Perry's New Image Problem

by: Ben Sherman

Mon Aug 22, 2011 at 06:07 PM CDT

On "This Week," Luntz told ABC's Jake Tapper that GOP voters "look at Rick Perry, and they say this guy's got an incredible record in Texas, in terms of job creation and the economy. But they're wondering, has he said things or will he say things that -- that don't help him come November?"

Luntz is right on both accounts. The gradual exposure of the "Texas Miracle" myth likely cannot convince Republicans, who won't acknowledge its untruthfulness, that Perry would be a bad choice.

But, as Luntz points out, Rick Perry definitely can. Before Perry entered the race, much of the GOP was irked by Bachmann's extreme rhetoric. Sure, she placed second in polls - but that's as high as she could rise with any consistency. It appeared that most of the GOP is looking for a candidate who appears sane, which Mitt Romney does and Michele Bachmann doesn't.

Perry's problem is similar, but not identical to Bachmann's. He entered the race with an image as a governor with a real record; a more serious tea party candidate than Bachmann, who everyone has always known is on the extreme right wing. That's why Perry led polls immediately before and after his entry.

Now, Perry is proving himself to be another Bachmann. Since his entry into the race, Perry has been violent, negative and extreme, even casually threatening Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. Now, the mainstream media is covering him less for being new and more for his reckless actions and statements. While GOP leaders worry openly about Perry's viability, other potential entries into the race are stealing some of Perry's shine.

Perry's offputting rhetoric is just half of his new image problem. He also seems not to know quite what he believes - or when to admit it. Just a few weeks ago, Perry wouldn't explain whether he believes that the 10th amendment means that states should be allowed to decide social issues, obviously a huge omission in the GOP primary.

"Social Security's going to be there for those folks," Perry answered.

"But you said Social Security is unconstitutional," his questioner repeated.

"I don't think I -- I'm sorry, you must have," Perry said before stopping himself.

Instead of answering the simple question, Perry stuffed a huge piece of popover in his mouth. "I've got a big mouthful," Perry mumbled, ordering a glass of water and then walking away.

Aside from the obvious humor of this interaction (please share it with your friends), it outlines the second part of Perry's new image problem. He is stuck between his tea party beliefs and his need to appeal to the greater GOP, which remains skeptical that a tea party candidate can beat President Obama. Instead of choosing a path, Perry appears weak and scared of the challenge.

Ultimately, this non-approach will alienate both the tea party and the more practical GOP. The tea party sees a candidate too weak to champion their cause and the rest of the GOP sees a fringe candidate who is trying to hide his beliefs.

Amazingly, Perry now appears to be a potent combination of too extreme and too unsure of himself. No opposing campaign could have created this image problem for Perry.

Only a political shill like Rick Perry could.