Putting it bluntly, Perry is just not a good debater. His showing tonight was another pretty weak one - just not very decisive or confident. Like it or not, Romney looks more presidential at this point. When the nominee debates Obama, he’ll have to be on his game. Go to YouTube and view the debate in 2008 (Romney v. McCain) at the Reagan Library and imagine a series of Romney/Obama debates.
Perry’s stance on illegals is his biggest hurdle him.
For instance, I've seen posted quotes by Palin on the issue and she seems remarkably similar to Perry. What about the others? Are they being vetted similarly?
Perry's biggest hurdle appears to be Perry's debating skills. He's not adroit enough to finnesse or explain his stance on illegals. And you're right it will cost him.
You’re right, Perry is stuck with his immigration stance. He has two choices. Either defend it, or deny it ever happened. He’s defending it. I think that’s the best he can do, but it still doesn’t make it good. He needs to get past that and talk about things I think helps him. Things like shrinking the Federal government, giving power back to the States, slashing regulations, getting government out of the way of business. I think he’s got some credibility on these points.