COMMENTARY | I think it’s safe to say that the denizens of Texas took a collective sigh of relief Jan. 19 when Gov. Rick Perry decided to give up his bid for the Republican nomination for the presidency and endorse Speaker Newt Gingrich.
After poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire and low projected numbers in South Carolina, Perry really had no choice but bow out of the race. But it’s not the lack of support among conservatives that did in the Texas governor. His moments of idiocy and his lackadaisical approach to the importance of winning the GOP nomination killed any chance he had at having a Perry White House.
The Huffington Post chronicled Perry’s “oops” moments online. Here’s a quick rundown of his blunders during the 2012 Republican nomination process:
Perry said during a debate that he would eliminate three agencies to help shrink the size of the federal government. When he was asked what three agencies he would get rid of, Perry could only name two. During a campaign stop at a New Hampshire college, Perry clearly didn’t know what the legal voting age was or when the general election was to take place. “Those of you that will be 21 by November the 12th, I ask for your support and your vote,” he said. The correct voting age is 18 and the general election is Nov. 6. Apparently Perry also has trouble with American History. He met with some Dartmouth fraternity brothers after a New Hampshire debate and informed them the American Revolution was fought in the 16th century. History books, since schools in the United States have had them, have shown the war was fought in the 18th century. Perhaps Perry tipped his hand on one of his goals if he became president when he a woman asked him about his thoughts about current military operations and wars in which the United States was involved. He got one right when he mentioned Afghanistan, but named Iran as the location of the other engagement. There’s a strong tie between Perry and President George W. Bush. Perry served as Bush’s lieutenant governor from 1998-2000. Although Bush has had his share of embarrassing comments and moments during his political career, those who followed this nomination process will remember Perry proclaiming that Bush “defended us from freedom.”
Perry tried to get out of the race as gracefully as possible, but had yet another slip-up during his press conference to announce he had suspended his campaign.
“As a former Air Force pilot, I don’t get confused,” Perry said during his 10 a.m. CST speech.
Well governor, I think you’ve proved otherwise. Welcome home.