Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
John Marzan ·
Aug 28, 2011 at 5:37am
This is Rick Perry's first national radio interview since announcing his candidacy for president. Did he make a good first impression?
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Dec '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
There has been so much talk about his accent that I was fairly distracted listening for it. I think he's already trying to tone it down a little bit, which is probably not a horrible idea.
On China and foreign policy in general he definitely needs to do his homework. He has one of the really big picture facts down in that we need a much better economy if we are to compete globally, but he was a bit skinny on the specifics.
Overall, it wasn't horrible. He still leaves room for improvement, but that is a good thing with this much longer to go before votes actually get cast. I would rate it a B or B-. I'd like to see him progress through the debates to B+, A, then A+.
Oct '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
the accent didnt bother me a bit. it's the impression that he is a one-issue candidate (but a big issue--jobs/economy) and not much else.
Oct '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
I still prefer "boring" and safe than somebody who "excites."
And jeb bush is right, criticize obama's record all you want but you don't attack the guy personally. Obama's "likability" numbers are still higher than his job approval numbers, and also higher than the current republican field.
Edited on Aug 27, 2011 at 10:48pmDec '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
Considering the record he has, it should be pretty easy to color inside the lines on that one.
Jun '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
I think he is definitley toning down the accent. He artfully avoided any Bush criticism (and I found Jeb's not so subtle dig a Perry quite wrongheaded.)
I don't know if he's a one issue candidate. He seems to be focusing on what people on the campaign trail have been telling him is of greatest importance to them -- the economy. Laura was quite good at pinning him down & asking for specifics. Can you imagine any of the MSNBC hosts pinning down Obama when he starts spinning or avoiding specifics?
Lower taxes. Lower regulation. Lower litigation. What's not to like?
He defended the Texas education situation fairly will. More power in the hands of the states. Hat tips to several Republican governors. Loved his line about not even being sure of where Martha's Vineyard is. He was charming. I want to see how he answers my concerns, like the crony capitalism charges and Gardasil. But I'd say he did a pretty good job.
May '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
The King Prawn
Considering the record he has, it should be pretty easy to color inside the lines on that one. · Aug 27 at 10:52pm
That's a great expression.
About that interview, I heard it live at the time, was unimpressed -- worried, really -- and it caused me to go on a Youtube expedition to see and hear as much as I could on the guy. Based on that interview I was expecting Bush, but Perry's better, and thank goodness.
But he's certainly nowhere near as nimble as a Haley Barbour, for instance, and so we're stuck yet again with a candidate who makes us nervous when he's off the cuff -- not as nervous as Bush or Palin, but nervous nonetheless -- and darnit, I so didn't want to have to go through this again.
Perry's growing on me, but I still regard the more-nimble-but-less-pure Romney as the least flawed of our very flawed Big Two in a must-win election. A very unsatisfying situation.
Jun '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
It was a pretty dern frindly chat. Jes a cupple o ole cow hands jawin over the fince. In a debate with Obama, we can bet that the questions will tilt to the President's strengths. If it is Governor Perry that is on the podium, he needs to be well prepared. Can he study better than he did in school? I am joking, of course, but in a semi-serious way. School was a long time ago (for both of them) and they have both accomplished much since. But Perry needs to know many specifics about Obama's policies and speak directly on those points. Jeb Bush is only correct if Perry's criticisms of Obama are not on policy. OTH, has that ever happened? Is good ol Jeb playing cat and mouse with Carl Rove by criticizing Perry, in advance, for something he hasn't done?
May '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
That was bad. Low grade, inarticulate. Laura sounded more serious, more knowledgeable, more capable than he did.
Sep '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
It benefits Perry to be seen as not a friend of Bush. Jeb is doing him a favor and Laura is more than willing to play her part. I don't believe there is anything accidental about it. I can't believe so many people are buying into this charade. I don't think there is anything wrong with it - just the way the game is played.
Sep '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
Ditto to both.
Scott Reusser
The King Prawn Considering the record he has, it should be pretty easy to color inside the lines on that one. · Aug 27 at 10:52pm
That's a great expression.
About that interview, I heard it live at the time, was unimpressed -- worried, really -- and it caused me to go on a Youtube expedition to see and hear as much as I could on the guy. Based on that interview I was expecting Bush, but Perry's better, and thank goodness.
But he's certainly nowhere near as nimble as a Haley Barbour, for instance, and so we're stuck yet again with a candidate who makes us nervous when he's off the cuff -- not as nervous as Bush or Palin, but nervous nonetheless -- and darnit, I so didn't want to have to go through this again.
Perry's growing on me, but I still regard the more-nimble-but-less-pure Romney as the least flawed of our very flawed Big Two in a must-win election. A very unsatisfying situation. · Aug 28 at 6:36am
Jun '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
I have little disagreement with the substance behind Mr. Perry's thoughts, but he needs to improve his delivery. He meanders too much. What you hear in this interview is someone thinking out loud (a process I find painful). The governor can overcome this deficiency with a bit of practice, and perhaps some coaching. The key (are you listening, Mr. Perry?) is to distill your ideas ahead of time and deliver them with pith and clarity. Rely on simple declarative sentences. Try this for example:
"The problem I have with Mr. Duncan is that education is not a federal prerogative (pause). Education is best handled at the local level (pause). We've made great progress in Texas. Our test scores are up especially for minority children. I'll match our record against any state in the union."
My contribution to the Perry campaign. The first one is free. My consulting fees start at $100 per hour. Cheap.
Apr '11
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
I want someone who is willing to throw the bath water out without the baby.
By railing on how much he dislikes Washington and everything else that is not working he seems to only pander to the mood of the public. I don't need his opinions but his solutions and how he is going to lead this great nation on to further greatness.
We already have a president who denigrates almost everything about this country accept himself, every chance he gets. I appreciate his declaration that he says what he thinks but we need someone who can restrain himself when necessary. We need a leader to assure us and instill confidence, stirring us to action not inciting us to anger.
We have candidates who promise to bring their business savvy to Washington but have you ever heard any business leader denigrate the very business or past leadership of the very company he was chosen to lead. To inspire the stockholders he presents a clear vision with a proven list of colleagues and a definitive plan to move the company forward.
As far as the gaffs, just be reminded that even our beloved President Reagan was prone to a gaff.
May '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
~Paules:
The governor can overcome this deficiency with a bit of practice, and perhaps some coaching. The key (are you listening, Mr. Perry?) is to distill your ideas ahead of time and deliver them with pith and clarity.
I don't know. Seems to me the key is to know what you're talking about.
Compare and contrast with Haley Barbour, Mitch Daniels, Paul Ryan.
Perry sounds like he's winging it, like he's out of his depth. Like Obama in that respect, to be honest.
May '11
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
Overall, unimpressive. He's a great speechmaker but doesn't give the impression of someone who is on top of the issues. A bit undisciplined as well. Calling Washington "seedy" regardless of whether its true is just poor politics.He needs to study those position papers and have more clear, crisp answers to those types of questions. I give him a C at best.
Jun '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
katievs
~Paules:
The governor can overcome this deficiency with a bit of practice, and perhaps some coaching. The key (are you listening, Mr. Perry?) is to distill your ideas ahead of time and deliver them with pith and clarity.
I don't know. Seems to me the key is to know what you're talking about.
Compare and contrast with Haley Barbour, Mitch Daniels, Paul Ryan.
Perry sounds like he's winging it, like he's out of his depth. Like Obama in that respect, to be honest. · Aug 28 at 9:14am
I'll submit that some people have a natural ability to cut to the quick when they speak. Christie, Rubio, and our own James Lileks come to mind. Most people need preparation and practice. Perry needs to stop winging it because he comes off poorly.
May '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
~Paules
I'll submit that some people have a natural ability to cut to the quick when they speak. Christie, Rubio, and our own James Lileks come to mind. Most people need preparation and practice.
No doubt. But that particular natural ability is highly-to-be-desired (not to say totally indispensable) in a candidate for President, no? Especially at this particular moment in history when a capable spokesman for the conservative cause is so urgently needed, and when the lefty media can be counted on to make things as difficult as possible for the Republican nominee.
Further, I would contend that the "gift" of good speaking comes mainly as a fruit of competence and experience. If you really know what you're talking about, it shows. A person who trips and stumbles and hesitates in speaking about areas in the center of his responsibility is a person who comes across as being in way over his head.
Not what we need right now.
Edited on Aug 28, 2011 at 9:44amMar '11
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
I just listened to Laura's interview. Nice guy but not very impressive intellectually. He cites all the right concerns but has very little specificity as to solutions. It will be interesting to see how he does in the debates. The media suggests he'll be a tiger but I'm not sure. His hesitation in phrasing does suggest shadows of George W.
May '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
I'll say, too, that so far I think Romney runs circles around Perry, when it comes to inspiring confidence in his ability to lead us out of the mess we're in.
Apr '11
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
Bad? I disagree - a little, but I was hoping for much, much better (considering this was a friendly interview). Showcasing how much money he spent on education made me groan.
And Katie, Laura sounded more serious, knowledgeable, and capable, because she's a conservative talk show host. They're the best at articulating conservative values with clarity and brevity. Of course talk show hosts make it look easy - as does everyone who is at the apex of their field. As we all know, there are frustratingly few GOP politicians who can project knowledge with easy, friendly wit, and do it with clarity.
Jun '10
Re: Is Perry Really a Better General Elections Candidate?
katievs
Further, I would contend that the "gift" of good speaking comes mainly as a fruit of competence and experience. If you really know what you're talking about, it shows.
Let me offer you some insight based on my experience as a teacher. The four types of mind:
1. Fast and deep. No better example than James Lileks. It's an innate ability pure and simple. And, yes, I'm envious of James.
2. Slow but deep. Typically such folks arrive at the right decision or insight, they just need what teacher's refer to as "processing time." George W. Bush knew what he thought and he had the virtue of conviction. It was just so . . . painfully . . . slow watching him struggle to articulate.
3. Fast but shallow. Typical of ADD kids and adults. Initial thoughts fly out of their mouths without any due consideration. Joe Biden?
4. Slow and shallow. Not much hope here. Some folks are just born dull.