Obama 'Braces' for Staged Town Hall

Does Associated Press White House stenographer Jennifer Loven really believe the president is going to face any unscripted questions from "boisterous" protesters? As with virtually all presidential appearance, participants will be carefully screened, questions will not be spontaneous and, knowing this bunch, each and every question will be a softball.

Is there any doubt?

A day before facing a potentially boisterous town hall in New Hampshire, President Barack Obama praised the spirited debate over his health care plans on Monday and predicted "sensible and reasoned arguments" would ultimately prevail in Congress.

Obama plans to pivot his message somewhat on Tuesday, addressing people who already have insurance through their employers and highlighting how his proposals would affect them. The White House is retooling its message amid polling that shows Americans — especially those who have coverage — are skeptical of Democratic proposals to expand to cover many of the 50 million or more uninsured.

Wait a minute. I thought it was an alleged 47 million uninsured? When were another three million (or more) added? Is Loven just making it up?

"We are having a vigorous debate in the United States, and I think that's a healthy thing," he said, repeating that thought three times. But, he said, the dynamic will change once the recess ends and the lawmakers — and the debate — return to Washington.

"I suspect that once we get into the fall and people look at the actual legislation that's being proposed, that more sensible and reasoned arguments will emerge. And we're going to get this passed," he said.

How about letting us look at the legislation now? How about having Congress actually read it? How about giving the public 30 days at minimum to debate the "actual legislation" rather than stuffing it down our throats, especially when 57% of un-Americans aren't down with the plan?

Smoke, meet mirror.

These people don't want any debate, they don't want to hear and "sensible and reasoned" arguments. It's their way or nothing. Why else would they be so desperate to shut down any discussion?

Michelle Malkin links. Thanks!