Charleston, South Carolina (CNN) - Rick Perry is telling supporters that he will drop his bid Thursday for the Republican presidential nomination, two sources familiar with his plans told CNN.
The Texas governor will make the announcement before the CNN debate in South Carolina, the sources said.
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com or to the CNN apps or CNN mobile web site.
Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @politicalticker
The move comes two days before the South Carolina primary and hours before the final debate ahead of the voting, which will take place on CNN Thursday night.
The campaigns of Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum reached out to the Perry campaign Thursday morning in an "aggressive effort" to get his endorsement, according to a source close to Perry.
Perry will indicate his support for Newt Gingrich but will not explicitly endorse him, a source with knowledge of Perry's decision told CNN.
To follow the latest developments on Perry, follow the Ticker's update here.
Perry placed fifth in Iowa and last in New Hampshire - a state in which he did not actively compete - and had said he would launch a bid to win in South Carolina.
"South Carolinians are looking for a conservative candidate that will get this country back working again and I am it," Perry told CNN last week.
On Wednesday, CNN asked Perry about a poll that showed him with only 6% support among likely voters in the South Carolina primary.
He insisted he was continuing with the effort to have a strong showing in the state.
"We're convinced that that's our goal, so the idea that we're going to do anything else, other than try to impact this election is - that's why we got in it. We didn't get in it because it was our purpose in life to be the president of the United States. We did it because it was our purpose to serve this country, and that's what we've been called for, and that's what we're going to continue doing."
When Perry entered the race in August, he immediately did well in the polls. But a series of gaffes, particularly at debates against his rivals, sent his support plummeting.
On Thursday, his campaign website continued to say "help Rick Perry win South Carolina and get America back on track."
Perry's official campaign Facebook page was filled with posts, largely from disappointed voters.
– CNN's Josh Levs contributed to this report.
Also see:
Polls: South Carolina primary tightening hours before crucial debate
Gingrich as compares Romney's 'desperate' attacks to 2008 campaign
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
It's about time. He was never ready for te big leagues.
Could've saved himself some time and money by just quitting after about 3-4 debates. Definitely before "oops."
Please stay in, Rick! The laughs you give me make my day so much brighter!
I seen this coming from a mile away.
I thought he dropped out after Iowa???
Perry is also reportedly pledging 100% support for Ron Paul. Congrats Rick, you're on the right Team !
Oh, come on, Rick, we didn't get to use the Glen Maxey book yet.
What a shame, I was hoping for a Perry/Palin ticket. Just kidding.
He will surely be missed – HA!
he will again focus on being a tyrannical governor and continue administering toxic vaccines to your children
i was going to vote for the gop candidate this year. but unless my man ron paul gets the nod, they have the most pathetic field in history. its so unbelievable that one can only think they dont want to win for some reason. romney is horrible. are we at the point where no one who would be a great leader wants to lead because of the scutiny and the fact they can make tons of money not involving themselves in the cesspool of politics?
smh at this guy...what a failure! 6 months ago, Perry's path to the nomination was the political equivalent of carrying a jar of water from one end of the room to the other w/out dropping it. If he were to make it to the other end with any water left, the nomination was his but unfortunately, this idiot dropped the jar as soon as it was handed to him.
I don't know many people from Texas, but what I do know is that they deserve better.
The most intelligent remark ever from Rick Perry.
Actually, he had already dropped out when he dropped in.
Another one bites the dust..uhg..another one bites the dust!
Obama 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO, please don't drop out. Perry's got the best record running, over a million net jobs created, six balanced budgets in a row, and a reduction of each Texan's share of the debt. Perry's the only one running with a record of success like this, and we're screwed if Romney gets it.
Romney will have this wrapped up in SC. Then it will be rally around the Nominee. Romney / Christie or Rubio ticket comming soon. Shame, Ron Paul will finish a close 2nd. I wish he can win but TPTB will not allow it.
Well, at least this clears the GOP field a bit. The poor guy never had a chance because of his stance on immigration.
Wait till you hear it from the horse's mouth. Don't believe the lying media who is hellbent on picking our nominee. Why would Perry drop out before this weekend?? That makes absolutely no sense at all.
This was a very good candidate on his record and morals. Just couldn't get the GOP establishment endorsement (not his turn) or tackle a polished approach to debating. Not even the liberal media had a chance to destroy him, so maybe it is a blessing in disguise. I will give him credit for being himself and not using canned speeches or teleprompters like the current occupier in charge. Good luck Perry with your future endeavors.
Support Mitt Romney.
And then there were 4. Only going to be Romney and Paul in the end.
Don't let the door . . .
A little late, as usual. Not the brightest crayon in the box but the right call.
Oops. I can't remember that name of the candidate who just dropped off. Ron Paul? I.. I can't. Sorry. Oops. He was a strong candidate for showing up until the debate... then it all went downhill.
Good news: Perry won't be humiliating Texas with his clownish antics on the international stage any more.
Bad News: He'll be coming home with a powerful mad-on, and he'll take out his childish frustrations on us.
I guess the evangelical vote won't be split. But he's polled so poorly that it probably won't matter for Santorum.
Long overdue. Why don't you seceed, mr. perry?
Thank you Rick. Class act country first
Interesting. I didn't think Gov. Perry had it in him. My apologies. The field thins, but the plot thickens.
The first thing he should do is hop a plane to Turkey and apologize. We'd never elect the guy after what he said; Turkey would recall its ambassador if that loon was president. Nobody ordered a Bush Lite©, so good riddance.
It is disappointing that governor Perry will drop out before the major primaries. Texas, where I am from gets no chance to even vote!. This needs to be change in the worse way!
It's sad to see him pull out I like him...He is a man that speaks clear without all the bs all other Washington insiders use. Gov. Perry actually answers questions instead of giving the run aroudn.
Is he lying AGaIN? It's a pitiful cry for help.
Great! One less person to run against! I have to wonder why no one GOT it or GETS it that President Obama took on all that the Bush regime left behind- a War, Massive indebtedness and unemployment! He has done a BRILLIANT job when you contemplate the reality that was before him and the American people.
Personally I vote for President Obama!
It's about time he read the writing on the wall
Reality sets in after strong start and poor finish.
Thank god. The country is saved. Down with the GOP.
The most entertaining character is gone. That's sad. Perry made the debates fun to watch.
At least we still have a principled candidate. There's only one person that fits that description.
It sounds like Perry was pressured by the Evangelical leaders to drop out. Perhaps this will allow Newt to catch up to Romney in the next two days.
Oh how the mighty have fallen! Newt, you're next. Losers, both of them. Romney has it tied up so the rest of you might as well leave too.
Down with the GOP
At least this leaves some window of hope that the GOP nominee won't be Romney.
Name the sources!
Looks like stuttering stanley is throwing in the towel.
After stepping into it, Perry decides to step out of it.
Yess, that Bilderberg candidate is GONE! Hopefully Newt is next.
It's about time
Just a few more and they will have to actually acknowledge that Ron Paul is on the stage and maybe ask him a question
And then there were four. Hopefully most corrupt fmr. senator Santorum (it's true, google santorum) and 3-wives, DOJ bribery investigated Newton will both drop out so we can get down to thre real business at hand; Romney vs. Paul.
Status-quo vs. We the People
They both are tied with Obama in national polls, so they are the only two that can return the WH to the GOP. Obviously Obama wants the nominee to be Romney, b/c Paul pulls the independent and disaffected Dem voting blocs.
Only Paul has the broad support to overcome Obama.
Let the games begin!
bout freakin time....but that means he's coming back to Texas to further screw over the Texas citizen....crap. Can we just deport him to an island full of cannibals and be done with him?
What took him so long?
Mr Perry is a good man, great for Texas. Perhaps another day he will be the man to lead the country. All the best !
Thanks Rick its about time.
Good. He wasn't qualified.
LOL. Oh how the mighty have fallen. No surprise here. His buffoonary was too much for the GOP & tea party crowd. Whose next? Lets's see we have Paul, Ginrigh, Sanatarum, & Robney left. I will put my money on Ginrigh.
Anyway, I have never been to the circus before, but watching this GOP circus out the corner of my eye now and then has been entertaining.
What a day sad thiz is!
He ran a spirited campaign, but in the end he was just unable to overcome his own foibles and the rampant media smear machine that is set on destroying all challengers to its beloved leader. Best of luck on whatever the future holds, Governor
Surprised that Rick Perry lasted this long...
Ron Paul would win South Carolina and the nomination, if he would CLEARLY link the trillion dollar savings from ending U.S. foreign wars with financing Social Security. He alludes to that sometimes but does not CLEARLY and REPEATEDLY state so in his ads or debates. Trillions were borrowed from the Social Security Trust Fund to fight wars overseas for many years and paying this money back, with interest, by ending the wars would make Social Security solvent forever.
Sadly, now he'll come back to Texas and finish the job he's never really done. He'll find somebody willing to pay him for his influence, but I suspect his rates will need to come down. Nobody will ever take him seriously again.
It is a shame a man with such good ideas could not figure out a way to get his message across to the
general public. Sad that America puts so much stock in a candidates debating ability as opposed to their
message and moral compass. What we have now,Pres Obama, is an example of a great speaker with
poor ideas. He has spent more money than all the others from Washington through Clinton. And yet our
economy continues to flounder. As thousands give up looking for a job and and resign themselves to food stamps.
Well, this was not unexpected. "Texas stupid" was SO twelve-years-ago!
A shocker? Think not!
But I thought god wanted him to be President. Oh yeah, there isn't one.
Now the question is: WHO WILL HE ENDORSE???
And another one bites the dust.....
Now Rick, support Sarah Palin and your work here is done.
Good riddance to the man that made Bush look smart, articulate, competent and diplomatic.
He wasn't going any where or any place anyway.
Why did he wait this long?
Good riddance. Now go back to Texas and disappear.
Perry's supporters, what few he had, will go to the other religious whacko, Santorum. I actually think Santorum is worse than Perry, far worse, when it comes to Santorum's vision of a Police-State-For-Jebus for this country. It's amusing that Santorum chose to base his latest ad off of Orwell's "1984", because that's exactly what Santorum has planned as President. Everyone will toe the extremist Christian line or else. Guess I'll be the "or else", hahah. I look forward to it.
Aw... bummer. His buffoonery was so reminiscent of the previous president.
There is a God
He just made himself a complete fool. I hope he doesn't endorse anybody.
Sorry to see the best candidate go.
Perry had no chance from the second he opened his mouth.
.
the republican candidate pool is gaining in collective intelligence as we go. weve lost a couple of very ignorant folks, perry being the latest.
Isn't this a surprise...
This is good. He has not gained ground in months and more conservative candidates like Perry, Santorum and Newt are splitting up the true conservative vote. Better to drop out before SC to allow the more conservative non-Romney front runners to swell their ranks.
Good. He seems just like a clone of Bush and we don't want that to ever happen again.
He wouldn't be a very good President anyways. He didn't even know the drinking age.
Now maybe a TRUE conservative has a chance. The combined conservative vote FAR outnumbers the Romney vote, but up till now it has been fragmented between several candidates. Now, if either Gingrich or Santorum would do the right thing and follow Perry, we could get a TRUE conservative to run against Obama and rid ourselves of Romneycare/Obamacare.
I think it's premature for the networks to be saying that if Romney wins in South Carolina that the race is over. He may get let'say 30% of the voters but there's 70% who didn't vote. for him. I think it's important to keep this in mind.
'bought time
I blame the Turks!
Rick, you were the best in the field. Sorry to see you go.
thats better,, now Perry please endorse Newt.
First smart thing he's done since....well, ever.
Rick Perry fulfills his true calling......DROP OUT. Looks like the wacky Evangelicals have a new hero in the anything but Mitt battle.
Well sorry to see him drop out we need anyone in office besides that piece of GARBAGE NOBAMA
Thank.....god?
It's about time ...
And save a pretzel for the gas jets!
Well this is completely unsuprising. He should have dropped out months ago after completely embarassing himself at the early debates.
HAPPY TRAILS TEXAN...
oh, please find a big rock and crawl under it, don't come out. Only do so to tell us if you see your shadow or not at the end of winter.
WE'LL TAKE IT FROM THERE.
Good. Next it's going to be Newt after his ex-wife exposes him for the fraud he is, and then Romney goes-up against Ron Paul and gets his butt handed to him as he's exposed for the war-mongering globalist elitist he is.
Ron Paul ~ 2012 ~
Since only Paul and Romney will appear on the Virginia ticket, the remaining establishment candidates are only there to take votes from Paul, duh. Google "Ron Paul It's over"
You don't have to be in the pew every Sunday to know this was coming!
Well at least he's decided to keep his dignity before his pride, it's time for him to regroup!
Where's the rest of the story?
Should have never started. Hahahahahahaha
Thank goodness.
Texas wins early and the rest of America looses welcome home Mr. Perry just like Ronald Reagan you will win the second try .
He'll be lucky if he's re-elected to Governor. I think the people of Texas finally see him for what he is. Good riddance. He's an embarrassment to Texas as a state.
Triple bad day for Romney train, loses in Iowa, Gingrich leading in latest SC poll, Perry drops out. Looks like Mitt managed to steam ahead of the Republican nomination race for just two weeks before being derailed by the conservative dirty tricks machine.
Now he can take that long awaited vacation in Istanbul
The candidate is always the last to know.
(insert sarcasm)
Like no one saw that coming.
Now If the People Of Texas was smart they get rid of him has GOV.
Any person with just a shred of common sense should see no legitimate contender for President. Obama will have an easy 2nd term.
No! Nooooooooooooo! We've already lost Bachmann, Cain and I can't afford Comedy Central. Please stay!!!
WELL............. IT IS ABOUT TIME......A smart man would have dropped out after Iowa..... But as we all know he is DUMB.
Did God tell him to drop out?
Good news, he was an embarrassment as a member of both parties.
Oh thank the gods! What an embarrassment he would have been as president!
Well duh. This guy thought he could show up, flash a smile like he has down in Texas and win. What an idiot. The great thing is now the whole country knows just how big an idiot he truly is.
Was anybody REALLY surprised?
Reuters reports that Perry will endorse GINGRICH, thankfully. Go Gingrich!
Bout time.lol
Perry dropped out because 1) No one voted for him 2) He ran out of cash 3) What's reason number 3? I forgot. Oops...
Great now Romney gains more power in the polls. Hello another 4 years for Obama because he is at least the better of two evils.
Good riddance!! Back to the farm which came from.
Rick Perry is a patriot. I thank him for taking part in the debates.He helped Mitt by offering a contrast in arrogance by Rick and a humble Mitt Romney..
Not surprising. Perry just wasn't ready for prime-time. Given his recent effort to turn an ally into an enemy, the country wil be alot better off with him off the stage.
So someone finally explained to him that 5% is much less than 25%, and he has no chance of winning the nomination? That's nice.
with a poor showing not only in the few primaries that have taken place but also in the media events referred to as debates, it was just a matter of time for this to happen. Downside of this is he will, ala Sarah Palin, he will now be asked to appear on FOX, CNN, really any, "news program", to provide his opinion on the race as it continues. As a non-candidate he will be able to, again ala Sarah Palin, say whatever he wants (no matter how ridiculous) about anyone still in the race (the President included) without fear of being called on to explain his comment or back it up with facts.
Not a day too soon, but we will all miss the comic relief.
And then there were four... only three to oust before this country stands a chance for the return to liberty...
Next stop: Newtsville... then Santorum Junction... lastly, "Anyone but Romney".
GO RON PAUL!
Most intelligent statement he's made since August....
See yaaaa... Back to the farm which you came from.
Another sad day for comedy writers everywhere!
Somebody better give him a map so he can find his way back to Texas.
Good. The dude was second only to Biden in being a foot-in-mouth gaffe machine buffoon.
Then there were three left to fight Romney for the nomination. Gingrich, Santorum, and um...um...umm...who was that third one????
Oops.
Perry is dropping out... I wonder if I should go to the movies or just Netflix it tonight.
But God told him to run! Why didn't he win?!
Please, Please do not drop out. You would make a great President.!
Perry made the right move for once....good thing he is dropping out...he was only wasting time and money!
you'd think the candidates that were endorsed by god himself would have done better in the polls.
Perry's campaign was over months ago. Same goes for Bachmann, Gingy, and Santorum. They need to drop out and let support coalesce behind the best candidate to beat Obama if they want a shot at unseating him.
It's about time.The rest of the United States has finally realized what some Texans already know: Gov Perry would not make a good president. Not saying I am big fan of President Obama; however, President Obama would, in my opinion, easily beat Gov Perry in the general election. Now if Texans would just vote Gov Perry out of office in the election. Wishful thinking!
Shhewwww...we almost had another Bilderberger in office...
If Rick Perry endorse Newt, then we all know that Newt is scrambling for his political life right now with this Marianne scandal.
If he doesn't endorse Newt, then I will assume Mr. Perry isn't quite as bad as it seems. Still bad, though, politically speaking.
Ron Paul 2012
I think Romney as the GOP candidate would be the GOP equivalent of John Kerry. So I guess this is bad news for Obama supporters and good news for GOP supporters – Obama risks getting a tougher election than thought now that Romney seems more like becoming a GOP equivalent of Howard Dean rather than a GOP equivalent of Kerry. I think most speaks for Gingrich or Santorum becoming the GOP candidate now, and should Romney become the candidate anyway, I'm sure he'll lose against Obama like Kerry lost to Bush – not by much, but enough.
oooooh, surprise there.
Poor Slick Rick an Al Gore Democrat. So now he will endorsed another leftist, GingRich who was caught on the sofa with Nancy Pelosi
Thank God, and not a minute too soon. Go back to Texas and create more below minimum wage jobs, and kill more inmates! That's about the only thing your supposedly good at.
Thank goodness........he is just sad. "Oops!"
Didn't God tell him to run for the President or did God just tell him to run
Well, I bet Texans are wishing he would stay.
Texas doesn't like to use the same textbooks or curriculum as the rest of the country because they like to put faith before common sense or reality. Much like Governor Perry.
There is a god
About time...good riddance...
Thank you for your service to our country. Good luck to you in Texas and much more success to you and your state.
He should have dropped out a long time ago!!!
Is his arm going to get twisted again in Texas and shipped back to Florida for another try?
Aw crap. Now he'll be returning here to Texas.
Is he going to refund all the cash contributions he got?
But who will reinvade Iraq if Perry is gone?
We're going to miss you, Rick. Actually, we're going to miss the gaffes and ridiculous statements.
Maybe he's quitting so that _he_ can return to Iraq to try to lend validity to his previous statement.
Naaaaaaaah!
Yet MSNBC is saying he's staying in until the Primary. Which one of you knows what you're talking about, versus which one is full of it. Considering the track records of both networks, along with Faux, can we really trust any of you to "report" the news, rather than make it up as you go?
Good – stop wasting people's money on an ego trip.
How come I knew he had to do this before he did???
Another apparently chosen by god that just did not have enough faith it seems. lol.
"And another one bites the dust, another one bites the dust, hey, hey, another one bites the dust ... '
So I guess God did not want him to run after all. Perry was just hearing voices in his head. lol
wata joke, lol....jeehaw
I wonder if he'll remember all his reasons for dropping out...
I guess you CAN mess with Texas.
It's about time he quit wasting money. He screwed up too much to have gone this far.
I'm suprised at the timing, but this was inevitable. He had no path to the nomination. He may be conservative (but he was a Democrat at one point), but he lack of knowledge on some issues with the federal government was his downfall. And his willingness to just jump in on an issue without research or knowledge.................which leads him say dumb things...................the GOP is better without him muddying up the field. BTW – I don't vote for him here in Texas either. I think the last straw was he was in 3d place in his own state behind Romney and Gingrich..................just sad.
II'm not surprised about Perry. The fact that Santorum is likely the last "not-Romney" standing is astounding.
Another one bites the dust! Perry finally figured it out, Big Money buys the GOP candidate and he does not have the bank account that Romney has. Santorum will be next. So much for democracy, HA! It's all about the MONEY
Thirsty and Obama 12 !
Now all Romney has is a backyard win in a tiny state and a giant tax headache. He's fallen from presumptive nominee status. Republicans are well versed in the rough and tumble art of political character assassination, but can they accomplish anything constructive?
Ummmmm, who cares?.
I always wonder about how these politicians come out strong as believing and going to be doing one thing only to totaly reverse course in a few days. How are we suppose to have trust in what they say??
Can you please keep him... out of Texas. I swear the IQ of Texas went up several points since that genius when on the campaign trail.
Go Perry! Get out of the way. The conservative vote is far greater than the Romney vote, but up until now it's been divided. NOW if either Gingrich or Santorum would step aside, we'd have a TRUE CONSERVATIVE to go against Obama, and it would be bye bye Romneycare/ Obamacare.
I am sorry he's leaving. I thought he was by far the best of the candidates.
One more down
Here is another Idiot politician gone from the political circus of GOP-TeaParty joke. These candidates are embarrassing for this great nation.
Another one bites the dust! Glad he finally had a good debate Monday, but definately the right thing to do to move on. Best of luck to you in Texas.
Hopefully, Rick goes in for a medical exam. There is something wrong with him, and I am not joking.
He looks tired.
So, I guess the Christian sky-fairy who he claimed told him to be President was just a voice in his head.
About time.
A most enthusiastic Good Riddance, along with a boot in the rear for good measure.
Another one bites the dust, another one bites the dust do da, do da
God told you it's futile.
oh this is so sad:-)
"Please allow this letter to certify we will accept the funds in H.R.1, the stimulus, and use them to promote economic growth and create jobs in a fiscally responsible manner that is in the interest of the Texas taxpayers."And in that letter, the governor did say he opposed the stimulus, but he took the money. Yet, months later and right up to this day, he continues to speak out against federal money and the state officials who take it.
Some of those people boosting the Texas economy come illegally across the border. According to the Texas Association of Business, illegal immigrant labor pumps in about $17 billion a year which in turn also creates more jobs. Another job creating factor is federal stimulus money, either going straight into state and local construction projects, or as it did in the last two years, to cover 97 percent of the state's budget defict
Rick Perry= Bush 3.0
People are sick of the Bush family brand and the world is moving away from them.
Hallelujah!!!...wait, does this mean he's coming back to Texas. Crap...
So, I guess the Christian sky-god, who he claimed told him to be President, was just a voice in his head.
I'll miss his thoughtful, eloquent, and articulate exploration of important issues.
It was such good fodder for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Let's see if the Newtster can puff himself up some more.
Good riddance! One less religious nut to worry about.
Now Perry can go back to the business of seceding Texas from the Union!
Good riddance!!! Now if we could only get him to resign as governor of Texas!
interesting, and I think the Santorum voters know that it's a wasted vote to vote for Santorum.
So it'll be down to a fair fight between Gingrich and Romney for the win, and with Paul supporters simply trying to do the best they can with their message about fiscal security and why its more important to balance budgets than to nation build middle eastern countries.
Just grabbing 15 – 20% in South Carolina is a major victory for that message.
Even if Newt wins in South Carolina, and the recount in Iowa gives that state to Santorum – Romney's organization in every state is formidable, so we'll just have a renewed fight for a while. Paul's intention to win Nevada will have special importance.
Nobody but Paul can stop Romney in Nevada, because the others didn't get organized in time.
Now all he needs to do is donate all his money and endorse Ron Paul and everything will be fine.
Good riddance, don't let the door it you in the rear.
Smart move by Perry. He should have done this months ago. As President the biased press would crucify him.
He's better off staying in Texas.
As you know I called this press conference to let you know that I, that I ? that I?that I? Give me a minute it will come to me. Well anyway the weather is nice, tell you what, let me meet with you tomorrow and I'll be able to think of why I called you here today. Thank you, Goodbye.
For someone that said he'd never run but the No Agenda guys called over a year ago, this comes as no surprise. And with Ron Paul being used as a vote / poll getter much the same way Huckabee was, well, you kinda get the idea. It's going to be Romney / Perry on the ticket. This has been known for some time.
One down Four to Go!
If Perry hadn't told people they were "heartless" for not supporting the DREAM act (aka illegal immigrates children get instate tuition) then he might be competing against Mitt.
Next time, stand up against illegal immigration.
It was readily apparent once his gaffes emerged that the general public absolutely didn't want another challenged Texas governor.
Cant believe his campaign ad where he bashes gays and the military didnt work. Darn
Rick – good luck back in Texas. All things aside – you would not have made a good president.
We don't want another Texan as president. The last one was a disaster.
This guy is out of step with the country (as are his big backers here in TX). He talks as if he is (was) running for deacon or chief of the "social behavior police." Good riddance. Now if he would only resign as governor
.
Governor I am proud of you and I still support you all the way. You still have the best job in the world and that is the Governor of the best state in the union Texas! God bless you governor!
It's a bad idea to try to run for President when you can't even count to THREE
I guess he endorsed Gingrich because he couldn't remember Romney's name...
Another clown down!
We don't want him back in our state...he can just "get on the down the road."
He turned out not to be as dumb as I thought. He appears to be smart enough to drop out. Still not a very smart person. Too bad for Texas but good for the USA.
Smartest thing he's done yet. Now get out of Texas and "serve" your country even better.
Mr. Perry,
Please endorse Ron Paul, do it for your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Thank you
Jesse
I smell a deal, neut is going to anoint perry as the new ambassador to texas.
I don't understand why he's dropping out. I mean, when he prayed for rain back in the early summer it took a few months, but eventually his prayers came true. I think that he needs to exercise the same rationale and patience here and surely everything will work out.
I would hope that this would be a lesson to other politicians focused on the nomination. That lesson should include understanding U.S. History, basic government knowledge, and a firm understanding that they represent the people.....all the people and not just a select few. I hope this, but it is a hope based in futility.
Wow! I'm shocked! Not that he's dropping out, but that he isn't as stooooopid as he proves himself to be. The writing on the wall was huge, in burning capital letters, and had Vanna White standing in front of them pointing to each word. But it took this long for Perry to see the light? Hmmmm....is Texas politics that full of dumb bunnies that they can compete with Alaska politics? Pee can now devote time back home with Dubya. Perhaps the Republican party can now focus its attention on better people so I can return to the GOP. Having to vote for Democrats to stay away from the GOP's current bozos isn't to my liking, but forced on me. Come on, GOP!!!
if God REALLY told Rick Perry to run for POTUS as he claims, then Perry would have done a lot better than he has. The Almighty doesn't make mistakes. As far as Perry dropping in the polls I don't think it was his gaffes that hurt him as much as his support for giving in-state tuition to the children of illegals that caused him to lose the far right base.....and on top of that called them "heartless". That went over pretty well with some on the left and progressives but NOT with the Tea Party bunch and far right wingers. Plus Perry was not ready for the big stage so to speak. That stuff plays well here in the great red state of Texas, but not for all to see.
It's about time – what a numbskull.
After rushing to the defense of the soldiers who desecrated dead bodies, and calling the Turkish government terrorists, he shouldn't be allowed anywhere near power. Good riddance to him.
About time Perry, hopefully I won't have to hear your name again for quite a while.
If he could have just gotten that George W. Bush endorsement it would have been a different story.
Oh damn. I guess we're stuck with him here in Texas forever. OBAMA 2012
God has spoken
Amen!!! My prayers have been answered!! I took the Bachman approach and prayed Rick Perry away!!!
Dang! Does that mean we Texans have to take him back?
What? You mean we're not going to hear how Perry was going to get Americans "back workin" anymore? I'm not happy with ANY of the Republican nominees (it's like 2008 all over again) but I'm really glad this mealy-mouth buffoon is leaving the campaign. I was no fan of W but Perry makes Bush look like a mental giant.
Then again, Odrama make W look like the greatest thing since sliced bread (and twice as smart). That said, I'd vote for a loaf of sliced bread before I could stomache four more years of Odrama glowering at us, telling us all how awful and lazy America is all the while pushing food stamps like a street corner dealer pushing crack. His utter (and painfully obvious) lack of leadership skills have been clearly demonstrated since he took office.
Four more years of listening to Barry blame Congress, Republicans, hurricanes, earthquakes, ATM's and everything under the sun for his inability to be a fair and effective President? Pass the bread!
Thank God! And good riddance! I still don't know how could he even tought he had a chance.
He is falling in line!!! I'd hope that he finally realized that he is last in the polls but I believe his feelings where hurt that Sarah said she would not vote for him if she was in SC. I wish him the best in TX!!! WHEW
I'm from Austin, Texas and I approve this message. Also, don't come back here Mr. Perry.
This is good news. Now if Romney santorum gingrich, whom are all the same drop out, then we can have a candidate who will actually change something for the better in our nation, Ron Paul. Support peace, support Ron Paul.
Perry really wanted to win this thing. I am worried about him. I hope they have him on suicide watch, just in case.
Tucking tail and running back to Texas to torment those poor people.
Oh yeah, to the safety of his mansion and non-deserved pension.
YAY! Now if we just get him out of Texas.
Not his purpose in life to be president? I thought he claimed that he was called from on high to be president. Maybe I'm thinking about the rest of the field of candidates.
Another one bites the dust!!
Hey Truth and Nothing But the Truth,
Do you have a job, or do you just spend all your time trolling CNN stories and acting like a jerk?
But God called him to be president! God can't be wrong!
I'm sorry to hear this. I fear that we will have either Obama in again or Demacrat that clames he is an republican
Good. He was a loser, anyway. His "Christian Nation" philosophy was offensive and un-American.
Rom-unism – To run for a political office in order to protect your own money...
With Rick Perry out, the GOP has only three losers left to consider.
Governor Perry is a fine man. He could have restored sanity and conservatism to a big, out of control government. I believe he would have encouraged the rugged individualism we once had in our country and restored confidence in people to strive to achieve their dreams by encouraging growth and jobs and business. He gave me hope that a real guy who has run a fantasticly successful state for a long time would rein in this dream-wrecking, blood-sucking monstrosity we have now have in Washington.
I will miss his self-efacing humor, his humility, his down-to-earth ideas and his presence in this very important upcoming election. It is too bad people couldn't see what he had to offer because he wasn't blessed with golden-throated oration skills, such as the present occupier of the White House. The old saying goes "we get what we get". Good luck everyone.
oh no! where will that leave america! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Good. Now let's see who is favored.. Gingrich or Romney. The guy from Pa. has no chance and Paul best serves if he runs 3rd party. That way the media cannot ignore.
should have been before Iowa, he never had a chance what a looser..
Another great reality TV show with both comedy and drama...more comedy than drama actually...comes to an end.
Jeez! He's like a cat, in or out, Perry.
Karl Rove wants Mittens to be the nominee, so Parry needs to leave the field to ensure Gingrich or Santorum don't have a good enough showing to keep them in through the Florida primary.
What or what will Parry do now? Go home and pray for Texas to stop embarrassing itself with their silly Republican governors?
Well, at least he manned-up and admitted he can't cut it. Good for him!
Perry says he wants to serve our country then maybe he can strap on some combat boots and head for afghanistan. Isn't he the candidate that wants to go back Iraq? I'm sure I am not alone when I say I am going to miss his comedy act. Now go home and create some more 7 dollar an hour jobs 1 percenter.
Go back to Texas, if they'll have you. You'll never be relevant in current day politics, Perry.
They should all drop ...They are just wasting people time
anyone surprised? How can an Ignorant wanna be idiot who calls US's second biggest Ally, Turkey, a terrorist state.
i think it is a shame rick perry is dropping out i visit texas all the time i see a very stable and working state wish all our state,s was as engerize and going places it is booming state,with aleader leadin it in the right deriction way to go perry god bless you and your family ,we are losing a great canadate
SO, after making Va. waste money defending its election policies,Rick decides he is going to drop out!!! Thanks for nothing,defender of state's right's!! good ridance and tell Michelle to drop out also!!
First Cain, then Bachmann, now Perry. All the entertainment value has gone out of this primary.
im from houston and i never thought he was ready to be POTUS, GOP is out of touch with reality
OBAMA 2012
I'm sorry to hear this. I believe Rick Perry would be an excellent president.
Discount tuition for illegal aliens is not a gaffe. Perry's campaign went south after he dropped that bombshell on the American people. Perry should have run as a Democrat, as he hasn't changed since he was Al Gore's campaign manager in Texas in 1988. Hasta la vista, Ricky. Texas now has one favorite son in the race, a real Republican, a real conservative — Ron Paul.
Boo-urns. I was hoping to hear tonight which other completely friendly countries he was going to accuse of being run by terrorists and threaten to blow up.
It's amazing that we in Texas have been able to survive two buffoons in the Governor’s office. Bush and Perry have hurt the image of the whole state.
Least surprising announcement from the GOP area, who's next?
Does this mean Perry has to return to Texas ?
Was he ever in it?
As Gomer would say: "Surprise, surprise, surprise."
.....and don't come back !
Good...go back to Texas...gos knows you screwed that state up!
won't be missed
im so sorry
THANK YOU!!!! This was beginning to look too much like a BUSH presidential term!
Excuse me..should have read God knows...
He's about 3 months too late.
Darn, There goes the comic relief. Now the "Conservatives" of SC have fewer choices and a better chance at beating Mitt of Mass
Romney must be furious, he was PROMISED the nomination by the GOP establishment. Why the heck do all these insignificant people get a say?
I wonder if his first post-election-bid foreign visit will be to Turkey
Didn't he say just the other day that he'd drop out when pigs fly or something?
And now the people of Texas has seen how stupid/dumb he is, he may have a hard time keeping his day job in Texas.
Good riddance
Thank GOD rick perry has dropped out. That buffoon never had a chance. What an embarrassment. Actually the republican party is an embarrassment too. Ugggh!
-Houston, Tx.
Goodbye, adios, farewell and next time dont call us....we'll call you.
He should go back to Texas and do good. We had enough people from Texas ruin teh United States of America and we do not need another. Johnson killed Kennedy, Bush, Bush started two wars and set America on the way of decline to third world status. These are all people who enriched themselfs by ruining America.
He'll likely not get elected to anything ever again.
Seldom has there been a candidate so amazingly unprepared for the office of president as Gov.Perry. I would think he is giving the state of Texas tremendous pause at just how unprepared he really was on the national stage and doubtless any reasoned person would be shocked at his total lack of perceived interest in global events, poltical protocal, understanding or our Judiciary and fundamental ability to articulate cohesive and well reasoned responses to the most basic questions asked in the past 400 or so past debates. His most telling short coming was a desperate play to appeal to the hard core right wing element of the party. It was vulgar and unbecoming to the ideals of the character of the office.
He went into this campaign having never lost an election. He should have kept it that way. He will never live this humiliating defeat down.
Another one bites the dust..Hey! Hey!...
Sorry to see another contender leave the field. We need the candidates feet to the fire of true conservatism to keep them on the right Path to Restoring our Republic.
Oh thank goodness!! It is about time. Now maybe we can get him out as governor and focus on getting Texans back to work and actually putting educators back on the school board and teach our children.
Now there is only one candidate left with executive experience. Please think long and hard before sending another legislator into the White House. We don't need another legislator. We need an executive.
There is also only one candidate left who has not worked in DC. The ones in DC are part of the problem. They have been for years. Vote for the outsider!
My 2nd and 3rd choices are gone. Mitt, you're my last hope for turning this country around!
Dang, now he's going to come back to TX and sit around here.
Now if only God would tell the others to drop out.
He has no choice, after walking through the field of fresh cowpies barefoot and blindfolded.
This guy was supposed to be the Tea Party's Great White Hope and then they found out just how stupid he is. What is it with politicians from Texas anyway?
Keep em dropping Ron Paul!
I support freedom for everyone, even foreign nations.
Ron Paul 2012
owww gee wizzzzz It was fun watching him debate. Somebody pls make him think he can win again and get him back on stage. But really, no surprise here. Another one bites the dust with 3 to go and then the big rich guy gets to face the fury. lol lol
Goodbye Mr. Perry, vote for Ron Paul in 2012! =)
Maybe there is a God.
He was an embarassment to Republicans, to Conservatives, to Aggies, to Air Force veterans, to Texans, and to himself! Good riddance!
Thank Gawd. At least we won't have a Neo-Bush repeat.
Ol' Newt probably paid him to do it because it makes no sense to drop out before he gets his butt kicked on Saturday. The anyone but Mitt suge continues, which is a good thing because Newt does not stand a chance of beating Obama.
thank God he was embarrassing Texas. Maybe he can go home and make plans to secede from the Union. Then he can be President (of Texas.)
Who is he going to endorse? Steven Colbert?
Bad news Rick! We inTexas don't want you back, either!!! You need to think about getting a REAL job
)
....and this guy is Governor of Texas. He has been exposed.
I'am so sorry to hear that Rick Scary is dropping out,now we wont be going back into Iraq, and gay people who have always served in the military will be allowed to serve openly,and don't forget our number 1 enemy Turkey,who has been an ally will continue to be our ally. The world cannot do without Rick Scary.
What happened to the idea that he (Perry) was told by God to run? This run will sink Perry's reelection chances as well. I just hope that peoples in Texas have opened their eyes to see who and what Perry represents. If they elect him again, they deserve him. Good riddance.
Perry gets points for persistence if for nothing else. One more instance in his long record of sticking with the job despite performance so dismal that anyone else would have packed it in long ago. He stayed in college all the way to graduation with a D average; he remains governor of Texas after many years of declining literacy and the sad reality that most Texans can now look forward to spending their "golden years" wearing a blue vest and peering into plastic bags at the doors of a major national retail store without any hope of a dignified retirement.
This is a good day.
Don't let that tail between your legs get to you - I hear your Texans back home love humility.
This is good news, although I am not a supporter of Newt, I hope he wins SC. Now that Santurom looks to have won Iowa, Mitt having won NH, if Newt wins SC, then the other states will begin to matter. I hate to have the process stop after just 3 states and all of a sudden we have a "de facto" nominee.
One more down. Newt will be next.
All I can say is Thank Goodness!!!!!
At least that announcement ensures there will be no repeat of a GW Bush Presidency!
Seldom has there been a candidate so amazingly unprepared for the office of president as Gov.Perry. I would think he is giving the state of Texas tremendous pause at just how unprepared he really was on the national stage. Doubtless any reasoned person would be shocked at his total lack of perceived interest in global events, poltical protocal, understanding of our Judiciary and fundamental ability to articulate cohesive and well reasoned responses to the most basic questions asked in the past 400 or so debates. His most telling short coming was a desperate play to appeal to the hard core right wing element of the party. It was vulgar and unbecoming to the ideals of the character of the office.
And then there were four....
Thank goodness! Nobody really wanted *yet another* right-wing Texan in the White House. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on *me*!
Now he can go back to Texas, secede, and run for President of Texas.
I wish he'd stay in the race, at least until he said something intelligent!
He should never have thrown his hat in the ring. This country has had enough of Texas governors that pander to the hard right and their oil buddies.
Rick Perry is about to drop his candidacy. This is sad but it’s all his fault. He should have never opened his mouth. After all, he was ahead of the group before he started to talk. But as you know, the rest is history. I know for sure there’s another reason he had to drop, but I just can’t remember now.
"South Carolinians are looking for a conservative candidate that will get this country back working again and I am it," Perry told CNN last week.
I thought he would start stating with GOD who is looking for a conservative candidate that will get this country back working again and he is it.
Mr. Perry, your GOD has failed you, so blame him. If I were you I would start hating him and never talk to him again.
"god" has been playing a lot of tricks lately: he called Perry to run and also told Bachmann to get in the presidential race. Guess he was just messing with them; then again, it can get awfully confusing listening to all those voices in one's head.
I think he's going to support Romney, the only way he'd support Ron Paul is if he was paid to. Same goes for The Grinch (aka Mr. Speaker), unless he gets paid to endorse Ron Paul he won't do it.
Don't you people see what's going on? Wake up already, vote for Ron Paul.
Awww! And here I was looking forward to more Comedy Hour!
Good Riddance. Perry is a career politican and practical joke. He has shined a negative light on Texas. I think the American public realized he was not a serious candidate for President and would be a worse version of Geore Bush. I guess God was playing a bad joke on you when he wanted you to run for President. If the answer is Rick the question must have something stupid in it!
Good riddance. Send this wingnut back to those who elected him.
This guy is a first-class moron. He should have never been in the national spotlight. He, along with the likes of Bachmann and Cain, have assured an Obama victory in 2012.
Not a big loss, he should have stayed in Texas. He has nothing good to offer the working person.
What are the 3 reasons Perry is pulling out?
I liked Perry as a social conservative and as someone who could laugh at himself. If he believes in true conservatism, he'll endorse Ron Paul.
Rick Perry has dropped his candidacy. This is sad but it’s all his fault. He should have never opened his mouth. After all, he was ahead of the group before he started to talk. But as you know, the rest is history. I know for sure there’s another reason he had to drop, but I just can’t remember now.
NOOOOO! We don't want him back. Can you ship him to Iraq or Iran? Just drop him out in the middle of the desert...please!!!!
Santorum, Gingrich and Romney need to drop out and let Ron Paul Bring this country back to its old glory. No more wars, no more free money to the banks and no more Government in our lives like NDAA, SOPA, PIPA, TSA... enough of the legalizing of Tyranny. Ron Paul 2012.
I am here to announce that I'm going to...uhh..what was that I wanted to tell you...oops~~
The guy who hadn't lost a previous election has lost his first. When he comes up again for reelection as Gov., he will be voted out. Then he can do as all the rest of his counterparts in the GOP, he can go on speaking tours & concentrate on making more wealth. Maybe there is an opening for rodeo clown..he would be perfect. Happy trails!
Best news there will be today. This Texan says Perry sucks.
Too bad such a shame. Just glad he is out, he has thrown the state of Texas and Texans back to its redneck cowboy days with ummmm oops.
He never should have been in the race at all. Think of all the money he spent that he could have donated to charity.
And then there were 4.
I don't need to watch Perry announce he is dropping out. I already know what he is going to say . . . "Opps!"
Well, He can just stay where he is, Texas does not want him back, Thank you very much.
....and then there were four. Iowa and NH effectively decide a party's nominee before over 97% of the country has a chance to vote. Gotta love democracy.
Either our standards of acceptance for the highest post in this country have hit an all time low, or this man is delusional, or both. Who was behind the push to get him in the race to begin with? I've never seen such unqualified people running for president as I have this year, with Perry and Bachmann. Unbelievable.
We in Texas knew long ago that he is not presidential material. I guess it took him long time to understand that. Sometimes ego makes people blind not to understand who they are.