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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, September 01, 2017

Toomey Impresses at PBS Town Hall

US Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa) conducted a rare town hall last night at the Steelstacks' PBS studios before an audience of exactly 54 people. Outside there were 23 uniformed police officers and about 35 protesters. My report on the town hall is now published in the Bethlehem Press.

I might agree with Toomey about 20% of the time. I've never voted for him. But I thought he handled himself quite well and argued his positions quite forcefully. So much so that I'm unable to understand why he treats these sessions like root canal. But I think I get it. It's hard to have a meaningful discussion about anything if 500 people are yelling and screaming, even if they support you. The smaller venue, combined with a surprisingly tough moderator.

Outside, they were serving Grumpy's Bar-B-Que.But they had left by the time I got outside.

Unfortunately, one of the police horses may have joined the protesters and left the message you see above.

It looked like shit. I bent over and felt it.

It felt like shit.

I tasted it.

It tasted like shit.

My conclusion is that it was shit.

I am very glad I didn't step in it.

Updated 11:06 am

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bernie,
was the barbiQ the 200 dollar dinner served and I take it from what I redd and seen it was just another shit slinging affair. Did you ask about the informational tecniqs used to take advantage of the disadvantaged that I had posed and you deleted yesterday?

LVCI said...

I am certainly no fan of where Pat Toomey stands on the issues, but thought this was the best way he could communicate them in a civil manner. Under these conditions he was allowed to explain himself very clearly without interruption. I have a strong dislike for most town halls which degenerate into debates and shouting matches. The man was asked questions. He answered. His was a very respectable Q&A appearance that should set the example for others. Even those who obviously disagreed could engage him with the framing of their questions.

I don't care which politician is speaking, none of them should be treated like shit. Nothing wrong with protesting. There is a time and place for that. Inside a meeting to exchange ideas is neither the time nor place to yell & scream getting in each others faces.

PBS39 and the sponsors did a good job with this. I hope it encourages more politicians to do these in a calm well organized environment such as was this one.

Anonymous said...

BERNIE CHEECH&CHONG O'HARE

Anonymous said...

Watched it on TV. Saw ole Glenn Geissinger and Bob Kilbanks as part of the pre-arranged questions. The softballs were flying. I will say that it was obvious that despite some well deserved double talk answer groans, the folks not happy with Toomey were much more restrained than the whacky teapartyers from past town halls.
Ironic that Toomey praised calm and reasoned discussions but had no problem with his ilk being rude loud and angry when his people disrupted past meeting with elected officials.

Bernie O'Hare said...

There were softballs but there were tough questions too. Theywere reviewed on advance by PBS, MCall and Muhlenberg. Senator Toomey did not get them in advance. Geissinger's so-called softball led to an informative answer about tax reform. killbanks' question led to statements about N Korea and Afghanistan. As for praising calm and reasoned discussions I completely agree. I was turned off when the tea party did it and turned off when Dems did it.

Anonymous said...

Het O'Hare nice picture. Can see you were there. What no bathrooms?

Anonymous said...

Kudos to the Bethlehem Police for an overwhelming presence. If anybody left their house with the idea of causing problems that changed when they arrived to PBS.

Bernie O'Hare said...

They were great. Very friendly, relaxed.You might think there were too many, but that would not be the case if another group showed up and the two started taunting each other.

Anonymous said...

Bernie,
5:19 pm the horses ass making that comment is looking at its lunch prepared by one of bedlums finest!

Anonymous said...

anon 8;24, lighten up, Francis

Anonymous said...

Looks like a POO POO platter.

Robert Trotner said...

Did anyone ask why congressmembers and senators should have exceptional Healthcare but not their constituents?

Bernie O'Hare said...

Robert, that was not asked at the town hall. After it was over, the press was allowed one question per person. I chose to ask about DACA, I thought that was the best of the questions I rec'd from readers.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, what was his stance on DACA?

Bernie O'Hare said...

Read my story. I linked to it.

Peter J.Cochran said...

I met Pat Toomey for first time on the second floor of the Pomfret Club ,Easton.There were about 25 of us at lunch. He was being introduced by Andy Daub whom I think is a wonderful man and gives to the community his best .MR TOOMEY appeared unpretentious, articulate and straightforward . My view of him today is just that. He's not there for the money,he's not there for fame or recognition . He to me is a moderate, and disciplined individual ,that has this country first before himself..

Peter J.Cochran said...

I met Pat Toomey for first time on the second floor of the Pomfret Club ,Easton.There were about 25 of us at lunch. He was being introduced by Andy Daub whom I think is a wonderful man and gives to the community his best .MR TOOMEY appeared unpretentious, articulate and straightforward . My view of him today is just that. He's not there for the money,he's not there for fame or recognition . He to me is a moderate, and disciplined individual ,that has this country first before himself..