Social Security alteration without representation

I'd love to attend a George Bush town hall meeting and ask him a couple of questions, but it doesn't look like that will ever happen.

During Bush's recent visit to Milwaukee to hold a town hall meeting promoting his social security plan, all of the attendees were hand-picked because they agree with Bush's policy and fit the demographics he wants to have in photos and articles about the event.

From the LA Times: The memo went on to solicit several types of people "who he would like to visit with" -- including a young worker who "knows that [Social Security] could run out before they retire," a young couple with children who like "the idea of leaving something behind to the family" and a single parent who believes Bush's proposal for individual investment accounts "would provide more retirement options and security" than the current system.

I understand that Bush is trying to convince America that his solution is best (a tough thing to do when the political climate is so antagonistic on this particular issue), but I fail to see how he is really benefiting from these meetings. Ok, so he's talking to a small group of people who already agree with him... not winning any converts there. This particular event goes on the news, mostly local news in Milwaukee, where people see Bush talking to people who agree with him (and they know this because this is how his town hall meetings have been run since before the election). The major stories being written on the event are about how Bush doesn't allow opponents, like this one from the LA Times(again, no benefit here).

I don't know, maybe preaching to the pre-screened choir really is the way to go. Bush did win the election. It doesn't seem very faithful to the idea of being a true representative of the people.

It definitely isn't the way the British do it. From a Daily Show report. (it's not real news, but say what you want... the Daily Show is basically the most honest representation of politics out there).

My question is, what were the town hall meeting policies of previous administrations? I don't remember how Clinton's meeting were set up, or anyone's before that. Did they even have town hall-type meetings?

Anyone care to share some insights?

Daily Kos: Under 30? Want to talk to the President? Only if you agree with him.

Wonkette: Town Hall Appointees Not Helping President