by ANMOL MADAAN Staff Writer
Texas Governor Rick Perry dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination on Thursday, January 19. According to reporters, Perry is now endorsing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Perry said, “I believe Newt is a conservative visionary who can transform our country,” and added, “Newt is not perfect, but who among us is?” Freshman Kyle Knotts said, “Gingrich’s ratings were on the up before, now they’ll have the help of Perry supporters too. It definitely makes him one of the favorites.” Gingrich addressed the endorsement by saying, “I am humbled and honored to have the support of my friend Rick Perry. His selflessness is yet another demonstration of his deep sense of citizenship and commitment to the cause of limited government, historic American values, and greater freedom for every American.” Although Gingrich called it “selflessness,” many people believe that embarrassment was the reason Perry dropped out of the polls. He released an advertisement that quickly caught attention. Perry attacked President Barack Obama’s war on religion,” and the allowance of homosexuals to openly serve in the military. Another embarrassing moment for Perry, in which he lost many of his supporters, was when he was unable to support his own arguments. In the GOP debate, Rick Perry said he would like to eliminate three government agencies. Caterpillar CEO Douglas R. Oberhelman asked Perry which three government agencies he would eliminate. “Let me tell you, it’s three agencies that are gone when I get there. Commerce, Education, and the um, what’s the third one there?” said Perry. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney tried to help by suggesting the EPA. However, that was not the answer according to Perry. Freshman Priyanka Bhatt said, “Barack Obama has a certain power and flow with his words and his tone that is very persuading and comforting. Unfortunately, Perry is not blessed with such speaking skills.” Perry ended his race when he addressed his decision to abandon the campaign at a press conference in North Charleston. He said that there was no “viable path” forward in the contest for him. “I ran for president because I love America,” he said. “What’s broken in America is not our people. It’s out politics. And what we need in Washington is a government that’s humbler.” After the news broke of Perry’s decision to exit the race, Mitt Romney told reporters, “He’s a great man. He made a real contribution. He already has [made a contribution] to his state and his country.”
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