Is it possible that our public figures?

Question

refusal to directly and individually address members of the public stems from fear of meeting rasputin like characters within the citizenry?

Answer 1

Perhaps, but you are intellectualizing it a bit more than I would explain it. My answer would be they fear losing their voting public and funding.

Answer 2

Or perhaps the fear of having a bad photo op when hecklers start asking loaded questions.

Dan Qualye got roasted at most of his public speeches because he lied about his experiences and where he was at certain times. He never learned, but I think other politicians have.