Should Rick Perry end his campaign after flubbing the debate?

Texas Gov. Rick Perry checks his notes during Wednesday's debate at Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Mich. (Paul Sancya/Associated Press)The presidential campaign of Texas Gov. Rick Perry hangs in the balance following his bumbling performance in Wednesday's Republican candidates' debate.

The potentially campaign-ending moment occurred when Perry couldn't remember the third of three federal agencies he vows to shut down if elected president.

"Commerce, Education and the -- what's the third one there? Let's see," Perry said, drawing a blank from which he did not recover.

Now the question seems to be whether Perry will survive the end of the campaign, or whether his gaffe is enough to strike him out of the minds of GOP voters forever.

But is that fair? Haven't we all made gaffes, or forgotten things we'd wanted to say?

Admittedly, Perry has struggled to present himself at debates. But is this latest gaffe so egregious that it should spell the end of his bid for president? Why or why not? When is a gaffe forgivable, and when is it a game ender?


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