The Note’s Must-Reads are a round-up of today’s political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at www.abcnews.com

Compiled by ABC News Digital News Associates Jayce Henderson, Jacqueline Fernandez and Amanda VanAllen

PRESIDENT OBAMA The Hills’ Ben Geman: “ Obama delays Keystone decision until after 2012 reelection bid” The Obama administration announced Thursday it would delay a politically explosive decision on the proposed Keystone XL oil sands pipeline until after the 2012 elections. The pipeline is especially treacherous waters for President Obama because it splits key elements of his base. While green groups oppose it, several major unions are pushing for approval. LINK

RICK PERRY: ABC News’ Arlette Saenz: “ Rick Perry Pokes Fun At Self with Top 10 List on Letterman” Perry attempted to get in front of his debate gaffe Thursday by appearing on eight television shows, including a cameo reading the Top 10 List of Best Rick Perry Excuses on the “Late Show with David Letterman:” 10. Actually there were three reasons I messed up last night. One was the nerves. Two was the headache and three um … uh … oops. LINK

USA Today’s Andrea Bartz: “ Brain experts weigh in on Perry’s brain freeze incident” Was Rick Perry’s brain freeze a momentary goof or a sign of something serious? Odds are it was a simple lapse in working memory, says Richard Restak, a clinical professor of neurology at George Washington Hospital University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, in Washington, D.C. LINK

The New York Daily News’ Alison Gendar, Aliyah Shahd, Thomas M. Defrank and Corky Siemaszko: “ Rick Perry puts funny spin on GOP debate gaffe by reading Top Ten list on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’“  Tongue-tied Texan Rick Perry made a beeline to New York Thursday in the wake of his disastrous debate goof in hopes of undoing the damage to his faltering presidential campaign. “Oh shoot, no,” Perry answered upon landing, when asked by reporters if he was toast. “This ain’t a day for quitting.” LINK

The Los Angeles Times’ Seema Mehta: “ Rick Perry struggles to keep campaign alive after flub” With a debate gaffe blasting through his presidential candidacy, Rick Perry turned from seeking resurgence to trying to avoid extinction. His fundraisers have begun to abandon the Texas governor. Republican strategists are offering eulogies. LINK

The New York Times’ Jeff Zeleny and Nicholas Confessore: “ Perry Goes on TV to Regain Footing After Debate” Gov. Rick Perry of Texas tried to neutralize an onslaught of ridicule with a dose of humor on Thursday, appearing on television from morning until night in an urgent attempt to deflect grave concerns about his candidacy and to keep the Republican presidential race from advancing without him. LINK

The Washington Post’s Amy Gardner and Philip Rucker: “ Rick Perry does damage control, vows to press on” Republican presidential hopeful Rick Perry spent much of Thursday trying to contain the damage from his debate-night debacle here on Wednesday by poking fun at himself, promising to press on and playing down the value of oratory skills. LINK

Politico’s Ben Smith and Maggie Haberman:  ” GOP debate gaffe rocks Rick Perry rescue mission” In the days before Rick Perry wounded his campaign with a startling debate slip, his new team of aides had launched an all-out, expensive, and last-ditch effort to save his struggling campaign. In an attempt to rebuild his tattered image, Perry had begun spending heavily on television and radio advertising in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire. LINK

MITT ROMNEY: The Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Weisman: “ For Romney, 2005 Was Key Year of Policy Shifts” To win election as governor of Massachusetts in 2002, Mitt Romney made a truce with liberal activists and cast himself as a moderating force within the Republican Party. If he becomes the GOP nominee for president, it may be because of steps he took to change those alliances during a few months of 2005. LINK

ABC NEWS VIDEOS: “ Former U.S. Diplomat Bikes Across Country With Wounded Vets” LINK “ Mike Tyson Spoofs Herman Cain” LINK

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