"I didn't say I was running, did I?"

This quote by Rick Perry is a subtle way of saying that he is not running for office. He is suggesting that he has not made any official announcement about his candidacy, and is rather leaving it open up to interpretation. This might be interpreted as a method of avoiding a direct answer to the concern of whether he is running. It might also be viewed as a way of keeping his alternatives open, as he might not have actually made a decision yet. By not giving a definitive answer, he has the ability to maintain some control over the situation and keep people guessing. This quote could likewise be viewed as a way of preventing a commitment to a particular strategy. By not saying he is running, he is able to stay flexible and open up to other possibilities.