Perry Needs a Moment

Shoves a Twix popover in his mouth to avoid answering a tough question about his garbage assertion that Social Security is unconstitutional.

As the presidential candidate from Texas walked into a local restaurant, Popovers on the Square, he was forced to shake hands with voters amid shouts of "Hands off Social Security and Medicare!" and "You're a threat to America" from the anti-Perry forces who gathered just a few feet away from him. It was the first organized protest of this kind since Perry arrived in the Granite State.

Inside the café, Gail Mitchell and a companion grilled him: "You said Social Security was unconstitutional."

"Social Security's going to be there for those folks," Perry answered his inquisitors, making reference to the elderly.

"But you said Social Security is unconstitutional," Mitchell repeated.

"I don't think I -- I'm sorry, you must have," Perry said before stopping himself.

Instead of elaborating, Perry stuffed a generous piece of popover in his mouth. (Perry called them "pop ups.")

"I've got a big mouthful," Perry said and then ordering a glass of water. He later tripped over one of the women standing at his side pressing him on Social Security.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," Perry said to her.

Good lord. I don't know if he's got a chance at the White House, but he's definitely got a good shot at President of Ugh.

The hat tip goes to Shaker norbizness, a resident of the Great State of Texas, to whom I replied, "I thought Mitch Daniels was the worst governor in the nation, but, after getting a week full of Perry, I may have to admit defeat."

"Not even close, as you can now surmise," came his wry reply.