How Bad Was Perry Last Night? So Bad Even Leading Tea Party Group FreedomWorks Is Saying Romney Might Not Be So Bad After All…
There’s no question about it, Perry was an absolute train wreck last night. FreedomWorks was actually protesting against Romney less than a month ago and now even they’re having serious doubts about the rest of the field.
ORLANDO — The head of an influential Tea Party group that has been outspoken against Mitt Romney signaled Friday that their opposition to the former Massachusetts governor is softening as Rick Perry falters.
“Romney has an opportunity to rehabilitate himself,” Matt Kibbe, chairman and CEO of FreedomWorks, told The Huffington Post in an interview.
Perry, the Texas governor, who entered the race about six weeks ago, has stumbled after a meteoric start, Kibbe said.
“It looks to me like Rick Perry has been buttoned down by political handlers. He was being very cautious last night. It was as if someone told him he wasn’t allowed to say what he wanted to say, so he sort of fumbled a couple things,” Kibbe said.
Kibbe said Perry should be more authentic, but that if he does not change course, “he’s got a problem.”
“What Tea Partiers are looking for is someone that stands for something, but also someone that shows the political skills to win. It’s not enough to be right and lose. The goal here is to win the presidency,” Kibbe said.
In May, Kibbe and other FreedomWorks officials told HuffPost that they wanted to stop Romney from being the Republican nominee.
The group protested Romney at a campaign event in New Hampshire earlier this month. Just three weeks ago, FreedomWorks’ Vice President of Public Policy Max Pappas wrote on the group’s website: “We support free markets, constitutionally limited government, and fiscal responsibility and we oppose politicians from both parties who do not. Romney does not, so we oppose him.”
Posted by ZIP on Friday, September 23, 2011, at 9:04 pm | 
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Two words America
Herman…Cain
He was the only one up there who was not full of 1) him/herself, 2) shit, and 3) hot air.
Substance and credibility. Business credentials. Like Albert Einstein said…insanity is doing the same thing OVER AND OVER again and expecting different results. Dem or Rep, both have been nothing but abject failures since the turn of the century. So do we wait for the 10% good politician out there or do we start putting business people at the helm.
Everyone’s admitted that fuelling the economy starts with business…so get your heads out of your collective asses and put the business man in charge. And no white guilt in this statement…didn’t vote for Obamalamadingdong…not cuz he was black, but because he was an idiot.
Ah…except for Reagan!!!
@Bob
My thoughts exactly!!
Perry got as red as a beet when he said ‘it’s bad mittens’, yet the newspaper this morning quotes him as saying ‘its badminton’, i really doubt he would of turned red from embarrassment by saying ‘badminton’ he said “it’s bad mittens” any one else catch this major ridiculing moment for Perry? Perry will have the best spokes people around good for him.
Texans, like myself, WARNED you about Perry!!! His WEAKNESS is ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION!
Don’t forget he used to be a democrat who campaigned for AL GORE!
HERMAN CAIN out of this group would be the best! We need somebody who is NOT a career politician, like the rest of the field!
Very, very disappointing -I’d had such high hopes for him.
… For my entire adult life, I’ve considered “both parties” (“Democrats” and “Republicans”) to essential be different sides of one party -a party that consistently advances statism, and accomplishes this by successfully dividing (and therefore conquering) the American public with the false D vs. R argument.
(Although I’ve always agreed the Democrats are the greater evil.)
Accordingly, I’ve always voted for ANYONE OTHER than a D/R.
I was considering making an exception for this presidential election -as I did in the last (non-presidential) election, voting R across the board.
But there’s no way I’ll vote for that POS Romney -he’s part of the problem, not part of the solution. If he’s the GOP nominee, I’ll vote for someone other than him (and Obama).
Sure hope Sara enters. She’s totally won me over, and I’d enthusiastically support her. I think she’s absolutely tear to shreds all the pathetic jokes currently offered in the GOP playing field -in genuine debates.
perry was bad in the debate, but no way is Romney the guy. if we end up with Romney we’re screwed, unless we also have big majorities in the house and senate to keep him focused and give him some backbone. Romney is another lead from behind type like Obama. no thanks
I think they should pick podiums for each of them randomly next debate… Herman needs to be front and center… I do have concern regarding his health… It’s gonna be hell straightening out this mess…
Everyone should vote for the candidate they like best in the primaries, but when it comes down to it we all have to vote for the Republican nominee whoever it is….Obama has to go.
Perry was HORRIBLE in the debate.
Romney was DECENT in the debate.
Perry would be FAR BETTER in the White House than Romney.
Debate performances do not change that assessment one bit.
It’s only September. It’s not a disaster for anyone, but definitely makes me, and likely others, cautious.
Amen to that, Ringo. These debates should be centered on Obamas faults and not those of the Republican candidates. The liberal press will be sure to keep us informed on the Republican candidate faults.
Perry was not my first choice,Romney in my mind is only as a vote against obama.
I’m more concerned about Freedomworks backtracking like that. Rommney is still the same person he was 3 weeks ago except for maybe a better line of shit. I’m glad I never gave any money to Freedomworks.If Freedomworks is really Tea Party let them back Santorum,Bachmann or Cain, not pump up the low hanging fruit.
The establishment R and D want Romney or Perry. They are trying to manipulate us into thinking they are the only 2 who are electable. What has happened to the tea party? I agree with Cain. And if he padded himself with appointees with all the wonderful tea party proponents, our country can be saved.
It wasn’t pretty. And the sad thing is, he’s much better in person. I don’t know why he’s looking so wooden on the national stage.
Good Grief – does a president spend his days debating or leading & guiding the country? One bad debate shouldn’t cause a person to crap out & no longer have a chance.
Perry IS “authentic” when he speaks in support of open borders and taxpayer-subsidized tuition for illegal alien college students.
That’s the problem. His leftist beliefs about immigration and sovereignty are antithetical to nearly all Tea Partiers, most conservatives and many independents.
Perry lost my vote.
Cain and Newt YES
Before last night, I could have been a Perry man. But after his stuttering/stammering around and his full support of taxpayer monies educating illegal aliens (I don’t give a fuck about their children) is the game changer for me. But never, never for Romney. Hell, I’d vote for Gingrich with all his baggage before I’d cast a vote for RINO Romney. But the shining star as far as I’m concerned last night – was Herman Cain. Sure, determined, an actual plan for recovery and the guts to follow through on it. But right now, I’m just a Watcher.
Newt Gingrich needs another look. He knows the Founding, he knows our Constitution, and he knows the Stealth Jihad that’s being committed on this country.
The Tea Party needs to step back and take a breath. I will not vote for Mitt Romney. Romneycare/Obamacare, and this.
EPA Official Was Romney’s ‘Green Quarterback’
http://nationaljournal.com/energy/epa-official-was-romney-s-green-quarterback–20110922
THe media keeps pushing Romney who is no doubt no different from Scott Brown. Don’t believe the hype, ever.
@teacake, 100% agree! btw Perry may not have hit his stride in debating, well the won can’t talk without a teleprompter………
I’m tired of the press treating it like there only 2 candidates, but then most of the sheeple go along and vote in the polls for ever who the media say is winning.
Cain/West 2012. let clean up Dc and the Mid East
Bob…
I ditto what you think ~
As to last night, I’ve been waiting a long time for this issue to come up…as it is a main one with millions of us across this land.
http://angrywhitedude.com/2011/09/question-of-the-day-do-you-think-perry-did-himself-in-last-night-regarding-illegal-immigration/
Perry’s is knee-high in deep sh!t now…at least we know before we vote…I don’t want another McAmnesty to have to vote for…at all.
Perry was bad. But, Mitt actually did very well. Mitt didnt do neutral to Perry’s bad, he did well. I went in a Perry supporter but overriding all is I want ABO and last night I saw Perry in a light that tells me he would struggle defeating Obama.
Perry lied about the 31 yr old cancer patient as far as the timing of the situation…I think Perry lost it all last night…
this whole anti-Perry hysteria over a bad debate is a bit dramatic…Kinda over kill given that there will be 3 more debates the next in 3 weeks.
My advice to Perry…Get some rest cause you looked and sounded beat.
If Michelle would just stop bragging about being the Mom/Foster Mom, she would be easier to take. Every time she says that, it reminds me that she has talking points, and makes her come across less genuine. However, she is the ONE who has the real scruples…real convictions…she has never waivered, and doesn’t have dirty laundry. However, her raspy/nagging way of speaking just isn’t presidential. Sad.
On the other hand, Newt is sharp as a tack. He speaks well, and doesn’t take any crap. He is perfect…except for the baggage.
I think there are still at least 4 (who knows if anyone else will throw a hat in the ring) very good candidates, and whoever wins the primary will need the ones who did not win the primary to coach and strengthen the one who is elected to oppose Obama.
I might have believed summa dis shit, but, WHO talks to the HuffingtonPost? I mean 4real.
And Perry and Romney are deformed reformed Demoncrats. Gawd why vote at all?
I mean seriously if I believed in Allah I would be stapping 1 on about now.
strapping oopsie
This asshole Perry wants to reward illegal aliens by sending their illegal alien children to school.
And I think that absolutely sucks. He thinks having tax payers paying for this shit is a good thing.
I think it’s a big bunch of bullshit!
That’s like telling some guy, “Hey man! I’ll give you a thousand dollars to knock over that liquor store.”
If you commit a crime, the Texans will make it worth your while.
This is your lucky day!
Herman Cain is our best bet. But, as they say, and I agree, ABO. Anybody but Obama.
I told you the Media was pushing Perry out of the race…
Huge PASS Media is giving MITT…
Mitt has 5 sanctuary cities in his state; and doles out massive welfare funds… http://t.co/ZiVdLAfn
Those BORN here (17 to 25 years old) will never improve…
They will always be on welfare…
COMPARE:
Perry is trying to improve the educational standards for those 17 to 25 years of age, BORN in this country….
FACT: It’s the Federal Government’s JOB to secure the border, and approve ALL deportations… The Federal Government is the PROBLEM…
Hahaha… Mitt is made to be the better candidate because he says so little about the horror of (HIS) Sanctuary Cities, or the Federal Reserve, and Social Security…
This (in my view) is how this will play out:
The Media will never ask Huntsman or Mitt any confronting questions…. Until the rest are taken down….
Rick Perry is as dedicated to the GOP, and more importantly conservative causes, as Harry Reid was. Perry is a player with a very well-documented past.
Please understand that Freedom Works is a DC political organization that glommed onto the tea party when it saw a chance to capitalize and make money off the name. The real tea party is made up of local leaders who began February 27th, 2009. Not political organizations putting millions in the pockets of former politicians like Dick Armey. By the way, Armey endorsed uber-RINO Kay Bailout Hutchison for TX Governor.
Rick Perry has never been popular with Texas tea partiers and isn’t now.
awd
AWD…
You can throw in Tea Party Express as well ~
Who I won’t vote for:
Anyone who doesn’t have a solid plan to reverse our economic decline
Anyone who doesn’t “get” islam
Anyone who engages in leftist social engineering and has the nerve to call me heartless for disagreeing
Forgot one specific:
REPEAL HE11CARE!
@Maria
I agree. they all have “handlers” it makes them more plastic.
I want a real person. Like Reagan.
****a conservative PERSON. not a faux politician posing as conservative
You know what – Perry’s alleged “mistakes” made him seem human and sort of likable and I like that he did not give in to the temptation of Hispanic bashing too. I doubt people here would be getting their bowels in an uproar over children of illegal British immigrants in schools in Texas. I do not think being a great debater makes you a great president otherwise we would be talking about President Gingrich for the next 8 years.
“I doubt people here would be getting their bowels in an uproar over children of illegal British immigrants in schools in Texas.”
Nice try SarahSmile. Why not just call us greedy raaaaacists because we don’t want grabberment commanding us to redistribute our wealth.
Funny how you only seem to show up when your idol is being discussed. Wonder why…. hmmmm.
See, two can play the game.
romney like every rino before him will say what he needs to to be elected,but he’s still a rino. demonicrats love romney
Teacake says:
September 23, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Cain and Newt YES
=================================
Newt yeah right- the guy who endorsed Deede Scozzafava, sat on a couch with Nancy Pelosi talking abut global warming, denounced a very sensible Paul Ryan plan as “right wing social engineering” and has a personal life that can almost rival Bill Clinton’s , divorced a cancer stricken wife, – yes that is a guy for all of us – just because he gets in good zings during a debate.
Funny how you only seem to show up when your idol is being discussed. Wonder why…. hmmmm
========================
Excuse me I am a Romney supporter first and Perry second. As for “getting Islam” you will be waiting a very long time to vote before a candidate says the words you want to hear. And don’t tell me that it is a lie when I wrote that few people would open their traps if it were British or say Dutch or Danish kids in Texas schools because you know it is true.
Hostile lil troll aren’t ya?
You know its true, you know its true…..
Ahhh huh, now I remember.
SarahSmile used to show up at Diary of Daedalus trying to bait posters into raaaaacist rants. A pathetic critter.
Let’s just remind ourselves that it’s still relatively early and maybe, just maybe, Trump is ready to swoop. Him or Mittens? Jeebus, we are effed in the A.
I’m not a troll, I never got personal with you and that is a nice little way of dismissing someones points without dealing with them. As far as Northern European kids being in Texas schools not being an issue you know that I am right. I am sure you are a decent man/woman (sorry I don’ know your gender) but would you rather those kids be on the streets doing drugs or joining street gangs? Out of curiosity and you are of course not obligated to tell us here and I am not looking for a flame war, but who is your candidate?
What is a Diary of Daedalus and I have never read it or been there.
I’d like to take this occasion to remind everyone who was in the “lead” at this point in the year (2007) for the 2008 presidential GOP nomination: Rudy Giuliani, with John McCain a then-distant FOURTH. This thing is still wide-open, especially for those who haven’t declared their candidacy YET……..
doesn’t matter if the illegals are from Saturn’s 10th moon what they do as far as infiltrating the social security administration and and milking it for numbers others than retirement benefits is appalling and what they have done for the forged entry papers is another disaster, also the flaunting of speaking English in Texas schools is rampant, there is no oversight to their third world habits and are worth washing your hands over. This is not about the color of their skin,@ SS to insinuate it is, misses the boat.
We all know that the media AND the North east GOP estiblment. wants a middle of the road, RHINO type to run. just like with john macain and bob dole.
@SarahSmile
From an article on American Thinker re: Perry, Romney and Obama
http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/how_perry_can_beat_gop_heel-nippers.html
“In 2008 we elected the smoothest talker and we are living with those results.
Will we repeat that mistake in 2012?”
To govern Texas which is huge and almost a country unto itself is a lot tougher then governing Massachusetts.
All this hooray about the Republican debate. At least we know that if a Republican is elected president that they are real American citizens which is a lot more than we know about the current prez.
“perry needs smart ways to distance himself from his rivals” says the article in AT, Perry will check the box by putting his spokesmen in our face 24/7. people across Oz will clamor to see Mr. Wizard handing out brains,hearts,and homes to all that want, Texas is not the land of Oz it is the home of the Alamo, Perry looking mighty handsome in a weasel fur hat right about now.
I read that article and even though I am still a Romney and then a Perry supporter, I thought the author made some excellent points.
His position(s) regarding illegal immigrants is political suicide. But he could always change parties and become the hero of the left.
Which of these hopefuls will stand up to the mob that boos an American soldier, wishes for the death of the uninsured, and cheers executions?
So far, Gary Johnson’s is the only GOP contender who sounds sane and moral.
Herman Cain is who I would vote for without holding my nose.
I’d really have to think hard voting Libertarian if I see Perry or Romney on the ballot.