Perry’s Poor Debate Strategy? Don’t Play

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Rick Perry may skip some upcoming Republican presidential debates after recent rocky performances that have hurt his standing in polls.

Aides say he has committed to participating in a Nov. 9 debate in Michigan but hasn’t committed to any beyond that.

He’s seeking to reintroduce himself to the nation on his own terms. And he’s returning to the play-it-safe strategy he successfully employed in running for governor of Texas.

Perry has never lost an election. And he debated only when it couldn’t be avoided.

He has long conceded he’s not a strong debater, contending that his personal contact is a key to his success. But it’s unclear whether that will work in a national campaign.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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