Matt Glassman explores explanations for Perry's seemingly inexplicable choice to stay in the race:
It’s not hard to imagine someone like Perry coming out of Iowa thinking
Well, it’s really long odds now, but that’s better than nothing, and definitely better than the embarrassment of dropping out. And besides, if I stay in at least I might be able to prevent that pompous Gingrich from winning South Carolina. And that wouldn’t be the worst chit to have in my pocket during the Romney administration, especially if I can influence his immigration policies.
In my personal experience, this sort of political thinking is more common than most observers think. Candidates at all levels of politics can be romantics about their chances of winning far past the point of any viability; anyone who gets this far almost certainly feels like fate is on their side. But most candidates can also credit their success to harnessing opportunities and salvaging victories even in defeat. And all of this serves to remind us how complicated political strategy can be, and how little we can sometimes say absent a full understanding.
(Photo: Texas Goveronor Rick Perry kisses 7-month-old Elaina Stephens, as her aunt Candi Tennyson looks on, during a campaign stop at the Beacon Drive-In January 8, 2012 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. After suffering a fifth place finish in the Iowa caucuses and essentially skipping New Hampshire, Perry has returned to the campaign trail in South Carolina with events for the next several days in hopes of keeping his candidacy alive. By Rainier Ehrhardt/Getty Images.)
The Dish 