Perry: Either Debate or Step Aside.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/what-if-perry-skips-the-debates/?ref=politics

By definition, a debate is a formal method of interactive and representational argument. The key word here is "interactive",  something Rick Perry has lacked during the last few debates. According to recent reports, Rick Perry, the Republican Governor from Texas, has talked about not participating in the upcoming debates. "I don't think Perry can avoid (debating)", Dana Loesch, a CNN contributor says "because the debates are where he has received a lot of his criticism." Even though Perry is strongly advised not to disengage from debates, he's done it before and still won. For example, when Perry ran for Governor last year, he avoided debating Bill White, the former mayor of Houston. Perry won but White made it clear that he thought Perry was afraid of debating. And from Perry's latest actions, he could be.

Michael Shrear, the writer of this article, emphasizes the importance of debates by comparing Perry to other Republican candidates like Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich who apparently don't have enough money to produce television advertisements for their campaign. For these candidates "the debates are the only opportunity to break through with the national audience." And while Perry has gone a step further by taking advantage of fund raising, he should be taking his time to also participate in the debates. In contrast though, Shrear does say that debates "are a huge intrusion" to candidates. Those who will be debating have to plan ahead and be aware of who else they will be going toe to toe with. But if participating in debates means they have a greater chance of being elected in the primary, than candidates like Rick Perry should take an active role in them rather than sitting out.

Perry could be a potential nominee for the Republican Party. Apparently, he can be "aggressive" and presents some good points for other candidates like Mitt Romney to challenge. But if Perry chooses not to participate, he faces not being elected. In this case, he only has himself to blame. In order for Perry to be considered as a future nominee, he needs to take part in these debates. By showing the people that he is willing to participate in the debate, makes him not only look like an eligible candidate but also someone who can lead this country.