Excerpts From Texas Governor Rick Perry’s
Press Conference Endorsing Mayor Rudy Giuliani,
Washington, D.C.
October 17, 2007
GOVERNOR RICK PERRY: “[O]ver the next 13 months, the American people are going to have the opportunity to sort through a lot of issues, sort through a lot of information. They’re going to look at the records of these candidates, they are going to determine who offers the real answers. And they’re going to figure out who is offering platitudes … and they’re going to look at who has the experience of a leader that can take us, particularly in times of crisis, take us forward.
“And as a border state governor, I can tell you that there’s no such
thing as homeland security without border security. As a voter, I’m
not looking for somebody with the best sound bite or an individual who’s
just out talking over my head. I’m looking for a proven leader, who has
been successful in disrupting, dismantling criminal enterprise, individuals
that threaten our families and our way of life. Executive experience
matters for the next President of the United States, whether they’re responding
to a disaster or they’re slicing through bureaucratic red tape or they’re
cutting taxes. The mayor of America’s largest city is amply prepared
to be the next President of the United States. And I’m not talking
about just any mayor, I’m talking about America’s Mayor.
“Today I’m endorsing Rudy Giuliani for the presidency of the United
States because he’s got a record, a strong record of leadership. He’s got
the right vision for a nation at war. He’s got clarity of purpose I think
that’s unequaled by any candidate in this race. Rudy Giuliani is
a leader who has a proven record of leadership. He gets things done.
He is a results-oriented leader.
“Rudy Giuliani is best equipped to make the tough choices for a country
at war. He’s a consistent leader with a track record of consistent
results. He offers America a much better vision than another Clinton
president. The office of president requires much of its occupant.
We’ve got to be diligent in choosing the next leader of this great country.
Our nation’s leader must be able to stare down the criminal element, whether
they’re trafficking in drugs or whether they’re planting roadside bombs.
Our nation’s leader must be willing to act precisely in response to threats
without dialing up their lawyers first. Our nation’s leader must
understand the stifling effect of runaway taxation and be willing to open
up the path for growth. Our nation’s leader must be willing to do
what’s right even when it’s unpopular. I strongly believe that Rudy
Giuliani is that man. He’s not only seen first hand the devastation
of a terrorist attack, but he knows what it takes to respond with resolve,
with compassion, with clear leadership.
“Mayor, I’ve been on the receiving end of one of those tough calls
from a neighboring government. They asked me to provide food and shelter
and safe haven for thousands of their citizens in the midst of a very devastating
hurricane. So I know in the times of crisis it demands of leaders
to be decisive. It demands you to have good judgment. It demands you to
be driven to do what is necessary to preserve the lives, and I might add
the dignity, of our fellow human beings.
“Rudy Giuliani has made a career out of standing up for victims, prosecuting
the worst criminals and by bringing them to justice. During his time
leading one of the most liberal cities in America, Rudy Giuliani successfully
cut taxes, he kept spending below the growth of inflation and population
during that period of time, and he privatized and he deregulated many of
the aspects of that city’s out-of-control bureaucracy.
“The time that we’ve spent together, whether it’s been on the phone
or it’s been face-to-face, I’ve asked him some tough questions. I’ve looked
him in his eye as he answered. I studied his positions. And
I will tell you I have been highly impressed with his record. I’ve
taken the measure of a man. And I believe that without a doubt or reservation
that Rudy Giuliani is the most capable, the most prepared individual of
either party to be the next President of the United States. He is the best
of a strong field of Republican candidates and I’m proud to proclaim my
support of his campaign. So I am proud to introduce to you America’s Mayor,
a proven fiscal conservative, a leader who gets things done and the best
hope of our nation’s future.” …
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