We can't afford Universal Health Care as outlined. Medicare and Medicade costs are rising rapidly. And some people who are healthy don't want to purchase insurance, and those who are wealthy only want to pay the medical bills as needed. How does Clinton intend to force everyone to "purchase" insurance?
We can't get people to buy auto insuarnce, and not having it is in violation of the law.

Although I agree with universal health care I dont think it should be mandated! If its mandated then the QUALITY of the care will go down!! Look at all other mandated things like i.e. social security!!

While we do need universal healthcare, Hilary's plan is a joke. The main reason why people don't have healthcare now is because they can't financially afford it. Mandating it is not going to help anything. If it's not more affordable, garnishing people's wages for insurance is only going to contribute to our already declining economy. Obama has said repeatedly that his first step in providing healthcare is to make it more affordable for the average American.

Man…can someone please remind the Clintons how badly Hillary did with health care in the 90s?

Why would Obama need a rebuttal for Bill Clinton, he's running against Hillary, not Bubba.

How about changing the headline- Clinton tells the truth about Obama's health care plan.

Keywords: "…when we finally got the business community and the medical community in line behind us."

What kind of horse trading on the cheap will Obama have to resort to to get his lobby-less plan through Congress?

Well Bill, some people think that Hillary's socialist health care plan is scary. You know, the whole FORCING people to buy it and garnishing their wages if they don't.

I'm a lot more comfortable with the idea of just making it affordable for everyone.

It seems to me that almost everyone who already has a strong affinity to a Obama or Hillary can't seem to be open to any one's else's perception of "their"candidate. I am leaning towards supporting Obama but I'm still not sure, I'm having difficulty with the driver license issue. . I take offense at those who state that Obama has no plans/ no solutions. He has them outlined quite efficiently on his web site. If you would read for yourself instead of expecting a candidate to cover details on every issue during a 10 minute speech you would be much better informed. As for Hillary…I was leaning towards her at first but the mismanagement of $100+ million has me a little nervous. It was Hillary who chastised Obama when he said he was not a CEO -she tore him up about the responsibilty of the president to manage and monitor all that goes on. She has some explaining to do about needing to loan her campaign $5 million if in fact she was managing and monitoring. I actually like her health care agenda better but I have to question her real motivation. I can't stand that she has resorted to negative politics …it only forces everyone else to engage in these counterproductive tactics. I truly believe the ability of both of these candidates to push through most of their promises will hinge on the support of congress. I am concerned about Hillary's ability to get the needed support. I'm also concerned about the Dems losing the majority in congress if Clinton becomes pres. She will rally the republican army like it or not. The question is can we be ready for them this time. Bottom line is I'm still undecided.

What happens if you don't follow the "mandate" to buy insurance? Do you go to the slammer? I would go to their websites, but I'm sure it's just beautiful lies and vagaries.

The reality is that the differences between Obama and Clinton on the health care issue is irrelevant.

Any health care legislation will be drafted Congress, it will not be drafted by our next president. Whether it's Obama or Clinton, they'll be able to sign it into law, but they won't be able to dictate terms, mandates or coverage.

So the rhetoric about health care distinctions between these two candidates is just overblown politicking. Big shock there, right?

This is clearly not an attack but a highlighting of differences between the two candidates. Way to spin it CNN!!!

I disagree, I think it is an attack. Obama is not "denying" anyone anything, he is just not making it "mandatory".

Truthfully, I think mandatory healthcare is a bit to much parenting for my taste. Give me accessibility, but don't make it mandatory.

I know it makes for a better headline, but I don't see this as an attack. It's pointing out the differences in the two health plans.

Let's take a poll of how many people really want universal healthcare, which is really socialized medicine. Do I want to give Hillary Clinton the powere to go into my paycheck in order enforce a mandate. What other countries have socialized medicine that we would actually want? The fact is that there is no way to cover everyone. What about homelss people? What about illegal immigrants? How about drug dealers and people who make money under the table? How do you make someone sleeping on the street buy health insurance? She also wants to freeze interest rates. Why aren't people afraid of these policies?

How is that an attack? Common.

have a referendum instead of deciding for us, we are a capitalist free market society you can not mandate health insurance, which insurer is going to underwrite those policies , are they going to create their own companies to cover these policies

They both have similar plans, except Hillary will enforce a mandate; and enforce she will. I find her to be insincere to the people of America. She can't even do the simplest of things as congratulate someone on their victory. Also, how is she going to manage the country when she can't even manage her campaign. Obama pretty much came out with a plan and has stuck with it. He has managed a wonderful campaign and Hillary is a sore loser. Don't forget how she spoke badly about the people in Iowa, smiled in New Hampshire and had the nerve to campaign and put her name on the ballot in Michigan and Florida. She broke her own pledge.

MANDATE =GARNISHED WAGES

Bill needs to shut up…this is not his campaign!

Hillary Clinton had 8 years as First Lady to create a "universal health care system " for this nation. Her only other job was to seek out a qualified candidate for Attorney General. We got Janet Reno. If she could not get a universal health care system set up in 8 years, why and who should believe that she can do it now??

What exactly does Hillary mean by Universal Health plan her family is singing about in USA? Forcing citizens to buy health insurance is not the right direction to go to keep cost down. Hillary plan is give back to her lobbyists who funded her campaign. Why can't Hillary offer USA a real Universal Health Care plan like Canada, France, U.K to name a few? Hillary only car about Hillary. Americans wake up folks.
OBAMA 08
GO OBAMA GO
YES WE CAN

It's an attack because Bill is not properly identifying the differences between the health care issues. Obama's plan isn't mandatory, it opens up the market, and it is a public-private partnership. It's much more likely to be accepted to Congress than a plan that requires mandatory enrollment. I am all about UHC, but I can recognize that we have to be bi-partisan to get things done. Obama's solution is a great solution that can happen in real time.

Obama '08

What's with CNN? I thought you were the fair/balanced media outlet. It's clear Obama is your candidate of choice. I will vote the democratic nominee whether it is Clinton or Obama. But I long for a media outlet that is not manipulating the news. How abot responsible reporting of the facts? The headline "Bill Clinton Attacks…" is blatant anti-Clinton. The quotes reported are not exactly attacking. What a disappointment. At least change your web site to what you really are "CNNFOROBAMACOM"

Hey Bill,
Obama is running against Hillary and not you. When does a spouse take on the agenda of an opposing candidate during an election cycle. Never in my understanding. She is the one running and you should be cool and act like a spouse. Michelle Obama is not in the attacking mode nor is the wife of John McCain. Your attacks tells me that you both would be president if she elected. Americans do not want another Rome with two or three popes. Take a backseat and enjoy the ride.

When will Bill Clinton is going to realize the movement for change is real ? Hillary will be a footnote of this transformative historical shift this time in this great country and the world. Mr. Obama has touched a nerve of most Americans wish to bring about a government they were waiting for a long time. A government of the united people of the United states of America and his mindset to bring about real change is always in terms of we, our and us and Hillary talks about I, my and me. The administration of Bill Clinton's long eight years were ineffective and marred in crisis after crisis and was only lucky to have been president during the dotcom boom.

Is Hillary offering health care for free? What the hell it means "universal?"

Go back to hibernation Bill

Nothing in the system will ever be perfect but if we have someone that has the power of us at least starting to get there I'm all for voting for them. I honestly will back whichever democratic candidate gets the nomination, but in my heart I know who has the keys to get us there. The person that does not have the front page spread but is buried in between the covers. If that person does not win, only then will I turn to the beauty queen.

"It would be truly tragic if the Democratic Party walked away from universal health care for the first time in 60 years"
"……..but would in fact deny us universal health care coverage for the first time,"
What a lie this is. How can he say Sen Obama's plan would deny us Universal Health Care for the first time when we have never had it?

THE WAY I SEE IT, IF HEALTH INSURANCE IS NOT MADE FOR EVERYONE TO HAVE IT,WE ALL WILL BE PAYING FOR SOMEONE WHO GETS SICK OR HURT THAT DOES NOT HAVE HEALTH INS. AND AS FOR TAKEN IT OUT OF YOUR PAY CHECK, YOU LET YOUR EMPLOYER DO JUST THAT BECAUSE IF YOU DIDN'T YOU WOULD HAVE NO INSURANCE. WE SHOULD ALL BE FOR THE COMMON GOOD OF EVERYONE, WE REALY SHOULD CLEAN HOUSE ANY ONE WHO HAS BEEN IN OFFICE FOR LONGER THAN TWO TERMS SHOULD HAVE TO GOOOOOOOOOOOOO. CAROL

Oh, yeah, because Hillary Rodham Clinton did such a great job with Health Care, didn't she?

please remind me WHO is running? did you all hear what he just said the other day: VOTE for me? WHO IS RUNNING?

he had his chance to do for the people so did Hillary, and did they do anything? they had 35 years and still no health plan, in fact her own campaign people do not even have salaries, do they have health coverage?

So is Bill now the candidate???? what is going on?

I add to my post 2.13 PM that to make any mandatory plan real,
the payments by the beneficiaries must be made through the employer, who will deduce the corresponding amount from the paycheck, all the procedure being enforced by the government.
This is the way in Germany and in other european countries.

This is the only way to ensure that the beneficiary pays his due, as
the insurer cannot fire him, being the insurance mandatory !!!

TOM

The attack dog is out working again. I do not think Michelle comes out attacking Hillary. Spouses are supposed to promote their partners not to attack the opponents.

"Why aren't people afraid of these policies?"

Yes. Let's be afraid of terrorism. Let's be afraid of Hillary's policies. Let's just be afraid of EVERYTHING!

If you want to base your decisions on FEAR and not on a competent and reasoned analysis of the facts and choices before us, then join the [R] party. They are the poster children for bad decision making based on demagoguery and fear-mongering. What I "fear" are the people who choose to be on the side of irrational decision making processes. Those who subscribe to that nonsense endanger our country in the long run much more than terrorists or "socialist" medicine.

Mandate means everyone is covered. If they do not have coverage who picks up the Tab if they get sick, accident etc. ??? Again the Tax Payer? ER rooms?? Why then have Universal Care - We stay the same!!! Universal Care is so everyone can be taken care of at all times if they are sick.

Clinton health care plan is better. Everybody should pay a little something for their health insurance. Nothing should be completely free. Promises of totally free healthcare does not mean that it will happen.

Hillary will win Hawawii, Wisconsin and then go on to win Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania by a wide margin.

I don't want to be "FORCED" to buy health insurance, especially nothing the government will put out. I don't want to have to wait 4 months for an appointment, or over a year for surgery that is necessary. Sorry, BIll, but Hillary is not my candidate. I didn't vote for you the 2nd time either, because she was trying to shove health care down our throats. When Hillary actually "cares" about people, and not herself, come talk to me.

I think Bill has every wright to attack Obama on health care.After all he and Hillary did such a great job for us when they had their 8 years,which is all they are going to have.She certainly has experience.None has served us.It served Bush and his 100 year war.I knew a great Irish
Rose who said "Fool me once.Shame on you.Fool me twice.Shame on me." We have been fooled plenty.

Obama says he wants to make Health Care AFFORDABLE

But I have yet to hear WHAT IS AFFORDABLE…put a dollar amount on it….he says it will save the avg american family $2500 but how is that calculated?

So again, please SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT AFFORDABLE IS?

What is the best guess estimated MONTHLY PREMIUM i will have to pay for AFFORDABLE insurance.

As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather have health care affordable for me and my family at any time, instead of a system that mandates it…
Obama's plan is the best for me, there's no doubt about it, everything is clearly explained on his web site (tab: Issues).

Bill is right. If the universal care in not mandatory, there will be a large number of people left out of the universal care system. Some of them think they are too healthy to buy for it, but what if accidents occur? Who's responsible for your loss? Some of them are too rich to care about it, but universal care still help if they buy. Some of them want to save their buy and don't want to buy it, but what if you are sick then the money you pay for is going to be much more than what you buy for the health care.

Obama has no clue how to run this country? he said during a debate in nevada that he need somebody who is smarter then him to help him run this country. People we can't not afford to make the same mistake like we did with Bush all over again. Obama is very good how to make people laught,cry and happy. is that what Obama supporter what in a president? Me, I want somebody like Hillary Clinton who actually have an experience,knowlege and know how to make this country great again for everyone. Go Hillary 08!

Bill Clinton is soooooooooo annoying. He didn't accomplish anything great with HealthCare while he was President so he has some NERVE goign after OBAMA -after all, OBAMA's plan DOE COVER EVERYONE- EVERY CHILD and EVERY ADULT WHO WANT IT! He doesn't garnish your paycheck like Hillary will—I SAY NO TO SOCIALIZED MEDICINE- thanks but no thanks—–OBAMA IS THE SOLUTION TO THIS old politics business–I can't wait till March 4th so the OBAMA campaign can settle this once —especially with a UNION backing him–SEIU is BIG and they represent the working male and woman—voters in OHIO will get that! OBAMA 08

Clinton did finally release what will happen to people if they do not buy helth insurance under her mandate. The cost of insurance will be removed from their paychecks before they get paid. For a lot of people (myself included) that would make it a choice between health care and food/shelter. I'm sorry, but no matter how nice health care is, it is more important to keep a roof over my head and food on my table.

So refreshing to hear other people state their fears and downright disgust for HRC's "mandatory" healthcare policies.

Makes you wonder what else she would "mandate" doesn't it?

And exactly who will be paying for all these subsidies and mandates. Certainly not the poor or the rich!

Well why doesn't Hillary pay for it, since she obviously has $5 million to loan herself in a vain attempt to grab more power.

If she truly wants to be president in order to help people as she claims, she certainly wouldn't be playing politics as usual.

No wonder people want change…

Obama '08

Amy the agreement was that candidates would not campaign in michigan and florida not that couldnt be on the ballot, may i remind you that obama was also on the ballot in florida. take you misinformed misguided posts elswhere because fabrications are not welcommed here

Actually I think that universal coverage is something we all could benefit from if we could just think for a second about others over ourselves. I think Clinton's plan to mandate health insurance is smart, because it means that everyone has to have it and therefore people won't be going into the emergency room after an ailment has gone untreated and end up costing the entire system more money. People need to have insurance mandated because we all think we aren't going to get into an accident and/or get sick. Clinton's plan is smart and empathetic to EVERYONE having the right to their health. And most places that have socialized medicine, I'd like to add, have MUCH healthier citizens and bankruptcy as a result of medical bills isn't something millions of their citizens have to worry about everyday.

Bob writes:

What happens if you don't follow the "mandate" to buy insurance? Do you go to the slammer? I would go to their websites, but I'm sure it's just beautiful lies and vagaries.

This is not biblical times they won't throw you in the slammer for not being able to afford something. Get real.

Scott writes:

Let's take a poll of how many people really want universal healthcare, which is really socialized medicine. Do I want to give Hillary Clinton the powere to go into my paycheck in order enforce a mandate.

You say you don't want Hillary to have the power to go into your paycheck. How do you think the government gets our taxes. They don't knock at our door and say pretty please they take it out of your paychecks. I would not mind universal healthcare because now my husband and I pay 400 a month for health insurance and it is not that great. The congress I am sure has better health insurance than I do so yeah I would like their insurance.

Does anyone think anymore? Do you know what happens if she enforces a mandate that every American citizen get health care? You'll end up with 2 groups: The Haves - who have the financial means to get top notch health care. The Have-Nots - Everyone else. Companies will drop health insurance as a benefit since it will be provided by the government and the QUALITY of health care will decline very very quickly. The alternative to that is everyone gets quality health care and 50% of your paycheck is gone like it is in other "free" countries that implement this system. There is a term in physics that is true in every situation that exists. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. You people need to THINK!

CNN is calling this an attack?

We americans need health care. What about the disabled and the poor. Under Hillary's plan all people will be covered.

Stop making this a rock concern and vote policy. I want health care for all and I want my home.

Go Hillary….finally someone will see that your policies are what matter.

You go girl!

Never have I seen so stubborn people as the "Billary".
They really don't learn form their mistakes. They know that their support is tangling because of ths supids attacks they directed toward Barack.
The way they are insulting Barack is a like they insulting democratic voters that have make the yong senatortheir choice.
If they keep insulting those voters will they vote for them if they defeat Barack ?
Let us think a bit.
Why can OLD Experiended "BIllaries" spend time insulting and digging in insignificant records of a Young inexperienced boy ?

Why are the Experienced "Billaries" getting tough time before the Inexperienced Barack ?

This just means, The real change is in the air.

Let's pick it.

The difference between not having auto insurance and health insurance is that if you get in a wreck and have no auto insurance, noone is obligated to fix your car, but if you get sick with no health insurance, its the tax payer who foots the bills.

Bill Clinton needs to stand down. I've had enough of him when he was president and on the news and in the newspaper every day for 8 years. Now he has new life and new celebrity and he loves to hear himself talk and talk and talk. If his wife is the Democratic candidate he can do no good only harm. He needs to shut up and let her rise or fall on her own merits. Enough Bill, please .

Obama '08

Yes! I think Hillary will do better in fulfilling her plans. Nowadays our country needs action than flowery words, speeches and empty promises of a politician.

Amy,

Her name was ALREADY on the ballot in Michigan and Florida. She just didn't take them off, and wasn't required/asked to.

the only form of universal healthcare that will work is a government adminstered, single payer, not-for-profit plan that is free for everyone. Hillary's plan would fail because she would never be able to get everyone to pay for it. Once her plan fails, opponents will use it as a reason not to attempt universal healthcare for the next 50 years. Insurance Companies know this and that's why they are in agreement with Hillary's plan. ..and You know what? Hillary knows it too.

Hillary is just too repulsive and I think she is not good for America at all.

If they really open it up to what they get it would be very cost effective My father retired govt. worker paid very little for his health care and when he needed a heart transplant they covered everything very costly meds and life flight 3x's if we get that kind of coverage for the cost bring it on

Now….. let's get specific with the plans…. we need to know the real differences.

I tried to comment on lobbyist article and was cut off, so I'll add my thoughts here.

We have very real issues that need to be addressed:

Economy is in the toilet;
Military is spread too thin;
Health insurance is only for
the healthy or rich;
Roe vs Wade is in jeopardy;
Education is underperforming;
Infrastructure is falling to pieces;
Foreign policy is an international joke;
and people all over the world are dying
from war, famine, disease, poverty and abuse;

but WE are worried about who gets money from lobbyists? Not all lobbyists are bad…. but the point is that in pointing these types of petty issues out, it makes America look ridiculous. Let's get to some real solutions and stop deflecting attention from what really will CHANGE the United States and help the rest of the world.

Didn't she try this when her husband was in office and it got shot down by congress? Keep in mind people that who ever becomes President they will need to get congress behind them, The replublicans will never back someone with the name Clinton. She gives speeches saying talk is cheap that she has the solutions. The way i see it is she is just blowing smoke like everyone else is. Americans need to vote for the person they fell will fix, unite, and lead. Regaurless of race, sex, or age. The promise of Change is great, the promise for solutions is great, the promise of winning the war is great. Our dission comes down to old vs new. For me i'm willing to try something new, so i'm leaning toward Obama.

Bill Clinton should shot up and let American people to decide whom they want to pick up. We havn't forgot that he has a universal health care plan in 1992 that helped him step into the white house but failed later on. How he explain it for his voters??? Hillary clinton's universal health care plan seems nothing but a bail to voters.

Wow. Considering Obama is so positive and inspiring, why can he not control his supporters then to at least be respectful? I am not certain yet who I will support on any sides. I am Republican. If Obama came up with this plan, the media, the world, and the supporters, would love it? Do I agree? Not sure yet. I can tell you that I probably will back John McCain if Obama is the nominee. If Hillary is, I am not certain, it might be John, it might be Hillary. Yes, I am a Republican, so remember that and highly educated as well. While people claim Bush appealed to religious zealots, Obama appeals to those that indulge in vicious diatribes. Also, if Obama wins, NO WAY IN HELL HE WIN THE WHITEHOUSE. I might laugh at that, just because you Obama supporters are starting to disappoint me with your hypocrisy. It's actually funny. No wonder why the world hates the U.S. and laughs at us….

Yes, as a responsible vote, I followed the news very closely and noticed Obama was coping Hillary's clean energy plan and claimed his plan. What a shame. I know this one will not be approved, but I will keep blogging!

Amy,
She did not pledge to take her name off of the ballot in either state, she along with the other candidates pledged not to campaign there which she did not. Obama had tv ads in FL, the only dem candidate to do so. Also, the reason the other candidates took their name off of the ballot in Michigan was because was because of the Iowa caucus people wanted them to pledge to take their name off of the ballots in both states, so really Obama broke his pledge when his name was on the Florida ballot.

Both plans are a joke, the only one who will benefit from either plan are the insurance company's. We need a single payer system, it will get rid of the middle man and everyone will be covered. The U.S. system spends a third of every dollar toward administrating a broken system compared to about ten percent by other industrialized countries.

To Kareem from Hampton VA's comment: "Although I agree with universal health care I dont think it should be mandated! If its mandated then the QUALITY of the care will go down!! Look at all other mandated things like i.e. social security!!"

Social Security went down the drain because Bush's administration broke the promise of not dipping their hands into the cookie jar. Gore's "lock box" doesn't seem too bad anymore does it? Bush's campaign ran exactly like Obama's campaign: promised a bunch of changes. As we have seen, not all changes are good.

Also, not all socialized things are bad!

Look at our education system; that's socialized. Do you send your kids to private schools? Can you imagine the costs to do so?

Look at our postal system; that's socialized. Aren't you glad that you don't have to use the other more expensive courier services?

Look at our brave fire fighters; they're part of a socialized program too. Can you imagine when your house is on fire and you’re trying to hire someone to put out the fire? Aren’t you glad you can just dial 911?

The fact is, there are plenty of things that are socialized in America, and they're not all bad. We just need to open our minds that the right to be healthy is a right for all the citizens of United States.

Let's face it; Obama's healthcare plan will not improve the current healthcare crisis in America. It's not a change from the current system despite him claiming that it's a "change".

Hilary couldn't fix the health system in this country when her husband was President and handed her that project. Why should we believe she can fix it now????

The Clintons had 8 years in the White House to push healthcare reform and didn't.

It is time for new leadership - leadership that is not in bed with the lobbyists.

Obama for President of the UNITED States of America!

Does anyone even listen to Bill when he speaks. Why didn't the media pick up on Bill when he said "When I get elected" instead of when Hillary gets elected. Isn't that a clue what is in store for this country if she gets the co-presidency with him. DUH!!!!

She has not said that we have to take their insurance she has said if you listen to her that if you are happy with your insurance that you can keep it. She is not holding a gun to anyone's head and saying you have to go with ours. At least she is trying to do something that is alot more than I can say about the others who only say they will but never produce. She has been trying to get universal health care since she has been in DC. If she does not make the presidency I don't see her stopping she will continue to fight for this issue.

Why is Hillary's plan any better when she is going to force even the poorest to get her health plan? Who benefits in this? The health care providers because they get to reduce their price a little but get 15 MILLION more subscribers.

WAY TO SCAM THE PUBLIC, BILL.

We do not want this. Stay Home Bill.

Obama is catchy: rhetoric without substence, experience, or political capitol. He has no established voting record on the issues and many of his advisors are from the Clinton Administration; what does that tell you?
Hillary has an established voting record which demonstrates the credibility for her beliefs, outstanding experience, political capitol, and the intelligence and courage to grasp the complexities of key issues facing this nation.
I fear Obama as president will be like Bush; charm followed by disasterous decisions.

Mandate is a scary word. When to mandate something makes it REQUIRED. That makes me wonder. Also, I can't get past the fact that she took money from rupert Murdock! That's HUGELY in bed with special interests.

One last thing, hillary already has mentioned how she will pay for all americans to be insured. Look it up

More baloney from Bill Clinton. I am voting agiant Hillary precisely because she wants to MANDATE !! What else is she going to want to force down my throat for my benefit ? Obama has it exactly right.

Here we go again. Bill and Hillary (the Dynamic Duo) going full force against Obama. Universal Health care never worked in other countries, although it's a great concept. At least Obama gives you a choice. With Hillary, it's all or nothing… Now she has the drug companies, and health care companies on board. Sounds like lobbyists to me…

Ha! And now that I think about it, it's funny that Bill Clinton is talking about the need for this. After all, it's his China trade bill that has required so many children to seek medical help for lead poisoning.

Stop slanting this CNN.

This isn't fair to candidates or people trying to make a decision about who is best person to have run our country.

After having my own business, I would NEVER have an unexperienced person running it. Especially if my econmic profile wasn't the best.

Our country really needs someone that knows what they are doing.
Obama can talk but the Hillary has too much experience to ignore.

Please don't let Obama with his rock star concert sway you not to vote policy.

If anyone here has run a business in their life, they would know that you would have to check and recheck a person's resume before hiring them for the position.

Shouldn't we do this for a President.

Hillary is really more experienced. Period.

What neither one of them is talking about it the price tag. They both say that half of their plans will be paid for by savings. Who's savings?

The savings either plan "HOPES" and that's a big word, is from efficiencies. These are private efficiencies and not government's. They are both smoke and mirrors to hide the real costs which will be in the hundreds of billions. Right now entitlement spending represents over 60% of government spending and this will only push it higher. With 20% going for defense and 20% left how do you think it's going to be paid for?

The only things that are successfully mandated in this country are education (for those 18 and under) and auto insurance (for those who choose to own an automobile). Under our current tax structure, social security, Medicare, and education are funded.

Obama's plan hopes to provide health care to those under 18, and provide subsidies to help those over 18. That is realistic. The Clinton plan, Mandated health care, will not work, and the American people would regret it. The standard of health care would drop. Everyone thinks that the countries with national health care actually receive high ratings. However, that is not the case. When people realize they are put in line to receive sometimes major treatments/surgeries, etc, they will quickly realize that the Clinton health care plan is a mistake. Further, good luck getting the other side to actually approve it. If Clinton is in office again, we will see the republicans regain power again. She, and her ideas, will prove too divisive.

Why anybody complains about a car insurance or a mortgage insurance aren't they a mandate???

This is what clinton is saying in a nutchell:

Pay my lobbyst friends or I will garnish your wages.

YES DAVE! I agree making it affordable rather than forcing people to get healthcare is the right alternative.

I also agree with Amy that Hillary is "insincere to the people of
America."

Hillary was in charge of providing Universal Healthcare and it was a fiasco. I guess the Clintons do take the American people for granted and think that we're just stupid enough to believe that they can get it done if she is elected. Bill you need to take Sharpton's advice and just "shut up."

By the way, Hillary can't even run her own campaign let alone provide the "solutions" as her new campaign slogan states. Please, in Bill's words, "give me a break, (Hillary's) nothing but a fairytale."

you people who are against mandated healthcare must be some of the healthiest people I know. For people like me- disabled and at times unable to pay my own medical bills- Clinton's plan is a godsend. I sure hope you opponents of her plan never suffer like I have under our current system.

I thought they were going to put a muzzle on this guy.

Hey, Bill, how much money have you received from the Emir of Dubai this year?

Stop lying to the American people about being from day one. Hilary wouldn't be ready in four years. Quit while you still can.

Obama: too much talk; no specifics. At the end of the day all it matters is deeds, not work. Hillary had walked the walk. Obama has yet to do that. May be he should do some work first and cut down his rhetoric a little bit.

By the way…who specifically are "business community and the medical community in line behind us"? Is this documented somewhere? Maybe a few Clinton supporters can point me in the right direction.

Thanks.

My mom. who lives in my home, is on medicare, and it has been my experience over the last 10 years that Medicare works very well.

I know many people who are on medicare and who do well on this program. I also know a lot of people who don't have health insurance who would love to be part of medicare.

The reality is that the US is the only industrialized nation without universal healthcare.

To require that we all receive healthcare is a good thing, not a bad thing. And to have funding made available for those that cannot afford healthcare is a good thing.

I probably pay more taxes than anyone on this blog so yes, cost is a concern, but I'm also concerned about the out of control costs in the current system (the most expensive and least responsive in the world) and the 40+ million people without coverage.

Go Hillary!

Obama may be a smart man, but he is an empty suit when it comes toreal politics. He has taken more money per year in office than hillary. His connections to Chicago's shady politicos runs deep. He and Hillary are not the best to run our country. McCain may not be either.

Regardless of the merits of either candiates health care plan, the former President is not running. So my advise is Bill just shut up!

I can't really see in which way this is an "Bill Clinton attacks Obama" as CNN intents to negatively characterize Bill Clinton's comments AGAIN. Clinton's remarks form part of a fair and necessary confrontation of ideas and programs. Is CNN in a fierce contest with MSNBC for the title of being the most fervent Obama's advocate ? So far MSNBC is winning, but CNN can still make it.

eduardo

Bill and Hillary Clinton tried this once already when he was president. Can't they get the picture that universal healthcare is not in the cards.
At least Obama has a solution to healthcare, but doesn't "mandate" it. Hillary's idea will move us closer to a socialist government. Maybe she should run in Venezuela or another country that accepts the Soviet model of economic development.

No thanks Bill, only your sheeps are dumb enough to cheer at something they'll end up paying for. Besides, I'm sure hillary will never get any republicans to cross over and vote for this but your typical sheep don't know this.

bill clinton is in our town right now i saw him but he was losing voters cuz he was late takin pict ,..thats rude at least obamakeeps the promises instead of takingmoney for picture keep all of us waitin..i switch vote barak obama08

Just factually speaking………Obama and Edwards chose to take their names off of the Michigan ballot and then learned from Clinton to leave their names on in Florida. It took a leader to show them. She did not abandon the Michigan voters as the DNC would have liked her to do.

Amy - just talking factually - Obama campaigned in Florida via the airwaves and Clinton did not. And it was Senator Obama and Edwards choice to remove their names from the Michigan ballot.

So I hope sincerely you won't be one of the 15 million uninsured if Obama gets the nod. That however is a real possibility. I also feel that bringing race into the campaign was terrible of Senator Obama and his supporters to do. It has again brought up the race issue of 35-40 years ago. That by itself is shameful and shows he will do anything to get elected. Too bad……….seems like such a nice guy.

Oh, it would just be a shame not to vote for Hillary's health care plan…not just vote for her? Clever not to mention to vote for Hillary but vote for her health care plan. Is she that unpopular now Bill?

Clinton is making it sound like Obama has no health care plan. He does…it just isn't a mandate except for children. I don't want a mandate that Hillary won't stand up and say how she plans to enforce. We all know how and it's called fines or garnishment. It would be way too unpopular to just come out and say it.

Over the next few weeks I'm afraid we will see Bill start his red faced finger wagging tyrades again.

Fellow Texans, le'ts give Hillary and Bill the "boot" in Texas and move forward to November. If New York likes them so much, they can take both of them back.

Health care is a service that is being run like a business with profit being the major motive not taking care of people. While I don't think its wise or reasonable that those who pay for insurance should have to subsidize all those who don't have insurance but use the system. Hospital bills are sky rocketing with no brakes on costs and no comparable service and cost comparison between Dr.s Hospitals, surgeries, rate of success or any other cost comparison as in other business practices. It makes for a lousy business and ripe for exploitations of the client, namely patients who do pay. We have all sorts of services like cops, utilities, fire protection, highway emergency and many other services that strive for service not earning money. Even Hillary's health plan includes insurance providers, no government takeover of any medical provider, no takeover of any kind. To suggest that is socialized medicine is asinine. It is merely trying to get everyone covered with some minimum amount of coverage. Everyone gets care, everyone pays a small % to have health care, unless they can't pay at all, then they would be covered with a policy that covers the least among us. Still, that does seem like the right goal. It may not happen over night or all at once, but that should be the final goal. It is the moral thing for this country to do for all its citizens.

It would be truly tragic if we walked away from universal health care? That's exactly what Bill and HIllary did in the early 90's, only they didn't just walk away, they ran!

It seems to me that if Bill and Hillary knew what they were doing regarding universal health we would already have it. Hillary messed it up with her attitude and secret meetings with the insurance industry. Now they claim to have the answer? They had 8 years to find it and I doubt that Hillary would be any more successful now.

Doing the same thing over and over with the same folks will lead to the same result. Obama offers a new approach and none of the Clinton baggage. If you really want universal heath care there is only one choice…Obama.

Mr. Obama's plan is not ambitious or go nearly far enough to deal with this problem. Health care is an important issue to all Americans. It hurts low income families that can be crushed by the wieght of unexpected health issues. Small business owners are also feeling the tight squeez watch are margins get slimmer as we try to carry a large burden of health insurance costs for our employees.

This is why most Chicanos support Hillary Clinton.

Out of all of this, I have a real problem with the fact that Hillary Clinton outlined her own ideas months before Barack Obama. Then I read his ideas, trying to decide who to vote for and they are almost a carbon copy of her ideas. Both of them have a lot of spending in mind, but his numbers blow hers away. Where in the world are we going to secure all of these dollars?? There is no way I am voting Republican…we all know where that gets us, but out of these two candidates, Obama makes it easy for me to vote for Clinton.

On another note, if the superdelegates vote for the voice of the people, so that the people are heard, should we not then count the votes from Florida and Michigan? We are the United '50′ State of America, not 48. If you argue for the popular vote recognition, you have to acknowledge those voters as well - or its just hypocracy.

Obama will let his health care plan get watered down….just like the radioactive waste bill…then people in that dangerous are will be really sorry they do not have heatlhcare. It costs so much less to provide early and preventive care, it will pay for itself….and in quality of life.
I think Obama is making a lot of plans for things he thinks will just easily happen…no way……esp as Ted Kennedy will want to get his paybacks and run the show from the smoke filled room.

I am for Universal Health Care, and I think it is the only way we are going to be able to control the cost of health care in this country. We are taking care of all the people who are here whether they are legal or illegal so it make sense to provide health care that will cover everyone and not break anyones bank account.

Hey Hillary…. your attack dog Billary is barking again !

Just a couple of questions -
1) Where in the Constitution does it state that health care is a constitutional right?

2) Where in the Constitution does it give the right to Congress to confiscate money from the people and provide health care to anyone (ie. redistribution)? (If you cite the preamble and the general welfare clause - you fail and are simple!)

If you want national health care please put it into the Constitution via the amendment process. Then it will have to funded. If you want socialism and cradle to grave babying - put it in the Constitution. The last thing we need is for liberals to buy votes with hard working taxpayer's dollars.

Okay, Hillary's healthcare plan isn't socialistic. I think we take anything that requires everyone getting it to be socialistic in some way. Canada has universal healthcare and are they a socialist government??? No…duh people!! Think!! Socialism isn't always a bad thing (im not communist) and universal healthcare would alleviate sooo much stress for American families, and Hillary's plan makes it AFFORDABLE for poor and less fortunate people, because it is proportionate to income and many subsidies are possible too…I think people watch too much CNN since they are clearly biased towards Obama…

Why should we think of universal health care. Making health insurance affordable makes sense. Just like everyone can not have affordable basic car insurance. I dont want to pay for some looser on street who sits and does nothing. If you work hard 40 hrs a week, you should be able to have decent insurance.

And Obama can make it possible.

Stop attacking President Clinton again.

Thank God you can't attack Chelsea.

Health care is important and President Clinton does know what an empty suit Obama is.

I remember all too well the Hillarycare of 1992, which was so bad that it contributed to the Republican sweep of 1996.

What?These are not attacks CNN!!!Give me a brake.
Obama is such a cry baby. He is like a baby and CNN is there to give him a lollypop.

As a person that is currently uninsured I do have this to say about universal health care: It is a horrible idea. The cost of sustaining a program of that scope would be enormous. That means more tax money out of our pockets to finance another bleeding heart campaign. Not too mention the quality of universal health care is significantly less than what you would get through a private insurer. Dental care would be horrible, extractions only and nothing else.

Mandating health care is unethical and creates a slippery slope for the government to start controlling more aspects of our lives.

Bill,
Hillary screwed up health care last time. Let it go. Also, both you and Hillary are sounding desparate again!!!!!

Umm…you spelled Bill Clinton "ill Clinton" in the last sentence. Just an editing note.

someone tell Bill if he and his wife want a sale so bad why did
he come to Maryland go to a retirement community to talk to
the residents and it employees only , this is only one half of a mile
from my home, per the newspaper article they turned other folk
in the neighborhood away,so why not ask the county if the school
down the street could be used? I wonder whos president do she
want to be the next day , in Maryland she went to the General Motors
plant and talked to 30 of 400 employees I dont know.

Universal health care is a great concept, but is not practical. Obama has the right idea when it comes to health care. Make is affordable but not mandatory.
Change is coming.
OBAMA 08

America you are paying, you can not afford not to have universal health care and yes everyone must show they have some kind of health care, if you have ever waited in the emergency rooms of a big city you would not ask such a stupid qiestions.

I LIKE THIS FROM ANOTHER BLOG< ENJOY!
To all the people who aren't getting it:

1) Obama talks policy and details constantly. Not just pretty speeches, and no matter how many times Hillary says so doesn't make it true. Furthermore, his details make sound sense. Unlike Ms. "Mandate and Garnish".

2) Obama is upfront about his donors, and his taxes too for that matter. It's very clear he is the man of the people, not the man of the lobbyists. Hill herself will tell you she is not.

3) The experience thing? Do your research instead of spouting Billary BS. He's got more, has served longer than her, and if you look at their sponsorship and authorship of bills as well as their voting record, he's got Hillary pulped.

When will you Hillarites stop lying about Obama? Oh yeah. When she takes the clue and bows out……

Stop repeating their lies and do your homework, kids.

OBAMA!

If the media isn't going to vet the candidates, I'm glad President Clinton is.

Obamas plan leaves out a lot of people with almost the same cost.

Bill and Hillary use humans like cows on colonning project. I can't believe hillary will give universal health care after they didn't do while they were in power. Bill and Hillary are power hungry people who will do and say anything to be in power. We were seduced by Bill once but not for the second time. If people can't see the real truth on them and nominate Hillary for the democratic party, the democratic party deserves to have hillary and bill.

Some people are just afraid of responsibility and tend to rely on government welfare. We should be willing to do the required work for our desired Healthcare Benefits. Mandating Health Insurance is a motivation and a way of teaching to be more self reliant.

Medi-care is mandated is anyone in jail for not paying? All you young people paying for medi-care but can't get it until your 65. Social Security was mandated, how many seniors would be on the streets begging, with out it?

kad-I so agree with you. Obama followers are like a cult, almost as if Obama walks on water. Scary.

I get tired of my health insurance premiums going up just so I can help foot the bill for someone who doesn't or won't get health insurance. These same people get sick just like the insured ones but yet they feel we should pay for it! Nonsense!!

I agree with President Clinton — we need solutions, not wishes and dreams. And anyone who thinks Obama-boy is as pure as the driven snow sure has a big surprise in store for them. Who knows what the right-wing attack machine will come up with to use against him. Hillary has been fighting them for 16 years and is still standing. She'll bring her full 35 years of experience to the White House, too.

Mandated insurance will not work!!!!
I have lived off and on in .Mexico for thirty years Mexico has mandated insurance. When people know they can visit a doctor free, they fill the
waiting rooms so full you sometimes have to stand out side. You can't
get an appointment for weeks even if you have something that needs
immediate attention. I f a person has a sore throat, a headache, or anything that bothers him, he will go take up the doctors time because it is free.
I am old and have so many aches and pains I could fill an encyclopedia.
But I realise that these things come with old age. I'm sure not all old people feel the same, and with mandated insurance they alone will overflow the offices of all doctors.

Do you want to know who paid for the Universal Health care that other countries have? We did. The United States subsidized European Countries Defense Budgets during the 50, 60, 70s, and 80s. Since their Defense budgets were being paid by the United States, these countries were able to offer low priced healthcare for their citizens.

The problem with Universal Health care is that it takes away competition. Without compeition, there is do desire or need for a Medical professional or hospital to offer the best care. They are going to be paid no matter what, so why should they fight and compete for you to go to that doctor or hospital?

Isabella, I couldn't have said it better. I have never seen anything like it. It is very scary. They don't want to hear anything negative, or the attack. I guess they will have to wait and find out from the Republicans, how much for change hes not before they come off that high horse.

It's not socialist, it's fascist, just like Mussolini's Italy, and Adolf's Germany! Universal health care is not a medical utopia. Someone earlier mentioned to look at Canada, Okay, let's look at them. They can't go see the Dr's they want because they are unavailable, too expensive, or non-existent, they can't get the prescriptions they need because they are not available, too expensive, or non-existent.

Reality is that companies don't produce a product to sell it for less! At least Obama's health care package doesn't mandate people to have health care, and his plan will make it more affordable! What good is having health care if you don't have the quality of service and prescription drugs you need? That's like being mandated auto insurance and not having a car!

Get real! Hillary is the one full of false hope, misleading statements, and generalities! She might as well just announce that Bill is her running mate, and Chelsea is going to be Sec. of State!

Don't know about you, but as an American I like having a choice! What will she mandate next?

The only true candidate is the only one that many polls sjhow beating McCain, and that is Obama. Change is needed, and get used to it Hillbilly's, change is coming. The majority of America has thus far spoken!

He is a politician just like all politicians in the past, just like other politicians in this current race, and just like politicians in the future.
They are ALL trying to win, and if you think they will not do whatever it takes (EVEN OBAMA) to win, then you truly have been fooled.

While I am all for everyone having healthcare, the last thing we need is for it to be FORCED on us. How is it a choice if we are required to do so?

This is a free country and the Constitution did not say anything about a "right to health care" as Clinton is saying there is. What is next, a "right to a home" a "right to a car"?

Shouldn't these be choices that Americans make in their own home? Who will pay for these new "rights"? Clinton says oil companies will have a choice in her government… give up profits or she will take them. They will have a choice in healthcare… buy it or be fined.

We will be a country in service to our government, instead of a government serving its people.

Bill,

Give it up. He talks and thinks better and more honest than you or Hillary. Your going to lose the co presidential race.

Many leading health care economists (i.e. Jonathan Gruber at MIT, etc.) think Hillary's plan is better! It'll cost the average person less and will cover more. Obama's plan is a band-aid solution.

Alecki - What experience does Senator Clinton have? She has 4 more years in the Senate than Senator Obama. She spent 8 years as a First Lady. He was in the Illinois State Senate. Don't forget John Kennedy was in the Senate for 8 years before he was President, Eisenhower never held public office, Truman ran a Men's Clothing store that went bankrupt. They all did okay as President.

However, I don't believe either of them has experience.

To those who say that they are tired of Obama talking, don't you think that he would have to back up his words if elected President?

New Orleans will soon get all the help they need if Obama is the next President. We won't have to worry anymore about anything, life will be all milk and honey, all our troops will be home, jobs for everyone, health insurance for those that can afford it, the will of the people will be all that matters,no more lobbist in Washington, just ask any Obama-bot.

Charlotte - do you really need another mandatory expense coming from your paycheck? I sure don't. Let Obama make the healthcare affordable and accessible.. People will buy it. It WILL solve our healthcare problems. Making it mandatory will only create new sets of problems.

For example, for a hard working single mom making ends meet.. Sure she would love to have healthcare for her daugther but now its mandated and her wages are garnished. So great, they have healthcare but they have less money to put food on the table.

Please don't believe that we are all so helpless that we wouldn't sign up for healthcare ourselves it if was made affordable and available. There is no need to mandate it. Hillary's plan is not good.. really think about it.

Well said, Independent Thinker…. Well said.

it is nice to see actual rational thought on these posts every once-in-a-while.

Attacks? You're really lost. He is just showing the differences between the two.

BILL CLINTON better redo his math…IF HIllary wins Texas and Ohio…she will still not be the nominee…she would have to win by a hefty percentage and I hardly doubt that will happen..What is wrong with the Clintons giving all the credit to the big states…. it takes all of us working together…the little states, working together have immense power…go OBAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

We have a Universal Health Care Plan now. It is called Medicare or Medicaide. Ask those people what kind of health care they are getting. They are lucky if they can find a doctor who will accept them. I'm sure a lot of them would rather have the $100.00 a month that is taken out of their Social Security check so they could afford food for the month. The system is going broke now as all the money is being taken from it so it is really working good.

Here are the facts

Hillary wants more debates with Barack because she is good at it and mainly because she is low on cash.

Obama's website clearly states his plans.

If you check hillary's voting record on her website you will see she voted present or undecided on a number of issues

Obama speaks for himself. Hillary needs Bill bashing and racial hints in order to get ahead

Obama = Change
Hillary = voter's remorse

I vote for change

See as soon someone says anything negative against Obama, your headlines are always saying "attacking". Is Obama's skin so thin that he is not allowed to be criticized? Is it going to make him cry if anyone says anything bad about him? If anyone says anything negative about him, its like the big bad wolf attacking Little Red Hiding Hood. Come on, let the little boy grow and be a man and stop protecting him.

Come on Clinton, lets get going and win this nomination and then go on and win the presidency in November.

Bill Clinton, don't even go there. During your administration Hillary's health care policy failed. Maybe she's tweaked it a little bit and there is still no guarantee and I'm sure you're not willing to guarantee it will work. I know this policy Hillary is talking about and it will only increase what emergency room visits are now costing and that is based upon a true study. Emergency room cost is the major crisis of health care.

Donna F:

Hillary supported that "watered down" bill. Look it up!

The greater tradegy is watching the Clintons try to hang on to the presidency like it was owed to them! The people have spoken and want CHANGE!!! Get used to it!!!

This shows how CONTROLLING the Clintons are ( don't be fooled ) … I like Barack's plan better !!! We want a women in the whitehouse, but
NOT THIS WOMEN !!!!!
Obama/Edwards 08 Si Se Puede Yes we can

Clintons will Lie cheat and Steel to get what they want. And you know it.

I love how most on here think Hillary is going to "Give you healthcare". Sorry, you and I WILL be paying for it, whether we want to or not.

Isabella, it is you who are scary, blindly lapping up all of Hillary's contradictory statements. Take a step back, do some research and be enlightened. It won't cost you a dime.

Mandated health insurance is a boon for the insurance industry, and great burdon on those who can't afford it. Obama's right - make it affordable first.

I am 23 and I'm paying for social security that I'll never get! I'm not paying for healthcare that I'll never use! I want to be able to make that DECISION. The healthcare that I have now suits me Obama '08!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LET'S VOTE OUR CONSCIENCE AND NOT EMPTY PROMISES RETHORICS.

THEY SAY OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN IS A MOVEMENT,WHAT MOVEMENT?

IT'S A MOVEMENT OF FALSE HOPE.

No, Isabella, actually the scariest thought of all is having more-of-the-same-business-as-usual corruption returning to Washington. Frightening!!!

I like the nick name "Billary", I know it's ment as a slam! But I think it's a cute combo thanks.

KAD, I'm a Republican too and I supported Bush. The world hates and laughs at us because of the head of our own Republican party. His name is B.U.S.H.

Bill may have respect for his station, but as a human being he sould be ashamed to continue to show his face, after shaming our country with during his presidency by making not a mistake but a choice to do his vile deed. People should be disgusted. It does not matter if we forgive him, he sould still have shame.

This country needs a huge wake up call……….the super delegates are going to Obama because their Black consituents voted that way. These are the same people who are voting for Obama only because he is black.

This I am worried about because Obama is creating the big divide between Blacks and the rest of the country. I certainly never would have thought in 2008, the 21st century, a politician would have been able to stir such emotions in one race of people, with that one race determining so much that is at stake.

His supporters are 'cult like' and perhaps that is what he was hoping for - to go and get a whole bunch of people who DO not think - and just follow. If we have that many people in this country who just follow, our problems are lot deeper than just a school system that needs help, a bad economy or any war. We should be thinkers and thinkers can see that Senator Obama is a great speaker….a great promiser. Great thinkers also can see that this country needs more than a good speaker!

And if someone thinks for one second that Senator Obamas healthcare program will be affordable, and more affordabe than Clintons proposal - it defies economics. The more people enrolled the lower the costs will be! Economics 101……..! Senator Obama will not be able to deliver.

Scary. All of those years in office and Bill Clinton did not improve America's health care system and he has the nerve to talk about OBAMA? These people are getting pretty desperate

First - Both Campaigns STOP CALLING IT HEALTH CARE
You each are offering different forms of INSURANCE.
Insurance does NOT equal care.
Care = care.

Second - When MRS.hrc did it become undemocratic and unamerican to NOT be a forcing people to do things your way?

This is the real rub. MRS. hrc wants to FORCE people to do things her way. Obama will encourage people to do things a better way. She feels and acts as if she is the MOMMY or the TEACHER and must control your behavior. He treats voters like Oh My Goodness reasonable adults. This is a big part of his appeal to independents and republicans. He has an element of respect for individuals. She has NONE. Thus USGovtrack.com scores her as a RADICAL democrat and Obama as a rank and file.

She gets scarier and scarier as she gets further and further behind.
Graceful exits appear beyond MRS. Bill and MR. Bill.

Of course its got to be a guy John to knock Hillary. The men dont want a woman president even though she has more experience and know how to really change things.Anyone c