Specter Breaks Up Fight at Town Hall, Gets Yelled At

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 11, 2009 10:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – Arlen Specter got a taste of health care rage at a town hall event today, where a reform opponent got so angry that another attendee tried to physically remove him from the event. Specter descended from the stage to try to break up the confrontation, telling the man to leave if he wanted to. “I am gonna speak my mind before I leave!” he declared, yelling into Specter's microphone and complaining that he's not taken as seriously as special interests are.

“I’m not a lobbyist with all kind of money to stuff in your pocket so you can cheat the citizens of this country,” he yelled, mere inches from Specter's face. “One day, God’s gonna stand before you, and he’s gonna judge you and the rest of your damn cronies up on the Hill—and the rest of your damn cronies up on the Hill—and then you can get your just desserts."

[Images (2)]

[Videos (1)]

Arlen Specter attempts to calm the crowd in this YouTube screenshot from CNN's coverage.

Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., questions Sonia Sotomayor in this file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Arlen Specter attempts to calm a protester by stuttering. (tpmtv)

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