Turkey Run By 'Islamic Terrorists'
Note to Rick Perry: Check who the U.S. allies are before referring to a country as being run by "Islamic terrorists." At the Fox News debate on January 16, Perry was asked if Turkey belonged to NATO, and he responded that "obviously when you have a country that is being ruled by what many would perceive to be Islamic terrorists … not only is it time for us to have a conversation about whether or not they belong to be in NATO, but it’s time for the United States, when we look at their foreign aid, to go to zero with it." The response did not go over well with Turkey, a key ally of the U.S. and with 24 NATO bases. "Turkey joined NATO when the governor was still two years old," said the Turkish Foreign Ministry in a statement.
The Oops Heard Round the World
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Ever wanted to see a presidential candidacy implode on live TV? The Texas governor has admitted that debates are not his forte, but Perry set a new low, even by his own standards. At CNBC’s GOP debate, the 2012 hopeful’s campaign came crashing down to the sound of an “oops” when he couldn’t recall an agency he said he’d abolish. Prepare yourself to cringe—oops!
‘I Stepped In It’
Don’t call it a comeback. The day after his big “oops” moment at CNBC’s GOP debate, the Texas governor went on a major TV tour to explain his temporary memory lapse—and offered up a less than satisfactory explanation of his gaffe. Perry’s only excuse for forgetting the name of an agency he’d abolish as president was that he “stepped in it.” Call it one small step for Perry and one giant leap of faith for American voters.
Rick Perry Stumbles in Circles
Rick Perry’s poll numbers are going down fast, and this appearance on GMA only furthered his demise. The Texas governor had trouble wrapping his words around his answers, leaving him bumbling at a time when he can’t afford to miss a step—and that was before the “oops” heard around the world. Perry has said he’s no “slick” politician, but how about trying to at least command the English language?
Drunk on Freedom?
Here’s a reason not to mix alcohol with public appearances. During a speech in New Hampshire, the Texas governor was in a rather questionable state when he appeared more—dare we say—enthusiastic than usual. In the speech, Perry jubilantly thanked his supporters and quipped that he loved “talking about freedom,” among other less comprehensible praises. While the media speculated that the 2012 hopeful was intoxicated, perhaps Perry was just drunk on his love for the U.S.A … or drank too much maple syrup.
Perry’s Puzzling Prose
The Rick Perry “piñata” returns: During a Fox debate, the Texas governor launched into what can only be called a confounding attack on Mitt Romney. Going after the former Massachusetts governor’s ever-changing record, Perry got into a tongue twister. “Is it the Mitt Romney that was on the side of against the Second Amendment before he was for the Second Amendment? Was it—was before he was before the social programs, from the standpoint of he was for standing up for Roe v. Wade before he was against Roe v. Wade?” Romney’s response says it all: “Nice try.”
What Decade Is It?
Basic math might not be a requirement to be president, but we sure hope it becomes one. When the Texas governor attempted to demonstrate his history knowledge on CNN, he wasn’t the only one left scratching his head. Citing Woodrow Wilson (who was president from 1913 to 1921), Perry urged viewers to note changes in income tax “if you go back a decade ago” to when Wilson was in the White House. Perry might not have his fifth-grade history down pat, but this is one blunder that could have been avoided—with Wikipedia.
Rick Perry: Action Movie Star?
Tom Cruise, meet your newest competition. Since Perry can’t rely on his proven debate performance, one of the 2012 hopeful’s ads instead touts his “proven leadership,” action-movie style. The Texas governor’s spot plays more like a big-budget Hollywood flick than a serious campaign ad, but it’s not enough to put that “oops” to bed. Don’t mess with Texas—or Perry’s campaign production team.
