Style, Substance, Perry, and the Media

The American Spectator ^ | November 10, 2011 | Mike Johnson

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Rick Perry gave a superb speech to NH Cornerstone, a New Hampshire conservative group. The full speech is here and well worth the time to watch (about 25 minutes). In fact, this partisan New Hampshire reporter considers the speech close to perfect for the audience.

How did the left-leaning media react? As could perhaps be anticipated, with ridicule and mockery. For example, in a harsh piece by Brian Browdie of the NY Daily News titled "Rick Perry's unusually expressive 2012 speech in New Hampshire sparks rumors he was drunk," ...

..Why did the media react this way? Maybe because Perry is a conservative, and the media are liberal. Maybe for Perry's exhibiting "unquestionably unpresidential behavior," as David Badash of the New Civil Rights Movement put it. What is the current definition of presidential behavior during a speaking engagement? The loud, monotonous rant we are witnessing so often of late? The disingenuous or worse content of those rants?

Perry opened his remarks with the World Series. He said that he had arrived in New Hampshire Thursday evening with the Rangers leading 7-4. He gave an exuberant shout, with much arm-waving ("gesticulating wildly"). Texas was finally going to be a world champion after fifty years. Then, in a much more subdued voice, Perry said that it was now Friday, and they were still playing. This is where the edited version dropped out. In the actual speech, Perry went on to say that Chris Carpenter was pitching, and he is from New Hampshire, implying that Texas had no chance. Self-deprecating humor, timing that Jack Benny would envy, and audience involvement. The crowd went wild -- cheers and applause. He had them.....

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

Little do they know, they are paving the way for Romney. The Moderates and Independents are starting to look his way as this forum goes out of it’s way to ridicule Perry.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Who has the honor of being the candidate you support?

[Cincinatus' Wife]

I think some do know it.

[BobL]

Wow, they had you punch in early - I thought your shift started at 4 AM (Central). After last night, they let me sleep in a bit.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

No, I don’t make lists.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

You’re sweet to care BobL.

[BobL]

“What is most important is, that we pick a Pizza Salesman and Radio Talk Show host, without a shred of Governmental experience, Military history or understanding of tactical engagement. It is especially vital that this individual have no ability or experience in handling Foreign Relations or a clear understanding of the International World.”

Life sucks, doesn’t it. But this time the TEA PARTY gets to choose our candidate, not the media.

[TADSLOS]

All you need is a floppy hat, a big fur coat, and a Cadillac with wide white walls, a pair of long horns on the hood, playing "Deep in the Heart of Texas".

LOL!

[normy]

You know one thing most Perry trashers have in common? They can never give me a reason why to vote for their candidate.

i see in Perry and accomplished executive with a clean personal history, who was an officer in the US Air Force.

I see him as a man with a rural back ground, which to me is important.

I see him as a man who has run the 15th largest economy for 11 years (13 if you count his time as LT. Governor). I see him as a man who has backed up the rhetoric of all the candidates with actual action.

Every candidate has flaws but until someone on Free Republic can tell me why to vote for their candidate there is no reason to switch from the most accomplished candidate.

Romney is a joke if your looking for consistency.

Newt is brilliant but I don't trust him to do the right thing.

Cain has no record to even judge him by and the fact his wife is a democrat gives me great pause.

Bachman is good and I believe she believes what she says but I don't think she could beat Obama on record.

I

[TADSLOS]

In the long run people want substance.

Yeah, we do- just not in the form of a Perry cow pattie.

[edpc]

....decades of Military tactical experience as well as ability.

Decades? The hell, you say! He graduated college in '72 and quit flying C-130s in '77. Hey, I was a 29E (Radio Repairer) in the Army for 4 years. Guess I'd make a great CiC, as well.

Problem is, a candidate needs to articulate his positions during the geneal election debates and convince people outside of TX he's capable of doing the job.

[normy]

So tell me who is the man or woman of proven substance you wish me, a fellow conservative Republican to back? Maybe I can look into their record and change my vote.