Distinguished pol of the week

Former Texas governor Rick Perry had a presidential kickoff any candidate would like to have. He began on Thursday with an upbeat and well-received speech outside of Dallas, where he appeared on stage surrounded by Navy SEALs and military families. He recalled his visit to the U.S. cemetery in France:

In that American Cemetery, it is no accident each headstone faces west: west over the Atlantic, towards the nation they defended, the nation they loved, the nation they would never come home to. It struck me as I stood in the midst of those heroes that they look upon us in silent judgment. And that we must ask ourselves: are we worthy of their sacrifice?

At the end of the speech, he pointed to those who surrounded him, noting, “If anyone is wondering if America still possesses the character of selfless heroes, I am here to say, Yes, I am surrounded by such heroes. They are of different generations, but they are woven together by the same thread of selfless sacrifice.” He went on to introduce several of the warriors and the widow of Chris Kyle. He wrapped up, “America is an extraordinary country. Our greatness lies not in our government, but in our people. Each day Americans demonstrate tremendous courage. But many of those Americans have been knocked down and are looking for a second chance. Let’s give them that chance. Let’s give them real leadership. Let’s give them a future greater than the greatest days of our past.” Obviously, he will be asking Americans to give him a second shot at the nomination.

That evening, he followed up with a strong interview on Fox News with Sean Hannity. And Friday he hit the morning shows. He was poised in these appearances. On CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” he viewed his impressive Texas economic record and explained, “What we did in Texas will work anywhere. . . . Every blue collar worker in the country ought to be saying, ‘Perry, I’m going to vote for you if you’re going to do that.'” His audience was largely business people and professionals, but he was making a wider appeal. “If you are a Hispanic in Texas, you live in a state that has the highest graduation rate in America. If you are African American, you live in a state that has the highest graduation rate in America. You want to send a message to people—we care about you, we care about your family? Graduate them from high school because that puts them on a track.”

On Saturday, it was on to Iowa, where he led his own motorcycle ride on the 70th anniversary of D-Day to benefit the Puppy Jake Foundation, a group that provides dogs for wounded vets. You really can’t go wrong with puppies and wounded veterans. From there he hooked up with the Joni Ernst Ride and Roast, an opportunity for him to speak to and do one-on-one retail politicking with Iowa Republicans.

Plainly, he is establishing himself, much as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) did, as the candidate mostly closely attuned to the needs of vets, an effective way of emphasizing his own military career and his campaign’s focus on national security. Moreover, he is showing he can operate effectively in a big speech setting, in TV interviews and in rural Iowa. It was as impressive a start as any candidate has had. For all that we can say, well done, Governor Perry.