Mitt Romney and Rick Perry kicked off a full-throated political rivalry during the Republican debate on Wednesday night at the Reagan library and provided an early glimpse of the very different strategies that will propel their presidential campaigns forward in the next several months.
Mr. Perry, the governor of Texas, made clear in his first national appearance that he would campaign as an unabashed Southern conservative who is unafraid to speak bluntly, will double-down on controversial statements and plans to shrug off the concerns of the Republican establishment.
By contrast, Mr. Romney’s performance demonstrated his desire to appeal broadly to the Republican electorate as part of an electability argument that he hopes will convince primary voters that he is best equipped to defeat President Obama.
Romney and Perry Unleash Testy Rivalry at Debate - NYTimes.com
