Our only HC hope: Obama holding an unscreened, mega town-hall meeting.

[skip fox]

On edit: Only hope for meaningful health care reform.

I could well be wrong, but it increasingly seems to me that Obama needs to stand up and answer question after question at a prime-time, national town hall event. Even the stupid and loaded questions (death panels, severe rationing, interminable queues). It will be rough, and it will take prep, but he knows how to do it brilliantly.

How to keep it civil while not being so restrictive of the people's voice that he gives fodder to Fox and Fiends is another.

The good point: all the attacks have been vetted. That is, we will pretty much know what will be thrown at him.

Fight stupidity with intelligence and truth.

[BlooInBloo]

1. Shorter OP: "DADDY **DO** SOMETHING!!!!"

[skip fox]

2. Fight stupidity with intelligence and truth.

That's what a real leader can do effectively, and I think it's what history calls upon Obama to do soon.

The shortness of time is also of a matter. Before there is an earth-quake in opinion nationwide.

An this effects not just Health Care reform, but can undermine his presidency. (Which, I think, is the target of many of those encouraging the town hall disruptions.)

[Strong Atheist]

3. I have been arguing with friends for forever that presidents should use their

bully pulpits more on issues that they say are important to them...

[Parker CA]

4. I couldn't agree more. Showcase the nutbaggery and blast down the lies coherently. nt.

[Barack_America]

5. Obama's town halls are always unscreened.

That was my impression.

The tickets are for crowd control and efficient Secret Service checks. They are not to separate supporters from detractors.

[skip fox]

6. I didn't mean to imply otherwise. Only that this one should be AND APPEAR so.

How to stop an embarrassing flare-up (even a few minor ones will be repeated over and over by certain organizations).

But, yes, make it a big event. From helicopter landing, to seating of Michelle and kids. Then, Obama on stage, alone, walking about, taking questions, . . . a setting appropriate for the leader of the free world in deep communication with the citizenry about a topic of significant importance.

Think: how would Hollywood do it? Not for a comedy, but staging an event of this level of national importance.

I think Obama could turn out what is increasingly looking like a train wreck in 90 tough, but historic, minutes.

[skip fox]

7. "Yes We Can."

Words mean something.