Live Q&As

This election will be about jobs.  Perry is a threat to both Romney and Obama for the same reason --because of his jobs record as governor.  The head of the Texas Federal Reserve -- a Democrat -- gave a speech recently in which he said that 49.9 percent of the jobs created since 2009 were created in Texas -- and that this was because of govt policies in TX on spending, taxes and regulation that were conducive to growth (ie. Perry's policies).  That is a record that will be hard to compete with..

That is Romneys hope.  I watched Perry up close in New Hampshire and he is a skilled campaigner.  They clearly are hoping he will implode somehow or that the press, Michele Bachmann, or one of the other GOP candidates will bring him down.

Think it is too early to count him out, just as it is too early to tell whether Perry will last.  A few good weeks on the campaign trail do not a president make. 

I don't think his religiosity is outlandish -- it reflects the faith of millions of Americans. 

I don't handle the scheduling but am told the Post generally does these chats between 11 am and 2 pm

I think the in-state tuition for the children of illegals is a problem -- and one that Romeny wants to exploit.  Romney vetoed similar legislation in Massachusetts -- something he points out on the campaign trail without mentioning Perry's name.  Perry's position on the fence is more nuanced. He wants to use technology, sensors, unmanned drones, etc to secure the border.

His opponents will say you get what you pay for....

I'm not sure it's hype.  He's clearly filling a vacuum in the GOP field for an experienced, unabashed conservative governor.  Interesting gallup poll recently that for the first time vast majority of Republicans are satisfied with the field and their choices in this race.   

I think he's hoping to stay above the fray, and let Bachmann take him on -- or wait to see if Perry blows himself up.  Romney's advisors point out that Perry did not debate his 2010 Democratic gubernatoriral opponent and will have to perform in 5 debates in 6 weeks.  But you're right, with Perry pulling ahead Romney is increasingly in Pawlenty's shoes -- he needs Perry to stumble or he'll have to try to take him down

Romney clearly hopes it will.  

I don't think it will do him in.  I watched him in New Hampshire and folks found him charismatic.  

I think whether you are president or governor, you get the credit or the blame for the economy during your tenure -- fairly or unfairly.  But the head of the Texas Federal Reserve -- who ran twice for Senate as a Democrat in Texas -- recently gave a speech saying that the reason jobs and people were coming to Texas was the tax, spending and regulatory policies there are conducive to growth.