Democrats Are Skipping Town Halls to Avoid Voter Rage

New York Times ^ | June 7, 2010 | Jeff Zeleny

[Zakeet]

BEL AIR, Md. — The reception that Representative Frank Kratovil Jr., a Democrat, received here one night last week as he faced a small group of constituents was far more pleasant than his encounters during a Congressional recess last summer.

Then, he was hanged in effigy by protesters. This time, a round of applause was followed by a glass of chilled wine, a plate of crackers and crudités as he mingled with an invitation-only audience at the Point Breeze Credit Union, a vastly different scene than last year’s wide-open televised free-for-alls.

The sentiment that fueled the rage during those Congressional forums is still alive in the electorate. But the opportunities for voters to openly express their displeasure, or angrily vent as video cameras roll, have been harder to come by in this election year.

If the time-honored tradition of the political meeting is not quite dead, it seems to be teetering closer to extinction. Of the 255 Democrats who make up the majority in the House, only a handful held town-hall-style forums as legislators spent last week at home in their districts.

It was no scheduling accident.

With images of overheated, finger-waving crowds still seared into their minds from the discontent of last August, many Democrats heeded the advice of party leaders and tried to avoid unscripted question-and-answer sessions. The recommendations were clear: hold events in controlled settings — a bank or credit union, for example — or tour local businesses or participate in community service projects.

And to reach thousands of constituents at a time, without the worry of being snared in an angry confrontation with voters, more lawmakers are also taking part in a fast-growing trend: the telephone town meeting, where chances are remote that a testy exchange will wind up on YouTube.

[Zakeet]

Evil rabid right wing radicals like these are driving the poor brave Rats underground

[RightOnline]

They’re cowardly weasels who fear facing those whom they are supposed to represent.

Throw every one of the bums out.

[phelix]

There’s just something fundamentally wrong when the people you elected to represent you refuse to meet with you (or represent you).

[Gay State Conservative]

Message to RAT Headquarters...it most certainly won't be “invitation only” in November.

[McGavin999]

So, who are they representing? Their consitiuants ought to hold those meetings without them with an empty chair representing them.

[silverleaf]

awwww....

how about some pictures of Jim DeMint, Darrell Issa, Paul Ryan, and Sarah Palin at town halls?

[tgusa]

Cowards.

[The_Media_never_lie]

The sentiment that fueled the rage during those Congressional forums is still alive in the electorate. But the opportunities for voters to openly express their displeasure, or angrily vent as video cameras roll, have been harder to come by in this election year.

Well, if they aren't brave enough to face the music, why not have events in their absence with an 'empty chair' symbolizing their cowardice?

[hal ogen]

Vote the bums OUT! These feckless weasels won’t even attempt to justify their idiocy. What a bunch of losers who essentially mare on the dole. Vote the bums OUT!

[The_Media_never_lie]

So, who are they representing? Their consitiuants ought to hold those meetings without them with an empty chair representing them.

Ya beat me to it, lol.

[b4its2late]

Rats and cockroaches always scramble for hiding when the lights are turned on..... No difference here.

[OCCASparky]

Our moonbat Carol “Che” Shea-Porter will only meet with her supporters. Don’t bother trying to get in if you’re going to ask her any questions which might be more difficult than say, what color is the sky, or is water wet.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

This vet is being monitored by Homeland Security: http://bit.ly/4thverse

[mewzilla]

Town halls aren't all the 'Rats are skipping....

[ClearCase_guy]

It's taxation without representation, isn't it? Government is there. Government is taking our money. Government is running our lives. But, do the representatives want to hear from us? No, they want us to go pound sand.

This is how revolutions become necessary.

[The_Media_never_lie]

It's taxation without representation, isn't it?

It most certainly is, leveying taxes the present generation cannot possibly repay. The tax burden will be for the children of today and the unborn.

[Diogenesis]

"Too late for you and your children."

[Le Chien Rouge]

The democrat party is absolutely petrified of the Tea Party movement.

Keep up the pressure.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

They are making closed meeting plans to pass Cap & Tax, VAT and “Financial Reform” before November.

So, they can’t be bothered by 70% of Americans who want their asses handed to them at the polls.

[Thermalseeker]

Their constituents ought to hold those meetings without them with an empty chair representing them.

Better yet, have cardboard cutouts made with the image of the Reps on them and stand them up on the stage. That way we'd have something to throw rotten tomatoes at......