Agree with both points.
His record on paper as governor was pretty solid IMO, but I’m guessing that he may have entered the race too early before his back properly healed, and the pain and/or pain medication made him sluggish and not up to par in the debates. But first impressions do count.
Perry has recently attacked capitalism and has said he wants to send troops back into Iraq. Worst campaign ever or dumbest candidate ever? Or Both?
You are right, Perry should have deferred participating in the debates until his back was healed. Huge strategic blunder, he should now bow out of the race and chalk it up as a lesson learned. Try again in the a future election. It will be mostly forgotten by then.