In a debate in Rochester, Michigan, the Republican candidates expected to focus on the stumbling economy with some diversion to the ongoing Herman Cain sexual harassment allegations. Instead it was Rick Perry who stole the show with an embarrassing gaffe.
An enthusiastic proponent of small government, Perry was describing the three agencies that he would cut to reduce the size of the federal government. He got the first two, Education and Commerce but the third one eluded him.
He mumbled and stumbled until fellow candidate Ron Paul mischievously suggested the Environmental Protection Agency - as Governor of an oil state, Perry has made no secret of wanting to reduce the influence of the EPA.
ââ¬ÅYeah that's it the EPA,ââ¬Â said Perry, trying to laugh off his embarrassment.
When pressed by CNBC reporter John Harwood, one of the debate moderators, to clarify if it was the EPA that he was referring to, the Texas governor admitted it wasn't but became even more uncomfortable as he tried to remember which agency he was talking about.
After last night's performance, Tony Fratto, a deputy press secretary under Republican former President George W. Bush, tweeted, Perry can end his campaign right now.
Link to video: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...Rick-Perry-blunders-in-Republican-debate.html
An enthusiastic proponent of small government, Perry was describing the three agencies that he would cut to reduce the size of the federal government. He got the first two, Education and Commerce but the third one eluded him.
He mumbled and stumbled until fellow candidate Ron Paul mischievously suggested the Environmental Protection Agency - as Governor of an oil state, Perry has made no secret of wanting to reduce the influence of the EPA.
ââ¬ÅYeah that's it the EPA,ââ¬Â said Perry, trying to laugh off his embarrassment.
When pressed by CNBC reporter John Harwood, one of the debate moderators, to clarify if it was the EPA that he was referring to, the Texas governor admitted it wasn't but became even more uncomfortable as he tried to remember which agency he was talking about.
After last night's performance, Tony Fratto, a deputy press secretary under Republican former President George W. Bush, tweeted, Perry can end his campaign right now.
Link to video: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...Rick-Perry-blunders-in-Republican-debate.html
