[mylife]

I could never figure how Perry got creamed for the “heartless” comment, but Newt got a pass for offering flat out amnesty.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

It boils down to the experience of the politician I guess. Newt is a master at handling rough controversy. He tried real reform in the ‘90’s, achieved a whole lot and lost a whole lot in the process. Which in turn qualifies him for knowing how to handle controversy.

If that makes any sense. Newt can also communicate well and use that ability to his best advantage.

[dforest]

I think Perry got creamed for that because it was at the beginning of his national exposure.

What wiped him out was a couple more deer in the headlight debates. I think his medication for back surgery and all that took him out.

I wasn’t much of a Perry fan, but he took a bad situation and handled it with humor and a certain dignity. He was realistic.

Perry had something Newt doesn’t have. Likability.