Theres no freakout like a Ron Paul fan freakout. A meme has emerged on the PaulWeb that, during a commercial break in last nights Republican Presidential Debate, Gov. Rick Perry assaulted fellow Texan Ron Paul, suddenly grab(bing) Pauls forearm while aggressively pointing his index finger towards the Congressmans face.
The only source for these allegations is an AP photo with a much blander caption, but thats just what youd expect from the anti-Paul media, right?
According to Paul fansite RonPaul.com, heres how it went down:
During a commercial break at Wednesdays Republican debate, Rick Perry and Ron Paul continued their spirited exchange on stage. Suddenly, Perry grabbed Ron Pauls forearm while aggressively pointing his index finger towards the Congressmans face. Alerted by Perrys menacing gestures, Ron Pauls bodyguard (front left) was standing by, ready to protect the Congressman.
Admittedly, the photo does look like it captures a somewhat heated exchange, and the two did go at it pretty hard last night, but for all we know, they were discussing the relative merits of My Little Pony and Thundercats. The AP caption cuts against the idea that it was anything to freak out about:
Republican presidential candidates Rick Perry, left, and Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, talk during a break at a Republican presidential candidates debate at the Reagan Library Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, in Simi Valley, Calif.
Photo: AP, Jae C. Hong / AP
Theres also a second photo in the mix, which carries the same caption, apparently taken shortly after the first. Did Perry menace Paul off of his podium, or did he just really need a Tic Tac? Only Ron Paul knows for sure.
Granted, Paul fans have reason to be suspicious of how the media treats their guy, but no reporter is going to pass up a juicy commercial-break dustup. In any case, accusing Perry of assault and menacing based solely on these photos is beyond ridiculous. It does show imagination, though, so Id love to hear what they make of this picture:
Were they each trying to convince Huntsman to be their second in a pistols-at-dawn duel? Joining forces to mock Science Boy? Re-enacting the final scene in Reservoir Dogs?
They say a picture is word a thousand words, but they often dont speak for themselves, no matter how much we want them to. Weve reached out to both campaigns to find out what really went on during that commercial break, and are awaiting a response.