Written by Jade Ford
The current governor of Texas, Rick Perry is now a Republican presidential candidate. He officially launched his campaign on Aug. 13, 2011 in Charleston, South Carolina. In April 2008 while appearing as a guest on CNBC’s Kudlow & Company, he stated that he would not agree to serve as vice president in a McCain administration, stating that he already had a wonderful job as governor of Texas, but now he is challenging himself and entered in the race. Perry’s overall and highly stressed point can be summed up in one word: jobs. Perry argues that two out of every five jobs that were created in Texas have come from the United States, therefore proving the value of a low regulation and low taxation environment. Texas has gained more than one million jobs during his tenure as governor. He promised to make job creation a priority of his administration. As of August 2011, Texas has the highest rate of job growth in the country. Even before Perry entered the race, many political groups set out to rake in donations and spend money on his behalf. These groups sprouted tremendously across the country, begging for him to run and then campaigning for him in states such as Iowa. He is liked because he has been in the tight, political circle since 2001, when he first became governor of Texas and because he is considered a ‘big government’ politician. Many feel that he has certain policies that are easily agreeable and relatable, but as a whole, he lacks much that is needed to be a president.
“Although Governor Perry has the presidential charisma that makes him irresistible to the media, I believe his views do not fall in line with many American’s views and what they want their president to have these next four years,” junior Dan Rosenfield said.
Rick Perry touches on many issues such as healthcare, economy and immigration. He opposes President Obama’s healthcare reform and wants to introduce medical liability reforms, alike to those implemented in Texas that have decreased the number of frivolous lawsuits and increased the number of practicing physicians in Texas. Economically, he states he will work to reduce the deficit, cut spending and order a reform of enlightenment programs. Perry has given his word not to increase taxes and to cut them for small businesses.
“Even though he boasts that under his leadership, the Texas economy has seen a boost,” Rosenfield said. “In reality, the size of the government and the amount of state debt has skyrocketed since he took office, causing the state economic hardships.”
Perry also has an outlook on immigration. As the governor of Texas, he already increased security along the border with Mexico and increased the funding for security and protection from Mexican drug cartels. None the less, the energy/environment and same-sex marriage are also key points in Perry’s campaign arguments. He has already endorsed giving $5,000 to residents who purchase plug-in hybrid vehicles and has signed a legislation that sped up construction of 11 brand new coal plants, and he believes in exploring domestic oil resources. As for same-sex marriage, he opposes them as well as civil unions and favors an amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage. Much of what has been spoken about in media speeches, conferences and debates deal with his thoughts on Social Security. He vows that he is not backing off of his claim and that it is still unconstitutional. In fact, he is now calling the program a “monstrous lie.” Mitt Romney especially believes that that is Perry’s biggest liability: Social Security.
“Perry obviously doesn’t realize a great amount of seniors in this country were living in poverty, unable to clothe, house, or even feed themselves, before Social Security existed,” senior Ashley Galloway said. “Now, the poverty level is still high, but it is not as bad as it was before.”
As for the race in general, the presidential contest that includes candidates such as Michele Bachmann, Gary Johnson, Ron Paul, Romney and a few more, seems that it has actually been narrowed quickly to a two-man race. Rick Perry and Mitt Romney battle over their ability to defeat President Barack Obama.
“As far as the Republican debates go, it seems to me that the candidates are ‘ganging up’ on him,” senior Brandon Brewington said. “Michele Bachmann sees that she cannot win and she is trying to become vice president, but what she is really trying to do is bump him down a notch so someone will nominate her. The only argument they have is social security.”
