Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is fighting for a final spot on the main stage of the first nationally televised GOP debate, and he insists he will not repeat his poor debate performance from the 2012 presidential primaries.
Fox News host Chris Wallace asked Perry what he’d do first as president of the United States. Perry replied that he’d end the deal with Iran and secure the border with Mexico, all on his first day.
“Tear up that agreement with Iran, that’s the biggest challenge I think that we have in this country, and obviously securing that border with Mexico is incredibly important as well, and those two things can happen on the first day,” Perry said.
Perry said he has spent more time getting ready for the debates than during the last presidential election cycle, but said the first debate is not a “one shot pony” that will determine the ultimate nominee.
“I have not made it any secret that my preparation has been substantially more than what it was four years ago,” Perry said on “Fox News Sunday.” He said that last time he got into the debate “process late” and “had had major back surgery. We were not prepared either physically or mentally and it reflected that.”
“So the preparation [this time] is going to be very reflective of what we’ve done,” said Perry. “I think people will see a very focused, disciplined candidate.”
The governor has locked horns repeatedly with fellow presidential candidate Donald Trump on the campaign trail, and said he would not back down from protecting America’s veterans, who he thought Trump lambasted via his criticism of Sen. John McCain’s, R-Ariz., military service.
Whether Perry has the opportunity to appear on the main stage with Trump this week is yet to be determined. RealClearPolitics’ average of polls shows Perry polling in 11th place, and only the top ten candidates will make the prime-time debate.
