Perry praises Biden, avoids question on Cain

Rick Perry offered some rare praise for a Democrat on Tuesday while declining to weigh in on the mounting controversy involving allegations that Herman Cain sexually harassed a number of women.

When asked in an ABC News/Yahoo interview which Democrats he could work well with, Perry named Vice President Biden.

“I can sit down and talk to Joe Biden,” Perry said. “I think he gets it.” 

The Texas governor said Biden is “probably a loyal vice president” who secretly understands that “you can’t take this country forward” with many of the policies President Obama has pushed for, including increasing taxes on the wealthy, regulating Wall Street and reforming the health insurance industry.

When asked about numerous allegations that Herman Cain had sexually harassed female employees, Perry sought to avoid the question.

“I’ve been focused on my business and haven’t paid a lot of attention,” he said. “I don’t have an interest in getting off my message.”

Perry criticized Obama’s handling of the economy and foreign policy, saying that the president’s repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was a “political statement” and “irresponsible,” and said that if necessary, he would support a military strike to take out Iran’s nuclear capabilities.