PROVIDENCE –– As the health-care debate rages across the country, Rhode Island’s congressional delegation has mixed feelings about how to handle the explosive issue in their own backyards.

In raucous “town hall” meetings from Pennsylvania to California in recent weeks, angry protesters have heckled and booed members of Congress, warning of “death panels” and flashing signs such as “No Nazi Health Care.” Democratic lawmakers –– encouraged by party leaders to counter such misinformation during their August recess –– have been frustrated and embarrassed as the hostility is captured by the media.

“I think that our opponents to health-care reform have been working hard to try to scare people. I think that’s unfortunate,” said Congressman James R. Langevin, who joins Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse as the only members of Rhode Island’s delegation to have scheduled public forums in the coming weeks. “I think as elected officials right now more than ever, it’s important for us to be reaching out to our constituents, talking to our constituents.”

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy and Sen. Jack Reed currently have no plans to host public events to discuss health-care legislation moving through Congress.

“We haven’t ruled it out. We’d like to do it actually. We’re just trying to figure out how to do it in a way that produces a real dialogue and discourse,” Reed said Friday, citing the angry confrontations at town hall meetings in other states. “It’s not fair to people who come with serous questions and want to get answers to have it totally theatrical and non-communicative.”

While he would not commit to a face-to-face meeting with constituents, Reed said he plans to host a “tele-chat” –– similar to a public conference call –– by the end of August.

Nationally, the “tele-town halls” have become a popular alternative for concerned lawmakers in recent weeks. They can accommodate thousands of people, although it’s unclear how many constituents may ask questions or make comments.

Kennedy’s office has nothing specific planned, according to spokeswoman Kerrie Bennett.

“Congressman Kennedy is always evaluating his outreach and communications,” she said, offering a general statement when asked several specific questions about his plans to address health care while on August recess. “He will continue to meet with individuals and groups to stay on top of the issues at the forefront of constituents’ minds, whether health-care reform or any other critical issue.”

Whitehouse’s office has scheduled a community dinner at the West Warwick Senior Center Thursday night to discuss health-care reform.

“The senator thinks it’s important to get out and clear up misinformation propagated by opponents of reform,” Whitehouse communications director Mike Thornton said, dismissing concerns about rowdy meetings elsewhere. “He’s consistently found that Rhode Islanders are eager to engage in civil discussions.”

The various approaches of Rhode Island’s delegation reflect the intensity of a policy battle that could have serious ramifications for both President Obama and his Democratic allies in the legislature, according to political observers.

“There’s a lot of anxiety and free-floating angst out there. People are really uninformed,” said Maureen Moakley, a University of Rhode Island political science professor. “[Democrats] were caught somewhat unexpectedly by how the conservatives have transformed the debate.”

Indeed, conservative leaders such as former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have warned of government “death panels” under the new system that would ration end-of-life care. The claims have repeatedly been proven false.

The details of the health-care proposals moving through the House and Senate have yet to be finalized, although neither version would refuse treatment to terminal patients. The plans would offer people a government-sponsored health plan to compete with private insurers, in addition to requiring coverage for most Americans.

Moakley said the stakes are high for the president’s congressional allies.

“They have to support the president,” she said. “And as Democrats, if they don’t achieve something, this represents a failure not only for the Obama administration, but also for the Democratically controlled Congress.”

Langevin acknowledged internal pressure.

“We have been encouraged to separate fact from fiction and dispel the myths that some of the opponents have tried to generate. It’s unfortunate there’s so much misinformation about what the health-care bill is, what it does, and what it doesn’t do,” he said. “This is our best opportunity to solve our nation’s health-care crisis once and for all.”Meet the public

•Rep. James R. Langevin has a “town hall” meeting scheduled for Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Warwick police station. A second session is scheduled for Sept. 3 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the bandstand in Wilcox Park, Westerly.

•Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse will discuss health-care reform at a community dinner scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the West Warwick Senior Center.

speoples@projo.com