The President of the United States attends a meeting of congressional Republicans and takes questions. American observers are variously thrilled and astonished by the results.
The President of the United States attends a meeting of congressional Republicans and takes questions. American observers are variously thrilled and astonished by the results.
Whether it was chutzpah, political savvy, or both, it certainly was refreshing. Reporters were thrilled with the British-parliament-type exchange between president and lawmaker. The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder asked that forums like these be held monthly. The Nation’s Chris Hayes suggested Obama next go before the progressive caucus. Ezra Klein of the Washington Post labeled it “the most compelling political television I’ve seen…maybe ever. NBC’s Chuck Todd added: “The president should hold Congressional ‘town halls’ more often. Public needs to see this if they’ll ever trust Washington again.”
The full transcript and video are here.