CNN: New Orleans, Louisiana (CNN) – As speculation mounts about his presidential ambitions, Texas Gov. Rick Perry delivered a rousing and unapologetic defense of conservative principles on Saturday at the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans.
Perry repeatedly brought an audience of hundreds of Republican activists to their feet with a small government message reminiscent of the one that helped him win an unprecedented third term as governor last November.
Perry said there is "too much spending, too much interfering and too much apologizing" in Washington.
"Stand up!," Perry thundered. "Let's speak with pride about our morals and our values and redouble our effort to elect more conservative Republicans. Let's stop this American downward spiral!"
Perry made no mention of his political plans and avoided the media by slipping out the back of the hotel where the conference was held following his speech.
But it was clear that the governor was positioning himself as a conservative heavyweight with a credible economic record should he decide to join the crowded Republican presidential field. [MORE]
I watched the speech and I really did like what I heard. However, I have to admit, I have not done my homework on Perry's record, so I cannot say whether or not I believe he is the real deal. (Texas readers, help me out. What should I start looking at regarding the Perry record?)
From the speech I get the impression that Perry is a fighter who won't wither under the Obama and the left's assault. (Again, Texas readers help me out, is Perry a barroom brawler or just another lightweight with a big mouth?).
I am already hearing some of the left's attacks on Perry (secessionist and "another Texas governor" = Bush). I don't see these arguments holding much water in the face of the current state of the nation. (Seceding from an out of control Washington sounds quite sane and who care where the guy is from if he really has a record of creating a job friendly environment).
If Perry's record is the real deal, he could easily become the conservative candidate the base is looking for.
Via: Memeorandum
Via: CNN
Video h/t: The Right Scoop
Austin American-Statesman: Gov. Rick Perry today gave his strongest indication yet that he may run for president.
“I’m going to think about it” after the legislative session ends Monday, Perry said. He added, “But I think about a lot of things.”
For years, Perry has said that he would not run for president and that he had no interest in the job. He has often said that he has said no to the presidential question in as many ways as he could.
But he and his advisers have inched closer to saying he may run all week, following the announcement that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels would not enter the GOP field. A couple of days ago, he told Greta Van Susteren on Fox News that a run was tempting.
Many conservatives have called on Perry to enter a field which could have room for a social and fiscal conservative with Perry’s energy and charisma. And, intentionally or not, the governor has set himself up for a run over the last couple of years, making a Texas/Washington contrast the focus of his 2010 re-election and writing a book called “Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America From Washington. [MORE]
I think Rick Perry getting into the 2012 would sure make things exciting. He would certainly outshine all of the establishment bore snores. I can almost see Perry calling out Mitt Romney on his crazy mixed and muddled message on healthcare reform.
I can also see Rick Perry causing trouble for conservatives like Palin and Cain. Perry is every bit as charming, charismatic and dynamic as Palin and Cain. Plus his three terms as governor from a state leading is job creation certainly trumps both their records.
The downside for Perry would be winning the general election. It would be all to easy for the left to come up with themes of Perry as the crazed Texas cowboy secessionist (given Washington's extremely poor performance of late, secession may not be the crazy idea it use to be). Granted, the left tried this theme with George W. Bush and it went no where, but in 2012 Obama needs distractions and Perry's secession stuff might be too much of a distraction.
At any rate, I say Rick Perry should jump in just to bring some much needed excitement to a thus far dull election.
Via: Memeorandum
Via: Austin American-Statesman
