Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry told a radio host last week he's all but certain to announce he's running for president next week. Perry said on the Mike Gallagher Show he's ready to "stand on that stage in the first debate" with a grasp on a wide range of issues.
"I knew that after our unsuccessful attempt in 2011, 2012 I was a bit naive about what it required to run for the presidency of the United States," Perry said, explaining he need to know monetary policy and foreign policy on a much bigger scale, in particular.
"Just being the governor of Texas was not enough," he said, noting he's spent the last three years study those issues and taking meetings.
The former Texas governor said studying those issues has made him prepared to run for president, adding "obviously, when we stand on the stage in the first debate people will see a very well-prepared individual."
Asked if he was ready to run for president by the host, noting he was recovering from back surgery during the 2012 cycle run for the presidency, Perry said, "I am, very much so."
"I realized that being physically fit is every bit as much important as mentally fit," saying he's spent the last three years getting ready, noting he learned in 2012 that being unprepared was costly.
Perry added he was "very ready" to run for president.
"I'm very, very comfortable. My wife is very comfortable. My family is very comfortable. The team of people that I've asked to assist me is very comfortable that we are very ready for this effort."