Rick Perry's stupidity causes diplomatic incident

From the Daily Kos:

MSNBC:

"The State Department 'absolutely and fundamentally' disagrees with Gov. Rick Perry’s statement in last night’s debate that Turkey is ruled 'by what many would perceive to be Islamic terrorists.' [...]

'When you have a country that is being ruled by what many would perceive to be Islamic terrorists,' Perry said, 'when you start seeing that type of activity against their own citizens, then yes, not only is it time for us to have a conversation about whether or not they belong to be in NATO, but it's time for the United States, when we look at their foreign aid, to go to zero with it.' [...]

In a scathing statement, Turkey’s ambassador to the United States expressed his disappointment and concern over Perry’s comments, calling them 'misplaced' and 'ill-advised.' The ambassador also said Turkey receives no significant foreign aid from the U.S."

More here.

I'm not surprised at all that my home state's governor caused a minor diplomatic incident by spewing bullshit.

This is, of course, a prime example of what's ailing the GOP right now in its race to get the party's presidential nomination. The Republicans have gone so far out in right field, and are so used to denying reality in order to bolster their crackpot political ideas, that only the very stupid are really able to capture the imaginations of the party's rank and file. I mean, sure, Perry's not stupid: the guy managed to make it to the governor's mansion and stay there for longer than anybody else in Texas history. But he is stupid on the issues. Really stupid. Just drooling, hare lipped, gibbering stupid. Like Gingrich, Santorum, Paul, and all the rest.

Except for Romney. He's not stupid, just conservative, and it looks like with a few dodges and weaves here and there, as well as the solid support of the last vestiges of intelligent voters in the GOP, he's going to get the nomination. But something like three quarters of the party hate him, you know, because he's not stupid, so this November's going to be fun.

At any rate, it's a shame Perry's leaving the race. He's made me laugh more than any serious presidential candidate I can remember. We won't have Rick to kick around anymore.

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