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The Spectacle Blog

It's Not Just Perry vs. Romney

By Quin Hillyer on 9.13.11 @ 10:26AM

Jennifer Rubin, some of whose earliest writings were here at TAS, has a very important post today at the WashPost blog. Her point: There is no reason, none whatsoever, that the public should go along with the pundits in prematurely narrowing the presidential field. She says people like Rick Santorum and Michele Bachmann still should not be counted out, nor should the idea of another candidate -- even one not named "Palin" -- getting in the race. She's right.

It's the exact same message I used in my radio show on Thursday night, in the closing 15-minute segment after a half-hour interview with Rick Santorum. "Don't let the pundits choose your candidate." There is still plenty of time for somebody better (if you don't like the current frontrunners) to emerge.

View all comments (5) | Leave a comment

Casey Abell| 9.13.11 @ 10:55AM

I don't buy Jennifer Rubin's argument that a loss in Iowa would knock Perry from the race. Bascially, I think Iowa is a must-win for Bachmann, just as New Hampshire is a must-have for Romney. If they can't win in their backyards, where can they win?

Perry's must-win is shaping up as South Carolina. If he can't take a blood-red state in the south, he really does look like a loser. Right now it's hard to see how he screws up in SC. But a few more debates like last night could really hurt.

Loadmaster| 9.13.11 @ 12:01PM

I agree. I have a gut feeling the primary winner will come from the bottom 3. Herman, Newt or Rick but let's not forget about the Lady from Wasilla. This race is still wide open.

Sputnik| 9.13.11 @ 5:57PM

All the third tier candidates accomplish by attacking Perry is making sure Middle of the Road Mitt wins the primary. Baachman's unelectable and Santorum couldn't even win the Senate in his own State. Both should give it up.

talkradio55| 9.14.11 @ 2:15PM

Quin and Jennifer are so right! This is not a "two-man race" even though so many want it to be . If Perry continues to debate the way he did on Monday night, he could sputter out like Guiliani did. Romney does not have the trust of the Tea Party and Perry looks like he can't handle criticism.

Bachmann, Santorum, and Cain are the potential beneficiaries of a flame out of either Romney or Perry. Both could, one might, and someone will be there to step in the place.

If Palin jumped in this race, it throws Perry out the window and even Romney could be in trouble. This race is by no means settled, and if we're not careful, the media will decide who our candidate is again. (Remember McCain?)