77-yr old TeaHadist @ Cleveland RMoney Rally physically assaults protester. Classic. [View all]

[HughBeaumont]

Prick bastard. Do you believe this bullshit? Exhibit A why I refuse to go to a GOP rally . . . I'd be arrested for assault.

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/07/clash_breaks_out_gop_rally_sup.html

But a physical clash between Romney supporters and protesters overshadowed the Parma campaign stop by the prominent pair, who are often mentioned as possible running mates for Romney.

The quarrel broke out as soon as Pawlenty took the stage before about 200 people at the strip shopping center.

"Pawlenty go home, Pawlenty go home," the protesters chanted over the former governor's speech.

Pawlenty maintained composure, and even put his own twist on the chant.

"We should send Barack Obama home," he declared.

At one point, Romney supporter Richard Brysac of Parma confronted protester Al Neal of Canton, who attended with members of a group called Fight for Fair Economy Ohio.

Brysac, 77, attempted to hush Neal by emptying a bottle of water into the 25-year-old union worker's mouth.

"He seemed thirsty, so I tried to shove the bottle in his mouth," Brysac said. "I thought it was wrong to interfere with [Pawlenty's] freedom of speech.

"I acted out of character and I apologize if I offended anyone."

When the bottle didn't work, Brysac pulled out his handkerchief and gagged Neal.

Neal removed the handkerchief and continued chanting until the group of protesters was escorted from the rally.

Kentown Plaza is private property.

No police were present.

They're allowed to get away with it. We wear the wrong shirt or support the "wrong team", we get arrested.

And you gotta wonder why no police ARE present at GOP events, yet show up in abundance with clubs and riot gear at the ready for progressive events. Curiouser and curiouser . . .