“Going in, I saw these last three debates as critical to him, but by no means everything. Unfortunately, instead of seizing upon them as an opportunity, his now obviously very weak debating skills have proved to be disastrous. He went in as a fresh face and has now, to some extent, damaged himself. I’m by no means writing him off. But Perry’s path to the nomination just got a whole lot harder and longer. He comes out of these debates needing to turn things around, while facing an experienced and relentless Romney machine intent on not giving him the opportunity to do it.”
Romney didn’t do much to damage Perry. Perry’s damage is all self inflicted. He performed terribly, looks clumsy, looks like he doesn’t understand even the issues he is trying to speak to.
Perry’s tactic has been to attack Romney. Romney’s tactic has been to let Perry shoot himself in the foot. Considering that Perry has the poll lead this is actually a bit of role-reversals here as the person behind usually tries to attack and the person in front rises tall. As far as tactics go, Romney’s is working and Perry’s has not.
I gave Perry a chance - I didn’t know much of him. But in 3 debates so far I am not impressed at all. Leaning towards Santorum now though it is early and I am not decided Rick Santorum shined last night.