Perry heckled as campaign shifts into new phase
August 18th, 2011
10:58 AM ET
12 years ago

Perry heckled as campaign shifts into new phase

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.


"Stop attacking middle class families Rick Perry," a man shouted at the Texas governor as he ordered a popover pastry.

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.


Filed under: 2012 • New Hampshire • Rick Perry
soundoff (523 Responses)
  1. Malty

    "Hands off our Medicare" shouted a bunch of clueless protesters.

    If these protesters would actually look around at the state and future of the economy (and the country) and what the future holds for them within the current trajectory AND then study out the republican plans of Medicare reform, instead of accepting the democrat's dishonest, flawed talking points, they'd understand that reform needs to be made and that it can benefit them as well as the rest of the country.

    Obama has already vowed to slander any republican contender because if he ran on his record of spending, opaque governing, back room meetings, flawed policies, high gas prices, ideology that is counter American, Obamacare and all of its waivers,.... he'd lose.

    August 18, 2011 01:11 pm at 1:11 pm |
  2. trey

    Apparently it is okay for someone to heckle Perry, but not for someone to heckle then presidential candidate Obama. Who are the hypocrites?

    August 18, 2011 01:12 pm at 1:12 pm |
  3. Larry L

    Is Rick Perry trying to do a "W" imitation when he speaks? He's milking that good-ole-boy Texan act too hard. I know his base likes folksy, shoot-from-the-lip politicians who'd rather lie than tell the truth but this may be too much for even the Tea Party.

    August 18, 2011 01:12 pm at 1:12 pm |
  4. NotStupid

    There's no way in hell I'll ever vote for Pastor Perry and his choir of ignorance.
    Go back to Texas and leave the civilized territories alone. We don't want your stupidity.

    August 18, 2011 01:13 pm at 1:13 pm |
  5. NYC REPUB

    @lisapups, I totally agree w/ your statement!!!

    August 18, 2011 01:13 pm at 1:13 pm |
  6. Julie

    I think we all need to hold up signs for Mr. Perry and all the other canidates that say...Give us Solutions. Instead they tell us what is wrong and how rotten a President we have, but they really do not tell us how they will make it better how they will solve the problems that face America. What are their ideas for turning our country around. I am already tired of all this babbling and it is only starting.

    August 18, 2011 01:14 pm at 1:14 pm |
  7. ted

    Governor Rick Perry’s presidential campaign office did not respond to repeated requests regarding his ownership of stock in Movie Gallery, a video rental company that was boycotted by American Family Association for the pornographic and violent films it sold and rented. Some of the titles included Teens with Tits Vol. 1, Teen Power Vol. 4, Teens Never Say No, Big Tit Brotha Lovers 6, Bisexual Barebacking Vol. 1 which from its title and cover appears to advocate gay and straight naked fornication and sodomy. Big Tit Brotha Lovers 6 offers:

    August 18, 2011 01:15 pm at 1:15 pm |
  8. 5minutes

    So, according to the article, supporters vastly outnumbered a few grumpy protesters, and yet, CNN chooses to focus on the leftist hecklers who will likely have no say in the GOP primary?

    In comparison, Tea Party protesters are called racists, extremists, out of touch, and every other possible slur when they're not being actively assaulted by leftists – and CNN is utterly silent.

    And you wonder why Fox News whoops your tail on a daily basis.

    August 18, 2011 01:15 pm at 1:15 pm |
  9. Too much bad news

    James, do you want America's little daughters forced to take anti-STD shots like Perry tried to do in TX??? Using a drug that was too new to be reliably safe? From a drug manufacturer represented by Perry's old chief of staff-turned drug lobbyist? That's sounds like the kind of insider dealing, rammed down your throat, intrusive government that Perry claims to want to stop.

    August 18, 2011 01:15 pm at 1:15 pm |
  10. LMC

    I like the comment compairing the GOP to a ponzi scheme! I still fail to understand why anyone who isn't wealthy would vote for a Republican, since their politicians are so in love with corporations and the wealthy and will do anything to protect them!

    August 18, 2011 01:15 pm at 1:15 pm |
  11. GOP hates Middle Class

    Henry Miller

    "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.)
    -----------------------------------------------
    So by your logic, may I expect traffic on the interstates to be lighter since you and others that believe like you will not be on my highways? Grocery stores and drug stores should be a bit less crowded too since you won't be there eating FDA approved foods and you'll be rolling the dice with your own medications that haven't been tested out yet? Honest question –just trying to get a handle on where it starts and stops

    August 18, 2011 01:16 pm at 1:16 pm |
  12. ted

    Governor Rick Perry’s presidential campaign office did not respond to repeated requests regarding his ownership of stock in Movie Gallery, a video rental company that was boycotted by American Family Association for the pornographic and violent films it sold and rented. Some of the titles included Teens with Ti^$ Vol. 1, Teen Power Vol. 4, Teens Never Say No, Big Ti^$ Brotha Lovers 6, Bisexual Barebacking Vol. 1 which from its title and cover appears to advocate gay and straight naked fornication and sodomy. Big Ti^ Brotha Lovers 6 offers:

    August 18, 2011 01:17 pm at 1:17 pm |
  13. John

    Has anyone noticed what a liar and walking self-contradiction Perry is? He lies about unemployment in his State of Texas and he says the Fed. Chair is committing treason. This from a guy who a while back was wanting Texas to leave the Union! Now who's treasoness Mr. Perry???? The guy is such a fraud and egomaniac. He's far more impressed with himself that even his Texas Rethuglicans are. He's out for Rick...and noone else.

    August 18, 2011 01:18 pm at 1:18 pm |
  14. Claudia, Houston, Tx

    Perry's finding out real quick, Texas isn't the only State in the U.S. and they don't treat people the same way as Perry said "we lynch people down here in Texas". Again, Perry will find you can talk about President Obama some of the time but that's not going to work all the time.

    August 18, 2011 01:19 pm at 1:19 pm |
  15. Captain Awesome

    @Sniffit – Argue with a child?? Really? With a media that's so obsessed with optics (except when it comes to obama), how would it look if a candidate argued with a child the merits of intelligent design?
    @Marry – What does it matter if a candidate believes in creationism or evolution? Evolution is arguably both fact and theory according to some. How does this even matter when it comes to fixing the obama economy called obamageddon.

    August 18, 2011 01:19 pm at 1:19 pm |
  16. Jilli

    Just a little taste of what's to come for Mr. Perry. I wonder if his ego will be able to handle dissent, I doubt it. I also wonder how he'll handle the debates. As governor, he refused to debate any challengers in the last multiple elections – he ran like a scared dog. He won't be able to run this time, and his cowboy bravado and tough guy swagger isn't going to be enough to carry his lame behind.

    Take it from someone that lives in TX – if you thought GW Bush was bad, Perry would be worse. Perry would be an even bigger disaster for this nation – and we're barely pulling out from the destruction Bush left behind.

    August 18, 2011 01:20 pm at 1:20 pm |
  17. NotStupid

    To all "christians":
    Please stop screwing this country over with your beliefs!! It's impossible for anyone to be a wealthy republican AND be a "christian" at the same time!!! These power-hungry politicians who are loudly proclaiming they're in politics because of their "faith" are obviously using your beliefs against you!!! When will you people ever wake up and smell the coffee????!!!!

    August 18, 2011 01:20 pm at 1:20 pm |
  18. CindySanFrancisco

    This guy is G.W. on steroids. Yech.

    August 18, 2011 01:21 pm at 1:21 pm |
  19. Realist

    Yo Democrats....You rewally think your party is going to save Social Security,,It is a Ponzi Scheme. When more people put in than take out it's all OK.When there is more money going in than out ...Thats a Ponzi Scheme.Let me guess "Tax the rich". I get a kick out of those that scream that since some are getting Social Security and are the rich. And this on is even better..R are killing the middle class. Guess what.The only way to save Social Security is to raise TAXES paid by the Middle Class. Lucky the D are looking for my best interests...Not

    August 18, 2011 01:22 pm at 1:22 pm |
  20. JOE

    Bachmann is promising $2 gas, that's why no one stands behind her cause she's full of gas. And Perry? He's "a good looking rascal," good looking enough to join the Village People. And too bad O'Donnell got turned down by The View because I think she has more talent than Bachmann and Palin. After all, no one can ride a broom like she can.

    August 18, 2011 01:22 pm at 1:22 pm |
  21. JB

    He believes in creationism but doesn't see any climate change issues. Translated...Made up fantasy is acceptable, but verifiable scientific facts...no way.

    Unreal.

    August 18, 2011 01:24 pm at 1:24 pm |
  22. Sniffit

    "That's the Dems attack strategy. They will be doing that to any and every opposition candidate that they perceive to have strong support."

    Yeah, how dare they go so far as to ask a candiadte about things he believes that may make him look like a freekin moron. Candidates for Preznit should be immune to public scrutiny and taken at face value...especially if he's a "charming rascal" telling spewing daily affirmations of your predetermined ideological conclusions and making you want to have a beer with him. And it's simply outrageous that people would hold it against him that he's taken and taken certain positions on things. We're not supposed to tell him we think he's wrong, just nod our heads and drool on our bibs.

    August 18, 2011 01:24 pm at 1:24 pm |
  23. Yep.

    Who are the kooks that keep bring up evolution vs creationism? Sorry kids, no scientist has proof of how everything was created - still theories. Evolutionists are running on their own "faith" that their 'religion' is correct.

    My stance is that science and religion work together. The more one understands science, the more one believes there was a creator. You can't prove that their isn't a God, but I've had experiences that prove to me that there is.

    August 18, 2011 01:24 pm at 1:24 pm |
  24. Erik S.

    Nice to use your child in such away, what an animal.

    August 18, 2011 01:24 pm at 1:24 pm |
  25. Independent In Albany

    Rick Perry = Minimum Wage America. Good luck buying a house with that

    August 18, 2011 01:26 pm at 1:26 pm |
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