White House: Some Angry Town Hall Constituents Are Professional Protestors Producing ‘Manufactured’ Outrage (Video)
Spicer Also Displays Embarrassing Level of Ignorance About Obamacare
The White House is echoing President Donald Trump’s comments Tuesday, saying now that while there is “some” anger out in the country, the outrage Americans are seeing at some town halls is “manufactured” by “professional” protestors. There is no evidence to support that conclusion.
“It is not a representation of a member’s district,” Sean Spicer claimed, again, offering literally zero evidence for his remarks. “It is a loud group, small group of people disrupting something, in many cases, for media attention,” the press secretary said.Â
“Just because they’re loud doesn’t necessarily mean there are many,†Spicer told reporters at Wednesday’s press briefing.Â
None of Spicer’s claims seem to be accurate, and even if they were, just because Americans are so angry they are organizing and want media attention does not make their anger false, or their outrage manufactured. The essence of protesting is getting attention so others can hear your point of view.
The President claimed Tuesday the massive outrage at some Republican lawmakers’ town halls across the country was “organized,” suggesting therefore it wasn’t real. Of course, that too is false. If Americans are so angry they are organizing, as is clear, Republicans dismiss this anger at their peril.
Spicer says angry town halls are partly “professional†protesters: “Just because they’re loud doesn’t necessarily mean there are many†pic.twitter.com/CxIQ0IIwh6
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 22, 2017
Spicer concluded by talking about Obamacare, deriding it because in some states premiums have risen more than expected, and some insurers have pulled out of the exchanges.Â
Studies show in states where governors embraced Obamacare from the start, premiums rose less and the exchanges are healthy. In states that did not embrace Obamacare, the exchanges are in some cases struggling because Republicans lied about the Affordable Care Act.
Spicer also displayed an embarrassing level of ignorance about Obamacare, aka the Affordable Care Act, implying that Obamacare is only the exchanges. In fact, the ACA affects every person in America, as it mandates certain levels of coverage regardless if someone purchases insurance through the exchanges or not.
“I’m not saying they’re making it up” Spicer says about people who are angry at townhalls. But, he says, some are not actually on Obamacare. pic.twitter.com/91JiUTT3Ao
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) February 22, 2017
Some responses via Twitter:
Sean Spicer “There are fake manufactured protesters at the town halls.”
Hey dickhead, here is everyone showing their ID. #PressBriefing pic.twitter.com/ZG7MnjvyQj
— Tommy Campbell (@MrTommyCampbell) February 22, 2017
How dare @PressSec disrespect concerned/scared Americans by saying they are paid protestors #obamacare #DonaldTrump #resist #protest #spicer
— Stephanie (@StephanieWilis) February 22, 2017
Spicer wrongly says #Obamacare doesn’t affect Americans w/ employer-based care, #Medicare & #Medicaid; many #ACA provisions affect all!
— Donna Young (@DonnaYoungDC) February 22, 2017
Daily Briefing Sean Spicer doesn’t know that ACA (ObamaCare)is a law that effects all health insurance; there aren’t some on it & others not
— Bobbi (@bobbitalk) February 22, 2017
Spicer said some people aren’t “on Obamacare,” they’re “on Medicaid” — but the ACA gave millions more people access to Medicaid.
— Jesse Berney (@jesseberney) February 22, 2017
“Not on Obamacare; they’re on Medicaid.†– Spicer just now, who clearly does not understand the ACA
— Karoli (@Karoli) February 22, 2017
“This got jammed through a Democratic Congress” — Spicer on Obamacare.
In fact, it took a year before the legislation became law.
— Mark Murray (@mmurraypolitics) February 22, 2017
Guys… I don’t think Sean Spicer knows anything about Obamacare.
— Emma Sandoe (@emma_sandoe) February 22, 2017
Spicer also falsely said Obamacare doesn’t impact people whose employers provide health insurance Many plans are better bc of Obamacare https://t.co/nTEaPNWDUo
— Steve Rhodes (@tigerbeat) February 22, 2017
Right, because Obamacare literally expanded Medicaid. “Medicaid expansion.” Spicer needs to do his homework before speaking. https://t.co/ErEcYnflSj
— Jen (@ellewoodsin916) February 22, 2017
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