On Thursday, White House advisor David Axelrod and Deputy Chief Of Staff Jim Messina delivered the President’s August battle plan to Democrat Senators.  Most of it was the usual fluff and talking points they’ve been repeating, unsuccessfully, for months.  The goal is to focus on “consumer protections” contained in Obama’s plan.

Then, they were shown videos of the recent town hall protests, and the advice got interesting.

“If you get hit,” Jim Messina said, “We will punch back twice as hard.”

So, Senators, if those annoying folks who put you in power show up and start speaking their mind, swat ‘em hard.  They’re nothing but a nuisance.

The contempt with which these people view those who are engaged on this issue, and disagree with the president, is truly a wonder to behold.  Case in point was Harry Reid, who characterized those who speak out against Obamacare as the “fringe,” and saw the  White House advice as a good way to deal with them. 

“They’re just helping us understand the fringe that is trying to mess up our meetings,” Reid said. 

With 49%of the country now opposed to Obamacare, 78% believing it will lead to higher middle class taxes, and only 7%rating the quality of the care they currently receive as poor, that’s one hell of a big “fringe.”

The White House added that the Senators should try and focus their attention on the already insured, since convincing them will be a major stepping stone to passing the legislation.  Unfortunately for the Dems, that’s not going to be easy since recent polls show 80% of the insured are perfectly happy with their coverage,  and it’s a number that’s climbing, not dwindling.

Regardless of the numbers, the idea that the president is urging Senators to “punch back” at their constituents rather than listen to them should give pause to every American.  These people work for the citizens, not the other way around.   They should be listening to us, not treating us like a bunch of petulant children.  How dare this gang of corrupt, arrogant fops threaten us?

These Senators should remember, next year is an election season.  Those who continue to talk down to their states will face a tough battle.  Keep it up, and you will lose your beloved power, leaving your increasingly disapproved-of President twisting in the wind. 

- Robert Laurie