Texas Gov. Rick Perry's entrance into the GOP presidential primary has almost overnight deflated the prospects of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and Perry’s skepticism of man-made global warming has been one of the key factors.
Perry rides into the presidential contest with a bold brand of global warming skepticism that is sure to ignite tea party enthusiasts and GOP primary voters. Perry told the
Guardian that global warming is "one contrived phony mess that is falling apart under its own weight."
One of the key issues in this race will be the vast differences between Romney and Perry on the issue of man-made global warming claims. Romney has expressed belief in the Al Gore and U.N. version of man-made climate fears despite the many scientists views on the matter. See
"Gore Praises Romney for Belief in Man-Made Global Warming."
The question GOP primary voters face about Romney and global warming is simple: If voters get behind a Romney, are they getting behind Al Gore —who criticizes Obama on climate — as well?
What level of support can he maintain now that Rick Perry offers voters a no-compromise candidate on man-made global warming? Make no mistake — Romney is in deep trouble on the climate issue.
Even if Romney suddenly softens his pro-Gore/U.N. climate views, will voters buy it? Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty tried reversing his views on global warming and many believe it may have been one of the key reasons he was forced out of the primary. Voters are savvy — they can smell someone who is gullible — or worse — someone sliding by as an opportunist.