FORT WORTH — Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich said he has one piece of advice for President Barack Obama in the wake of the midterm elections: Call Gov. Rick Perry.

Not only because Texas in recent years has "created more jobs than the entire rest of the country," but because he believes in the way Perry leads.

"I have to say there are very few people who I think could do a better job leading the country than Gov. Perry," Gingrich told more than 400 people who showed up Thursday for a book signing at the Barnes & Noble bookstore near Hulen Mall. "He has a remarkable knack of understanding the big principles, the big decisions and focusing on getting the big things done."

Perry, there to sign copies of his book, Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America From Washington, said he still isn't interested in running for president. He made high-profile appearances this week with two Republicans -- Gingrich and Sarah Palin -- who have also been mentioned as potential presidential candidates in 2012.

"No," he said firmly, when asked whether Gingrich's belief in him would encourage him to reconsider.

But Gingrich, who helped propel Republicans to a majority in the House by helping write the 1994 Contract with America, didn't rule out the possibility himself.

He said he'll decide in February or March whether to make a bid for the office. It's an enticing thought, he said.

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