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....Perry and Santorum seemed to have done the best in relating how they recognized a moment of weakness in themselves and learned from it. Ron Paul seemed detached from the discussions, which was odd given the passion he brings to many issues. Gingrich also seemed detached. During the forum Drew Cline of the New Hampshire Union Leader tweeted, “Newt tells emotional personal stories as if he’s narrating a documentary about some historical figure.”

I've seen this and remarked on it too. With Ron Paul he's a red-hot blast that refuses to engage in the possibility that he could learn anything from anyone. And similarly, Newt knows that no one could possibly know more than he does and is in love with himself. Both of them strike me as narcissists -- and you do not want a narcissist as a U.S. president for 4 years, let alone 8.

[Romney] …….."Even if these efforts only help to lock in that low 20% support, it could be enough for a win on caucus night if the rest of the field remains splintered.

…….Also, Paul benefits to the extent that the not-Romney caucus-goers do not coalesce around a single candidate."

The History of Newt - Are Republicans ready to look past his transgressions?……”Believe it or not, his press secretary…insists Gingrich has gotten a grip on himself…”.

Thanksgiving Family Forum - November 18, 2011

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Per SD
This is just how Rick Perry is. After Hurricane Ike devastated my community, he came here to survey the damage. He did not just walk through here surrounded by security and news cameras and then make a speech. That's not Perry. He showed up in jeans and a work shirt, no cameras, no press conference, and he walked among all of us who had been hit. A hug, a pat on the shoulder, a listening ear, and an encouraging word. He saw to it that emergency shelters were being set up and food and water were available to everyone. When Obama/FEMA refused to help us, Governor Perry set up state funding to help us rebuild our homes and our lives. My home is at 'ground zero' where Ike came ashore. We all took tremendous damage. FEMA sent me a check two months later for $600 dollars. Governor Perry set up the Recovery Fund to help us all rebuild. That is what a true leader and a true Christian does. That's my Governor! I can't wait to see America under the caring wing of Rick Perry.

Gingrich seems to have gotten the message that as useful as new methods may be to reach caucus-goers, the traditional methods are still important. To that end he’s announced the opening of several campaign offices in Iowa and other early voting states. On the other hand, this announcement was made a few weeks ago and the offices still aren’t open.

Newt is great at expressing his ideas, but this is part of his Achilles heel. I think the other part is his support of liberal ideas against conservatives.

Perry has a good shot. I think Bachmann and Santorum drop out after IA & NH. Cain's lack of organization and decline in the polls may eliminate him after NH, but more likely it will be after SC & FL. If I'm correct, then voters will look at Newt vs. Perry for the conservative anti-Romney vote. Newt has been great in the debates, but when voters are reminded of all the instances he has not supported conservative principals his support will probably flatten and then begin to decline. I see Perry getting a surge because he is the more natural choice for the Bachmann, Santorum and Cain supporters.