AUSTIN, Texas — God forgives people for their "oops moments" even if the American electorate does not, failed Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry said Wednesday at a breakfast to celebrate the National Day of Prayer.
The Texas governor famously muttered "oops" during a presidential debate when he couldn't remember the third federal department he'd promised to eliminate if elected. It has become one of the campaign's signature moments.
"Every one of us has `oops moments' every day" Perry told hundreds of faithful packed into an Austin hotel ballroom.
"America may not forgive you for it," Perry said, drawing laughter and applause. "But God will."
Perry is an evangelical Christian and often attends prayer gatherings. A week before officially beginning his run for president in August, he hosted a national day of prayer that drew 30,000 to a Houston arena.
Perry has kept a relatively low profile since dropping out of the presidential race two days before the South Carolina primary in January. But he is in his element at religious events and it showed Wednesday, with the relaxed and self-effacing governor playing to a sympathetic crowd that frequently interrupted him with cries of "Amen!"
His speech kicked off state celebrations of the National Day of Prayer a day early. The annual event, held on the first Thursday of May, attracts people of all faiths who pray for the country. It was created in 1952 by a resolution in Congress, and signed into law by President Harry Truman.
Perry also presented a proclamation formally recognizing May 3 as Texas Day of Prayer. Organizers of the breakfast promised mass prayer events statewide on Thursday.
The Republican could not remember the name of the third federal agency he'd like to eliminate during a presidential debate. His fumbling for an answer, punctuated by him saying "oops" at the end of the excruciating-to-watch scene, is one of the indelible moments of the 2012 campaign.
The governor ended his White House bid in January.
"Every one of us has 'oops moments' every day," Perry told an Austin crowd gathered today to kick off the National Day of Prayer. "America may not forgive you for it. But God will."
Perry often touched on his faith in his short-lived presidential campaign and is known for his evangelical ties. The National Day of Prayer is tomorrow.
According to the Associated Press story of Perry's remarks this morning, his speech was well-received and punctuated with cries of "Amen" from the crowd. Perry also asked for prayers for President Obama.
"Let's pray for our president, for his wisdom," Perry said. "I pray that God pierces his heart."
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