AP: Texas Wildfires Pose ‘Real Time’ Leadership Test to Rick Perry
- Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:07am by
Billy Hallowell
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Call it a leadership test in real time. Rick Perry left the presidential campaign trail this week to dash back to Texas, where wildfires have tragically devoured more than 1,000 homes in a week.
“Not paying attention to politics right now” is how the conservative Republican explained it after he ditched a high-profile campaign appearance in early-voting South Carolina to tend to his duties as governor. His attendance at a debate Wednesday night in California — it would be his first on the national stage — is now in question.
“I’m substantially more concerned about making sure Texans are being taken care of,” Perry said Tuesday after viewing by helicopter the fire-ravaged neighborhood west of Austin.
His message was clear: governing first, politics second.
The wildfires come just weeks after Perry entered the GOP presidential race and shot to the top of national polls taking an early measure of the Republican field.
It didn’t take long for Perry to be subjected to the scrutiny a presidential campaign brings. He has faced criticism for his record as Texas governor and his positions on some issues. His down-home, Texas-style demeanor hasn’t always played well on a national stage.
Now, Perry – whose job includes coordinating his state’s wildfire response – has the chance to try to boost his image and set himself apart from his GOP presidential rivals by showing off his leadership and management skills as Republicans nationwide weigh whether he has what it takes to be president. Not one of his opponents is a sitting governor.
“It gives Perry an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, to demonstrate decisiveness and at the same time empathy and caring,” said Todd Harris, a Republican consultant who has worked on a number of GOP presidential campaigns. “You can’t do anything that looks, sounds or smells even remotely political. If it looks like you are taking advantage of a disaster and trying to use it for political purposes, it will backfire.”
Perry also could end up looking weak and ineffective should the fires continue to rage without interruption or if the state’s response is perceived to be slow or subpar. Just ask former President George W. Bush, whose sluggish response to Hurricane Katrina shaped his second term and forever tarnished his reputation.
“It’s always an advantage for a candidate to be acting rather than talking,” said Frank Donatelli, chairman of GOPAC, an organization that trains Republicans to run for elective office. “If you take control of the situation and then don’t deliver, that’s a bad thing.”
And Perry could open himself up to charges of hypocrisy.
He has said he will request federal disaster relief for this round of wildfires – although he bashes the federal government and Washington every chance he gets, even as flames envelop parts of his state. And while he was seeking federal money, he took a swipe at the Defense Department, suggesting that bureaucratic red tape was holding up bulldozers and other equipment from nearby Fort Hood that could be used to fight the fires around central Texas.
“It’s more difficult than it should be to get those types of assets freed up by the federal government,” Perry said. “When you’ve got people hurting, when you’ve got lives that are in danger in particular, I really don’t care who the asset belongs to. If it’s sitting in some yard somewhere and not helping be part of the solution, that’s a problem.”
Perry overlooked the fact that Fort Hood is battling its own wildfires. Tyler Broadway, a spokesman for the post, said bulldozers cutting firebreaks around the blaze were part of an effort that had fires there only 60 percent contained by Tuesday night.
Fires have blackened 3.5 million acres, an area roughly the size of Connecticut, across the state since December.
President Barack Obama rejected Texas’ request in April for federal aid due to wildfires, but then declared 45 fire-ravaged counties a major disaster in July, after Perry wrote to the White House to appeal the previous decision. The Agriculture Department has also declared all of Texas a natural disaster area due to a relentless drought, making farmers eligible for low-interest emergency loans.
As fire raged back home on Sunday, Perry abruptly left a campaign trip to South Carolina to head to Bastrop, a quaint community about 25 miles from Austin where a wildfire that spanned more than 16 miles was raging out of control. When he arrived, Perry got an earful from evacuated residents who demanded to know why more state planes weren’t being used to pour water on the flames.
“Where are the planes?” several gathered in the municipal building’s lobby shouted.
Clearly taken aback, Perry mumbled, “The planes are flying.”
“We don’t seem them!” some in the crowd shot back.
But the heckling was short-lived. The same crowd applauded a few minutes later when Perry responded to a question about Wednesday’s debate in Simi Valley, Calif., saying he was “not paying attention to politics right now.”
Aides said Tuesday that he plans to debate. But Perry left open the possibility that he may skip it. Asked if he would have time to prepare even if he does attend, Perry said, “We’ll deal with that when it comes up.”
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Comments (117)
TomFerrari
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:36amVOLUNTEER fire departments are getting cut everywhere, not just here in Texas.
And you can thank UNIONS for it!!!
The firefighters’ union does NOT want VOLUNTEERS, they want pay and benefits – who cares if it would be done FREE by somebody else, if you simply supply the equipment.
NO, tifosa, you lose on this argument.
The UNIONS are lobbying to eliminate volunteer firefighters, and are fighting for more UNION jobs.
This lobbying is frequently successful, and leads to cuts in VOLUNTEER firefighting.
Now, would you rather he cut PAID / FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTERS?
Report Post »Or, do you want to keep supplying FALSE CHOICES, compare apples to oranges?
.
.
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STFU
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:21amGo away, troll.
Report Post »politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:14amLaughing at people who lost their entire life up in flames is Not related to the article. Off topic.
Report Post »love1another
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:12amWhen calls come for volunteers to help clean up and rebuild we will answer the call!! Forget politics for now, please. Answer the call of the Texas, USA family. This is devastating for them. I admire the Texas folks who are ready to get to work and rebuild — who are not afraid to look to the future with hope. Let’s band together and give them the help and encouragement they so direly need right now.
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:53amI wish I could leave KY to help out, one of my life long ambitions is to become a Red Cross volunteer and go in the field to help those in need. Due to the fact I am not of retirement age yet, as I am not wealthy and need to work, I will donate instead. We are praying hard for TX in KY.
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 10:18amThank you, Kentucky!!
Report Post ».
politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:09amNot related to the article. Off topic.
Report Post »SLARTIBARTFAST
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:09amGiven that Texas gives more to the Feds than it gets back, we sure as heck deserve some help instead of always giving it out.
Report Post »politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:08amI hope the blaze has a policy of off topic posts. Because we can report the comments as being, “Not related to the article. Off topic.”. It’s worth a try.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:06amBegging GOD for merciful rain to drench all of TEXAS. When TEXAS gets good, gentle soaking rain, it is the most beautiful place on earth. It is coming.
Without a doubt these fires were started on purpose to take TEXAS down and to keep the eyes of TEXAS on saving itself and not to pay attention to the crooked worm pretending to be our president.
News flash: TEXANS ARE REAL AMERICANS! They are strong! They are tough! They also know to depend upon GOD ALMIGHTY which they are doing in spades. GOD IS GOING TO BLESS THAT STATE (my home State) in a way that will leave the rest of the nation in awe.
GOD BLESS YOU, TEXAS AND TEXANS. Praying for you and donating to the Red Cross in JESUS’ name, amen.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:10amForgot to say, “Remember, satan always attacks the fortress, never the spiritual wasteland.”
TEXAS IS A FORTRESS FOR GOD.
That explains why satan and his minions (under the guise of the current admin) are attacking TEXAS.
“THE EYES OF TEXAS are upon you, all the livelong day. THE EYES OF TEXAS….” Sing it, TEXANS, loud and strong!
Report Post »politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:04amDon’t even pay attention to the perry hate bait. If anything it makes us stronger fighters against those who wouldn’t lift a finger or give a dime to our neighbors and friends who lost everything.
While we are grabbing buckets of water, wrapping our arms around distraught children sobbing their eyes out, handing out water bottles to the fire fighters, and opening our almost empty wallets to the dad to by a simple happy meal for his kid, the hate baiters gather round like donkeys braying “ hee haw”
Report Post »politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 10:15amCatholic Charities of Central Texas will accept donations for wildfire victims on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Donations can be brought to the Diocese of Austin Pastoral Center at 6225 Highway 290 East from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donations will also be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Central Texas in Austin at 1817 East Sixth Street. Organizers are asking for donations of the following items:
Report Post »Medical Supplies
• BP Cuff
• Nebulizer
• Thermometer
• Glucometer
• Pen lights
• Tongue Depressors
• Ibuprofen
• Gauze Wrap
• ACE Bandages
• Neosporin Cream
• Bandages
Other Supplies:
• Sleeping Bags
• Blankets
• Pillows
• Towels
• Shampoo
• Body wash
• Toothpaste
• Paper Plates, Cups, Napkins, Plastic Utensils
• Deodorant Sprays for men and women
• Disposable Razors
• Shaving Cream
• Baby Wipes
• Size 4 Diapers
• Baby Shampoo
• Sanitizer
CrazyTexan
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:31pmThe DH took several of our “survival packs” over that way earlier today, he said they were very gracious.
Report Post »nmgunman
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:03amI feel so horrible for all in Texas and what is happening there. Of course FEMA showed up, only to turn fire fighters away and send others home. FEMA is simply a power grabbing bureaucracy that is never there to help and do way more damage in the end.
As for Rick Perry, most likely he is using this as an excuse to not have to debate. If he were to debate, he couldn’t just run away from the tough questions on why he supports Al Gore and the democrats, why he wants forced vaccines that kill people, why he wants to take people’s land and give it to foreign banks for the super highway, why he supports Hillary care which is worse than Obama care, why is attended the builderberg meeting in Turkey in 2007 or why he is a globalist just as bad or worse than Obama.
The question here for the next election is not who looks good but who supports the constitution 100%, who wants to eliminate the FED, who wants to bring back the gold standard for currency, get rid of the income tax, end the wars and bring troops home, deport the aliens, strengthen our borders and get American working again. That man is Ron Paul, the only true American in the race. A vote against Ron Paul is a vote against America!
Report Post »jkendal
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:33am“As for Rick Perry, most likely he is using this as an excuse to not have to debate. If he were to debate, he couldn’t just run away from the tough questions on why he supports Al Gore and the democrats, why he wants forced vaccines that kill people, why he wants to take people’s land and give it to foreign banks for the super highway, why he supports Hillary care which is worse than Obama care, why is attended the builderberg meeting in Turkey in 2007 or why he is a globalist just as bad or worse than Obama.”
You simply don‘t know what you’re talking about. I suggest you educate yourself instead of just repeating the stupid leftist lies – it makes you look foolish…..
Report Post »politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:38amThe Cedar Park, Texas police department is coordinating snacks and water for police and the fire department in our area. They are accepting donations of water, gatoraid, and non-perishable snacks like Power Bars until 5 pm tomorrow. Drop them off at the police department on Discovery Blvd. Thanks friends!
Report Post »politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:42amOffice of the Governor of Texas
Report Post »The Bastrop County Complex is 30 percent contained. /via Texas Forest Service
Chappy123
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 11:00am@ jkendal
Go away you foolish turd.
Report Post »jkendal
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:58amChappy123
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 11:00am
@ jkendal
Go away you foolish turd.
———————————————
Not likely.
I‘m sorry you people ’feel’ that you have facts on your side, but the truth says otherwise. Like I stated before – go educate yourself. Preferably someplace OTHER THAN a bunch of leftist blogs – they do NOT hold truth – repeating their lies to those of us who know the truth only makes you look foolish…..
Report Post »TWO BITS
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:00am“Rick Perry flew a big, four-engine C-130 Hercules, a very fast, very tactically tough troop transport capable of landing and taking off on short dirt runways under the worst of weather and combat conditions. Piloting that big old macho bird, folks, is a very hazardous occupation requiring britches full of cojones and a brain full of quick decision-making capability.”—-Russ Vaughn (American Thinker writer, veteran, and former paratrooper) August 29th
Report Post »Prayers for the Lone Star state!
Doug-a-Hole-Diggin-out
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:55amWe’ve got to Pray For Rain…. here in Texas. Thanks
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 10:06amPRAY for God’s intervention, AND do all we can ourselves.
Sitting on our hands and only ask God to do it FOR us, we risk being idle, lazy, arrogant, and disrespectful to The Almighty.
So, dig in, do what we can ourselves, and, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
Report Post ».
ProbIemSoIver
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 12:40pmYou can pray for intervention all you want. The administration has those HAARPs focused on TEXAS, preventing the clouds from becoming rain makers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDJP5bW3Pic
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:48amI doubt very seriously this administration will help Texas. We all know everything Odumbo does is political. What a cryin’ shame. On the other hand, maybe it will wake a few libs up if they lost their homes and realize their prez won’t do a darn thing. I continue to pray for my neighbors in TX that you get rain soon!! Keep your chin up folks!!
Report Post »Docrow
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:52amThanks! We need it!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:45amIf he misses the debate, I would respect the decision. Obama wouldn’t miss a political event or a fund raiser even if we were being invaded by Mars.
Report Post »Doug-a-Hole-Diggin-out
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:41amI live real close to Bastrop and am taking food and supplies over there today…. I wrote a song for my parents when they were combatting the fires out in Western Texas back in April. It’s pretty dry down here.
http://youtu.be/Dh0lKhXVewA
Report Post »jkendal
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:06amHang in there – we’re praying for you folks out there in Bastrop…..
Report Post »CrazyTexan
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:27pmThey are saying 30% contained, does it look any better today?
Report Post »jkendal
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:39amAgain, thousands of people have lost everything – some have lost their lives. Can you even wrap your brain around that for just a minute or two? I hope and pray you never have to endure YOUR house being burned to the ground. God forbid that someone with a differing political view would ever try to help you put it out!
You are a disgusting human being!
Report Post »Chappy123
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 11:04amGood comment and well deserved.
Report Post »neverending
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 11:28pmBeyond disgusting!!!
Report Post »swampbuck
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:08amTexas really needed the rain the rest of us in the east have gotten the last few days
Report Post »jkendal
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:27amBoy, you’re not kidding – I think we’ve received only a few of inches of rain all year. The entire Central Texas region has become a tinderbox that is now starting to go up in flames. Thousands of people have lost their homes. Every time I step out my door and smell the smoke I wonder if today will be the day I lose mine.
Please pray for Texas. If you feel the urge to give – the Red Cross is taking donations.
Report Post »tifosa
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:57amAppears from the e-mail above from his campaign that it HAS been.
politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 10:38amFairy donkey please consider helping collect donations for texas. You can start here:
The Cedar Creek Middle School teachers will be hosting a donation drive on Saturday, Sept. 10 in the Canterbury Trails subdivision in South Austin. Donations can be dropped off at the park in Canterbury Trails from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
To hold a food drive at your workplace, school, church etc., CAFB has large food donation boxes available for pick up at their warehouse. Once filled please return to CAFB or call 512-282-2111 to arrange for a pick up.
Most desired food donations are healthy, non-perishable items such as:
- Water, Gatorade
- Ready to eat meals preferably with pull up or pop tops, e.g. chili, stew, canned pasta w/sauce
- Single serving snacks such as protein or granola bars
- Lunchables or other single serving foods that do not require refrigeration
- Diapers
- Baby formula
Other locations taking donations:
350 Discovery Blvd in Cedar Park
Paul Mitchell The School: 15635 Vision Drive, Ste 107, Pflugerville
Hill Country Bible Church: 12124 Ranch Road 620 North, Austin
Catholic Health Association: 6225 E. Highway 290
St. Williams Catholic Church in Round Rock
The Burnet County Sheriff’s Office: 1601 E. Polk Burnet, Texas
The Spicewood Community Center
Cabela’s in Buda will accept donations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 15570 IH-35
Palm Valley Lutheran Church: 25
Report Post »Prepare for the 2nd Coming
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:53amRegarding comments from Politicaljunkietoo about Rick Perry and Mitt Romney’s appearances…….
Report Post »Considering the state of things in the world, I highly doubt that most Americans will be voting based on looks. I couldn’t care less how tall Rick Perry is or whether or not he has “good hair”. As for Mitt Romney being “tall and fairly good looking”, it seems that you are assuming he will have an edge on voters because of his stature. IF that is so, woe to all of us. However, I don’t think Americans are as shallow as this!
Stuck_in_CA
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:44amSurely this catastrophic event will not be politicized.
Report Post »FEMA Forces Firefighters to Stand Down in Texas
http://www.infowars.com/fema-forces-firefighters-to-stand-down-in-texas/
TxMadMac
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:40amYou can bet we won’t see fema. All that is going to the libs. and progressives on the east coast. obama needs every vote he can get ! To he!! with TEXAS !
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:03amI was thinking the same thing. We didn’t see FEMA for the other round of fires, we won’t for this one. I guess their excuse is the damage wasn’t enough, like the floods in the midwest.
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:28am“We don’t seem them!” some in the crowd shot back.”
Do you mean to say…we don’t see them???
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:37ameither you are correct, or, the crowd misspoke.
LOL
Report Post »PoliticalJunkieToo
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:17amHow tall is Rick Perry? He looks like a midget.
He may have good hair but if he looks like John McCain (a shrimp) standing next to a very tall Obama, Perry will come across as not very presidential looking.
Nixon got whacked by John Kennedy on looks. Perry is craggy faced homely also.
American voters are SHALLOW. Their candidates must have good hair and be tall and good – looking as the opponents. Rick Perry is not only a MEGA RINO but short and homely. At least Mitt Romney is tall and fairly good looking and would LOOK presidential standing next to a tall good looking Obama on stage debating him.
Sy Kosys
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 10:02amChill out tifosa
He’s ONLY talking about the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy….Besides, the largest growth of population is Indian-Americans, moving from India. You cannot go to a 7/11 or a Dunkin’ Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent. I’m not joking.
OOOPS! Sorry, I was accidentally channeling Biden…..
Report Post »Chappy123
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 11:07am@ PoliticalJunkieToo
Go away idiot!
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:15amThis has been a terrible year for fires, and this one looks really bad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.
Report Post »Tusker
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:07amMe too LOVENFL3. My heart goes out to all those folks that have lost their homes! I can’t even imagine. They really need a tropical storm like we had with Lee!
Report Post »tifosa
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:15amAm SURE he won’t leave until EVERY LAST FLAME is extinguished. Or in time for tonite’s debate. Whichever comes first.
Report Post »jkendal
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:28amThousands of people have lost everything – some have lost their lives. You are a disgusting human being.
Report Post »politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:11amBrayin donkey is Not related to the article. Off topic.
Report Post »politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:31amTIFOSA fairy avatar, please go donate your time or impressive writing abilities to save the good folks in Texas. Perhaps writing a few letters to children who do not understand why they will never sleep in their own beds again or ever get to play their WII games after school again for a very long time. This means you to Pol-junk.
Remember the writing just above the comment box, “The Blaze encourages comments that are on topic and abide by our Comment Policy and Terms of Use. Members are solely responsible for their comments. Comments that violate our policies will be removed.”
God blesses Texas and I imagine is really disturbed by those that hate her.
Please donate whatever you can to help us down here in the fire ravaged state of Texas.
Thank you, God bless,
Report Post »Jules
politicaljules
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:49amThe Solomon Group is collecting donations for the hundreds of fire victims and will be transporting it directly to the Red Cross each day. Drop off at the National Headquarters 5508 Hwy 290 West Suite 300 in S. Austin just East of the Y in Oak Hill. 512-458-2274 hit 0 to talk to Susan.
Report Post »