So, all the other primary candidates should just sit back and give the nomination to Perry? Now is the time to make sure Republicans pick the proper candidate who is battle tested. Once that candidate is nominated, then they can worry about defeating Obama.
Perry — indeed, each of the candidates — should be grateful for this opportunity to sharpen their points and their skills.
If they can’t make it through this basically civil setting, forget about the general election.
No one is saying that. Perry's been attacked from all sides in three debates in two weeks. Some of his opponents are not asked their views, they're asked why his views are wrong. When does Romney get his turn? When do the others?
If every debate is about destroying one candidate, how is that vetting or battle-testing the field?
Sure...after they've spent 6 months or more doing obama's dirty work and giving the dems all the ammo they might need in the general. We don't need a nominee who's been lied about, defamed and stabbed in the back by other republicans going into the general.
Anyone who can't stand on that stage and promote themselves and differentiate themselves from obama is unworthy of consideration. That leaves Newt, Cain and Perry.