When Perry defenders say that he only had "memory lapse"...

[Puzzler]

... they are admitting that he just learned most (or all) of this stuff by rote.

[denverbill]

1. "Now, where did I put those nuclear codes?" n/t

[sinkingfeeling]

2. I think we've already survived a couple of presidents that had 'memory lapses' (Raygun & Dimson).

[justiceischeap]

3. Reagan at least had Alzheimer's as an excuse. nt

[zbdent]

4. he better memorize what he's supposed to do when that phone rings

at 2 or 3 am ...

and no, it's not "No, Mr. Cain is not here ... please stop calling, miss ..."

[jwirr]

5. This coupled with the film of his Maine speech should be enough to

convince people that is not presidential material. The phone rings at 3:00 am and this guy answers?

[Lone_Star_Dem]

6. Anyone defending Perry is so mentally conditioned to do so that reality is irrelevant.

I'm speaking from personal experience with these people. Nothing intrudes on what they're told to believe. Not even what they witness with their own eyes or hear with their own ears.

Edit for clarity

[Occupy_2012]

7. I can see somebody freezing up under pressure.

Although, if they're running for President, that's not really acceptable. But why no notes or cheat sheet or cards? Just brief "talking points" notes would jog his memory if it froze. CNN is trying to excuse this, saying it's "memory freeze." Is it "I forgot how to read my notes too" freeze? More like, what notes, he has no plan and is winging it. If he had a comprehensive plan he could remember at least part of it, enough to talk until his brain un-froze. You don't dismember several entire departments without knowing what's in them or why, for example, unless you're an idiot. Oh...wait...

[DCBob]

8. Oh shit!! what were those damn nulcear codes?? Get Obama on the phone!

Really stepped in that one!!