Evan Vucci/AP Photo

CONCORD, N.H. - Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul is learning what it's like to be a top tier contender.

Flanked by two dozen members of the national and local press corps, Ron and his wife Carol were forced to abandon a leisurely breakfast at a New Hampshire diner when the media circus became too much for the small mom and pop establishment to handle.

Paul and his wife Carol twisted and turned through the tight Windmill Family Restaurant in Concord, shaking hands and answering voter's questions.

At one point, an elderly woman stopped Paul and politely asked his position on gay marriage, "I understand that you are for gay marriage," said the woman.

"I'm for government staying out of marriage," said Paul adding, "the government screws it all up."

As the woman retorted, "but it's unnatural," the cameramen pressed in, some jumping in nearby booths, pressing against confused diners enjoying their breakfast.

"The important thing is how they live and what examples they set," said Paul trying to dodge the boom mics hovering overhead.

Blocked by media swarm, Paul's security team was forced to clear a path for the U.S. Congressman from Texas to sit down at a nearby table.

However it was soon evident that the media corps wasn't going away and Paul, sitting alone at a large table as his security detail debated what to do, eventually abandoned his breakfast.

Getting into his car, Paul was asked for his prediction at tonight's debate.

Shaking his head and clearly annoyed by the whole experience, Paul mumbled, "nothing special."