Friday, July 31, 2009
Not the sort of townhalls they're used to


Politico covers the new environment at some townhall meetings that Democratic congressmen are enduring as they try to sell their votes for the stimulus, cap and trade, and health care reform to their constituents.

Some of their constituents aren't happy and they're letting the congressmen know.

Screaming constituents, protesters dragged out by the cops, congressmen fearful for their safety — welcome to the new town-hall-style meeting, the once-staid forum that is rapidly turning into a house of horrors for members of Congress.

On the eve of the August recess, members are reporting meetings that have gone terribly awry, marked by angry, sign-carrying mobs and disruptive behavior.

In at least one case, a congressman has stopped holding town hall events because the situation has spiraled so far out of control.

“I had felt they would be pointless,â€