The TicketPerry touts social conservative cred at Values Voter Summit
Rick Perry on Friday made the case to conservatives gathered at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C. that he shares their ideology when it comes to social issues. Perry also contended that his beliefs are not only solid from the social conservative point of view--they're also more authentic than the positions that some of his competitors are espousing.
"Some candidates are 'pro-life' " because they're "following the prevailing political winds," Perry said. But his record as Texas governor proves, he said, that he is solidly anti-abortion and even supported a budget that "defunded" pro-abortion rights group Planned Parenthood.
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All human life is made in the image of our creator," Perry said. "Every innocent life must be protected."
Perry also made mention of his fiscally conservative policies, his support for the military, his backing of the state of Israel. He also touted his support for tighter border security as well as his belief in the American family.
Friday's speech was another in a series of recent Perry overtures to the social-conservative base of the GOP. In August, prior to Perry's official entry into the race, the governor held a prayer rally called "The Response" in Texas, which critics claimed was a politically motivated attempt to position himself as a strong conservative candidate in the 2012 primaries. The event drew a large turnout and made national news.
As The Ticket has noted, Perry's competitors are likely to challenge Perry's social conservative commitment during the primaries, in addition to highlighting his past allegiance to the Democratic party and questioning his immigration record.
Perry touched on the issue of immigration Friday by noting his record on border security.
"I have lived and breathed this issue for over a decade as a border governor," Perry said, as he stressed that border security is integral to national security. Perry said the federal border policy has failed and that the answer to those failures "is not to grant amnesty."
Perry was a major draw at Friday's summit; Values Voter participants packed the Omni Shoreham's ballroom until it was standing-room-only for his 20-minute address. Perry drew standing ovations from around half the audience on multiple occasions, especially when he emphasized his support for Israel.
Attendees who spoke to The Ticket Friday said they were greatly impressed by his speech.
"I agree with his perspective on everything," Harry Valentine of Maryland said Friday. But he said Perry's performance overall stood out, especially in contrast with his lackluster showing in recent debates.
"He's been criticized by many people for his presentation in the debates," Valentine said, adding later that he "didn't handle himself so well." "But when he's out speaking a normal 'stump' like he is now, his presentation was very good."
Sharon Pullman of Maryland said she "liked what Perry said" and endorsed his values--but that she still felt there was "something missing." "He doesn't quite connect with the audience . . . . He's a little bit stiff with his body language."
Pullman was sporting a Rick Santorum-for-president sticker, but said she has yet to pick a favorite in the race.
Attendees are casting ballots for a Summit straw poll; Summit organizers will announce the results on Saturday afternoon.
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