Rick Perry: Because of the Texas fires, I’m not sure I’ll make the debate tomorrow night

Hotair ^ | 09/06/2011 | Allahpundit

[chesty_puller]

Every veteran understands that.

Most of these Palin backers (I am one) don't act like they ever served one day for their nation. They would understand chain of command. When Texans are dying it can be hard to delegate.

[Windflier]

I'm just the opposite. I am a Perry supporter not located in Texas and think he shouldn't pass on the debate. I don't buy the rationale for not debating.

Are you kidding me? We have a state emergency going on. It's the Governor's job to be here, and involved in handling the crisis.

Get your priorities straight, friend.

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

I didn’t know Sarah was invited to the debates...

Doesn't matter. SARAH!'s awesomeness is of such degree that she even frightens Perry away from debates that she's not a part of!

[PapaNew]

My take? I think Perry shouldn't go but should be forthright about it.

The debates are another battle front: why should conservatives hand over their microphone and message to the leftists in the MSM who ask a bunch of stupid questions and not only make themselves look stupid, but more importantly silence the message of the conservative candidates who have the answers for America and instead make them also look stupid and marginalized?

I think the conservative candidates with their head screwed on straight should band together and demand ground rules that include conservative moderators and questions that go the heart of the issues that threaten our country's future. They should also widely publicize these demands to the American people and figure out their own live video debate if they can't get cooperation.

[Windflier]

Some of his backers here thought he should stay focused on the race....but he’s doing the right thing.

I'll bet that most of those who say that don't live in Texas. Some folks just have their priorities muddled.

[CondoleezzaProtege]

the debates are not even relevant till Palin graces the stage with her presence.

[GAB-1955]

As was noted, the fires in West Texas have already burned an area the size of the State of Connecticut. This is what the people of Texas are paying him for - to survey, to lead, and to direct responses. Would you rather have Rick Perry doing this for Texas or an Obama supporter?

[CondoleezzaProtege]

:) when do you predict she will announce? SO excited!!!

[rintense]

Can’t stand him but as I stated yesterday, he’s doing the right thing. He is where he should be.

[GAB-1955]

That's right; and as someone who thinks either Palin or Perry would make a very good President, I agree. Too much of this debate reminds me of cats hissing at each other before going off into separate rooms and sulking. The fires are not a backdrop for a speech. Texas needs someone to direct the state executive to work effectively.

[xzins]

The media doesn’t care that you’re consistent.

Perry is in a damned if you do and damned if you don’t situation.

Therefore, he will best demonstrate his concern by being with his state....UNLESS, of course, there is a significant break in the fires.

Besides, who trusts CBS/NBC (or whichever) reporters? The other conservatives should get the hell out of the debate, too. They could always be doing clean-up work after Irene.

Let Romney debate Huntsman. Maybe they could get “The Rent is too damn high” guy in there, too.

[PapaNew]

I hope Sarah doesn't go to these debates as they are now set up. As I posted earlier, the debate format and commentators are themselves another battle front: why should conservatives hand over their microphone and message to the leftists in the MSM who ask a bunch of stupid questions and not only make themselves look stupid, but more importantly silence the message of the conservative candidates who have the answers for America and instead make them also look stupid and marginalized?

I think the conservative candidates with their head screwed on straight should band together and demand ground rules that include conservative moderators and questions that go the heart of the issues that threaten our country's future. They should also widely publicize these demands to the American people and figure out their own live video debate if they can't get cooperation.

[MestaMachine]

You are a one trick pony. This has nothing whatever to do with Sarah Palin. Are you that sick???

[cripplecreek]

The media doesn’t care that you’re consistent.

And I don't care what the media thinks. Anyone who wants to be president better not care either. If they want to make the media happy they can run as a democrat.

[Responsibility2nd]

For one thing...

Coordinating with federal and military gurus at Ft. Hood. The Army has tons of helo’s and other fire fighting equipment sitting on the ground while local and state resources are taxed out after days of uncontrolled and even new fires.

Perry expresses frustration at federal fire support
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/politics/entries/2011/09/06/perry_expresses_frustration_at.html

[Windflier]

Thank you for that. As you Palin backers continue to remind us - there's plenty of time.

You're welcome.

It appears that some people around here have their priorities skewed. If Palin were my sitting Governor, and my state was suffering a major crisis, I'd expect her to do exactly what Rick Perry did, and skip the darn pre-season debate to get on top of it.

[Dengar01]

As a Texan, I submit to you that you do not understand the intensity of these fires that are still out of control.

People are callous I've noticed it has been worse lately. I was praying the Tropical Storm hit you guys because I know how brutal it is. I can't imagine three months of 100 degree temperatures.

Anyways ignore the trolls you and your fellow Texans are in my prayers.

[Boardwalk]

Perry will be at the debate Perry not being at the debate stops Zero fires and the Zero fire raging is the priority!

[MestaMachine]

I think rick perry is exactly where he should be. These fires in Texas are terrible and horrifying. HE is their governor and he is doing his job.
Anyone who has been following these fires and has a heart and a conscience should forget about politics where this is concerned. Shame on ANYBODY who disses the man for doing the right thing! Don’t embarrass yourself.

[Responsibility2nd]

He also refused to debate Kinky Friedman six years ago. I bet you resent him for that too.

Point is, Perry didn’t need to debate Kinky or White or the Lib candidate (Medina). Why lower himself?

He won handily.

And as been noted again and again. This debate will be a minor memory to almost no one in a few weeks. But if Perry abandons his burning state to attend?

THAT will be trumped up forever.