GOP Debate: Rick Perry Wants to be Like Tim Tebow

In Thursday's GOP debate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry vowed to get back in the game -- drawing a comparison to popular NFL quarterback Tim Tebow.

In the last Republican debate of the year, Perry said he wants to be the Tim Tebow of the Iowa caucuses. Should Perry make a comeback in the GOP race after seeing his one-time lead fade fast, he wants to get it on with Democratic President Barack Obama in a general election debate.

Tebow, of course, is the Denver Broncos quarterback who is all the rage these days after leading the team to seven wins in the past eight games. Like Perry, Tebow is known for his public display of Christian faith.

Now that Perry has fallen from the lead in most polls, to single digits in some as former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich battle for the top, he's reinstated some of his Perryisms style of swagger talking. Perry made a splash this summer after announcing his candidacy, but he quickly faded once Republican debates began.

He was asked in Thursday debate about his skills in such forums by the moderator. The question was posed to Perry if he is prepared to face Obama, known for his skills as an orator.

I'm kind of getting where I like these debates, Perry said. As a matter of fact, I hope Obama and I debate a lot, and I'll get there early. And we will get it on, Perry said.

Later, Perry related himself to Tebow, saying he hoped to perform well in the key Iowa caucuses upcoming in early January.

I hope I am the Tim Tebow of the Iowa caucuses, Perry said.