Perry finds his debate comfort zone with get-tough stance on border issues

The Houston Chronicle ^ | November 22, 2011 | Stewart Powell

[casinva]

WASHINGTON — Texas Gov. Rick Perry vowed to completely secure the U.S.-Mexican border within 12 months of being inaugurated president during a GOP presidential debate Tuesday that showcased the emergence of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich as the go-to alternative to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

In a debate focused on national security, Perry was quickest to the count on border issues, saying he would complete “strategic fencing” along the 1,969-mile U.S.-Mexican border, add “boots on the ground” and aviation assets such as Predator surveillance aircraft to intercept potential Iranian-backed terrorists crossing into the United States from Mexico as well as to stem the northbound flow of undocumented immigrants and illegal drugs.

The three-term Texas governor, clearly comfortable on the topic during his eighth nationally televised debate, said he would work with Mexico to achieve a new level of security and would consider sanctions against Mexican banks that handle the illicit proceeds of multibillion dollar drug cartels.

“All of those together can make that country (Mexico) substantially more secure and our border secure,” Perry declared. “As president of the United States, I’ll promise you one thing – that within 12 months that border will be shut down and it will be secure.”

snip

Perry and Bachmann also briefly dueled over continuing U.S. aid to Pakistan, an Islamic nation of 150 million people with a stockpile of nuclear weapons. Perry reiterated his pledge to zero out annual foreign aid to all countries including Pakistan.

“They’ve showed us time after time that they can’t be trusted,” said Perry, in an elliptical reference to Pakistani authorities knowingly or unknowingly providing haven to bin Laden. “Until Pakistan clearly shows that they have America’s best interests in mind, I would not send them one penny.”

More at link.

[casinva]

Texas Governor Rick Perry displays his extensive border experience as well as his understanding of other foreign affairs and security issues at the CNN - Heritage Foundation - AEI debate on November 22 in Washington D.C.

[casinva]

Ping please.

[org.whodat]

See, you have more than proved your only concern is amnesty. Thanks.

[This Just In]

“All of those together can make that country (Mexico) substantially more secure and our border secure”

Mexico more secure? That’s not our problem, or friggin job.

Pick a lane, Perry.

[shield]

Perry Ping....

IF you'd rather NOT be pinged FReepmail me.

IF you'd like to be added FReepmail me. Thanks.

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Per SD
This is just how Rick Perry is. After Hurricane Ike devastated my community, he came here to survey the damage. He did not just walk through here surrounded by security and news cameras and then make a speech. That's not Perry. He showed up in jeans and a work shirt, no cameras, no press conference, and he walked among all of us who had been hit. A hug, a pat on the shoulder, a listening ear, and an encouraging word. He saw to it that emergency shelters were being set up and food and water were available to everyone. When Obama/FEMA refused to help us, Governor Perry set up state funding to help us rebuild our homes and our lives. My home is at 'ground zero' where Ike came ashore. We all took tremendous damage. FEMA sent me a check two months later for $600 dollars. Governor Perry set up the Recovery Fund to help us all rebuild. That is what a true leader and a true Christian does. That's my Governor! I can't wait to see America under the caring wing of Rick Perry.

[ken5050]

I think he’s gonna be OK...Iowa actually won’t decide anything...you’ll have 4-5 viable candidates after. NH won’t be good for Mitt..he won’t get a majority..and SC will show if Perry has a chance...I think he does..

[algernonpj]

Don’t you wonder why people put more credence in what a politician says when seeking votes than what they did when in office?

[casinva]

If two neighboring countries can work in conjunction to secure the adjoining border area which would help keep criminals and drug cartels from spilling over into the southern parts of The United States, that is nothing but a win for America.

[shield]

Yes, it is our problem. And Thank the Lord for Governor Perry...that IS an INTERNATIONAL BORDER remember. We Texans have spent 400 million dollars to secure the Tx/Mx Border whether you are willing to recognize it or not...it has helped make other states more secure.

It is the Feds responsibility first and foremost. So why is it the Fed loves the influx of illegals? IF I were to make a guess, it is to make America like all of the third world countries, whose people are easily controlled.

[pgkdan]

See, you have more than proved your only concern is amnesty. Thanks

What a stupid thing to post. Do you do that on purpose or can you not help yourself?

[shield]

The Perry blitz has begun. Even those part of his campaign in different states and especially Florida understand what he has done on purpose and what he is starting to do now.

[pgkdan]

I think he’s gonna be OK...Iowa actually won’t decide anything...you’ll have 4-5 viable candidates after. NH won’t be good for Mitt..he won’t get a majority..and SC will show if Perry has a chance...I think he does..

Agreed. IA and NH don't really matter as long as Perry's in the mix. SC is very important though...but I think he'll do well there.

[pgkdan]

Mexico more secure? That’s not our problem, or friggin job.

It IS our problem. Mexico is teetering right now. Why do think so many Mexicans come here? Because of all the hugs and kisses? If Mexico fails that border will be completely over run. A stable and prosperous Mexico is definately in our best interest.

[This Just In]

“....it has helped make other states more secure.”

And how many illegals are living in Texas, let alone those who traveled over your borders and into other states?

Perry’s been your governor for how long, and now he really wants to erect a fence and secure the border? One would think that with a history of these problems and the thread to our national security, he would have earnestly tackled the border issue years ago, or am I being “heartless”?

If you failed to read our Constitution, or the Founding Fathers writings, here’s a little refresher: We protect and secure our borders. International border?

[shield]

Governor Rick Perry never called you heartless...you might need to go back and check your facts a bit closer.

Newt is for amnesty and in June 2011 Debate Newt Gingrich called Americans Heartless for wanting to deport 20 million illegals.

"GINGRICH: No, but let me say this, John. No serious citizen who's concerned about solving this problem should get trapped into a yes/no answer in which you're either for totally selling out protecting America or you're for totally kicking out 20 million people in a heartless way. There are -- there are humane, practical steps to solve this problem, if we can get the politicians and the news media to just deal with it honestly."
June 2011 Debate Transcript

[ken5050]

You are correct, but what do we do about it. Mexico is now, IMO, as much a failed state as Pakistan. There is NO rule of law..the government has all but forfeited conrol over nearly half the country. The drug cartels are para-military operations...they have to be destroyed, eradicated..actualy killed off..are WE going to do that? NOI..so instead..we seal the border..we quarantine the country..

[This Just In]

“A stable and prosperous Mexico is definately in our best interest.”

Mexico is not our problem. Read the Constitution and the writings of our Founding Father’s. If Mexico fails? NEWS FLASH: Mexico has failed. TOP STORY: Mexico’s corrupt, hence the failure.

The only way in which Mexico can dream of becoming a stable country is to overhaul the entire governing system, including law enforcement. That’s their problem, not ours. If you Perry boys wish to bring “Hope and Change” to Mexico, do it on your own dime.

[dennisw]

Newt is looking awful on illegal immigration....he gave the standard inside the Beltway BS on illegals. Washington DC loves illegal aliens where they do all kinds of low pay work for the DC gangsters who are sucking this country dry

DC people laugh when the outlying peasantry gets angry about open borders. It’s all a big joke to DC people where life is always good with no recessions ever. DC pukes love all the “exciting” ethnic restaurants that illegal immigration brings us

Perry is now a xenophobe compared to cute Newt...too cute by half.

[org.whodat]

Do I go around attacking you personal, no, I do not. Now knock off the BS. The poster was and is supporting whomever supports amnesty. I have no doubt from the wording he is the one that called rush with the same junk.

[ken21]

good points.