During a series of interviews with The Daily Caller, former Perry aides — some on the record and some off the record — agreed the Texas governor might run for president in the future. And, to a man, they all blamed the campaign’s struggles primarily on a lack of time.

“All of the ups and downs of the campaign can be individually — or even collectively — laid at the foundation that … 150 days is just not long enough to put together and execute a national campaign,” averred long-time Perry strategist Dave Carney.

Perry entered the race late in the game, in August of 2011. By most accounts, he was not planning to run for president until just months before he was virtually drafted to run. “I consider myself a ‘Perry guy,’” said Perry’s former Director of New Media Will Franklin, “but I didn’t know he was going to run until a few weeks before he announced.”

Perry’s lack of national experience and preparation ultimately proved costly. He stumbled badly in the debates. And his poor performances dominated the headlines — and undermined his proactive messaging and solid policy proposals.