Baird (D-WA) Cancels Town Halls, Fears “Brown Shirt Tactics”

Greg Sargent:

Republicans think they’ve nabbed a Dem Congressman in a bad gaffe, and are hoping to use it today to shift the argument over the town hall meetings their way.

Specifically: Dem Rep. Brian Baird of Washington State has canceled in-person town halls, citing the protestors’ use of “Brown Shirt tactics.”

The Colombian reports…

Instead of appearing in person, where “extremists” would have “the chance to shout and make YouTube videos,” Baird said Wednesday, he’s holding what he calls “telephone town halls” instead.

Baird said he’s using the new system because he fears his political opponents may be planning “an ambush” to disrupt his meetings, using methods Baird compared to Nazism.

“What we’re seeing right now is close to Brown Shirt tactics,” Baird, D-Vancouver, said in a phone interview. “I mean that very seriously.”

Expect the GOP, and a talk show host or two, to jump on this as proof that Dem criticism of the Tea Party brigade amounts to a refusal to acknowledge legitimate dissent.

Both sides are navigating a balancing act. Republicans need to portray the outbursts as proof that public sentiment is swinging wildly against Obama — without embracing extremism and thuggery. Dems need to make the GOP “own” the extremism and thuggery without appearing dismissive of public opinion. Yesterday Robert Gibbs said he doesn’t “doubt” that some are asking “honest questions about the direction of the country.”

This Brown Shirt comparison could ratchet up the noise level a few more decibles today.