The writer focused on the recent news that Santorum, like many out-of-office politicians, had joined a think-tank—the respected Ethics and Public Policy Center. The article made fun of Santorum, celebrating that at least he is “off the streets.” The former senator, wrote the columnist, “will be in his element in the think tank, doing his blowfish impersonation of Winston Churchill warning of the gathering storm.” The writer made clear that he feels Rick is no Winston, but advised that the former senator could learn a valuable tip from the late prime minister: “Churchill was also tanked in the alcoholic sense, which could be a good tip to Santorum when the keepers [at the think ‘tank’] bring round the sherry.”

Henry also expressed these sentiments, which hit at the crux of much of the opposition to Santorum:

“The thoughtarium that will house the bounding ex-senator … describes itself on its web site as ‘dedicated to applying the Judeo-Christian moral tradition to critical issues of public policy.’ If this moral tradition includes beating swords into plowshares, Santorum may find himself swimming against the tide, because he is more killer whale than frolicking dolphin. He probably doesn’t have to worry. In many overly piously precincts, the love-thy-neighbor part of the Gospel has been conveniently forgotten. And, indeed, the think tank announced that as a senior fellow Santorum would be establishing and directing a program titled ‘America’s Enemies.’ … No comedian could make up this assignment. It is irony and aptness, it is another proof that there is an Almighty and he has a sense of humor.”

The writer was symptomatic of Santorum’s detractors: It is indeed this absolutism that drives Santorum’s critics wild—and the perception that he pursues such absolutism with a snarl instead of a smile. Liberals, even secular ones, welcome the application of the Christian Gospel to issues like the environment and minimum wage, but when a conservative Republican like Rick Santorum applies those teachings to things like unborn babies … well, that’s a bit overly pious.

That said, the writer nailed the biggest problem Santorum faces: how he is perceived. Personality matters in politics. You can see it in how the public preferred Kennedy over Nixon, Reagan over Carter, and Clinton over Dole.

While my understanding of Santorum has undergone some course readjustments, I stick to my previous estimation: If ever there was a politician who can make a comeback, even from a 19-point defeat, it is Rick Santorum—at least at the national level. First, however, he has some work to do not so much on policy but perception.