Gov. Rick Perry says God forgives people for their "oops moments," even if voters don't.
The former Republican presidential candidate famously muttered "oops" during a presidential debate when he couldn't name all three federal departments he would eliminate if elected.
Addressing a prayer breakfast Wednesday, Perry noted of his highly ridiculed campaign gaffe: "America may not forgive you, but God will."
The governor is a devout evangelical Christian. His speech heralded the upcoming National Day of Prayer, an annual event held on the first Thursday of May which invites people of all faiths to pray for the country.
Perry also issued a proclamation recognizing May 3 as the Texas Day of Prayer.
© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.