Video: Rick Perry Proves He Sucks At Debating Once Again

Rick Perry: "Oops" (AP)

Texas Governor Rick Perry has admitted he's a terrible debater, but tonight he reached a new low (or high, depending on your political persuasion) during the 10th (!) Republican debate. Here, just watch it—we don't want to ruin it for you:

Spoiler: Perry had been explaining that he'd cut three agencies: Education... Commerce.... and, um.... um, Education... Commerce, and... Here's how the NY Times described the moment:

He couldn't remember.

Not just for a moment or two. Ever. He stumbled, fumbled for the third. He was given extra time. Even one of his rivals finally offered a little help: "The E.P.A.?"

Well, no, Mr. Perry said. The E.P.A. would go, too. But that's not what I was thinking of, he said.

More "ums" and "uhs," and "ums." He looked down at his podium, as if there might be a cheat sheet, though none was there. He started to move on, and a moderator, John Harwood, dug the knife in a little more.

"You can't name the third agency?" Mr. Harwood asked, seemingly incredulous.

Mr. Perry was clearly searching his brain. He offered a bit more fumbling. And finally, with a sad face, said, "I can't."

THEN Perry added, "Oops."

For what it's worth, Perry wanted to get rid of the Department of Energy. Which deals with issues near and dear to Texas, no? Anyway, pundits, including some Republicans, are calling this the death of Perry campaign.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on November 9, 2011 10:05 PM

Comments [rss]

Militant Conformist

Perry and everyone's favorite Hockey Mom are providing excellent reasons for the intelligent voter on both sides to disregard those who jump into the field late hoping to catch lightening in a bottle instead of building an election organization from the ground up. The usual suspects may suck like a porn star but you avoid surprises like this

Peanut_Butter

I'm not so concerned about his intelligence. Our "best and brightest" dragged us into Vietnam.

It appears that he's not informed. If you're thoughtful and have studied the issues, how do you draw a blank on 3 agencies you feel you need to do away with? Momentary mental block?

unretrofiedforu

The Republicans should be scared. IF anything, they should be insulted. Insulted that people like those on the debate are actually anywhere near the front when running for president of the united states.

He couldn't name the 3rd dept he would close - a key component in what apparently is Perry's domestic plan. The fact of which is a surprise to me - and should be a suspicious surprise for anyone claiming to be of 'conservative' leanings that throws up the red flags. The fact that he obviously knows nothing of the underlying issues and chooses to completely flatten the problems at hand into a tweetable sound bite should be an INSULT to all the small-govt devotees out there.

That is the state of the discourse. And people wonder why occupy wall st is happening. Hell with so many things going wrong - I want to see YOU and all the other naysayers try to write a list of demands.

v4der

END THE LOCKOUT!

TrollyMcTrollington

As if that's the biggest problem with Perry:
http://www.rollingstone.com/po...

At this point the GOP may as well hold bikini and evening gown competitions for all the good it will do them.

CKing13

Looks like Obama's chance of a 2nd term keep getting stronger and stronger.

Detex

Just a little binger to brighten up your day!

Think2wice

What are the majority of Texans thinking when they keep voting this inebriated clown back into office?

GentleGiant

Texas state government is limited and the governor's power is weak compared to most states, so to the voter there's not much perceived harm in electing someone like Perry. Plus the Democrats aren't all that strong statewide in Texas.

m015094

This guy is Dan Quayle dumb.

GentleGiant

Presidential material!

spincter

fk yeah ! vote for this mudderfudder !!
politics are a joke anyway, here's an appropriate leader.

Detex

Like a dumber GW Bush if that is even possible!!!

thenab

There are 3 legitimately intelligent candidates for the GOP... Huntsman, Romney and... Uh... I... Uh...I can't think of one right now...oops.

airtech1

I actually think Huntsman vs. Obama would be a very close race, given the role that China will play in geopolitical and economic discussions moving forward. But no way Hunstman wins the Repub nomination.

Len_Drexler

Two Stephen Colbert quotes pertaining to Huntsman's odds:

"Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman are both Mormon. One of these guys could be our next president. The other one is Jon Huntsman."

"A poll places Jon Huntsman among the top two Mormons in the Republican presidential race."