Attorney General William Tong addresses HamPAN– event organizer calls non-progressives in attendance, “interlopers”

HAMDEN—A crowd of over 100 people filled Thornton Wilder auditorium on Tuesday night, as attorney general William Tong spoke to members of the Hamden Progressive Action Network (HamPAN). Tong had the floor for nearly an hour, taking questions and carefully crafting his responses.

While intended only for Hamden’s Progressive Action Network (HamPAN), a number of independent and Republican voters sat in the audience, at one point applauding at the mention of Trump’s election.

Jennifer Pope, the organizer of HamPAN’s event, used the term “interlopers” to describe the small, non-progressive contingent who chose to attend.

“One that interferes with the affairs of others, often for selfish reasons; a meddler.” –American Heritage Dictionary.

Attorney General Tong was peppered with questions—from an abortion hotline, to World War III, climate change, immigration, and sanctuary cities. He often circled back to immigration, but was careful to avoid speaking – perhaps ironically – of progressive state programs that aid illegal aliens with taxpayer dollars.

He addressed the term ‘sanctuary city’ when pressed. “It doesn’t have a legal meaning. There’s no such thing as a ‘sanctuary city’ or ‘sanctuary state’…” he said.

Below, highlights from the Attorney General’s talk.