TOWSON, Md. -- Sen. Ben Cardin had to shout his way through a town hall meeting Monday evening, where angry constituents booed and jeered as the Democratic senator from Maryland tried to explain health care reform working its way through Congress.

Cardin was booed and jeered repeatedly throughout his 25-minute presentation and the question-and-answer period. 

The crowd had to be asked to calm down to allow him to continue.

Cardin said how to pay for the bill has not yet been worked out, a comment that prompted even more derision from the audience. Some shouted, "Taxes!" and others shouted, "Spend, Ben, spend!"

At one point, four police officers strolled down the two aisles of the auditorium at Towson University and stood in front of the stage.

Cardin defended the health bills, saying they would provide more choice, and that there would be more people, not fewer, with insurance.

One questioner asked for an example of anything the government had taken over and provided cheaper. Cardin cited the national parks system and Medicare.

That drew more boos and jeers.

Cardin said Medicare is cheaper than private insurance for the elderly, adding, "your government runs it more effectively."

He said the bill would be neutral on abortion; there would be no change from current policy.

But Cardin had to stop speaking several times because crowd was so loud.

Another questioner: "Yes or no?" on whether Cardin would enroll in whatever bill passes. Cardin began to answer twice, and each time the questioner asked him "Yes or no?" prompting a deafening roar from the crowd.

Cardin finally said, "I turned 65 this year. I'm in a public plan. It's called Medicare."
The protests continued even after the meeting with people shouting on the road outside of the hall, waving flags and placards.

More than 200 boisterous but peaceful protesters turned out before the meeting.

Protesters chanted and carried signs that read, "No socialized medicine"; "Public option is no option"; "Health care can't wait" and "Health care is a right."