How would you compare Rick Perry to George W. Bush?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's hard not to compare Rick Perry to the last Republican governor from Texas who made it all the way to the White House: George W. Bush.
Both men are conservative and religious... and neither is what you would call a scholar.
But as Texan author James Moore writes on CNN.com, "If Perry and bush had been born in the same family, W would have become known as "the smart one."
That's saying a lot.
Bush went to Yale - Perry to Texas A&M. He got Cs and Ds at a place Paul Begala calls "this cute remedial school we have in Texas."
Oh yeah, and both were cheerleaders at school. How weird is that? Very.
Both were in the service... Bush in the Air National Guard and Perry in the Air Force.
When Bush got out of the guard under a cloud of suspicion that he failed to fulfill his entire obligation, he went on to fail in the Texas oil business before becoming a multi-millionaire off the Texas Rangers.
Perry headed straight from the military to the family cotton farm and stayed there for seven years before entering Congress. Since being elected to that job, he hasn't made a dime in the private sector. His checks have all come from the government.
By the way, neither one of these men are cowboys, but they like to pretend... like little boys who put on cowboy hats and boots and stomp around like they're on the set of the TV show "Bonanza."
Differences? As Governor, Bush was known for reaching across the aisle, whereas Perry was the opposite.
Also, Bush pushed ideas and policies he didn't necessarily believe in but were politically expedient... Perry on the other hand believes what he's selling and has been described as looking on compromise "as a kind of terminal cancer."
Lastly - seems like there's not much love lost between the Bush and Perry camps - The Daily Beast reports that Karl Rove and his operatives appear to have launched a campaign to derail Perry's bid for the White House.
Here’s my question to you: How would you compare Rick Perry to George W. Bush?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Karen in Naples, Florida:
Howdy Jack, From a former Texan. I was telling my hubby last night that Perry is exactly like Bush, sounds like him, bobs his head like him, same ideas, same feigned religious fanaticism. All that "jobs" BS, I've been paying $4 a gallon for the last year, so naturally, the oil state should be doing good. Don't get me started on the problems with Texas. People should be VERY afraid of this man.
Marcia in West Virginia:
Brother from another mother, clone, just as goofy, swagger the same (and it doesn't help), neither is representative of Texas, liars... I could go on and on.
Doug:
Ricky has executed more than 230 inmates and Bush whacked about 150. Ricky is clearly in a league by himself.
Debra on Facebook:
With Bush as president, I had one foot in Canada. If Perry wins, there goes the other foot.
Bud in Reston, Virginia:
They are both from Texas and the best thing to come out of the State of Texas is INTERSTATE 10.
Don:
Dumb and Dumber!
Mark in Voorhees, New Jersey:
Perry is apparently a Dominionist Taliban Christian, and Bush kept his religion on the down-low most of the time, except when it was politically expedient. Perry seems to not be as smart, and Bush was no Mensa member. Perry has no scintilla of self-control, and Bush could at least do what Rove told him. And based on his statements thus far, Perry is an even bigger liar, if possible.
M. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
Rick W. Perry and Bush are part of a sleeper cell planted by the notorious Comedy Central Team.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
I think Paul Begala said it best: "Rick Perry may be the perfect candidate for those Republicans who viewed George W. Bush as just a little too cerebral."
Dumber and dumberer.
Jack,
He's a politician, that to me, equals, corrupt and worthless, there isn't a one of them worth voting for.
Come on, Jack. Let's forget about Rick Perry– he got a 2.22 GPA from Texas A&M studying Animal Science... Not exactly the kind of achiever you want running the free world. The real Texan we should be talking about is Ron Paul. He finished second in the Iowa Straw Poll and sensible people can't get enough of him, despite the media's best attempts to snub him of any attention. He may not be young with a nice haircut or have a thundering voice, but he's the only candidate right now who is true, honest, and devoted with common sense solutions to government, which is exactly what the American people need right now– regardless of the politics.
Jack,
I am from Texas and then Governor George Bush spoke at my high school graduation. He was well liked in Texas as governor. The same cannot be said for Perry. He started at Lieutenant Governor thinking strategically Bush would win the Presidency and has held court ever since. His plans to secede from the union made news but Perry didn't want Texas to be a part of the US. It seems like he at any cost wants to run a country, even if he had to make his own. Why isn't someone from the national media asking him real questions... where is the proof of his results in Texas? Why would he want to govern (rule) the US when he originally wanted to secede from it?
Mirror, mirror on the wall- can you tell us apart? Clone number one. Must be a reason why Karl Rove does not like Rick Parry (see Colbert).
Hello mr cafferty. Well Rick Perry and bush both love signing excutive orders to make everyone in the U.S. Follow their absurd policies. For example Rick Perry
Rick Perry signed a shocking executive order forcing every sixth-grade girl to submit to a three-jab regimen of the Gardasil vaccine. He also forced state health officials to make the vaccine available “free” to girls ages 9 to 18.
Rick Perry is just a Dubya on steroids...he is more of the same rhetoric slinging streamlined candidate. To quote George Orwell he is a man "who thinks in slogans and talks in bullets." We don't need an Obama sandwich on Texas Governor toast! We need something different in this country, not politics as usual, maybe we need unusual Paulitics.
Different strains of the same brain eating amoeba.
Both are as dumb as a sack of rocks, but Perry has the makiings of a dangerous evangelical crackpot. Not someone to lead this country.
Separated at birth, only one degree of separation. Texas is a whole other country;let's keep it that way.
Perry uses religion as a banner, Bush leaned on it.
Scary 1 and Scary 2.
Similiar in ideology but Perry has a natural easiness with people and connects with folks instantly. Perry would be a more of a "take charge" type of guy similar to Reagan, not backing down to anyone.
One thing's for sure; he wouldn't apologize for being an American like the current elitist in power.
Rick Perry makes George W. Bush look like Albert Einstein.
Bush- Iraq has W.M.D.'s
Perry- President 2012
What a comedic joke, another Big Boss Texan as President of all Americans. All I can say is, NEVER!!! Being an Independent, President Barack O'Bama has my vote for 2012. It's disturbing, uphauling, and very sad that out of 300+ Million Americans, that the Republican Party can't find one decent person to run in 2012 for President. They are all quacks........Were better than being represented by ducks!!!!!
Tyler Oshkosh, WI
Completely Different, but similar thinking. Better
He's taller?
Rick Perry and George W. Bush are positive proof that Texas has perfected a scientific process of cloning political Cowboys since there are not enough differences between the two to even be considered twin brothers.
We do NOT need another arrogant 'my-or-the-highway", "for-us-or-against-us" "go-it-alone" type of guy in the White House, ONE Bush TWO was enough.
Two peas from the same pod. Brothers from different mothers. Apples and apples.
GW is Einstein compared to Rev. Gov. Perry. But a, Box of Rocks is ten times smarter than the both of them put together.
Bush simply played the fool. Perry, on the other hand....
I thought "W" was marginal at best but had competant handlers in the stable.Rick Perry however is the model for a wing nut if ever I saw one . he thinks because he has invented 21st century low wage slavery that it makes him a Godsend to America.The cocky smirk is the same as "W" and I cant wait to see his campaign "STRATEGERY"!
apples to apples
paul
maryland
Hey, if it walks like a W and talks like a W...
Well Jack there are more similarities between the two then differences. They both have ties to big oil. They both have access to large cash donators who will gladly donate to their causes. They were both from Texas and with that comes their limited vocabulary. They both mispronounce words that even 12 year olds should be able to pronounce correctly and clearly. Unfortunately for Perry, America has not forgotten Bush and the WMD that were never there. This will hurt Perry's chances at a run for president.
Perry is apparently a Dominionist Taliban Christian, and Bush kept his religion on the down-low most of the time, except when it was politically expedient. Perry seems to not be as smart, and Bush was no Mensa member. Perry has no scintilla of self-control, and Bush could at least do what Rove told him. And based on his statements thus far, Perry is an even bigger liar, if possible.
It is canny how much Perry and Bush W. are alike. Both seem to have same intelligent level which is scary. They both sound the same. Perry is a little more out on the ledge with wanting to impose his religious beliefs on others. The only difference between the two I can see is Perry is more scarier than W. Here is a man who uses the word treason which is punishable by death to describe someone. I shake in my shoes when I think of some military officer walking around with a atomic football waiting for him to squeeze the trigger. That is one trigger that needs a lot of careful thought before pulling it. It would not be the same as whipping out the gun he is known to carry and squeezing the trigger.
Rick 'Prayery' is all the dumb of Bush, all the ignorant of Screech Palin, all the scary religious mania of Michele- all in one horrifying, drop-your-word-ending-Gs package. He'll learn to smirk any minute now, and I will go lay in the highway. Just kill me now, Jack.
Hello Jack. I am to busy to answer your question fully. However, if Ivy league education is an indicator of IQ. Mr. Bush rates much higher. I would not have a beer with these gentleman,as their thoughts are not original but the thinks of their spin doctors. In addition, they would not understand my comments,as my IQ of eighty is so much higher. I like to hang with people with at least twice my IQ. That is why I joined Jack's herd and Wolf's pack. In closing, this is a very important question for the voters.If someones brother was not the governor eight years of Mr. Bush and his side Kick- Tricky Prick would have never happened. Did Canada go to Iraq. . Sorry, must go and take another IQ test.
Brother from another mother...clone...just as goofy....swagger the same (and it doesn't help)...neither is resenitive of Texas...liar....I could go on and on.
Ricky has executed 235 inmates and Bush whacked about 150. Rcky is clearly in a league by himself. Doug.
I would compare Rick Perry to George Bush as both presidential candidates from Texas with the same bad college grades who would rule the country the same.
Perry is a clone of Bush. Please, please, please, no more far-right wackos from Texas.
Rick Perry can complete a sentence. Other than that they feed from the same trough and are almost identical a side from their outward appearance. Perry will talk about jobs he created, what he won't say is that they are at fast food places. George W Bush probably would have vetoed the bill to make it illegal to text while driving like Perry recently did. Rick Perry is the only governor who has veto such legislation. I would not consider that an enlightened position along with so many others. Perry as president is a Pandora's Box waiting to happen.
Dumb and Dumber!
They are both from Texas and the best thing to come out of the State of Texas is INTERSTATE 10.
The really evil twin of George Bush...If you think 2000-08 was scary and want to see the finish of the USA vote for Perry and minimum wage jobs across America.
It really doesn't matter, Jack. If the Republicans are going to block any legislation the other side puts forward based on elections and not on what's good for the country, it doesn't matter! there are bills sitting in Congress right now waiting on the House! Bills that put people to work! But the House majority spent 9 months blocking lesislation and nothing went through. You really want to see people go back to work, fire the Republicans and watch!
Perry arrogantly bounces around as a hardcore conservative and its almost sad and pathetic when you come to think of it. Bush wasn't arrogant. Perry would make Bush a far better president.
Yosimite Sam to Quick Draw McGraw
I think that Perry could be an even bigger friend to the millionaires and big corporations than even Bush was and as such, a danger to this country. He's certainly no friend of the environment and most of the jobs he claims to have created in Texas have been minimum wage jobs held by hispanics and jobs related to the oil and gas industry. He"s already gained a reputation for his king size ego and big mouth and we certainly don't need another texas cowboy who's a ultra conservative Republican in the White House again. We still haven't recovered from the last one yet.
Kansas city, Missouri
How would I compare Rick perry to George W. Bush? Well that's easy! I have compared both photos of perry and bush and they both look like monkey and sound alike. Oh did I forget to mention they were both governors from Texas! I have to say a vote for Perry is another 4 years of Bush!
Rick Perry has to be George Bush in disguise. We don't need another Bush that's the reason we are on this mess now. I voted for Obama in 2008 and I will in 2012. I jus don't agree with Republicans policies they would rather have this country fail than President Obama succed.
Clarksville , TN
They look alike, sound alike and appeal to the same constituent base, so you really can't.
About the same way I'd compare cancer to a heart attack.
Totally different people. Totally different leadership style. Perry is more conservative, but not nearly as extremist as some of the other GOP candidates. Perry knows where he wants to go, far more so, than Romney, as well.
I consider Perry the leader, not just in the primary, but for the WH.
Bush tried to fight evil with evil, ie Iraq. This didn't work. My fear is that Perry would consider pushing the wrong button. Perry is a divider and even though I have no respect for Bush I would never call him a traitor, just misguided.
Rick Perry is probably not as smart and more dangerous than Dubya. Please America don't go there!
Texan Twang maybe? Or a small guy swagger? Or wearing religion on their cuffs? Nah, just good liars.
They are both from a foreign country-Texas.
Comparing R.P to G.W.B? 2 birds in the same bush( Pun?)!!! Both come from Texas, both created a large negative budget sheet for the state of Texas, Both are professed Christians, Both flaunted their religion (God says no, no) during their election campaigns to gain the evangelical vote!
Bush left his administration giving tax breaks to the very wealthy and left a $3.5 trillion deficit! Job losses were hemorrhaging at the rate of 3 million @ year despite these breaks!!
Perry wants to keep these tax breaks under the ruse that raising taxes will cause job losses and wants to cut the deficit on the backs of the dying middle class and the exploding poor class of our country!
You see what one Texan did to our country, are you willing to chance another????
Dan K Owens Cross roads , Alabama
Compare who? Rick W. Bush to George Perry?
They are two peas in a pod and both a danger to the poor of America. Bush said go shopping after 9/11 we will have global economy. See what the markets have been doing, haven't ya? Perry will finish where Mr Bush left off. We will have the most people who do not make a good living and cannot get ahead under Perry. Be careful what you wish for. You will not like the outcome.
Two egomaniacs incapable of listening to the opinions of another. both are narcissitic, power hungry zealots. Couldnt and still cannot tolerate even seeing a pix of bush (known in my house as "the moron"). bush's brain, Rove, is already trying to destroy this new incarnation of bush.
the list of their differences would be shorter than the list of their similarties
Jack,
George W. Bush was smarter and was willing to make more compromises than someone who solely desires to stir up the divisiveness between Americans. I would suggest George W. wanted to improve America, versus, Rick Perry's secessionist statements exemplify his attitude of wanting to destroy all that is both good and bad about America. He is a complete narcissistic nihilist in search of his personal glory, ... at the expense of ... the American people. I don't think George W. was intentionally willing to let the American people suffer.
Joe, Binghamton, NY
Honestly Jack, and this cares me, I think Bush is smarter.
Birds of a feather, flock together
Well from what I have read so far, I think they are both rich and care only for the rich. Tho I have always thought Bush had a few loose screws and couldn't walk and chew gum much less actually speach coherently in sentences, I have to admit, W almost seems smart next to this guy. If Perry were elected President, we will lose the respect Obama got back for us in the world. This guy is an egotistical big mouth with the Republican mantra of 'No–Read my lips–No Compromise" it's my way or the highway 'cause I am the truth and the American way and I know it! SCARY!!! Worse scary than Bush and he was the Devil incarnate.
Jack
Rick W Perry and Bush are part of a sleeper cell planted by the notorious Comedy Central Team
They're two peas from the same pod. Are you sure Perry isn't Bush's long-lost son, W Jr.?
You mean there is a difference? One overly religious and undereducated Texas governor is just like another. The last one dug the hole we are in. What will the next one do? Fill that hole with water, call it a pond and sell the pile dirt left next to the hole to his wealthy friends as top soil? That's all that's left for the republicans to do. They have absolutely no interest in doing anything for those of us stuck in that hole except to get rid of us.
George W. Bush may have been "deeply religious', but his many atrocities as President were not Christian. Rick Perry also claims to be deeply religious and I worry about how he would be able to separate Church from State; God is not always on our side.
Basically on IQ scores, hair cuts, and screwing up Texas.
Perry have been Governor of Texas for 12 years versus, Bush's 2 1/2. Perry actually knows how government works versus, well you know. Perry can actually work to devlope a budget, versus, well you know. Perry can say nuclear, versus well you know. Perry can engage in dialog, versus, well you know. So I don't really see how you can compare, right now it looks like apples to oranges.
Rick Perry and George W. Bush are two peas a pod. They are both incompetent leaders who verbally shoot from the hip without thinking and taking aim. Both are incapable of formulating sound policies. Texas has serious economic problems as a result of the leadership of these two men. The jobs that Perry crows about are those that pay $5 to $8 dollars an hour and offer no health or insurance benefits. The state of education in Texas is abysmal. The educational attainment of both men is equally abysmal. Both men lack the attributes needed to become a wise and strong leader.
It doesn't matter how Perry compares to Bush. Bush is punching cows again. The real question is how does Perry compare to Obama? Obama will take a 'ten count' come November of 2012 would be my guess.
Perry is a true fiscal conservative and has much better Leadership and People Skills than Bush. He was a yell leader in college and knows how to work a crowd. Like Reagan we need someone to come along that will cheer us onward.
It's simple. He is a republican from Texas. He cares more about his money, his supporters money, and gods will. Whatever he assumes that may be. I fear we will get involved in two more wars that we can NOT afford. He will get richer while the rest of us get further down the hole Bush started digging for us all.
Rick Perry is George Bush on steroids. He makes Bush look like a genius.
Jack,
They are twin son's of different mothers. Going from Bush to Perry is the same as going from Bad to Worse. Please Texas, don't do this to the rest of us again.
Dumb and Dumber? (I haven't decided which is which yet.) Huey, Dewey, and Louie? Larry, Moe, and Curly? (With all due apologies to the 3 Stooges.)
Rick Perry is King George W. II reincarnated; his long-lost "twin", his doppelgänger.
Every time I listen to a story about Rick Perry on the news, or hear him talk, it is déjà vu (with W. Bush).
Things weren't good under W.–he gave massive tax cuts to his wealthy cronies. He started two foreign wars and didn't fund them or pay for them. He has given us NCLB, which is turning into entire school systems and all students left behind. He started a prescription drug program and didn't fund that either. He went on a spending spree with the surplus he inherited from Clinton. His VP believes that "debts don't matter" (unless, of course, someone else is President and/or the other party took temporary control of Congress, and then it matters like nothing else matters). He didn't believe in regulation, and let Wall Street and big corporations (big banking, financial services, big pharma) get greedy, then approved TARP to bail out the very folks who stole from the middle and working class and drove the economy into a ditch.
W. has been out of office for 2 1/2 years....I haven't forgotten, and I am surprised that so many people seem to have forgotten how much damage he did if they're latching onto Perry as a savior.
Perry is taller. Also, no Laura as somewhat of a rudder.
Carol in Ma
Jack,
Well, Dumb and Dumber comes to mind. Or maybe Tweedledumb and Tweedledumber. The Bush administration presided over the most devastating terror attack on American soil ever, two wars (one of which was started on mistaken intelligence), the trashing of America's reputation around the world, and the collapse of the American economy. Things might not go as well with a Perry administration.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
What's the difference in them? Not much – they don't know much about economics, they both engage their mouth before they engage their brains and they think that Texas is the center of the universe. The only difference in them that I see if Gov Perry hasn't had a chance to screw up the US economy. But then again George Bush has already accomplished that task for him.
Well, as has been said, 'W' is obviously the smart one between the two, and it's only taken a very few days of Perry's blathering for us all to realize and agree.......he's kind of the male version of Mz Palin.
Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum. What's to compare?
Both George W bush and Rick Perry are two peas in a pod. Neither man is a scholar nor does he care about education. The educational attainments of both men are abysmal and the same is true of the general state of education in Texas. Both men verbally shoot from the hip with taking thoughful aim at what they are talking about. George W Bush was the worst president in the history of the United States and has left a mess for his successor, Barack Obama to clean up. Bush's legacy is one of incompetence and disgrace. Perry is merely a repeat of the Bush leadership and should not be elected POTUS.
Dumber and Dumb!
Compare? Hmm, well, I guess Perry hasn't run the U.S. economy or our world standing into the ditch yet. He may get the chance, if voters don't wise up.
I call them the Bobbsy Twins, can't see any difference. I have a very different view of Religon. To me it is worshiping Christ in your own private way and not standing on the corner shouting that you are a Christian. You have to act like a Christian first. You also help the needy and let the wealthy take care of themselves, not the other way, around like rhe Republicans believe. The Republican Religon scares me. It sounds like something out of Orson Wells.
Jack, compared to Perry, Bush is now a centrist left-winger. I do think Bush believed in what he was doing, but Perry doesnt believe in anything but his ego, his very right-wing power and keeping religion in politics because it brings in campaign funds.. He is associated with very scary Dominionists, and very rich right-wing organizations to finance his radical ideas. He has lied and made ridiculous claims about what he has done in Texas. What has happened in Texas is mostly not due to his guidance. He preached agains stimulus funds, but lobbied the Fed for it when his "balanced budget" of a 6-billion dollar deficit was "balanced" with a government bailout, which he purports to hate. His state increased government jobs since 2008, but actually lost some private sector jobs. He preaches against government jobs and says the private sector brings all the jobs. Not so much for his state. His state is near the bottom in many undesirable statistics, including health insurance, and education. He is dangerous for America and so is Bachman.
George Bush ran roughshod over the economy without paying the bill. Rick Perry wants to run roughshod over the poor while making them pay for the whole enchilada.
Seriously? Comparing Rick Perry and George W. Bush is like auditioning actors for another remake of "Dumb and Dumber". The prospect of another clueless Republican president in the White House makes me nauseous. Can we afford to let them play with whats left of the economy and the Bill of Rights? Maybe we can get Dick Cheney to take him hunting. It's not the season for it, but they like to play fast and loose with the rules in Texas.
two peas in a pod.loud mouths
Dumb&Dumber
How about tweedle dumb and tweedle dumber.
Bush was venal but not insane. Perry is both.
Both are bozos.
This is really frightening. I don't know if anybody seriously believed that George W. Bush had a snowball's chance in hell of becoming president, not even in his own family. And Perry is no different. The American people have proven conclusively that they are on the side of stupidity and demagoguery. To hell with intelligence and political skill.
Martinsburg, WV
Easy. They are Texan. Cowboy always wins to get President. Git R Done!
Two peas from the same pod. trouble for our country.
Its a Morton's Fork type of choice. Both incompetent but Perry has a less disastrous record, by far, than Bush did coming into the race. People still voted for Bush and we are where we are today in large part because of it. If a Republican gets back into office, and you see with congress, it will only get worse.
Bush was just a puppet of the illuminatie Banker faction that engineered both 9/11 and the TARP heist. Perry is a genuine fundamentalist radical fear mongering terrorist who is controlled by those who desire to enforce their way of life on everyone else. He is dangerous.
Dumb and Dumber.
Although W. Bush did not have anything to be confident about, W. Bush was extremely self-confident. Perry is not so self-confident.
Perry makes more mistakes like his statement "that printing paper for money was treason."
Making more mistakes and lacking some self-confidence, Perry will not be elected President as W. Bush was.
There is no real difference except for their names........
-Stephen
Yarmouth, NS Canada
How about two war mongering bullies, dumb and dumber!!
What's the difference in the two Texans? Their initials are different and that's about it.
George Bush allowed the rich to pillage our country during his years in office. Perry would do the same, only adding the religous into the mix.
What was bad, then times ten it for new fun,
Other than the obvious "Made in Texas" trademarks, I don't think that there really is much comparison. Love him or hate him, former President Bush at least had some "Presidential presence" that Governor Perry seems to be lacking. I question the ability of any Presidential candidate that doesn't realize they are playing in the big leagues and that they can't simply play to particular groups. As an example, if someone is so quick to hint at "acts of treason" over printing money, can they really be trusted to represent us, as a nation, on the world stage? The same would go for anyone, hazard a guess here, that continually makes huge spoken mistakes in pubic. You don't have to know everything or always be correct, but at least have the ability and common sense to surround yourself with people that will keep you from looking foolish. These folks, after all, are trying to become the international figurehead for all of us.
Both devoid of any statesmanship or qualities which define a leader from one who would like to pose as one.
Both challenged somewhat intellectually and as visionaries. One landed us in the mess that commenced with the invasion of Iraq and stares us in the face today.
The other liable to take us to even bigger disasters ( if that is possible) if allowed to take charge of this nation's destiny.
The 'Free World', in fact the world would be a far better place if these two remain holed up in their ranches & leave this country alone.
Bush and Perry both listened to Phil Gramm. It took Bush nearly seven years as President to completely neuter our nation's financial regulatory system (big thanks to Gramm for that) and to ruin our economy. Perry is just as economically illiterate as Bush, so with our economy still unable to recover from Bush, Perry will have no problem driving us into a Depression faster than Bush drove us into a Recession.
George Bush was from New England and transplanted to Texas. Texas does not have income tax-not even on the rich. The state is doing well, it is creating jobs and I know alot of people who are moving there. Something must be right in Texas.
Unfavorably, and I was the first person to publicly call for the impeachment of George Bush so I am not exactly prejudiced in W's favor.
"I should imagine they're both as bad as each other at Golf?"
I do not compare both man, just because they come from Texas doesn't mean anything. I think it is sad that the American people compare this man to Bush, how about being your own personility and give him a chance to proof himself, but I guess that country is so pissed of because of the Bush Administration, if Perry would be a Zebra and still come from Texas they would compare with Bush! I do not think Bush was that bad at all, matter of fact, you did not have a circus like the Obama Administration when Bush was in office. Obama thinks he is God! I do hope we will all make it until 2012 with all the biggering and fighting what these people do who suppose to lead the country. Bring it on new GOP's! May the best win.
We already figured out that George W. has foot in mouth disease, Jack. But at least he didn't prance around pretending to be Jimmy Swaggart.
As for Rick "tea-vangelist" Perry, Any day now I expect him to call a press conference, fall down to his knees, throw his hands up in the air and declare "I have sinned against the country by trying to succeed from the union!".
We love you here, Jack!
As much as I disagreed with Bush, I think that he looks more sane and stable as a person when compared to Rick Perry after everything I have seen so far!
Jack,
We can thank the state of the economy, in part, to a Republican Party that's unwilling to compromise. The last thing the American people need is to add an uncompromising Presidential nominee into the fray. Or should I say train wreck? We need Republicans that are willing to compromise, and who refuse to sign that ridiculous pledge of Grover Norquist's. We also need Democrats who don't completely cave to the opposition. We also need to put an end to special interest campaign contributions.
As a Democrat, I don't care for either of them. However, I'd say that Perry scares me the most. Perry is rapidly becoming the spokesman for the far right, whose sole aim is to rid the country of President Obama. He is completely focused on this mission, and his message has a certain vigilante tone to it. I think that we as Americans are more easily won over by people like Rick Perry during the hard times. Americans want simple answers to very complex problems, and Perry tells us what we want to hear. Too bad. We may end up with Rick Perry, just as Germany ended up with Hitler. European markets portend of catastrophe waiting in the wings, for all of us. The Weimer Republic (the Obama Administration) will fall, and Rick Perry will ascend to the center stage, minus the funny mustache.
George W. is clearly the better educated, brighter man. What Perry is calling for is exactly the opposite of what's needed. It's sad, but Perry makes you wish George W. could winj the nomination. What do we do next, buy lain clothes and spears and demand two caves and a pot for the chicken? How far backwards in history do we plan to go?
Bush light. Not as bright.
Bush was a puppet and nearly destroyed our country, Perry is a believer, he thinks he is right, and will finish the job.
Unfortunately, Perry appears to be the dumber of the two and his record makes Bush look both intelligent and consistant. IMHO both Perry and Bachman are Obama's best hopes, the only one better for Obama would be Palin.
Just off the top of my head: Dumb and Dumber. However, more seriously, I believe Perry is much more scarier than Bush was. Both claim God hand picked them and both exploit religion to gain political position, which to me is as sinful as a Christian can be. Any person who claims a personal relationship with God or a God, is untrustworthy and full of themselves at the least. I believe Bush wanted and Perry wants to be president for their own satisfaction and ego satisfying reasons and really did not and do not have the American's welfare at heart. Just an ego trip for both. Perry's phoney Christian /religious zeal is very scary and not really valid. His "ugly" statement puts this in a true light. Just because you may believe in Christ, belong to a Christian church and spout bible phrases, does not a Christian make. If one is biased, elitist, and intolerant of others beliefs or life styles, he or she cannot claim to be Christian. I believe this is the case for Perry, Bachmann, Palin and others running on the Right. Religion is best left out of politics and using God as a crutch to gain status, is sinful.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
Jack,
He's a politician, that to me, equals, corrupt and worthless, there isn't a one of them worth voting for.
Same Village, different idiot. Perry is all show no go. I give it two weeks until his mouth ends this campaign.
Both of them are a lot smarter and a lot more capable of runnning this country than the current occupant of the White House.
Can't you tell, Jack? Rick Perry is really George W. Bush with a black Elvis wig that he borrowed from Michelle Bachmann.
One and the same. Why would anyone want to have another Republican in office that would complete the derailment of this country. Sounds like Perry is not a compromiser and we have enough of those in Congress already. Let's not repeat the Bush years.
Lafayette, LA
I would say Bush is a small, tasteless and nutritionless apple. Perry is a small, tasteless, nutritionless and poisonous apple.
From what I learned living in Texas twice, Bush would be the smart, sane one of the two (and my great-grandchildren are smarter and more sane than he is).
Enough said?
I would say that they compare in the sense that both are unencumbered by having to speak the truth
OMG, Jack. I never thought I would be saying this, but compared to Tea Party Perry, George Bush is a Prince and a scholar among men!
Perry has better hair and doesn't fumble over his words as much as George W. However, given some of the asinine things coming out of his mouth, it maybe wouldn't hurt if he did fumble over his words a bit more.
Jack:
They resemble a very bad vaudeville team! !! They should alike and that worries me. If we add Mrs. Bachman, we'd have a cross between The Three Stooges and the Marx brothers. Seriously, the on thing that Mr. Bush and Mr. Perry have in common besides coming from Texas is that they do not know the U.S. Constitution. That is very frightening.
From what I learned living in Texas twice (2001-2002 and 2004), Bush would be the smart, sane one of the two (and my great-grandchildren are smarter and more sane than he is).
Enough said?
Jack:
They resemble a very bad vaudeville act !! They sound alike and that worries me! If we add Mrs. Bachman, we'd have a cross between The Three Stooges and the Marx Brothers! Seriously, the only other thing these two Texans have in common is that they do not understand or care to know the U.S. Constitution. Frightening indeed!!
Dumb & dumber.
Worse and worser.
Fraternal Twins.
The difference is obvious. Rick Perry has black hair, George W. Bush had blonde hair.
George Bush: bad. Rick Perry: worse
There's a difference?
Jack, when Rick Perry speaks, I close my eyes and I hear George W. Bush. We don't need another Texas oil man in the White House.
What would the difference be between skim and 1% white milk... toast.
Same box..different flake.
Perry has slightly better hair.
A&M, like Yale, is a member of the Association of American Universities. Hardly "rememdial," and Begala knows it. Don't promote his tea-sipping sap.
Bush and Perry?
Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber.
Dumb and dumber.
Jack,
Quit trying to scare me!!! Bush the smart one!!!!!! OMG
Tweedledumb and Tweedledumber
Well, Jack. Maybe Google will update their site. Search word "failure".
Tweetle Dumb & Tweetle Dumber
Josh Brolin can play either one of them.
Both Bush and Perry can strut sitting down ...... both act in delusional ways but apparently have a strong following of non-thinking citizens who buy into whatever nonsense they spew from their mouths ..... hence their unbelievable success at the polls with or without the Supreme Courts intervention on their behalf!
Jack - I did not like Bush and did not vote for him in 2000 or 2004 ... but if the election for President was between Bush and Perry for President ... I would knock on every door in America rooting for Bush ... Rick Perry would be a nightmare - I will likely not sleep tonight ...
It's quite simple. One is a crook surrounded by idiots, the other is an idiot surrounded by crooks.
Jack – You forget that "W." got an MBA from Harvard Business School. I think that that speaks more than the Yale BA that could be attributed to family college ties.
Larry from Pinehurst
Dumbest and Dumberest.....which if P.T. Barnum was correct means he will most likely be our next President
I'd say Perry and Bush are two sides of a plugged nickle. And you know what that's worth.
W. is a well educated dummy who was wise enough to be handled by the likes of Carl Rove. Perry is just another educated idiot with a loud mouth and sociopathic tendencies.
Daniel from London Ontario,
Jack, I don't trust the report we hear from Rove's camp. This is a systematic effort to make Perry as different from Bush as possible. We are not going to fall for it. Perry sounds like Bush, walks like Bush and talks like bush. He even winks like bush.
The only difference between Bush and Perry is how these two people are similar unlike any other non twin two guys
tweedle dee and tweedle dum
You call a fake cowboy who pretends to be a cowboy but who has never moved a cow. "ALL HAT AND NO HORSE"
George W compared to Perry? Tweedle de dee and Twiddle de dumber.
Jack,
W. & Perry can star in the new horror film, "Dumb & Dumber, II."
Peter
All I know is that if you ask anyone in Texas if the are voting for Perry, they say heck yes; anything to get him the hell out of Texas
Women across America was diligently investigate the pros and cons, history, position, background, etc. of all the candidates. And once that information is processed, we'll vote the guy who's the best looking.
They both are big talkers but only care for the rich and them self.
A Bush Mini Me!
When I hear Perry speak, I hear W, which is scary enough. However, when I see Perry's face I think of Nixon, but with better hair. This is far too much for me!
Hmm. George W. Bush is to Pat Robertson (700 Club) as Rick Perry is to Jim Bakker (PTL – Pass the Loot).
Never thought I'd see the day, Jack, when I'd be saying ANYONE is less intelligent that GWB, but here you have it in Perry. Kind of like thinking that the GOP is trying to promote M. Bachmann as Sarah Palin with gray matter...does not compute, they are nit and wit, respectively...I see lots of posts here, so I'll just sum up with this: "Read my lips: NO NEW TEXANS!"
Bush tio Perry? Creepy to Creepier. Politics are turning into a Final Destination movie.
From Fountain Colorado
Perry & Bush = Tweedledeedum & Tweedledeedee (no offense to Lewis Carroll).
God (if there is one) needs to polish up some thunderbolts...
Heaven help us Jack. Picking from the lesser of two evils has got us to the point where George Bush is a genius.
Like a quarter.. 2 different sides, but 1 coin non the less. 1 difference though, the coin has more value.
bush campared to Perry ~ Dumb and Dumber
If Rick Perry is now the favorite, Jeb Bush suddenly looks really good. Who would have thought that was possible?
Perry can pronounce 'nuclear'.
Bush was the worst President in American history and a complete blowhard.
Rick Perry makes Bush seem like my favorite uncle.
I watched Governor Perry's announcement that he was running for President. It was eerily like watching a very good parody of dubya - the sort of thing Saturday Night Live used to do with the fake TV commercials, the ones where you weren't sure until halfway through if it was the real thing or a joke.
Scary Perry makes George Bush look brilliant!
I think a more appropriate question is "How do you not compare Rick Perry and George W. Bush?" and thank you for bring up this obvious comparison before things get out of hand again like the years 2001 to 2009.
The left must be terrified of Perry. Almost a week in the spotlight, and he is the bullseye of nearly every network news anchor.
Bring Perry to the White House! We need a tough conservative leader who isn't afraid to put his/ her foot down and make a difficult decision
Put them both in a paper bag, shake it up, and you don't know which one will fall out. If Perry gets elected, he'll surely take what Bush didn't get. Let's all be smarter than that with our vote. We don't need Bush Lite.
There are a lot of similarities – and a lot of differences. Perhaps the most disturbing similarity is arrogance. Didn't we learn anything from having a president who, with his finger on the nuclear button, could never properly pronounce the word?
So far I haven't taken Perry seriously, but the parallels are uncanny. A few months ago Perry proclaimed, "Juarez is the most dangerous city in America." Perhaps I have misunderestimated him too.
Neither is qualified to be President of The United States. Let's hope that Perry never gets the chance to prove it. These Texas-sized egos could destroy us.
That if win the Presidency gets them out of Texas!
I always said electing Bush was like giving a monkey a loaded gun. You can't blame the monkey when he shoots some one. The scary part is Perry isn't eyeing Bush's old pistol he seems to like the UZi better. Forget the economy, would you want either one of these yahoos with their finger on the nuke button? We just went through 8 years of cold sweats wondering who he'd shoot next. We don't need another monkey armed to the teeth lookin' ta shoot some one. If we elect him we deserve him.
Jack, I would compare Bush & Perry this way! Like the three monkeys
See no good
Hear no good
Say no good
That's who these guys are!
Jack, when it comes to smarts, if Dubya and Perry were both baseball players, Dubya would be like Babe Ruth and Perry would be like the bat boy. A very, very bad bat boy (but with good hair).
Jason in New York
Hi Jack, I live in the reddest of the red states, AKA Utah. I am no Republican and am not a fan of "W" either but,,,When Gov Perry speaks, I get this really nasty feeling of slime and the urge to take a shower becomes overwhelming. If this is what the GOP is going to offer up then I feel really good about Obama 2012!
Bush may have read books upside down, but I doubt Perry reads at all!
Well, I'm sure that they both know how to make some great Texas barbecue!
I happen to have been raised on a cotton farm in West Texas, dry land farm, just like Rick Perry, but it did not have the brain-damaginf effect on me it appears to have had on him. I no longer live in that place and when I go back, hardly recognize it, thanks in large part to the radical right wingers that have taken the state hostage. Even Perry was once a Democrat, but quickly switched when the winds blew from a different direction. Texas now ranks last in % people insured, last in education in many categories and most number of working poor in the Nation and this is Rick Perry's vision for the rest of America. He is a sell-out politician that will do and say absolutely anything if he thinks it might get him one more vote, even George W Bush was above that. Perry has to go hard right and woo the evangelicals since he doesn't have the name and money the Bush family had. He is a dangerous, wreckless man and will bring this Nation all the way to it's knees if elected President. We will all be praying alright, for that man to be gone!
How much more can we dumb down our counrty?? Perry has a nice head of hair, a starched shirt and is an Evangelical. The end. Unfortunately, unless the people with a brain come out to vote – those may be enough attributes to win the election.
just like Palin and bachmann "dumb and dumber"
Jack,
Although the Texas Governor position has no legitimate power, only granting stays of execution for death row inmates; G.W. and Perry both took advantage of our great state.
I never thought I would see the day when another Texan, tier one College-grad, would actually be worse with words than G.W.!!
Bush graduated from Yale (thanks to his connections, not his intelligence) and Rick Perry should have because I honestly do not think Americans are dumb enough to elect an Aggie, much less another egotistical Texan.
Thanks so much for your blog Jack!
Tim (Arlington, TX)
Dumb and Dumber?
Jack, comparing Perry to Bush is like comparing Obama and Carter. Given two more years off this economy we will all be yearning for the good olde days of Bush. Perry's jobs jobs jobs issue is a winner.
Jack,
If George Bush was our worst President ever, then Rick Perry in the Oval Office would make Bush look like FDR; the United States is not going to vote for another Governor from Texas.
How would you compare Clinton, an actual Rhodes Scholar & the “first black President”, against Obama, an affirmative action baby, against each other?
And yes, I know how to spell remedial.
Worse and Worser
3 words Jack,
Dumb and Dumber!
As a lifelong Texan, they both embarrass me equally. For the sake of our nation, I shudder to even think about "President Perry"!
I am not carrying a torch for either guys, but I am starting to be annoyed at the fact that everyone, including the reporters on CNN, are comparing their ten gallon hats, cowboy boots, and "who is the authentic Texan" rather than who then men are as politicians. If you are going to make Rick Perry to look like a "Bush clone" then at least compare the things they have done as governors and politicians than all the other meaningless things.
Isn't Rick Perry doing a Saturday Night Live version of George Bush?
Dumb and Dumber
Comparing George Bush to Rick Perry will be like comparing Hitler to Mao Zedong. Zedong killed 3 times the number of people hitler did but nobody talks about him like they do about Hitler, particularly in the western world. I think Perry will be as ruthless!!!
Comparing George Bush to Rick Perry will be like comparing Hitler to Mao Zedong. Zedong killed 3 times the number of people than hitler did but nobody talks about him like they do about Hitler, particularly in the western world. I think Perry will be as ruthless!!!
Jack, Opposite sides of the same coin, which happens to be a "SLUG"
As their political idol, Ronald Reagan, once stated, "if you've seen one; you've seen them all.". Of course, he was referring to something worth saving: redwood trees.
Neither is qualified to be President of The United States. Let's hope that Perry never gets the chance to prove it. These Texas-sized egos could destroy us.
Youngstown, OH
Well, I'm sure that they both know how to make some killer Texas barbecue!
Personally I liked Bush but hated many of his policies. Despite the war in Iraq I at least felt that Bush was acting in the best interest of the United States.
As far as Perry as concerned; well his secession comment says it all. His bumper sticker should read: Perry and Jane Fonda 2012.
Both men are made of the same swagger and smirk, the same unfounded claims of their own success, the same upbringing of privilege and laxity, and the same arrogant belief that their leadership is ordained by God. This man scares me just as much as Bush did.
We better stop making fun of him and find a way to stop him. He makes a mockery of true Texans. He bankrupt our schools and tried to turn over our toll roads to foreigners. Better quit laughing at him though, W made it in didn't he.
Jack,
Comparing these two is like having a tallest midget contest with representatives from the Lollipop Guild. Bush presided over what will eventually be the catalyst for the largest transfer of wealth in human history. Now Perry wants to make the sequel.
"Let’s call it Dumb and Dumber!"
Jack, neither Bush nor Perry can be accused of being mental giants. However, if forced to compare, Dubya would be more like a chess Grand Master and Perry more like a Candyland savant.
Jason in New York
With their cheerleader outfits on and sitting together in the corner with their megaphones on their heads, I don't think you could tell the difference between the two dunces.
Dumb and dumber is the first thing that comes to mind. Seems like other people think the same thing. Stupid is as stupid does.
Jack, I don't know where you got most of your information about Rick Perry, but he "IS" a cowboy type person. His "common sense" is much more valuable than making an "A" in school. And by the way, Aggie Cheerleaders are a helluva lot tougher than you can imagine.
If you put them both in a Texas gunny sack, shook it up, and poured it out, a self-centered, holier-than-thou, egotistical, right-wing know-it-all, who is always right and sneers at anyone who might have the temerity to disagree with him as un-American and a hater of Christianity... would fall out first every time.
If Bush were Curly from the Three Stooges, then Perry is the less-liked and less successful replacement Shemp.
All for them are senseless to me. Same people that did not want to rise the debt cycling tried to call out the president when the country get down graded. It could have been worst if the president agree to at least pass something.
I guess I would describe them as dumb and dumber or me and little me. Both can not come close to dealing with the job not only of this country but the world. I have to mention Michell Bachman since I am from middle Minnesota. She has nothing over the boys. Again dumb. We need less fighting as we are all sick of it. It makes me feel that Obama is the best thing to come along since Clinton. The Republicans used to have some good candidates I wonder what happened to them. Where are the statesman on either side?
Jack I no their half brothers they gotta be. Th
Perry, Shmerry! The lame Republican line up reminds me of the lame line-up the Democrats concocted trying to defeat GW. This result will be the same. Better the President you know than the crack-pot you don't.
GW was smart enough to know that attemping to abolish Social Security and Medicare is a loser.
The big difference between George W. Bush and Slick,I mean Rick, Perry, is that at least George W. was likable person. I met both face to face; and got opposing first impressions. George W. Bush came across as a genuinely nice person who cared about the people of Texas. Rick Perry ,on the other hand, behaved like a megalomaniac narcissist who cares only about his wealthy campaign donors. Perry is a fake of biblical proportions. He has personally dismantled one of the best public education systems in the country. If people would listen to what he says and stop being so enamored with his hair, they would see Perry for the charlatan he really is.
George W Bush was the original and we all know how bad that was. Rick Perry is a really cheap knock-off. Whatever George could do – Rick Perry can do 5 times worse. No Thanks! Didn't want the original, certainly do not want the cheap knock-off. Way too scary!!!!!!!!
Perry is an under-educated version of Bush, only further right leaning. His Domionist followers believe Christians should rule the world, should kill homosexuals and women who have abortions. This is a social nightmare the US needs not suffer under. Hopefully Texas and the Bible Belt realize his ideals are very wrong. He doesnt believe in evolution, calling it a fairy tale. As opposed to a talking bush and a man swallowed by a whale.....ugh he is soooo 50's scary its not even funny.
Jack, are you kidding me? We had a Texan in office for eight years prior to the current administration. We are still dealing with that mess from a person who's only objective was to get all the money he could so he could continue his drinking spree since leaving office. Perry, is the exact same thing this country had during the Bush administration. Please if you really want to see double dip recessions, market swings, the jobless rate reach an all time high, Unemployment in the double digit level . Vote for another Texan!!!!
I am a native Texan and NEVER been more embarrassed. Rick Perry is a doofus joke who is only out for himself and the media attention. The statement Jack read were perfect! W at least had his heart in the right place. Rick (Goodhair) as referred to by Texans only thinks how a move will be good for him or his cronies.
He is destroying Texas higher education and public education. He has no more created jobs than I have. We are sitting on over a billion dollars in reserves according to him and is willing to sit by letting education, police service, etc. go down the tube.
Simply "he is smoke and mirrors". I have faith that U.S. citizens will see through this soon and shut him down. I have never voted for him, but am willing to have him back in Texas just to save our nation.
Titanic and Hindenburg.
Elmer Fudd vs. Wilie Coyote – Clueless!
Jack, I look at Dubya as being someone who could press his own clothes and Perry as someone who could push the button.
Jason in New York
Six of one idiot, half-dozen of another. They are both reckless and self-important, covering up their own insecurities with bombast that the average American Republican eats up as pablum, in order to salve ills that the rich boys on that side of the fence won't fix because it hurts the change in their bulging pockets.
-Frank H.
Studio City, CA
Jack check your facts. Texas A & M is a world class University. They only accept students in the top 10% of their class, have Nobel Prize winners, and by the way, they have more more Medal of Honor winners than any other institution of higher learning except for some of the military academies.
Jack– if it walks like an idiot and it talks like an idiot, it ain't a duck!
Steve from Raleigh
This is easy; don’t you think we suffered enough with two unpaid for wars, spending trillions of dollars and no jobs, gas at nearly $4 a gallon at the end of his term, and economic crisis the like of which we haven’t seen since the Great Depression, and the list goes on and on. Perry will just take government money and complain that it was given to him, rid working people of health insurance, pay us as little as possible, and then convince the masses that we are better off than with George W. The only real comparison to George W we could make would be to imagine George W. as a tea party obstructionist along with his other failed policies.
Jack, you're right. Perry does make W. look smarter by comparison. I especially like the way thye both make nuclear into "nucular." In comparison to both, Michelle Bachmann is a genius.
Joe in Delray Beach, Florida
Dumb and Dumber- with Perry being the latter. They are exactly the same kind of stupid, Bush just currently has more experience selling us out for the interests of corporations. If we give Perry a chance, we can only expect worse. The only difference would be that Perry would run out of ideas shortly after wrecking things, then ask us all to pray for a better economy.
Bush tried with No Child Left Behind. Perry not only bullied the child but stole their lunch money.
I wouldn't compare Rick Perry to George W Bush. Sadly as W became president comparing them would be glamorizing Rick, something he in no way deserves.
They could both care less about the poor man Jack. So I could care less about them. I say, "Jack Cafferty for President". Go Jack.
Not to defend Perry's intelligence, but it should be noted that Paul Begala went to a rival Texas school and his opinion on the matter of the only other Tier-1 research university in Texas, Texas A&M, might be a bit skewed. You might ask Roland Martin if he agrees with Mr. Begala's assessment.
Perry however does have all the swagger and spine that Bush did not and might actually be able to get something done other than starting two wars if he is elected president.
They both mirror the typical Texas Republican leadership: arrogance on top of ignorance and what does that say about the Texans who supported them.
Rick Perry is scary! George W. Bush was not the best President, but he wasn't radical, uncompromising and hot headed.
I think the American people have already seen his 'MO', he doesn't have a chance as the Republican nominee.
Colorado
Ever see dumb and dumber?
They both are the dumbest elected officials i have ever seen.. We can't afford to have another nit wit in the office.America is at a crossroad do we want to go foward or do we want to slip into this bottomless pit where the greed of corparations continue to prostitute their republican puppets to do thier bidding an the rest of the world passes us by.
Jack, comparing the two is an exercise in futility. Bush is like all hat and no cattle with lots of cash. Perry is like all hat and no cattle, but with good hair.
Jason in New York City
I believe it's more important what the people of Texas think of Perry. How Perry and Bush compare is of no concern to me. So far I've heard things have been going pretty well in Texas.
"Life is like a box of chocolates...." You need morons to appeal to the morons with voting power. It's all good to the corporations who fill their pockets and laugh. No one wants someone who is interested for the well being of society, afterall that would mean corporate America would have to give back a little. Look at what we have now. We have a lazy and worthless bunch of representitives who refuse to compromise. Corporations run this country. Wake up and smell the coffee beans. It's all about the selfish motivations of those in power, and our current economical situation proves that. Intelligence in our government? Where is it? It is not going to be found in a wanna be cowboy, afterall a real cowboy has common sense and is smart enough to get out of a burning building.