[Lakeshark]

Perry lost it with his performances in those first three debates. He had the money, the momentum, and early support from the base (including me). Whether it was the back medecine, or he just can't communicate is irrelevant, he looked like a disaster when he spoke. His ill timed (and ridiculous) lecture to the base about being "heartless" killed him.

Quite honestly he looked like he didn't belong there. This had nothing to do with Rove. He lost it all by himself.

[xzins]

I think it was just learning curve. He was doing just fine by the time he ended his campaign.

So, at one level I’ve got to agree with you: it’s dumb to enter a presidential campaign with a steep learning curve.

On the other hand, I know about the racial epithet rock and the “heartless” comment was only significant because it was taken by his opponents to be a description of Perry’s position rather than as an experienced nudge in the right direction.