McCaskill rejects ‘astroturf’ characterization of town halls

Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.) on Friday rejected her party leadership’s characterization of healthcare town halls as outbursts of phony outrage abetted by special interest groups.

McCaskill, who is a centrist Democrat, tweeted:

Real grassroots on both sides of the healthcare issue, both sides organizing. Yay to both, yay for democracy,hope both are civil and polite.

She also tweeted yesterday:

I disagree that the people showing concern over some healthcare proposals are “manufactured” Real folks, strong opinions.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called protests against healthcare reform legislation at district town halls “astroturf,” implying they are not truly representative of the “grassroots.”

The Democratic National Committee also blamed Republicans and special interest groups for inciting “angry mobs” of “rabid right wing extremists” at the local meetings.

Cross-posted to the Briefing Room