Texas Gov. Rick Perry has emerged as a leading candidate for Secretary of Energy in the incoming Donald Trump administration.
Donald Trump has narrowed his search for energy secretary to four people, with Rick Perry the leading candidate https://t.co/XTrVRbIzn4 pic.twitter.com/WnUsIiYGKr
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) December 12, 2016
Following this revelation, the social media chatter has not focused on whether Perry, a governor from an oil rich state, is qualified to head the Department of Energy. That’s because the Texas governor has a rather checkered history when it comes to the Energy Department.
Rick Perry, who once advocated abolishing the Dept of Energy, is top candidate to lead Dept of Energy https://t.co/WQrGqMlYwT
— Brian Eason (@brianeason) December 12, 2016
It will be tragically hilarious if Rick Perry ends up in charge of the Department he couldn't remember the name of (Energy).
— Nicholas Murphy (@techbasset) December 12, 2016
Many have pointed out that Perry famously forgot the name of the Energy Department during the 2012 Republican presidential primaries — in a widely ridiculed debate moment.
The Department of Energy was one of three federal agencies Perry pledged to abolish if elected president, along with Department of Commerce and the Department of Education — but in an enormous debate gaffe, Perry could only remember Commerce and Education. “Oops,” he finally conceded.
It was uncomfortable to watch, and epically humiliating for Perry, who would withdraw from the race a few weeks later. Perry attempted a “comeback” in 2016, but he had to end his primary campaign months before the Iowa caucuses.
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