Rick Perry

By Alan Fisher in Americas on January 19th, 2012
Perry entered the race in August and briefly was at the front of the pack of Republican candidates [Reuters]

The departure of Rick Perry from the contest to be the Republican presidential nominee is not hugely surprising. It probably just came 72 hours before everyone expected.

The Texas Governor was a late entrant into the race – some people insist he had to be talked into running by his wife – and immediately surged to the top of the opinion polls. As a social conservative, strong on issues like abortion and gay marriage, he appealed to the right wing core of the party. He is a smooth political operator. I’ve witnessed him work and charm a room and connect with people on an individual level. He is an impressive politician.

By Al Jazeera Staff in Americas on January 7th, 2012
Republicans in New Hampshire await the debate [GALLO/GETTY]

Follow the latest Republican Party presidential debate in New Hampshire - minute by minute.

10:44 PM: The last question was a softball: Candidates were asked where they'd be if they weren't at the debate.

Perry, a Texan at heart, would "probably be at the shooting range." Paul would be either with his family or "reading an economics textbook." Huntsman'd be on the phone with his sons.

And Gingrich? "I'd be watching a championship college basketball game."

The NCAA championships aren't until April - and Gingrich had to correct himself: "Championship football game."

Santorum and Romney, too, said they'd be watching football.

By Alan Fisher in Americas on November 11th, 2011
Photo by Reuters

Rick Perry has been campaigning for months. He’s been shaking hands and kissing babies in the way politicians are meant to when they want elected. But in just fifty three seconds all that was undermined. Fifty three seconds which could kill his presidential bid.

Initially he was quoted as being reluctant to enter the race, but urged on by his wife, Anita. He declared his candidacy in the summer. He immediately became the front runner and as such attracted a pile of money who believed the next Republican president could again be a governor from Texas.

Perry is not a great debater. He says he’s ‘a doer not a talker’.

By Alan Fisher in Americas on November 4th, 2011
Photo by Reuters

Flying across Iowa, the flat fields of corn stretch way into the distance until the handful of tower blocks which mark the centre of Des Moines suddenly loom into view.

In just two months, the Midwest state will, for a short time, become the most important one in the union.

Just three days after the New Year begins, the state's Republicans will gather in caucus to decide who they would like to see challenge Barack Obama for the presidency of the United States.

Yet two months out - what is happening here reflects the state of the Republican party nationally.

There is no clear frontrunner, no obvious winner from a wide and determined field.

The most recent opinion poll - conducted by the respected local paper, the Des Moines Register puts two candidates clearly in front, Herman Cain and Mitt Romney.

Al Jazeera Live

What's Hot


Recent Comments

This work is licensed under Creative Commons. Please read our attribution policy.