Gov. Rick Perry speaker for ‘Politics & Eggs’

Katherine Owen, Student Ambassador

On March 12, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry made apparent his consideration of a possible 2016 presidential bid when he addressed a group of enthusiastic supporters at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics’ venerable Politics and Eggs event.

Mr. Perry headlined his speech with the dangers that he foresees with the growth of ISIS in the Middle East, and the frustration he feels with the lack of urgency President Obama seems to have for dismantling them. “I am not eager to pursue a military solution in that part of the world,” he said, insisting that war, “must always be the last resort after all other options are exhausted.”

Governor Perry spoke passionately about the importance of a “revitalized” economy in order for the United States to be strong abroad.

“We have to revitalize America’s economy if we are going to reassert America’s strength abroad,” he said, accrediting President Ronald Reagan for figuring this out during his years as Commander in Chief.

Taking time to pay close attention to his audience, Mr. Perry answered questions about: health care reform; his work with the Drug Courts in Texas; campaign fundraising; bipartisanship and education.

Particularly on the topic of bipartisanship, Mr. Perry was clear that there needs to be a bridge in the gap of the divided Washington D.C.

“We need to be working to bring this country together. To reach across the isle,” he said, referring to the responsibility that the next President of the United States will have to the people in order to get things done.