????????????????????????????

  • carolynr

    forget Jesus…he’s the afterthought once the subsidies come rolling in.
    DON’T BUY GAS WITH ETHANOL IN IT. Just look up ethanol free gas stations in your area.

  • captkirc

    I don’t disagree with anything you wrote (other than the needing to read more part) I did not intend to imply that Erick was unfair in his criticisms of any particular candidate. As a daily reader of Erick’s writing, my previous post was in response to the particularly mean-spirited way that Erick was attacked for offering his opinion on CNN tonight about the state of the Perry campaign.

  • Common_Cents

    and take a time out when things get tough. NOT.

    Perry halted his trip to SC, he quit on the caucus night. He went back to TX for a few days instead of going on his scheduled trip to SC. In his mind he quit. He changed his mind in the morning.

    The right way was to say he was going to SC and will make changes on the fly.

    You can keep your head in the sand all you want. But that quitting will hurt his chances of making an already high risk Hail Mary last second bomb to the end zone.

  • carolynr

    I correspond with one of Perry’s people. He gives me ammo for the blogs. Perry needs to be specific. Perry needs to take on Romney and Obama. The rest will feed on themselves. Gingrich is out for blood now and doesn’t care…he PO’d at Romney. Santorum is trying to do in Romney. And…Romney…well big dumb &*&) brought in McCain to remind them of how we got Obama!

    Perry has something to brag about. If he could get his talking points along the lines of the Perry Report…I’d be happy.
    Carolyn

  • colcon

    281-910-2064

    Call and ask to get plugged in.

  • penhall99

    The newest SC poll has him almost dead last at 5 percent. I love Rick Perry and am sticking with him until the end. I will be donating another 100 bucks to his campaign when I get paid on Tuesday. But how on earth is he gonna be able to win SC? I just have a tough time seeing it now. There isn’t much time and he pretty much HAS to win to conitnue forward. Perhaps when Santorum has the inevitable burn-out, Perry will rise. But I’m more than a little worried about this.

  • JSobieski

    that is a fact. Facts can be put into context (i.e. involuntarily), but should be denied.

  • JSobieski

    Denying something so easy to prove just impairs a person’s credibility.

    One of the big reasons why Obama does so poorly is that he can’t even do a bad job at acknowledging that those who disagree with him might have a point.

    The key to persuading someone, be it an opponent or the public at large requires as an initial step, being able to explain the other person’s point of view—before tearing it to shreads.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    Newt and Clinton scolded those who forced them to cut spending. Newt would call conservatives using these terms “Those Conservatives” when his caucus voted against more spending, there were 11 members who voted against breaking the promise they made to their constituents, Newt not only got mad and yelled, he demanded they come up to explain why they voted against his bill. This bill had violated the Contract with America, The 11 did not want to break a promise, and Newt was livid about it that is when he called them those conservatives.

    Here is where you can read all about it.

    http://www.unitedliberty.org/articles/9188-how-speaker-newt-gingrich-betrayed-the-republican-revolution

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    and it was the young guns that just got elected that forced these things upon those two. Plus, while Newt was impeaching Bill Clinton he himself was cheating. These things will play over and over and over again, and the middle of this country will be hearing Clinton say it was him who got it done, and he will say Obama is the one who wants to do these things again, and Clinton did raise taxes to help balance the budget, they also paved the way for the housing crisis at the end of Bush’s second term.

  • http://www.timothy-bladel.com/ center77

    but Ron Paul has tons of theories for you. Perry has it right, states should make their own way, and the federal government needs to get out of the way. And Sandy, you should do some research away from the msm sites, because they do not want Obama to face Perry, if they did they would be talking him up now just to take him down when Obama was to face him. They are scared of Perry winning because they know he is the true conservative in the race, they have said it. They would rather have Romney run against Obama, do you think that is because they are scared of him.

  • JSobieski

    It is analogous to pointing to a Reagan tax increase and saying that Reagan was a tax hiker.

    Newt was directionally in favor of spending cuts. After Clinton scored some victories, Newt became more cautious in his strategic assessment (kind of like how Paul Ryan’s most recent medicare reform approach is far more timid that his roadmap of 4 years ago).

    One has to differentiate between goals and tactics. You are however correct that Newt did become more timid at certain points in time. However, he was always out in public advocating for as much in cuts as he good.

    The only alternative to making some tatical assessments is to act without any sense of tactics—-which is basically why Bachmann never will accomplish anything in DC

  • onenationundrgod

    are coming from Newsmax for all the candidates…

  • onenationundrgod

    are coming from Newsmax for all the candidates…

  • onenationundrgod

    also from TownHall from all candidates

  • greyeagle

    I could not have said it better.

  • greyeagle

    The majority of this tirade is garbage or twisted. I am from TX and know the true story. So give it a rest.

  • greyeagle

    You are premature. Why don’t you wait until after SC before making predictions.

  • bzip

    Well I guess there was a shake up in the Perry campaign – just not what Erick wanted.

    Oh, this should get CC (common_cents) in a hysterical fit, the hyperactive pinned up mole will be pouncing on this news all over the place with his birther remarks plastered all over redstate.

    Perry Names Controversial Arizona Sheriff to Campaign
    http://www.nationaljournal.com/2012-presidential-campaign/perry-names-controversial-arizona-sheriff-to-campaign-20120106

  • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

    get tossed from his current job (and that ain’t gonna happen), this is not a bad move by Perry. Arpaio has a built in political organization in the “Sheriff’s Posse”, a volunteer group of deputized old guys who get to play cop, that will work their butts off for Joe. It’s a good boots-on-the-ground operation for Perry.

    Amongst conservatives nationwide, it certainly won’t hurt him, Arpaio has a pretty good – although IMO undeserved – reputation, especially among folks who see immigration as a top priority.

    I think, on the whole, it’s a positive move by Perry although the impact for Arizona may be moot because I expect the contest to be pretty much over by the time of our primary.

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    Bracing myself for CC’s birther comments.

  • Common_Cents

    And you are worried about my comments??? I’m just pointing out the potential disaster to come.

    RS used to ban all pro birther talk, but went silent when Perry started touring w/ Sheriff Joe. RS had front page pieces attacking candidates about UNSOLICITED endorsements. But silent on this endorsement of an ACTIVE BIRTHER.

    Not to mention Arpaio’s other problems of a Latino veteran dying, botching sex crimes. Arpaio is a target. I actually don’t mind any of Arpaio’s efforts but inserting him as a controversial figure in a campaign is just handing the other side a big fat target to smear Perry with.

    Did you hear the stories from the Perry supporters here that were on the ground in Iowa? They said Perry=Bush Fatigue is REAL, very real. Something I’ve pointed out all along. Perry’s record means nothing until he can overcome this stigma. It’s really that simple. It’s reality.

    Why people worry/brace for MY comments? I’m just giving a warning of disaster. Sheesh, Perry would never survive 10 min of the barrage of the lame stream media attacking him for being a birther.

    Who believes the media and obama wouldn’t attack Perry with this? It will make Perry radioactive, just like birthering was here at RS.

    Nah, ignore reality, just keep your head in the sand and attack me if that makes you feel better.

  • sunshinek67

    He does what is instinctively right to him, and talks about stuff that is not politically correct by Washington Beltway standards. I think that is unsettling to some folks. I still think there are many folks that want a politician that plays the game, that fits right in with the DC circuit, cocktail parties and all. Perry doesn’t fit that mold too well. Sure, he may be a Governor and been in public service for a time, but after all of these years he still seems to come across as that guy that could easily be your neighbor.

    So in regards to the diary at hand, doesn’t surprise me at all that there has been no major shakedown. Seems as though Perry is the type that will surround himself with loyal, competent staff. Now, because of the time crunch, however, room for growing pains doesn’t exist. And that is what it is, he has been in the race for 5 months.

    The if’s of everything prevail don’t they? If only he had gotten in the race in the spring, if only…..

    But it is what it is. I’m good with his choices. And I plan on voting in the GOP-Texas primary for Governor Perry. He is the best choice, and the only choice, for real leadership in a time of economic uncertainty. I hope Mr Erickson stays more focused on this rather than who is getting a paycheck at Team Perry headquarters.

  • sunshinek67

    Perry was in single digits two weeks before Iowa Caucus. His bus tour and massive retail skills put him back into double digits. Imagine if he had worked Iowa two weeks earlier? His numbers were on an upward trajectory. Newts, on the other hand, downward. The Romney ads killed him in Iowa.

  • sunshinek67

    Perry and Huntsman are the only candidates in this race currently that do not represent increasing the size of Government. You can cite Newt’s record in the 90′s, one of his few bullet points of success that I admire to this day, but his career post-Speaker followed a trail of money & big Government ideas. A vote for Newt, Mitt or Rick S is a vote for status quo.

    I like Huntsman, he would make an excellent Vice President choice. His foreign policy ideas could be tweaked a bit. Ima hawk lol ;)

  • Tbone

    Shut up.

  • avagreen

    I asked a question of the poster.
    Sheesh!

  • Scope

    I’ve seen Moe threatening the blam to some who kept posting the same thing on different diaries. They were warned against doing it again.

  • acat

    if you want the moderators to take a look at it, as your post implied, then bring it to their attention directly, don’t wait for one to wander by.

    Mew

  • http://www.changeforrickperry.org louisianapatriette

    Not trying to be combative, just trying to explain. Mitt Romney’s business with Bain Capital–Newt’s with Fannie and Freddie–Santorum’s views on homosexuality–Ron Paul’s foreign policy views–if Obama is up against any of those he’ll be spending a billion dollars trying to destroy them, too. Perry has said he’s not a birther and has also said that just because someone endorses him doesn’t mean he believes everything they say. Furthermore, I have a suspicion that a LOT of Americans don’t oppose birtherism per se (I have no dog in this fight, FYI, I think like Perry that it’s not the most pressing issue of the day), and a lot of people admire Sheriff Joe, not because he’s a birther but because he stands up to the Federal government.

    The reason I said I was “bracing” for your comments is not necessarily because of the birther subject. but because we’ve come to…well…expect it. So we prepare ourselves.

    P.S. Did you read constitutional’s diary? I highly recommend it, and I mean that in all kindness and sincerity. It’s very good and informative and might set to rest some of your concerns about Governor Perry. A happy Saturday to you!

  • http://www.nighttwister.com NightTwister

    but not every R candidate would be able to withstand it.

  • Common_Cents

    Many here always yell, but look at X’s record!!! Obama had no record and won. Since when does America rationally look and compare records of candidates? Sad but true it is a media battle instead of some clinical comparison of records. Plus, if you are going to look at records, of actual accomplishments, Gingrich has the most conservative accomplishments since Reagan. Ask Rush Limbaugh, ask Sowell. Everyone just ignores Gingrich’s conservative record here. Doesn’t mean it doesnt exist.

    So, We have to look at which candidate can unite as many GOP factions as possible. Gingrich had much support as #2 pick from most camps, had the most tea party support, can appeal to independents w/ taking on the Fed etc…

    And which candidate is best to call out the media and respond to the attacks. Gingrich is the best here as well. Gingrich survived the worst primary attacks ever w/out having the resources to respond in kind. Any lesser candidate subjected to the huge attacks would have been run out of the race back in IA. In the general, Gingrich will have those resources to respond and attack.

    Since the left wing has the advantage of the media, our candidate has to super excel in the debates in an effort to counteract the onslaught. Gingrich, hands down. He will embarrass obama in any debate format.

  • avagreen

    I’m waiting for my man to debate tonight and tomorrow night.

    Just got through watching Secretariat, and I’m……..all fired up!!

    PERRY 2012!!!
    (if being for you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right)

  • trevorb

    that our economic troubles are far from over and I believe we’re headed for a full-scale collapse, that’ll go a long way towards rejecting Obama.

    Romney can’t beat Obama and as the non-romney votes are spread among fewer candidates, he’ll have a harder time with his divide and conquer strategy.

  • avagreen

    I’ve always givendirectly to any campaign (political or otherwise) rather than the organizations set up to collect monies for anyone, anything.

    Don’t believe in paying overhead for 3rd party collectors’ or their salaries.

  • avagreen

    My thought is that he went back to re-tool his campaign.

    Of course, those wishing for his demise would have only the most negatives surmisings about why/what he did.

    Frankly, mine are just as good as yours are. ;)

  • geotan

    I am not basing my observation on the debate performances alone, although they should be enough to disqualify a candidate since communication skills are critical in a President. I personally don’t believe Perry has the job creating skills at the Federal level to solve the complex economic issues facing America. Creating jobs at the Federal level is about economic policies which will facilitate job creation. State level job creation is more about lower taxes and right to work.

  • geotan

    I hope you know that you are in an extreme minority of dense minded individuals who would prefer an avowed socialist like Obama over Romney who’s platform is conservative and clearly opposite of Obama’s. You are calling Romney a pathological liar by stating that Obama would be better than Romney. It actually and ironically makes you more liberal socialist than you realize.