The Town Hall Dog That Didn't Bite

[Joanne98]

On their first recess break since passing historic health care reform legislation, members of Congress have not faced anything like the crowds and anger from anti-reform advocates they faced last summer, when guns, shouts and even fist fights became a part of more than a few town hall meetings. A review of local press coverage from the past week shows that the rage that met members on the weekend the House passed the health care bill has, for the most part, not followed them home.

Any number of factors could be responsible for the toned-down crowds over the past week. Conservative groups that organized protesters to pack town halls before the vote are largely staying out now that the legislative battle is lost for their side. Perhaps Democratic plans to mitigate the threat of protest at town halls have worked.

Either way, the town hall seemed to return to its roots last week -- rather than a place for insults and misdemeanor assault charges, the meetings between constituents and their members are once again about relatively poor attendance and wonky Q&A sessions.

That's not to say that the anti-reform vitriol has not played a part in the town hall process whatsoever. Tea party groups have targeted town halls in New Hampshire, and the anti-reform violence that marked the week after the bill was signed by President Obama have played a part in changing the plans of some members of congress who planned to hold meetings this week.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/the-town-hall-dog-that-didnt-bite.php?ref=mp