Emails (excerpted), responses to PolitiFact Texas, Catherine Frazier, press secretary, Office of Gov. Rick Perry, Sept. 22 and 24, 2012

On Sep 21, 2012, at 5:37 PM, "Selby, Gardner (CMG-Austin)" <wgselby@statesman.com>

…

I write seeking the basis, or backup information, on Gov. Perry’s recent statement that Barack Obama has added $16 trillion in national debt. Could you elaborate?

Response

324 pm

Sept. 22, 2012

$16 trillion is the amount of debt, gov perry was reminding the president of that fact since he couldn't seem to remember it a few days ago. President Obama has contributed about $5 trillion to that number in less than 4yrs, more than all eight years of bush's administration

On Sep 24, 2012, at 2:30 PM, Selby, Gardner (CMG-Austin) wrote:

Thanks.

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I will look for an account of Obama not remembering the debt total. If you have a link to such, please let me know.

…

wgs

Response

327 pm

Sept. 24, 2012

David Letterman ...

On Sep 24, 2012, at 4:36 PM, "Selby, Gardner (CMG-Austin)" <wgselby@statesman.com> wrote:

Obama and Congress have seen the debt go up about $5.4 trillion on his watch. Why does the tweet say Obama has added $16 trillion?

W. Gardner Selby

Response

456 pm

Sept. 24, 2012

...if you want to split hairs go right ahead, I've explained to you the intent behind the governors tweet which you are welcome to use on the record. It is widely known that the national debt is 16T and climbing and that is what the governor was referring to. At least he recognizes the real figure while President Obama is either oblivious or chooses to ignore it.