Progressives' Memo: Here's How to Outwit Righty Protesters

A progressive organization is trying to turn the tables on conservative protesters who have been interrupting Town Hall discussions on health care reform, Talking Points Memo reports. Health Care for America Now has released a memo outlining tactics for defusing shouting matches and allowing lawmakers to actually answer questions. First suggestion: “Do not debate their ‘policy’ points.”

“Rather than try to reply with the truth (which won't move them anyway),” the memo continues, “re-focus the agenda on communicating with the Member of Congress.” It suggests lining up people who feel comfortable interrupting the interrupters to get the meeting back on track. Most of the tips are aimed at that goal, though the memo does describe a more traditional progressive tactic. When all else fails, “we should demonstrate that we are the majority by chanting.” (More HCAN stories.)