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Posted on 10/01/2011 1:40:24 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
Voters encountered a confident and combative Rick Perry last night at the first New Hampshire town-hall meeting of the Texas governor's presidential campaign.
After uneven debate performances, Perry didn't hesitate as he took questions from voters about job creation, Social Security and global warming at the Adams Memorial Opera House in Derry. Throughout, he pitched himself as the Republican candidate who presents the clearest contrast to President Obama.
"We need a nominee for the Republican Party that is a clear contrast with Barack Obama," Perry said. "Ronald Reagan said it pretty good when he said 'Now is the time for bright colors, not pale pastels,' and let me tell you I am that bright color."
Perry needed little prompting to repeat his earlier characterization of Social Security as a Ponzi scheme, a description that rival Mitt Romney has seized upon. When state Rep. Al Baldasaro, a Londonderry Republican, praised Perry as the "only candidate that has stood up" and used the comparison, Perry said the government must reform the program so it will be there for younger generations.
"If we have not addressed this issue of Social Security it will not be there for them," he said. "And that is in essence the description and the characterization of a Ponzi scheme, for them to pay into it and those that are in first get the money and those that are in last don't get it."
He advocated allowing states to opt out of Social Security and create their own programs. Perry also said states should receive block grants to pay for Medicaid.
"Washington, D.C., has to get a lesson," he said. "And the lesson is all wisdom does not emanate out of Washington, D.C. They need to let the states be greatly more involved in how our Medicaid populations are taken care of."
When Cindy Brasier, a 56-year-old from Salem, asked if she would lose a portion of her Social Security benefits under his plan, Perry assured her that she would receive her payments in full. He said a new program should be created for people who are still young but said he doesn't know what age should be the cut-off.
Earlier, state Rep. Phyllis Katsakiores, a Republican from Derry, told Perry seniors are having a hard time, in part because their Social Security benefits have not risen in recent years. Perry responded that the government could help seniors by bringing down energy costs. That could be done by reducing environmental regulations that stifle domestic energy production, he said.
"Allow those energy sectors to compete against each other, and that will drive down the cost of these seniors' expenses because they're on fixed income," he said. "Everything that we can do to drive down those fixed costs for our seniors citizens."
One man challenged Perry about his skepticism of global warming. The man charged that Perry had ducked a question in a previous debate when moderators had asked him what sources served as his evidence.
"I'm ready for you this time," Perry said, prompting a laugh. He went on to say that in recent weeks a "Nobel laureate of some acclaim," whom he did not name, had decided there is no definite proof that global warming has been caused by humans. The audience applauded.
"For us to take a snapshot in time and say what is going on in this country today and the climate change that is going on is man's fault and we need to jeopardize America's economy," he said. "I'm not afraid to say I'm a skeptic."
Perry said that Texas substantially reduced its levels of certain greenhouse gases during the decade after 2000.
When the questioner tried to interject, Perry responded, "Hold on, I got the mic here. You got your question, and I'm going to answer." But he let the man speak again afterward.
Throughout the meeting, Perry spoke of the need to foster a strong economic climate by lowering taxes, limiting regulation and erecting barriers to frivolous lawsuits. He also got into the discussion about whether New Hampshire should adopt a right-to-work law, which would prevent unions from charging fees to non-members. The state Legislature passed the legislation, but it was vetoed by Gov. John Lynch. Perry told the crowd last night that New Hampshire could become one of the most competitive states if it adopted the policy.
"Right-to-work is not anti-union bill, it is a pro-jobs bill," Perry said. "And our friends who have chosen to be in unions, they'll have more access to more jobs."
The town hall was moderated by John Stephen, the 2010 Republican gubernatorial candidate, who selected the questioners. Perry took questions for a little more than half an hour. He kicked off the meeting by signing an anti-tax pledge before Tom Thomson, the son of former governor Meldrim Thomson.
I admire your endurance in posting these Perry threads, they are very informative. Perry did have a rough debate performance, but he was THE target (not Obama as it should have been). I’m glad to see him back on the campaign trail & telling it like it is. I think he has taken all the flak and is still in the game. Reports of his early demise are greatly exaggerated.
Most of these Perry-haters are supporters of other candidates that they are now realizing are not going to be the eventual nominee - thus they continue to tear Perry down - I guess with the intention of elevating Romney in the process. They use the same tired arguments and never go beyond their attacks to try to listen to any of the facts behind the issues.
Perry has said that the illegal problem has Texans’ hands tied because of the inaction of the federal government - he needs to pound this fact loud and clear! He has also said that if he is elected president - he will correct the problem of illegal entry.
Some people just refuse to hear what they don’t want to hear, but the funny thing is that in the case of their non-candidate - they refuse to admit what they DON’T hear. It must be very frustrating for them. As for those supporters of Cain - he is a very fine man - and I would happily vote for him if he becomes the nominee. It would make me very happy to vote for him, but it’s still a bit early in the process - so I’m not going to tear down our fine candidates. The sad thing is, I never hear them tear Romney down - I don’t understand that.
Overwhelming bipartisan support
Cincinatiswife needs to understand Perrywinkle pulled off a two-month buzz blitz that has lost steam each time he's screwed up on the debate stage. The fact of his demise is demonstrated by the RINO-led GOP and leftist media trying to resurrect Christie as the RINO and demrat candidate of choice.
In fact, Cincinatiswife is the only person left standing behind the shrinking Perrywinkle myasmic gas balloon.
...rank politicians, like Perry, entrusted with enforcing immigration law,...
Perry has never proposed amnesty, regardless of how many times you say so.
You and others here on FR and in the GOP debates are wearing out the lie that taxpayers are footing the bill for Texas and other states granting in-state tuition under certain conditions for children of illegals. The students still have to pay the tuition, fees, etc. Most in Texas are attending Jr. Colleges or Community Colleges. I believe the last figure I read was 16,000 such students, which was only about 1% of Texas college students.
Out-of state US citizens even have to be a resident for at least one year to qualify for in-state tuition. The children of illegals have to attend at least three years of public school in TX and graduate from HS to become eligible. Additionally, TX HS graduates normally have to have a GPA in the top 10% of their class to even have a chance to get into a State college/university.
Your diatribes against Perry are really getting stale.
I believe that the reason the old country-club Republicans are urging Christie to get in the race - is because they fear that Romney is not going to be able to cut it. We know that FOX is in the tank for Romney. I do not trust their polls - why Bill O-Reilly even admitted on his show last night that the poll he had up - on who is your favorite candidate - he said that the Paul & Cain supporters had skewed the results & he was declaring third-place Romney as the winner of the poll!!!
The calls for Christie are coming about because of their fear that Perry is going to come out on top even after their minions at FOX gave it their best shot to knock him out at their last debate.
Thanks, just wondering.
Mike
Gore's own people from the time deny Perry had an active role or title. He was just one of many TX legislators to endorse Gore in a failed '88 Dem. primary bid.
You want to believe Gore was no different then than now. The environment was clearly an interest but he wasn't crazy about it like today. Perry's point was to state the obvious: Gore radicalized. If he had been then just as he is now, he'd never have been picked for VP.
Gore's national political power derived from his father's long service, not some TX state legislator.
Rather than attack Perry on policy, you've stooped to inventing some grandiose mythology about him and Al Gore with Rick Perry as a puppet master and co-conspirator in environmental extremism.
Perry sticks to his guns ?
What ? A water pistol ??
This is where Perry is at his best. His debate stiffness did not reflect his love for Oprah-style interaction.
Do you think Perry can win without Texas?
Before you huff, “Of course he’s going to win Texas” consider this: At one time California was Republican; then, using the same approach Perry espouses, CA veered sharply Left, all due to the overwhelming illegals corrupting the voting process at all levels.
Texas is headed the same way, it’s just 10 or 15 years behind.
SO, if Perry were sincere in his beliefs, he would announce and SHOW everyone how he too can win a presidential election without Texas.
Because, if Perry’s views win the day, Republicans will HAVE to win without Texas and California both.
Show us Perry, show us how it’s done.
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Well, Ms Mouthy...as usual you don't know what you're talking about...sticking your nose into an issue and again showing your ignorance. Now go set in the corner and repeat a hundred times: "It is better to appear and idiot than to open my mouth and remove all doubt".
No...I flew U-21’s in Vietnam for the intel folks..
Well said my FRiend.
Don't believe that's the case...most of us have other things to do and/or have tired of answering insane allegations with logical explanations to the 2 or 3 dozen bashers who post the same crap over and over.
Under the new program that Perry envisions that allows the young to opt out of Focial Security, but continues to pay people age 55 and up their full bennies, does he specify where that money is going to come from if too many young folks opt out?
What are you talking about this is how Rick Perry always is in Townhall meetings. Do his homework...that statement is such bull...
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