#iowaofthetiger

Rick Perry’s event in Perry, IA this evening was a unique experience with a distinctly Iowan feel. The room seemed to be filled with more Iowans and fewer media personnel than other events and rallies we have attended. Thirty minutes prior to Perry’s appearance, Larry Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers entertained the audience by singing and playing his guitar. Gatlin sang everything from his original songs to classic church hymns. Gatlin expressed his support of Perry, with whom he has been friends for 25 years. Gatlin described Perry as a family man who always asks about Gatlin’s parents.

Perry was joined on stage with members of his family, war veterans, U.S. Congressmen, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and our own Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Both governors expressed their support for Perry, which was apparent by their joining him in Iowa. Perry commented on Jindal’s interest in football, and Jindal was taken by surprise when the Iowa of the Tiger team responded from the audience with a strong “Geaux Tigers!”

Perry’s speech focused on reducing the size and scope of the federal government and placing more emphasis on states’ rights. He mentioned abolishing the Department of Education and other “alphabet soup” government agencies. Perry said the campaign is not about him but about America, and likened himself to the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming “Here I am.”

The most touching part of Perry’s event occurred when he introduced the two war veterans standing with him on stage, including Navy SEAL and author of Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell. Perry had an extended embrace with one of the veterans, and many people, including Perry, were on the brink of tears. The emotion of the exchanges between Perry and the veterans was tangible and heartfelt.

After Perry’s speech, we were all able to talk to and take pictures with Governor Jindal. He was very friendly and excited to see us. We chatted about the upcoming BCS Championship and how we had spent our New Year’s Eve in Des Moines. While Perry left the room immediately following his speech, Jindal stayed around quite a while talking to both reporters and Iowans and providing countless photo opportunities and autographs. Although Perry was not in the room to compete, Jindal really seemed like the star of the show.

Prior to tonight’s event, I was not a fan of Rick Perry and did not take him seriously for many reasons, including his gaffes in debates. However, he really impressed me tonight. I’ve seen every candidate in Iowa with the exception of Newt Gingrich, and Perry was by far the most real and relatable of the group. While Perry did reference his notes occasionally, I did not feel like I was listening to a politician giving a rehearsed and canned speech. Perry seemed like a person who really wants the best for America; he seemed like one of us. I don’t know if it was the relief of seeing a southerner after four days in Iowa or the familiarity of our governor on the stage, but this event felt like authentic America rather than a planned media event. Perry’s rally reminded me of home.