This being so close to DC, beltway media (but also Canadian TV and BBC, among others) was out there in full force, so you're likely to see some of it on your local/cable news.
The Senator held his own, didn't back down an inch from his principles. Kudos.
The crowd was ignorant, loud, obnoxious, for the most part, but a solid contingent clearly only wanted information. There were quite a few of us pro-reform types, but we were seriously outnumbered by the irrational opposition (TM).
Many of them had a hostile, contemptuous attitude, but I ended-up sitting between 2 elderly gentlemen who, while opposed, seemed willing to listen. These 2 were mostly looking to be reassured. I asked them how they could possibly imagine that "Obama wants to kill [them, the elderly]". They knew they were being ridiculous, but I guess they are going with the flow.
I wore my Obama gear, had my sign out. Lots of nasty looks, and snickering (bullies!), but no overt aggression (impotent!). Cops everywhere.
Glad I went, sad that so much hate(for the sake of hate) is being nurtured far and wide. Most of these folks (poor, rural, uneducated) would greatly benefit from health reform, but they can't abide WHO is doing the reforming. The Left. Democrats. Liberals. Obama (last straw).
I was reminded that this whole area (Western MD) was, for a long time, a stronghold of the KKK. Hell, we have a KKK museum right here in Frederick - how shameless is that?.
I went, I saw, I heard - so I can now say, without a doubt: these people have not recovered from the election, these people cannot tolerate a Black president (with his Black first family). These people are scum. These people do not deserve health care coverage, but under Obama, will get it.
Blah. Fuck them.