One of the cardinal rules of politics is "never attack down,” meaning a front-runner should never attack or respond to an opponent who is far behind. Yet that is what Rick Perry is doing. He is intimidated by Ron Paul, and responding to Ron Paul. Why? The answer is that Ron Paul is a true libertarian and a true conservative, while the latest version of Rick Perry, the man who once championed Al Gore Albert (Al) Arnold GoreCompromise, yes — but how? A pre-debate suggestion Trump-Biden debate: High risk vs. low expectations Interest in presidential election hits near-record high: poll MORE, is a phony conservative and can't even pretend to be a phony libertarian.

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As I have written repeatedly, Rick Perry is the ultimate pay-for-play government man, the exact opposite of a true conservative and a true libertarian. Ron Paul, whether one agrees with him or not, is the true libertarian and a genuine conservative in ways that Rick Perry can never be. That is why Rick Perry fears Ron Paul.

I completely disagree with the mainstream media and insider pundit consensus that Republicans now have a two-person race. I again predict that Rick Perry will self-destruct.

Mitt Romney has inherent problems that are very deep and explain why he cannot rise above a certain level of support and level of trust from Republicans or Democrats.

More from The Hill:

♦ SuperPAC: 'Only Paul listens to our Founding Fathers'

♦ Perry, Obama jobs plan likely targets at debate

♦ Perry vows to be 'honest' about Social Security

♦ Poll: Perry holds lead, Paul in third



I believe a new Republican candidate will emerge well before the Republican convention and will write who I believe it is, and why, in the not-too-distant future.

For now it is fascinating to watch Ron Paul get under Rick Perry's skin, and into Rick Perry's head.

Rick Perry is afraid of Ron Paul.

Rick Perry should be afraid of Ron Paul.

Ron Paul's very presence reveals what a polyester impersonation of a conservative Rick Perry actually is.

The beneficiary of this will not be Mitt Romney, whatever other insiders instruct you to believe.