Posted on 09/07/2011 10:58:58 PM PDT by free me
Texas Gov. Rick Perry needed to show in tonight’s debate that he is presidential, substantive and ready for prime time. While he made no major gaffes, he certainly did not stand out in the crowd. He took hits on his views on Social Security and on mandatory HPV testing, and unsurprisingly did not have convincing comebacks. At times — on foreign policy and on global warming — he seemed to search for words. He will need to lose the frozen grin as well. His best moment came near the end of the debate when he gave a measured, tough-minded defense of Texas’s high rate of executions, explaining the circumstances under which you will pay “the ultimate penalty” in Texas.
Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Michele Bachmann turned in solid performances. Nevertheless, it was largely a Romney vs. Perry affair.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
I tend to agree.
It was the night of the long knives.
He impressed Brian Williams, I thought the sissy was going to faint from the gut punch Rick gave him about Texas Justice.
Huh? SS is either a Ponzi Scheme or it ain't. Not too much room for opinion. Just sayin.
Yes, it is. I think holding his own on his first national test, especially coming late to the debate from what had to be an exhausting few days dealing with the coordination of effort on the wildfires, was a good result.
I liked what he said, and know he could have said it better. He answered questions a lot better at the Tim Scott town hall — he had more time, was more relaxed, and looked less tired.
Given that the focus of the debate was “let’s trip up Rick Perry”, I think he did fine.
And as the frontrunner, he doesn’t really have to stand out, he just has to not fall over badly. And Romney’s teams declaration notwithstanding, I don’t think he had any real gaffes.
Heck, the biggest attack against him coming out of the debate appears to be whether or not he should have been so truthful about Social Security, with Romney, the liberals, and a few conservatives backing other candidates thinking he would have been better of lying and saying SS was fine and there was no risk to people of getting their checks.
So if that’s the worst they have, it was pretty good.
I never said he was lame, those are your words.
Too bad that Obozo wasn't held to this same standard in 2008!
You said you thought it was memorable. That’s your opinion.
I had the distinct feeling that’s why Newt was there tonight...with the blessing of all other candidates. He really is a smart man with a lot of his own innovative ideas. Just not the kind of leader we need.
My 2¢:
Mitt performed the best; experience matters in these forums.
Perry reminded me of my early fears about him. I hope he learns quick, because I don’t want Mitt and Perry and Mitt are the only two that I think have a shot at beating Obama.
You are so predictable. You can never have an honest discussion.
Romney was his usual slick self, telling everyone what he thought they wanted to hear. Huntsman and all the rest were just wannabe’s gasping their last breath. Santorum included.
You must have a funny memory. ; )
Texas Gov. Rick Perry needed to show in tonight’s debate that he is presidential, substantive and ready for prime time.”
Not perfect but considering that he had been dealing with the U.S.Forestry brigade roadblocks and horrendous fires for the last two days, I think he did quite well. Out of all of them I would suspect he is the only one who had accomplished anything during the last two days while the others rested up and prepped for the debate.
Perry stayed cool even when everyone was after him, but I felt that some of his answers could have been a bit more coherent. He’s ok.
Newt and Santorum are the most clear to me, but that probably has to do with the fact that they were legislators and are used to bloviation.
I still don’t have a candidate that I am completely excited about. But I’ll take any of them over Obama, even Huntsman.
Romney: RomneyCare and Flip-flops
Perry: immigration and favors given to key supporters
Gingrich: personal baggage
Bachmann: gaffes, lack of executive experience
Palin (if she enters): resignation
While I don't agree with much of what Newt says, he is always a standout in these debates. The guy is knowledgeable, quick to respond and usually right on the mark.
I like Cain but with 8 candidates on the stage he struggled, as did others, to get face time; Perry certainly won in that regard.
In the end, I don't think this debate changed any minds.
Why didn’t you list Paul’s flaws?
I think making SS a campaign issue is a mistake; should Perry get the nomination, Obummer and the DNC will exploit it to its fullest. So when have I heard a presidential candidate make that mistake? Never.
I think Poster Jedidah covered the Perry Immigration thing very well.
Do a user search.
#1 Our border is a federal issue.
Dont blame Perry
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