Reading between Governor Rick Perry’s lines

Texas Governor Rick Perry should never ever be President. His far far right political views put him well outside of the mainstream.

When he’s not busy proclaiming everything is unconstitutional, he’s saying a lot of other things that are either offensive or deeply alarming or both. On the first day of his first week as an official Republican presidential hopeful Governor Perry simply outdid himself.

Here are 3 things Governor Perry said in just 24 hours that give you an idea of just how out there he is:

1. He is OK with making threats towards Fed chairman Ben Bernanke.

Perry told a crowd in Iowa Monday evening, “If this guy prints more money between now and the election, I dunno what y’all would do to him in Iowa but we would treat him pretty ugly down in Texas. Printing more money to play politics at this particular time in American history is almost treasonous in my opinion.”

I wonder if Governor Perry means this literally or figuratively? Literally, treason is an offense punishable by death so by following his “reasoning” one could conclude that if Bernanke printed more money between now and election day and then travel to Texas, his life would be in danger. That’s a little out there for a presidential candidate.

2. Perry warns that a “big black cloud” hangs over the country.

While Perry seems to be referring to the dire economic situation it is a very peculiar turn of phrase to be sure. Does this “big black cloud” have a name? Is the “big black cloud” named President Barack Obama? Next, you’ll hear him doing his best Newt Gingrich impersonation talking about a Kenyan anti-colonialist cloud. It’s possible that this is totally benign, however in an election cycle rife with dog whistles on the right, my ears are particularly sensitive these days.

3. Perry seems to think a women’s proper place is at home ironing his shirts.

While speaking to a crowd in Waterloo, Iowa Governor Perry removed his suit jacket and then said, “My daughter’s cold so I gave her my jacket. If this shirt’s got a few wrinkles in it, it’s not my wife’s fault.”

It’s good to know that Governor Perry doesn’t blame his wife for the wrinkles in his shirt but I’m not sure anyone other than Perry would even give his wife a second thought if a wrinkle were to appear. In an attempt to appear folksy to a conservative Iowa audience Perry just sounds like he might be running to replace President Eisenhower.

Bonus! When asked if President Obama loves America Governor Perry responded, “You need to ask him.” How nice.

If the past 24 hours are indication of what is to come, this is going to be an ugly election season full of pandering, racial dog whistles, and sexist tropes. Awesome.

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