The Retreat from Town Hall: Reporters Pursue Access as Some GOP Officials Pull Back

“Technology such as teleconference calls and Facebook enable government officials to claim that they are talking with constituents. But in the more controlled virtual space, they also are able to avoid potential confrontation with voters and questions from the press…But the appearance of access should not be mistaken for the genuine item—especially at a time when some politicians are retreating from contentious in-person encounters.”