Windham, N.H.
Rick Perry knows how to make small talk. The former Texas governor’s gift of gab was on display at a country store and gas station in southern New Hampshire Friday, where Perry spent an hour shaking hands, trading stories, and talking policy. The shop’s proprietor told Perry his brother had been an Army Ranger during the Vietnam War. “He’s probably been in the back of a C-130,” said Perry, who flew the transport plane for the Air Force in the 1970’s.

The former Ranger found his way through the crowd, and Perry struck up a conversation about their service. “There was some overlap,” Perry offered. A few more veterans piped up to share their service stories, as well. Perry was in his element.