WASHINGTON (CNN) – The “Blue Dogs,” a group of moderate to conservative House Democrats who have worked to limit the price tag of health care reform legislation, are taking a hit from a prominent Republican who is suggesting that the group will ultimately prove ineffectual.
Related: GOP, Blue Dogs get health reform slowdown they wanted
“The Blue Dogs, they always bark and they never bite,” Arizona Sen. John McCain said on an interview that aired Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union. “They almost always – in fact, always, roll over and then play dead.”
McCain’s slam of the Blue Dogs came in the context of being asked whether President Obama has the political power to stymie Republicans in their efforts to shape Democrats’ ambitious plans to overhaul the nation’s health care system.
“There's no doubt that this is a very effective president of the United States,” McCain said of his former rival. “He's an excellent communicator. He has sizeable majorities in both houses of Congress.
“So I would never count anybody out in health care or anything else when you have these sizeable majorities. I think they will renew the push after the August recess. The question is, are they going to be really bipartisan efforts or just pick off a couple of Republicans?”
In the House, the Blue Dog coalition has worked within the Energy and Commerce Committee to bring down the near trillion-dollar price tag for health care reform over the next 10 years while also protecting the interests of rural hospitals in some of their districts. Efforts to appease the Blue Dogs resulted in delays in getting legislation out of that committee. A vote on a bill came late Friday, just before the House broke for a five-week recess.
From CNN Politics
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So EIsner – how much of my income do you want ? All of it or just part ? How much is fair ? Do you want me to work an extra shift so you can get an abortion or get full coverage for AIDs that you caught by do nasty things ?
It is sad to see how CNN has become Fox light. . . . guys like john king and lou dobbs should be fired.
This is from a guy finished at the bottom of his class at The Naval Academy, dumped his wife while having an affair with a rich blond, stated while campaigning he is not real good on the economy, and picked perhaps the dumbest candidate who has ever been on a ticket. Does anybody really take what this clown says seriously.
I agree with Athens GA – fire those people who we disagree with. Install only Obamots into all positions as CNN, not just most.
With all due respect, why does John King insist on pushing John Mccain on his viewers. John Mccain LOST. Please Arizona, vote him out of office so that we don't have to keep hearing from him.
Earth to John King, if the country was interested in John Mccain, he would be President Mccain instead of Senator Mccain. GIVE IT UP. I know that you yearn for the days of Republican rule so that you can get another tax cut for you and the rest of your rich friends, but those days are over, hopefull forever.
Wasn't it John McCain that rolled over and played dead for G.W, Bush for eight years? He was in lockstep with everything Bush wanted. McCain is a delusional old man and will remain so until his death.
This idiot is a gutless coward. He is still irate that he lost the election. He is especially irate that he lost to an African-American. If you can't see that–get an eye exam. He won't shut up-what IS his problem other than being a sore loser.
@ barrystash – the overwhelming majority of health-related expenses are due to obesity and lack of prevention. Maybe if you and your ilk put the jelly donuts down, we wouldn't have to be paying for your sick fat ass.
In fairness, I have no clue if you're over weight but, you gotta admit that the odds are on my side.
Gee...Obama loyalists are the most hateful people I have ever seen. Hate for McCain, hate for Bush, hate for the military, hate for police, hate for people who earn a honest living, hate for people daring to have an opinion other than theirs, a fundamental hate of America.
Quoth Gramps: “They almost always – in fact, always, roll over and then play dead.”
This would, of course, be opposed to to McCain–who actually is dead. Really. I don't think he's had a heartbeat in five years.
Did I miss something? Have I been asleep and the Repubs won? McCain should sit down and shut up. And CNN, gimme a break- 3 articles quoting this guy including his "ticker" in support of Sob Story Sarah???
When are Republicans going to stop throwing temper tantrums and do their job. Get on board, offer suggestions (some that focus on the well being of all Americans and not the pockets of the wealthy), and stop working against the current. Stalling progress does not help Americans
The economy is just now showing some signs of improvment. The fact that it is has the GOP running scared. So thye are foced to TELL LIES to try to scare their base into actions that are counter to their own best interests. Health Care is for EVERYONE and the lies told by the GOP are a new LOW for even them. But the GOP had over 8 years to do something for heaqlth care and did nothing so now they must prevent a BLACK MAN from shoing them up
If the Blue Dogs turn into Lap Dogs it will be time for them to be gone along with the liberal democrats in the congress and 2012 obummer will be back in Illinois. obummer should be impeached or step down for the damage he is doing to this country. How is the change working out for you so far. I am sure the soon to be 10 percent and climbing unemployed people have a difference perspective than the liberal democrats.
John McCain is disgruntled about everything these days....but note, still NO SOLUTIONS!! Get over yourself John, you're finished.
New Day – I agree, most health care expenses are due to laziness. It is a life style promoted by Barry Obama and his ilk. "Vote for me and I will feed, clothe, house, provide medical care, buy clean needles, pay for abortions, ad nauseum". So a vast number of people sit on their butts growing fat on the teat of the Democrat party and Obama.
McCain's lack of judgement is very dangerous for this country!!
He is a National Security threat!
McCain should never be asked about anything but military matters. He's as stupid as Palin on his non military answers.
Blue dogs should be attacked! They have sold out to the corporate lobbyists, watered down the health care legislation until it won't work at all, and are putting undue burden on small businesses and families as a result who have been raped by the corporate health care industry for the past three decades!
Henry:
You are right about CNN's desire to slant to the right. It's all about the Ratings!
Loser
To Lucille: If you never watch Fox News how do you know what is being broadcasted? DUMB! You need to be informed from all aspects and then draw YOUR OWN conclusions not those of someone else.
New Day's message below, aimed at me, is typical of the Obamot mindset. You know what you are doing is totally without merit, even destructive, so you personally attack someone who dares to stand up to you.
Sen McCain, isn't it TIME for you to fade into the darkest background and retire????
You are an old tired codger with not much to say that is positive that our country needs to hear.
I say they are blue BALL Democrats, cause the insurance co. & pharma have them by the nads, vote them out...along with any Repug that votes against giving the people the same great insurance that they are lucky enough to have with our tax money....By the way McSame, nobody cares what you have to say anymore. please go home......and stay there.