In what The Boston Globe calls "an epic gaffe" during the GOP debate, presidential candidate Rick Perry could not remember the third government agency he would eliminate. Perry has taken a beating following the Republican debates and speeches, with some questioning whether he has been drunk or on drugs. Bill Maher compiled an embarrassing sequence of odd moments during Perry's appearance in New Hampshire.

Perry is in good company. The Guardian has posted several gaffes made by other government officials and political candidates.

Perry's inability to speak clearly and coherently may undo his candidacy. But for now, he is admitting his mistakes and making light of the error:

I stepped in it, man. Yeah, it was embarrassing. Of course it was.

The candidate also will read the "Top 10 List" on "Late Show with David Letterman" tonight. Should be interesting.

Discussion Starters:

• Is the criticism of Rick Perry fair or overblown? Have we lost sight of what this candidate stands for, or are people right in wanting more clarity from him?
• How, if at all, could a candidate avoid these types of mistakes during a debate? What have you learned about delivering oral presentations that may serve as good advice for Perry?