The most reported news out of the Rick Perry event yesterday in NH appears to be his position on a border fence.
Speaking to hundreds of Granite State voters at a private reception, the Texas governor was asked whether he supported a fence along the Mexican border.
“No, I don’t support a fence on the border,” he said. “The fact is, it’s 1,200 miles from Brownsville to El Paso. Two things: How long you think it would take to build that? And then if you build a 30-foot wall from El Paso to Brownsville, the 35-foot ladder business gets real good.”
The answer produced an angry shout from at least one audience member. And it exposed an ongoing rift with some conservative voters over Perry’s immigration record.
I attended that event, stood about 15 feet from where he delivered those remarks and never heard an “angry shout”. Either the AP is making it up or it wasn’t much of a shout. Perhaps they can supply the audio.
I’m a fan of Perry’s so I was excited about meeting him. I arrived with a Sturbridge Tea Party tea shirt in hand and promptly awarded it to the Governor, who called me “Janie” (a nickname no one ever uses for me). That typifies the Perry I saw, and it is certainly a quality that will anger liberals who lately prefer presidential candidates who make it clear they are in a separate league.
Perry is quick to throw his arm around you for a photo-op while he listens intently to what you have to say. And he seems to genuinely enjoy it. His detail is constantly trying to get him to move forward while admitting they have no idea where he will aim next. Before he spoke to the crowd yesterday he traversed the crowd from end to end, shaking hands, signing pictures and posing for photos. He is quite a contrast to Mitt Romney who always seems friendly but stand-offish as if he doesn’t quite know what to do with the attention.
I liked Perry as much when I left as I did when I arrived. I invited him to Massachusetts and he promised to get there before this is over. Rick Perry in the land of John Kerry will be fun to see.
Update: I forgot to mention my favorite part of the Perry “experience”. Before Perry came to the podium, a man played The National Anthem on a trumpet. It was breathtaking. As the solo progressed people joined in and sang the words. By the end of the anthem the entire crowd was proudly and loudly singing. I honestly believe patriotism is on the rise in this country. It makes my heart soar.
Tags: perry
Just don’t forget your friends, Jane.
You betcha, Extraneus! We knew Janie, when!
Jane,
That was a great account of Perry’s speech from our favorite reporter – You! The comparison between Perry and Romney was right on point.
I especially liked the Update on the National Anthem trumpet solo that so inspired the whole crowd to proudly join in with song. I agree that patriotism is on the rise, and it is very heartening. Thank you for letting us share in the experience.
Instalanche!
Thanks for the report! Now I want to attend a Perry rally.
This summer, our nationwide network of homeschool parents joined togeher for hundreds of summer practicums held around the country. We first parsed the meaning, and then sang all the verses of the National Anthem, with special emphasis on the fourth.
Tears flowed, let me tell you.
[...] [...]
I was also at this event and heard the question (in fact I knew the gentlemen asking the question). I also did NOT hear any follow up comment so if it existed it was not heard by Perry or many others…therefore not loud. The description of the trumpet player and the spontaneous singing was also correct…was quite stirring.
[...] A BLOG REPORT FROM RICK PERRY’S SPEECH IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: “I attended that event, stood about 15 feet from [...]
[...] (actually Jane Woodworth) at the YouTooCongress blog (HT Instapundit) says otherwise: “I attended that event, stood about 15 feet from where he [...]
[...] (actually Jane Woodworth) at the YouTooCongress blog (HT Instapundit) says otherwise: "I attended that event, stood about 15 feet from where he [...]
This report SO confirms my LIKE of Rick Perry. I believe he is a quality, credible person. I hope he goes the distance! Thanks for attending, inviting and reporting.
I just found this place (ht, Instapundit) and I like it already. I also like Mr. Perry, so please keep up the good work.
Way to go Janie!!!!
One of my Facebook friends was at Gordon Humphrey’s home yesterday and says he heard no shout.
Are you still taking my calls?
You shoulda been there Caro!
[...] answer session. Jane Woodworth from youtoocongress.com recounts the entire time on her blog named Perry won’t be demanding Greek columns I attended that event, stood about 15 feet from where he delivered those remarks and never heard an [...]
[...] BLOG REPORT FROM RICK PERRY’S SPEECH IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: “I attended that event, stood about 15 feet from where he delivered those remarks and never heard [...]
[...] (actually Jane Woodworth) at the YouTooCongress blog (HT Instapundit) says otherwise: "I attended that event, stood about 15 feet from where he [...]
[...] no angry shout from the audience. That’s what one audience member said. Via Instapundit: A BLOG REPORT FROM RICK PERRY’S SPEECH IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: “I attended that event, stood about 15 feet from [...]
Greek Toga…
[...]Perry won’t be demanding Greek columns[...]…