CNN

[...] manages to kill healthcare reform this year, then perhaps some brave Democrat should introduce a new kind of bill - cutting off every member of Congress from the "public option" that protects [...]

I hear Mrs. Clinton extoll her track record of bringing about change but I wonder why no one has challenged that statement using the fact that her highest profile role of leadership for change is when her husband gave her a leading role in health care reform and, because of her failure in that role, the opportunity for health care reform was buried for the duration of the Clinton administration.

It,s a good thought John, but people whodon,t know how congress works are now saying Democrats didn,t live up to their promises, not true. But it will take 60 votes to make it to the floor with congress and 67 votes to override a presidental veto. Now as much as your heart is in it, do you honestly think enough people in congress will vote yes to have their health insurance cut off, that is the exact reason that the Democrats can,t get things passed theve tried to , not that they haven,t brought up the issues the American people were concerned with in 2006. Good Luck John and God Bless. A Concerned Citizen

"Why is it that John Edwards supporters, among others, believe the goverment should have the responsibility to take care of U.S citizens healthcare? Socialism is not the answer. Our federal government will collapse our economy in order to pay for this very crazy idea. And do you really think the goverment has the capability to achieve this? They can't even help hurricane victims and veterans."

I believe that this is Mr. Edwards' point. I can appreciate the fact that the gov't. needn't take care of U.S. citizens, however, I have noticed that they (Congress et al) take care of themselves. Why should these bureaucratic professionals have the entitlements that are not available to all?

I do know that Congress would not vote their privileged status away. Maybe the real problem is Congress itself and this is why I will vote against ALL incumbents who have created a huge number of problems in the process of taking care of themselves.

Experts on body language contend that when someone is blinking rapidlyand continuously while speaking, they are lying. Check out Edwards as he is giving this speech...

And a another Nut Case goes public!

When your a fool you should refrain from opening your mouth and confirming the fact to the world!

Ever hear of Private Health Care for Politicians John? Do yourself a favour and put a zipper on your lip.

Paying elected officials was actually a rather progressive idea in its day. The idea was to enable more people to serve in government-when government officials were unpaid, only the rich could afford to serve, thus government was composed of wealthy individuals.

The same could be said for providing healthcare, only the wealthly will serve in government if they have to pay for it themselves. You think the Republicans care? No, they all got healthcare, so what if they lose their benefits.John Edwards has unintentionally put his foot in his mouth with this one.

John Edwards doesn't have anymore power then I do to take healthcrae away from Congress and the Senate. I think John sounds like a desparate man. Hillary is going to get the parties nomintion John, get over yourself.

Would the people on here that are praising Edwards (a criminal lawyer and I don't mean he represents criminals other than himself), and Osama Obama (a known radical Islamist to all but the most dense), please send me some of what you are smoking so I can get lost in the haze of Insanity with you.

Nice thought, but come on John, you know this is grandstanding.

Should Edwards win the Democratic nod (not likely); get elected president (even less likely, but still possible); and then introduce this legislation; the chances of it passing are somewhere between never-ever-gonna-happen and zero.

So why go through the effort, unless you want to impress someone or need the free publicity.

I am tired of all the false promises! If I am not mistaken, The Congress writes legislation, the President either signs or vetos. Congress will not vote themselves out a job (Term limits) so why does Edwards believe they will vote for this. A better question is why does Edwards believe the voters will believe this? This is crazy! Can anyone ay...desperate???

Why is it that John Edwards supporters, among others, believe the goverment should have the responsibility to take care of U.S citizens healthcare? Socialism is not the answer. Our federal government will collapse our economy in order to pay for this very crazy idea. And do you really think the goverment has the capability to achieve this? They can't even help hurricane victims and veterans.

How many millions did John Edwards suck OUT of the medical industry as a trial lawyer? This money cured no patients...and simply made the medical industry practice expensive 'litigation-prevention' tactics, raised doctor's malpractice insurance which then gets passed on to us, and bought him that massive home and pampered lifestyle.

Restore the free market to health care, take away the legal gravy train, and decrease the need for insurance in the first place and health care pricing will fall into line with other goods and services.

Edwards is just pandering with meaningless sound bites that would have no effect even if they DID become law.

Desperate men say desperate things.

Edwards is a good man. I would vote for an Obama/Edwards ticket in a heartbeat. Think of what a great team they would make. In my mind, Obama has more legislative experience than Edwards and also better judgement as he opposed the Iraq war from the start. But with a few more years, Edwards would make a fine, fine follow up to Obama in the oval office.

Our nation would truly be back on top with great men like Obama and Edwards in office.
Lance in Monrovia, CA

*Lance your words are golden to me. I totally agree!

Is this idea of cutting off coverage for top government officials actually feasable? Could this be done by executive order; or would congress have to take up the bill? I like Edwards and this is a bold statement.

"I swear I learned in 5th grade that Congress has to pass bills that the Pres proposes; so unless that changed, I think you're right, John."

Hi Beth,

Just a friendly "help"... the President does not dictate what laws to pass – rather – the President is the "idea" person who challenges Congress to help pass laws addressing national concerns. Congress creates, debates, and passes laws they feel best serve in the interest of the Country. The President then must sign the bills into law – and can veto any legislation he disagrees with.

So.. if John Edwards told congress to get rid of their health benefits... congress would tell John Edwards to go fly a kite.

Even If the legislation didn't pass, the public would know every congressman and senator who voted against it. They would be forced to reveal themselves as crooks. Good idea John I've been saying this for years.
Plus with John Edwards or Barack Obama the money will go towards keeping Americans healthy and not in the Hillraisers pockets.

I swear I learned in 5th grade that Congress has to pass bills that the Pres proposes; so unless that changed, I think you're right, John.

Sadly, though, I still think Edwards is probably the most qualified/reasonable person for the job that's running.

Bring it, John. She and the other candidates have certainly had long enough to think about it and now she acts like she's got some new idea or some new way to get us there. DREAM ON, Mrs. Clinton. You had your chance and you failed. My health and that of other Americans is far too important to give you a second chance.

Anyone who's paying attention knows that you came out with an extremely comprehensive proposal for universal healthcare that is TRULY universal months ago. The other candidates have certainly had their chance...and they failed to do anything but stall and stall and then copy portions of your most excellent plan and try to claim them as their own. NOT what we need in our president! Good grief, look what we've got in office now. Have we learned NOTHING?!?!?

GO JOHN GO...We're behind you all the way to OUR White House! Wake UP, America! Don't we deserve a president we can TRUST to make decisions on our behalf!?!?!?

Notice that John doesn't promise to give us the same health care plan as Congress and he doesn't promise to make Congress use his "Universal Health Care Plan" for us.

No more mandatory plans from double standard hypocrites elected to represent us.

"...I will submit legislation that ends health care coverage for the president, all members of Congress, and all senior political appointees..."

Hmmm...and who is going to vote for this legislation, the people you want to deny issurance coverage for? Yeah, I'm sure Congress is going to vote yes on that type of legislation.

We can't afford the price tag that comes with a democratic president. People can't afford the taxes they're paying now. Wait till be get government institutional health coverage. You might get medicine for your flu at no cost but what happens if something real bad happens like cancer or a long term disability? You think the government is going to fork over that sort of money? You're a fool if you say yes.

The entire benefit package of these officials should be revised, not the SSI. When I leave a job my benefits end, only in the land of oz(DC)are Benefits and Pay forever:^(

In order to not be a hypocrite Mr Edwards can offer to give all his profits to charity. He wouldn't want to keep money he made suing crooks.

Catchy idea to pander to labor dinosaurs, but comprehensive health care ain't gonna happen under Shrillary or anyone else so please stop the posturing.

Now if only he would promise to pass a bill that strips the executive and legislative branches of their pension plans until a law is passed preventing companies from eliminating their pensions plans thru bankruptcy ala Delta and United Airlines.

This and his plan to strip health care benefits would entice Congress to move heaven and earth to protect American citizens, especially lower and middle class.

I like that idea! They make more than most Americans and should foot the bill for their health. They do work for us (the citizens) after all.

Edwards is a good man. I would vote for an Obama/Edwards ticket in a heartbeat. Think of what a great team they would make. In my mind, Obama has more legislative experience than Edwards and also better judgement as he opposed the Iraq war from the start. But with a few more years, Edwards would make a fine, fine follow up to Obama in the oval office.

Our nation would truly be back on top with great men like Obama and Edwards in office.

Uh huh... and in your legislation you present to Congress denying THEM health coverage will you include YOU and your family, Mr Edwards?

How about you stop all health coverage right now for your family and make a personal statement?

John Edwards doesn't deserve to be President because of his ignorance of how laws are passed. Does he REALLY think congress is going to pass a law removing their healthcare?

Keep dreaming John.