What's at stake for Rick Perry in tonight's debate?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
One of the best lines of the campaign so far is: Rick Perry "went from frontrunner to roadkill in a matter of weeks."
Credit the Daily Beast and a fine article titled "What's wrong with Rick."
The article examines the Texas governor's spectacular rise - and fall - in the Republican race for president... and how he still might pull off a comeback.
Headed into tonight's debate, Perry is a distant third in the race.
Our new poll shows Perry at 13% - that's down from 30% and the front-runner position just last month. Both Mitt Romney and Herman Cain now have a double-digit lead over Perry.
So what happened? Well, for starters, the debates happened.
Although Perry is a gifted politician who can work a room or get a crowd excited, he just hasn't been able to hack it during the debates against his more able competitors. Perry also comes under fire for his positions on Social Security and illegal immigration.
Plus, as Perry has stumbled through debate performances, his message of job creation in Texas has been lost. In fact, Perry was practically ignored in last week's debate as most of the focus went to Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan.
But even if Rick Perry seems like a real long shot right now - this is still presidential politics, it's still early, and a lot can happen.
For one thing, Perry has raised a boatload of money: $17 million in just the first 7 weeks of his campaign. And in the game that is presidential politics - money talks.
Then there's this: two-thirds of Republicans say they still may change their minds when it comes to which candidate they'll back.
The Daily Beast column suggests what perry most needs is to return to the street campaigning that he does best. But he also can't keep showing up at these debates and getting his head handed to him. He gets another shot tonight.
Here’s my question to you: What’s at stake for Rick Perry in tonight’s debate?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Carlos in Pasadena, California:
Does anyone really care? And, that goes for the rest of the Republican slate. These so-called presidential candidates are so far out-of-touch with reality that if any one of them becomes president, the Rapture will not only come, the American people will be pray for its immediate occurrence.
Maggie:
Perry should not be worried about his debate performance. He knows that he has the experience to do the actual job, and that's what's more important. Action speaks louder than words. Obama was a good debater in 2008 and look at what a disaster he has been as president. We cannot afford to get pulled into that direction again.
Rex in Oregon:
There is absolutely nothing at stake tonight for Perry. He is spending none of his own money. He has no dignity to lose. His followers are as loyal as any follower could be. He cannot disprove his lack of intelligence any more profoundly. And more importantly, no one in the universe (aside from a few billionaires and misled sheep) give a red-hot damn about his performance, his future, or his hair.
Clinton on Facebook:
I don't think there is much at stake for Perry tonight because he is as good as out of the race already. The more he talks, the more he reminds Americans of George W. Bush.
Tom in New York:
Lots of free time to ponder the science behind the drought, the fires, the ocean’s rise.
Noel:
Not much. He's had his 15 minutes of fame and the best he can do is another 5 minutes. He isn't going to get much more than that. The major league scouts don't recruit from the little leagues.
Jim in New Jersey:
What's at stake? Hershey bars! The ones he's using to dye hair. After tonight he can just eat them instead.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Not much is at stake for Rick Perry. He's had his 15 minutes of fame and the best he can do is another another 5 minutes. He isn't going to get much more than that. The major league scouts don't recruit from the little leagues.
It looks to me like his 15 minutes are over – especially listening to his wife blame Obama for their son losing his job because he wanted to work on his father's campaign. The Texas governor appears to me that he doesn't think a situation over beforeresponding to it – that's NOT what the country needs.
First, Perry needs to stay awake and he needs to answer the specific question, not go off on some other issue.
Jack: Gov. Rick Perry has never sounded presidential during the debates, and I believe it is about time he did. If Gov. Perry wants to stay in the top 3 he must do a better job in this Tuesday's debate. Gov. Perry needs to make Herman Cain look like a non-starter, and become the tea party's friend, again. A good debate performance would help him raise funds for his campaign. Mit Romney is not the fair haired boy of the Republican Party, and Gov. Rick Perry needs to recruit those on the sidelines of the Republicans. Those Republicans holding out for a better deal and a better candidate.
Who cares Jack . He is so out of touch with main stream Americans. He only wants the power to help his rich buddies
get richer. We the 99% are sick of him and his kind.
99% Largo Florida
Perry's folley is being President of the United States. He doesn't even like the place. He threatened succession when dealing with the Federal Government. He courts 15th Century religious and social superstitions. He would undo the middle class safety nets of Medicare and Social Security. And he engages in debate without intelligence, understanding or passion amd espouses idiology rather than ideas or programs. What's at stake in tonights debate for Perry is the reality that he would not make a good President.
Jim Los Angeles
whether or not he needs to get the heck out of the race and take himself back to texas or resign his post and focus on trade policies that have nothing to do with energy or fossil fuels or subsidized alternatives that still cause cancer or bogus social issues designed to put a wedge in voter loyalty
I suspect expectations are low among his supporters, who regard him as the chosen one. The only thing that would hurt him is not getting questions from the moderator or mentions from the other debaters. He will fade away once voting starts, since Romney will get the McCain crossover voters, Cain will get the Obama crossovers, Bachmann will get the Clinton crossovers and Paul will get the Peaceniks. Perry, Santorum, Roemer, Johnson and Gingrich will largely fade away.
At stake is the option between being a presidentual candidate or just another Texan made even richer through the political areana! It is do or die tonight for Rick Perry! Hope he dies ( figurativly)
Dan K. Owens Cross Roads Alabama
Tonight's debate will be Perry's last chance to be the "runner-up" in the 2012 Presidential GENERAL election.
So far, the GOP candidates have only been able to "trash-talk" Obama's policies while offering NO workable solutions to fix the economy other than: more tax cuts, massive cuts in govt. spending, elimination of govt agencies like the EPA or gimmicks like 999
Rick has NO stake in tonights debate. Like a good Cowgirl he died with his boots in his mouth.
His livelihood as a politician?
Ron Paul in 2012...
Well, if he can pull of not looking like a deer in the headlights, or that he just won a spot on amateur hour, who knows. Republicans are all over the map right now, trying to figure out what they want. Maybe he can pull off an upset. Honestly, though, surrounding yourself with yes men who kiss up and convince you you're ready for prime time, when you're obviously not, is a really bad idea if you want to compete on the national stage. Just sayin'.
What's at stake is nothing but another episode of Politic Showtime. Another soap opera of the American Political system...............BOTH political parties guilty here...............where a numb American TV watching audience is spoon fed orchestrated scripted deception for the umpteenth time.
Some things NEVER change.
I think it's the bottom of the ninth, he's down about 8 to 1, and has no one on base. Perry is a bold, dominant personality who looks confounded and almost hapless in the debates. The Obama presidency may be on thb defensive, or even on the ropes, but any GOP candidate who can't stand up to relentless oratory in a debate forum is gound to ground out at first base. Game over.
What's at stake for Perry? The real question is what's at stake for "Saturday Night Live!" It would be a shame to see the Rick Perry character disappear from the skits.
Absolutely nothing. Like other professional politicians, he'll say what voters want to hear; then if elected, he'll do whatever he damn well feels like doing as long as it makes himself and his friends richer at the expense of the taxpayers. Some candidates, like Perry, are all too obvious in what their ultimate goals are. The only one who runs like he'd govern is Ron Paul and I can't vote for him for one big reason - his son, Rand Paul. I don't want Rand Paul in the White House as a visitor much less as a man with even a speck of influence with his father.
Perry is still a viable candidate. Cain's popularity will wain when voters realize he has zero experience in government. The race for the nomination is ultimately between Romney and Perry.
Rick is toast! The Koch's need to enlist Bloomberg as their canidate. Because, no one is going to beat Pres Obama. Jack aren't you watching the news? Scott Walker, John Boehner, Cantor, Mconnell, and FOX"news" has woke up the beast.....the 99%!
Personally not much for Rick Perry. This is sort of his golden parachute for his public service career. He's taken enough kickbacks over the years so that he is a wealthy man. Not considered rich in Texas terms but just wealthy. And now his going away present is not a gold watch but a golden campaign run. Half the reason these clowns run for the office of the Presidentcy is the lucrative perks of the system. When all is said and done he can retire to his ranch and just fade away.
Rick Perry has aged 20 years in appearence in the last two months. Thats why we call them toast before they actually get toasted. The only thing at stake for Rick Perry now is his health. He should end his campaign, for the sake of his family. The spotlight will be on Cain tonight. I hope he doesn't get too edgy. Doug. Pepperell, MA.
We already know Perry is not a good debater. Those of us who know him better, in TX, know he can be a capable leader. We aren't that concerned about his debate performances. However, it will hurt him, with those who aren't as familiar with him as governor, so it behooves him to get onto his own plan, and his own ideas, for improving the state of the economy and the country, rather than to continue attacking his opponents, which will gain him little.
He has hurt himself, by taking an attack mode, instead of an informative mode. The primary is NOT the same as a general election, and he needs to recognize the difference, to regain momentum. I fear, however, that he simply isn't ready to cope with the difference, in campaigning for national office, vs. state office.
It is too bad really.......as he has the potential to be a good candidate.
Well Jack I think in reality Perry has only one place to worry about and that is last place in the primaries. No one really ever thought the guy had a serious chance to begin with. We all just needed to be reminded why we got rid of the republicans in the Whitehouse the last time around. Perry is a poster child for what the republicans have to offer and in a Texas Colloquialism, "It ain't much".
tampa, fl if he doesn't do well he will have to drop his asking price for bribes.
Perry's candidacy is at stake. He's proven himself another press darling, great for the sound bite but with little substance. If he can't show that he's more than a teleprompter reader than he will go back to Texas and keep them entertained and protect us from another politician in it only for his own gain.
Lots of free time to ponder the science behind the drought, the fires, the ocean rise.
Jack,
Perry's numbers have declined into the realm of the also-rans. His only shot at climbing back into the spotlight is a breakout performance, either tonight or soon. Frankly, I don't see it happening. He's just another Texas conservative governor talking tough and making lots of promises. Been there. Done that.
JIm
Reno, Nevada
Whats at stake for Governor Rick Perry is the decision as to which of his competing Republican candidate will he donate his campaign treasure chess to. Will it be Herman Cain, a fellow Christian, or Mitt Romney?
Survival!
Rick Perry has made too many mistakes and cannot afford another. He must be flawless tonight just to survive.
Rick Perry needs Mitt Romney to make mistakes tonight.
Rick Perry needs Herman Cain to make mistakes tonight.
That is a miracle which Rick Perry needs just to survive. Rick Perry's chances are hanging by a thread that can only be stretched more tonight.
there is a lot at stake for gov perry he has to show he can be a good leader to all america not just for the right and also has to show he would be a better president then the last former gov from texas.
Perry had has chance, but his poor performance in prior debates has caused his party to write him off as being about as smart as a tree stump.
I think it's too late for him.
Jack, Stake? lol. I think you mean 'steak',which can be cooked in TX by the wildfires. Why doesn't he also proclaim this as a 'sign from God?' Just sayin'... Greg M. FL
There is absolutely nothing at stake tonight for Perry. He is spending none of his own money. He has no dignity to lose. His followers are as loyal as any follower could be. His time, although supposedly in part belonging to the people of Texas, is, however, entirely his own. He cannot disprove his lack of intelligence any more profoundly. And more iimportantly, no one in the universe aside from a few billionaires and misled sheep give a red-hot damn about his performance, his future, or his hair.
What's at stake? – Hershey bars! The ones he's using to dye hair. After tonight he can just eat them instead.
Whats at stake?....Hmmmmmmmm, let me see......Nothing!
Everyone knows that this guy is in over his head and that he is an extremist playing on passions rather than substance. He is the one who scares us all into reality. Thanks Rick
Nothing at stake, but like a steak you can stick a fork in him, he's cooked before he starts tonight. Flavor of the month falls tonight too.
Jack,
People interested in funding Perry's campaign could decide to back another nominee if he doesn't do well in tonights deabate, which is fine by me. There are just to many Republicans in the race, and it's time to weed out the group.
Perry should not be worried about his debate performance. He knows that he has the experience to do the actual job because that's what's more important. Action speaks louder than words. Obama was a good debater in 2008 and look at what a disaster he has been as president. We cannot afford to get pulled into that direction again and end up with another failure like Obama. Perry for president in 2012!!!!!!
Does anyone really care? And, that goes for the rest of the Republican slate. These so called presidential candidates are so far out of touch with reality that if any one of them becomes President, the Rapture will not only come, the American people will be pray for its immediate occurrence.
Carlos Magallanes, Pasadena, Calif.
I don't think "debate performance" amounts to anything with Rick Perry's Tea party and especially Corporate supporters. the Cororations know he would be their "lap dog" IF he was elected President SO they will support him to the end no matter what.
btw, Jack, Perry's complete lack of debating skills one again proves he puts the "Guber" in Gubernatorial.
As proven with Palin, Bachman, now Perry and soon to be Cain you cannot hide stupidity for long, the waste always rises to the top.
Perry is and has been done, and hopefully even in Texas.
Rick Perry's campaign is at stake and if he wants to get elected, he had best get with the program. He has to step out of his comfort zone and start tonight by winning the debate, hands down. If he does not, only he is responsible if he becomes less relevant to the GOP.
Nothings at stake, he's already done. The more time they give him the worse be will do. Speaking is not one of his strengths.
Hopefully his entire political future..turning into ashes. There's no valid reason to spread nationwide what he's done in Texas. He has his set up books, (accomplishments) then there is what he's actually produced. If you loved George W Bush you'll love Perry more.
Jack, what's at stake for Perry is his double-digit standing. There is little he can offer America voters exceopt a hairdo and a good-old-boy ad-lib style of affable generalities and stretches of truth about his accomplishments in Texa, That quickly fades in the face of facts and real debate.
What is at stake for Gov. Perry is a bunch of backroom promises made to donors.
Does America think that he is running for President because he will save us.C'mon.
Isn't this the same guy that wanted to secede Texas when Obama got elected?
One last question Jack.If these Job creaters are in such need of tax breaks ,where are they getting all the money to bankroll these guys?Just watching politicians is making my skin crawl!
Nothing. His week is over. He's done.
Nothing is at stake for Perry tonight. He is a never was, another flash in the pan candidate like Donald Trump. The Republican party is so concerned with keeping its wealthy consituency wealthy, they will elect any buffoon who shouts Jesus and no taxes.
Perry is over with. He had too much baggage to begin with and it has all been unpacked and hung out for all to see in the past debates. He can raise money and work the streets, as you say but but he has to have a full media presence in today's politics and he doesn't have it. In the world of debates, he gets sidetracked too easily and that isn't a winning attribute.
Well, Jack, Rick went out to play in the world, and just couldn't hack it! He is not good with people! Only with Republicans! We don't identify with him at all here in Texas. We are stuck with a governor who inherited the job from another brain surgeon, G W Bush. Perry refused to debate democrat rival Jim White in the 2010 gubernatorial race! What does that say about him? And I honestly don't think he can do anything to save himself, although I would love to see hin run against Pres. Obama!
To use Texas lingo, I'd say "the whole enchilada" Jack. Another lousy debate performance would be a real set-back.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
Perry will either win or lose his chance to run for president on the republican ticket. his showings in past debates has been poor and some of his comments to the public have been in poor taste. this debate will make or break is run.
What's at stake? Nada. He's already toast. Although he is, like Palin, good at working the crowd, during debates and interviews (again like Palin) he is unable to hide his lack of knowledge about the issues and an intellect that is simply not up to the task of leading our nation. Like many sequels, Perry is a bad rerun of Bush, and apparently doesn't have the kind of savvy handlers that sneaked GW into the Oval Office.
Nothing short of political Boot Hill–that's what's at stake for Rick Perry If he can't get off a killshot or two tonight. To keep his top-three status in the Republican Presidential Rodeo tonight he`ll have to out-slick Governor Romney, out-bull Citizen Cain and keep an eye peeled for a Bauchman ambush. It`s a tall order for a cowboy who`s been shooting blanks since he showed up in the corral, but let`s hope he at least goes down guns blazing.
What's at stake for Perry? Well, the debates are not steak frys in west Texas. Medium, rare, or well done, he will continue to fight an uphill battle becoming relevant in a nationwide campaign.
What's at stake? LOL, nothing...He has already lost. Stop reporting on him, waste of time.
Nothing Jack. There's still a lot of time in this thing. Let's face it: the Tea Party is driving the Republican train right now and they're never going to vote for Romney, Cain or any of the other seven dwarfs. The Tea Party will circle their wagons around Perry because he's not a flip-flopper like Romney and he's not black. The Tea Party will speak: Rick Perry 2012! And for the rest of us, hopefully the Mayans are right.
He's yesterday's news until Herman Cain becomes roadkill himself. Tonight, Cain will be the target, and it will be between him and Mitt Romney.Ask about Perry once Cain drops back down.
Please let him run- please, please, please, do it for President Obama!
The Republican candidates are all clueless as to what Americans need.
I don't care. By the way, have you noticed, he isn't very... er... bright? He's the male sarah palin.
Whats at stake? His entire political career and legacy.
Jack – What's at stake for "the Rick", huh ? the 17 mill is mostly from Big Oil, and that is a fact. The only truth he can tell is that Texas IS Gaining Population, ( fact) and he has repeatedly said that there IS JOBS in Texas. (also fact) That's the only thing that I can honestly say for "the Rick". Why do you think Texas is getting another Seat in Congress, (if they already haven't done that. (I would be surprised if you actually print this)
Hopefully EVERYTHING.....Enough of Perry already!...and I was born and raised and still live in Texas!. He just hasn't impressed us here much to vote for him at a national level. There's A LOT MORE to lose as a US Citizen if he were President!. So hopefully it ends tonight!
Well jack, to put it simply, his whole presidential bid. He has time and again showed a level of incompetence and weakness that is unparalleled by the other candidates. If he doesn't have a strong showing tonight he will cease to have any foothold in this race.
Nothing is at stake in tonight's debate. Perry graduated from college with a 2.5 GPA. He was a cheerleader! Sound familiar? The guy doesn't have many tricks in his bag to play. Maybe he will realize he is a loser and decide to drop out of the race. I would like to see him stake that one.
When Perry said Bernanke should not increase the money supply before the election or he might be charged with treason, he made it obvious that he stands with Republicans who are trying to create another recession in order to win next fall. I think he has to distance himself from the 1% who wouldn't be hurt by a recession.
I think Perry can thank the Southern Baptist for his poll numbers. We need to leave religion out of politics. The SBC did the same thing with Kennedy and the Catholic church. It didn't work that time and it might be even more disliked this time around. We had enough religious right propaganda two in the last election.
Probably not too much at stake. Money does his talking & he has the whole dictionary. We can only hope people won't buy what he is selling. He comes across as an empty suit.
Jack, It's like asking what's at stake for a drowning man, his political life hangs on what he says and how he says it, no more gimmes, he can go home if he comes off like a country bumpkin stammering for his replies.
Herman Cain has shown us that it may be better to open up and have a few gaffs rather than be so correct you come off as phony.
Nothing. Rick Perry has never won a debate in his political life. Debates get rid of candidates. They don't choose candidates. What chooses candidates is money. Rick Perry will turn on his tough guy image soon and really go after his opponents. Independent political advertisers will do the same. Commercials mean more in manipulating the vote than debates. You heard it here first: Rick Perry is the guy the GOP is picking to lose to Obama.
Do or Die Rick. If you keep relatively quiet you may last another month! I'm not ready for another Bush.
Mr. Cafferty, Governor Perry's less than stellar debate performances may be attributed to his discomfort from back surgery he had a few weeks ago. However, I was outraged with the Gardasil issue a few years ago, and I am not a fan of his stance on immigration. Governor Perry is not my first choice, but if he's the GOP nominee, I'll not be voting for him nearly as much as I'll be voting against Obama.
Whats at stake for Rick.........A well done steak served with a baked potato
There's a new Sheriff in town pilgrim. He's a Mormon. All cattle no hat....
He already cooked his goose. The Occupy Movement just puts more nails in his coffin. He's out of touch. I never wanted a president who got a "D" in Survey of Economics (an entry level course). These guys remain me of the Seven Dwarfs, Bachman for Snow White?
Nothing new for Governor Perry Jack, he is in life-support now, and might even turn worst. That is an example how his leadership will prevail and sink the country more deeper into debt if he was elected to lead the country. He should give-up and let others try.
He want win, which is great for our country. More than likely he will pass his funds to Romney, because Romney is another puppet for the GOP. The best thing the gop could do is give the nomanation to Herman Cain, at least Herman is more like main street.. I believe Herman and pray that he gets the job, but the gop are such control freaks that the more than likely know they want be able to control Hreman Cain.
Jack, Rick needs to remember his training of the past few days. He has had stand-ins for Romney and Cain at his continuous practice sessions and has been given sanitized politically correct answers to memorize, if he can, If you are ready for a theocracy with Shiite type law: stone all who do not toe the right-wing-nut rules; you may be ready for a Perry.
"Buzz Lightyear" (aka Rick Perry) was practically appointed to the governship of Texas. He has never had to run a competitive campagn in hs career Now thathe dos not have the cover of a one party state, Buzz has had to come out of his "space suit" and face the real world.
What's at stake for Rick Perry at tonight's debate is simply that if he does not do well he becomes CHOPPED LIVER.
As a fellow Texan that moved to Alaska to get some of the money back Texas loaned William Seward to purchase AK from Russia i must say this.
The boy cooked his own goose when he went against what Paul said concerning cults in Galatians 1:6-11 & else where, as well as what Jesus said in John 14:6 as to the fact that He, Jesus is the way, the Truth & the Life, and NO man/woman comes unto God the Father except thru Him/Jesus.
My vote is for Herman Cain to be OUR First Black American President.
Jerry in Alaska
Jack, What's at stake is "Who gets voted off the island" We watch these train wrecks called debates the same way we watch other reallity TV shows. We see who can be a smart ass, who has the best hairdo, Who can be more religious than the next.............. and in the end we cast our votes on what we saw, not what we heard. Once thing for sure the pretty one will win, that's why Ron Paul never gets covered.
Bob
Stirling Ontario Canada
What's at stake for Rick Perry is he will lose support from his NWO handlers at Bilderberg. That's alright for the Globalists though, they still have ol' Romney and the banks to flaunt to the American sheeple and if that's not their flavor then they can pick Federal Reserve Shill Herman Cain (who praised TARP {bank bailout} and applauds the Patriot act). What is really at stake for Perry and the Establishment is that America wakes up and supports the only candidate who upholds the Constitution and understands our economic crisis. The only one who will stop corporate welfare, foreign aid and end the wars... RON PAUL!
What's at stake is Perry's dignity, and the ability to escape the shallows of his former boss, George W. Bush.
Texas Governership!
Well if My prayer's are answered it will be ererything at stakes and the dice comes up craps.
I live in Canada and I follow what is going on in the United States and in the World,And from what I hear about the Republicans leaves Me with a question for the American People.
With the Republican Plans and beliefs Why the Hell would any of You want to Vote for them?
I wish that We had cross border Voting just so that I could Vote against them.
Oh yeah and by the way I DON'T VOTE.
My advice is Go Democrat or don't go.
If you can't debate? You've sealed your fate. Plain , simple and true.
For Rick Perry its life or death as a candidate. Keep his mouth shut, when he goes on the attack, make sure he has the facts to support his sound offs.
Jack,
Rick Perry can redeem himself, but only if he gets help from the other candidates. If Cain continues to talk about electrocuting illegal aliens (via the fence he would build) and if he can't demonstrate how 9-9-9 would help the poor and middle classes, that helps Perry. If Romney doesn't offer any solutions and continues with his corporations are people philosophy, that helps Perry. Bachmann just has to open her mouth, and that helps Perry.
Otherwise, he's toast.
Nothing, His campaign will proceed as planned by Rove. He'll play the dark horse for now, whilst the Religious Right destroy the Romney Campaign by further exposing the belief of Mormons, that News Media's have avoided commenting on. That is, Mormons believe that Jesus and the Devil are brothers as declared by Mormon leader Joseph Smith. The GOP doesn't have a chance without the Religious Zealot Right and Romney doesn't have a chance of getting their vote. Hence, Rick Perry slides in as the come back kid 2011, no matter how stupid he is. The GOP is the same party that nominated Bush (a man who's Presidency is still responsible for 90% of our country's problems). They are destined to repeat backing total ignorance and false religious conviction. Herman Cain eliminates the racist vote the GOP has been harvesting and the GOP can't win without the racists. No matter how stupid Perry is, he is backed by the Bush Crime Family and no matter how bad it looks for him now, he is still the one. Heck with Bush they managed to get an ignorant AWOL/Deserter elected.
I agree with most of the comments, Perry is undoubtedly out of it. Which is good for the country, but leaves Texas stuck with Perry !!! But I agree with Jonique - let him run - he is very beatable!!