Rick Perry wants the president and Congress to only work part-time

AUSTIN -- Hoping to gain some traction for his floundering presidential run, Texas Governor Rick Perry today floated the bold idea of turning the presidency and the House and Senate into part-time jobs.

"I promised I will make Washington as inconsequential as possible in Americans' lives," Perry said. "What better way to do that than to scale down the branches of government."

Perry said he envisions the presidency becoming largely a ceremonial position, focusing on activities such as pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey, lighting the White House Christmas tree, and hosting state dinners.

"Congress can't pass any legislation the way it is," Perry said. "So why should they stay in session month after month? One six-week session a year is enough -- tops."

Asked about the need for the commander-in-chief to stay in close contact with the generals on the ground in Afghanistan, Perry said that easily can be accomplished through secure text messages.

Perry's proposal drew immediate raves from the Tea Party, which hailed the idea as "a brilliant first move in the right direction of dismantling government."

"The presidency can succeed with the nation's leader only putting a few hours a week," Perry concluded. "My predecessor and fellow Texan, George W. Bush, proved that."