Riots working for Dems

Matt Yglesias wonders why the Dems are bothering to hold these town meetings. I can think of a few reasons.

First off, with all the rioting, it just about guarantees good media coverage for events that otherwise would have been pretty much ignored. I've never known a politician who would pass up a chance for face time with a teevee camera. Second, they have a pretty crappy bill proposed right now, particularly in the Senate. I don't think they really want to be talking to progressives about single payer and/or meaningful public options.

The distraction factor is working on a lot of levels for them. It makes the dedicated opposition look entirely insane while they look brave for standing them down. Meanwhile, they don't have to discuss the policy points, which would be a lot harder to defend if only progressives and single payer advocates were showing up to ask the questions. It's perfect political theater. If they really wanted a serious debate, they would be staging constituent outreach events much differently.

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