Brewer's debate blunder goes viral

>>> well, it's the video that is burning up the internet and it's at the expense of a public official . anyone who's ever had to speak in public might be able to identify with what you are about to see. for arizona 's incumbent governor, the loss of words during a televised debate with her election rivals has now become something of a political nightmare. our report from nbc's kelly o'donnell.

>> reporter: the big freeze in arizona .

>> thank you all for watching us tonight.

>> reporter: the debate blunder wednesday night that's going viral.

>> a lot of people have been saying that it was painful to watch.

>> reporter: cringing over republican governor jan brewer 's awkward silence.

>> we have done everything that we could possibly do.

>> reporter: then -- nothing. brewer went blank.

>> we have -- um -- did what was right for arizona .

>> reporter: agonizing seconds ticked by until brewer regained composure. her political recovery is just getting started.

>> i think it's kind of funny, you know. embarrassing, but funny. i'm only human. i'm only human.

>> reporter: in april, brewer rocketed into national headlines when she signed arizona 's anti- illegal immigration law. accused of stoking fear in her campaign, brewer has claimed victims found beheaded in the desert are linked to illegal immigration . she was challenged by democratic opponent terry goddard .

>> i call upon you today to say there were no beheadings. that was a false statement.

>> reporter: that led to another odd moment after the debate.

>> what about the headless bodies?

>> can you answer the question, governor?

>> reporter: she refused to answer.

>> come on, governor.

>> thank you all.

>> come on! [ groaning ]

>> reporter: later, brewer said the killings were reported on the mexican side of the border.

>> i'm not saying it was a mistake. i'm saying i apologize if people believed i had said that.

>> reporter: she had no loss for words scolding the president.

>> washington is broken, mr. president. do your job. secure our borders.

>> reporter: brewer actually has the president to thank for her job. when he picked janet napalitano, brewer moved up to governor automatically. brewer has had a 20-point lead. many believe she is still the likely winner.

>> i would imagine we'll never again see her in front of a live camera, particularly with other candidates between now and the election.

>> reporter: sure enough, brewer announced she will not debate again.