Americans came away with the uncomfortable feeling that a candidate was berating them, demeaning them for disagreeing about in-state tuition to illegals.
Perry turned out to be a bomb-thrower. His comments "talked down" to observers.
Perry probably could gave survived damaging issues had he been aware that he was on the national stage now---that he was not speaking to Texans anymore.
This can be the downside with some Governors running. They know what works in their own state, but are clueless to how the country is as a whole.
“Not speaking to Texans anymore.”
That’s the problem - perhaps all Texans are conservatives (I don’t know) but not all conservatives are Texans. And there has to be a way for Perry to talk to the rest of the base in a clear, concise way that we can understand and admire. So far, he only seems to be talking to his Texas base.
That is an important distinction Liz.... as there is a cloud over Texans in how they discern the times and their state in relationship to the rest of our nation. On one hand they clammor for more federal assistance for the border but are dillusional in believing they can control the infilitration.... When in fact the 'Perry policies' has created and enabled the out of control border they are now contending with....they want it both ways...too late...and they will in no time be also dealing with their muslim population in ways they never anticipated.... Denial is working against them in every way....though they see the problem now...they refuse to accept common sense solutions and that they are part of the problem.