But the pseudo town meeting, as developed by the President and his imagemakers, is a ubiquitous political gimmick, practiced by candidates nationwide. A local television anchor, his hair perfectly in place, serves as master of ceremonies. The candidate, or President as the case may be, wanders the stage looking thoughtful, pensively wagging his wireless microphone. The people speak, the candidate listens. And then he responds with perfectly scripted spontaneity.
Concerns are addressed, issues are aired, dialogue is facilitated.
And the public is snowed. The format is now so firmly established that it has been included in the last two rounds of presidential debates. In both '92 and '96, the Clinton camp insisted on it, and no wonder. The most painful moment in either campaign came in watching George Bush and Bob Dole struggle feebly to adapt themselves to this alien venue. Bill Clinton glided through the town meetings, reveling in the chance to display his almost superhuman empathy.