Transcript: NMI liveblog from Heinrich town hall

I went to the event and my guess is that about 60% - 70% of those there supported reform with most of that number supporting single payer or at least a public option. Sad but typical that you chose a poster from the minority as your only image.

Its all quite irrelevant anyway - we have already been sold out. Obama is a coward and Baucus, Grassley & Bingaman are letting the insurance companies write the bill as I write this. All we can do now is kill the mess before it makes things worse.

For real reform, contact Senator Bingaman. He's one of the Gang of Six on the Senate Finance Committee, where the public option might be jettisoned.

These matters don't get decided in town halls or on the internet. They get decided in the halls of Congress by some pretty arcane processes. The way to influence those processes, at least somewhat, is to write and call your congresspersons.

The transcript looks like just another screaming match where a minoirty of those opposed to public options are drowning out those trying to discuss its possibility and how to pay for it. Many that are in opposition are already on a public option type medical plan, Medicare. It's such a big mess at this point but some reform will come. Everyone elected ran on that platform.

Organize for America is JUST NOW getting really organized around health care, it seems to me. Those who are informed about the issues have been way behind those who are prey to misinformation. The opposition to reform, or those irrationally afraid of "socialized medicine," have been ramped up for weeks, and were prepared to submit their questions. If you think Heinrich didn't get enough tough questions from those who support a public option, WRITE to him, call his office, put pressure on him directly.

Excellent job everyone! Really helped fill in the blanks that I couldn't catch on the KNME feed.

(sorry I missed that you'd be doing this on coveritlive -- pretty handy tool!)

The anti military Libs were in abundance here. They are demanding the same healthcare our returning vets get! Then go serve 20 years and defend this country in which you may or may not come back, and if you do serve in Afghanistan or Iraq, then you deserve health care.It wasn't long ago the libs were lashing Bush about Walter Reed. Their memories are very limited. I was in tears listening to these awful people. They won me over. They are right, my son's possible death is not worth it for the idiots in this Country. I give up. Every man for himself! I will relay to my son that this Country is not behind him. He honestly believes he is fighting for a Country that deserves it.

Calm down, guy! Don't be so foolish. Every American is supporting your sons and daughters, even if it's a war we should have never started. You are viewing this issue in a very narrow-minded way. It appears you already had your mind made up before the forum began.

We are - gasp - a liberal military family, my husband is an OIF vet, and we were there today in support of health care reform. We are well served through TRICARE, a government run health care program and think it is a great blueprint for a larger model of care. The fact my husband serves in the military and that myself and our children support him in his service is secondary to the fact that he serves his country - he would do it in another way if the military wasn't an option because he believes in public service.

I understand the fear that comes with having a loved one deployed and not knowing if you will ever get to hug them again, but to equate that with being any more or less deserving of health care is misguided and more importantly, misses the point of what it means to serve.

And while I'm at it, I so wish politicians would stop treating vets and active duty like they are the china....the active duty military guy with the last question, the one worried about the "government tentacles" in his life? Did he even get the irony of his question?! Dude, you have no job without the government and while we're at it, are you willing to give up your TRICARE?

Mom...you are certianly not lopsided!

"I hate my government so much I'm willing to die for it." That guy was obviously not big on instrospection.

The live blog was a great idea! That CoverItLive App looks pretty cool as well. Thanks for the good work.

p.s.: How did the Coveritlive work on y'all's end? I think I'm going to dink around with it myself and see if I can use in the classroom, somehow.

It's funny that it seemed like 75% of people who were at the town hall were reform supporters but the only picture that was posted was one of a teabagger.

NMREX,
I am the guy in the picture. Why do you insist on calling your opponents teabaggers? I thought your side was supposed to be civil. That is what the yellow printed signs said Saturday. (Google "teabagger" if you don't know what it means.)

I thought the people there were about 50-50.

I hope he'll be asked about coverage for pre existing conditions. Waited two hours in hot sun to sit in the overflow room.

Hi G. Augusta is such a professional host. This is like the 3rd event I've seen her MC this year.