Q (from Michael Perlmutter of Durham [NC] for Obama) [A]ll of my volunteers say the same thing — they’re behind reduced cost, they’re behind guaranteed choice, they’re behind health care for all. And they believe, and I believe, that the only way to do this is to guarantee a public option available to anybody who wants one. And my question is, if that’s the solution that you believe in, why aren’t we pushing it harder? And if that’s not the solution, what other solutions out there would accomplish all three goals that you have?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, it’s a great question, and this is an example of sort of a controversy that has been somewhat manufactured this week. So let me just be clear: I continue to support a public option, I think it is important, and I think it will help drive down costs and give consumers choices.
The only thing that we have said — and this continues to be the truth — and I mean, sometimes you can fault me maybe for being honest to a fault — is that the public option is just one component of a broader plan. . . .
Yeah, since you on the one hand say that it is part of a broader plan, but then work behind the scenes to bargain away that part, then no, I won’t fault you for being honest to a fault. . . but sorry, I’ve interrupted. . . .
Now, my point is, this is sort of like the belt-and-suspenders concept, to keep up your pants. You know, the insurance reforms are the belt. The public option can be the suspenders. And what we’re trying to just suggest to people is, is that all these things are important, and that if the debate ends up being focused on just one aspect of it, then we’re missing the boat.
So, your point is that everything is an important part of the plan, so we have to pass the whole plan?
Or. . . not:
If all we’re talking about is the public option, then the 80 percent of the American people who already have health insurance in the private insurance market, they say to themselves, well, what’s in it for me? Their attitude will be, this is not relevant to me, and in fact they start getting scared thinking, maybe what the public option means is that you’re going to force me to give up my current private insurer and go into a public option.
OK, but since you are the President, up there on a bully big stage, and you have just gone to some length to lay out the opposition’s talking points, you are now going to debunk that, right?
Or. . . not:
That’s what those who are opposed to reform have been counting on, is to try to twist the debate and feed into Americans’ natural suspicion about government and to use that to cloud the fact that right now people are not getting a good deal from their insurance companies.
So I just want to make sure that we’re focusing on all the elements of reform — what will benefit people without health insurance, what will benefit small businesses, what will benefit people who do have health insurance — so that we can build the largest coalition possible to finally get this done.
And that’s it; next question please. The president might use the word “cloud,” but that doesn’t go anywhere near far enough in explaining why the public option is very much in the interests of the 80 percent of Americans that already have insurance through private providers. Which is, honestly, pathetic.
So, let me pick up the fumble: The choice provided by public health insurance as one option available to consumers provides a level of competition that encourages increased efficiency and compliance in the private sector. If private insurers have to compete with a government-run program like Medicare, which operates with less than a tenth the overhead of private plans, then insurance companies will likely be forced to reduce their currently usurious 35 percent cut.
In addition, there will be increased pressure for insurers to provide a level of service equal to that of the public option: more compliance with those “belt” rules, fewer denials of coverage, maybe fewer hoops to jump through for dispersals and reimbursements. Maybe even easier protocols for doctors and hospitals to get their take.
And, because of that, everyone benefits—the 20 percent, the 80 percent, even those that don’t qualify for the “exchange” that will offer them the choice of the public plan.
That’s what the president had the opportunity to explain, but did not. Instead, he just repeated the bullshit claims that a public option is not as important as insurance reform.
But, you know what, I think it is even worse than that—at least a little. . . maybe a lot—because by structuring it as the “what’s in it for me” argument for the bulk of Americans that have their own private medical insurance, he is reinforcing a deeper, darker meme.
Throughout the long national nightmare that has been the battle for health care reform, there has been an underlying ugliness—a classist, racist ugliness. For, in a system where most people who have health insurance get that insurance from an employer, those that don’t have coverage are assumed to be, rightly or wrongly, unemployed.
Unemployed. . . lazy. . . shiftless. . . .
Black.
Yeah, I said it was ugly.
And it only gets uglier when our first African American president, in order to play an electoral strategy straight out of the Bill Clinton/Rahm Emanuel playbook, plays right into the hands of his obstructionist, racist opponents.
And, if you think all that sounds ugly, than think about this: If the Obama Administration forces through a crippled, compromised “reform” package—one that does not include a public option, does not cover many uninsured, does not rein in costs, does not force private insurers to compete, but does funnel taxpayer dollars into the private insurers’ coffers—and calls that a victory for the president, the Democrats, and the American people, then Democrats are going to pay dearly at the polls. Voters will see this as a failure at best—maybe even a betrayal—and they will vote accordingly.
And then we will really see some elephants on parade.
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Yeah, I agree. If we get a piss-poor compromise, Democrats are toast.
But I also think that if no bill at all comes through, they’re also toast. Because right now “overpromise and underdeliver” is a deadly combination for any politician.
Wow – Elephants On Parade Obama Post.
Well, you’re calling it Gregg! Can’t disagree with anything, so there it is.
It has always been about race. From the very beginning the Republicans have always raised the specter of hardworking, decent white folks having to use their hard earned tax dollars to support those shiftless, lazy, depraved, people of color whenever the left tried to institute any kind of social safety net. Of course white people never need that kind of help themselves, except for a majority of the folks on welfare.
In Once Upon A Time in the West Henry Fonda has a line that goes something like, “How can you trust a man who needs a belt and suspenders to hold up his pants?”
this president is losing everyone, he never had the republicans, he hardly had the left, he might have had the middle
the republicans finally got one thing right, they said if they can defeat obama on health care that will defeat his entire presidency
they’re right because we are all going to abandon him if he abandons the public option
I am increasingly having that feeling myself.
Yes.
This is indeed, the despair moment. Dude needs a real pilot.
Obama has boxed himself into the classic lose-lose because Republicans aren’t the friends needs them to be. Who woulda thunk…
Thanks Gregg.
Greg, you’re really on a tear tonight. So much so that you missed some grammar. So much so, that you almost lost me. Almost went too far. ‘Cause, damn, dude. But, your heart is in the right place.
obama has played a leading role … often behind the scenes … to fuck us out of the public option in exchange to rake in big dollars from the insurance and pharma industries. What a guy, huh … letting people go thru pain and suffering and death just so he can get re-elected. And this is what 7 months into his presidency?
Z
I turned on CSPAN today in time to see Obama strolling out to give a brief statement about the Afghan election and surprised myself when I uttered an involuntary expletive at the sight of him.
I’m more confident than I was yesterday (hope springs eternal) that we will get a public option. Jane’s work, and the President’s hedging makes me think so. The Pres always said that certain things had to be done, but that he was open as to how they might be achieved, knowing all along that public health was the only way to achieve them. He did say in the inaugural and before that it was up to us to get change happen, and that is what we are doing. It is all proceeding according to plan, though Rahm may not have been in on it.
I’ll bite. What, exactly are the other “elements”? And is there ANY single “element” that you consider indispensable, or are you willing to toss any and all of them overboard to pick up a few Republican votes?
You mean ‘weak?’
the man keep leaving wiggle room on that “public option” thing .. even when he says he supports it .. he quibbles .. ergo sum .. the confusion ..
however .. i’m not confused anymore .. if he were serious about the PO .. he wouldn’t be leaving open trap doors in his rhetoric to be parsed later as ” i didn’t say unequivocably ” ..
no public option … no deal
no co-ops
no “exchanges”
open the fed [civil service/congresscritters] system .. or open medicare to everyone who can’t now obtain coverage .. period ..
and to perris @ 5 .. yeah .. the middle is leaving too … i’m an indy .. so are a bunch of folks i know .. we’re as pissed as wet cat ..
I wish I shared even a tiny fraction of your optimism. I am pretty much convinced that Obama has completely blown it and we are all toast.
There are people who have stomachs large enough to keep their pants up without belts or suspenders. Ever seen ‘em?
I had a pair of rainbow suspenders, once. Wore them with a clown/mime costume. In college.
Yes. Maybe time to start looking for a primary challenger for 2012. One with balls and a backbone this time.
Yeah but it sounded more like “worthless fucking bastard.”
You’re delusional … probably engaged in some adolescent-like crush for your celebrity president and fantasizing about him playing 87th-dimensional chess in the nude. Hey obama-bot, he’s playing that chess game against you fool.
Z
Butter and jam, or cream cheese on yours?
Actually, the fatter you are the harder it is to keep your pants up. I haven’t decided if they follow the path of least resistance or are simply trying to get away…
I think we are being served a shit sandwich by the insurance companies.
I hear your mama callin’ ya.
A little of both I do believe.
Is it necessary to treat another commenter this way?
You’ve seen those who wear the waist Above the tummy. Under the man-boobs. Great look. Not. But, it seems to work.
This prolly is not the time to ask for desert, right?
Kindly keep your flames to yourself.
No, it’s your … nah, why bother.
Z
No, I did it becoz I wanted to.
Z
So true.
The GOP and the right hate him simply because he’s a Democrat, and the left hates him now because he seems to care more about the right wing than his own party, a truly boneheaded, collosal mistake, extremely stupid politics on the part of Obama (and his questionable staff, starting with Rahm “progressive activists are f—in’ stupid” Emmanuel).
All he has are those Blue Dog Dems, and guess what, they’re loyal to themselves first, not the Democratic party or Obama, and many of those could easily switch to the GOP (like many southern Dems did in 1994).
Then you may find another blog more suited to your tastes.
Oh, honey, it’s a hot summer Friday night for alla us. Kindly be kind. Please?
I’ve had a hankerin’ for key lime pie.
The GOP and the right hate him simply because he’s a Democrat and black
Fixed it. You left out an essential element.
Between Eli’s post and this one Glenn, all I really can say is “AAAARrrrrghhhh!”
So many of us feared this last year when Obama pulled his FISA turnabout. There was a whiff of something not being quite right.
When he picked Rahm to be his COS. It was an ill wind beginning to blow.
Then when he pulls Summers and Geithner of all people to lead his economic team. The stink made it clear whence that ill wind blew.
The bankers get-out-of-debt-free plan (with nothing for the little guy in the way of rewritten rules for mortgages in bankruptcy court) it really was becoming too obvious to ignore that it wasn’t just appearances, the stink was infecting policy.
The security state BS in the face of rampant promises to have the most transparent government we’ve ever had…I felt it was getting to be a gratuitous insult.
But if Obama feels like he can serve up this shit sandwich of a health plan and the left will ask for a f*cking second helping, he’s not as smart as we all give him credit for being.
I just shared a nice flan after a tostada dinner out. It was yum. But that pie looks nice enough to smear on someone. Doesn’t it?
The president’s apparent political naivete and ineptitude are bad enough but the condescension toward progressives is hard to take.
I think that if Rahm isn’t read in on the plan now, but is still working on it, then it’s no longer Rahm’s fault. The President is his boss, and if he’s not following the boss’s directions, then it’s time for him to leave. My guess is that he is following his boss’s directions, because there’s plenty in Obama’s past to indicate that he is willing to play things this way.
Taunting and flaming are strongly discouraged. One warning only.
If all we’re talking about is the public option, then the 80 percent of the American people who already have health insurance in the private insurance market, they say to themselves, well, what’s in it for me?
Possibly that I am not spending an insane amount on that health insurance. Like more than I can afford. That when I use it, I don’t suddenly find out everything under the sun is NOT covered. People who like their insurance typically have never used it for more than anything but a cold
Indeed.
Oh well.
Z
Well it’s only a Pillsbury but it was the best I could find. As for smearing it on someone, I’m inclined to think the introduction of body hair can detract from a good dessert.
Does smearing key lime pie constitue taunting? Just kidding, in a lightening up way.
Oh Jeebus, Demi, a clown outfit? What kind of vehicle did you use to get to the gig?
Or obscene deductibles and copays. I still haven’t had the colonoscopy my doctor suggested 7 years ago because my share is over $600.
Wasting good chocolate – venial or mortal sin?
But Key Lime Pie?
But, when there’s (especially, when) old hippies, there be body hair. Just nature.
The folks I’ve talked to who have had to use their insurance for a major medical condition or emergency said they ended up having to negotiate with the hospital just to bring the out of pocket expenditure down because their insurance company stuck them with thousands of dollars of unpaid claims.
I think I would at least have more respect for him if he would come out and say he can’t do the public option because he’s beholden to the insurance company money that he accepted. What the hell ever happened to him NOT acccepting money from corporations or lobbyists?
One of my sister-in-laws commented that she would be really mad if her husband was taxed for his health care benefits or were forced to give them up. It is actually quite understandable, since for the last ten years, her husband’s union has opted to not have a wage increase, but to keep their health care benefits at a high quality. They have an excellent policy, but they have paid for it with very low wages. Until those folks believe that the benefits they fought long and hard for won’t go away, you won’t be able to convince them. Considering how many of those on this blog worry about the intent of the President and the Senate, I don’t fault them for it.
Just knew that word would bring you out. It was for a Mask, Mime and Movement class in college. I was pretty cute, if I say so. White face. Red heart on the mouth lipstick. Wait,….I’m supposed to be dissing the O. Sorry for the O….T.
There was an episode of Becker in which he describes a colonoscopy to a patient something like this, “It’s no big deal, they stick a camera in your ass and watch it on TV. It’s a lot like everything else on TV.”
Anyway, it doesn’t seem like it should be so expensive when you could probably do it at home with a cell phone and a long piece of string.
Exactly.
Why is it that the Republicans campaign toward “the middle” and then once elected take a hard right turn, and then Dems get elected (with a sizable majority) and then do the exact same friggin thing?
Krugman’s anti-Bush critique was exactly right.
The way I deal with that issue is NOT to pay it. When the creditors come a calling I tell it is UnAmerican to pay health care bills that unreasonable. Fuck ‘em.
Better ask Rat. He ordered it.
(But, I’m guessing venal.)
I think I prefer the hospital procedure where they put you out for the duration.
We figure it will take us about 15 years to pay the medical debt we have incured with our child so far. We are considering switching to the HMO with the same carrier since our son has a “pre existing condition” but that scares the hell out of me as well. I’m still doing research.
There’s him not accepting corporate or lobbyist money then there’s Congress, who just happen to write the legislation, with the able assistance of said corporate lobbyists. *g*
IMO the sequence should be sex THEN dessert. Irrelevant in my case, so I would go straight to dessert.
You could say-Just wake me up when we all have full coverage.
Like my senior senator, Max Baucus (Whore-Insurance Industry).
Still wanna know what kind of vehicle you took to the gig. VW? Pumpkin? F1 car?
Yeah, but I don’t want to do a full Rip Van Winkle.
Sure do have a lot of Senators bendin’ over or on their knees.
And that’s just the Family.
If the chocolate is Hershey’s it’s a venial sin (falling in the category of self-abuse). If it is chocolate from Simon Dunn, definitely a mortal sin.
Would appear so. Should just rename the place the Bordello.
Oh, Dick. My first labor, I did Lamaze. The next two, I hadn’t finished the sign in paperwork before I asked, kindly of course, for the anethesiologist. Now!
I think the one thing Obama hasn’t taken into account re: the whole belt/suspenders thingy: Ya don’t need both… It’s either one or the other. I would prefer the suspenders (metaphorically speaking, of course).
;~P
I always credit the fact that we literally cannot remember pain (we remember having pain, but not the pain itself) for the fact that any woman ever has more than one child.
Honey. Two margaritas a piece. He’s asleep. I’m here. :)
I think what Obama would prefer is a willing suspension of disbelief.
T’was a dark blue Nova. If I recall. Spewed smoke every time I added oil. Had to do it in the middle of night, in the middle of nowhere.
And I for one ain’t willing.
Two margaritas like this?
Hes gonna get caught with his pants down
You are seriously taunting my salivary glands.
Ya don’t need both
Unless the man can’t even trust his own pants.
the whole “dessert” thing was infuraiatingly patronizing, especially since he was talking to us…he must think that our plate of steamed dog shit counts as dessert. the insurance and drug companies got the all you can eat dessert buffet, but hes feeding us hammerd shit and talking to us like were his kids.
They were Cadillacs and much smaller. No girl.
Since Obama started scapegoating progressives right off the bat we have time to get used to it before he blames us for the bill going down in flames. His contempt toward us is a gift, an act of mercy if you will…
He is being enormously condescending and dismissive towards progressives, which is not only wrong, but incredibly stupid politically. They were instrumental in getting him elected. Now he gives them the finger.
Maybe Obama should go to one of these teabag rallies and see how much the right wing likes him. Then the left wouldn’t look so bad in comparison.
If many are not happy with Obama and won’t vote for him next time then they cannot possibly vote repug. Will we all just sit out the election? And what the f happens if the pugs get back in. How much more damage is left to be done?
Where do we go from here? Do we start looking for a true progressive to run for prez? Or do we look for true progressives to primary all of the doophi dems?
Funny thing about the Nova. Chevy couldn’t understand why their sales in Central and South America sucked. I mean, doesn’t everyone want a car named “No Go?”
That is the Mother F’ing truth.
It is, in fact, like shiting a pumpkin.
“So, let me pick up the fumble: The choice provided by public health insurance as one option available to consumers provides a level of competition that encourages increased efficiency and compliance in the private sector. If private insurers have to compete with a government-run program like Medicare, which operates with less than a tenth the overhead of private plans, then insurance companies will likely be forced to reduce their currently usurious 35 percent cut. “
And GOD i remember when he was talking that talk. seems like just yesterday….
Primary the hell out of all of them. Let them know that their actions have consequences.
well we know what happens if the pugs get back in power. they will lie to us and patronize us and not fix the healt care problem but they WONT OWE ME MONEY like this clown does. we got ripped off
I’ll vote for Dems as the lesser of evils, as I always have.
I fear many disenchanted young voters will choose to sit it out.
I’m not going to say anything because Elmore wears a belt and suspenders…..when he is working…. red suspenders…..
So fucking tired of all this bullshit….. a 57 yr old female diagnosed 2 years ago with stage 4 kidney cancer……one of the rarest types and the top 10 killer……ya…. I really need to hear all this fighting over weather I will live or die.
approved for social security disability this last week dated back to May 1.
I’m now driving an old Honda. Do you know what that means? Besides the fact that I can’t afford a politically correct vehichle?
True, they won’t owe you money but they most definitely will give more of your money to corporate america.
this disenchanted older voter will sit it out.
My grandmother always said if the woman had the first baby and the man had the second, nobody would have more than two children. She was mistaken as I am certain lots of men would be willing to let the woman have the third before calling it quits.
Howard Dean, perchance?
im finding that hard to belive right now. they never propose FORCING me to give my money to insurance companies…
Both? My dad looked very dashing in his suspenders. I bet Elmore does too.
(We’re the same age. Prolly doesn’t mean too much, but, still.)
No they just cut taxes for the rich while they increase yours. What would you call increase in premiums?
Glad to hear you were approved. Do you have to wait until May 2011 to be eligible for Medicare?
thats like begging for a led zeppelin reunion. lets not go down that dead end alley. i LOVE dean and hes doing a lot of good, but they will never let him win.
Looking better all the time, as I told Obama in my email earlier this week.
yes i know. im not defending republicans. i wont defend republicans but actions have consequences. i wont be used by a crooked, corporately bought democratic party anymore. they need to provide some results.all they need to do is figure that out and they could be carvilles “40 year” party.
Isn’t there a health care march in september?
Being out of office and not seeking another allows Dean to speak candidly. Wish there were more like him. Edwards might have played a role if he hadn’t been such a stupid dick.
Thank goodness!
It sure does. Have a look at a panel from last week.
“Dr. Dean at NRN – Ideas on health care: The power of NOT having to run for office“
All the other stuff you have to do in your position is tough enough. We shouldn’t have to worry about whether insurance will cover it, or how we’re going to get insurance that will cover it if it turns out that we find it shortly after buying a new policy.
Good about SS.
I just loved that line from OUATITW. It defined the relationship of those two characters in one sentence.
Just out of curiosity, do you ever get even a bot when you email Obama and politely check the box saying that you want a reply?
I was thinking about two special people here today.
1) Mary — have you ever submitted your poetry to a publisher? You might want to think about that. And, you shown them to your girls? Do it.
2) Katy — on my heart today, earlier. Sending much White Light your way.
i unsubscribed to OFA this week and so did everyone in my familly, they provide a “how come you dont love me anymore” box and we told them why. NO PO? then NO GO
Jane Hamsher is my president
Not a peep and I always check that box. I email about once or twice a week, whenever his bullshit bipartisan kabuki pisses me off.
Now that IS a dream…too good to be true. i hate to think of Jane on that spot though. she is where she is suposed to be.
Yep…May 2011….unless someone like congress weiner or bernie sanders gets their way……
I have been published. Along time ago during the nineties there was a bay area magazine called the TomCat. I was in it about five times. And several other small publications in the Sonoma/Marin area. I am thinking about self publishing. Thanks for asking. Maybe I will get the ball rolling.
Speaking of peeps, is Gregg even here with us tonight?
Sing, dance, eat and Publish. Then, you could buy a red Mazarrati and take me out for a drive.
Gregg P?
You are stuck with me, I am afraid.
re this Obama quote from Gregg’s post
“is that all these things are important, and that if the debate ends up being focused on just one aspect of it, then we’re missing the boat.”
Uh, would that boat be the Titanic? Or, am I mis-thinking?
I was thinking more like the public option is the boat. If not for the PO there is nothing worth voting for.
That is good, although Dean says more than once that he thinks the president has put forward the best possible bill… I am not aware of Obama having articulated such a clear vision, he seems willing to concede or water down virtually any portion of his plan.
Greg P has only one g. I was thinking of the Friday Night Top Liner Gregg. But, will be happy with Lurk Person. *g*
Time for me to head out. Take care all, but don’t take any fake progressives.
Lurk is special.
Or don’t fake any progressive takers.
Sleep like an angel, Dick. (Kiss on the forehead.)
Good Nite, Dr Dick.
When I got approved it was retroactive 16 months, so I only had to wait 8. I’m sorry they didn’t do something similar for you. At least now you’ll be getting some additional income during the interim.
I gonna take a little break from the puter. Been on it tooooo long. My body is complaining. See you all later.
Nighters. Me too, splendid evening to all.
“…missed the
boatplane.”Floats, but will not fly.
Smootches to you, Mare-Mare. (Not necessarily on the forehead.)
I like Mary. That’s just how it is.
Rat Dear. Lots of hearts.
doing things you wish and dream about….. want to go back to Europe but it started me thinking….. land based travel is not handicapped friendly, lots of stairs, no handrails, only high end hotels have elevators……
But river cruses would……. we could cruse, stop at various spots and then get back on the boat…. rent cars when we can …. ya I know there would be things that we would miss but it would be better than not going at all…
Monsoon storm going like crazy…..
Not to mention practically defines “money sink”.
Hughes was ahead of his time, yeah.
I’ve never been to Europe. Did you ever hear the Judy Collins song, My father always promised us, that we would live in France…We’d go boating on the Seinne, and I would learn to dance. ?
Just a drive by, central bankers are meeting in Jackson Hole, as clueless as ever.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08…..lobal-home
This is stupid beyond belief. Not one fundamental problem of the housing bubble, the financial meltdown, and secondary bubbles has been addressed in anything but the most cursory fashion, and these loons with a few caveats are declaring the worst over. They never saw any of this coming but now they know it’s essentially over? I have never seen a financial and economic leadership so dedicated to depression and the collapse of the world trading and financial system.
damn you made Elmore cry reading the lyrics…..
Me too, now. We can share tears.
Send “My Father” Ringtone to your Cell
My father always promised us
That we would live in France
We’d go boating on the Seine
And I would learn to dance
We lived in Ohio then
He worked in the mines
On his dreams like boats
We knew we would sail in time
All my sisters soon were gone
To Denver and Cheyenne
Marrying their grownup dreams
The lilacs and the man
I stayed behind the youngest still
Only danced alone
The colors of my father’s dreams
Faded without a sound
And I live in Paris now
My children dance and dream
Hearing the ways of a miner’s life
In words they’ve never seen
I sail my memories of home
Like boats across the Seine
And watch the Paris sun
As it sets in my father’s eyes again
My father always promised us
That we would live in France
We’d go boating on the Seine
And I would learn to dance
I sail my memories of home
Like boats across the Seine
And watch the Paris sun
As it sets in my father’s eyes again
everybody will benefit from industry cost containment (’cept for those who overprice their policies, their services and their drugs). ’sides, I bet that millions will defect to the PO if it’s strong and well designed. Just think about what this will do to help family and small businesses.
If Obama ruins this for us, I say it’s time to start fielding legitimate 3rd Party candidates.
It’s clear the Republicans have fucked up and don’t deserve to hold office. The Neo Cons and morons have infested the party, and it deserves to die a slow death.
If Democrats ruin this, the Blue Dogs, Obama, anyone. Screw them.
Time for Independents, or a “real” Progressive Party, or something. Anything.
I have only voted for Democrats since 2004 (the year I could first vote) because Republicans have pissed me off.
If Democrats ruin it for me now, I have no problem swearing off both parties. This country’s bullshit 2 parties and nobody else system is stupid anyway.
Instead of all of the whining out here about what Obama isn’t doing, what are you doing to help pass healthcare reform? I believe when he was campaigning, he said, “The American people must be involved to make democracy work”.
He really is something isn’t he? This country is so infantile, it just can’t handle the truth. Americans want their myths and fairytales and if it isn’t the Republicans giving it to them, it’s the Democrats.
Framing the health care reform effort in those terms also diminishes its urgency to the vast majority of Americans. Those who have insurance can afford to be more critical if they have access to health care. If the effort were framed as an attempt to “do the right thing,” Obama could appeal to the inherent sense of justice most Americans have.
I think Obama has botched this thing and even if we eventually get something it’s not going to be what most of us want.
and it’s not going to be what the U.S. needs as well. It really is looking like Obama blew it and millions of people who voted for him must be feeling “buyers remorse.” His fetish of “bipartisanship” will destroy his Presidency, the Democratic Party and ultimately the country. I actually think his bipartisanship has been nothing more than political cover.
Frankly, I haven’t a clue why Obama is traveling the “bipartisan” road. He’s been around long enough to know Republicans define the term as “my way or the highway.” It’s almost as if he wants to look like he’s doing something but not really risk anything.
“–I actually think his bipartisanship has been nothing more than political cover.”
“Frankly, I haven’t a clue why Obama is traveling the “bipartisan” road. He’s been around long enough to know Republicans define the term as “my way or the highway.” It’s almost as if he wants to look like he’s doing something but not really risk anything.”
Agreed. The only reason he is clinging to this blatantly phoney “bipartisan” crap is because otherwise he would have do what the majority of Americans want him to do and his Wall Street base would be pissed. The “bipartisan” thing gives him an excuse.
Wow, such a good post, and then you go to the crutch of liberals – the race card. Ugh. Needing, and offering, no more proof then Marc Ambinder did to say that liberals based their being right on Bush politicizing the terror alert level on ‘gut hatred’, you take the debate and assume the reason people are against the public opinion is because they’re hateful, non-enlightened people like us. Bah. There are plenty of reasons for people to be against the public opinion, many of them because of lies, some of them less so. People have been convinced that there will be death panels. That they will be forced to go in front of government officials and beg for coverage they need. That it will end up being a huge money hole that will just increase our national debt and give govt more control over their lives. But let’s just bring out our worst insult and assume that that’s the reason they’re not agreeing with us.
Note: This is not directed toward “Evelyn”. I’m still figuring out how to post.
What Sandbun said. I’m in favor of everything that Obama is pushing for and more. I want single payer. Why? Because I think it will benefit ME! OK? Purely selfish reasons I claim. I don’t wish to be proven a hypocrit. However,if I happened to work for a corporation that provided me with pretty good medical benefits I would really enjoy the courtesy of, purely as a matter of self interest, being able to defend what I currently have, and not be accused by Mr. Levine or another so called “Progressive” of harboring dark racist motives.
You progressives like to pretend wonder why the average working class white male is not on your side, but you don’t really try to figure it out. Instead you demonize and scapegoat him as a backward and wicked neanderthal while contorting yourselves to pat yourselves on the back for your inclusive humanity as compared to the backward and wicked white male who mysteriously refuses to work with you. If your movement wasn’t so full of beans in that way we might all make some progress.
Show some evidence if you’re going to accuse people of something as terrible as racism.