No, they did not. Back room deals are the norm in Washington. Why would "leftists" claim they're not? It is your ilk who hilariously believe that the methods by which this bill has passed through the two houses is somehow something "new."
Just for kicks, some of you should start watching (or taping) the rereuns of "The West Wing" on BRAVO from 8AM-10AM every day. You'll get a better understanding that there is no bill of any import that isn't accomplished with a lot of give and take (aka back room deals).
I said that for two reasons.
First...President OPbama was the one who PROMISED no more Washington Politics as usual....AND THAT WAS HIS THEME THROUGHOUT THE CAMPAIGN.
I find it humorous that you support Washington Politics as usual...but I digress.
Second...Nancy Pelosi said that the debate was more open and more transparent than any other.
What makes it transparent are not the town hall meetings. Those are the POEPLE attempting to find out what their representative TRULY believes.
What makes them transparent is the people knowing what kind of deals NEED to be made to get the vote of the representative.