page_title: Rick Perry 2012 presidential campaign
section_title: Appeals to Christian voters
hierarchical_section_title: Rick Perry 2012 presidential campaign / Campaign developments / Appeals to Christian voters
context_page_description: The Rick Perry presidential campaign of 2012 began when Rick Perry, four-term Governor of Texas, announced via a spokesman on August 11, 2011, that he would be running for the 2012 Republican Party nomination for president of the United States.
  Perry was considered as a potential candidate since as early as the 2008 presidential election, initially denying he was interested in the office but later becoming more open-minded. He formally launched his campaign on August 13, 2011, in Charleston, South Carolina. While he was initially successful in fundraising and was largely considered a serious contender for the nomination, he struggled during the debates and his poll numbers began to decline. After finishing fifth with just over 10% of the vote in the Iowa caucuses on January 3, 2012, Perry considered dropping out of the presidential race but did not. After a poor showing in New Hampshire and with "lagging" poll numbers in South Carolina, Perry formally announced he was suspending his campaign on January 19, 2012.
context_section_description: Perry became more outspoken about his Christian faith and his opposition to gay-related issues beginning in December 2011. Following the exit of Herman Cain, he told potential voters that, like Cain, he did not support the repeal of "don't ask don't tell".
  He launched advertising in Iowa featuring his faith and the challenge to it from liberal and secular movements. In the ad, called "Strong", Perry reiterates his opposition to the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell", stating "something is wrong in America where gays can openly serve in the military but our children can't pray in school", and promises to end Obama's "war on religion." The ad garnered 400,000 "dislikes" after three days, becoming one of the most disliked videos on YouTube and inspiring several parodies. It also created internal dissent among his campaign staff.
  Perry criticized the Obama administration's announcement on December 6, 2011, that the United States would initiate the use of foreign aid for promoting homosexual rights across the world. Perry spoke out against the measure, saying, "Just when you thought Barack Obama couldn't get any more out of touch with America's values, AP reports his administration wants to make foreign aid decisions based on gay rights. This administration's war on traditional American values must stop." During his speech, Perry called homosexuality a "deeply objectionable" lifestyle and firmly objected to any effort by the Obama administration to encroach on traditional family values.
  In an apparent reference to the non-renewal of a grant for a Catholic organization, the U.S. Bishops Council on Migratory and Refugee Services, Perry said the administration's decision to reduce federal funding was an example of Obama's "war on religion". Time magazine argued that Perry's criticisms against Obama were overblown, as Catholic organizations had received $1.5 billion in federal grant monies in the last two years of Obama's administration.
  Perry gave an interview to the Des Moines Register editorial board arguing against the Supreme Court decisions to end prayer in schools. He said the rulings were made by "eight unelected and, frankly, unaccountable judges" and called the Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor "Montemayor." The next day, he delivered a speech criticizing a $535 million bailout the Obama administration gave to the solar power industry, saying it was "lost to the country Solyndra", in spite of the fact that Solyndra is a company, not a nation.
  Perry reflected on his presidential campaign in December 2011 and attempted to downplay his gaffes, saying voters were not looking for "someone who's gonna be perfect in every way." He spoke candidly about back pain which remained during his early months on the trail, saying he was "fatigued" after his surgery in July 2011, but was feeling healthier and noticed personal improvements in his energy levels. Vanity Fair printed a story ascribing Perry's demeanor during the early debates to his being "uncomfortable" as he twisted his torso and wore orthopedic shoes and a back brace.
  A Reuters article predicted that the early caucuses of South Carolina could be "Perry's last stand" to prove himself a viable candidate, but his strong campaign finances would enable him to sustain a campaign without increasing popular support. The National Journal featured a story on Dave Carney, Perry's campaign strategist since 1998, observing that he was astute and methodical in his operations, and that the campaign enjoyed good funds and organization. The article stated that the campaign's "biggest failing" was "the candidate and his ability to deliver a message."
caption: Rick Perry at a campaign stump in December 2011
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