Breitbart claims White House literally "directed" town hall violence

SUMMARY: Joining other conservatives who have claimed that President Obama bears "responsibility" for violence at town hall meetings, Andrew Breitbart distorted a reported quote from a White House official in claiming that "union thugs were directed by the White House to go to" the meetings "and 'punch back twice as hard.' " In fact, White House deputy chief of staff Jim Messina reportedly used that phrase while speaking to Senate Democrats -- not to any union groups -- and there is no indication it was anything other than a metaphorical explanation of how the White House plans to respond to attacks against Senate Democrats.

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