Critics of Gov. Chris Christie’s town hall meetings insist he is merely soaping himself up with the love of hero-worshippers.

Monday's meeting in Union aside, evidence shows Christie is not, as his YouTube collection might indicate, walking into a lions' den everywhere he goes. His handlers say locations have not been selected using a formula, but they haven't been random, either. And Republicans have stacked the audiences.

Plus, how many citizens have been afraid to confront a belligerent governor who doesn’t hesitate to exploit those moments for political gain? We’ll never know.

But given the enemies the governor has made with tongue and policy, it’s a wonder he hasn’t been confronted more. Maybe this is why: Meetings have been held mainly during the day (when most working people are busy), and Christie has avoided cities, where he is less popular.

Democrats, instead of whining that Christie is turning his back on a large segment of citizens, should hold their own town hall meetings to engage those who feel disenfranchised.

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Christie has demonized teachers and public workers, slashed funding for women’s health and seniors, protected the wealthy and raised tolls and fares on commuters. Filling seats should be simple.

Democrats could use an outspoken ensemble cast: Senate President Stephen Sweeney, state Sen. and former Gov. Richard Codey, state Sen. Barbara Buono and Democratic state chairman John Wisniewski, also a state senator, for starters.

They should hold meetings at night, when daytime working people can attend, and tour cities, which have unique problems — decaying tax bases and gutted police protection, for instance.

The meetings would give prospective gubernatorial candidates a chance to hone their oratorical skills. If Democrats allow Christie to keep polishing his skills uncontested, they’re likely to be whining for another four years.