Dem
47
GOP
53
We have noted before that members of Congress, especially Republicans, are getting peppered with hostile questions about Elon Musk firings, tariffs, and other things at town halls. It is becoming quite a problem for them. In some cases, they are getting angry with their constituents and leaving early to avoid the heat. The head of the NRCC sympathizes with them and has a solution: don't hold town halls. He recommends using virtual town halls instead, so staff members can vet people who want to ask questions in advance and only allow friendly questions to be broadcast.
Of course, many voters, especially those not attuned to virtual meetings, will perceive the representative as hiding and being afraid to talk to the voters. People don't like this. Democrats are immediately trying to make hay here. DCCC spokesperson Viet Shelton said: "So House Republicans' political strategy is 'see no families nor workers,' 'hear no protesters,' 'speak to no one' and hope everyone gets less angry at them when they rip away Americans' health care? Got it."
Some Democratic groups have said they will host empty town halls in the districts of members who refuse to hold real ones.
In the past, protests at town halls have been a harbinger of bad news to come. They may reflect the build up of grassroots anger that will express itself at the next election. (V)