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WEST DES MOINES, Iowa -- Defying expectations that he would quietly drop out of the presidential race in the coming days, Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced in a tweet Wednesday morning that he will continue to campaign in South Carolina despite a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses.
"This wasn't a hard decision," Perry told reporters after his 140-character announcement of the continuation of the campaign "marathon" -- which included a photo of himself in running gear -- stunned even some staff who scrambled to confirm his intentions.
Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) told reporters in West Des Moines, Iowa this morning that after reassessing his bid for the Republican presidential nomination that he is going to continue on to New Hampshire and South Carolina.
The governor told reporters that he made the decision to push forward during a morning jog in West Des Moines. "I was out on the trail when it kind of came to me."
Perry offered some harsh words for the caucus state that handed him last night's defeat, saying he was looking forward to participating in "actual primaries" with "real Republicans."
"This is a quirky place, a quirky process to say the least," he said of the Iowa caucus system. "And we’re going to go into places where they have actual primaries and there are going to be real Republicans voting."
"The fact it is was a pretty loosey-goosey process, and you had a ton of people who were there that admitted they were Democrats voting in the caucuses last night," he added.
However, South Carolina has an open primary, meaning that political independents and Democrats can participate in that process, too.
Perry told supporters in a speech that seemed just shy of a concession last night that he would "reassess" the future of his campaign in Austin. He is traveling as planned to his home state Wednesday but will participate in two debates in New Hampshire this weekend before pushing on to South Carolina.
The campaign has been torn by spats -- some aired on the pages of national news outlets -- between the Texas-based loyalists on his staff and outside consultants who joined the campaign in the fall. Perry mentioned only two senior aides by name -- relative newcomer Joe Allbaugh and longtime Texas ally and communications director Ray Sullivan -- when asked whom he consulted about his decision to stay in the race.
Perry declined to say whether or not there would be any staff changes after the Iowa defeat
"I don’t have any idea," Perry said. "That’s not my area of expertise. I leave that to Joe Allbaugh.”
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What a Dope! lol
Meanwhile, I give Slick Ricky two thumbs down on his 'fashion statement'!
It is NEVER a good idea for a man to sport 'spandex' - I don't need to see the family *jewels*
Of course it wasn't a hard decision. Perry doesn't make decisions. He calls God and asks for direction.
Why do you spout-off like, well, such an a*s*s*h*o*l*e*
Not a hard decision? Hard decisions, after all, are reserved for the intelligent. Did anyone hear the Christian Fundamentalists of Texas are trying to get all the candidates to that armpit of America so they can coaless around "one" Christian fundamentalist presidential nominee in order to prevent Romney from winning? They even hinted that this nominee must be able to raise money and organize successfully. Hinting that Santorum is not it and Perry is? Santorum has out performed everyone in the Republican race with this tie in Iowa. With money he is probably invinsible as a nominee. Why would normal Republicans want to go to Texas? It's the armpit of America for a reason. Just look at their three term governor Perry. Nothing upstairs yet he keeps getting elected. Does "pay to play" mean anything in Texas. Blago's actions are probably legal in Texas. So these "Christian fundamentalists" are actually corporate cronies masquerating as clergy to advance their corporate interests and they think the rest of the country will fall for their masquerade. NOT!
Ooops! "coalesce" Sorry spelling police.
Got your goat, Stanley?
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Get+Your+Goat
Side note, the goat is the mascot of Navy.
My three favorite statements about Rick Perry:
1. He's the only politician alive that makes George W. look brilliant.
2. (Regarding Perry's comment that President Obama thinks he's the smartest guy in the room and the problems that creates.) If Rick Perry is the only person in the room and someone else enters, Perry's chance of being the smartest guy in the room drops precipitously.
3. Umm, errr, well ... uhh ... I forgot. Oops.
Being a current resident of Texas, I can attest to the factual accuracy of these statements. By Perry remaining in the race, I can see he's living up to his billing.
This is what really happened.
Once Upon a Time In Iowa
Bachman's phone rings.
"Hello Meeshell, this is the Rickster."
"Why hello Rick! It's great to hear the sound of another TEA Drinker that lost!"
"Yeah, golly Gee Whiz. I've been thinking Meeshell. I'm dropping out. Do you think that's a good idea?"
"Well if you are, then so am I. I can't deal with this anymore and I'm glad you called me. I'm announing immediately."
"Ok Meeshell. (chuckling in the background) I'll go after you." Hangs up the phone. "Sucker!! WOO HOO!!! Alright Boys!!! It's on to South Carolina!!! Hey where's the liquor and the Twitter?"
And that's the end of the story.
"This wasn't a hard decision" said Perry after taking a nasty fall on a trail. After stumbling towards an EMS rescuer, Perry was then heard to say "Thank you Lord, for my overwhelming victory in Iowa". Providentially, facilities were available at a nearby but undisclosed psychiatric facility.
So idiot clown Bachmann has decided that the inevitable was at hand but slick Rick hasn't come to that conclusion yet. What will it take, a loss in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Virginia? At what point will Perry see the handwriting on the wall and realize there is no way on God's green Earth that he is ever going to be president? What a doofuss!
The writing on the wall says it is over for Perry. Unfortunately, Perry doesn't seem to be able to read.
baldeagle,
Perry is not on the ballot in Virginia. He and Gingrich could not meet the deadline requirements. Perry has started a lawsuit to get on the ballot.
what is guy, talks about evil federal government but I guess the courts don't count....
Northstar - Perry is also the supposed queen of tort reform against frivolous law suits, but that doesn't seem to be stopping him from using the courts to his advantage.
RedDevPS,
"queen of tort " reform
I had to reread your post. I thought it said queen of tarts :0))
Bursts of laughter - that could be used to describe Perry, Santorum, and Mr. OR Mrs. Bachmann!
hey, perry has to liquidate his campaign funds, what better way to stimulate local economies?
Awfully quick decision, Rick. This is not an accusation but Romney wants to win so badly, he'll do and say anything. I cannot help wondering how much Karl Rove or Mitt Romney slipped under the table for Perry to stay in the race and take votes from Santorum.
ooooh! you think, Jody? Diabolical of Romney, that.
Joe Allbaugh was not getting another job so he wound up Ricky's ego spring.
Amy,
you and your moonbat brigade leader Feisty predicted a record low turnout in Iowa last night. Whoops!
And you also predictably predict an Obama landslide in November, dont you? Keep drinking the koolaid.
Do me a favor; predict the Patriots will lose their playoff game, your karma will give them a sure win.
I thought Perry would be a strong contender, but his disastrous debate performances did him in.
Dont blame him for staying in; ask Tim Pawlenty about throwing the towel in too soon.
That Rick Perry is sure hands on in his campaign---has no idea if staff changes are planned and doesn't tell his top aides his plans. Sounds a lot like the George W. Bush management style---just do whatever you're told by the folks pulling the strings.
Bob, and Perry rattles on- "The fact it is was a pretty loosey-goosey process, and you had a ton of people who were there that admitted they were Democrats voting in the caucuses last night," I guess the Dems gave Iowa the record turnout.
Hey Bob, if you see Paxil around anywhere he owes me $10,000. Like Feisty, he ain't too good at predictions.
Jody--do you think they offered him the VP spot?
Perhaps he is now running for VP so he can find a quick
way out of Texas before his house of cards collapses.
Yes booby - I was wrong about the record low turnout!
Not that you would have a clue about how refreshing it is when you are able to admit your error! ;o)
At least Amy & I have the courage to make predictions, unlike you & the rest of the cowards who don't even have the balls to pick a candidate!
Then again, if you want to brag about this, be my guest! lmao!
So much for enthusiasm! lol
Thanks for posting that Feisty, I strongly suspected that was the case but I loathed the idea of dealing with the numbers ... I'm more of a f--k math let's dance kinda guy:)
martini tango!
No, I don't think they'd offer Perry VP because they remember what Sarah Palin did for McCain and Palin is smarter than Perry. My musings are more along the line of campaign cash to keep going for awhile longer, to go negative on Santorum.
It has to be 5:00 somewhere - want to Tango? ;o)
PS: I would love a martini as well!
ideology and feisty,
Is it possible to dance to Jimmy Buffett's song "Math Sucks?"
I have never lost an election before much less gotten demolished, this is a quirky place. Yes Rick they are quirky, Texas is normal, lets hope people in New Hampshire are not quirky. Is this guy fun or what, calling republicans in Iowa quirky, Tex Dufus 2012.
Mark in SoCal, I'll let you know when the kid I sent to the liquor store comes back and downloads the song for me. My best broom partner is at the ready.
ideology,
I prefer dancing with my mop.
Bob, you thought Rick Perry had a shot at the nomination and you diss me for my predictions? That's funny!
phine ... dancing with a vacuum cleaner is definitely a nono.
The caucus turn out was not a record low, but it barely exceeded 2008 numbers, and turn out was no where near the number GOP leaders predicted. But for Ron Paul's improved ground game from 2008, the 2012 caucus attendance would have been much lower than 2008.
The head of the Johnson County GOP party predicted a 31% turn out of registered GOP (in excess of 5,600). Not only did they fall well short of the 31% prediction, they had a lower GOP turn out than in 2008 when 25% of Johnson County GOP attended the caucus. (23% attended in 2012). The GOP Governor predicted that 140,000 Republicans would caucus last night, and if the weather was good Terry predicted an additional 20K would attend. For early January the weather was great last night, no one needed mittens or hats, and yet not only did 140K, let alone 160K not show up, just a few thousand more Republicans showed up than did in 2008 when the weather was awful. In 2008 the state was 100% snow and ice covered, having had record snow in December, and two severe ice storms, and the temperature was below zero. Last night there was no snow on the ground in Iowa, and the temp was well above normal.
Ron Paul more than doubled his support at the 2012 caucus, and Romney actually had fewer people supporting him than did in 2008, despite the slightly increased turn out. Few of the 23K+ Ron Paul supporters would have attended the caucus if Paul wasn't in the race. Deduct Paul's support from the turn out, and you get a lower than average turn out.
The Democrats did have record turn out last night. It was the largest number of Democrats for an uncontested caucus. It was my first uncontested caucus and I was surprised at the turn out, but even more surprised (pleasantly so) at the number of former Republicans who left the GOP in 2008 to caucus for Obama and showed up again last night. I won't make predictions about other states, but Iowa (like 5 of the last 6 presidential elections) will vote to elect Obama. Obama-Biden 2012!!!!
Phine - dancing to "Baby Come Back"?
It might be that Perry has some campaign funds he needs to burn before shutting down.
Or, maybe he thinks that if he stays in the race long enough, he can get the VP nomination behind Romney; who is in all probability a shoe-in after receiving endorsements from Bush 41 and John McCain.
After Perry's disastrous debate performances, his constant foot in mouth--no way Romney or whomever would pick Rick Perry for VP. The guy is dumber than dirt.
Romney was always going to win the nomination, for me, that was never in doubt.
But you raise an interesting point; what is Perry's angle? Is he looking for a VP nod?
Romney could make worse choices. Romney will need someone from the south, and Perry would fit the bill. Romney will also need to placate the tea party/Republican Base/Evangelicals and Perry would do that for him.
That said, the VP often acts like an attack dog. They take the fight to the opposition so the #1 guy doesn't have to get his hands too dirty. And while Perry has shown he has no problem with getting nasty, he has also shown that he is not very good at talking. Given how badly Perry flubbed his attack on Romney during the debate (remember that famous clip of Perry biffing his "He was before it" attack?) I'd guess Team Romney will pass on Perry as VP for the same reason the rest of the GOP passed on him.
nisl,
Gov. Perry is a southerner, thus he is banking on the southern swing of the primaries to give him a boost.
nisl: Hillary Clinton was supposed to be anointed as the Democratic party standard bearer in 2008. Funny thing happened on the way to the convention, people voted.
Ron Paul has a strong organization and cash to burn. He may just stick around long enough to upset Mr. Romney.
There is no question that the viable GOP field is down to Romney and Santorum. Rick Perry needs to make like Michele Bachmann and get out of the race as fast as he can. Perry's monumental failure as a candidate will be one of the lasting images from the GOP race. To go from a dominant frontrunner with 50 percent support to a third-tier wacko in just a few weeks is remarkable. Now we know why Perry waited so long to enter. He knew he couldn't handle it. http://www.sunstateactivist.org
You're right about Perry's rise and fall being a monumental failure. I don't recall anything quite like it. He rose like a rocket and exploded in mid air.
Another feather in the cap of Barack Obama.....here's more of that transformative change he promised!
It is now official: according to the US Treasury, America has closed the books on 2011 with debt at an all time record $15,222,940,045,451.09. And, as was observed here first in all of the press, US debt to GDP is now officially over 100%, or 100.3% to be specific, a fact which the US government decided to delay exposing until the very end of the calendar year. We wonder, rhetorically, just how prominent of a talking point this historic event will be in any upcoming GOP primary debates.
Oh, I'm guessing it will be pretty prominent. If you thought 2011 was a crappy year for the economy keep your head down low as oil and gas prices go through the roof voters aren't going to want to wait until November elections, they might just storm the White House by mid-summer and demand a resignation.
And how much of that, not to mention how much is still coming in the future, was a gift from years of Republican ruination of our countries finances? Iraq/Afghanistan, Medicare Part D are unfunded commitments we will be paying for for years to come.
I'm looking forward to Obama actually saying that in a debate with Mitt.
That is going to be hahahahahahahahahahhaahhahaha FUNNY!
Too bad, Rob, that you and the other conservatives weren't concerned about the snowballing debt from 2001 through 2008. Did you object to the two unfunded wars, to the unfunded Rx medicare plan, to the massive tax cuts that weren't paid for, etc etc etc? Did you object to Bush 43's taking a surplus and creating a $1 trillion plus deficit in one year? Thought not. Too bad fiscal responsibility hasn't been in the GOP vocabulary (except as chatter) for years. If Bush 43 and the GOP had been less reckless, we wouldn't be in this mess today. Sorry, Rob and friends, trying to pin the debt snowball on President Obama won't sell.
and Rob, debt to GDP in England is 1000% and people are still sharing a pint at their local pub.
Deficits don't matter Rob. Remember that one? I didn't think so.
Slap - Debts/deficits only matter to conservatives when Obama is president. Anyone else, they shrug it off as just a cost of doing business.
Ya know what Rob, I want to see that debate too. Because you know what, most Americans agree that reckless republican spending and economic policies caused the economic mess we are in. And Obama will be able to debate what he has done to stop the free-fall we were in, and the steps he has taken to put the economy on the right course. All Romney will debate is that he wants to return to the halcyon days of economic policies that caused the Great Recession. And only fools will want a return to economic policies that will usher in another Great Depression.
It would be nice if someone asked Perry to provide the proof of his claim that "tons of people" admitted they were democrats at the caucuses. Democrats already figured out that the circus clowns the GOP presented Iowans needed no outside influence. Democrats and republicans watched Perry self destruct in debate after debate. Yahoos like Rick Perry can't stand to lose so they blame Iowa, Iowans and the caucus for their own implosion. Last time I checked, there are "real republicans" in Iowa, too, Governor Perry.
So much for Perry's chances in 2016, Jody. He burned his bridges in Iowa with those remarks, didn't he?
Besides, if a Democrat wanted to disrupt the Republican caucuses, he or she might very well have voted for Perry---we'd like to see him stay around to be a thorn in Romney's side and force Romney ever further to the right.
SF, yes, he sure did. Huntsman didn't himself any favors either. Iowans don't pretend to be perfect in picking candidates but we take great pride in the fact that we take the process seriously. Iowa perplexes me at times having spent time in California but Iowa Pride is as real as Iowa Nice.
I predict that if Jon Huntsman runs in 2016, his response to someone bringing up his negative comments about Iowa will be something along the lines of "I spent time in Iowa and realize that they are blah, blah, blah.... Now I stand on the same positions as the people of Iowa and blah, blah, blah."
All he really needs to do is look up some Romney speeches on Iowa.
A couple comments/ questions:
1. Why not continue? He will most definitely have a better chance of gaining traction in the south. Likely not enough, but who knows? I think his idea of wanting to test the waters with "real Republicans" means in effect "southern Jesus people will support me."
2. Perry and Virginia - if he can not participate there he will definitely be done. Will his lawsuit work?
3. The idea that Mr. Perry could be angling for a VP slot is intriguing. Mr. Romney could perhaps offset the political disadvantages of his Mormonism by bringing on an Evangelical running mate.
Stay tuned for these, and other developments, here on First Read!
Good point, Mark, about the "southern Jesus" people being the real republicans he meant but there's a lot of them here, too. Perry's problem in Iowa, I think, was summed up by the Republican who listened to his speech at the IA State Fair and responded to the reporter who asked if he would support Perry, "we don't need another flag-waving Texan."
I do not see Perry as VP, Biden even with his occasional verbal gymnastics would swat him like a fly in any debate. Biden would only have to ask him to name three things on any subject.
Mark
Perry would be as toxic to any ticket as Sarah was to McCain.
Sore loser? Did Governor Perry just give the middle finger to the state of Iowa? What about States' Rights?
Seriously...if the next stop is South Carolina does it mean that Governor Perry won't be campaigning in New Hampshire? Will he be skipping this weekend's debates?
Romney can't wait to sign Perry up as VP after Perry's 'caucus' comments. Yeah, sure, you betcha.
Romney is bringing Christie onto the ballot. That's why it's silly for Perry to stay in when he could get out and throw support to either Gingrich or Santorum. Oh, there's the rub...I get it....he can't bring himself to endorse those two 'conservative' clowns.
Gov. Perry's debating skills, and all-around intelligence, are evidence that God exists, and that He still loves us. (With apologies to Ben Franklin, who said it about beer.)
Personally, I am convinced that the years long drought in Texas, coupled now with the Burning Bush(es), are divine signs to Perry that he should go forth in haste to lead the people out of that desert and into washington, dc.,, Yea, verily..as it was written... "And thou shalt lead my children into the land of milk and money that I promised unto you and unto your forefathers before you.. To smite the unholy Tribes of Labour, and all their organized minions...To hurl the money changers out of the Fed... To return the fruits of the vineyard to those who hath earned it by the sweat of others brow ..And with a mighty outstretched arm and a hidden semi-automatic.. ye may part the Potomac, as I commandeth, and goest thou upon dry land, whilst your enemies, in chase, become swallowed and drowned in pollution and filth”. ...So it was said..so shall it be done. .
Perry is still stupid, Id vote for Banana Sam the spider monkey before I voted for Perry.
I quess he feels he has the money to lose...what a loser.. He's too embarrassed to drop out now....They are all losers...
Obama's got my vote again in November.
But Toyota3,
Doesn't that make you a loser??
He may not be Presidential material, but Mitt or Santorum will have plenty of great cabinet positions to fill. Rick Perry...Secretary of State.
Great improvement over Ms. Clinton.
Cowboy Ooops sez he needs to return to Texas for inspiration. Code for "I gotta get instructions from Harold Simmons before I say anything important". Harold, the Texas nuclear waste dump operator, is Cowboy's major source of funding.
Lucky for us, Cowboy is staying with the act. Losing him would be like trying to make the three stooges act work without Larry.
Double lucky for us, you can't fix stupid, so we can look forward to more "bridge to nowhere in Arizona" remarks.
Let him run -- it's keeping him out of Texas.
Romney must have ordered Perry to stay in the race to dilute the con vote and protect his certain nomination. If Perry and the far away eyes lady were not in the race last night RS would have heavily beat WMR.
This SH*T is tooooooooooooooooo funny :-)!
Even in Iowa there were few who thought that Rick Perry was a good choice. Considering the quality of candidates he lost to in Iowa I think God's trying to tell him something. He only listens to the voices in his head. Oh well, on to South Carolina and further embarrassment. He'll stay in as long as there are people stupid enough to contribute money to his campaign.
Hmmm... listening to voices in his head again? That's why his eyes look blank, even when he smiles, they are blank. Scary!!!
"I was out on the trail when it kind of came to me."
That was gas Rick, let it go...
Sidenote..... Perry is delusional! Wifey must have given him a good talking to and told him... "hey, i already have the drapes picked out for the White House. YOU WILL NOT GIVE UP!" rofl
Rick Perry is as much a buffoon as is Joe Biden. Please drop out Perry!
I agree with you on the Perry comment, but not Biden.
Just watched his video... the look in his eyes is truly scary. He looks like a serial killer... dead eyes. <shiver> He will do anything he wants to do to tear this country apart! He and other GOPers (nuts) talking about spending habits of Obama. He had to spend to dig us out of the huge hole Bush left us in. They have the nerve to say they (GOP nuts) want less regulation..... no regulation is what got us into this mess to begin with! McCain endorsed Romney... is that supposed to help Romney? Well, I can say that Romney needs help, but McA$$ is not it! Republicans, at this point, after they have blocked everything Obama wanted to do to help the middle class and poor, DON'T HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN THE WHITE HOUSE!!! Sadly, they (Repubnuts/Teaheads) will continue on because they think WAYYYYY too much of themselves. What drives them to keep asking stupidly? Their hatred of an Obama Administration... it's not what Obama does, it's what he is.