Open Thread: Afraid to Face Voters, Dems Skip Townhalls

June 7th, 2010 9:27 AM

The New York Times reported today that most Democratic legislators are opting for private and controlled settings:

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.

Norman Rockwell is turning in his grave.