Chaffetz Said He Believes Town Hall Protestors Were Paid, Not From Utah

[DonViejo]

Source: Talking Points Memo



By KRISTIN SALAKY Published FEBRUARY 11, 2017, 10:21 AM EDT

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) said that the thousands of protestors who swarmed his town hall on Thursday night were not actually from his state and were "paid" to protest, the Deseret News reported Friday.

Chaffetz told the paper that he was sure that the protestors, who chanted "shame!" and grilled him on investigating President Donald Trump, were Democrats and that they were trying to cause "chaos" because they don't like Trump and are upset about the results of the 2016 election.

"You could see it online a couple days before, a concerted effort in part to just cause chaos," he said, according to the Deseret News. "Democrats are in disbelief that they have nothing but flailing and screaming to deal with this."

Chaffetz said that he is sure that protestors were paid to demonstrate at and disrupt his town hall, telling the paper that one speaker made it a point to make clear that he was not being paid by the Democrats.

Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/chaffetz-town-hall-believes-paid-protestos

[ck4829]

1. I *believe* I should be a trillionaire

[bravenak]

2. He's crazy. I bet he loses next time

[yeoman6987]

48. I hope so. He won with 77 percent so if 28 percent say no, the democratic representative

Will be in. That's not that bad a number to break.

[bravenak]

49. It xan happen if he keeps running like a coward. The campaign commercials will be brutal

[coco22]

95. Does the Democratic Party even..

run a Democrat in that state? Do they even run Democrats in many of the so called red states.

I hear that many are gerrymandered but,don't people change their minds?and if people change their minds they should have some one there to vote for.

Voters should be able to hear different points of view. Some of these politicians try to pretend or act as if we are living in 1792.

[guillaumeb]

3. And of course Chaffetz has "proof" of this? eom

[Eyeball_Kid]

13. Sure he has proof! Trumpy said so, and if you don't believe Trumpy, you're a loser.

There. I gave you all of the proof you're ever going to need. Trumpy always speaks Ex Cathedra. His farts are also infallible because he uses both orifices to communicate.

[guillaumeb]

14. I am convinced. Of something.

I remember when the Tea Party protesters were disrupting meetings the GOP called it the will of the people. Now, they call the protesters paid troublemakers.

[WePurrsevere]

27. Yup, it's never 'them' with the GOP. It's always somebody else.

The party of 'personal responsibility' my bonnie backside. 'That' party died a very long time ago, they just keep dressing up the cadaver and dragging it out during election cycle to sucker in the intellectually lazy fools again.

[ck4829]

92. His words are proof enough, according to him

[Eliot Rosewater]

4. Told you so, they WILL take your Soc Sec, Medicare and so on and use this excuse

[wordpix]

73. yes they will---Medicare already pays for little, not even an eye exam

When I needed my eyes examined before the one year period was over, my eye doc charged me $50 for the extra check AND new glasses. How much would an eye check and prescription cost the fed gov in Medicare coverage compared to the $750 million plane Trumpy just lost in Yemen?

[SoCalNative]

5. What an idiot!

because it couldn't possibly be that people are pissed off and want action and answers.

[pangaia]

6. WE are causing CHAOS???? Who ?? US?? That's a laugh !!!

[SamKnause]

7. I believe, I believe.

I don't give a fuck what you believe !!!!

Prove it !!!

Fuck Trump !!!

Fuck Chaffetz !!!

Fuck Republicans !!!

EVIL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chelsea0011]

8. They used the Massachusetts buses that were used in NH

[blueseas]

9. I am starting to see a theme

Real people take time to tell the elected what they want and feel. Elected thinks they are seeing things that are not real.

[videohead5]

10. This Is The Rethugs

Deflecting....no it can't be real they are being paid.

[JohnnyLib2]

11. I hope this flimsy "paid protesters" excuse wears out soon. Overuse may kill it.

[compsports]

12. Where do I sign up?

Where do I sign up to get paid to cause disruption at Congressional town hall meetings? LOL!

[Eyeball_Kid]

15. Signing up is easy. Call or write Jason Handslap Chaffetz. He'll pay for your protests against him.

That's where the money is.

[ananda]

16. Boy he's in denial ..

.. and it aint a river in Egypt.

[Stonepounder]

17. I've been a liberal all my life.

I have marched, worked GOTV, protested, campaigned, etc. I belong to a number of liberal groups, and hang out on many liberal web pages. Never, in my 60+ years of activism have I ever been offered money to protest or demonstrate.

So, where do people like Soros advertise? Or maybe the folks on the right-wing sites are so hard up for money that the ads are over on those web sites, having people who secretly love Trump or Chaffetz will go to their appearances and heckle them for a few bucks.

Sorta makes you go 'hmmmm'.

[tenderfoot]

18. That's their new game. Protestors paid by Soros. Vandals wild-eyed liberals

rinse, repeat.

[Eyeball_Kid]

19. Ooo. Jason Handslap is a SMART ONE. He's got it all sussed.

Soros must be the benefactor. Not only is he paying for the protesters' time and energy, but he's also buying them breakfast. I know this because a fiver mysteriously showed up in my pocket before I got an Egg McMuffin. I knew it was from George.

Don't look fake news in the eye, Jason. You won't see it. But if you focus a little bit to the left or right, you'll get a better image.

[SCVDem]

32. Soros?

Really Republicans?

I would have to look him up to know what he does for Dems. The Koch Bros. OTOH are not hidden in their support for any tactic which will win. Neither is Adelson or Wall Street.

Soros? I don't think so!

[2naSalit]

34. More like...

Jason Slaphead the Chaffer.

[The Blue Flower]

20. I hope he believes this right up until he loses

If he truly believes this, he won't heed the red flags that tell him we mean business.

[Marthe48]

21. Chaffetz and other repugs

can't believe they have no support, and want Americans to believe every single protest against them is paid for by some endlessly rich Dem? Really? And attended by out-of-towners?
Here's the truth: we don't like you. We don't respect you. We don't want you destroying our country. We will protest you. Gratis.

[Dale Neiburg]

31. And where were all the real, local Utahans? n/t

[bucolic_frolic]

22. Chaffetz is DELUSIONAL just like Trump

Seeing things that are not there

It's not just for orange hair

[wordpix]

74. Trumputin is schooling Chaffetz, jumping on the clowns' gravy train

The train will wreck further down the line.

[riversedge]

23. Jason is living in a bubble that I hope pops all over him very soon. Very demeaning comment from

Jason.

[curiouso]

24. Projection?

Obviously, he's confusing what went on at his town hall meeting with the efforts to discuss and explain Obamacare at town hall meetings nearly a decade ago, when thugs paid by Koch-funded organizations shouted down anyone who voiced opinions counter to those expressed by Chaffetz's party.
What a putz!

[CCExile]

25. This is their favorite "goto"

It is as if the invention of the bus created the left.

[volstork]

26. Where do they get this bullshit?

They should be asked, "ok, if the protesters are being paid, by whom are they being paid, and where is the evidence of payment?"

[2naSalit]

35. They make it up.....nt

[volstork]

51. Yeah, I know.

More of a rhetorical question...

[2naSalit]

55. I know, just couldn't help it....nt

[volstork]

67. They're just

Lying liars who lie and then lie about lying.

[2naSalit]

68. That's it!

Well stated I might add.

[volstork]

69. I'm hearting you

for that!!

[2naSalit]

70. Why, thank you!

I can't afford them this year but next year I'll do it again, I hope. I really enjoyed passing them around last year.

[volstork]

71. My pleasure

[cilla4progress]

28. Galling

Like that smirk on his face

[martigras]

29. Fox is pushing the paid protestor nonsense.

The fact that these guys are scared and requesting additional security shows they know the truth. The protests need to stay large so that they know how many are against them. Maybe we all need to wear our addresses as badges so they know we are real people

[2naSalit]

37. It worked really well for the

TP who were paid protesters, paid by the kochtopus and Heritage Foundation f'ks.

Never forget that.

[dalton99a]

30. Of course, Soros had them bussed in and gave them $12,345 each.

And a Happy Meal coupon.

[Corey_Baker08]

33. Same Shit Was Said About Anyone Who Was A Hillary Supporter....

A baseless and bullshit exaggeration Used By The Bernie Or Bust ppl now being used to discredit hardworking American's...I guess when they said bernie or bust they should have seriously considered wtf bust really meant...

[SunSeeker]

60. Yep. nt

[Turbineguy]

36. Sure.

I'm using the money to redecorate the boathouse on my private island.

[toddwv]

38. I'm OK with that.

If they keep ignoring the concerns of their constituents, that increases the likelihood that the House will switch hands.. Plus, it would be a complete blindside. The more heads that pop, the better and if one of them happens to be Chaffetz. BONUS!

[colsohlibgal]

39. Utter Nonsense

Where was this meme with the tea party? Of course the zombies in the Fox News bubble would believe anything Fox says.

[asiliveandbreathe]

40. Mine eyes deceive ME - those were paid protesters???

This POS shitfetz is in need of being called out by those Utahans who were present..SPEAK UP......SPEAK OUT>>ARE YOU REAL? - Put this puppy to rest....(of course, we know, they were not paid)..

We have so many wonderful patriots standing up - resisting - in every way - every day....to think people wrapped their bodies around the wheels of vans in the deportation of a woman in AZ...chilling that this is happening....

Vets with Standing Rock...

Moral March in NC..awesome...

The rethugs can run - but they cannot hide....is the media finally stepping up and stepping out...??? - Let's hope so....if not - we have each other and must RESIST.

...listening to live feed from Port Richie FL town hall....calling out their rep...(BIG RED R) - BOOing is starting.....nurses are talking....awesome....People should not have to live in fear of getting sick..and being bankrupted...awesome....

Don't lose focus on the NSC scandal.....be well all!

[riversedge]

41. Where is your evidence? You lie as much as Trump does!

[Equinox Moon]

42. Nice try dumbass.

[pandr32]

43. That's how they are framing any backlash now

...and we should shame them for it.

[samnsara]

44. so hes not going to do his job?

...guess the lying little shit was lying again!

[matt819]

45. This I believe

We should all have ponies, unicorns, rainbows, and cotton candy.

Prove your protester lie, you rat faced motherfucker.

[Corgigal]

46. New tactic

Hold up your drivers license when you raise your hand. It won't stop that asshole, but the press covering it will give it credence .
.

[jpak]

47. "Paid Protesters" dumbass meme du jour

yup

[NoGoodNamesLeft]

50. Just like the Tea Party were Republicans...and what happened the next election

Chaffetz must want to retire, lol.

[Paladin]

52. Got a shread of proof to back that up, shithead?

No, I didn't think so......

[chillfactor]

53. he really lives..

in an alternate universe....THOUSANDS of paid protesters.....really?

[redstatebluegirl]

54. Utah protesters should find a picture of that evening and if they are shown

in any picture, circle themselves in the photo and send it to him with their name address and zip code. Bury him in mail. There are tons of pictures out there.

[Ohioboy]

56. I notice that this "paid protesters" excuse is making the rounds.

It helps them delude themselves into thinking they are doing the will of the people when they are not. Assholes!

[Ccarmona]

58. Ya

"Paid Protesters" in California, NC, Georgia, Fl, Utah, Iowa, Nebraska, and many more States. It must be expensive to fund them all.

[NewRedDawn]

89. Everyone

Confronting these scum bags should first flash their license & say I am your constituent not a paid Koch whore from your side, and blast them with the truth!

[Freethinker65]

57. Salt Lake City hates him

[Tikki]

59. The Deplorables goal is to get every protestor to give their name and address to....

go on a list.

We need to fight back by making them prove that the protestors are paid or not real constituents.

Tikki

[Delphinus]

61. Is this going to be the

standard response to everything?

[NoGoodNamesLeft]

62. Is there a way to get local signatures to try to recall his stupid ass?

If so...that is exactly what Utah should do. Show him that it's not people from outside of Utah that want him to do his damn job or GTFO.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

63. "paid protestors" is the tired lame go-to excuse to explain away real protest. We see you, Chaffetz.

But the Cons never mount paid protests to try to out-number our side, even though they have much more money than the single billionaire they keep trying to pin it on.

But they never pay and never get the numbers.

Therefore there is no pay on either side. QED (quod erat demonstratum)

It is simply that there are more anti-tRump people in this country than pro-Trump cons (and conned).

[Retrograde]

64. Let's do some arithmetic

There were about a thousand protestors at a guess. If the room was at capacity the organizers should know how many people can fit in it. A Congressional district has about half a million people: let's say 600k to make the math easier. Chaffetz admits 33% of the district didn't vote for him - that's 200K people. Even if we eliminate half of those for being underage or non-citizens that's still 100,000 people. So if 1000 showed up, that's only 1% of his non-stalwart supporters. And that's ignoring any attendees who may have voted for him and disagree with some of his positions. So no need to bring in paid stringers.

(I wish my representative would hold a real town hall meeting! She does telephone ones sometimes, but you have to be on her mailing list or regularly visit her website to know about them. This is one of my bones of contention with her. And she's a Democrat who votes correctly and keeps getting elected with high margins.)

[jazzcat23]

65. Always the same..

These damned republiconz constantly say this, over and over, and their 'followers' buy into it every time. Have you all seen the comments in some of the other website articles? There's so much hatred going on, all due to trumpy. There's no way to fix this except to remove all of them and fast. But the r's will not do it. They are so ingrained in their own lies and are so worried about keeping their own little cozy corrupt positions, they are frozen and oblivious to the rest of us. We have to stop them every time we hear this crap. Keep calling congress and your own state reps, write letters to the newspapers calling them out. Threaten to leave their party, even if you aren't one of them. Anybody else have ideas to combat these morons? Or, in their words, should WE go to 2nd amendment remedies?

[trumputin must go]

66. The poor guy has dementia

We've been spraying all kinds of chemicals on our forests, thus contaminating the wood Cheffetz chews in his other job to make dams.

[Maru Kitteh]

75. lolz!

Yeah, I can see that!

WELCOME TO DU

[trumputin must go]

87. Thanks for the welcome

Chaffetz is by no means the ONLY goofy-looking Republican.

[benfranklin1776]

72. Saw this bullshit on cbs this morning...

They just reported his allegation and did not challenge it. I emailed them and let them know it was irresponsible journalism to engage in such fake news peddling without correcting it. I think we need to make it habit to lobby the media to report the truth each time they uncritically report such puerile shit without decontamination.

[nikibatts]

76. Is he up in 2018? Is so please show him where you come from protestors.

[underthematrix]

77. Chaffetz is of Russian ancestry but I would never go around

spreading rumors that he's a paid Russian asset running a sleeper cell out of his home in Utah. No not me. I would never do that or suggest anyone else do that.

[jetcat]

78. Why is there not a dedicated thread to Trump's tweet that "The Legal System is Broken."

This is undoubtedly the most shocking thing a president of the United States has ever uttered. I mean that. This is the very essence of fascism. This is an offense that is so beyond the pale that every American should be up in arms. But we have become so inured to this kind of treasonous balderdash that it is no longer remarkable. Instead this sweeping condemnation of US history and of systemic government is brushed off as "another day in Trump-world," and it is subsumed by a story-line about the "cost of the wall."

Seriously, do we not understand the implications of this utterance? This is not mere hyperbole. This is a threat. Why is this not the headline in every article on Trump in every news outlet in the country? Have we become so numb to Trump's treason that we now just shrug off his statements as yet another silly tweet? This is not a silly tweet. This is an active attempt to undermine what our country is at its core -- a country of laws, not of men.

[JudyM]

90. Right there with you, jetcat. We need to all write our local and national media to cover this.

Welcome to DU!

[gopiscrap]

94. welcome to DU

[cstanleytech]

79. Maybe time to change the narrative to "Chaffetz says his constituents are to lazy to protest"?

[ck4829]

93. +1

[Dan]

80. In a sad sort of way

I am glad that this is happening. Finally the "real Americans" can see who their GOP representatives represent - and it is not, 'We the people'.

[truthisfreedom]

81. If he believes this even a little bit, he's terribly paranoid and thinks we're out to get him.

If he believes that his constituents believe this, he's on drugs.

[WinkyDink]

82. He doesn't believe this crap for one nano-second. Just a passenger on the Republican Train of Liars.

[Cha]

83. Wonder what his constituents from Utah think of his chickenshit

approach to Town Halls?

[riversedge]

84. @jasonintheHouse needs to publicly apologize to his constituents -Immediately. Enough of his crap

[Percy Cholmondeley]

85. This allegation of his would be easy to prove

If Chaffetz ("Pepe&quot had just sent a few of his troops out into the crowd to check IDs, and they'd have found some outsiders among the irate crowd, they'd have a leg to stand on. The fact that they didn't check IDs tells the whole story. Too many people know. Too many people are paying attention. Finding the truth about this claim of his is the last thing they want to do.

[EarthFirst]

86. Who says that the payment has to be in the form of monetary gain/incentive?

My efforts pay dividends almost daily in receiving satisfaction in watching the tears of anguish and scowls of contempt exhibited almost daily by this crew of scoundrels...

So I guess in a way, I *am* being paid!

[otohara]

88. We Have Our Own Constituent Deniers in CO

Cory Gardner and Mike Coffman - no need to drive 8 hours to UT

[ck4829]

91. So, people who protest Milo are genuine, but people who ask questions are fake?