Perry plays to Tea Party in war with Romney

Published September 12, 2011 4:00am ET



Mitt Romney struck out hard against Rick Perry in the opening of the CNN/Tea Party Express Debate.

Mitt Romney attacked Rick Perry tonight regarding his comments on Social Security, citing Perry’s book insisting that Rick Perry wanted to make Social security a State Run program.

“It’s time for us to start getting back to the constitution.” Perry answered noting that the program would be “slam-dunk guaranteed” for existing candidates.

Romney attacked again, suggesting that Perry believed the program was unconstitutional.

“If what you’re saying is that back in the ‘30s and the ‘40s, the federal government made all the right decisions, I disagree with you.” Perry replied.

Perry accused Romney of trying to scare seniors, which led the crowd to applaud heartily.