Unless Perry completely self-destructs, he will be the the republican nominee

[cali]

He's tailor made for today's repub party. He's as socially conservative as any American Family member could wish. He's buddy buddy with Jesus. He's evidently and effective campaigner and money raiser. It's a post-Citizens United World, and that helps him out. He's telegenic and good at pressing the flesh. He reportedly has an ace political staff. He brings Texas with it's many electoral votes and he carries the South. He's already, according to Rasmussen, leading the field by double digits.

So the nomination is his to lose. How about the general election? It's not a sure thing of course, but he can win the general- particularly if he picks the "right" running mate. Unlike McCain, he doesn't need someone who excites the base; he does that himself. He can afford to choose someone who appeals to the few moderate republicans in the party and independents. And of course, there's electronic voting haunting the entire election- the ghost in the machine.

I've seen some comments here to the effect that he can't win because he'll remind people too much of W. Well, Americans have short political memories and W is not nearly as unpopular now as he was 3 years ago. I've seen other comments suggesting that he's too crazy to get elected. He may well be crazier than the proverbial shit house rat, but he seems fairly adept at assuming a thin veneer of sanity and the MSM is treating him quite deferentially.

I'm not a betting person, and a lot can happen between now and next November, but right now it looks as if there's a better than even chance that come January 2013, Rick Perry will be inaugurated President of these here United States.

[Broderick]

1. Shoot we heard last election

this guy was perfect, that guy was perfect and they ended up hoisting McCain up there to everyone's surprise. I don't care, as long as they battle and beat the fuck out of each other so Obama waltzes in for a second term.

[Motown_Johnny]

2. I don't see how he can beat Obama. Perry will need to out crazy Bachmann

to win the wing nut vote and then he will try to run back to the middle against one of the greatest campaigners in recent history.

Barring a disaster, Pres. Obama wins a second term fairly easily.

[tabbycat31]

5. he makes a deal with her and puts her on the ticket

[H2O Man]

3. I expect both

will likely happen. He will probably get the nomination and self-destruct. I'm not sure in which order.

[cali]

7. Here's to hoping he self-destructs just about a year from now.

[Major Hogwash]

20. Maybe, but will he eat a corndog?

That's the real question he needs to answer.

[frazzled]

4. A year is a long time

In 07, it was supposed to be all Giuliani all the time. Unbeatable.

I still think it will be Romney. Maybe.

[Gman]

6. Right now he looks like a political suicide bomber

I don't think there's any "unless". He's self-destructing now.

[krabigirl]

8. nah..ok maybe the nomination, but dubya is still unpopular IMO and he does sound a lot like him.

[TwilightGardener]

9. I wouldn't misunderestimate Mittens. Mittens wants this more.

I am sure oppo research is underway. It's going to be nasty.

[TBF]

10. W was only unpopular with us - the conservatives loved him

Perry has a fine balancing act - pretend to be fundy while carrying water for the rich. But he's had plenty of practice doing that as governor of TX. Agreed that he just has to find the right moderate running mate and he is a real threat. As much as I'd love to get him out of Texas, I certainly can't wish him on anybody.

[kentuck]

11. And the more we criticize him, the more the Repubs will love him....

Just like W..

[LoZoccolo]

12. Last time, they ran their most moderate candidate, though. n/t

[spanone]

13. and he hates the black guy in the white house. plus the media appears to love him.

[Johonny]

14. What's the difference between him and Romney again?

Perry ex-democrat and Romney ex-governor of a "liberal" state. Sure Perry mixes in God a lot but that didn't help anyone out long term last GOP cycle.

I can not guess who will win this because there is no good option.

[underpants]

15. too early- he is not a tea bagger guy - his is establishment and a retread of W

[ChandlerJr]

16. If there is a Perry/Rubio futures bet on the board in Vegas I'll put

a few bucks on that ticket.

Unless his handlers are total morons they aren't going to go with a Palin or Bachmann running mate, and I don't think either of them want 2nd place anyway.

Romney can't get past his "Mormon Problem".

Paul, Sr. or Jr., are the GOP's Kuchinich and the rest of the dwarfs are non-starters.

Marco Rubio would balance out the ticket with a younger, not quit ready to take the top spot, Spanish speaking Hispanic(but not to brown for the wingers) and bringing in another large electoral state.

The bad blood, perceived or actual, between Bush/Rove and Perry will only help to distance him from "W" while not totally disrupting the favorable feelings the right may still have for him

Just checked BoDog, they moved the line to

7/5 Perry: 100 to win 140

2/1 Mittens 100 to win 200

[madinmaryland]

17. Not so quick, there. KKKarl Rove is still pulling the strings for the repukes.

KKKarl does not like Perry. Look for Jeb to be called up sometime this coming winter.

[Major Hogwash]

18. Christ, somebody should tie that jacket back together!!

Because somehow the sleeves have come undone and you've found a computer with a modem!!

[MrScorpio]

19. He knows how to lie about his own record like it nobody's business

A perfect Republican