ORLANDO — Acutely aware that his poor performance in Thursday night’s Republican debate has weakened his standing with GOP voters, Rick Perry is urging participants in today’s Florida straw poll to ignore politicians who are polished speakers and focus instead on a candidate’s record.
“You’ve seen what happens when our country chooses a leader who emphasizes words over deeds,” Perry told a breakfast gathering at an Orlando hotel Saturday. “Americans don’t need more slick promises. We need a principled leader who will stand on his conservative values.”
That message is a two-fer for Perry. Ostensibly aimed at President Obama, it indirectly targets rival Mitt Romney and, for that matter, other Republican candidates, like Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich, who have out-performed Perry in debate.
Perry’s campaign team obviously planned for a huge turnout at the breakfast, held across the street from the convention center where the straw poll will be conducted. They booked a huge room, with zillions of tables and a big breakfast spread. By the time Perry appeared, the room was a little more than half full, and not all of those present were Perry supporters. Many were still deciding on a candidate, and some were there for other reasons. “It’s a free breakfast,” said one Cain fan.
Several people said they had come to Orlando prepared to support Perry but are now reconsidering their decision in light of his debate performance. On the other hand, there were some who are sticking with the Texas governor and will take time to explain that debates don’t reveal a candidate’s true leadership qualities.
Perry made an unconventional entrance into the event. With no fanfare or announcement, he simply walked into the room and began shaking hands and posing for pictures. A small crowd gathered around, and Perry showed off his skills at pressing the flesh, putting his arm around and making eye contact with nearly every person he spoke to. He is vastly more natural at it than Romney, whose peppiness when working the line can seem a bit fake.
Perry’s personal presence seemed to make up for some — but not all — of his shortcomings on the debate stage. As he worked the crowd nearby, a woman expressed her disappointment with him and then looked over to see him standing a few feet away. The tone of her voice changed and she said, “I do love him. I just wish he’d say what I want him to say. Can anyone call the word doctor? Frank Luntz?”
Perry spent about an hour in the crowd. When he finally took to the podium, he spoke for about seven minutes. That’s something he can’t do in the format of a debate. But when there are real people around, and not just network TV cameras, Rick Perry is in his element.
