While liberal commentators gleefully report Texas Gov. Rick
Perry’s departure from the 2016 Republican presidential race, the GOP should
take pause about where this bizarre campaign is heading.
On paper, Perry represented perhaps the Republicans’ best
chance to capture the White House in the ’16 general election. But now he is
the first to drop out of the race, after just one debate and nearly four months
before the Iowa caucuses.
Red State in America, where the economy has been performing quite well. Liberal claims that the gains are also based on falling prices are largely false.The governor also had established himself at
the forefront of the conservative movement for more states’ rights and
state-based governmental innovations. In addition, he presented himself to the Religious Right as
just as much of a Bible thumper as his Texas competitor, Sen. Ted Cruz.
the only substantial defense policy knowledge in the entire GOP field, with the
possible exception of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s years as a JAG officer. That Graham
story line seems largely irrelevant for a candidate who is going nowhere and
would have never entered this race if he were not from the strategically
important state of South Carolina.Perry’s record as a successful governor, a Washington
outsider, was as evident as any candidates’ resume in this messy field of 17
candidates. On a more superficial level, the governor was an attractive,
presidential-looking candidate who knew how to deliver a solid speech.
Sure, Perry was saddled by his disastrous 2012 presidential
campaign. In addition, his state harbors an especially poor track record for
creating a safety net to protect the poor. Yet, if Donald Trump supporters reflexively express outrage
against the ways of Washington and the GOP establishment, the question is, why
would that fatally wound Perry first and foremost?
Trump’s primary critique of the governor? Perry is now
wearing eyeglasses to make him look smarter than he really is.
days that amounts to a true GOP debate about who is best-suited to serve as
president?A former rich playboy turned obnoxious, wealthy tycoon vs. a
conservative leader with the “right stuff.”
Who would you choose?
