Texas Gov. Rick Perry is taking seriously his preparation for a possible presidential run, meeting with domestic and foreign policy experts. He is also campaigning for governors. In Iowa, for example, he said, “I’m not worried about [GOP Gov.] Terry Branstad. But we have an important Senate race there.” Branstad, who’s at the top of the ticket, “will raise the tide for everyone.” Perry is more at ease, less forced in conversation than he was four years ago. He even looks and sounds different. Gone is the Texas swagger (and much of the twang). In his distinctive black eyeglasses, he...