Some Iowans believe Perry is "the one"

“I can’t quite explain it,” said Steve Bennett, 59, who sized Perry up the other night over a plate of roasted turkey and green beans. “He’s thick-skinned, he’s already run a big state. Whatever his beliefs are, which I don’t know yet, I think he actually believes them and has convictions. He’s the only one who can sit with Obama at the debate — when Obama’s in full campaign mode he’ll be tough to beat — and maybe beat him.”…

Republican strategists are drawing some parallels to Obama’s campaign.

“Many voters in 2008 had no idea what Barack Obama actually believed or had proposed. They liked the idea of Obama. Same may be largely true with Rick Perry,” said GOP strategist Mark McKinnon, who advised George W. Bush and John McCain’s presidential campaigns.

“They are largely looking at attributes over issues,” he added. “They are looking for a candidate who is strong, who they think shares their values and who they believe they can trust. Perry’s candidacy is largely being fueled by voters who hear his echoes of the resentments they feel toward Washington. And they think he is bold and brash and a fighter.”