The 2014 Texas Tribune Festival Recap

Tara Pohlmeyer
Assistant News Director

The Texas Tribune held their annual festival last weekend and brought up some of the state’s hottest topics — from transportation to the governor’s race.

Sunday morning’s fourth annual gathering of people in public policy and politics from around the state and country began with what Texas Tribune CEO and Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith called “church” for journalists, including a presentation on politics. The Ready for 2016 panel included Chris Hayes, Jonathan Martin, Maggie Haberman, Nia-Malika Henderson and David Weigel, all nationally known political journalists, talking about what their take was on the 2016 Presidential race.

Politico reporter and CNN political analyst Maggie Haberman said if Governor Rick Perry were to run for U.S. President in 2016 he has some things against him, including the recent indictment.

However, she said he has made some good moves as well. One of those not being his run for president in 2012.

New York Times National Political Correspondent Jonathan Martin said Perry has done some good things.

“You can’t sell him short,” said Martin. “He’s been working his tail off and he’s been getting a real hearing in a lot of these early stages, especially from Republicans who are looking for an option.”

Later while on stage, Perry would not reveal any information concerning his indictment, nor would he confirm if he has plans for running in 2016.

Perry said he will make his decision sometime in 2015 and that he will have to be more prepared.