Posted on 06/20/2014 7:59:33 AM PDT by SoConPubbie
WASHINGTON - Texas Gov. Rick Perry, sounding increasingly like a 2016 presidential prospect, said Thursday that he's given up on cowboy boots and regrets stepping into a divisive debate about homosexuality, warning Republicans not to be "deflected" by polarizing social issues.
The comments came a week after Perry came under criticism around the nation for remarks he made in San Francisco suggesting that homosexuals could be treated through therapy, much like alcoholics.
"I readily admit," Perry said, "I stepped right in it."
Perry's mea culpa at a luncheon for Washington journalists came as U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, another Texan eyeing a White House run, addressed an enthusiastic crowd of religious conservatives at a Faith and Freedom Coalition conference organized by Christian activist Ralph Reed.
At the luncheon, which was sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor, Perry also was called upon to dissect his own turn in the national spotlight, notably his lackluster performance in the 2012 presidential debates, including the "oops" moment when he could not remember the name of the third federal agency he would have eliminated as president.
"I'm glad I ran in 2012, as frustrating, as painful and as humbling as that experience was," Perry said. "Being prepared both physically and mentally is very important. Having run for the governorship of Texas three times, and been three times elected additionally as a statewide elected official does not prepare you to run for the presidency of the United States."
He vowed that if he runs again in 2016, "I will be better prepared."
Part of that preparation, he said, involves working on the back pain and medications that plagued him two years ago. Besides surgery and a different exercise regimen, Perry said that for the sake of better body core balance, "I stopped wearing cowboy boots."
Cruz's religious themes
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
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If Perry runs in 2016 he will be there to hurt a real conservative candidate and split the vote, make attacks on them etc.
That’s crap. He didn’t do that in 2012. Why would you think that would happen in ‘16?
Perry is not the real deal. I agree he will do far more harm than good to conservatism if he runs.
I predict Perry will SINK HIMSELF.
Fine. Perry can join Romney and “Jeb” in my list of never vote fors.
Well, there you have it...the progressive dimbulbrats will flock to vote for him, now.
I wonder if he prefers mesquite BBQ or hickory?
Oh good, we have the next Mitt Romney.
Freegards
LEX
I doubt Perry could win in Texas. We’ve been sick of this recycled Democrat for years. Wearing glasses hasn’t made him any smarter.
In the article, he disses a true conservative and walks back his statement on gays. It does not matter what he did in 2012. He's doing it in 2014.
La Raza Rick is a BIG fan of The Salt Lick BBQ, in Driftwood, TX. There, they barbeque meat by searing it and then slow cooking it over coals.
This guy is the world’s greatest example of the Peter Principle. He is fine exactly where he is. Running as a GOP pres candidate, he would be a land mine and he has proven so.
Perry will be different this time aound. I have heard him interviewed lately and he is quite sharp.
Texas is littered with pols who underestimated him. Let’s see what happens.
If he is elected there won’t be anymore anti-2nd amendment stuff coming out of the government.
Governor Perry: ever notice the left NEVER backs off controversial social issues? Has the Governor taken a look lately where years of ‘backing off’ has got us?
We the People are looking for a few good men. Men who stand up for God and country. All others need not apply.
Perry backs off. Cruz doesn’t NOT back off.
That’s the difference that counts.
Who do you have in mind? All I’ve heard, are senators who
think they want to be president. I’ve not seen one really
good businessman/woman step forward. I’d like someone
who has not drunk the swamp water in dc, or a professional
politician.
Salt Lick makes a fantastic habenero chicken. Slow cooking
barbeque is Texan. It’s the only way we do it.
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