Assessing Presidential Candidates: Qualifications and Competencies

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the qualifications and competencies of presidential candidates, particularly focusing on Rick Perry and his statements regarding religion and politics. Participants explore the implications of his views, the public's perception of him, and the broader context of religion's role in American politics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about Rick Perry's electability, suggesting his statements appear more comedic than serious.
  • There are sarcastic remarks about the perceived "war on religion," indicating a mix of humor and critique regarding the seriousness of such claims.
  • Concerns are raised about the influence of religion in politics, with some arguing that it should be kept separate from governance.
  • Participants note that Perry's statements may be an attempt to appeal to specific voter demographics, particularly Evangelicals, due to his declining poll numbers.
  • Some argue that while Perry's concerns about religious issues in schools may have merit, they should not be the focus of presidential discourse.
  • Critiques of Perry's confidence and perceived incompetence are voiced, with some labeling him an embarrassment for the country.
  • Comparisons are made between the role of religion in American politics versus that in other countries, such as France, highlighting different cultural approaches to religion and governance.
  • Some participants question whether the historical context of the American Revolution contributes to the current political landscape regarding religion.
  • There are reflections on the short-term focus of politicians in the U.S., with a suggestion that long-term considerations are often overlooked.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with no clear consensus on Perry's qualifications or the appropriateness of his religious rhetoric in politics. Disagreement exists regarding the implications of his statements and the role of religion in governance.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal opinions and experiences, and the discussion includes references to external media and public perceptions, which may not be universally applicable or agreed upon.

  • #61
This makes me cringe...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiCRW5zGSG4
 
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  • #62
Kevin_Axion said:
This makes me cringe...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiCRW5zGSG4

Slogan: "Stupidity. Third Time's the Charm."
 
  • #63
Don't get me wrong, I agree that Rick Perry is an ignorant fool, but the fact that he couldn't remember that the third one was the department of energy isn't a reason to think so. Everyone talks about it as if it proves that he's a moron. In my opinion, it doesn't even point in that direction. It says nothing at all about his intelligence or leadership abilities. It's not like the USA is going to end up in a situation where he goes "Go ahead and bomb Iraq, Afghanistan, and...uh...". Even if that would happen, it's not like it would lead to an accidental bombing of Norway.
 
  • #64
Fredrik said:
Don't get me wrong, I agree that Rick Perry is an ignorant fool, but the fact that he couldn't remember that the third one was the department of energy isn't a reason to think so. Everyone talks about it as if it proves that he's a moron. In my opinion, it doesn't even point in that direction. It says nothing at all about his intelligence or leadership abilities. It's not like the USA is going to end up in a situation where he goes "Go ahead and bomb Iraq, Afghanistan, and...uh...". Even if that would happen, it's not like it would lead to an accidental bombing of Norway.
Lots of gays in Norway, they're a very liberal, secular country. Just sayin...:-p
 
  • #65
Fredrik said:
Don't get me wrong, I agree that Rick Perry is an ignorant fool, but the fact that he couldn't remember that the third one was the department of energy isn't a reason to think so. Everyone talks about it as if it proves that he's a moron. In my opinion, it doesn't even point in that direction. It says nothing at all about his intelligence or leadership abilities. It's not like the USA is going to end up in a situation where he goes "Go ahead and bomb Iraq, Afghanistan, and...uh...". Even if that would happen, it's not like it would lead to an accidental bombing of Norway.

These distractions get more attention than the candidates' actual agendas: economy, health, and foreign policies etc.
 
  • #66
rootX said:
These distractions get more attention than the candidates' actual agendas: economy, health, and foreign policies etc.
His track record in Texas is awful. There is a thread about him. He paid his friends to move their companies to Texas, there is a whole laundry list of bad things he's done. And then he lied about them, and worse, he got caught lying.
 
  • #67
I thought this was kind of funny. Someone noticed that Rick Perry's coat in the video is very similar to a coat worn by Heath Ledger in a very famous movie.

http://fif.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads...be pretty funny if someone did it on purpose.
 
  • #68
Fredrik said:
I thought this was kind of funny. Someone noticed that Rick Perry's coat in the video is very similar to a coat worn by Heath Ledger in a very famous movie.

http://fif.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads...municate and fit in with the rest of society.
 
  • #69
rootX said:
These distractions get more attention than the candidates' actual agendas: economy, health, and foreign policies etc.

The problem isn't that he couldn't remember some random fact, it is that he couldn't remember his own platform. If the guy brain locks due to a little debate, what will he do in an actual crisis?

It's all moot anyway. He has established in his own party that he's not up to the job. He has no chance of being elected or even nominated.
 
  • #70
Ivan Seeking said:
The problem isn't that he couldn't remember some random fact, it is that he couldn't remember his own platform. If the guy brain locks due to a little debate, what will he do in an actual crisis?
You mean a crisis like if aliens invade and say they'll blow up the east coast if the president can't think of the name of the actor who played "Ben" on Lost in less than 15 seconds? I really can't think of any kind of crisis where the president needs this skill.

Ivan Seeking said:
It's all moot anyway. He has established in his own party that he's not up to the job. He has no chance of being elected or even nominated.
Right, but what I find really sad about this is that he's being disqualified because of irrelevant things like this, while his poor understanding of economics and other things that matter is part of what gave him a fighting chance in the first place.
 
  • #71
I guess the Republican party knows how to quit Rick Perry. For myself, I went out and bought a new jacket today, I no longer feel comfortable wearing the old one. Not that there's anything wrong with it.
 
  • #72
Fredrik said:
You mean a crisis like if aliens invade and say they'll blow up the east coast if the president can't think of the name of the actor who played "Ben" on Lost in less than 15 seconds? I really can't think of any kind of crisis where the president needs this skill.

Why are you intentionally posting nonsense? You sound like Rick Perry! :smile:

Right, but what I find really sad about this is that he's being disqualified because of irrelevant things like this,

Show me the evidence for this claim. It is obvious to me that he's not Presidential material. His brain lock was just icing on the cake.

I wouldn't vote for Newt or Romney, but at least they are intellectually qualified to stand on that stage. And frankly, Romney has been completely outclassed by Newt. Ron Paul is lovable and qualified, but he's just too extreme and nutty at times.
 
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