Waxman Confronted by Protester

A small but vocal contingent of protesters camped outside the Capitol Friday to protest the controversial $700 billion Wall Street bailout bill.

One particularly excited man, dressed in a jacket and tie but wearing a pink sign on his back reading “TRAITOR PAULSON,” moved toward Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) as the committee chairman approached a crosswalk.

“Waxman! Did you vote nay?” the man asked.

“I voted aye,” Waxman said simply.

The protester’s walk turned into a quick trot, and Hollywood’s Congressman got a little nervous.

Waxman held out his hand and exclaimed, “Get away from me or I’m going to call the police!”

Waxman and the protester exchanged a few words as the lawmaker sought the attention of a nearby Capitol Police officer, who ran a nice screen between Waxman and his assailant, allowing the rattled Democrat to make his way safely across the street.

As Waxman walked away, the protester shouted, “150 pages of pork! 150 pages of pork!”

Waxman didn’t look back.

– Jeffrey Young