FIRST, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD IT!!!!

SECOND, YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO HAVE "SOME" OPTIONS..

SO LETS MAKE IT AFFORDABLE FIRST….MAKES SENSE TO ME.

stick a fork in Mccain… hes Done

So, basically his policy is to privative or remove govn't support from healthcare?

Turn your lives over to government? Is YOUR life run by government McOldFart? Don't YOU have a GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE PLAN? Go home old man.

Obama 2008

If we spend all this money on healthcare how will we afford the war in Iraq? Oh wait, we can't afford that as it is.

Ron Paul '08

Why don't you get a job with some oil company, with cheney perhaps?
You have no regard for people. I have had it with you republicans. Did bush give you a pep talk? You sound just like him.

With Obama ducking a debate with Clinton, voters just coming into the news or those still having questions about Obama's affiliations with Rev. Wright will be highly moved to vote for Hillary out of sheer comfort of the known versus the unknown. Hillary or McCain in 2008!

simple the answer is Obama 08……….

Why do all you liberals want free hand outs? get a job like the rest of us conservatives and health care wouldnt even be an issue…… I am sorry you feel the need to have the government pay for everything. maybe they will pay your mortgage as well. Oh wait they are going to do that as well.

Liberals make me sick I wonder if their healtcare plan will cure me

McCain is senile and does not remember what he says from day to day.
He has no idea who we are fighting in Iraq.
He knows nothing about economics.
He won't vote for the G.I Bill.

Wow real issue talk……….letting us in charge of health care would this also allow us to get Meds from CANADA. or is the Goverment still in the way of the cheaper meds.

Even if Healthcare is affordable? With no jobs,high cost of gas,food,extension of Iraq war,if McCain is elected president!!!! Please tell these poor people,how their families can afford healthcare.etc. etc.

A medical home where the focus is on affordable quality outcomes?What the heck does that mean? McCain hasn't a clue to what this country needs.

The family HAS been the one in charge– the onus of healthcare falls squarely upon their shoulders and always has. It's the family that's responsible for obtaining and paying for insurance. It's the family that's responsible for fighting with insurance company minions over what's covered, what's not, what should be and why.

It's the family that has borne the burden and dealt with the costs of a crumbling healthcare system designed to profit insurers.

It shouldn't be the burden of families anymore. Decent, affordable healthcare is a right. Insurance companies have shifted from being a means to that end to being a profit-driven end in and of themselves. And they've made a right mess of things to date.

And just how is making families have health insurance going to lower costs? Where is the motive for insurance agencies to lower fees and deductibles? where is the motive for the hospital to shrink costs?

By the way a MNS blood group test and a blood typing test (even though I told them my blood type they HAD to do it (BS), costs $250, and 6 stitches is good for $1200.

Forcing me to have health insurance isn't going to cover these costs when the deductible is $5,000 and there is a year wait at $200 a month where I can't use it.

Nope not in a state that favors the medical insurance industry to the point a max settlement from a lawsuit can't top 25K.

McCain's idea of allowing consumers to buy insurance from any state will go a long way to equalizing treatment across all states, but forcing me to buy under current state regulations isn't going to help anyone here.

How can the families pay for health care and make those types of decisions when we cannot pay for the gas to get to the doctor?!?

The problem is the "health care system" has become a business run for profit not for helping those who need it. It is all about money and NOTHING we have ever done in this country that is based on PROFIT has EVER helped the individual. Look at oil compaines, they post record profits EVERY quarter for the last 7 years do they step in to help you or I at the pump? NO they do not but do you want to bet they post record profits AGAIN this quarter? Look at the post office, when it was run by the government the cost of a stamp was low, once "free trade" was allowed and it became a "for profit" orgainization the cost of a stamp increases every year while the quality of service declines, airlines, same thing they used to be regulated, prices were fair, flights were not dropped or delayed as much as today, now that they are deregulated prices have skyrocketed and service has collapsed. The simple fact is folks for some things government IS needed, those things that make the society work; defense, transportation, power, health care, schools etc. and must be supported by all. Thge fallicy is saying that any governement intrusion is wrong the fact is government can do nuch good when it is really designed to help the people… but the free traders do not want to hear that because that would mean they should help out their fellow man.. cannot have that it cuts into profit!

What are you saying McCain?? You make broad generalizations about things but nothing specific. You make less and less sanse each time you open you mouth. Go home to Arizona or wherever you came from.

I just had a hernia operation done for . . . get this . . . $19,000!! It took all of six hours from admission to discharge. No lawsuits at all. This is just private insurance at work, doing what it does best. Talk about inefficient . . .

so your answer is a tax credit that won't help most people afford any better care than they have now. It does nothing to address insurance companies that arbitrarily deny claims, and delay or refuse to pay Doctors. So a tax credit during a time of record deficit and spending. Where is this money going to come from John? how is this going to reduce cost?

We must move away from a system that is fragmented and pays for expensive procedures toward one WHERE A FAMILY HAS A MEDICAL HOME…

what does that mean exactly… build your own dialysis machine in your basement?

News Flash to Governmant: Stay the heck out of my personal business, and health care is number 1. A socialized health care system means people will die as care will only be provided on a prioritization basis. Screw these socialist dems who want to redistribute the wealth of this country.

No kiddin'! Since when do Republicans care about family health care–except for their own?!!

Stop your lies McClinton.

If Hillary is the nominee, rational arguments will fail against McCain because her health care plan will be branded as communist. And why will that work? Because while McCain was a prisoner of war, fighting against the communists in Vietnam, Hillary was clerking in 1971 for a law firm that was run by communists in Berkeley in 1971. The contrast will allow a swiftboating worse than what John Kerry got. We need to fully vet Hillary before it is too late.

SAME OLD, SAME OLD - -
"Less government and No government invovement, so that Corporations and Pvt companies can continue to run amok, as we have seen in the last seven years.
These Republican 'Cycles-of-Disaster' keeps happening every other election cycle, SINCE 1924; SEEMS LIKE THE REPUGNANTS NEVER LEARN FROM THEIR 'LESSONS-IN-GREED' !
OBVIOUSLY THEIR ONLY INTENTION OF RUNNING FOR OFFICE AND TRYING TO GET INTO THE GOVT. IS TO HAND OVER FULL CONTROL TO BIG-BUISNESS and SCREW THE COMMON MAN !!!!!!!!

Bush made oil company execs multibillionaires. McCane will the same for health insurance companies. What a way to go Mc.

Don't listen to anything McCain says, America. He has his wife's billions to keep him afloat and his wife's jet to fly him around. This man is an incredible bore. The People of New Orleans should have sent him packing but I know they will in November…………Same old —-
different flies……………And another McCain, you can't walk in Obama's old shoes………..for starters, your feet is too small………….Go home and get some medical attention…you sure look like u need it. And get some help for that "crazy" wife of yours to.

so basically, if you are sick, you are screwed!!

i mean come on, what does he mean families should decide?!?!?

What decisions are we making if we cannot afford ANYTHING?!?!?!

THE DECISION TO SIT BY, BE SICK, AND DIE WHILE YOU WATCH!!!

NO MORE REPUBLICAN MESS!!!

DEMOCRATS IN 08!!!!!!!!!

he is so out of touche with the whole country…………….most of us can not even afford it…the laws continue to be made for the rich people
as long as the politicians like clinton take money from the big companies we will continue with our horrible health care system.
what we have now is:
more rich clintons
more rich doctors
more money to drug companies
more laws to protect the rich,
please NO more clintons or bushes………enough is enough

Sen. McCain, I love you and have supported you for years, but you are out of touch on this subject. Stay OUT of the pockets of the Corp influence and you will come out okay. The system is BROKEN because the insurance companies have total control and NOT the recipients. THE ONLY way to manuver control back to the insured is to have some type of GOV'T REGULATION. WE have learned this over and over and over and over and over from how BIG BUSINESS does not self regulate and does not hold the consumer first. I shouldn't have to list the examples of this for you.
You should also look at the pure existance of the government health care system -TRICARE. It has proven itself to cut costs and provide a high standard. BIG Business will NOT take it upon itself to get to this on it's own. John, You have a really good chance here - come clean and admit that there is a strong need for intervention because there has been such wide scale abuses by corporations (health care industry) in the name of profit. The AMERICAN people absolutely deserve better and the time is now. THIS WILL be the only reason that you will loose in Nov if you don't make this issue top priority and take a stand. You have a choice, allow America the same choice.

McCain has enjoyed government-provided high-quality healthcare since the day he was born. Must be nice!

Can anyone really believe what McCain or Hilliary say? McCain is too old to be president and Hilliary lies through her teeth. Please Indiaina vote for change. OBAMA 2008

Do a little research McCain bashers. Ask the majority of Canadian citizens what they think of their so-called government (social) healthcare program and who's footing the bill. Criticism is easy, doing a little research might challenge your brain.

McCain also needs to wake up and smell the roses… Bush hasn't yet….. he's too busy snoring.
Hey, our government (senate and congress) is ssupposed to work for us, not us work for them….we are the ones that put them there….What are they doing to help uct prices and stop fuel from rising?… Nothing…Lets fire them all!!!
Obama all the way!!!!!!!!!!1

Universal Healthcare is a pipe dream. It's going to work just like any other government run program at best?

Social Security? Retirement age will be 80 and i'll get 50% benefits by the time I retire…but SS works, right?

Welfare? No need to work or find a job, just live on someone elses dime for 10? 20? no 40 yrs… (even better if you have more kids!)

Housing? see above.

School system? please…

Bandaids…our government never solves the problem. They only offer bandaids that end up creating more problems.

Government is the worst run business in the world. Yet, people are brainwashed into relying on it and dumping their hard earned cash into the black hole that it is.

As soon as congress raises the minimun wage to reflect the salaries of the wealthy, like the folks at Exxon, then we can manage our own healthcare.

Sadly for all of you doubters, McCain will win in November. The race is already decided no matter who the Dumbocrats nominate. They're too busy spewing venom at one another to realize that their behavior will result in a LOSS once again.

John I am glad you chimed in on this one. I mean aparently your government provided health care has not been able to turn back the clock on your aging body, so I can see why you feel bitter about government provided health care. Too bad you didn't beat Bush in 2000. Maybe we would have had a grip on energy under President Gore. Without Jeb in Florida in 2000 you surely would have lost to Gore.

Bob - Do you really think this just a liberal issue? Your statement makes no sense. Are you saying there are no conservatives who wish to have better healthcare? How about taking the time to really research what the healthcare issue is before making such a broad statement.

I guess someone whose family has a private plane would have no problem with this "plan".

To 17 yr old democrat from kansas

As soon as you actually start working and paying taxes you will want to be a conservative. Its simple if I work I want to pay as little in taxes as possible…. I have no desire to help support people who take out stupid home loans or sit around at home producing children with no means of supporting them. That is the definition of liberal allways wants a free hand out…….Look it up in Websters

Sounds like hes telling the sheep to just trust the wolves.The companies have been bleeding the people and want to continue on their merry path with John at the helm.

McCain made more sense when he was being held captive than he does running for President.
McCain should not be allowed to be in charge of the TV's remote control and he definitly shouldn't be in charge of this country, his mental elevator is just worn thin and should be kept out of any relevant decision making.
He is just toooooooooooooooooo old.

Mccain you are an Idiot and I can't wait until we take you down in november

JOHN (DUBYA) MCCAIN WILL TAKE UP RIGHT WHERE BUSH LEAVES OFF. MORE WAR MORE DEAD SOLDIERS. HIGHER GAS MORE AND MORE LYING. HILLARY ALL THE WAY.

Let me tell you my story, My youngest son is multi handicap, His wheelchair cost $4,000.00, His monthly prescriptions average $600.00 a month(with our co pay). He has had two surgeries and is about to cap out of our insurance plan. My husband suffered heeart trouble last year and he is maked out of our insurance. We both work everyday and I go to school part time. Where will I be able to get coverage let alone afford it???? Well I guess I could always commit a crime or go into politics, the government covers those individuals healthcare needs.

Yes we need to be in charge of our medical care, but it must be affordable. There needs to be mutiple insurance programs, which provide different levels of insurance, all the way from basic health maintenance all the way up to what most would have if they worked for the Fed Government. But based upon our desires and income, it needs to be affordable. Many Americans can not afford to pay for any level of health insurance currently available. However, a federal health insurance program? No way, we do not need more government, we just need affordable medical insurance.

stay away from govt. healthcare?…maybe we can all buy into cindy and john mcsame family healthcare plan. they can afford to cover all americans in their personal healthcare plan…they have private jets, beer company, make millions of dollars without giving a hoot to ordinary working americans.

OK, let me get this straight. The same government that can run two wars at the same time and seems to be looking a third, can't run a health care system????

I agree. If you got money and don't have to worry about your next meal or how you going to pay your bills for the next month. And you never have to worry about getting laid off. You can say what McCain say. He really out of touch with the economy. If he was to become President the stimulus package may have to be paid back.

OK, Mr McCain, how about this one?

I would LOVE to have medical insurance but because I have a "pre-exisiting chronic condition" NO ONE WILL COVER ME NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY I THROW AT THEM!

What's your answer to that?

My answer? Vote a full Democratic Ticket….that's what!

To Priscilla,
Have you done your research? Look at canada and Europe their health care is awful……. i currently have a great care plan $20 a visit what ever else they want to charge is their business. why do youi think people in canada have to come to America for serious issues……I think you need to do some research about govenment run health care.

Mc Cain doesn't have any one to really question him right now! If you notice - Hillary is not going after Mc Cain like she is trying to do with Obama?

Mc Cain will get about four-more weeks of practice - after that - Obama will take him on!

I don't know why Hillary supporters think Hillary can beat Mc Cain when she can't beat Obama - after all the Clinton-name is known around the world!

You would think that Hillary should be ahead and not behind in this race! She is broke and done!

It's funny to hear her beg for another debate when Howard Dean cancelled the last debat!

I would LOVE to be in charge of my own healthcare in some ways.. As long as the Healthcare providers wouldnt keep raising the prices. Right now I have the same healthcare I had 10 years ago.. but it cost me twice as much, for less… they changed it where I owe any test in the doctors office, on top of my co pay.. I have to pay up to $100 I believe it is on prescriptions before I get a co pay on those. My dental is worse too.. I dont get a yearly free exam or xrays, they now cost me on top of the others stuff… Orthodonitics for the kids went from a $1500 to a $1000 maximum and that is only paying 10% of all the bills that come there way… so most Orthodontics only charge approx $5000 for braces total… so that is only $500.. so the maximum never gets paid out. Typical scam if you ask me.

I was on medicade arkids for awhile when I was a single mom.. that was nice. It helps out ALOT!! Hope they dont do away with that for kids who are in low income homes.

But I do like having more control over what I can do… but I dont like how the Insurance companies have played a part in the prices vs the coverage. Something needs to be done regardless.

The government has bankrupted social security.

The government has bankrupted medicare.

The government has bankrupted medicaid.

And you want to put your lives in the this same governments hands??? Give me a break, and OPEN your eyes!!!!

Hospitals will close their doors if anything like medicare and medicaid become the norm for everyone, because they do not pay hospitals enought to keep their doors open.

We found out the hard way in our little town, because medicare / medicaid payments almost closed our hospital's doors.

Its amazing that he can stand infront of people who dont have insurance and tell them that the govt shouldnt help provide it.How ignorant can anyone be to support that?

I would love to be in charge of my health care, if I could get some. You are a dumb man and you will never have my vote.

Why is this such an issue? National heath care, when I bring that up with my GOP friend around, you would think I murdered someone! Only the GOP would be againt something that is for the people.

I am not a socialist, just someone who thinks health care should be for everyone, not just the rich and privialged(SP?)

Why don't we just depend on Bush's comments on healthcare because McCain is no different from Bush. Our country is not moving forward on healthcare and McCain will destroy any hope in the American people. McCain is too old and will bring no change to our country for the better, just wars. Why would anyone want this man to lead our country into the worse.

The DNC needs to make a commercial emphasizing that Senator McCain voted against healthcare for poor children. As a Christian Liberal, I find him repugnant.

Senator Clinton has the only Universal Healthcare plan that will work. It was endorsed by Elizabeth Edwards. If this issue is important to you, vote for Senator Clinton.

Clinton/Obama 2008/2012

I'm tired of the health insurance industries ripping off people. I have health insurance problem is I pay higher premiums and still get stuck with the bill. Everything now goes to the deductible, I want affordable health care! If you find out your drug plan calls for a co-pay and you pay the co-pay of $30.00 or whatever amount it is, then ask the pharmacy how much it would be without insurance? Guess what it comes out cheaper than the co-pay. Isn't that crazy….Trust me, I have gotten prescriptions with out using my insurance card. But, there are some drugs that are better with the co-pay. You have to play the game when it comes to this stuff.

that if you work for the government, you get the government health care…. i know shocking, but apparently it's ok to attack McCain on having this, but not Clinton or Obama… crazy I know…

If any of you did your homework, you'd know that this country cannot afford health care, SS, and medicare at the pace we are running things. By 2040, we will be bankrupt and the value of the dollar you own will be worth less than firewood and toilet paper.

Please do some research and figure out what is really happening and take the country you live in back for the people.

OK, obviously the system we have now is faulty, so lets try something else. Maybe…. a change?

You CANNOT mandate that someone has to have the government health care system… that is an infringement of rights. If I don't want the government health care system that Clinton is supporting, why to I have to be penalized for not taking it? You can't force people to take something they don't want! Thats why Obama's plan is better…. he doesn't make you take his plan if you truely don't want to. However, parents of children should be mandated to take the health care for their children under his plan, because CHILDREN CAN'T MAKE CHOICES FOR THEMSELVES! Yes, you Clinton supporters can't see through her lies and mis-statements and realize that that is the best way.

Yes, you Clinton supporters say that it's the same thing as Soc. Sec., but soc. sec. is dead or severely limping!

“We must move away from a system that… pays for expensive procedures toward one…where the focus is on affordable quality outcomes.”
Could someone translate this for me? It sounds to me like we're not going to make the insurance company pay for 'expensive procedures' any more. And it's obvious he does not expect the government to do so. That leaves the patient to shoulder the entire burden.
So what is affordable or quality about that? What is an 'affordable quality outcome' to John McCain? His statements seem mutually exclusive to me.
Another reason I'll be voting Democrat - whoever the eventual nominee is..

McCain just blows with the wind. He will change his mind next month.

how can families 'be in charge' of something they don't have and can't afford?he's a complete idiot ,so out of touch,because he has great health care coverage,paid for by taxpayers,while his family lives a life of luxury.

Three words!

OUT-OF-TOUCH!

Obama08!

want everything for nothing. Well guess what? You can't have that. You cannot have health care, medicare, and SS without raising federal taxes to 60-80% of your annual income to pay for these needs plus the interest we owe anyway, on top of cutting government spending by over half.

BTW… we are so far in debt due to medicare and SS ($36 TRILLION owed already for the decade AFTER all our money is put into the books).

But please, I want some blogger to tell me how wrong I am without reporting any facts… I cannot wait…

Mr. PANDERING POLITICIAN speaks again. For those who think pandering means he makes promises he doesn't intend to keep that is part of what the pandering is. The main portion is he never spoke about or cared about Healthcare until he was running for president. You can tell a panderer when they flip flop on positions they had before. McCain against bush tax cuts, now for it, Clinton for war against Iraq, now against it, Clinton for NAFTA, now against it. Pandering plain and simple

Who want MCBUSH as a president,i don't think because your'are POW you need to be the president of this country you're lack of WISDOM wedon't need you this time

I wonder what type of medical benefits his wife's beer distributorship gives it's employees?

I hope those who are going after McCain on this realize that both Hillary and Obama are LYING to you. Even if they were to pull off the miracle of universal health coverage (they won't, but let's just play fantasy here - it's a place they're both comfortable), they will NEVER be able to pull off the miracle of health care ACCESS.

All the coverage in the world does you no good if you cannot get into the doctor. Also keep in mind that 15 years ago, one of these three candidates actually tried this - she had a Democratic House and Senate and couldn't pull this off despite the fact that as a non-office holder there was no way to retaliate politically against her.

Imagine the retalation from voters and Republicans when she tries this again.

Oh - and to the Gore supporter named Blake - please note that Gore would have won a landslide if the Democrats would have thrown Clinton out of office for perjury and obstruction of justice and stood for that social justice against the powerful they always promise but only deliver based on political party.

It is ironic the Democrats gave Bush the White House when they kept a criminal in the White House and called it doing their jobs.

Reminds me of a move the Military took a few years back. They gave us this $10 book with ways to treat yourself, and if all of the NO arrows lined up, then you should seek medical attention. Think the book was titled Heal Yourself or something like that.

McCain's view of Government is elect me so I have this cool job, but don't ask me to govern. You need to help yourself……

McCain makes me throw up…

You go John. Give me a Keating high five!

I don't agree with any "mandates" for health insurance, in fact, I believe what we need is to regulate the industry top to bottom. If we were on a cash-based healthcare system, the costs would be MUCH lower. The health insurance industry is the main problem, followed by pharmeceuticals being grossly overused and overfunded.

What I know for sure is, senators and representatives should be provided the same healthcare plan the government provides all government employees. It doesn't make sense when we pay them a high salary, plus untold benefits, that we would also pay for 100% free healthcare for life for the same people who are squandering our future and mismanaging the money we let them control.

To Bob - what color is the sky in your world? Do you know how many working poor there are? Do you know how many people have full-time employment and still have little or no medical coverage? I'm employed full time, have medical coverage, make a good wage and I still wouldn't say that I have 'no problems'.
Also, what makes you think conservatives are the only ones who work for a liviing? There are a lot of us liberals who work for a living - and probably make more money than you do. You've been listening to too much Rush. You've been drinking the Kool-Aid the neo-con right has been pushing.

Mccain is as out of touch with America. Saying that families should be "in control of their healthcare" - without acknowledging that 20% of them don't have health insurance - is like saying "let them eat cake"!

How is this a solution? Sounds like more of the same "your on your own" policies.

What hypocricy! McCain has government health care but doesn't want
the public to have it. Isn't there something way wrong with this picture?
The US is the only industrialized country to not have it.

FOR THE SAKE OF THIS COUNTRY VOTE DEMOCRAT. HILLARY OR OBAMA WOULD BE BETTER THAN MORE OF THIS S??T!

Another news flash: The common man/woman is more often than not a dead beat, who's constantly in need of some governmental hand out. Democrats + Socialism = Welfare State/loosers, where as Republicans + Capitalism = Success/American Dream - go move down to Venezuela and hang out with Chavas you fools. So quick to harp on somebody who is successful. Then again, if I had to look into the mirror and saw what most of you see - angry bitter lives!

I'm sorry but this guy has the worst ideas…. He is not a peoples man and I just can never understand why conservatives vote for canidates that do not represent them on the issues that really matter during their daily lives. Conservatives vote for the wrong reasons… Question #1 they ask… "Is HE a man of faith?", Question #2 "Does HE believe in my faith?", Question #3 "Does he wear a flag pin?". If the canidate can answer yes to those three questions conservatives vote for them. This is why Bush has been in eight years!

Wake up and smell the coffee the issues are there conservatives, stop voting for the same dumb reasons. Use common sense… Your voting for someone that make 100 times what you do! If you make under $200,000 your a democrat (should be voting for one). Then you will have the most money in your pocket at the end of the day. Right now the cost of living verse salaries is at it's largest gap since the 1920's.

what are mccains monthly preiums ??????????????????????????

I'm a Republican. Why? Because not everyone can be on Welfare.

BOB: You need to get intouch with the plan and the people of this Country. You are honestly without a clue, aren't you?

seriously am i missing something when was the the government in charge? i went to the hospitable when my insurance was cancelled due to switching jobs i didnt have the $1200 on hand to pay cobra so i had no insurance to cover the 60 days until my new job paid for insurance and i had to go the hospital in that time. i went i was checked out they said i was FINE. even though i left the hospital with horrible stomach pains. and got a bill for $4500 that had to be paid within 10 days!! and even with insurance co-pays are $25 a visit and $50 a visit for specialists plus i pay $1000 a month for the insurance bill. now i have a wife and 2 kids thats alot for co-pays and all the money they charge for prescription PLUS all the procedures and meds they consider "experimental" or not needed they dont cover and just plop a bill of $500 in your lap. i would love to know how he plans to have the FAMILY take care of it. because i havent seen ANY government involvement in my healthcare in a long time!! this guy just says things just to say them. kinda like the dimwit in office right now.

Bob, a lot of people with work will never be able to afford health insurance… And why should McCain have health care if the rest of us cant ??

What McCain is trying to do is to take away anything good and put it into the war in Iraq, instead of taking care of USA…. And on top of that, he will give us tax cuts.. makes good sense…

McCain does not intend to offer Health Care to the needy. His philosophy of letting the family take care of it basically means, If your family can afford it pay for it yourselt. If you can' t then to bad.
We have health Care. My daughter who just turned 25 could no longer be on her fathers plan, and her own new job wasnt implemented yet…and of course she got sick. Have you ever sat in an emergency room of a county hospital before??? I guarantee you if this man really cared about the people, he would implement a health care plan for everybody. My daughter sat 4 hours before she was called up to tell her a doctor wouldnt be available for at least another 5 hours, and because they liked her, they gave her an appointment to come back the next day. People were falling down in the waiting room, desperately ill……
it was very very sad.
Please think about this before you vote for MCSAME in the fall.

McLame is seldom correct but on this issue he is pretty close. America is not ready for Hillary Care. A Socialist plan that forces everyone to buy into it even if they choose not to. Obama on the other hand,has a plan that is available to those who need it but not forced on them. Hillary Care was already rejected by the voters once before.

QUOTE FROM BOB:
"Why do all you liberals want free hand outs? get a job like the rest of us conservatives and health care wouldnt even be an issue…… I am sorry you feel the need to have the government pay for everything. maybe they will pay your mortgage as well. Oh wait they are going to do that as well.

Liberals make me sick I wonder if their healtcare plan will cure me"

JUST IN CASE U DIDN'T NOTICE, IN MOST FAMILLIES THAT ARE DEALING TO HEALTH CARE ISSUE, PEOPLE WORK 2 OR 3 JOBS, AND STILL CANNOT PAY FOR THEIR HEALTH CARE.

IM SICK OF YOU PEOPLE SOUNDING AS IF YOU RE THE ONLY WORKING AMERICANS. NO WONDER MOST AMERICANS CANNOT PAY FOR THEIR HEALTH CARE WHEN THE RICH ARE THE ONES GETTING THE TAX CUTS.

Mc Cain is just like Bush.

Hey DEE in FLA:

How would you rate the care our veterans get by the government? It's not good- so you think we can extend that to the whole country. People have to THINK about this. Universal coverage in other countries is not perfect and it covers a much smaller- less-diverse population. Make access to care more affordable ans require insurers to pro-rate, or devise new plans to cover more people. Make the cost of insuring children for both medical and dental care very mininal. Require all health insurers to use a universal form, with universal codes( I think the codes are now ). Protect doctors from frivolous liability. Pool information about fradulent doctors and patients on a nation-wide basis - in short, when you make the system more efficient it will become cheaper to provide and extend care. There are many ways to do this and to still have the occupation of physician be financially rewarding and attractive to new entrants.
Dee, McCain is more right than wrong here- but you actually have to think to understand that.

also somebody ask john about the fact that he recieves $58,000 a yr is government disability checks even though he and his wife are worth more then $100 million? hes running on the premise that he is in perfect health yet he recieves $4833 a month from the government to handle his medical expenses plus he recieves free health care from the government as well. what a hipocrit

Bob,

Are you serious? I really can't take your comment seriously…It's just too idiotic to be a real thought.

So "liberals" whatever that means, are the only one's without jobs and healthcare? I just want you to know that the fact that you don't know what you are talking about is crystal clear.

This comes from a man with at least 4 different options for healthcare - 1 - retired, permanently disabled vet, 2 - a senior citizen, 3 - US senator, and 4 - his wife is loaded!!! What in the heck does he know about having to pay for healthcare?!

The real elitist in this election is starting to surface!!!!!

the gvt (dems or gop) can't even run the programs they have now…last thing i need is for them to screw with my health care coverage. lets deal with ss and welfare reform before handing health care over to the feds.

Maybe he could fund this initiative with another gas tax holiday. The additional $3 should really turn things around.

Clinton lost me when she DICTATES about my healthcare, Obamas loosing me because he doesnt seem to fight back about Clintons remarks, McCain, keep talking, you are begining to interest me with your thoughts, maybe you are an agent for change and not the old status quo.

Yeah because putting gas prices in the hands of families worked so well

So McCain's solution is to let families deal with healthcare on their own?
Who is this guy?

my entire family is moving with MCcain if obama is the nominee

You don't decide anything in a Family, until you've discussed it first.
Communities need to get together… I believe that's what this seems to say? It won't happen overnight anyway's…

I think a lot of people here are missing the point - giving families MORE control over their coverage will benefit all. The way he plans on doing this:
1) Allow consumers to shop across state lines for coverage, which will provide more choices (and CHEAPER choices) with better coverage
2) Tax credits for the poor so they can afford the insurance they want to get. Not a government handout, but a credit for getting coverage - incentive.

Once you allow people the ability to shop around more, prices will come down due to market competition!

JDG have you done any research? i heard some guy at my job saying how much canadian health care sucks because when he was on the beach in canada he talked to some lady that said it was bad…..and thats it. he talked to 1 lady on the beach and thats it, that was the basis of his idea on canadian health care. all these people that say canadian health care sucks are the people that read conservative newsletters and fox news about the current health care in canada. these drug companies are huge and they will do whatever it takes to keep amercians thinking theyve got it good. if we had it good we wouldnt be number 32 on the list of top health care countries in the world, because we spend more then any other country on it. that fact that socialized medicine just happens to be involved in the top 5 countries with health care means nothing to conservatives because they trust what theyve been told by big business. corporations would never lie, newscorp will be happy to go against there interests to inform the american people about the truth of economies. its all about money its all about greed "there is a chemical released in the body when you make 10 times your income and it is addictive" there are still people on the top that think outside of the box constantly to beat competition what makes u think they care about your well being????

As a European living in this country I am horrified by the health care system. God forbid that I am sick in your country ! It is the role of the government to help. After all if you are good enough to go to war for your country at least your health care and education should be taken care of.

Hey Bob - nice Faux Noise talking point. The FACTS if you would get some (no they don't come from Rush or Sean either) is that the US is the only large industrialized nation without government healthcare. In fact, hospitals in the US used to be not-for-profit. Making a profit and making the right healthcare decision is obviously at odds. Oh maybe the healthcare execs will do what's best for the people - look at what a good job the oil cos. do with this.

All citizens should be covered by a basic health care coverage.

Clinton has the only health plan that propagates that insurance.

When the population is capable of being pro-active in taking care of themselves then the medical expense is decreased exponentially.

When the population is insured, then they (the population) will take better care of themselves medically, because the cost of visiting a doctor at least yearly will be cover and thus illness will be curtailed or nipped in the bud.

CLINTON THE ONLY CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY WITH SOLUTIONS.

BOB - you are so wrong on so many levels. I'm in Canada, our health care is fantastic!!! My daughter thought she broke her nose (at school), we went to emergency, got her fixed up - you know how much it cost me - NOTHING!!!!! Not one cent! I PAY NOTHING FOR HEALTH INSURANCE - and I see a doctor or go to emergency as I have in the past and not worry about greedy health insurance companies trying to weasle their way out of paying. I NEVER DEAL WITH PAPER WORK, OR FEES, OR ANYTHING.

We have Ontario Health Insurance Plan - WORKING tax payers pay into it in our annual tax returns - run by our provincial government - not a private health care insurance company.

CANADA's HEALTH CARE IS AWESOME, it works, its cheaper - you should try it!

One more reason to vote for Ron Paul. The only candidate that understands that if there was real competition in the market, prices would go down. "Healthcare" and energy are two of the biggest markets that could use some competition. Of course no one will vote for Ron and our prices will continue to rise.

See you in the food line!

Universal Health Care works so well in Canada. In most places you wait more that 6 months to see a doctor. So, that then over taxes (not the money kind) the emergency rooms with people who have a cold and can not see the doctor anyother way.

This is the type of plan that Hillary want us to move towards.

Yeah right!

I'll vote McCain before Clinton.

Amen! There is a reason why people flock to this country for health care benefits.

I agree with helping those who cannot afford health care, but I am with McCain that families need to have the option. As grown adults it’s our job to ensure our families are taken care of – even if it means not living in the biggest house and driving the fanciest car. I believe that living in means WILL ALLOW most Americans with jobs to afford health care.

As a former transplant recipient and cancer survivor, I value having a choice in my health care options. I would not be alive if I didn’t have these options.

And guess what? To afford my health care, I had to make decisions and small sacrifices — I live in a townhouse drive a Civic, and I am upper middle income.

Shaun, you're not even close. Conservatives ask themselves these questions:

1) Does he believe in more government handouts, services and programs?
2) Does he have the moral rectitude and conviction to do what's right?
3) Will he impinge on my right to the pursuit of hapiness?

I can't believe the same people that think our government screwed things up like Katrina, Social Security, etc. want to also put them in charge of our healthcare? WHAT CAN YOU BE THINKING?

I hear that McCain is criticizing Obama for not supporting the Gas tax holiday (that would probably save the average consumer $5 on a tank if so much). Says he is out of touch with the poor. Obama should challenge him to commit to rolling back the Bush tax cuts for the rich so the poor can pay less. This current tax system is like taking from the poor and giving to the rich!

my wife and I are retired and have Medicare. I think it works well and we can go to just about ANY doctor we chose. all these Republican LIES about "socialised healthcare" are just that, LIES!!! it's just a scam to keep feeding the greedy Health Insurance and HMO crooks.

This man angers me. Ask Senator McCain how he has been insured the last… 72 years. Well, let's see. His father was in the military, so guess who paid for his health care. You guessed it. Taxpayers. And Senator McCain joined the military, which we all appreciate. Where did he get health care at that point? Oh, again, TAXPAYERs. So, one day he decided to run for Senate. John McCain now had a new way to get health care. I mean, the same way as before. Taxpayers. Senator McCain has lived a long, fruitful life, one which he was able to work for the people of this country. How did he do that? Oh, he had health insurance his whole life. Through the government of course. Oh, and he still collects Social Security too. His wife makes how much? 9 figures? I guess McCain is taken care of. What about us? Government funded health care worked for him. I bet it could work for us.

McCain, you are starting to interest me too. HRC gave out $2.2 billion in pork of our taxpayer money, so there's no telling how badly she'll mangle the health care system, using our dollars for whatever she wants.

How exactly does one put "families" in charge of health care? I think he means he wants to keep corporations in charge of heath care. If you look at the proven successful and efficient systems all over the world, in Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, Australia, etc., they ALL have more government involvement in the health care system, they all have higher rates of coverage, lower overall cost, lower cost per person, and spend less money on administration. The US health care "system" is the laughing stock of the world. Yeah, in theory we have some of the best of the best in terms of care, but its really only available to the top 5% of the population and you go broke paying for it. Other countries have proven that they do a better job at health care.

So, his solution is to what? Talk sternly to the insurance companies to get them to stop raising their profit margins???

Somehow after his speech, I feel like I'm the one that is failing somewhere. Please, we already have a system that is entrusted to the "American people themselves." And here's a shocker, McCain, it isn't working!!

Also, the charge that all of the government supported healthcare coverages in other countries leads to longer waits and worse technologies might have creedance, but here's a brilliant idea FIX IT! If we are creating the plan let's use our "ingenuity and industry to surmount" to change the parts of government supported healthcare that don't work so well. Build upon the other ideas, don't discount them!

Recession, what recession? Right, John?

What exactly is his plan?

He doesn't want the government to step in?
What exactly is he going to do?

FORCE insurance companies to lower premiums?

Good luck with that.

Obama mandates coverage for children and makes it so inexpensive only an idiot would opt in. It's a great plan.FEHB is a good plan. Everyone should go to his site and read it, before they make up their minds.

Bob, do you honestly think that anyone complaining that they cannot afford haelthcare dont have jobs? really? well i make a lousy 10.58 hour… and in my city.. thats pretty good… but i still cannot aford the high cost of healthcare.. and if you think we LIBERALS would rather sity back on our tails and just LET the gov step in to give give give you are crazy.. the average person with decent commonh sense and morals would RATHER the government NOT step in or dictate this or that.. I have my pride. I work for what i want. But if it didnt cost so darn much then it wouldnt be an issue! my daughter had her tonsils out.. they charged 10 bucks for a motrin!!!!!!!!

It is not just about affordable health care Senator McCain. The restrictions placed on individuals when applying for health insurance makes it impossible to be approved.
What will you do to make it possible for me to receive insurance in your state of Arizona?
If you cannot take care of your constituents in AZ, how will yor plan take care of ALL Americans?

Obama has the best plan for having a health care plan option affordable to those who currently can't afford one now. He is not saying don't work, or don't take responsibility for yourself or for your lifestyle choices. It will still be a person's choice and responsibility. Heath insurance options that exist today with employeers will remain but will actually cost us less per year in premiums. There will be an additional decent low cost option. That's not soicalism and it's not socialized medicine. It's a compromise.

Hillary wants to mandate coverage and require everyone to have it. That's not practical, how do you really enforce something like that? It's not like requiring auto insurance. The only way to require people to have health care is to give it to everyone, not force them to buy something they dont see personal value in. Now that's closer to socalizied medicine.

John McCain doesn't have a clue as to the struggle people have with daily expenses.

There is a role for government to play in striking a balance between influencing the availability of options while requiring personal accountability.

hmmmm, What are some sucessful government mandatory programs? Social Security NOPE, Medicare NOPE, what makes universal health care any different? One size doesn't fit all, let the public choose.

To "For the Love of G" (I dare not use his name in vain)

There are PLENTY of republicans that come in and out of the free clinic where I work complaining about paying 2 bucks for a bottle of aspirin but will follow Bush to the ends of the earth. Dems are not the only ones on welfare, my goodnes…..

McCain has "government health care" and he seems to be getting along fine.

When he claims that he doesn't want bureaucrats making your health care decisions, the lap-dogs in the media never ask him whether his public insurance system works that way.

The guy is just one more apologist for high insurance company profits at the expense of average Americans. In other words, a mealy-mouthed liar! And the press never calls him on it because he's "a hero."

So McCains plan is that families will "rise to the occaision?"
Yeah, for me to continue to cover my kids I need t0 come up with another 800 a month as my employer no longer covers families. I don't HAVE another 800 a month. I don't have another 80 a month!

McCain, seriously what kind of right wing pandering garbage is that?

The reason ordinary citizens cannot afford health care any longer is because of the reliance upon insurance companies to take care of this for us. Health care costs keep rising and the insurance companies have to keep paying more and more and the cycle continues…

What we have to do is stop giving our health care over to insurance companies and take this responsibility back upon ourselves. When we can't pay for the health care at such high costs, the doctors/hospitals will HAVE to bring their costs down to reality or go out of business.

Note how many doctors live in multi-million dollar addresses; likewise, insurance executives, hospital directors, etc…

McCain is right.

Go take a nap McCain … You are looking tired.

Oh yeah,it is because YOU ARE OLD !!!!!

IT'S A WASTE OF TIME. I CAN GIVE YOU

MCWAR'S HEALTH PLAN RIGHT NOW.

HIS HEALTH PLAN IS -__NO HEALTH PLAN_

Oh wow. Clinton supporters who are voting McCain if Obama should win, REALLY need to start paying attention here! I hope you're prepared to drive this country into the toliet. Democrats, we need to stay strong and unified!

Vote DEMOCRAT 08!

MCCAIN'S HEALTH PLAN IS THE SAME AS THE BUSH ONE.

I am glad to see John McCain talking real issues. He along with the republicans in congress are trying to lower Gas Prices and now he's tackling health care. Republicans last week asked our democratic congress to show them the plan they said they had to lower gas prices when republicans were in charge of the congress. They said they could lower gas prices. But our democratic congress as let gas prices soar another $1.50 since they took over. Obama and Hillary want to give us goverment run health care by raising our taxes and say it free. NO THanks my taxes are High enough. John McCain has it together we need to stop the medical community from overcharging us and letting trial lawers get rich off medical liability's. $20.00 for a tylenol while in the hospital ought to be considered stealing. Solve the problems of our healthcare system is the solution. Not Hillary and Obama's Idea of not solving the problems just raise taxes to help pay for it. Sorry I don't like paying taxes. John McCain 08.

I have a modest salary (less than $50k) and wonderful health insurance. I pay $60 a month. We just had a first child and that's only going to cost us around $2000 with our insurance, and we're using our pre-tax flex spending account for that.

So if government health care is implemented, am I to understand that my truly wonderful insurance which is mostly paid by a great employer will be taken away and I will get something that's more expensive? Taxes will go up, and I'll be paying for my insurance and everyone elses?

No thanks. I'm not wealthy. The benefits I have came from working hard, incurring debt from going to college, and finding a good job with room to grow. I know that isn't the case for everyone, but why should I shoulder the burden for the lazy and less fortunate? You can't afford healthcare, but you can afford satellite TV and big screens in your trailer?

I'm voting for McCain because, although I don't agree with everything he says, he at least doesn't want to turn us into a socialist nation where everyone makes the same amount of money and no one has ambition for greatness. Pull out a history book and look at countries where the government had so much say in people's lives. They were communist, socialist, fascist, or present day China.

Again, no thanks.

it is simpl
expand medicare to all citizen and pay for it by replacing payroll tax with national sales tax - who do you know that turns down the medicare when they turn 65

Amen, Senator McCain! "Socialized" Healthcare is a horror and a failure in every country it's been tried!

Good Job John!

Soon you will be president, and the dems can lick their wounds, and start cleaning up their house!

Black-Americans for McCain '08!!!!

EWWWW MCCAIN IS THE MOST HIDEOUS PALE FACED DUDE!

THIS GOVERNTMENT NEEDS TO BE OVERTHROWN> ANARCHY!

I agree with Bob. The government can't do anything right so why do we want to entrust them with our healthcare??? Privatisation is best because a motive for profit ensures that costs are kept down and efficiency is higher. With a government program no one cares about efficiency and instead looks to hand big government contracts to their friends at the cost of the tax payers. The liberals are all for national healthcare because it is another handout from the government that people think they are entitled to because they will just tax the rich.

THIS MAN HAS PROBABLY NOT PAID A PENNY FOR HEALTH

IN HIS LIFE. HE IS AN EXPERT ON THE BUSH POLICY OF

TAKING FROM THE POOR & GIVING TO THE RICH.

It's headlines like this one that helps the Clinton campaign. Your headline becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. Repeat it long and loudly enough, and people start to believe it and act accordingly. It's disappointing that CNN has now jumped on the "attack Obama" bandwagon.

Clinton won't even give her campaign workers health care !!

Think she cares about the whole country ?????? Not a chance.

Hey looking for change…you won't be getting any of that with McBush. Obama can't win for loosing. If he responds, then HRC flips into victim mode and talks about dirty politics. If he doesn't respond, then he looks soft.

The real target here is McBush, but she is more on his side than against him. Not sure why she expects to win against him when she has spent so much time saying how great he is. The people need help because of the war, and sending so many jobs over seas (I was outsourced and I am BITTER). But what to do when so many people profit from the same evils that are tanking the rest of us?

But John….., why would we possibly want family members to deal with health care issues when the government can do twice as bad a job for three times the costs??

People can be in charge of their health insurance if they have it WE DO NOT HAVE HEALTHINSURANCE SO WE CANNOT BE IN CHARGE OF IT Please go home and soak your feet old man. You are clueless about what us poor people are going through

THIS is why Mc Cain will lose in November.

The government pays for McCain's healthcare. This is just another example of the republican party watching out for the few ceo's and their profits. It is just amazing that the republican party with the most evangelical "christian" vote is the party that most hurts poor people which the most unchristian thing to do.

I will agree that this healthcare system needs some serious help. Why don't docs and hosptials post their prices like every other industry for example.
But Gov't healthcare?? Why? because social security, medicare and our education system has worked so well in their hands?
And lady if you think you had to wait long in the hosptial now, just wait!

I also question why liberal always hate on people that are successful. So because people have made something of themselves and can afford healthcare they are elitists? Please

Just FYI about 48% of people in this country don't pay income taxes. So that mean that 48% of the pop don't care if the rest of us are taxed to heck to pay for this stuff……..

Problems with universal health care:

1. Nothing is free, someone will have to pay for it - higher taxes or government spending cuts in other areas.
2. Competition is what drives costs down.
3. Expect long waits and less options.
4. Expect worst service and care.
5. Expect job losses from the current health care industry.

Universal Health Care is "off the table". Just like Nancy Pelosi took a Bush impeachment "off the table". TALK ABOUT UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, ONLY………..Cover everyone!!

Right … Families should be in charge of health care, not the government? So, let's privatize all of it and let the profit-driven fat cats be in charge. Look at how it works in other countries, enough said. What a complete moron. I only hope that most Americans are smart enough to see what a disaster this guy would be.

Health Care….Liberal style

spoiled rotten Americans = Americans who think it is the government's responsibility to provide them health care since they can't afford it = an "Entitlement" society = spending money on unneeded luxury items instead of spending it on health insurance = lots of debt = complaining that it is the government's fault that they are in debt and have no health care insurance = media fueled claims of a health care crisis = looking to the government to provide health care for you at taxpayer expense = Democratic health care supporters = spoiled rotten Americans….

it sure is a vicious circle….it spins to the left in case you were wondering

Hmmm…McCain's got no answer on Health Care. As he stated about the economy about two months ago, "American families, you are own your own!"

McCain has never had poor health care other than the years he spent as a POW. He is married to a heiress ($100 million+ net worth) who doesn't worry about money or health care like him.

Any Hillary-Democrats willing to support McBush is crazy!

shane H you said it well my friend. Too many want everything for free. But they want give up cable tv. Cell phones. eating out. I make less than $50,000 and have affordable health insurance. We just had a child that cost me $650.00 out of pocket that my flex account covered too. Don't want the goverment messing up my health care. Social security they say is in trouble why would I trust the goverment with my health care.

McCain 08

When John McCain speaks he just makes a fool of himself. I will never vote for a man so out of touch with the people.

WHERE DO POOR "FAMILIES" GO IF THEY CANT AFFORD PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE????

Does he mean that the general "We the People.." can't have as good health care ,at the same wonderful price, as he, the rest of Congress, the President and Vice-President enjoy? Senator McCain GET MORE SLEEP!!!!!!!

More people need to watch Michael Moore's SICKO. Although it may have a liberal bias, it will never let you look at health care in America the same way again.
People can label government welfare programs as socialist or even communist all they want but the fact of the matter is it's a lot easier getting the care you need in France or in Canada for example than it is here. Private insurers are corrupt, exclusive and misleading. Their purpose is to make big money and if they can get out of helping someone if it's going the cost them lots of money, they will.

What's the point in funding a government that does little for its people? Right now most of our tax dollars go into paying for war and an endless supply of weapons that may or may not protect us in the long run… as oppose to education and science, etc…

Dorothy—–why didn't you spend your money on Health Insurance instead of your computer????? You probably have a cell phone, and flat screen tv, too.

Eurpean allies, such as Germany, France, and Italy, are electing more conservative leaders due to their countries' economic woes.

MC Cain,
Look pal we see threw your phony attempt to lure people to your cause. The truth is that your not ready and you will never be ready to take the house. The problem is not yours alone , to be honest there should never be a Republican Prezz. History shows us that threw Reagan and his horrible policy's , Bush 1 and 2's horrible policy's that Republicans are very BAD for the US Economy . The proof is there , although hardcore Repubs will say its the Dems fault , we no better. Its always easy to blame someone else for your mess ups but in reality we no the truth .

My suggestion to all you liberals who are looking at the government to provide you healthcare…..GET A JOB WITH HEALTH/DENTAL COVERAGE

if you are incapable of doing that , my recommendation is to…..GET A JOB

if you say your job doesn't pay you enough to afford healthcare, my recommendation is to…..GET A BETTER PAYING JOB

if you say you can't find a better paying job because you are unqualified, my recommendation is to….GO TO SCHOOL

IF YOU ARE IN DEBT AND CAN'T AFFORD HEALTH INSURANCE IT IS YOUR FAULT!!!

YOU ARE THE ONE WHO MADE POOR FINANCIAL DECISIONS….NOT ME

AND ITS NOT GOING TO BE ME WHO PAYS FOR YOUR FREE HEALTH CARE BECAUSE YOU CAN'T BALANCE YOUR CHECKBOOK

AMERICA….SOCIALISM IS NOT THE ANSWER!!!

When John becomes confused he asks himself. WWJLD? What would Joe Lieberman do?

How are they going to make families pay for their health care or even the care for the children.? You have idiotic parents now who quit their jobs to keep from paying child support so how are they going to mandate parents to be responsible to pay health insurance?
I hope they have a work program that will require these parents to work to pay for these much needed benefits. Everyone does not have this level of caring for their families or children and something must be done to get them with their program!

Universal Health Care will work if it is applied the same way Medicare and Social Security is. Workers are taxed a small amount on each paycheck. But everyone has to participate for it to work.
You go, Hillary!!

"…one where a family has a medical home…where the focus is on affordable quality outcomes.”

Does anybody have clue what the heck that means?

Where does one find this "medical home" and how exactly does one afford "quality outcomes?" This reminds me of former Congressman Connie M