Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
Rick Perry has challenged Nancy Pelosi to a debate:
Rick Perry sent a letter, obtained exclusively by GOP12, today to Nancy Pelosi, challenging her to a public debate next week.
Perry, in the letter:
"I am in Washington Monday and would love to engage you in a public debate about my Overhaul Washington plan versus the congressional status quo.
I think it would be a tremendous service to the American public to see a public airing of those differences. Let the people decide.
If Monday doesn't work, perhaps we could find a time in Iowa over the course of the next month to discuss these issues in front of the people of America's heartland."
I have to say I kind of like this. Yeah, it's gimmicky, and will be characterized as unpresidential. On the other hand, it calls attention to Perry's latest proposal and is consistent with his theme of taking a wrecking ball to Washington. And, of course, he has little to lose at this point by going bold -- no pastels, as he says.
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Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
Considering Perry's history with debates this is quite bold. I'm starting to feel the slight stirrings of support for Perry again, but he has time (and now money as well) against him. People are somewhat willing to give him another look based on the way he's handled his brain freeze moment, so there is a sliver of hope building that he can be a contender. He still has much more to offer than the other candidates, but those darn debates are negating all of his positive attributes. Apart from the debates, even with the issues surrounding Gardasil and tuition for illegals, I think he would have been almost a lock at this point. Conservatives are craving boldness. Perry offers that, sadly, it's only one half thought at a time. No chance Pelosi takes him up on this though. Of course, that will lead naturally to the narrative that democrats are unwilling to even have a discussion. Only good can come from people seeing that. Even if Perry doesn't ultimately win the nomination I still want him and his ideas having a significant influence within the party.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
More the appearance of boldness than the reality. Still, if you're going to bill yourself as the candidate who will dismantle Washington, you've got to be making these kinds of symbolic moves. It's tough to see how it hurts him at this point, and it just may help. He does need to make sure he's got some real substance to talk about from here on out, however. The gimmicks may get him some attention, but he's then going go have to keep and leverage it.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
Have you read the comments on the story? Another reason to cherish Ricochet (well, when I'm on my leash anyway.) I think the move is politically skillful as you note. The problems we face are not the other people running for the Republican nomination; our problems are in congress, concentrated almost exclussively among the likes of Pelosi. He's taking the fight to the right place.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
I rarely read comments on free sites anymore. Even NRO, which used to be at a pretty high level, has gotten worse as the campaign has progressed. Richochet is a haven, for sure.
Mar '11
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
If they had real debates in the House, Ms Pelosi would have never made it to speaker.
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
I think the more important and long overdue thing that happened today was Perry finally breaking open the Fast and Furious criticism.
It is long past time that someone started raising this issue on the campaign trail. I hope other candidates will follow suit.
Jan '11
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
I somehow doubt that Pelosi will be accepting his offer . . .
but I really like this idea - and I would like to see these kinds of challenges made more often.
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
Ben Domenech, Guest Contributor: I think the more important and long overdue thing that happened today was Perry finally breaking open the Fast and Furious criticism.
It is long past time that someone started raising this issue on the campaign trail. I hope other candidates will follow suit. · Nov 18 at 12:30pm
Amen
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
M. T. S.: I somehow doubt that Pelosi will be accepting his offer . . .
but I really like this idea - and I would like to see these kinds of challenges made more often. · Nov 18 at 12:40pm
She ought to. Reviving Rick Perry would throw a monkey wrench into Republican deliberations. Of course, were he to rise to the occasion, that might be a good thing.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
Things like this can potentially give Perry an effect on the race without winning a single vote. As his policies are very tightly aligned with my idea of good governance, I hope for this even when my hopes for his election have been thoroughly shaken.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
Apparently Pelosi said no.
May '11
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
I think this country is in way too much trouble for us to give in to the American Idol standard media pundits want to impose on the nomination process. I am definitely keeping things in perspective with respect to Governor Perry -his record, history, life experience, long-standing views, policy proposals etc remain the main context in which I'll evaluate him-gaffe or no gaffe. By the way, he gave an interesting interview on Cavuto.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
pensworth
I think this country is in way too much trouble for us to give in to the American Idol standard media pundits want to impose on the nomination process. I am definitely keeping things in perspective with respect to Governor Perry -his record, history, life experience, long-standing views, policy proposals etc remain the main context in which I'll evaluate him-gaffe or no gaffe. By the way, he gave an interesting interview on Cavuto. · Nov 18 at 9:15pm
The interview is what I linked just before your post.
I'm with you 100% on Perry's qualities. I've argued repeatedly that he is being dismissed on the wrong criteria. However, borrowing Joe Biden's mouth for debates has been extremely detrimental to his cause. In a perfect world the debates would be given appropriate weight along with his other (rather stellar) qualifications, but that perfect world keeps slipping farther away every day. If only mine was the deciding vote...
Edited on Nov 18, 2011 at 10:45pmApr '11
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
pensworth
I think this country is in way too much trouble for us to give in to the American Idol standard media pundits want to impose on the nomination process. I am definitely keeping things in perspective with respect to Governor Perry -his record, history, life experience, long-standing views, policy proposals etc remain the main context in which I'll evaluate him-gaffe or no gaffe. By the way, he gave an interesting interview on Cavuto. · Nov 18 at 9:15pm
One of the things I do like about him being in the race is the advertising of how wonderful Texas has been for America. The more we're reminded of how much we owe 'em, and how great Texas is for its workforce, residents, employers, and kids, the better state politics will be in the rest of the US.
May '11
Re: Rick Perry Goes Outside the Box
The King Prawn
pensworth
I think this country is in way too much trouble for us to give in to the American Idol standard media pundits want to impose on the nomination process. I am definitely keeping things in perspective with respect to Governor Perry -his record, history, life experience, long-standing views, policy proposals etc remain the main context in which I'll evaluate him-gaffe or no gaffe. By the way, he gave an interesting interview on Cavuto. · Nov 18 at 9:15pm
The interview is what I linked just before your post.
I'm with you 100% on Perry's qualities. I've argued repeatedly that he is being dismissed on the wrong criteria. However, borrowing Joe Biden's mouth for debates has been extremely detrimental to his cause. In a perfect world the debates would be given appropriate weight along with his other (rather stellar) qualifications, but that perfect world keeps slipping farther away every day. If only mine was the deciding vote... · Nov 18 at 10:27pm
Edited on Nov 18 at 10:45 pm
Oh, I missed your previous link. Well said, well said...