Rick Perry, Jon Huntsman, Sarah Palin and More

Huntsman Gets Tough on Perry

The gloves are off. On This Week, Jon Huntsman, former Utah governor and U.S. ambassador to China, lashed out at Texas Gov. Rick Perry for saying that global warming is an unproven theory. "The minute that the Republican Party becomes the party—the anti-science party, we have a huge problem,” Huntsman said. The GOP candidate also blasted Perry for saying that a decision by Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke to print more money would be “treasonous.” Huntman’s bottom line for Perry: an extreme candidate is an unelectable candidate.

Rove: Palin Will Enter Race

Will our favorite mama grizzly enter the presidential race? If you ask Karl Rove, Sarah Palin’s about to get down to some serious campaigning. On Fox News Sunday, the former Bush adviser said that Palin’s schedule in Iowa next week looks more like that of a candidate, and not a celebrity. Her bizarre semi–campaign ad didn’t hurt either.

McCain Mum on Perry Comments

Can the GOP elect someone who doesn’t believe in global warming? Sen. John McCain isn’t as willing as Jon Huntsman to criticize Perry, mainly because he’s been in the same position before. “I know the pressures of being on the campaign trail,” McCain said on Face the Nation. “I also know the experience of having a few of your words plucked out.” Watch as McCain evades saying the obvious—he doesn’t agree with Perry.

Daniels: Can’t Compete With Obama…at Vilifying People

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels would like to weigh in on Rick Perry calling Ben Bernanke treasonous: Good point, bad choice of words. On Meet the Press Daniels reminded us that when it comes to vilifying people and challenging their character, there’s no one better than President Obama and his allies. Daniels, we’d like to remind you, dropped out of the Republican race.

Santorum: 2006 ‘Was Miserable’

Another Sunday, another reminder that Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum’s chances at winning the nomination are slim. On Fox News Sunday, Santorum was reminded that he spent $26 million on a Senate reelection campaign in 2006 and still lost by a dismal 18 points. Is there any hope for 2012? Santorum would like to remind you that 2006 was a “miserable year” for the GOP, and if you look at his overall track record, he’s “pretty darn good.” At least he’s confident.

Obama ‘Beaten Up’ by Tea Party

Is the black community exasperated with the first African-American president? Elijah Cummings, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2003 to 2005, said it’s more complicated than that. In an interview with Candy Crowley on State of the Union, Cummings said that no matter what President Obama does, he’s still getting “beaten up” every day by the Tea Party. The African-American community wants Obama to toughen up and fight back.

Perry Gets Pounded by the Press

Has the press taken upon itself to prosecute Texas Gov. Rick Perry? On a panel discussion on Reliable Sources, Roll Call’s Christina Bellantoni said that after building a candidate up, it’s just natural to want to tear them down. Perry’s story is exactly the narrative pundits were looking for: a cowboy from Texas rising up to fight President Obama.