Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Governor Perry is committing to just one of the next three GOP debates.
Perry hinted at his frustration with the debates earlier this week when he told Fox News that participating in them was a “mistake.”
“These debates are set up for nothing more than to tear down the candidates,” Perry said. “…All they’re interested in is stirring it up between the candidates.”
Perry knows the debate format is not his best venue. He recently made light of his shaky performances in a speech to the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition.
“We are not called to be perfect,” Perry said when he addressed the gathering of social conservatives last weekend. “If any of you have watched my debate performances over the last three or four times, you know I am not perfect.”
I give him props for having some self-awareness. Imagine if our current President had as much.
Perry supporters! (I know we still have some) What do you think? Good idea? Or bad idea?)
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Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
As a former Perry supporter, I think this is a good idea for his overall self-preservation. He'd probably still be up in the polls if he'd made the decision earlier on to not participate in every debate.
Not sure if this move will help him this late in the game, but it can't hurt.
Aug '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
I want to like Perry. (Maybe it's the Texan in me.)
I know he must have some real leadership skills to have held the Texas governor gig for so long. And I know that public speaking skills are not a prerequisite to clear thinking and strong leadership. But I'm with Rob Long in wishing for a qualified candidate that didn't make me anxious every time he opened his mouth to speak.
I want to like him. I really do. But Perry doesn't make it easy.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Given the broad spectrum of things to consider when selecting our candidate Perry still scores pretty high on the metrics. Perhaps giving more focus to his record and his proposals will help him. Of course, some will probably see this as an admission that he is nothing more than a pretty face and figurehead for an idea rather than an actual man. I'm ambivalent about the decision. I want him to be our nominee, but, as Cobalt Blue pointed out, each facet of the campaign is multiplied to the others, not added, so any zero score flatlines the whole package.
Apr '11
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Bad idea. Even if skipping debates helps get his numbers up for the primaries, if he is the nominee Perry will have to debate The One. If he stinks at debates, he needs to use these opportunities in the primary season to hone his skills. And I say this recognizing that his criticisms of the debates thus far is legitimate. But it will only get worse in the general election.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
I like Perry and could become a Perry supporter, but this is a terrible move. We want to select a President who rises to challenges and finds the strength, the determination and the solutions to overcome them, not a President who gives the impression (deserved or not) that if he finds something too challenging, he'll walk away from it and complain that it's unfair. I'd argue that we already have that kind of whiner in the White House, and Perry risks being perceived as that kind of whiner if he can't cowboy up and learn how to handle a debate - even if it is unfair and skewed in favor of pyrotechnic intramural assaults.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
I like Perry on the merits, he is right to note that no one, especially among the GOP candidates is perfect. The jury is still out for me on whether this is a good decision. However, I am sure it is a risky decision.
I think this could prove to be an genuine opportunity for him to distinguish his candidacy, and he is the only one of the Not-Romney cadre with the war chest to make it work.
If he can spurn the MSM and still win, this could change trajectory of future campaigns. And if that leads to a substantive alternative to the current list of debate hosts trying to tar and feather republicans with leading questions and reduce their views to easily refutable sound bites, then more power to him.
Now it all hangs on what he does with his time instead, because it must parity in exposure and impact, the highly viewed and widely publicized debates. These would have to be huge events, that make good television. Everything about these elections, from these debate formats to the unending list of repetitive stump speeches and fundraising dinners is worn out.It is high time the campaigns show us some innovation. That would be a far more confidence inspiring than any debate night sound bite.
Edited on October 27, 2011 at 11:48pmMar '11
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
I think if Perry does something to improve his bona fides besides the debates then it might be a good idea. What would those things be? In-depth interviews, certainly. Thoughtful policy speeches, perhaps. Perhaps a Ricochet podcast or two.
Feb '11
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Yeah. This will solve the problem, because it isn't like a President Perry would ever have to answer questions or explain anything once the election is over.
OMG FAIL.
Chris Christie rose to national prominence because he could make a case in front of an audience, even if mean, leading questions were asked.
The thought of President Perry facing the same scenario fills me with me dread. That's not a good thought for a Republican primary voter to have about you, governor.
I suppose it's still early enough for Perry to turn it around. But this doesn't look good, and it makes me suspect he's already lost.
Jan '11
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Perry has been in politics for decades and he can't handle debates? Okay, I'm saying it . . . chicken! You don't hear this from the guy with zero experience in both politics and debates, Herman Cain. I agree with Stuart, cowboy up, Rick.
Oct '11
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
This sure looks like a bad move to me. Kind of like McCain suspending his campaign in 08. Maybe he's got a secret brilliant strategy, I doubt it, but I could be wrong. Right now it makes him look fearful. If that impression is widely felt and remains, turn out the lights Rick.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
If Perry starts dodging debates he's done.
He's got plenty of time and money to get his message across in other formats, which means he's got the resources to overcome some poor debate performances going forward. But after several dismal outings, it's too late to eschew the debates. If he runs away now, he's stuck not only with his image as poor debater, but he'll be perceived as a coward and a quitter as well. Each time he fails to attend, these images will be reinforced and magnified. If he somehow did managed to get the nomination, he would be subjected to relentless attacks on this issue ("If he can't even handle a debate, how is he going to deal with..."), putting him on the defensive at a time he needs to be on offense against Obama's.
Expectations for Perry are so low at this point that he can hardly make things worse by showing up, and a few average performances will look strong by comparison. He needs to man up, do his homework, and show that he has the character to work through tough problems.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Freeven, did you just use the "Q-word" to describe Perry? Man, that really IS the kiss of death if GOP voters get the idea that skipping the debates is a form of quitting. (But Perry's campaign troubles make me all the more wistful for the Palin candidacy that might have been.)
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
I would agree that the debates can be a helpful part of the general vetting process, and Perry has not been eloquent. Dropping out instead of hitting the books and making a better case will not appear good. But, I'm still left asking, what real good has come out of the debates? All they talk about is their position on this issue or that. As much as it might feel nice to hear a candidate say something we agree with, it doesn't matter at all unless they have a plan they're willing to propose.
If Perry want to re-frame the entire campaign away from these superficial battles of ego, he should come forward with a plan on the future of national defense or trade and challenge Mitt Romney to not only stake out his position but his intended action on that issue, if and when he's elected. If Mitt declines Perry can run him to the wall on it. There ought to be an expectation of Romney, who has spent the better part of 4 years running for president, to have some specific plans about what he's going to do if elected. This ought to be the expectation of all the candidates, but it seems in campaigns specifics can only hurt you with some special interest. I wish they were willing to rise above that and plant their flags on policies.
Edited on October 28, 2011 at 2:03amApr '11
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Freeven was right to mention expectations. This is all about lowering expectations so that his next debate performance looks as good as possible. The next debate, which is Nov. 9th, will focus on debt, jobs and taxes.You think Perry would dodge that that type of debate after he just released his Cut, Balance and Grow plan?
Apr '11
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Beasley: . But, I'm still left asking, what real good has come out of the debates? As much as it might feel nice to hear a candidate say something we agree with, it doesn't matter at all unless they have a plan they're willing to propose.
If Perry want to re-frame the entire campaign away from these superficial battles of ego, he should come forward with a plan on the future of national defense or trade and challenge Mitt Romney to not only stake out his position but his intended action on that issue, if and when he's elected. There ought to be an expectation of Romney, who has spent the better part of 4 years running for president, to have some specific plans about what he's going to do if elected. This ought to be the expectation of all the candidates, but it seems in campaigns specifics can only hurt you with some special interest. I wish they were willing to rise above that and plant their flags on policies. ·
Mitt's done this, on both these topics. And been roundly mocked by Ricochet for it.
May '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
The only way he gets away with this is if he starts organizing more individualized debates along the lines of the Gingrich-Cain one-on-one. It would show that he's not opposed to being challenged, and offer a clear alternative to the debates as presently constructed.
That said, I bet he ends up attending more of the debates than he's claiming now. Otherwise he just looks wimpy.
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Why not? He's tried the alternative without success. In the meantime, he ought to get his mind out of Texas and think a bit about the future of the country as a whole. There is time -- if he is willing to work.
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
When GOP powerbrokers contracted the cable networks to contract their celebrities, NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams subcontracted a question to Telemundo:
“...very dear to the heart of President Reagan, is immigration reform. As you know, he was the last U.S. President to sign immigration reform in 1986.”
Yes, at the Reagan Library, Perry’s first appearance, Williams sits behind his desk, calls in Jose Diaz-Balart to prance around with a question to embarrass Perry, and then just as abruptly sends him away.
Next, Bloomberg, at Dartmouth, digs out a “not paying their fair share” video by Renaldus Magnus himself, “do we reduce deficits and interest rates by raising revenue from those who are not now paying their fair share?”
Perry has made the correct diagnosis of this pathology but will get shot for being the messenger: “These debates are set up for nothing more than to tear down the candidates… All they’re interested in is stirring it up between the candidates.”
Perry is Spartacus leading the revolt against the left’s nomenklatura directed confabs, organized for an audience accustomed to watch politics only for blood and guts entertainment.
Read the gladiator's “Cut, Balance, and Grow.”
Dec '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
Good for whom? I think we're all in agreement that "debates" are pretty useless as far as substance goes, but they have made a big difference in the campaign. Bachmann got her "moment" after a good debate performance. She wasn't able to parlay it into a real run, but it gave her some daylight. Cain is where he is because of his debate performances. Ditto for Perry, albeit in a negative way. Gingrich has quadrupled his poll numbers through a series of steady outings. With such a tight pack of flawed candidates, and more voters tuning in with each one, I expect we'll see the debates continue to be a factor for a while.
Jun '10
Re: Rick Perry's Solution for Improving his Debate Performances: Skip 'em!
As with others, I want to like rick Perry. I really do. But he is not good on his feet. that is the upside of avoiding the debates. The downside is that the way one gets better at something is to do it. If he gets the nomination, does he really think he will avoid a debate with the President?