Perry's plan to skip debates prompts criticism from Gingrich, Santorum

CBSNews ^ | 10/27/2011 | Sarah Huisenga

[South40]

Two of his Republican rivals on Thursday criticized Rick Perry, who has dropped hints he may skip some of the upcoming presidential debates.

In a question-and answer-session with reporters following an education forum in New York City, former Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich both suggested it is a sign of weakness for Perry to take a pass on some future debates. At least 10 have been scheduled between now and the end of January.

"I'd never skip a debate. I'd never skip the opportunity to let the American public know what I think about these issues," Santorum said.

"I'm all about digging deeper and people getting to know the candidates."

[Oceander]

"I'd never skip a debate. I'd never skip the opportunity to let the American public know what I think about these issues," Santorum said.

Proof of Santorum's stupidity. One, these aren't "debates", they're dog-and-pony shows where the candidates are trotted out and either set against each other or made to play "gotcha" with stupid questions and sound-bite answers. Two, and following from the first, these so-called "debates" are intentionally designed to prevent any participant from giving any sort of a nuanced view on issues, so clearly skipping one of these farces isn't going to deprive a candidate of much.

[ExtremeUnction]

So many of the debates are held in liberal venues (PBS, CNN). I agree with Perry. Skip some of them.

[RIghtwardHo]

If he can’t handle the debates ... well, I am singularly unimpressed at his abilities to be President. It’s just a debate for heaven’s sake. If you can’t handle questions ...

[South40]

[South40]

Perry can handle questions. Just not very well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngiJhmoFKkw

[Oceander]

That’s a pretty tired graphic; got anything interesting to say?

[South40]

I write interesting things all the time. It’s not my fault you Perry worshipers are too busy groveling to notice.

[McGavin999]

You would think they would be thrilled to have one less person on the stage with them. Wonder why they are so upset? Perhaps because it will be too boring watching them all sucking up to Mitt.

[Pinkbell]

I love Santorum, and Newt has really impressed me too. Good for them. If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen. In the debates I’ve seen, Perry hasn’t handled the heat well.

[RIghtwardHo]

lol Yeah. Probably better put.

I just think that its a BAD move to say that you can’t handle questions well so will just not show up ... when you are running for President of the United States. That means you are certainly not ready for the job.

[bobby.223]

You nailed it. La Raza Ricky can’t handle the questions, or the vetting of his record. This old boy has seen more than a few politicians come and go but none displaying a more ‘deer in the headlights’ stumbling speaking terror than this Perry fella while debating.

[hocndoc]

Neither of these men can afford to skip a debate, because they have no campaign funds.
It’s bE that everyone follows this rabbit trail of the media, though. “Hints” aren’t fact, yet. It is publicity for them all, I guess.

[South40]

I served 3 terms on my city council. I would never have dreamed of not appearing at any of the many candidate forums. I recall that some candidates refused to appear and were summarily rejected by the voters.

I understand Perry sucks at debate and I understand why. His record is one that is impossible to defend. At this point, and in light of his abysmal performances to date, not appearing is probably his best bet, though I do not believe it will have any effect on his free fall in the polls.

[org.whodat]

Not debates, you are correct, as far as Perry is concerned it is more of puking in your shoes, and the dog ate my homework, and I will have a plan by next class, I promise, sort of thing. You Heartless creeps.

[Rudder]

As Dick Morris just said, "If you're not in the debates, you're not in the race."

I believe Morris is correct on this one.

[South40]

Neither of these men can afford to skip a debate, because they have no campaign funds.

Perry can't afford to either and he has oodles in cash.

I know Perry struggles at debates but to refuse to participate will be seen as weak. Do you agree with his decision?

[South40]

:-) Morris is wrong more times than he is right. But he may be right on this.

[arrogantsob]

Santorum is one of the smartest guys out there. Should Perry skip many (any?) it will kill his campaign. Ten more are way too many and there are probably a dozen after January. This is ridiculous.

[arrogantsob]

Perry “worshipers”? Why the nastiness?