Rick Perry Heckled In New Hampshire Ahead Of 2012

Rick Perry Heckled

(AP/The Huffington Post) PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- Presidential hopeful Rick Perry got his first brush with New Hampshire protesters.

Democratic protesters waved signs and chanted "Go Back To Texas" outside Popovers Bakery & Cafe on Thursday morning as the newcomer to the Republican presidential field tried to meet voters.

"Hands off our Medicare," the demonstrators chanted, according to CNN. One man reportedly shouted, "Stop attacking middle class families Rick Perry."

(Click here to watch video of the scene that unfolded.)

It was the first stop on Perry's third day in New Hampshire since the Texas governor launched his campaign Saturday.

He ignored the protest and briefly walked through the coffee shop, shaking hands. The chanting and large media contingent following made for a chaotic atmosphere.

Portsmouth Patch in New Hampshire reports:

When Perry was asked by one reporter how he felt about protestors, he replied, "If they're all senior citizens then they have nothing to worry about."

Surrounded by a crush of TV cameras, reporters and photographers, Perry greeted voters outside and inside Popovers as well as Popovers employees like Whitney Bresson, who handed the Texas governor a popover and some ice water.

Perry didn't make any formal remarks or answer questions about details of his policies.

Former Democratic State Sen. Burt Cohen was among those shouting. He calls Perry a threat to America.

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