Rick Perry fails to impress in GOP debate

washingtonpost ^ | 09/07/2011 | Jennifer Rubin

[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.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

It is also important to understand that the Hack/Pundit who wrote this tripe, is a Romneybot...Bigtime. Perry is a real threat and they hope to wound him early to get their boy back on top.

(Ain’t Gonna Happen, Cappin’!)

[CharlesWayneCT]

I agree that Cain sounded good, and Newt always comes across well, even if he says things I disagree with. Romney is also a polished speaker.

I’m not sure people changed opinions on which candidate they supported based on this debate. But for Perry, he did have to show that he wouldn’t implode under rough questioning. While most people probably didn’t think that was likely, it was certainly a possibility, so in that regard, I think people now know he isn’t going to collapse under pressure.

I felt bad for Michelle, it was like they forgot she was there. Cain had to grab the floor to get to speak at least once. But that’s what you get for going to MSNBC to run your debates.

[South40]

What have I said that was not honest?

[DRey]

He’s not trying to make it a campaign issue. He is being questioned on it because he mentioned it in his book. They are dredging up anything and everything from his book so he doesn’t get to talk about JOBS.

[mylife]

I agree That Think touching the 3rd rail was a mistake.

[9YearLurker]

Rick Santorum turned in a solid performance?

[bwc2221]

I like Santorum and would support him. Unfortunately, he lacks charisma and, if tonight is any example, debate moderators won't give him an opportunity to showcase his abilities. He has very limited financial support. In reality, Santorum will probably be part of the early attrition.

[mylife]

Obama = all of the above and then some LoL

FUBO!

[South40]

I felt bad for Michelle, it was like they forgot she was there. Cain had to grab the floor to get to speak at least once. But that’s what you get for going to MSNBC to run your debates.

MSNBC blows. Then again, Chris Wallace didn't do much better.

I like Michelle and if she wants to be heard she needs to grab the floor as Cain did. That putz Williams certainly wasn't going to give either of them the fair time.

[DRey]

Your tagline is dishonest, or at least misleading. Here's a link for you that quotes the Heritage Foundation.
http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/perrys-favored-citizenship-path-already-exists

But McMorris-Santoro is just plain wrong. Like Gov. Perry said, illegal aliens already have a path to citzenship through military service. The Heritage Foundation's Hans von Spakovsky explains: "The Secretary of Defense already has the authority under 10 U.S.C. § 504 (b) to enlist illegal aliens in the military if “such enlistment is vital to the national interest.” And 8 U.S.C. § 1440 allows such aliens to become naturalized U.S. citizens, with their applications handled at accelerated rates."

[mylife]

You said that I thought he was lame.

[Irenic]

Texas Gov. Rick Perry needed to show in tonight’s debate that he is presidential, substantive and ready for prime time.
********************************
Dagnabit! I KNEW Perry should have brought a couple of teleprompters! That’s a surefire way to show you’re presidential and substantive! Yes siree!

[South40]

It is also important to understand that the Hack/Pundit who wrote this tripe

I don't care who wrote it, I didn't get past the second line.

My comments here, save for my first post, are based on what I witnessed watching the debate.

[Chgogal]

OMG, Not the THIRD RAIL....

Everyone quick, hide in the basement, an inner room if you can. Perry touched the THIRD RAIL.

; )

Considering 70 million baby boomers are retiring beginning last year, well it might just be time to start poking at that THIRD RAIL.

But you are right, it is a dangerous move. Personally I would have no problem explaining the problem to people. There are 70,000,000 people who will be collecting at least $20,000 every year for the next 30 years. You do the math.

: )

[Lazlo in PA]

I’m not giving up on Rick yet. Clinton came out of nowhere from the back of the pack in ‘92. There is still hope.

[bwc2221]

I didn’t list Ron Paul's flaws for the same reason I didn't list cain’s, Santorum’s, Huntsman's, McCotter’s or Buddy Roemer’s - I don't view him as having a chance of winning the nomination.

[South40]

He’s not trying to make it a campaign issue. He is being questioned on it because he mentioned it in his book.

And when did he release his book?

If he didn't want anything in his book to be a campaign issue he should not have released the book just months before the biggest campaign of his political career.

[South40]

Gore made SS an issue when he droned on about a “lock box”. Perry, should he get the nomination, has given Obummer and the DNC an early Christmas present.

[Liberty Valance]

Hang on ... new orders coming in.

[bwc2221]

Unfortunately, the media will pull out all stops to protect Obama, just as they tried to do tonight. Let's face it. The only candidate Brian Williams might have wanted to look good was Huntsman.