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With all due respect, people need to stop arguing about this as an "Us vs Them", evil conservative, self-serving Blue Dog, crazy liberal issue. This is a constitutional issue. No where in the Constitution does it guarantee health care for all. If anything the Constitution seems to point to a state by state solution per the 10th Amendment.

In the interest of full disclosure I am not an advocate of any sort of national health care program run or administered by the federal government. It is not a right, nor should it be. That being said, there is a way for those who feel it should be a protected and guaranteed to do so.

Boys and girls, it;s called a Constitutional Amendment. Have 2/3 of the Senate and 2/3 of the House vote in the affirmative supporting it. Then have 3/4 of the states ratify it either through state legislatures or ballot initiatives and, POOF, you have your federally provided, constitutionally guaranteed health care system.

If we're going to give what constitutionally should be our weakest level of government the power over our health care and our wallets, shouldn't we at least ask them to go about it the right way?

Just a thought.

I'm a little confused but doesn't it sound like the "president’s political arm at the Democratic National Committee" is a propaganda instrument. I guess I am naive to believe that something as important as these massive bills should be argued on merits and not crammed down the throats of the politicians districts. F Obama.

Hi CNN,
I keep seeing news reports about President Obama's health care plan. But the only thing I read about is how some Democrats and Republicans are not happy about the health care plan, and how this is all suppose to affect President Obama's agenda etc,etc. Could you provide an objective report on what the health care plan is about? If there's already a report, could you prominently include the link in your other news reports related to the health care plan? thank you.

With his ratings falling off and even Congressional Dems pushing back on his aggressive plans, Obama's whirlwind of taxing and spending may be coming to an end. I voted for the man and I am growing more concerned with every speech... or rather his non-stop continuous never-ending campaign.

@ patrick from Seattle,

Of course they are passing on the expenses to you. That's how capitalism works. The same thing happens when uninsured people go to the ER and don't pay their bills. It gets writen off as bad debt and the loss gets passed on to those with insurance. We've been paying for the uninsured for decades.

Apparently, Obama thinks a deadline is more important than the welfare of the country.

I support the President on health care, but the political reality is that lots of House Democrats are from swing or marginal Republican districts. If the White House pushes too hard, we could see several vulnerable Democrats lose in the next election cycle, thus given the President a more Republican Congress to have to deal with. The White House staff needs to remember the lessons of 1993 (leading up to the 1994 "contact on America" stunt) that left President Clinton with a GOP-held House (and eventually Senate) that he had to deal with for the rest of his time in office. The campaign showed great patience in winning the election. They need to show the same level of patience in passing their agenda (less they risk it all be losing seats in Congress).

Amazing how many ill-informed (ignorant) posters are out today. Repeating the standard GOP talking points doesn't exhibit knowledge on the subject. Calling the President names doesn't bolster your case either. Where were all you whiners about our deficit when Bush led us into a trillion (and counting) dollar illegal war in Iraq? Where is all the outrage over all that money that could've been used to fund health care? In the last 10 years, my health care plan has quadrupled in cost. At least a public option, not "takeover" as the Neo-cons would imply, would give the private sector competion and force them to moderate their prices to be competitive. The insurance and pharma companies have the country by the balls, and it's up to us to get them to let go. No public option means these companies can continue to plow us all into financial oblivion.

Dear God, I read your comments and you are all a big bunch of cry-babies. Did you really think that everything was going to be perfect after 6 months...

I'm an atheist but I least I recognize that you all, with your fake religious beliefs, have absolutely no faith in anyone except in the almighty dollar. This will be your downfall in the end.

How can I become a filthy rich big insurance or big pharma CEO?

I want to be one of the very few who will be able to afford a private, free-market, consumer-based health care plan in a few years if we don't succeed in passing health care reform.

Aren't our representatives elected to represent us, the constituents? Putting pressure on them to vote the party line gives us taxation without representation. They need to listen to their voters, not Nancy Pelosi. She is nutty as a fruitcake anyway. She needs to go while we still have a country that is not in full revolution.

E.C.Coleman,

Whoa, I think it's time for your meds.

Maybe when President Obama and the other Democrats gets this health care bill passed, you'll finally be able to get the help you so obviously need.

Until then, I suggest you get lots of rest. It will be okay. Really it will.

Hey dittoheads, I have news for you. You are paying too much for the private, free-market, consumer-based health care plan that you have right now, and may be dropped from in the future when you can no longer afford it.

And guess what? The CEOs who are running these consumer-raping health care plans are laughing themselves all the way to the bank with everyone's $$$$$$$$$$$$.

Go Obama. Shake the Capitol as hard as it takes to get something good rolling. Dont believe the BS.
Americans ARE behind this president 100%. And the lawmakers standing in the way of healthcare reform now are not going to last long. We know which ones are taking money from the medical establishment and real americans are quite fed up with bribe takers.

This plan is one of the worst ideas I have ever seen. We are going to ram this thing through without a debate. Hate to say it, but Obama is the old politician way of thinking, my way or the highway. He is absolutely out of control with spending. Soon, we will live in the highest tax nation in the world and what will we have to show for it. A medical system that does not solve the problem.

If this plan is so great, them why don't the Congress and Executive branches get covered by it? They are bunch of NO CLASS people, because they want to force this terrible plan on us, but not on themselves. Ask your Congress representative if they are willing to put themselves under this plan. Guarantee you all know the answer already. I think it is time to have a debate and if it is going to be implemented, make it apply to EVERYONE. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

Go ahead dittoheads, keep fighting for the "rights" of big insurance and big pharma CEOs " to continue raping the American public so they can make themselves filthy rich.

Just wait until it is YOU who can't afford health care insurance, and the CEO of the private insurance company that just cancelled your private, free-market, consumer-based health care plan is laughing himself all the way to the bank.

have your congress and cabinet appointees all pay their taxes. that would probably cover most of the countries health premiums. see? things are really pretty simple aren't they.

Socialist. Health care is NOT a right. It's not an entitlement. I realize that's a foreign concept to you Obamanites. Blood suckers. Stop having little bastards, using drugs and get jobs.

Oabama, Reid and Pelosi are setting this country back generations. If the pass this disaster called health care reform, we are screwed big time. Do you really think the goverment plan that you'll be forced into is better than the insurance you have now?? The only thing these people care about is power. The Democrat party of 2009 is much worse than the Democrat party of 1972. Back to the future for the socialists!

President Obama says he will not sign any healthcare reform bill that adds to the deficit. Folks have you been awake at all during the past months this President has been in office? The Congressional Budget Office (which is non-partisan) has already testified that based on the sparse information that congressional committees writing the bill (behind closed doors) have provided, that this healthcare reform does not decrease spending, but ACCELERATES the current unsustainable spending on healthcare. Further it INCREASES the responsibility of the federal government for healthcare. End of story; the President is clearly willing to lie about this, and any person who can read should know this.

The people who will suffer the most from this are "working class people" since although the wealthy are being taxed a huge amount more, they can afford it. The working class will get rationed, lower quality healthcare at an increased cost, since the taxpayer will be paying the costs of the millions of people who dont pay anything.

How to lower healthcare costs? For a starter, require people to fill out healthcare directives in order to get social security. The large majority of people don't want the needless medical procedures done during the last months of life, but there is not directive filled out to stop this. Most healthcare costs result from care during the last months of life. I cannot recall how many times I, and my fellow healthcare workers have commented that we would not want procedures done on us that we do onelderly patients everyday.

Am I angry? Hell yes I am angry, because I don't like it when I am lied to in such a way that insults my intelligence, and that is what is happing on a daily basis by this administration. Let me also say that lying by politicians is not specific to any party. That is why I am an
INDEPENDENT MINORITY VOTER.

Wow...even when the issue is all 'Democrats', the blind nimrods bring up Republicans and throw them under the bus.

I honestly didn't think people could be this dumb...

If you read up about the CBO director's views and his history you can get real educated!

I truly understand how bad our health care is at times, but we still have the best in the world. When the government starts running things they go down hill fast, we'd better look back at history around the world.I've seen many things fix themselves when government stays out of it. The doctors here are now made by "the Government" to do all electronic filing and billing or they will not goet paid their normal rate but a reduced rate for not doing "the Government" way.

I have first hand experience with the Cuban health plan. In spite of what Michael Moore would have you believe, it sucks. Socialized medicine is a road to poor care, no drug or high tech innovation and long waits to see your doctor. No national health plan please.

one more promise broken-did not obama request such attacks not be carried out ? his political arm of the dnc? when will the people face what is going on?

VON BISMARK,Vienna. July 18th, 2009 2:45 pm ET
Keeping americans safe also means keeping americans healthy,
-----------------------–
Not totally correct! Keeping Americans safe IS the job of the government. Keeping Americans healthy is PRIMARILY the job of the INDIVIDUAL.

I know obama and his administration have no shame but this is awe inspiring. This bill is bad for the country in so many ways and yet they continue to push it down our throats. This is not cost effective and is bad for all concerned but do they care, Noooooooo, and that does not appear to be changing. God, I love this country. Y'all elected a democrat, enjoy the folly of it.

TRUE Story:

my son plays hockey upstate New York. He played in a tournament in Montreal Canada. He was injured and needed a CAT Scan. Could not get one in Canada. We took him back to USA to Plattsburgh New York to get the treatment.

MORAL: A major city Montreal in Canada we could not get a CAT Scan. A "D" size USA city got one no problem.

Do you want government healthcare

It's about time that someone shows the courage, skill and determination to finally get this important job done.

As a Canadian who is presently recovering from major surgery and receiving great medical care during my lengthy convalescence, I know how fortunate I am to receive this first-quality "free" care. As a relatively-young retired couple, we know that if we were presently living in the States, the exhorbitant cost of this care would have obliged us to mortgage our home and face a very difficult retirement life.

No wealthy modern society such as the United States can call itself democratic and civilized unless it provides ALL its citizens with affordable medical care.

Pressure them? Why? Can they notydecide for themselves? I think that's easily read as "please don't adequately read this bill and vote accordingly." Rather "hurry up and get this thing through before anyone can read it thoroughly and I can pass my insane agenda."

Just keep blaming the special interests, but at the end of the day, it's going to affect everybody; by way of new taxes, by way of landing on some government run plan.
They’ll find someone to pay for it alright. The other guy, your grandchildren or somebody else.
Free lunch types stick around, and keep singing the psalms.

Those of you who are still undecided... or are slamming Obama's presentation... you need to read/watch the Bill Moyer's show last Friday night.. He interviewed a top executive who fought against any health care reform until recently...and now he is fighting AGAINST the ins companies.. Very informative.

e. coleman, you sound so ignorant and uneducated or it may be that your upbringing has really poisoned and polluted your mind, oh btw you sound like a coward racist. history will judge the likes of you.

wlou437 don't confuse them with the facts!!!!!
An employer would be crazy NOT to drop their insurance and pay the $750.00!
Then Obama and company will say " It's not our fault, it's the greedy employers dumping their employees!"

Why the rush? Maybe there is something in this bill that SOMEBODYdoes not want the rest of us to know about. No lesson learned from rushing the stimulous. Congress needs to read the thing from front to back (every word) and give us (the people) the five days to review as was promised! The libs keeps accusing the repubs of fear mongering? Then explain why is Obama is fearing the five day review period for the people that HE promised?

We have elected a KOOK ! Some of us knew it piror to 2008, however most Americans (being good celebrity lovers) fell for the telprompter and well groomed radical left person. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Helathcare can be controlled via cost control, fraud regulators.
Many people from Britain and Canada come here for medical as they are too slow and do not provide good breast cancer assistance as their RATIONING COMMITTEE says they should die.
If this was the 50s or 60s Obama would of been tried for high treason all the anti american statements he's made, and conduct of a kook.
James J
Idaho

If you are up for reelection in 2010 congress be aware if you vote on this hastily passed legislature you will not be reelected. We the american people are tired of having this president shove stuff down our throats without thinking it through. As for Obama he is the second coming of Jimmy Carter....a fiscal nightmare and failure.

Ha! Obama can't get 'healthcare reform' aka socialized medicine with honesty and debate but has to target those 'blue dog' democrats in their homestates with tv ads noone is going to watch or care about. Just like the prime time news conference coming wednesday. We are SICK of seeing him on tv. Why not start with the honesty and debate I mentioned before and stop ramming these policies down our throats with threats and urgency.

Politicians against heath-care reform should pretend they make 20 or 30 thousand a year without benefits. Then go on line and get quotes to see how much a private plan would cost them.....enough said.

People with health care are already paying at least 1 000 dollars in their cob=versge to pay for the uninsured. Do you people really believe that the insurance companies, doctors and hospitals absorb these costs.

Where are the details of the Republican "bill" which would tax all health care premiums except for a fration of it. CNN once again is not doing its job!!

Oh and anyone that states, Obama inherited this problem... Yea, but no one made him run.. I have never been hired by someone – Which obama was- then blamed the last person for how things are run. That is a cop out, and isnt going to work 7 months into his term. He needs to man up, listen to the people, and not his peers.. The people put him in power, not his peers. And he needs to man up and do a good job, not put our country into debt that our grandchildren will be paying off...

Obama can't even get enough democrats to pass his health scare scheme. Now he sends out his attack dogs against members of his own party...delicious! What happened to the politics of change? Eat your own democrats.

The president will not be reelected at this rate, he is making bush look like a puppy dog when it comes to american rights.

The healthcare plan will be a tragedy of epic proportions. The CEO's of the big drug companies, HMO's and the big health insurance companies will have to give up their hundred million dollar bonuses and their chateaus in Switzerland. They won't have the money to pay off our elected representatives (Max Baucus, Mary Landrieu) to vote against healthcare for all Americans. They won't have the millions they need to pay their trained parrots (Limbaugh, Hannity, etc.) to lie to the American people about the healthcare plan. We need to do everything we can to protect these people who've pocketed billions by NOT providing healthcare to Americans who need it.

Name something that the government has run that has been succesful. They screw everything up. Obama is a huge mistake, I can not believe I voted for him.

Obama ADM has threatend Sen Kyl and others, the Chicago Machine way. We are getting sick of him.
Jack J
Co

You are stupid Mr. When Barack Obama was Elected. The was the Biggest Racial call on white by blacks... Otherwise he would never have been elected.

I think the democrats should show these so called blue dog democrats for what they are, republicans in disguise. Who ran as democrats to get elected. Next voting time run a real democrat against them and kick them out. They are either for the democrat agenda or they have to go.

Tell me why the Canadian Parliment when they are ill come to America? Oh yes, they might be dead as it takes a yr to get into their system. In Britain women denied coverage as they can't afford medicine for Breast Cancer.
Same system as that dumbo Obama is recommending.
Jane J
WI

"I dont know why some of you are mad at him, he barely even had anything passed yet"

LOL ...poor poor Meghan... don't hold your breath ...LOL

If the polls are right maybe ...just maybe he'll do something productive!

So far, he's not even batting 200!

So much for change ..........he's only 10 points better than his predecessor ...sounds like more of the same to me!

But of course many people are satisfied with this when they are told to be so!

Truly, truly a shadow of what this great nation used to be!

Healthcare for everybody...Stop the wars costing billions per month..
the question is ...bring the troops home and save to pay for healthcare
wrong the wars are fought on credit; namely adding to the deficit...so can we afford it (Healthcare) ? No..."Denied"

Obama has been a failure as a community person (murder up 80%), as a Legislature in Ill he voted "present" 130 times, he was in the Senate 143 days and essentially quit (but collected a check) and he could not run crap if someone oversaw him.
He contradicts himself alot even though all is scripted – listen to him without his telepromper?
The HealthCare is full of disgusting things that will bring some people to a boil...such as those over 60 will have a bureaucratic consultant who will tell them when it is time to go to the hospice. Did you hear Obama yesteday? And, I heard that part of bill read. Disgustingly like Germany in the 30's, and so are the Czars likewise.
Wonder why Obama's Birth Certificate says race "African". They did not use the word African in 1961 – they used Negro. No hospital, no dr name, no parents name on the Birth Certificate and he has spent $800,000 fighting showing the original. There is a way to prove it but he wont and that is via his passport he traveled under in 1981. Send him back to where he belongs.
Jack C
WA

Count the number of Insurance Ads on TV.

Profits from premiums pay for those. Truth hurts, people.

when we elect politicians based on their campaign promises we whine when they dont keep them....Obama was elected in part to fix healthcare where still whining? At least he keeps his promises! The Republicans are in the Pocket of Big Insurance companies and will only protect their buddies never the American people....a private insurance bureacrat already stands between you and your doctor wise up folks!!!!

I think Obama has gone off the reservation.....

It is shame those people who oppose this health care bill. There is a concerted effort by the insurances to block this bill while 50 million americans are no worth. What kind of mind set is this? The only industrialized nation with out covering its citizens is us. these elected officials should vote for these 50 millions so that they can be treated as other nations' citizens.

Here's the problem ! The gov't is filled w/Wall Street people, perpetual student types and hardly any business people – in other words they don't know what they are doing and that is so apparent via the Stimulus Package and more. What about:
Post Office (broke)
Amtrack (broke)
Sos Sec (broke soon)
Medicare (broke)
EVERYTHING THEY HAVE BECOME INVOLVED IN COSTS 10 times more than what they say it will cost. 600.00 toilet seats, 400.00 ash trays, have you forgotten they are a joke when it comes to business?
The gov't could not run a lemonade stand. What needs to be done is HONEST regulators to put their hand on the Ins Companies and catch the Medicare thieves. But is there any honest people in Gov't.
Obama lies all the time – HIS OWN CBO OFFICE says Ins will go up and will increase deficit. Yes, the unparitsan Demcrat from CBO said that yesterday...not to speak of the incompetence in Gov't. Some of us have dealt w/Gov't Depts in our business' and we find them laughable.
Sorry, that's the truth.
Jen B
MN

What is failing to make the national news stations is this information from public tv- the insurance companies are making a profit of from 30 – 40 %. Medicare has an administration cost of 1 – 2 %. I trust public tv news reporting and commentators. Is private insurance mark-ups where you want your medical $$$ to go?

Slow down! its already slow enough this heathcare debate is getting no where the same ones who says slow down is really saying STOP we dont need this. this been going on for years and still not done yet the only thing we have to say is we are going to war as we already are in 2 but yet all of you republicans support it and may i ask how are we paying for 2 wars? we could have paid for healthcare twice.

If there is one thing worth going in debt for, it's providing good health care for all.

Some of the people here are extremely mis-informed, such as Beverly in NC. Republicans were the leaders and forerunners in Civil Rights issues, NOT the Democrats!!
This health care bill is nothing short of government takeover. There has not been a single program that the government has handled properly in the past and there is no reason to expect something better in the management of our health care. Even the stimulus has been a failure with millions of dollars unaccounted for and millions more designated for groups that will NOT be stimulating job growth. It is scandalous. The American people are not fools and it is insulting for the president to publicly keep pushing this so-called health-care reform bill. His tone and manner of speaking is even insulting to the Democrats in both the senate and house of repsentatives – it borders on threatening...
The disappointment some of us feel over this president is actually sad – many of us had high hopes that he really was about change and yet he is proving to be a self-serving disaster, pushing for more and more legislation to encourage more and more dependence on the government.

During his recent visit to Russia, Obama spent some private time with Vladimir Putin getting some tips on fresh "persuasion" techniques to use on members of his own party. In a Socialist state, dissenting opinion is the first thing to go.

Every time Obama says something about the Health Care Bill he uses scare tactics just like he accused the Bush administration of doing. This was evident last week when he and his administration warned about the swine flu being horrible and going to kill a lot of people. in my opinion, until you can wipe out fraud to some degree in Medicare and Medicaidthis bill should not be even be discussed. And to those who think insurance companies deny coverage for certain medical procedures. The government would deny coverage for a great many medical procedures as well.Exactly where does Obama plan to get the money from. I'm guessing probably from China.

One more thing to the Obama supporters. Watch Obama closely because he lies more than Bush. And Bush lied a lot.

As long as Pelosi and Reid try to ramrod their terrible plans, the blue dogs and centrist republicans should oppose it. The bipartisan committee that investigated the plan determined that not will it cost 1.5 trillion (or whatever), but the plan won't lower the costs to health care, but would probably increase health care costs.

If the plan makes sense, lowers costs, and covers more it should be supported. But just throwing a crappy plan out there and trying to rush it through to get approved is the wrong way to do it.

Katiec,

If I'm reading your post correctly, you're complaining that representatives are only allowing people from their home districts to communicate and comment with/to them. This is not "disgusting" or "unAmerican". It is actually the way the framers of the constitution designed it. The reason they call it the "House of Representatives" is that the people in there are elected by and expected to REPRESENT the people in their respective districts. I don't really care in which way of this debate you're going. If you don't have this simple American government concept down, and if anywhere near the majority of Americans are like you, America is in trouble and will begin to destroy itself like Rome.

If Obamacare won't bankrupt the entire country why does Obama have to spend millions on adds to threaten members of his own party in Congress. Could it be that they know the trillions and trillions in debt and taxes this plan would cause could double unemployment and destroy our economy for a generation?

When you elect lawers to do an economist an businessperson job you get the current situation we are in now. Obana and his minions have never created a job or run a business, yet we ask these lawers to run the largest business in the world. We expect them to grow this business when they have never worked as a manager or cfo of a busniness. Government don't create wealth, they only destroy it by taking from the producers to give to the non-producers. The most expensive plan will be the government health plan because the Federal government don't know how to run anything successfully

national health care is a nightmare i can site england and canada a former member of the canadian parliament belinda stronach had breast cancer and had a double masectomy and had breast reconstruction done in the united states not her native country canada paul mccartney brought his wife linda to sloan kettering hospital in new york not his native country england thats all i need to know about socializwd medicine

SMR, good thing you're paying attention. The Democrats do control the House and the Senate. They also control the White House. Has your life improved? Never trust a deal that has to be rushed. The Obama Administration still hasn't said how this is going to be paid for. Taxing those making over $250,000 is only going to raise about one-quarter of the estimated total cost. Where is the rest coming from?

The republicans are just the party of "NO", they like to pass judgement but dont have a plan of their own. If you are middle-class and think for one minute you would be better off voting republican this time around you are sorely mistaken, you would have been crushed. They have no answers just problems. They run on a platform of govt inefficiency (i.e. smaller govt, huge tax breaks for the rich. Im an independent but I can say that problems dont get solved overnight and I think we need to give his plans some time to work.

Obama's real plans begin to rear their ugly heads.... I can't believe this guy was voted into office, we are all screwed with debt up to our eyes. Ron Paul, the only sensible voice is barely heard. Maybe this country is just destined to fail.

1.The GAO reports the plan will cost much more than Obama admits.
2. After 5 years, all employers will be forced to switch to this plan. Say goodbye to your current health plan.
3. Obama and Congress refuse to include language preventing illegal aliens from getting free health care paid for by out tax dollars.

wow

i am an indepedent who voted for Obama but this i am not excited about

i am becoming pretty alarmed at how the Obama administration is trying to ram this healthcare bill through so quickly

given the gravity of what they are trying to accomplish one would think it would be best to take things slow and make sure they are doing it right

i was already worried that this might not be the right time for our country to take on such a huge financial burden but the manner in which the administration is trying to force it down everyone's (including those in their own party) throat really has me concerned

ANY pre existing conditions and back problems?...It will cost you extra for private health insrunce..BUT hey if you like paying a premium for all that plus all the adds you watch on TV for health care insurance..you go girl......OR better yet wait till age 65 when pre existing conditions do nto csot you extra fro Medicare...Profits can we afford the 20% inreases in private health insurance yearly?

Barrystash – My premiums are going up 23%. Deal with the truth.

I am not rich and I do not expect the rich to pay for my health care, and I do not want to be taxed to pay for the freeloaders health care. Where is fairness and justice. Congress needs to look at other ways to provide better health care for the people. I ask myself, WHY IS OBAMA SO ANXIOUS TO TRY TAXING OUR WAY OUT OF THIS PROBLEM? HE APPEARS TO BE ON A PATH TO RUIN THIS COUNTRY, WHY? I don't excuse President Bush for the problems he and the Republicans left. We need people that belong to neither party to seek a better United States of America.

Theres alot of people that will be very happy with Obama's healthcare plan then there will be those that aren't. Cant make everyone happy all the time, but in the long run Obama's vision for the future will be a brighter place to live. I dont know why some of you are mad at him, he barely even had anything passed yet, plus inherited seriously the worst job in American history.

E.C.COLEMAN – You seem to have an anger management problem, man. Get some professional help for yourself and your family's sake.

Patrick – so you repeat what you say is a rumour and then use it to attack private healthcare. You sound like Obama. And that is why most people don't trust people like you or Obama to tell the truth.

Johnny – healthcare reform would be gutting Medicare and starting over for people who are in desperate straights. Not doubling up on the existing Medicare disaster and forcing everyone (except Congress and the Obama family) into it. And yes, Obama sounds really thuggish when he says that no ones coverage is safe unless everyone's coverage is safe. Just as my food intake, housing, and education, my health care is not the business of Obama or his partners in crime.

President Obama is NOT writing the rules in this healthcare bill.

Our Senators and Representatives are writing it.

He will not sign anything that increases the deficit. Quit blaming him for what the Congress is trying to push thru.

Contact your representatives and let them hear your choices. I have. THEY DON'T READ THESE BLOGS.

They just want to hurry up and cram this down our throats before the hero of chappaquittic goes belly up and assumes room temperture

Lynda – I agree. Insurance lobbyists are very busy in DC 24/7 these days. They don't want to lose all their profits, so they buy our representatives. It's a shame.

We know who to vote for and against next year and in 2012.

I was recently informed that my health insurance premiums would be increasing 20% as all premium increases for my employer plan will be passed through this year. The rumor is that the premiums are increasing primarily for increasing "general and administrative" costs, rather than costs of providing healthcare. Are private insurance companies passing costs of advertising and lobbying against the Obama plan to employers and their employees? If so, how much of my premiums (and my employers' for that matter) relate to ads and lobbying?

Best thing in the world is for Pelosi and this Healthcare Bill to FAIL.

Stop the socialization of healthcare. If you like Canadian or European ways so much, leave the U.S. What needs to be done is major tort law reform to eliminate punitive awards on lawsuits. This is a major reason healthcare is so expensive. The government has done such a wonderful job with other failures like social security, the tax system, medicare/mecidaid etc. there is no way we should tolerate the government running a federal healthcare system!

All you people out there............big obama supporters who thought this clown would be the greatest the world had ever seen..............
.Like what you see NOW????
Hope you're getting the real picture of this jerk.

obama was never qualified ..............never had the right experience.....never had one clue about the presidency or about the American people.

obama is motivated by his personal quest for an important all powerful identity and is such an egotist that he really believes that he is above others and is the all supreme leader of all time...........
Who is going to Volunteer to tell obama the real story????????

Tom Bachman – which lobbyist firm do you work for? This delay is nothing more than getting health care reform stalled. We both know that.

Your advice was good nonetheless - I contacted mine to vote yes.

"Want more time". How much time do you need to come to a simple required and needed decision? This time business is a COP OUT. There's been a lot of time, years and years since Hilary first introduced the first medical bill. Come on now,
Ron, get with it, or be prepared to lose the respect of the people who voted you in. The Pharmacitical companies have no vote.

What is disgusting and unAmerican is that the house of representatives, which makes crucial decisions for us, have many
politicians who allow communication, comments only from their
districts. They make important decisions for our whole country yet
are unwilling to let us contact them about their actions.
WHO DO THEY THINK THEY ARE, AND WHY ARE THEY ALLOWED
SUCH CLOSED DOOR POLITICS????

obama is nothing but a hot-tempered dictator seeking more power and government control.

obama, go to your Home Land, the place of your birth, and be a do-gooder-socialist- dictator.

Oh, yes, and don't forget to bring your Kenyan Birth Certificate, the REAL ONE, before you return!

You people out there who elected this loser should be 'getting it by now..........'

Did any of you folks think for a minute that there would be no cost or pain required to achieve reform. You've been getting a free ride for a very long time and now it's time to pay the piper. The problems facing Americans cannot be fixed without incurring some costs and some pain. Doing nothing is going to cost a lot more and will be a lot more painful. We can't keep kicking these cans down the road, especially now that we have a real leader with the fortitude to do something about them.

I don't even read the comments when I see people are calling other people or groups of people derogatory names. Ignorant people have limited vocabulary and try to control by loudness or crudeness.

Just saying ....................................................................

this is why democrats always have half this country thinking they are a joke. they have an opportunity to do the right thing and yet they whimp out to placate the Rush Limbaugh Party. if they loses seats its all their doing.

Johnny: no one disagrees that healthcare needs reform, but Obama's plan is NOT reform. Remember 1994? The country spoke against a national healthcare proposal that did NOT REFORM but would have increased taxes and lower the standard of care for most. Obama needs to slow down and come up with good ideas, rather than just talk, campaign and continue to request donations from people like you and me.... I won't give him a cent again, and I will not vote for him again.

Oh please, advertising doesn't make someone a thug. Health care needs change, few in their right mind would argue that we need to leave it as is. Yeah, it's scary to try something new but we gotta try it sooner or later, why not now?

wlou437 – Most of those people could afford to pay something. But they are HD tvs, new cars, cable, vacations a Disney World every year, etc. etc. I have none of these and I pay all my bills with some left over. Communism has never worked anywhere on this planet, except at the end of a gun barrel.

Insurance premiums going up another 25 to 30% next year? TUFF.

You don't want affordable healthcare? Pay the premiums - and the higher deductibles.

Insurance Companies and Drug Companies spend money on TV Ads. Count the number of ads.

THEY PROFIT from the ignorance of those that buy their products.

The Marxists are in a full scale riot. Mr. Obama however is going to destroy his administration by emulating the thuggish tactics of Hugo Chavez.

Obama needs to stop this nonsense campaigning. He was elected to get the job done, and instead, he asks the middle class for donations for his campaign for health care, something not too popular even among those who like myself, voted for Obama. Reform is needed, yes, but Obama's plan is NOT reform. It is expense, tax, and little in the way of reform. I hope Obama does not get re-elected in 2012, I know I won't vote for him again. I also hope 2010 is like 1994, when the AMerican people spoke loud and clear against the Clinton's national healthcare plan.

I know CNN won't post this, since it is against Obama. Why CNN? Why do you continue to support a president that is failing this country?

Oh yeah, the Chicago Thugs now living in the White House will harrass the Dems that don't agree with their communist beliefs. This healthcare bill is an absolute disaster and the quicker the American citizens open their eyes to this, the quicker we can maybe knoch some sense into the Main Thug.

I'm a 28 year old Army veteran who has since worked seven years at a small business. My wife is 30 my son is 5, we are all healthy, no preexisting conditions, no smoking, not overweight and my employer's family plan costs in excess of $700 per month. I make over 70k per year but I still cannot afford this, and own a house. The time for health care reform is now, don't kid yourself.

These are the same tactics that car salesmen use to pressure you to buy a car before the end of the month discount goes away forever. The truth surfacing here is ugly, and that is that healthcare reform hasn't been thought out carefully enough to insure that it works for the average, middle class American.

Why is the taxpayers money being spent for commercials for something no one wants to begin with?

It's nice to see that some democrats are getting their backbones and common sense back and questioning this stuff.

If any of my congressmen or senators vote for this bill I will vote against them in the next election period. This thing needs to be DOA.

This is simply awful. There is something to be said for checks and balances and a balance of power. Honestly I voted for Obama but he is scaring the hell outta me. At the very least do not rush something like this and if we don't have the money to pay for this right now, then we don't do it right now

Obama doesn't need one sinlge GOP vote. There are enough democrats to pass anything without fear of a filibuster, so why are his followers still blaming the GOP for being obstructionists?

Stop with the mad rush to get something passed. We made this mistake with with wall st bailout and stimulus.

No bill is better than a bad bill.

Thuggery, continued.

Can anyone here logically explain to me why Mr. Obama is so totally trying to jamb this health bill down our throats?? Being an x-govt employee, this process can years, being of this magnitude.

Why all the arm-twisting? Is there an earmark to his bill that would eliminate two-term office limits or something?

I don't understand?

God Bless those Democrats that have the common sense and courage to stand up to the administrations bullying! They are to be commended.

I lost my job as computer programmer and can't afford COBRA. I tried to shop around and believe me, the major insurance companies are asking $800 -$1,500 /mo for my family. Let be competition with government and let be health insurace for every taxpayer out there. Why members of Congress don't want people like me to be covered after they have spent all my contributions in Irak? Why are we spending $12B in Irak every month and complaining about the price tag of "healthcare for everybody". Stop hypocrisy. We all need to live..They voted against insurance for children last time and voted to fund the wrong war in Irak. Pro-life that can't protect children ?

Chantilly, Virginia

Pennsylvania withholding July pay, California paying with IOU"S and more States will join the we cannot pay you....Does this sound like the country can afford anything at all least Obamas' healthcare ????

I sent an an e-mail to my Senator (Cornyn) today (too long to be posted on the ticker), will fax a copy to his offices tomorrow and may also submit copies to local newspapers for publication as an open letter to Sen Cornyn. I encourage all Americans to contact their representatives and advise them of your positions regarding this very important issue facing our nation. I believe we need meaningful Health Care Reform now, with a public option, and no further delays.

Also, I found the House and Senate legislation passed by the committees posted on C-SPAN.org — encourage all to review for yourselves and not rely on the media to provide you with any factual information — because they don't.

Hopefully the Democraps in Congress will come to their senses and realize the health care proposed by Obama is a loser! No way can America afford this.
He will continue to come up with excuses for new taxes and IF his "buds" in Congress go along they will eventually run out of people to tax.
His numbers are dropping...just not fast enough. It means many of his kool-aid drinkers are taking longer than necessary to realize their mistake last November.
Thanks libs. NOW WE ALL WILL PAY!

You tell 'em Obama. Kick those dead beat Dems out and replace them with Republicans!!

I'd like to know why every time someone disagrees with Obama who goes on a mission to put them down. No one is allowed to disagree and get away with it. Representatives and 'We the People' have some serious doubts about health care, but this is not helping. We need honest answers which we are not getting. Just who the heck is going to pay for this, when the feds can't handle the government sponsored health care we already have. If the democrats are not careful those they want to rob to fund their many new programs and czars will find that they may just not stick around and instead look for other countries to live in. I had planned on starting a small business this year but with the mess the federal government is creating I do not believe it is a possibility. Too much is being done at one time without looking at the problem long-term.

70% of all businesses have less than 25 employees and would not be required to provide health insurance under this bill. This would leave over 21 million workers without health insurance. This is not going to solve the problem.
And there are no definite solutions to controlling the cost of health care. Unless we can lower the cost, this will bankrupt America.

According to a report on truthout, Obama should be courting Katharine Weymouth, the publisher of The Washington Post , instead. Apparently she has attempted to convene an after hours meeting at her home of those she deems the "select few" who will decide the fate of health care in our nation. Isn't it nice to know that people who aren't elected officials can assume the role of the mighty in determining who shall live and who shall die according to rules set down at a cocktail party? You could probably attend as well, if you were able to shell out a quarter of a million bucks to grease the putrid hands of the so-called power elite. Obama has an uphill battle alright, but you won't see it watching CSPAN. That's only smoke and mirrors. It looks like it will be decided instead by a bunch of people whose most traumatic life experiences are getting pimentos instead of blue cheese in their martini olives.

This is ridiculous. What on earth is the point of having Democratic majorities if the party won't support a Democratic platform? If we can squeeze a modicum - a spoonful of courage - out of the weak-kneed Democrats for once in their miserable lives, that would be really neat.

The gutless liar in chief also doesn't mention HOW much it will cost, the MILLIONS of us that work and have insurance will LOSE the insurance we have (sorry liar, a private business will drop you if there is a crappy public option, DUH!) and check out page 16 of the bill, it is scary that any future private insurance after the effective date will BE OUTLAWED.

THe lying socialist must have missed these facts.

Shove it down the sheeps throats without reading it or an actual discussion of all ideas, how did that work out the first time fraud in chief?

Four and the door if impeachment don't happen first.

I applaud these smart Democrats, fight the power play by this coward.

If the health care reform is so important to Nobama and he is looking for BIPARTISANSHIP on the reform then why is he targetng ads only at the moderate Senators states and not all 50 states (or as Nobama stated during th campaign 57 states)? Sounds like coercion to me.

Not one Republican have a good idea yet Shawn and Rush is talking trash for god sake give the people something or shut up the ad make sense.

this is AXELROD.
he's astroturfing gain.

his mother was a writer for a communist publication in NYC. his father moved in with a man to 'find himself'.

AXELROD owns clarence page and the tribune staff by pilfering their messages and files shile employed by CHI Trib.

all you need to know.

except this he made $45 MILLION off Obama's three year presidential run.

Well well well, the president really is the celebrity puppet, now he's running his own ads? Is the election over? Thought so. Does he require propaganda pieces to justify his completely faulted plan? Evidently so. How much more pathetic can our white house get. Dang. I thought Bush was bad. Government has become a joke, and mocks the very principles this country used to have. It's an "Access Hollywood" world now. And the dolts known as the American public lap this garbage up. We get what we deserve. What a wonderful waste of a once great nation.

There are too many unanswered questions in this bill. If it gets passed then breauocrats will make any rules or requirements they want without any congressional approval. This bill is designed to put the insurance companiues out of business because any company can drop; their coverage and pay only a $750 per employee fine. This is cheaper than monthly premiums. Why would they continue to pay for employee health benefits? And what about those small businesses (less than 25 employees) who don't have to offer health care. Their employees would than be without health care – but that is against the p;urpose of the plan to insure everyone. And how do they fine me if I chose not to be insured?

as the president's popularity slips he needs to work faster and harder to get his core objectives accomplished, by this time next year he might be as unpopular as the last guy

The Democrats have the majority and this is the time to use it. Obama should be putting tremendous pressure on any Democrat not ready to vote the healthcare plan into law immediately.

Republicans opposed the creation of Social Security, of Medicare and were completely against the Civil Right Bill in the 1960s. Can you imagine America without these programs today? Republicans have been wrong on every issue that benefits the lives of average Americans. They are wrong about healthcare too. They could care less what Americans are going through because these Republicans all have free government healthcare, so to hell with the rest of us.

ANY member of Congress, especially a Democrat, that votes against the healthcare package should know they are voting themselves out of a job. Over 73% of Americans want the healthcare reform package passed. Deny us what we need and we will deny you your seat in Congress.

The time for reform is NOW. It's very simple. Vote for the package or we will vote you out of office.

The arguements regarding health care are being argued as an "us vs them" issue. Personally I don't believe health care is a right promised by the constitution, but rather an issue reserved for the individual states to address under the 10th amendment if states so choose. That being said, I may be wrong and if I am, let's make sure we do this thing the right way. We have a mechanism to make this a right under the constitution; it's called an amendment. Have 2/3s of the House and Senate and 3/4s of the states vote for/ratify it, and poof, now it is part of the US Constitution. I'm not saying my opinion is the only one that matters, but if we're going to give the federal government more power over us, let's at least make sure we're doing it the right way.

Barack Obama and his gang including DNC do not understand why these moderates do not want to support his agenda. We the people will throw them out if they listen to your ads and vote for Barack Obama's health plan. They think that since they have majority in the congress, they can do whatever they want. Barack in fact said he was elected in last November do destroy our country. Let me warn both Brack Obama and DNC that they will not destroy our current health \ystem. We are quite happy with it. We do not need Universal health care.Also we do not need your ads in these places where the people are standing up and so also the congressmen. Otherwise we will make sure that they are wiped out in the next election. This is the warning to Barack, his gang and also to our elected senators and congressmen. Barack Obama is a joker and we cannot accept his jokes.

I have a question also, If so call Government run healthcare is so bad then why does congress have it already Democrats and Republicans?If its cost so much and its as bad as they say then i feel they should drop their government health insurance.

If the Obama Health Plan is so wonderful why did CONGRESS EXEMPT THEMSELVES from the Plan? Wouldn't they be running to sign up if it was so great? They are not above us...they need the
same Health Care Plan that they are shoving down our throat!

same thing happened in the'30s but, not with T.V.

I agree with this. The Republicans are wonderful at staning together in the NO stance and Dems are to weak to push the Presidents adgensa thru. He got elected to change things and his party is sucking air. Shame shame...I will not support either party if they don'tm get this done.

Has anyone heard if BO and the Congress will be part of the new health plan. I think that would be the absolute minimum in the bill. But, again, the democrats do not give a dam about the rest of the population. They only want to put money in their own pockets.

It is a very bad move on the part of Obama and his team to pressure Congressman and Senators at a time when Obama's approval ratings are on the downward spiral. This could backfire big time as Congress does not work for the White House and does not like to be bullied.

BO continues to show his lack of intelligence. Evidently the college degrees payed by others did not help with any common sense. This dumb wacko is heading down the road to terrible change.

And who is paying for this garbage??? Is this another payment by us taxpayers that BO doesn't care about. Oh, yes, I forgot, he does care to get more taxes, but BO is not concerned about the welfare of America. I have never seen such a stupid president . . . this dork is really dumb.

It is time now to support an alternative to the private insurance plans that we have. Once again, government won't ration your health care anymore than the private companies do. The insured are always being told what the insurance company will and won't pay for. The government alternative will add the competition needed to bring down prices for everyone. So the insurance company executives will have to give up those ridiculous high salaries. It general public is much more important. I mean these people leave people to die for want of healthcare THEY PAY FOR. It is time to do something for the working public.

The country is basically bankrupt but Obama found all of this money to run ads to promote his socialist healthcare garbage. Amazing. Canada with a population of approx. 60 million people and England with a population of approx. 30 million people already ration healthcare and have waiting lines for needed care. What do you think will happen if Obama's garbage plan passes? Private companies will stop providing healthcare benefits and everyone will be stuck with the government run garbage. That would be over 300 million people on the government run garbage. If you do not think there will be enormous waiting lists and complete rationing of care happening, you are a fool.

It is unfortunate that the White House choses to use cheap gimmicks and scare tactics to move this unsustainable healthcare legislation forward. Bullying our elected representatives into submission is both unsavory and borders on unethical tactics. Or is this just the way this White House chooses to do everything?

Really believe Obama needs to slow down. Pushing this major bill in such a short period of time is reckless. We do need reform in Health Care, but it needs to be well thought out. Not a plan that is being shoved down our throats to meet his agenda.

NO! We want private insurance thug!

Its 15 bucks to go to health department. ER's have never turned anyone I know away. Buy pills from mexico and that will be enough. Pharamcy giants don't scalp them like they do US. Hmmmm wondering how many bribes/earmarks obama has received on his plan from Rx

What does it mean that conservative democrat? why they are a swing voter for this important health care reform ? the DNC should take an action on these swing voters.

If a Bill can't stand up to scrutiny and pass on its own merit, then it doesn't deserve to. There must be something wrong with it. The idea that we must scare people into making rash decisions needs to go.

We don't need health care reform right this minute. Let sit down and hash it out in detail. Take a year or two to figure it out. Do things right. My god people, the FDA won't let life saving drugs be used until they are vetted for extended period of time. Doesn't Health Care reform deserve the same consideration?

Let our congress vote the way they please, this is a free country. I sure hope my representatives vote their beliefs, not another way because some idiot put pressure on them to change their vote. Shame shame on you democrats.

That Obama has to resort to commercials so soon after his election,
raises three questions: (1) Won't taking on adversaries this soon
tire viewers already weary of long, unending campaigns? (2) Where
are the leadership skills we expect in our president? (3) Who is
paying for it all?

the delay in delivering the swine flu vaccine......

Swine flu is expected back in September and the pharma companies will be woefully short in delivering the needed quantities....

If Obama wants to solve health problems, how about starting with this before Americans start falling over like flies this winter...

Comparing our system to Britains?

Overall:
Britain – 18th
USA – 37th

Life Expectancy:
Britain – 14th
USA – 24th
Your arguement is totally blown away by the FACTS!!!!

Price per Capita:
USA – 1st – YEAH!!!! WE PAY THE MOST!!!!!
Britain – 41st

Republicans only have scare tactics.
and we should run this AD. to expose these democrats who are in representing insurance co.

Thank god for facts.

Wait, I thought only the "party of no" was opposing this. It appears the bi-partisan vote is against this bill not for it. All the Republicans plus 50 Democrat lawmakers oppose the bill in the current form. I guess all that bi-partisan talk is only for when its convenient.

When will the liberal dems realize the government takeover is a bad idea. Look at all the government programs that are run so inefficiently. They know they can run shabby, inefficient programs because they use taxpayer money and when they run out, they just up your taxes to get more. I say vote in the folks who want less government screwing up things. Google "Tea-Party" and find one to join in your state. We need "change we can afford".

In the bill is: MANDATORY "counseling session" for all senior citizens to take place EVERY 5 years. This "counseling sessions" will be done by a representative of the government at the senior citizen's residence. The government representative will advise as to "end of life decisions and issues. In other words, genecide of older generations Imagine that, A way to rid the nation of anyone over the age of 65 if they can't pay for "private insurance". The federal governments way of reducing medicare costs.

Listen up, Congress. We cannot afford what this president wants. At least I sure can't. I already pay plenty of taxes and don't need to be saddled with more. If all the illegals were sent back home, our health care system's load would certainly be lightenened.

Interesting. The President cannot even keep his own party in line for a "health care plan." The Dems already knew he was going to attack the health care system. He was the most liberal senator before the election. What did they figure they would get? Something easy to work with and pass on to the American people? Not a chance. He is taking an approach that has the potential of bringing any reform to a halt. Six months in office and already going down in flames. He and his staff better take a long, hard look at their plans and start thinking in terms of what it will take to get both parties on board. If he does this incrementally and there is reform and progress, he might actually have a good run in 2012. Otherwise, he is headed for the proverbial "crash and burn."

That Obama has to resort to commercials so soon after his election,
raises three questions: (1) won't taking on adversaries this soon
tire viewers already weary of long, unending campaigns? (2) Where
are the leadership skills we expect in our president? (3)) Who is paying
it all?

Article II, Section 4

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Treason and bribery are usually clearly understood concepts, but "high crimes and misdemeanors" are open to a wide latitude of interpretation. Some constitutional scholars have argued that only criminal offenses meet that standard, but others have maintained that a simple breach of the public trust is sufficient.

This is one real chance to get healthcare reformed if we fail then we cant blame president Obama for it he is giving it his best shot if we donot get it then we have no one to blame but ourselves, If we really want it this is our chance to put pressure on congress or whoever is in charge. Of course those who have ties to the insurance industry or whatever do not want this but for those of us who does this is our chance.

You know you're in trouble President Obama when you have to play dirty with your own team. And who exactly is paying for more propaganda being peddled by the White House?

Why the taxpayers, of course.

The majority of American's do not want the Obama socialized healthcare and the President's plan is losing support even from his own team.

If the ad were telling the truth, it would say, "We're going to tax you for your employer-provided health care benefits! Obahahahaha...."

Here's a theory - many people who support the idea of government health care don't really believe that things will be better. Their motivation is "everyone will be given the same priority and treatment options", in other words EQUALITY is the plum. The problem with this thinking, of course, is that it is not true. Do they really think the elites in the government, the media, and Hollywood will have to wait for months for procedures like the rest of us? The biggest lie yet is "you can keep your health care plan if you like it." As soon as practical after the government option is available, most employers will drop their plans - it's the only logical thing for them to do!!

I don't remember another administration that 1) used TV ads to try to campaign for it's own policies, or 2) worked so hard to keep it's own party in line. Welcome to Big Bro socialism in Amerika. And you did it!

I am an independent who voted against the republicans. This health care bill stinks. Universal opportunity to affordable health care is vitally important but this proposal is dead wrong. Government needs to find a way to take a passive role. Keep it private but affordable. Government in an active role has never worked in the history of this country. How well does social security work? It doesn't.
Start by fixing the Tort system and the outrageous settlements that we all pay for. Going to the doctor and accepting advice or a service is a risk just like anything else. You accept , you risk. Hopefully it works out. That is why they go to school and certification.
Keep it private and fix the judicial system BUT make iot accessible by all. That is what I voted for NOT a nationally run system for anyone.

It's a sad day for the Democratic party when it turns on it's self to help the President get what HE WANTS. To bad what the President wants is not what the majority of independent Americans want! This White House and members on the Hill want more spending with money they do not have. Regulation of Health insurance companies so that more jpeole can afford health care just maybe a simplier way!

This president has gone from a cool calculating review the data kind of guy to a "we have to do it now or else" doomsayer. What in the world is this all about? Has he lost is mind or is he surrounded by, and listening to, socialist that want to change this country forever? It’s very scary how things are moving so quickly without much debate.

Scare tactics 101. If you don’t pass this we will not give you any campagin money. You politicians better stand up for your people and not Obummer’s if you do disagree.

When Obama tells you if you like your plan, you can keep it. What a lie!!! If your employer decides to go to the public plan, you can not go out and get a private plan. You will have to go on the public plan. I have never seen such dishonesty! He wants it rammed down our throat,so we won't know what is in it. It is not called "chatter" but debate Obama!

If it'ssuch a fabulous bill, why should he have to pressure his own party to support it? As I lifelong Democrat, I think this President is a disaster. the Democrats version of GW Bush.

The ad does not "feature ordinary Americans," it depicts carefully selected anecdotal evidence. Wouldn't be much of a commercial if it featured ordinary Americans – now would it?

What's wrong with just slowing down and taking a good long look at this? The debate seems far from resolved, and moving too quickly just adds credence to future statements like, "We underestimated this....," or "We just couldn't foresee that....,".
If we can afford to sit around and wait for the Recovery to reach jobs and the housing market, we can afford to take a little more time on this. Just like we maybe should have looked a little closer at giving billions away to Goldman Sachs.

Yes, support this plan, because as the President repeatedly reminds us: the status quo is not acceptable.

Like – if you're driving "unacceptably" close to the edge of a cliff, don't impede a plan to drive over the edge. Because the status quo is unacceptable.

Call your Congressman & Senators....tell them NO!!!! to this massive power grab. If you want to keep your health insurance, this plan will FORCE you to the "public option", where Washington decides your level of care, providers and costs.

Senators and Congressmen get a public option for THEIR health insurance and they are quite happy with it! Why are they standing in the way of MY CHOICE?

If they don't want to let regular Americans have the choice for a public option, they should voluntarily relinquish their own plans!

So it seems the threats and bullying haven't left the WH even with its new occupant. Why also do Congress have to be afraid of not meeting Obama's self imposed deadline? Who exactly changed the rules that the Congress is now the arm that does the bidding of jumping and asking how high as the orders flow from the WH? Are we down to 2 co-equal branches now rather than 3? Perhaps do you think that Congress might read the bill first before they finally pass it this time or is that asking too much?

Well,I don't must to say because i'm sure that every goverment on every nation always do the best for their country.

I don't understand why there is a problem!
They keep saying that it will cost $1 trillion over the next 10 years ($100 billion a year).

OK.

The Bush tax cut for the rich has cost us $300 billion per year, or $3 trillion over 10 years, and the congress didn't gripe about that! Since the rich tax cut comes to an end next year, the government would be able to fund the health care and have $200 billion left over !!!!

Hello?

And noone is talkiing about what all of the uninsured having to go to the hospital or emergency ward, because they have to wait until they get really sick is costing the government (that's us)!

Write your Senator and tell them we must afford this!!! Cleaning up all the other messes Bush and Cheney left behind (Iraq, Blackwater, and other graft, etc.,etc.) will save the government (us again) much more still.

PLEASE, WE MUST DO THIS!!!!!!!!!

If we don't fix healthcare, in some solid meaningful fashion, it will, without a doubt, bury us, Welcome to the third world, America, unless you can get congress to get off its fat ass and do something.

The Republican math goes thus:2.5trillion dollars for unjustefied wars are less than 1trillion dollars to keep americans healthy. Keeping americans safe also means keeping americans healthy,

Didn't the same Repugs who are saying we need to slow down so people can understand what's in the health care bill the same ones who bum-rushed the so called Patriot Act?

That bill shredded our Constitutional rights and gave unlimited power to the Executive branch. This nation may never fully recover from that piece of crap.

These are same Repugs who kept their mouths shut when their Wall St and banker buddies received 100's of billions of dollars from the tax payers.

Why object now? That's right. Because this bill would help average Americans. These people really and truly hate this country.

Obama and the democraps passed an $800 billiion porkulus plan without reading it.

Obama and the democraps then passed a $1 trillion Cap & Tax bill without reading it.

Now Obama wants the democraps to pass a $2 trillion health plan that even the Congressional Budget Office says will only increase health care costs again without reading it. (Doubt that Obama has read it either).

While Obama's using taxpayer money to sightsee around the globe, his policies leave America bankrupt, increase unemployment, do nothing to contain global warming, do nothing for energy indepence, and do nothing for health care.

The only constituents that Obama has attended to in his time as president has been the people that hate America.

By far, bar none, the worst President the US has ever seen.

I think that whenever congress comes up with what they think is the ideal health plan, THEY SHOULD THEN USE IT THEMSELVES. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, right? At least then we'll know that they thought about quality...

Presently they are covered by private health care plans.

By next November Obama will be be a lame duck

i really think the mesiah is going to lose the health care battle. too bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! maybe he will become more realistic like the rest of the population...........................

Problem with DEMOCRAPS they hate it when you think for yourself, when you use common sense. There are many moderate and conservative democrats; I hope they'll stay strong and oppose this rationed healthcare Obambi, Pelosi, Reid, Ted Kennedy, Chris Dodd are promoting. The model of Obamacare (sponsored by Kennedy-Dodd) is Universal Healthcare in Massachussetts. MA is dropping 30,000 LEGAL IMMIGRANTS from their Universal healthcare, the state cannot afford them anymore in spite of the fact these people paid-in to their universal healthcare. The CBO was right, it will INCREASE COST in healthcare if Obambi push for this FRAUD rationed healthcare.

40 million Americans don't have healthcare coverage out of 270 million. Are the DEMOCRAPS stupid enough to take away insurance from 270 millions and give it to 40 millions uninsured and underinsured? The effect of OBAMACARE can be felt right away in the job market, small businesses will be hardest hit which is the biggest JOB CREATOR. When you kill the goose that lay the golden eggs, where the federal govt will get revenue for their rationed healthcare?

STOP the scare tactics and pass a Universal Heath Insurance that includes a Public Option plan.

Obama is right!! he needs to take care of the problems the majority of us elected him for!

Government insurance program will be another failure, money will be thrown into a program without benefits. Throwing money at something such as the Stimulus package looks good but in reality is an action not a resolution. Government takeover is the beginning to the end for America as we once knew it. Our President is not taken seriously by other leaders in the world and for good reason, shame on our leaders for the destruction of America.

Hopefully someone can get the word out to the public that Republican politicians are lying about their opposition to health care overhaul. The Republican politicians are only interested in helping those companies who make money ripping-off working Americans. They are not interested in helping Americans get health care for less money, or making health care available to more Americans.

In order to completely recover the Dems must control both the House and Senate. The further we detach ourselves from the failed policies of the Bush Administration, the faster our Country will rebound.

Stimulus "can't wait".

Bailing out banks, "can't wait"

Bailing out GM and Chrysler, "can't wait"

Healthcare, "can't wait"

Well, I can't wait to dump these Democrats and Obama in 2010 and 2012 !!

President Obama, has the wind behind his back for (HEALTH CARE REFORM) The Presidents (Agenda ) no matter what the (nay-sayers) say, is going to come more to the (LIGHT), on his (NATIONAL) Press conference next week. President Obama , has championed this (URGENT) need for the (american) people, those so called (BLUE DOG) Democrats, (MASQUERADING) as (republicans) are getting a (Notice) of true (Politics) the american people 70% support (Health Care Reform) and it will be (Political Sucide) for them not to get on (BOARD) with President Obama. This has made our (Economy ) so (Weak) and has caused much (PAIN) for the American people. We need a (NEW) balance in (Health Care), and these (BLOCKERS) will see next week ,the momentum of this President, when (Speaks) to the (Nation) how he will (CAPTURE) all (EARS) to (Hear) how important it is to (PASS) this (BILL)..It is (TIME FOR CHANGE) So come on Democrats ,either get with it or see the Handwriting on the wall, you can be (Replaced By The New Democrat).. We are with you President Obama......

Good. Be sure to remind them of the massacre of 1994 and all the crap that came with it.

Do something about healthcare or you don't deserve to be in Washington.

That is true for Democrats and Republicans.
Lead follow or get out of the way.

As an Independent, I will not vote for any Democrat who agrees with this wasteful spending and poorly reviewed healthcare overhaul.

Obama promised full hearings, on television, and instead it appears like a lot of backroom deals by Democrats trying to ram through, in the fastest possible time, a poorly thought out and mangled piece of garbage that will bankrupt small businesses, explode the deficit and burden our children with massive new spending.

To date, Obama has spent more tax payer money than every President since George Washington to George Bush combined.

Enough is enough.

It's becoming clear that there is so much resistence to health care reform because of all the politicians on the take from special interests, especially the lucrative insurance business.

These corrupt politicians are soon to be exposed.

Hit them hard with these ads to fight back against the conservative lies and fear tactics. Explain about all the hard working people who thought they'd done everything right, only to have their insurers refuse to cover them when they come down with a catastrophic illness. Or when they reach their maximum lifetime benefit and find out they have to pick between keeping a roof over their children's heads or getting the treatment they need to stay alive. Or when their health care provider rations their care and withholds treatment. I've seen it all in 20 years as a health care administrator and I know we need President Obama's plan to pass NOW.

The Obama plan will be the end of us all.

Democrats sense a loser – Obummer.

Does this mean Blue Dogs and moderate dems are now the party of no?

I am on a government/military healthcare system called TRICARE (aka "Try and Get Some Care...) and they have almost let 2 of my children die through terrible care and little to no oversight. (happened during Clinton so don't try and blame the "global scapegoat" Bush)
Prove to me that this government can run ANY medical system be it Medicare, VA hospitals etc and maybe I would be less skeptical...

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "FREE LUNCH" ! SOMEBODY IS PAYING FOR IT !

The best heath care plan is for people to start taking better care of their own bodies. I don't want to pay for other people's self inflicted health care problems.

We are already wasting too much money on Medicare and Medicaid as it is. Go fix those programs first and make them efficient before proposing a new way to waste taxpayer's money.

I thought President Obama was against scare tactics. What does he call this

Obama please stop using scare tactics. We want and deserve the truth on how much this is going to cost and who will be paying for the health bill. Are you going to keep your word, while you were on the campaign trail, and give us the same coverage that Congress has?

If your agenda isn't worth a crap advertising is like putting lipstick on a pig. FYI facts are not scare tactics.

I have had over 40 years of experience with lawyers. I know when they want to rush something through, or they want something done quicker than normal, or they need a quick favor, that they are up to something that is not kosher. I smell a rat here, …maybe several rats.
Old (seen it all) Salt, Anchors Aweight

The only Congressional members against health care reform are those who are being politically funded by health care lobbyists. Let's see who is "for" the interests of real America and who isn't.

If republicans had any real interest in "reforming" health care, it would have been done years ago. They dropped the ball 8 years ago and are dropping the ball now.

Meanwhile, the power of the lobbyists continues to grow.

I don't see why all the fuss about the health care. Just give us the same plan the bastards that are going to tell us what we are going to live with have. I like theirs and their retirement.It is a hell of a lot better than Social Security. The only thing that can break their gravey train is treason. They can go to jail and collect it under their plan even if they have been convicted of murder or robbery if they have been in the Senate for 20 years. I will give two first names who are still collecting and have been convicted of crimes in court. Dan and Duke.You can bet your farm Kennedy has not paid a dime out of pocket for his treatment for that cancer. He was treated here in NC in a hospital built with tobacco funds and busted his rear end to break the tobacco industry here. 72 years here and hate what I see is happening to t his country.

"It's Time" to ram through a trillion plus dollar health care bill that even the sponsors can't possibly understand. Hurry and do it before the American people understand even the basic concepts. Extort votes from the Blue Dogs, that's the Chicago way. Ignore the warnings of the CBO, that this bill will harm the economy further, and will guarantee worse health care at a higher cost than our current system.

Hey CNN, instead of pitching for Obama"s socialist health care plan and calling it news, why don't you report on the firing of the Inspector General and the pending legal challenge?
I guess you won't consider this news. You are just too busy with your propaganda to sell his socialist agenda.

Oh my goodness. President Obama who spoke against lobbyists has now created his own personal lobbying organization. America as our founding father's imagined it is under siege!

We WILL take their names!

The insurance companies and Republicans have had 70 years to come up with some meaningful health care reform-why do they want to slow down the current effort??? So they can organize a stelth campaign aginst getting "anything" positive done. I am on Medicare and believe it to be the best thing going. I recently had heart surgery and am continuing to recieve care for a chronic kidney problem. I have never had to pay an extra dime for this care. Up until I got on Medicare I and my wife were paying about %30 of our net income for a high deductible insurance plan with ever increasing premiums. That is no way to live. We were in fear of bankruptacy all the time.

President will pass (health Care) .......

When will the idiot in office get it? His own party is telling him slow down this is trouble and this self rightous glory hunting idiot goes right ahead and does as he wished, it is time he stopped, our only hope is maybe he will leave office in shame!