[xzins]

Yes and no. Rick Perry had a steep learning curve, it’s true. There’s no denying that. However, the “racial epithet” rock came out of no place and got traction in the media due to someone’s intervention.

Also, Perry was the best-funded conservative, so the attacks on his immigration ideas by Bachmann, Santorum, and Romney killed both him and, eventually, Romney.

Without the viciousness of the early attacks, Perry might have recovered once he figured out the ropes in terms of a presidential campaign. And he did figure it out.

Not only did Rove largely handle the backstabbing of Akin, but he piled on with Murdoch, and then he turned around and lost with his own moderate candidates.

In short, he ruined it for everybody. Almost as much as with Dick Morris, it makes you wonder whose side he’s really on.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Akin did the job on himself. Plus McCackle invested more in Akin’s campaign than Akin did.
Ditto Perry.
I suggest an IQ test for the next GOP candidate for anything national.

One single issue killed the GOP’s chances in the senate and WH. The issue was no exceptions on abortion. It fit the Donk’s “war on women” narrative.

[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.