This one is hard for me to choke down, without a doubt.

I’ve been a supporter of former Texas Governor Rick Perry since his presidential run in 2012. I’ve always seen the man’s record in Texas over 14 years as the height of sound leadership, and just the right training to step in and take control of the course of this nation, before we ran over a cliff.

Do you really want to understand solid policy? Read the man’s 2010 book, “Fed Up!” It will change your life.

Alas, the man’s debate style doesn’t play well outside of the Lone Star state, apparently, even though to hear the man give a speech is absolutely inspirational.

The brief verbal battle that went on between Perry and Donald Trump during the very early stages of the primary season in 2015 likely ended Perry’s second run for the presidency, as Trump’s trolls in the media – supposed “conservative” outlets – piled on, with the assorted Trumpling faithful bringing the assist.

I’ll put it this way: I saw a Fox News personality take a very basic question for the contenders in the field and use it as a weapon against an affable Governor Perry.

Literally, this scumbag was screaming, taking such a hateful tone with Perry, who, in return, was trying his best to remain calm and answer the question with as much tact, as possible.

That’s when I knew the fix was in.

Perry (rightly) called out the cancer of “Trumpism” on the conservative movement in those early days.

He gave an impassioned speech about the dangers of allowing a barking carnival act to become the face of the GOP, and the facts are, the Republican party as it now stands is not the party many of us joined in our youth.

Rick Perry stood up to Trump at the expense of his campaign, and did it when others were either on the fence or were groveling for Trump’s approval.

To the end, Perry fought, even endorsing Ted Cruz after ending his own campaign and becoming the first to jump from the crowded field of potentials.

Only when Trump was declared the nominee did Perry support Trump, and honestly, it was tough to see.

It was immensely difficult for me, a hardcore Perry supporter, precisely because of the man’s history of principled conservatism, to suddenly see him back away from his original stance, putting party over principle, in my opinion.

If Trump was awful before, he’s still awful because he’s still Trump.

Whatever the case, it paid off, because Governor Perry is now Secretary Perry, over the Department of Energy.

It’s like he should have been Homecoming King, but instead became a member of the Homecoming court.

Perry appeared on Fox News this morning to pay homage to the king.

“I’ve said some harsh things about the president,” Perry said Friday on Fox News. “He’s a very forgiving man.”

“I’m a big believer that our vision is the right vision for America,” the former Texas governor added when asked Republican unity.

Party loyalty.

Interesting, albeit disgusting point: Fox News personalities are suddenly gracious to Rick Perry, again.

I’m rather torn about this, because I’m far more convinced that Perry is where he is because Trump wanted to have him near, as a reminder to Perry that he won, and by throwing him this bone, he’s to be seen as some sort of benevolent benefactor.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad he’s there. Perry is a leader, and he’ll do well in the position.

Some news leaking from his early days as secretary of energy suggest that using the term “climate change” draws a visceral reaction from him (in spite of what he said at his confirmation hearing), so they just don’t use that term.

Good. Just use the old term – weather.

At the time of Trump’s nomination, Perry seemed more resigned to the fate of the party:

“He is not a perfect man,” he said. “But what I do believe is that he loves this country and he will surround himself with capable, experienced people and he will listen to them.”

“He wasn’t my first choice, wasn’t my second choice, but he is the people’s choice. I believe in the process, and the process has said Donald Trump will be our nominee and I’m going to support him and help him and do what I can.”

So maybe it was “forgiveness” on Trump’s part that brought Perry into the Trump cabinet.

Either way, it’s still unbelievable for me to see a man with Perry’s qualifications as a subordinate to a reality TV host.