Rick Perry Expected to Tackle Economy as Platform for Presidential Race
Texas governor Ricky Perry is being considered by many a possible contender for the 2012 presidential election.
While he has yet to officially announce a presidential bid, Perry's commitment to the economy is under much analysis as his expected platform.
Perry addressed a 30,000 person crowd at "The Response," Christian prayer rally on Saturday, where his 13-minute speech included some political references. In a prayer, he asked God to watch over and protect President Obama.
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"Father, we pray for our President, that you would impart your wisdom upon him, that you would guard his family. You call us to repent, Lord, and this day is our response," he said.
Continuing on, he spoke about the state of the US economy. He referenced the events of the previous week surrounding the debt ceiling as well as America's downgraded credit rating and asked attendees to pray for a "for a nation in crisis."
"We see discord at home. We see fear in the market place. We see anger in the halls of government. As a nation, we have forgotten who made us, who protects us, who blesses us, and for that we cry out for your forgiveness," said Perry.
Commentators believe that upon an official presidential bid, which some are expecting as early as next week, Perry would be a considerable opponent, appealing to many through the issue of the waning economy.
"He has the potential to appeal to both the economic conservatives and social conservatives. The economic conservatives are somewhat up for grabs. I really think it comes down to what does Perry do. I think there is the potential for him to change the race," Iowa Governor Terry Branstad told the Associated Press.
Also speaking with AP, Perry's senior political consultant, David Carney has confirmed that his main focus in the presidential race would be the economy.
"If he does run, his message will be about the economy, jobs and how messed up Washington is," he said.
Perry ended his speech at The Response by saying, "God bless you and, through you, may God continue to bless this great nation we love."
Perry is expected to deliver several speeches over the next week, for GOP members in Alabama, and another for conservative bloggers in Charleston, S.C., on Saturday, just in time for the straw poll, further provoking the idea that he has plans to add his hat into the presidential race.
