As GOP rivals strike hawkish tone, Perry rebounds
At latest debate, the candidates differ sharply at times while taking aim at Obama's foreign policy. Perry has a solid showing, joking about his recent gaffe and asserting himself on some issues.
November 12, 2011, 9:59 p.m.
Reporting from Spartanburg, S.C.— Saturday night's Republican debate was designed as a serious-minded discussion of foreign policy and national security, issues largely overlooked in the 2012 presidential campaign.
Throughout a forum held in one of the most conservative areas of the country, the GOP contenders struck a hawkish tone. They condemned President Obama's leadership across a wide range of areas, including the Middle East, Afghanistan and relations with China.
The candidates also differed sharply at times, over foreign aid, how to handle Pakistan and whether the interrogation technique known as waterboarding is torture.
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EXCERPT ABOUT GOVERNOR RICK PERRY
But a more compelling human drama was also playing out: Texas Gov. Rick Perry's return to the debate stage three days after committing an unforgettable memory lapse that may go down as one of the worst debate blunders of the television age.
The good news for Perry was that the sequel did not feature anything like his futile fumble for the name of a federal agency he wanted to close.
The governor delivered a forceful defense of "enhanced interrogation tactics," which the Obama administration has suspended, as acceptable when U.S. forces are engaged in conflict.
"For us not to have the ability to extract information to save our young people's lives is a travesty. This is war," Perry said, his voice rising, adding that he would favor such tactics "until I die."
Though the Texan did not appear entirely comfortable with all of the subject matter at the debate, he delivered a solid performance and managed to get off a good line or two about his gaffe.
Moderator Scott Pelley of CBS News, prefacing a question to Perry about nuclear weapons, noted that the governor had advocated eliminating the Department of Energy.
"Glad you remembered it," Perry remarked.
Replied Pelley: "I've had some time to think about it, sir."
"Me too," the governor shot back, to laughter from the audience.
Along with Herman Cain, another candidate who has struggled with international issues during the campaign, Perry appeared to have difficulty with questions about U.S. relations with Pakistan.
Perry ducked when asked to explain why Pakistan is playing a "double game" with the United States. But he drew applause from the crowd at Wofford College when he threatened to end foreign aid to Pakistan.
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