Yes, I heard this called a “town hall,” as it was airing.

Aren’t “town halls” supposed to meet with all kinds of people… not just supporters? When the crowd stood up and cheered and his opening remarks, the fix was in. Another baloney presentation, staged for the media’s benefit… and they run with it. THAT should be the question about “the state of journalism.” Boo-hoo, some people don’t like or agree with the President… boo-hoo. Wake me up 8 years ago.

ImNotBlue – Nice selective memory there.

The “townhalls” under Bush were policed by Republican goon squads roaming the parking lots looking for anti-bush bumper stickers, evicting those with mean tee-shirts, and pre-screening questions so Bush’s delicate sensibilities wouldn’t be bruised.

Funny the lack of outrage from the right then, not. That’s when the fix was in and nary a discouraging word was heard.

Jim R is corrected. Obama’s town halls are open for everyone, they’re not prescreened at all.

Jim R says:
October 16, 2009 at 10:58 am

So (and I ask this every time someone does it), does that mean you think Bush and Obama are “the same.” Are you okay with that?

Town halls… no matter who is running them… should be open to everyone, and have a mix of people. This was clearly another campaign stop.

<i m says:
October 16, 2009 at 11:10 am

Doubtful. They may be open to everyone, but they were clearly (just like the previous one) pre-screened. Remember how the question this little boy asked, is the same as the question a little girl asked as the last one? Coincidence? Methinks not.

When you see everyone standing and cheering, the fix is in. Come on… come back to reality. You can support the guy, but you don’t always have to believe the sh*t he’s selling is ice cream.

Watching too much Fox? you’re probably right.. this boy likely watches Fox news all the time and came to the conclusion that people hate Obama. I’ve always considered liberal progressives quite juvenile anyhow.

ImNotBlue – I’m just saying they’re not as scripted as Bush events, all politicians want a favorable crowd and questions. He did get serious questions regarding the lack of response to rebuilding New Orleans and federal help, which he didn’t answer that well frankly.

I think we can all agree there’s a marked difference between the Karl Rove orchestrated Bush love fests advertised as town halls and the screaming that went on in August, with armed citizenry parading around outside with Obama in attendance.

“I’m just saying they’re not as scripted as Bush events”

I think both parties heavily award their constituents during these events. But I see little evidence of Obama being any less scripted than Bush. In Montana earlier this year, a guy got up and talked about the constitution and the right to own guns and only received a smattering of applause…..very odd for Montana. Even his press conferences seem scripted as there are rarely extremely difficult questions and many softballs; “what has enchanted you?” If the media was tough on him, he would have no reason to single out Fox. Just my opinion.

Of course Obama couldn’t use that time to explain to the kid that there’s a difference of hating an individual and disagreeing forcefully with their policies.

Kevin – Keen observation, I was watching that townhall and din’t pick up on that. I still don’t think there’s a comparison, though. It seems much rougher now.

And, there’s certainly no Jeff Gannon/James Ruckert ringers in the WH pressers.

“They supposed to love you, and God is love.”

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Obama is God?

I thought he answer to the kid was ok, but I have only listened to it once quickly.