God Talks To Republicans Only (Schizophrenia?)

July 19th, 2011
12:43 AM ET



..John King with Erick Erickson and Mimi Swartz report

Raw Politics: Could Rick Perry shake up GOP W.H. race?

Editor's note: Erick Erickson and Mimi Swartz discuss the potential presidential candidacy of Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

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July 18th, 201
06:51 PM ET


Will Perry answer the 'call'?

By: CNN Political Correspondent Jim Acosta

Austin, TX (CNN) - Rick Perry may have gotten the sign he's been waiting for.

Standing on the sidelines in the race for 2012, the Texas governor on Monday visited a video game manufacturer in Austin where designers came up with a unique way to get the potential Republican candidate on the playing field.

On a jumbo screen inside the offices of a division of EA Sports, a scene from one of the company's popular college football video game was playing out, featuring Perry as quarterback for his alma-mater, Texas A&M.

In the scene, Perry throws a touchdown before a stadium full of cheering fans.

As Perry left the room, a reporter shouted, "hey Governor, are you in the game?"

It was a reference to EA's catch-phrase "if it's in the game, it's in the game."

The Governor did not respond and hustled off the stage.

It won't be that easy in the full contact sport of Presidential politics.

Over the weekend, Perry stoked more speculation about his future plans after telling the DesMoines Register in an interview that he felt "called" to run.

"This is what America needs," Perry said in the interview.

Aides say Perry is keeping a busy schedule as he contemplates a run for the White House, calling key party leaders in early voting states with an eye on making a final decision before the fall.

At a bill signing at the statehouse Monday, Perry conceded there were religious overtones to his comments to the DesMoines Register.

"I am a man of faith. I don't make any apologies about my faith in this."

But the governor also sought to downplay the notion that he feels "called" by God to seek the Presidency.

"There's a lot of different ways to be called. My mother may call me for dinner," Perry said.

"There are people calling from all across the country, into me directly or to people they know and saying, 'man we wish you would consider doing this,'" he added.

Perry's comments about being called to run has revived some criticism of the governor over his plans to lead a day of prayer and fasting at a stadium in Houston on August 6.

Critics of the governor say he is blurring the lines separating church and state.