In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
The Washington Examiner's Philip Klein is scarcely a reporter given to swoons. Just look what he had to say about Perry's announcement speech--just look:
Texas Gov. Rick Perry just officially declared his candidacy for president in Charleston, S.C., and in the process delivered the most effective speech, by far, of any Republican presidential candidate this year....
His biography of growing up farming in a small Texas town and his ease of delivery brought a level of authenticity and "regular guyness" that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is sorely lacking. His record in Texas allows him to tout tangible accomplishments that Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., cannot. And he projected an image of strength that made you think he could take it to Obama in a way that former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty would not....
To be sure, a candidate usually looks best on the day they announce. And in the weeks and months ahead, we'll be treated to a deluge of stories about how his record isn't as conservative -- or successful -- as he suggests. But today, he demonstrated why many people have viewed him as a potentially formidable candidate. He could not have asked for a better start to his campaign.
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Aug '11
Re: In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
The "Regular Guyness" of a candidate is going to be worth a lot of votes this time around. I suspect you won't hear Rick Perry fretting about the price of arugula.
Apr '11
Re: In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
I dunno...seems like he could have used a few more American flags.
May '10
Re: In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
I've just listened to it. I can't say I loved it. Seemed rather boiler plate to me.
I have misgivings.
Jan '11
Re: In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
Katievs, I was there when he announced. He's really not bad at all. I might personally prefer the more natural-sounding delivery style of a Nikki Haley or a Chris Christie, but Rick Perry will do just fine on the stump and in debates (I think).
The one thing I took away (and I really have no basis for this, except personal impression) is that given the inevitable comparison of Perry to Bush, the major difference I felt was that Perry struck me as being far, far more combative than Bush ever was. He's got a swagger about him that Bush never quite had.
He just might be what we need this election cycle: a real fighter.
But it's early yet; we'll see what the next few weeks bring us.
Mar '11
Re: In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
TheSophist, Perry is an enthusiastic and ruthless campaigner, just ask Kay Bailey Hutchison. He won't get out hustled. I don't love Rick Perry, and he's been my governor for more than a decade, but I think he's the best thing the Rs have currently. I've said it in a couple of threads, but he reminds me much more of Billy Jeff than he does of W. Which in the context of evicting Barry isn't a bad thing.
Dec '10
Re: In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
Peter Robinson
Really Mr. Klein. You obviously missed the Huntsman announcement. That is to say, today mattered.
BTW, does anyone even remember when Pawlenty or Santorum threw their hats in? Ron Paul was just a gimme. He did well to wait until a moment when a few more folks than just the diehard politicos were paying attention, an I think it will pay off.
Oct '10
Re: In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
I like his speech.
May '11
Re: In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
I believe this will set up a proxy battle between the establishment Republicans behind Romney and the Tea Party/cultural conservatives behind Perry. I know it's early but based on first impressions I get a sense of determination and authenticity from Perry that I don't get from Romney. If you look at the electoral map, its probably going to come down to Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, Virginia and North Carolina. Its a gut feel but I believe Perry may play better there. It will be interesting.
May '10
Re: In South Carolina Today, Rick Perry Seems to Have Been Very, Very Good
I will lay cash on the proposition that Romney is the nominee. Perry's only chance is if Bachmann pulls out in time to stop siphoning off votes that could actually go to a viable candidate.
My suspicion is that the US will not vote for a swaggering Texan, period. Steven Hayward agrees.