I once stood with two liberal Republican (when that still existed) Congressmen, looking at a large demonstration on the Mall. They convinced themselves that none of their constituents were there.
"Gentlemen, what would be your reaction if 10-20 orderly protesters showed up, simultaneously, at each of your district offices?"
Their faces were shocked, and then both agreed that they would treat that very, very, seriously, as indicative of constituent opinion.
I once stood with two liberal Republican (when that still existed) Congressmen, looking at a large demonstration on the Mall. They convinced themselves that none of their constituents were there.
"Gentlemen, what would be your reaction if 10-20 orderly protesters showed up, simultaneously, at each of your district offices?"
Their faces were shocked, and then both agreed that they would treat that very, very, seriously, as indicative of constituent opinion.