Portsmouth, New Hampshire (CNN) - Rick Perry was greeted by protesters Thursday morning as he met with voters at a Seacoast cafe, a clear sign that the 2012 campaign for the presidency has entered a new phase.
"Hands off our Medicare," about 35 protesters chanted as the Republican presidential candidate shook hands outside Popovers on the Square, a popular local eatery.
The protesters were largely outnumbered by supporters as well as those looking for a glimpse of the latest entrant into the race for the Republican presidential nomination.
Perry received a similar reception at his second event of the day in Dover. But he did not seem disturbed by the commotion, as he signed autographs and mugged for a camera as he chewed a bite of popover. Despite the loud chanting, Perry made two loops of the outdoor seating area at the cafe to shake people's hands.
Several feet away Democratic protesters from the Alliance for Retired Americans held signs warning Perry to "Back Off My Social Security."
Perry criticized the entitlement program in a book, calling it a "Ponzi scheme" and a "failure."
"That's a stunning position to take and I don't think that's going to go over well in New Hampshire," said State Rep. Robin Read, D-Portsmouth.
One woman who did not appear to be affiliated with the protesters ushered her son up to the governor and prompted him with questions for Perry like "do you believe in evolution?"
"It's a theory that's out there," Perry told the child. "It's got some gaps in it. In Texas we teach both Creationism and evolution."
The mother then told her young son: "Ask him why he doesn't believe in science," as Perry moved onto another conversation.
Social Security has NOT failed and won't unless we put one of these GOP lunatics in charge.
What has happened to the once-proud Republican Party? Where are the Republicans in the mode of Bob Dole of Kansas and John Warner of Virginia, men of education and intelligence who cared deeply about this county and who you were proud to represent your state?. What we now have are the likes of Michelle Bachmann, Rick Perry and Sarah Palin so totally unsuitable for the presidency and viewed by many Independents as total flakes that must never be in control of this country. We need two strong political parties but the Republicans have "run-off" all reasonable candidates. Really sad....
Just what the US needs, George Bush III. Another squinty, narrow minded Jesusophile. Creationism is just that, made up.
Science flies people to the moon, religion flies people into buildings.
I guess a little friendly heckling is better than having to duck a hail of bullets. He's just another Texas political idiot on the move! After moron Bush America needs a break from the 70 IQ politics of Texas.
Rick Perry is a moron and I would have NO problem telling him right to his face! You pay my way and I'll go do it.
The Chicken Noodle Network is "moderating" me?
You Go Rick Perry...if evolution is real, why are apes still apes, and still living among us, wouldn't they all be evolved into humans now? Really think about it..all you real smart "scientist"....Man does not cause global warming..the earth has heated and cooled all on its own wayyy before cars and industry came along ..you people that are "educated" really need to brush up on history..
Rick Perry and the Tea Party cannot be trusted. He's from Texas and their from Fantasia.
".......but I respect his ability to not give a crap about what is going on around him."
********************
Really? Texas is in this mess for that very reason. AND,
"This is nothing more than a concerted effort by whiny liberals that want to make any Republican look badly...."
*******************
Either you are not listening to this guy, or you just don't care. He is making himself "look badly" all on his own.
And, if you want him as our President, you ain't seen nuthin' yet.
Rick Perry is a corporate christian theologian who rules for the aristocratic blue blood american oligarchy. You bet he wants to destroy all social programs and create a banana republic with all of us in his cotton fields.
Anyone who puts a lick of stock into the idea of creationism is either an ignoramus or a wackjob. How can we expect a politician to make any rational decisions if their core belief is profoundly irrational?
@ Captain Awesome,
It really does not take much to make ALL Republicans /Teaparty “Candidates” and supporters look very bad!! … limited understanding of the creationism/evolution argument??? Oh, you do prove my point. If you do care to argument FOR Perry, do tell us what he has done that qualifies him to run for President. But do come with something solid, not talking points, please!
"...if evolution is real, why are apes still apes, and still living among us, wouldn't they all be evolved into humans now? Really think about it..all you real smart "scientist".."
How's the Brawndo?
LOL and yes, gale, 35 is enough to make him understand that we really don't like shrub #2.
If anyine knows how to scres the middle class it's the secessionisg. Texas has no income tax, schools are underfunded, and anyone e makinv under $107,000 are saddled with paying their social security "entitlement" money while others who make more don't pay!
"Hands off our Medicare."
Hands out of my wallet!
It's probable that millions of Americans are going to be screwed by Medicare but, you know what?, it's not my fault. I shouldn't have to be taxed to death to pay for what a bunch of lying politicians, promising way more than they can deliver, have done to the victims of Medicare (and Social Security, for that matter.)
We love you Mr Perry. We love your passion you strength your convictions and we love that your on your way to becoming President!
I'm a Texan. Perry does nothing here. Only reason he keeps getting elected is because the Christian right dominates politics here, our economy was not hit hard because we have no state income tax and low cost of living, and there has not been any strong conteders. The only man in this race with real solutions that will give us more freedom, more money and more peace is Ron Paul. Question is are we smart enough to want those things.
That's the Dems attack strategy. They will be doing that to any and every opposition candidate that they perceive to have strong support.
I was FOOLISH enough to vote foe Obama last time. If I go to the other direction and vote for Perry, maybe it will all work out. Lord knows, it can't get worse than what we currently have.
Why does evolution and creationism have to be two separate theories. There are those who think that they are one in the same. Didn't God say that His time is not our time? That one day to us could be 1,000 years to Him - I paraphrase? Just because the Bible speaks of 7 days for creation, who is to day that it did not take billions of years?
I beleive in creationism and evolution! I think God created man, and man then set out to destroy everything He made. And so far man has exceeded every expectation. We have managed to create a whole new species of life ( teenagers) who don't respect anyone or anything. So that is true evolution and hard to say it doesn't exist.
If he's elected, do I have to join the Southern Baptists.....and tithe?
I don't understand why these conservatives that have government pensions,government insurance, government perks and government vacation packages are so quick to say the average American is not entitled to benefits of any kind.
Maybe the Republican party should be called the Hypocritican Party. More over, I don't understand the people that vote for them. they gave themselves these benefits!
Calls the stimulus bill a failure – yet took more of it then all but two other governors.
Claims he created all these jobs, when half of the are min wages jobs and the other half are government sponsored jobs created with stimulus money.
Evolution is not "just a theroy" it is a scientific theory...there is a huge difference.
And Obama believes in what? Well it depends on what crowd of sheep he is talking to on that particular day. Obama stands for nothing and will tell you what you want to hear. Not sure who the biggest joke is Obama or his disciples who blindly follow
Last night I flipped to a Canadian television station. There was this guy, Hudak calling the premier a raccoon. I could not believe my ears but he said it over and over. How does that help Canada? He too should take a talking holiday. I hope he does not get elected.