Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry challenged Donald Trump to a pull-up contest after his “toughness” was called into question by the real estate magnate.
Asked Wednesday whether Mr. Perry should be included in the GOP’s first primary debate, Mr. Trump told the Daily Mail that his rival lacks the “energy” and “toughness” to run a successful presidential campaign.
“I don’t think he belongs on the stage,” Mr. Trump said of the former Texas governor.
Asked a few hours later what he would tell Mr. Trump if he had heard the comments in person, Mr. Perry remarked: “Let’s get a pull-up bar out there and see who can do more pull-ups.”
The comment, which ended a luncheon event about Wall Street reform at the Yale Club of New York, was met with roaring applause by the audience, the Daily Mail reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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