Republicans say that President Obama’s plan for seniors cuts Medicare by about $700 billion to pay for the health care act. Democrats, of course, say it does not.
Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget plan squarely plants a flag in the ground about what Republicans believe is the proper role of government (on Medicare, among other things). Democrats call it an “extreme budget.” In fact, all of this name calling, shouting and misinformation causes even more hurt feelings and confusion, and makes the general public feel mad as hell about the partisan and divisive tone in Washington.
So how about a novel solution to the lies, the misinformation and the petty fighting? How about a small town hall meeting with a group of five Democrats, five Republicans and five Independents? They cannot have given to any candidate, which would be verified by FEC reports. They would be randomly selected by a lottery 2 hours before the town hall would begin, and invited to sit down with Gov. Romney, President Obama, Vice President Biden and Rep. Ryan to ask any question they want on Medicare and the budget. A two-hour conversation, moderated by a non-partisan host and distributed live and unedited.
Yes, I know this is a naïve attempt to get our candidates and the issues that we care about all on a level playing field. But it’s nice thought isn’t it? Please share your thoughts with me here on the blog, on the NOW Facebook page, and on Twitter @roberttraynham #NowWithAlex
Robert Traynham is an msnbc Contributor