CNN

[...] Related: White House counteroffensive over Drudge link [...]

[...] Even CNN themselves are seeing it! 2009 August 4 by cmblake6 Regarding the latest post about how the WH is trying to "debunk" the Drudge Report. [...]

Anyone who is from Canada or in Canada currently, please keep your comments to yourself. We don't want to go down the road you did with your broken DEATH CARE system. We aren't Canadian, will never be Canadian and don't want to hear another word. Last time I checked anyone who didn't want to languish on their death bed in Canada came here, NOT the other way around.

I would rather have elected officials, that represent ALL Americans, decide what kind of health care we'll have, rather than CEOs who personally profit from giving the bare minimum.

Its very simple for me. I pay for healthcare for my family. Yes, I would like it cheaper. Yes, I would like some reform like no pre-existing condition. I also have a small business and yes, I have healthcare for my employees.

I started my business myself. I didn't get a government handout. Not like GM. Not like the banks. So why is the government going to force me and all other citizens, if they are for or against a government healthcare system to pay for it? Thats not American.

So here it is: I want Healthcare REFORM not healthcare TAKEOVER. If some people don't mind paying for a government plan, make it voluntary, not mandatory. Lets see how well that turns out.

Health care is already rationed by the HMOs and other health care insurers. Just try to get them to authorize a battery of diagnostic test to figure out what you have. Just try.

Those folks who are claiming Obama's approach to much needed health care reform is "socialism and socialized medicine" need a reality check.

The farthest-reaching Democratic health care proposals are not for "socialized medicine", but only for socialized health insurance. The government would not run the hospitals and clinics, or pay salaries to the doctors and nurses (as in England). It would only act as a health insurer (as in Canada). And in Obama's plan, the government would not even be the sole health insurer, but would only offer a competitive option to people who are fed up with the shenanigans of the private health insurance companies.

Republicans want to scare us with a word. "Socialized" does not mean "communist". It means public. By this measure, we have socialized schools, socialized police and fire protection, socialized roads and bridges. Nothing scary there.

72% of Americans WANT a public (government) health insurance option as a choice. US citizens very intentionally elected representatives and a president who could make a significant change like this happen.

It's no secret that the president will have to raise taxes on the middle class to pay for this. WHEN he does raise taxes, he can send Joe Biden around the country pointing his finger and reminding everyone that it "their patriotic duty to pay their taxes". How many people do you think are putting talking points together on why taxes will have to go up on the middle class...right this very second? He will have to raise taxes and he will be crucified in 2012. What promise has this man ever kept?

We can't afford not to have health care reform. Small businesses can not afford the premiums much longer. It is choking employment. Many small business are delaying hiring and marketing to pay the double digit increases in health care every year. Most companies can't give raises or very small raises because of the costs. This can't go on forever. Many small companies will just have to drop health insurance all together..

The cost of doing nothing is not an option, it is much more expensive then having comprehensive health care reform.
The lack of a raise is the same as a tax. Not spending your money on marketing and growing your small business is a hidden tax. Not investing in new equipment damages business in the long term and drives down the overall economy. This isn't rocket science!! I The costs of doing nothing are just too great.

Well, right about now I think that the so-called "fear-mongering" of republicans is absolutely necessary. We should fear big government. That's why we have a constitution in which congress and the president want to destroy. Do your reading of history dems, you'd be surprised at how stupid you sound. Here comes Big Brother.

Read the bill? Which one? HB 3200 is not going to be the final bill. Neither are the other five. There will be negotiations and there will be give and take. Until Sen. Baucus reports out of his committee, the whole process is locked up. That's what Republicans want – stall, delay, wait. Every day, the insurance companies rack up huge profits, so every hour counts for them.
If you want to do some research, go back and read newspaper clippings from every great health care debate that created a milestone - Medicare, Medicaid, Prescription Drugs, HillaryCare. You'll find the same arguments made by the same people. Meanwhile, the rabidly Christain right-wing ditto-heads argue against the basic tenets of the Bible and yell loudly about any change that would extend coverage to the poor, sick, and downtrodden. Who is on the side of virtue here - the Democrats, who want to change a crappy system, or the Republicans, who like things just the way they are...?

It's ridiculous that the Obama administration engages Drudge. Talk about bringing more attention to someone you ought to ignore.

Yeh,Right! Read the darn thing! Do you think the people are pulling this informatiuon out of their but!!!
obama is lying and he needs to be impeached.

Is that all Mr. Obama good at, nothing practical??

I don't see why the W.H. needs this. They already have all the media outlets except Fox lying for Obummer.

[...] say it is about rebutting falsehoods, but make no mistake, this is NOT about facts.  Facts are in the way of the narrative.  Facts [...]

This public "option" is not going to be an option. Look at the bill. There are requirements and fines if the government does not think you have good enough coverage. And who set the requirements? The government. Who decides what good enough coverage? The government. This will be the ultimate moving goal post. The only coverage that will be deemed "good enough" will be the public option. Basically we will be strong armed into taking their public "option". Sorry but this country does not take to being forced into anything too well. Remember '94? If that isn't a big enough example, how about 1861? Or even 1776? Don't treat us like mindless sheep, just because half the poster's on here may act like them.

they did, regularly and alot and in many harmful and tough to recover ways

it will take a lot of time and hardwork to recover from the Bush administration

What I don't get is that, following such a crappy president (W), why would we be willing to put so much power in the hands of the gov't? Even if you would trust it to Obama, would you trust it to the next, unknown president? That to me is a scary idea.

I can tell you Tommy that the military health care is not as great as you think. While you are active duty you do not pay for anything but the great mil doctors are few and far between. The good ones seperate after doing their internship in the mil and go out to the civilian market. You have instances like the resident doing surgery on a young airman at Travis AFB who botched a gallbladder surgery and the kid lost his legs because of a stupid mistake and the lack of moving him to a civilian hospital with a vascular surgeon (there one at the base pcs and the replacement was not there yet). When you retire Sec of Defense Gates calls you a burden to the taxpayer system. If you are lucky you can get into tricare at the base if not you are in the system off base. There are many doctors who will not take tricare or drop patients readily. I live in a big city and have been jostled about in the system because the doctor drops "my great insurance" . Congress has the best healthcare system there is just ask Sen Chris Dodd who currently has prostate cancer (did he wait for tests and boy is he getting the surgery quick). Gov employees have a good system because there are several program options to choose from ( benefits of a large pool of union people). Don't lump everyone into the same catagory you are wrong.

It is so sad that the Left-Wing loonies have to resort to lies and dirty tricks in order to conceal the truth.

The conducting of a town hall meeting by loonies is not going to create a gov't run health care system which works. Sorry to tell you.

Obama is leading a stampede of more spending, debt and taxes.
The US President Barack Obama's health care reform seems to be taking steps away from realization, losing support from all Democrats.

Only In America...

Christ, Is it really that simple. Democrats = Rationing. Choice = Republican. This is an extremely complex issue with a number of issues. Our costs are extremely high. Our quality is not. That's the simple part. The solution is far more complex than that. Granted, the current options leave a lot to be desired, but I haven't heard much other than keep the status quo from many of the critics. We have to be more intelligent about this discussion than that.

Yes, taxes will be raised to pay for this. BUT, take how much you pay in health insurance premiums and co-pays, then instead of paying them to an insurance company, pay it in taxes. As I have stated previously, as a small business owner who buys their own health insurance, we are paying $12,000.00 a year in premiums alone. For some reason, if my taxes were raised $12,000.00 a year and I had no co-pay for doctors visits and no 2500.00 per person per year deductable, I'd be saving money. AMAZING! RAISE MY TAXES PLEASE!

Its ridculous that people are afraid of losing their job in large part becasue they would loose their health care... espcially if you have any health conditions. This never happens in Canada and other modern countries. Imagine if you lost your auto insurance coverage every time you left or got layed off from oyur job?!?!

All the rethuglicans can counter with is we would have to wait longer. also not true ... in Canada access is based on need not on fullfilling the need for instant gratification. My father was not rich and died of cancer and every last treatment he could have was available to him. And not once did we have to worry about the cost. When someone's life hangs in the balance it is shocking that money should come into the discussion.

Also I would rather trust a non-profit entity (aka the government) to provide health care than one driven PRIMARILY by meeting the quarterly profit expecation of the free market – which recent history has proven to be rather short sighted.

I mean if these profit mongers have there way they would like to privatize the police.

I actually beileve that if we had a real look at reforming healthcare from the ground up, we would discover that with the money currently being spent by the government, private companies and individuals we would have more than enough to fully fund a health care program that would cover ever American with excellent care. But you see that would not be good for insurance companies and private insurers because it would cut into their bottom lines. After all whats more important turning a profit or providing medical care.......hmm, my vote goes to profit, after all that's the American way.

Drudge himself is a traitor. He revealed military locations in Afghanistan on his website. And yet he was never held accountable. Why? Because conservatives find it easy to ignore the law when they think the ends justify the means. And to what end did Drudge post this info? Hits and popularity. It's sickening.

What is wrong with eliminating the need for employer coverage? I'd rather pay a little more in taxes (better yet have the rich pay them) to have real coverage, and not have to pay hundreds of dollars a month out of my salary for not so good coverage.

You know what truly amazes me is the inability of ordinary citizens to think for themselves and do a little research. While I am not sure the Administration health plan is the best answer but at least they are trying to do something instead of leaving it as it is. The system as it stands is broken and while the plan isn't perfect at least maybe it could be the start in true healthcare reform.

Overall the amount of information out there that is wrong or missleading is staggering and those spreading it should be ashamed but more than that the people willing to believe it without really reading the issue on hand should be ashamed.

Just one question: how would we pay for Obama's healthcare plan? He has yet to fully explain it and I haven't heard many in the "independent" media ask. He has already driven record debt and record deficits (yes, he has actually eclipsed the brutal Bush regime). Does he plan to just add another trillion and expect no consequences? This is crazy...you can't just keep spending money. The prospect of adding another trillion should really scare people.

REALITY CHECK: Our debt offerings have been brutal...nobody wants our debt anymore people and that includes China. We have NO WAY to pay.

This has been going on for over two hundred years as first the Torries and then the Wigs and finally the Republican Party has been engaging in lies and distortions to protect and increase their wealth at the expense of the rest of Americans.

Health Care reform is a must and the republican party needs to be swept aside to enable all Americans adequate health care.

We should declare all health care non-profit and put health care workers on salary. There is no reason why executives and others should be compensated in the tens of millions of dollars each year.

If it's a matter of supply and demand then, increase the rolls in medical schools and allow more foreign trained doctors into the country. We need competition in the medical industry along with regulation. This won't get done with the republican foot dragging after all this current health care system is the republican ideal.

Wow compassion if flowing today. Weed out the weak ones??
Typical republican thinking. This is what American voters have been doing. Weeding out the weak and the lame. Mostly republicans. hehe

@ Jon, who said "Mr. Obama can't get his health care reform through because he can't convince a large number of Democrats to vote for the plan. "

That's because those "blue dog" democrats are from districts with sufficient numbers of annoyingly gullible people who believe the GOP's fear-mongering misinformation campaign talking points that they worry about their ability to get re-elected if they support the plan outright. You can't avoid the GOP's balmeworthiness for its actions here by petulantly hiding behind the Dem's superior numbers in congress. Lying and spreading baseless fear steeped in disproven ideological tenets is wrong no matter how you slice it.

I want and will pay for (with my tax dollars), Single Payer Universal Health Coverage.

Real Americans want Single Payer. The Right to Life is the first line of the Declaration of Independence. What could be more appropriate then single payer universal coverage?

it'd be very easy to dismiss the druge report except for the fact that Obama, Barney Frank and Pelosi all said it.

They want single payer. end of story. if you want your care rationed, vote Democrat. if you want a choice, vote republican or blue dog if you can.

2010 can't get here fast enough.

Nobody has still figured out how to pay for all of this. Obama cannot and will not guarantee he won't raise taxes, they continue to refer back to his campaign "promise". Well then, put it in writing!!
They say 2/3's of it can be paid by trimming waste, but offer no specifics. This is going to cost EVERYONE money, you can take that to the bank.

Do any one of us really know what is being forced down our throats with Obama's need to make a name for himself by pushing a health care plan that no one has been fully informed about?

Drudge? See, here's the problem, society has turned into a niche system. We can all choose the sources of information that are slanted towards our own views be they liberal or conservative. My wife and I call it newsertainment. We can listen to the satellite radio station that only plays the type of music we like. We can live in a neighborhood where everyone is in the same socioeconomic class as us. We can totally avoid exposure to ideas that are different from our own. Thus we become more insular and opinionated and convinced that we are "right" and they are "wrong". Hence all of the strongly voiced opinions on this blog. Y'all need to step away from the computer, turn off the tv and get out of the house more often, sort of step outside your little ideological bubbles. Have a nice day!

Maybe the President needs to remember what he said about "health care." Maybe everyone needs to get the hell back away from the spin and grab for power, and the goes for both parties. Maybe we masses and vast unwashed need to behave like citizens, and not be dependent on the talking heads occupying the airwaves and digital signals. Maybe the "belt way" inhabitants need to get real jobs. Maybe legislators need to collectively accept the rules they inflict on their "bosses."

Stop deluding yourself. None of you actually pay for your healthcare. Your employer does and is confronted with out of control health care costs for crappy coverage that dumps members as soon as they get seriously ill. It is your employer who pays those premiums that can't continue to pay it when you go retire. Would you like to be shopping for health care when you get to retirement age? No. I don't think so.

But, really, you should be ashamed of yourself. Think about today, yourself, and no one else... until you need good coverage and your carrier says, "Sorry, that is not covered."

"For whatever reason or circumstance your health care costs are beyond your means does not make it the resposibility of others (or government)."

Geez. Read Ayn Rand much?

That is one of the most callous things I have ever heard. If a fellow human being is in pain you help them; you don't leave them to die.

wait a minute, there people hear attacking Drudge and praising olbermann?/
Thaty is just TOO FUNNY

Listen to speech of Obambi in 2003 infront of union members, ultimate goal of his socialize medicine is single payer system – meaning controlled by the government. They federal government cannot manage a lemonade stand without banckrupting it. Cash for Clunker is a great example of failure, their budget of $1 billion should last up to October, in a matter of one week that money is gone. As other posters here have clearly stated, programs run by the government are all failures. I wouldn't trust the government to manage my health care if I were you. As Obambi said why have a surgery when you can take painkillers. If you're in pain, Obambi will prescribe you aspirin or tylenol or advil. If you're aids patient that requires all kinds of medication, Obambi will prescribe you aspirin.

A good point: if this healthcare plan is so wonderful, why have the President and Congress exempted themselves from its coverage? Reminds me of the book Animal Farm: we're all equal, but some are more equal than others. For those of you threatening to move to another country over this, please do. Government assistance was once a shameful term. Now I see young men and women who have no problem accepting handouts. And I see people pouring in from other countries and overburdening social services already offered. Try going to another country and doing that. The first thing that needs to be done to revamp healthcare in this country is to stop the rampant abuse of our social services and our emergency services. The second thing is to put a cap on malpractice suits, which is another major factor in rising healthcare costs. And the third is to restrict drug advertisements that try to convince people they need something that they don't, like Viagra or antidepressants. We don't need a universal healthcare system.

Government employees have private insurance. They pick from over 200 plans, everything from BCBS PPO to Humana HMO. It's all private. It's all provided for their employees by their employer. What a concept!

So when Obama said he wants you to have the same insurance he has, he meant BCBS, or United Healthcare, or Humana….Because that’s what he has.

The only government health insurance programs are Medicare, Medicaid, and SChip.

I wonder how many government employees are on Medicaid...

You people who opposed fellow American WORKERS who have no health care from getting it, are disgusting and Anti-American.

Look how easy to manipulate so-called "conservatives". No wonder CEOs of insurance companies are making huge money for themselves.

Keep it up! Yeah, we don't want a socialized healthcare system no matter how well it's working in other countries!! That is soooo un-American. We love paying millions to insurance companies though they would try anything to NOT reimburse! Now, Thats American!

To the woman who is trying to control those 45 million Americans without insurance. Stop telling those people that they can't have a choice of a public option.

I know we have the right to Free Speech, but it is RIDICULOUS how right-wing bloggers can outright lie and stretch the truth. These people must be in paid positions by the Rich and Special Interest groups or they are just plain stupid.

President Obama, if you really cared for the health of 50 million uninsured Americans, you would have pushed for a single payer system at the start of your administration. If you had done this, with your popularity at that time, the deal would have gotten done. Instead you decided to waste a trillion and a half dollars of tax payers money to push your ridiculous elite agenda. You don't really care for people's health. Also, absolutely nothing has been done to lessen the burden of the poor and the homeless in the U.S. Something you vowed to do. The weakest members of our society still have no voice. You have only served to empower the intellectual elite and their delusions of utopia, while the least fortunate in our society continue to live on our streets.

Yes, its those greedy insurance companies. It has NOTHING to do with those greedy lawyers. The reason it is so high is because the doctors cant afford Med Mal coverage. Why is that ..because the lawyers take the money intended for the patients. But Oblama will not even entertain tort reform, its like saying we are going to make a "green" car, but we dont change the emissions. Remove the lawyers, remove the problem. How do you think John Edwards (remember him?) made all of his money, millions off the class action medical cases. He made more money from the lawsuits than the patients he was representing. Doctors need to cover their costs for insurance, therfore the charges go up. And by the way the insurance companies make their money off investment income – not off the premiums. Do some research

The numbers are variable but some say around 90%? of people are satisfied with their insurance. Forty some million people are not insured at all. So why not have a public option. Key word being OPTION. For those people who are happy with their insurance, by all means keep it, but for those 10% who are not happy with their insurance or the under insured, as well as uninsured, there would be a public option. I bet premiums for private insurance would go down for the people who want to keep their private insurance. It would force their hand. If they want to stay in business, better deals would pop up. It is called competition. Right now the only competition out there is who can get the most money for the least coverage. Plus, if the public option was that bad, then why would anyone else want to get it? The private insurance companies would have nothing to fear correct?

Right now, scare tactics are out their trying to scare the public or the elderly because there are alot of uninformed listeners out there to scare. THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE, if you don't want the public option, then do not take it. Keep yours as is. But don't deny the many who do need it. Love thy neighbor.

No Socialist Programs. I refuse to cherry pick the social programs I am in favor of. Therefor I encourage all my fellow republicans to begin calling for the complete dismantling of the Military, Police Departments and Fire Departments. Let's make them all for profit businesses!

Disban ALL social programs first, and then we can talk about TORT reform and how it is a good thing that doctors are not responsible for doing their jobs. If they make a boo boo and you die....Oh well, life isn't worth anything....you lose your life!

unedited video...how the heck can you take that out of context??? YOU CAN'T!!! What an idiot this admin thinks we all are.

Tort Reform is in NO way shape or form related to health care reform. It's sole purpose is to advocate and support incompetence. If a doctor kills you, then the GOP dictates how much your life is worth, if it's worth anything at all. They go on to ASSUME that somehow, through magic and in contrast to proven history, the savings that the doctors recieve will somehow mysteriously creep into the price of your health care policy (aka: Trickle Down Economics, which has proven to be a failure). If you really think that Insurance Providers will stop denying coverage, lower premiums and reduce their profit margins, then you are HIGH.

Say NO to TORT reform, it advocates incompetence. A policy the GOP is steadfast on, if you fail, then so what, you should not be held accountable.

Funny how the town hall meeting dissention sounds exactly like what is being spouted on Fox News. Hmmm. Plants maybe?

Republicans don't have enough votes to block health care legislation.

So I don't understand all this "blame the GOP" talk. Nobody can stop health care reform but Democrats.

All we hear is how out of touch and irrelevant Republicans are. So if they're that weak, why can't the Democrats get a bill? It's not like they have 20 more seats in the Senate and 80 more seats in the House.

Oh wait...

All those who scream "Stupid Republican" and "Idiot Democrat" are deluding themselves. Not everybody votes the party line. Some liberals are dismayed by the health care proposals just as some conservatives are interested.

Why not discuss the merits or shortcomings without bellowing like cattle? Are we civilized people or just barbarians with nice clothing?

I do recall when Hillary Clinton said 'that it was patriotic to dissent'

But now with Obama in office if you Dissent he sends his attack dogs to bite your head off and say you are making misstatements and outright falsehoods!

The problem is Obama believes the only one that can make misstatements and outright falsehoods is him and every Democrat workin g for him!

all others will be cut off at the knees! So much for that CHANGE and HOPE you liberals voted for!

Drudge reports the tape is from a SEIU Health Care Forum held March of 2007. I notice Ms. Douglass doesn't flat out deny he said it. She just implies that it is disinformation used to scare people. So the key question here is did President Obama say: “I don’t think we’re going to be able to eliminate employer coverage immediately. There’s going to be, potentially, some transition process: I can envision a decade out, or 15 years out, or 20 years out,” or didn't he, Ms. Douglass?

Dan- You democrats blasting republicans for trying to 'block' this health care bill need to ask yourself one thing; if the reform is going to be so good why aren't those putting it together (Congress) going to be required to use it?? That should scare the heck out of you!
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The public option is just that – Its an option! Government Employees have a wide array of choices when it comes to healthcare – This would be another choice. If it was mandated, the Republican party would REALLY be up in arms, not the Democrats!

Don't blame Republicans for this. Republicans have almost no power in government right now. Mr. Obama can't get his health care reform through because he can't convince a large number of Democrats to vote for the plan. Don't forget, Democrats have an enormous majority in the House and a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

Notice that nearly all of the principal loudmouths opposed to reforming healthcare are in or alligned with the South. Living in the "Conservative"/Republican South I've found is very much like living in a Third-world nation. Public education is under funded. There is nothing resembling mass public transportation. True public health systems are a joke. Consumer protections are virtually nonexistent. And religious superstitution rules the day. Keeping these "treasures" in the Union is what we fought the Civil War over? What a waste.

Basic premise used by people like the Drudge report and even our congresspeople = the lie grenade. All you have to do is throw it out there. Even if you later retract is and apologize, there are enough god-forsaken morons in this country who will keep repeating it as though it's gospel solely because they choose to believe it in order to confirm for themselves that the world does indeed work the way they wish it to.

The GOP has the label Party of No for a reason. They have come up with NO ideas, or counter ideas to fix these problems...With Health Care, they are for blocking any health care reform by staging these false protests and whatever else the Health Insurance lobbyists behind them figure out.
The Republican party is a disgrace!!!

How can you vote for something you haven't read and is always changing? How can you create something new when something old needs to be fixed first? Medicare, Medicad, Social Security, Welfare, Unemployment coverage, Amtrak to name a few...if the Government can run these into the ground, why not healthcare. And those 45 Million the Great Savior rattles off that do not have coverage – 11 Million of those are illegal immigrants...nice to see the rest of us working for their coverage. Why create something that is only going to increase taxes and cover only 4% of those that do not have it today. Leave my healthcare alone and start fixing the mess that is already in existence.

Looks like Drudge's request that people flood CNN with comments is working.
Guys and gals, our current system is broken. No big revelation there. Nobody in congress or the WH is currently proposing a single-payer system (although there are many good reasons why they should). The president would like to see a single payer system, but he is a pragmatist and knowns this would be near impossible to pass right now.
If you are not outraged by the way in which insurance companies have managed your healthcare for the past two decades, you're either dead, the CEO of a bank, or are blessed enough to receive Medicare or military medical care (both gov't run).

americians are easy brian wash happy canadian with good cheap health care if health do over fails and the insurance companys win how long do you think your employer will cover you maybe 2 to 5 years

I have never seen anyone that can tell as many lies in such a short time and keep a straight face. Obama is the master. Sometimes I wonder if he even knows what the truth is or is just repeating what his handlers have told him.

All you need to do is read the Hoiuse bill.

Everything was just fine until people started showing what Obama really thinks and says. If his worshippers could just take a good, cold, hard look at what the man says, they would have a devil of a time supporting him for dogcatcher. I'd be rooting for the dogs.

It's too bad, I've watched the video, it was Obama's own words when he was giving his speech in 2003. It was not the fault of Drudge when Obama is caught with his own lies. The video is in youtube, it is UNCUT. Obama is a pathological liar. Drudge only put links in his website from other newsies. How can Obama DENY his OWN words? I've watched the video, it has nothing to do with Republicans, it is Obama and his OWN words infront of union members.

Keep kicking butt, Drudge. If the cowardly White House has a bulls-eye on you – you're definitely doing something right! Rock and Roll!

I have heard the left and the right, and I must say for those individuals on the right I see on TV screaming at people, what is wrong with you? Maybe you desperately need medical insurance for mental assistance? Can you not speak in a normal tone in order to get your message across or must you scream at people, in my house we call that a tantrum. The hypocrisy of the right is astounding to me, first they want to be your doctor and give you medical advice, ie. anti abortion, and does anyone remember the Terry Schaivo case? You seemed to have no problem with government interference then and when it suits you, but when it helps the whole of a society rather than your own selfish ideals then it is bad. Shame on all of you and take a real hard look in the mirror on your way to church on Sunday and answer WWJD?

Where is the misinformation? Obama said it in his own words. How can the GOP be responsible for Obama saying something in 2007?

A public option is not needed and not wanted by 83% of Americans. That's all the information we need.

What is the GOP battinat right noe, they are O for a thousand, so maybe just this once they might be correct,

Yeah right, and I'm a Norwegian Ridgeback Dragon from Harry Potter books,

You cant run a modern world on ancient ideas guys, that is why you lost. You cant just repacage a piece of turd and try to sell it again, you flush it down the toilet and join the 21st century.

GOP is a bunch of bozos, they don't even know what they stand for, but if Obama is for it, they must be against it, great thinking guys. Just like real nasty little kids.

Hey Mr JJ in Chula Vista, CA;

Tell me one thing, (and try to think as a reasonable human being) Since when is it "COMPETITION" for a "NON-profit" (IE: the Federal government) to "compete" with a "for profit" entity (such as Insurance Companies) ??
If this is allowed, the next step will be taken when Government owned GM attempts to sell their new "green" cars and no one is biting due to an excessive, "union forced" price......so then in steps the owner of GM and offers a gov. paid subsidy to purchase their car. What about Ford, who did not take any bailouts etc.....will that be "COMPETITION"?

I have worked at whatever job I could get, I have cut weeds on the highways for $2.50 an hour, I have never taken (nor have I expected) anything from the government! Don't you see what is going on??? The Dems will soon own everything and you as well....WHY? So you will vote for them!
Get up and do what you have to do and quit looking to Obama to take care of you!

Single payer non-profit.

Single payer non-profit.

Single payer non-profit.

People that is all you need to know and demand.

Can anyone provide me with the street address of Barack Obama's birth place?

State, City and street address (must include street number) – thank you.

Rule No. 1 in Economics. Keep the Government out of financial decisions, they suck at it. This includes Health Care Reform.

CNN thank you!!!!! I think. I see you have the great Dr. Sanja Gupta who tells it like it is taking questions on the current health care reform proposal. Thank you!!!!!!!

I am hopeful you are returning to the news channel that I relied on all these years, instead of the STate of the John McCain Union, Palin pettiness and Dobbs Birthers.

Welcome back, CNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@ BRENT -

No, you're confused. Obama is specifically talking about eliminating private insurance. Watch him on YouTube, unless, it's all photoshopped...which, I'm sure is the next thing Douglass will claim. Face it, Obama's quest isn't your well being, it's power and control, and to take from those that have something and reward the slacking minorities in this country whose future votes he's determined to buy.

While I am a Dem, this is one time I have to side with the right. This is bad news for the country and this across party fighting has to stop and form a new health care plan on the would target the uninsured but not be run by our gov't

Healthy choice

Dan, the healthcare is to help the people who have nothing. Why would Congress or the wealthy take the route set up to help those of meager means? The "Well if it's so great why don't they use it argument" is about the dumbest thing I've heard. I'm not a big proponent of what's going on but I know a poor argument when I hear it.

Everyone has the right to decent health care. This is a human right. And Obama's health reform plan makes much more sense than treating people without health care only when they are so sick that they must go the emergency room.

The Republicans are not afraid that Obama's plan will fail. They are afraid it will succeed and remind people why the Democrats are the party of the middle and lower classes.

How is this disinformation when it is Obama in his own words?

No matter how the Republicans (and you know Republicans are behind a lot of this) try their scare tactics...we need health care reform NOW. As for the insurance companies....their CEOs rape us by getting ungodly salaries at our expense. It's about time insurance companies have to act like a responsible business and not like Wall Street. Tell the Republicans to stop whining as usual and do some ACTUAL work to solve this problem. So far, the Republicans ARE the problem!

While Obama says if you like your employers health care plan you can keep it, well you may not be able to keep it if your employer decides to do away with the plan if there is a government option availiable.

Remember pensions, along came the government with 401k and away went the pension plans, as companies thought why should we have pay pensions if we start a 401k with a 100% match, then the 100% match disappeared and a lesser % began and then it got cut and soon 401k's will be all employee money albiet tax free, until they tax it.

Same wil happen with healthcare, you wil lose that great plan that was part of the reason you joined the company to begin with, oh but if they do you can just leave that will show them......oh yeah right there arent any jobs to go to.....GOTCHA!

We should all support single-payer healthcare. The old have Medicare, the poor have Medicaid, and the government has actually done a good job managing both. A national healthcare plan would simply make it so that working people and families could have access to health insurance. Despite the mis-information put out there by the insurance companies, you don't see Canadians or Brits leaving their countries because of poor healthcare. America has never had better friends then both those countries and if it works for them it can work for us.
Republicans consider themselves the party of "God", but don't have a clue as to what "God" represents. All they are interested in is securing contributors to their campaign funds with little care about their fellow Americans. Sadly, they get average people to buy into their retoric.

The Drudge Report has now, responded, posting the uncut version of Obama's socialistic rant.....see for yourself, unless...CNN decides to censor this post like they did my last 4....wow....unbiased journalism at it's best. Don't worry CNN, conservatives won't forget the assistance you've lent to Obama in his dismantling of the country.

We still have this viril vernom like Hitler in this country who feels they own the world and without their views the rest of us should go to hell.
Let's face, tell me one thing these cracker repubs have proposed that is for the general well being of the rest of us.
They still wants to squeeze the last breath from the common man before they can accept good offers in health coverage that Obama is proposing. Very racist set of elements and I wonder what they want the Red Indians to do. Let them read their history, the Red Indians may come up with a legit agument. Obama was burn in Kenya they claim.

I just watched the video reposted by the Drudge Report. This woman, Linda Douglass, claiming that the information is somehow paraphrased or twisted to misrepresent the president, is a liar. Watch the video. This is a disgusting and shameful story.

I have a great idea for healthcare reform. It's called evolution. Let the strong survive and weed out the weak. It will save us dollars as well as uneducated voters.

Who are you going to believe, the white house and the MSM, or your lying eyes and ears?

Lets all hear it for socialized euthenasia! health care is too expensive, so I hear one of the plans is to start knocking people off. I've got a suggestion: Lets start with the state of California...

Hey all, go look at the unedited version, it is clear what Obama intends, it has been from the beginning but no one in the media will ask the right questions.

When you are done looking at the video, come on over, I have some kool-aid for you.

Look – Democrats need an enemy. That is the easiest way to gather people to their cause. They have been using Republicans as the recent enemy and you dopes fall for it. They are powerless. They can't stop this health care reform. The fact is, democrats want to drag republicans into this because they know, when it blows up to be too costly and ineffective – and everybody but Obama knows it will, they will need an enemy on which to blame it because, at the point when it passes, there is no turning back. You are going to be stuck trying to get the government to fix something that you should have known would not work in the first place.

To Dan

Congress HAS public health care. And apparently its so good they don't want to scrap it.

Guess what? The military has a public health care program as well.

If its good enough for congress and our military, then its good enough for all of us.

Aim high!

"I don't think we're going to be able to eliminate employer coverage immediately. There's going to be potentially some transition process. I can envision a decade out, or 15 years out, or 20 years out," Obama says in the bite.

Out of context? In what context would this sound O.K.?

Just words?

"I don't think we're going to be able to eliminate employer coverage immediately. There's going to be potentially some transition process. I can envision a decade out, or 15 years out, or 20 years out," Obama says in the bite.

If I am taking this out of context, then someone please explain what he REALLY meant by this...

"The clip was no longer on the Drudge Report Tuesday morning. The only references to Obama were headlines related to and posted under the image of a poster that depicted the president as the Joker from Batman over the word "socialism." Drudge has not yet reacted to the White House video."
Hmmm...it's on there. Been there all day too. In it's entirety.
This story might get just as big as the office vs the professor. The more the media lies the more "the people" search for the real truth.

Easy solution. If the video clips are out of context, then release the whole versions of the interviews to prove it. My guess is that the administration can't or won't do this because the clips DO show the statements IN THE CONTEXT THAT THEY WERE MEANT.

I pay $50 a month in health insurance because I work for the State of Florida, and it's extremely good insurance too. If I didn't work for the State I would have to pay nearly $700 or more for the insurance I have now.

Unfortuately those of us who are insured are paying for the uninsured with the high cost of medical care whether we realize it or not. I was charged $20 for a single tylenol pill to reduce a fever after major surgery. I could have brought my own for a $1.

Now to the article at hand I think it's time for the justice department to start cracking down on these lying nuckledraggers out there, all you need is one person to make an example of and the others will learn their lesson. The first should be that Russian nut with the Kenyan birth certificate. Free speech should not cover outright lies

Obama said it himself! He wants to get rid of private insurance. Get a clue CNN and post the video here so readers can hear Obama's own words!

CNN goes to far to protect Obama from his own words!

Well, now drudge has the ENTIRE video on his site, how is that a distortion, or disservice to anyone? I can hear the crickets now!

We will get it passed,yes we will.Its so funny to hear Rush call others propagandists.The birthers are like the tombstone on the GOPs grave,I will leave a rose on the grave.hahaha

If the 'antis' would stop being blinded by their hate for Obama (which they are using to cover up their guilt at not wanting a black president) we may actually be able to do something good for this country. Telling people getting insurance is as easy as 'getting a job that provides it' is just plain ignorant. Get over yourselves and wake up. It's not about what 'side' of the political fence you are on. It takes a lot of gall to ignore the plight of others because you have insurance and/or a great job

Democrats control both houses with super majorities and the Presidency. If this "reform" was so great why can't they get their own party to pass it?

Just what is it the administration is saying: Obama lied on those video clips? Is that not Obama saying just what the article says it does? Is he lying now or then?

Why Republicans Say No to Everything?

- “NO” to healthcare because they are in bed with big insurance company. These are major campaign contributors
- “NO” to green energy because they are in bed with a big oils company. These are major campaign contributors
- “NO” to tax cut for higher bracket earning ($250K and up). These are major campaign contributors
- “NO” to rebuilding America because they lose out on major campaign contributors
- YES to Wars, – many Contractors and Big Corporate are major campaign contributors
- YES to lobbyists – They are major campaign contributors

If you think Republicans care about you, Think Again!

How do you know the Dems are the only ones blasting Republicans, Dan? Some of us are registered independents, but you, being so politically savvy, wouldn't understand that there are other parties in this country, would you?

"Drudge has not yet reacted to the White House video."

Drudge doesn't have to respond to it. He is just like other media who report news and they are not asked to respond. However, the White House feels the need to respond to Drudge, which is funny. Obama, the "insecure" President.

"I just wanna be loved, is that so wrong?" – Obama

I would expect nothing less from this pathetic White House. We listen to the words of Obama, yet the White House tries to say we are listening to snippits. We listen to Obama say he wants a single payer system, a system that none in congress will ever use and yet they tell us how good it will be – pathetic. This video says the video and words of Obama are somehow misleading – yet it does not even comment on the video – strange. Obama gives another speech on healthcare, his desire for a single payer system and yet somehow we are to believe he did not mean what he said?? I feel lucky the drudgereport is out there showing us the real truth. Tell us, what words are being twisted of Obama?? The ABC reporter/White House rep implies it is not true, and yet she fails to even try and give an alternative "meaning" of the words he used – more pathetic political spin from this White House.

Again...I am supposed to keep paying for my own healthcare, and then have my taxes raised to pay for someone else's healthcare?

I think not...

Drudge is nothing more than Russian propaganda from the 50s and 60s. They were, and still are very good at it, and Drudge, along with the rest of the lunatic fringe, are just puppets of the lobby groups.

People fail to realize that they've been living in a fascist regime for decades. They also fail to realize they've been living with socialism. Social security, Medicare, Medicaid.....ring a bell?

I doubt 90% of you can even name the three branches of government, let alone become POTUS and do any better than our esteemed POTUS, President Obama.

Read the bill, and stop making excuses for not reading it, like, "I work". What a BS excuse.

Blowing hot air on blogs does not constitute being politically involved, anymore than staying in bed shouting "Oh God" constitutes you going to church.

I cannot understand the group of people who are so willing to call our POTUS a liar (not to mention the other disrespectful names they call him) and yet are willing to believe the INSURANCE COMPANIES! C'mon people! Get a CLUE! How can you believe that a multi-billion dollar corporation has your best interest at heart??!!! I'm not saying that we shouldn't question our elected officials . . . of course we must! But seriously . . . .INSURANCE COMPANIES . . . think about it! I heard on the news last night that the insurance industry is right now spending approximately 1 million dollars a day (!!!!) to fight health care reform! What does that tell you???? I KNOW what it tells me!!!

Years ago Congress voted to give themselves lifetime healthcare!!!

We The People should demand that we have that same healthcare coverage that our congressional representatives have!

Does Congress think We The People are Second Class Citizens?

With the GOP's continuing campaign of hate, lies, fear & division!

Someone has to tell the TRUTH!

PLEASE AMERICA do your own research, THINK for yourselves, don't just believe every LIE spewed by the GOP!

I don't understand why this is such a big deal. It is obvious that Obama said he would like to see a single payer system, that can't be denied. But why deny it. I would like to see a single payer system too, however, like Obama, I know that what I believe is not always the only way or the proper way to do something. Obama has been bending over backwards to find a solution that guarantees coverage for all citizens without killing off private insurance companies but the republicans can't even see through their own paranoia. Our government officials are supposed to act based on the wishes of the people. A good politician does not stop listening to their constituents once the campaign ends. It is possible for a politician to change their views about any given issue because they are genuinely reacting to the sentiment of the American people. The only thing the Obama administration is doing wrong on this is denying what Obama said in the past rather than explaining the justification for a change of opinion.

Internet pushback by the Whitehouse means nothing. They need to get into the MSM media news cycle everyday with their message. This is absolutely nuts that there is even any credence given to opposition to reform. Even an idiot ought to understand that the current system is unsustainable (no matter how wealthy a person might be) and that without a public plan establishing real competition the crisis will only get worse. Our bought and paid for Congressional opposition have sold out the American people.

somew of you here are really uninformed. If someone told you the sky was pink you would believe it without doing your own research. Here's and interesting little tid bit of the over 400 poloticians that we have in the U.S. only about 15% are worht their salt and actually work yet you don't mind paying for thier health. I have health insurance, infact I am covered under three different plans because some doctors don't accept cetain insurances so they charge me out of network fees that can be up to thousands of dollars pending on the reason for the visit. But hey most of you will stay on your blind eyed path and continue to make yourself look uninformed.

Yeah we do need government involved in health care. People expect people to be honest, but just like wall street de-regulation, the greedy are never honest. When people are thieves, its time for government oversight. Quit being thieves and maybe the government will back off.
The thieves are paying people to disrupt town hall meetings. The thieves and the republicans. Wow what a fine team they are!!!

"according to multiple outlets"

LOL! Oh, that's a really good one – maybe the best and most revealing of the day. You don't get more reliable than "multiple outlets."

Good grief!

I can only say that Matt Drudge is not partisan. His column is quite reliable and typically quite accurate. To those who live in a fantasy world that thinks that private business can compete with the weight of the U.S. government, you are either sorely mistaken or quite naive. This is an attempt at a HUGE power grab, nothing more, nothing less.

You democrats blasting republicans for trying to 'block' this health care bill need to ask yourself one thing; if the reform is going to be so good why aren't those putting it together (Congress) going to be required to use it?? That should scare the heck out of you!

Republicans are disinformation robots: On blogs, in the news, word of mouth.

The government is NOT going to "take over health care."

If any one given private health insurance company cannot compete and provide quality, inexpensive health care in COMPETITION with a government progrem, then another private health insurance company will. This is called COMPETITION, people.

If you are happy with your health care coverage as it is, KEEP it, use it, and continue to be happy. No one's telling you you're going to lose it and no one's telling you're going to be forced to switch. I, as a Democrat, WORK FOR MY HEALTH CARE. I'm not freeloading and don't plan on it.

And, this is what takes the cake: You Republicans are happy to spend billions of dollars on wars, tax cuts for the rich, and then turn a blind eye to American citizens. This is your shtick. I, as a tax payer, WANT taxes to be spent here in our country to help OUR people. This is by far the weakest argument that Republicans make on the health care issue.

If anyone wants health insurance all they have to do is GET A JOB THAT PROVIDES IT. Dont hate on the 85% that DO have insurance and are happy with it or at least PREFER it over government controlled care.

Let's not forget one thing – the American people are not easily fooled! We like our country the way it is, we don't want to "change" it, we just want to improve on the great system we already have, the one that people from all over the world are clamoring to become part of!!

Hey folks,

These people at the town halls have read the bill, which is why they are upset.

Have you read the bill? I think you will change your tune once you do!

Those who say "America has the best healthcare system in the world" just don't believe in facts. All the data say that's not true. And the administrative costs of Medicare are around 3%, compared to about 25% for private insurers. Ask yourself, if the private insurance companies pay their CEOs an average of 10 million dollars a year, and spend what they do on advertising, and still have large profits, that's all money that's coming out of the system, not being used to provide better service. Wake up! Maybe the rest of the industrialized world has found a better way!

This is an example of people being confused by the health care debate. Obama is not talking about eliminating private insurance, but is talking about eliminating the employer-payer system.

Shifting the system away from employers paying for employee's health insurance is something policy makers on both sides believe needs to happen. This wouldn't eliminate private health insurance though.

I agree with the need for Medical Insurance reform and believe that to find a fiscal balance is important as well. But sadly the longer we drag the discussion out the more the uninsured will suffer. Also the tax payer is already paying for the uninsured in bankruptcies, unpaid medical services which trickles down to one form or another.
That said I am in favor for taxes to cover the reform because in the long run its cheaper than staying the course. It does not help when the Republican leadership try to swift-boat and lie to the elderly, and/or vulnerable so as to kili any medical issuance reform bill.
Side note;
I heard that issuance industry made 60 billion while bankruptcies went through the roof due to medical bills that people could not afford to pay.
CNN Researchers – Could you guys research this fact to see if its true...? Actually even better – graph it our over a ten year period

Obama is kidding with this, right? Ain't never gonna get the best of Matt Drudge. GO DRUDGE!

Its disingenuous that you imply they took down the link because of the White House response. Drudge links are replaced with time usually lasting 2-3 days.

He put up a new uncut version of the video today in response to the White House claims. There is no way that this can be said to be taken out of context. Watch the video.

Hey dimes1,

Have I read the bill? No. I don't have time. For starters, I have a job.

Can some one in the news do their job and break it down for us?

Are the republicans going to come up with an alternative? ...or do they plan on knocking this until it goes away – like they did in '93?

I read drudge everyday, it's a great site. I make sure to forward the articles on his site to coworkers, friends, family, and more...I can't say enough about how great that site is!!

Why does this administration fight back against every detractor even when it's not in their best interest.... Drudge report, Joe the plumber, the Cambridge police, Rush Limbaugh, etc.? Can you imagine if Bush II had challenged all his critics? You couldn't cover it in a 24 hour news cycle. It's ridicules and un Presidential.

Seems to me they should just tell us what they want to do in plain terms instead of whining how everyone is misinformed.

You said what you said Mr. President. If it's taken out of context, then tell us how so? Why just attack your detractors with no reasoning behind it other than to say it's misinformation? We can't judge any other way because your administration keeps contradicting it's self or saying 'everything is on the table'. Give us some specifics for gaud sakes. We’ll make an informed decision based on facts. We’re smart enough to do that!

“I happen to be a proponent of a single payer universal health care program. I see no reason why the United States of America, the wealthiest country in the history of the world, spending 14 percent of its Gross National Product on health care cannot provide basic health insurance to everybody. And that’s what Jim is talking about when he says everybody in, nobody out. A single payer health care plan, a universal health care plan. And that’s what I’d like to see. But as all of you know, we may not get there immediately. Because first we have to take back the White House, we have to take back the Senate, and we have to take back the House.” Obama's words.

Before I'll accept health "care" reform or health "insurance" reform or whatever it's being called now I expect 2 things: 1. Our government must fix our existing single payor plans medicare and medicaid. why add a 3rd option when they can't get the first 2 operating efficiently. 2. every member of congress and the administration must be on the plan instead of their generous private insurance that we pay for.

That's not unreasonable is it? If Obama is so wonderful he can fix what's already broken and not add yet another govt program to our bloated federal system.

A major problem with rising health care costs is the insurance industry. For decades, they've thrived under government entitlements that permitted them to reap runaway profits paid for by escalating premiums in employer insurance programs and private citizen policies. The goal of this segment of the corporate welfare state is to earn obscene amounts of money – their mission is not health care for the citizenry it's profit for their stock holders. So yes, their profits will suffer when they're forced to compete with a fully implemented public option. The only question that remains is: Do you care? You might if you own stock in an insurance company, but I don't so I'm not worried about insurance company profits. I would rather have a chance at a higher salary from an unburdened employer or reduced costs for my supplemental policy, all with full health care coverage.

That is exactly the point. It is not the responsibility of us that are well to subsidize those that are not. For whatever reason or circumstance your health care costs are beyond your means does not make it the resposibility of others (or government). The biggest reason for keeping government out of health care is for us that are well (we're the majority) to be able to avoid community rating, age pooling, and not paying for bundles of coverage we don't want/need.

A 5-minute procedure in my doctor's office cost $650 ($450 after PPO discount). And the Dems blame it all on the insurance companies! Have any of you that believe that nonsense ever looked at your medical bills? Find out why the charges are so high before you squawk!

One of the greatest aspects I cherish about being Canadian and living in Canada is our healthcare system and universial healthcare. Never in my life have I had to ask myself if I could afford to make the trip to the hospital when I really needed to go, never have I been refused by a hospital, and I can't ever remember having to wait for treatment (despite the noise I hear from some US commentaries). Helathcare workers are focused on their patients, not on making money, or rushing patients through the door, or tempering their care to a patient based on HMO limitations.

America is so far behind the rest of the modern world on the issue of healthcare. How can America say it is the greatest country in the world when fellow citizens don't care enough about each other to ensure healthcare is available to all. And for all the Republicans, and especially the religious right, you have forgotten the the very core of being a Christian, the very tenents of Jesus teachings during his missionaries, and that was to take care of the poor, sick and downtrodden and that is exactly what Universal healthcare does.

As an outside observer of politics in the US, it is a shame that Republicans have to win by lying, deceiving, distorting and misleading, and invoking fear with fellow citizens. It is shameful to convince other Americans not to support a healthcare plan that helps people. It's unfortunate these people only learn this lesson when you have to take out a second mortgage or claim bankruptcy to get your treatment for terminal illnesses that they see the light. It's not about "spreading the wealth", it's about "spreading the risk" so all Americans can be treated without going broke.

Focus on tort reform and do not allow the government to take over health care. When has the government ever taken anything over and made it more efficient? Government has too much overhead. All government sectors need to be run more like businesses and have fewer businesses run by the government. I read a comment above that says "Speak now for your right to free health care!" Anyone who thinks that way is just looking for a hand-out. This country was founded on hard work and free market. Laissez-fair. Hard workers will bear more of the brunt and the free loaders will get more entitlement. Oh yeah, and the quality of health care will plummet.

for those that compare socialized medicine in countries outside the US as better....need to check out waiting times for preventive care and standard surgeries....hip replacments etc......also you need to consider the tax rate imposed on citizens of these countries with socialized medicine......it is considerably more than the US tax rates.....european countries pay more than 40% of their income in taxes to "enjoy" these health care benefits...

bottomline...nothing is free...and you have to pay for it some how.....just like the CARS program......its nothing more than another subsidy for the all car manufactureres...paid for with your tax dollars!!

the current bill is a tax bill, not a healthcare reform biil...READ IT.....seems most of our elected officials havent...and some have even admitted so in the media.......

Curiously, though, while complainign about quotes being taken out of context, the WH didn;t explain how context would have changed what Obama clearly said: That his public "option" would drive out private competition and cease to become an "option" for most people. And that that's what he wanted. So when he tells you you can keep your own insurance, remember: As pretty as he is, he lies. A lot.

The Republican party is flinging deception as fast as they can to the public in hopes that we are stupid and will believe them.

I'm a 22 year old type one diabetic. I have no health insurance and my medicine adds up to $400 a month. This healthcare reform is a essential change for myself and others with chronic illnesses.

Now that I'm starting a family these finacial issues caused by my medicines are forcing me to choose between my own well being and my childrens diapers.

All I know is that if this healthcare reform doesn't come before Obamas term is up I'm planning on moving to a country that can provide for me and my family. Cuba here i come!

Hey guys,

No political commentary here, just read the bill before you make up your mind.

The current debate is about HR 3200, not about whether we need health care reform. This bill while long is available for everyone to read.

This bill as written will change your life so read it and then make up your mind.

No need to splice Obama...when he's off teleprompter, his foot usually ends up in his mouth.....spread the wealth....cops acted stupidly.....no tax increase. The clip they speak to in the article was not splced. Obama wants to do away with everything EXCEPT the government controlled part of health care. America is speaking out and has the right to be as rude as they see fit in order to offset the arrogance of the current administration. Dems will fall like dominoes at the next election. Should be fun to watch.

Our healthcare system needs certain reforms, including massive tort reform limiting judgments against healthcare providers. Unfortunately, the democrats – with massive political contributions from the trial lawyers association and trial attorneys – have succesfully blocked all attempts for such reforms.

People pushing for nationalized healthcare are the same liberals looking for every other government handouts. They have no concept of freedom, other than the dessire for freedom to not take responsibility for their lives. Take responsibility for your own life, get an education, get a life.

People think,

Why is it that so many well-to-do people in the U.S.A get their meds, through the mail, via Canada or Mexico?

Anybody?

10% of the claims made to Medicaid are fraudulent according to multiple outlets. That is one out of ten claims for the morons out there. How in God's Name it is a good idea to charge the government with managing the entire system when they fail miserably at managing most anything from education to the post office is beyond me.

The idea of an overhaul is insane.

I think it is time for the Democrats to get tough on HealthCare Reform ! I think Pres Obama has done a fantastic job, but it sems like he is out there by himself..Where are the rest of Democrats ? We realy need to develop a new strategy because it seems like these GOP people are really playing dirty..We cannot allow them to mis-led the Amercian People and use their same old tired intimidation tactics..It is not going to work this time, but we need a stronger message to let those voices who are for Healthcare reform be heard..Now is the time !!!

grameez....good facts, except that the infant mortality rate is higher in the US because we report them ALL. We include stillborns and infants who die shortly after birth while many other countries dont! There will always be disatisfaction regardless of how good the system is, but try looking at polls from countries with Universal Healthcare and actually listening to the horrer stories coming from people suffering because of it. Most medical innovation comes from this country and our cancer survival rates blow away those countries livng with Universal healthcare!

I'm sooooooo sick of the GOP and all their falsehoods . I do believe that the Republican Party is nothing but pathological liars. I won't believe a thing they have to say anymore.

the problem is the very Politicians that are out touting the Healthcare plan don't even know whats in it. thats the real problem here. They can't even tell us how they are paying for it. Come on Democrat or Republican we deserve better. Break down the bill give us the good and bad , lay it out for us to see and read and let us make an informed decision thats all we ask. Its that too much !!

Just more of the same Republican "block and stall" tactics that we've seen since Obama has been in office. Health care is a shambles, and its costing more and more.

Just more of the same Republican tactics from Drudge.

I just have to say that I was shocked and appalled when I caught the news yesterday and saw all those ugly, rude Amercians behaving like a mob. They turned the oldest form of speaking out and listening, the town hall meeting, into a mess. I cannot believe that the hatred and greed that the GOP and its supporters have because of this president's election has caused these people to become the houligans such as I witnessed yesterday. They all seemed to be crazed, and now even if I thought that they were legitimate in their beliefs or actions, I would not support anything that they or their leaders have to say. The fact of the matter is that healthcare needs to be reformed now, and the insurance and pharmaceutical companies need to stop sucking us all dry, and we will do whatever we can to do the right thing for this country. There is a better way to protest than what we have seem from the just plain mean "teabaggers" and "anti-healthcare loonies" in this country. LET'S ALL TRY TO BRING SANITY BACK PLEASE!!

Robert, did you read the entire article. The whole point is how people are splicing together statements to make it sound like he said things he didn't say.

This morning on CNN I heard a republican Senator or Congressman quote the Drudge Video (he said it was from youtube) as the reason why he was against Healthcare reform! He should retract his statement. Despite his ignorant statement, at least the CNN anchor checked him on it by pointing out that nothign like that is in the bill and when/where did President ever say that? He was dumbfounded and finally fell back on, its socialize medicine! We funded their stupid war and their stupid tax cuts and lost our american surplus, now we as Americans won't be denied our right to free universal health care....NOW. Speak up or LOSE OUT!

Why are we trying to defend thte private insurance industry? All those who are "satisfied and extremely satisfied" with their current insurance are getting their coverage through their employer. Try getting one as an individual in the open market and you will find that it is extremely expensive and will come with high deductible and huge out of pocket expense. If you are on any prescription drug, forget it. You will be rejected. I had to increase my deductible and out of pocket expenses every year to keep my premiums at around $10000 per year.

I don't think these statements have been taken out of context or 'cherry picked' at all. President Obama said those things and meant what he said. I have read as much of the bill as I can stand to and his intentions are clearly outlined. What is truly amazing, is that the White House won't admit to what is actually being proposed. I voted for the president, but have have learned what kind of man he is only after I helped to put him in office.

There is no logic to spending trillions in a recession in a plan conceived by deceptive bureaucrats who are unable to run anything efficiently, ever. Why would you trust them with your money? And Yes, the US has the best & innovative healthcare in the world. How many times have you gone outside the country to get critical healthcare?

OK, so the Republicans are against the Dem's efforts to keep health care from bankrupting the country. They say they have "better ideas". The only constructive thing I have heard them say is, essentially, Don't Get Sick!

There are so many lies and falsehoods regarding health care reform coming from the right and special interest groups these days.

If Obama and the Democrat's health care reform plans are so flawed on their own as opponents claim, why do those against reform rely on so much misinformation to argue against it??

We need Universal Healthcare. I would not listen to the Right Wing Drudge.

If this proposed health plan is so fantastic , is congress and the administratrions TOP level federal employees – exempt from it????

Why don't people understand that if you get people to go to the Dr. instead of the Emergency room it will push Health care costs down substantially. People who have no insurance now can not go to a Dr. because they will not accept them so they go to the Emergency room where they can not be turned away at ten times the cost. Now who do you think pays for this now? It's the people who have insurance or the Government or higher costs for everyone else who uses that Hospital! So you are already paying for the people who can't afford insurance but at a much higher rate then you should be. So my plan is: 1. stop people from going to the Emergency room unless it is an Emergency. Make sure people have a place to go after normal hours by paying them a slightly higher government rate. 3. Put a cap on lawsuits and maybe even make a NON Profit insurance fund for Doctors. 4. There has to be a way people can join a non profit insurance group plan and I don't think it matters if it's ran by the Government or not it will need to be supervised by the Government to prevent fraud and abuse. I just don't see why insurance companies should be the only ones who can have insurance and we can't compete with them. I do believe since Medicare is already operational it could be at least used for a while until guidelines for private non profit groups can be set up with protection for the members.

What I don't get, is how the right can be so adamantly opposed to gov't , saying it can't do anything, and then be so high on the military which is run by the gov't. It's also a hoot how the right can't stand the liberal left unless of course it is the Iranian or Chinese left standing up against the RIGHT wing which controls their gov'ts. The liberals are those who fight and stand up for their freedom. The conservatives are the oppressors who want to keep the status quo – I give you Nazi Germany, Iran, China, Poland, pretty much the entire Middle East, and on and on. Right wing
leaning people throughout the world are mean spirited, narrow minded, demagogues

I was a medicare provider as a psychotherapist for many years prior to retirement. I also accepted private insurance and fee for service. Medicare was the most reliable payer. And compared to private insurance, required far less paperwork, albeit too much in any case.

If, as a nation our income tax were raised across the board whatever several percent it takes to provide in essence medicare for all, that would get my vote. That, combined with a clear, transparent plan to contain costs, develop drugs, train and pay doctors while eliminating duplication of services and providing evidenced based treatment seems an obvious solution to me.

As a former provider who loved working directly with clients even though Medicare reimbursement rates were lower than private pay rates, I would have gladly traded in all of the other private insurance payers due to their time consuming forms and record keeping requirements. Those requirements seriously diminished the amount of direct practice time I could provide. A simple one page form would have allowed me far more time to actually deliver service. And anyone who could afford a fee for service would continue to be welcome as well.

One point to be clarified: Our Senators and Representatives are NOT on a public plan. They have a cadillac BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHEILD Plan.

Point number two: Our Seniors "public" medicare plan will be destroyed by the billions of dollars that HB 3200 will remove from medicare to "balance" the HB proposal. In addition ....how many Baby Boomers will enter into the Medicare system in the next 10 years?????Reduce dollars going into Medicare and increase participants?????? Would someone please tell me that Seniors are not the target for reduced care? "NO" you cannot have a hip replacement at age 70...go take a pain pill. And we will "council" you on how you can use your REDUCED benefits.

You can print dollars to make everyone believe a public government run plan is viable...we all know what the real truth is....look at the trillions of dollars Medicaid and Medicare are currently on the hook for.

And if our elected officials will not get off their cadillac plan, why are those "EMPLOYEES" of this country telling us they will shove their PUBLIC crap down our throats. THEY ARE NOT LISTENING TO THEIR EMPLOYEERS.

You can tell who is just listening to and then repeating right wing talking points vs people who actually try to understand the problem. the current system is unsustainable. In order to reduce future deficits, we have to control health care cost increases. In order to do that, we must start NOW.

I'm only going to say one thing to all the knee-jerk types out there:

READ THE BILL!

Seriously, how many of you have taken the time to study this thing? How about a synopsis? An extract? Summary? /Anything?/ Well, then, how about the Congressional Budget Office's report? Have you at least /heard/ about that?

Unbelievable.

The Health Insurance lobbysit are sending these People into the Town Hall meetings to protest all about the Lobbysit my friends all about The Lobbysit!

This president is a master at getting people to like him. You are all blind. It is laughable.

So eager to defend him. Listen to his clips from the campaign. Listen to his clips from the first months. Listen to his clips now. He dances around issues, backtracks when popularity slides.

This man is a DISASTER, just like Bush. And you are buying it, Liberals.

I think there are some out there who either can't read or just plain don't comprehend the story. – "Well, nothing can be farther from the truth. You know the people who always try to scare people whenever you try to bring them health insurance reform are at it again, and they're taking sentences and phrases out of context and they're cobbling them together to leave a very false impression." Smarten up people!! We need healthcare reform, and we need it NOW! I'm sick of our representatives not doing their jobs because they'd rather increase their campaign contributions from the big insurance and drug companies. I'm sick of spending a big chunk of my paycheck for inadequate insurance. I have worked all my life, and I have paid for insurance all my life. This system stinks and is getting worse everyday.

I work full time, my wife works full time and we have no health insurance.

I DO NOT expect or want other people to pay for our health care, we set aside money every month, only a portion of what the insurance premium would be; we can afford to pay our health costs without stealing money from other people through taxes.

People really need to read this health care bill, do not take anyone elses opinion or statement as fact.

This is not a health care bill, it is a tax bill for those who can afford it the least the ones without health insureance, yes if you have no health insurance you will be taxed on every member of your family, and if you have insuarance that is "to good", you will be taxed also.

Ignore the spin, ignore the rhetoric, read the bill and you will see we have been lied to by Obama, Pelosi, and anyone else trying to peddle this on us.

Chris, I'm tired of hearing people say we have the best medical care in the world. For whom??? Take a look at infant mortality rates. Take a look at satisfaction surveys. I can't even remember all of the different categories that we rank lower in then many western countries. We can do better!!

Texan for Obama:

I live in Texas and went to UT. Liberals invented disrupting public discourse in so many meetings I saw so many times on Campus even 20 years ago. They never wanted debate just like most liberals.

I agree with you one thing. Lets have a fair and open debate. Get all the facts out in the open so the American people can see what we are buying. You know a little of that transparency thing.

Yes, lets look at the facts:
- US has a 47% higher mortality rate for end-stage renal disease than Canada.
- US/Canada mortality rates for Cardiac disease almost identical.
- Canada has a higher survival rate for colorectal cancer, childhood leukemia, kidney & liver transplants.
- US/Canada survival rates identical for cervical cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
- US has higher survival rate for breast cancer.

In a nutshell both systems work well. Ours is just more expensive.

Insurance companies can't compete with a system that doesn't rely on profits and can collectively negotiate for a hundred million people. Any government plan will relegate private insurance to a niche market. So this article becomes moot if any government run health care is passed.

If there is a single payer government plan health insurance costs immediately go down by one third because we are no longer paying to make a corporation profitable.

What do you prefer? A bureaucrat that answer to stockholders and needs to make a profit or a bureaucrat who answer to government oversite and politicians who can be voted out of office.

The White House counteroffensive is too little, too late. They lost when they were not able to push their health care plan(s) through Congress before the August recess. The worst thing that could happen to their plan was an extended period of time for the intent and cost of these proposed programs to be evaluated. The realization of this is evident in the responses to this article as proponents of the health care plan(s) are sensing defeat and panic has set in.

So if I took out a $100,000 loan against my house (which has little equity left) and took that money and threw it out into the streets ... it would be called STUPIDITY. When the government does it for me, it's called STIMULUS!

Guess what? Congress HAS government run healthcare the same as i do and the rest of the retired military folks! It is great healthcare! The politicians who are honest want you to have it too should you so desire. Some of you need to do some homework and get your facts straight.

For all of you bleeding hearts that are drooling over nationalized medicine, take a look at Canada, Great Britain, and our own VA. You can expect a trip to the doctor to be a lot like a trip to the DMV. And, to correct a previous post that health care is a "human right", since when?

My generally conservative local newspaper actually ran a front page article to debunk all of the extreme false information that is floating around about the proposed health care bill. (Which quite surprised me.) This has the potential to be the most significant change in domestic policy since social security. This needs to be done right, but the process is NOT helped by people who are our-right lying about it. We are all in this boat together and fear mongering is not an answer. My employer has seen health care costs skyrocket. (They are self insured.) I am paying more and more of my own money every year as the costs get passed through to me. (My income has dropped because of pay freezes and furloughs.) Lying is not helpful, constructive criticism is ... alternatives that address the core problems are, but clipping up old speeches to make up things that are not true is NOT.

this war of misinformation by both sides is ultimately not going to make a bunch of difference...

the American people as a whole are very worried about this socialized healthcare plan and it is only going to get worse as details become more clear...

we see that the Admininstration is trying to force this down our throats super quick for political reasons and we don't like it...

it is not because of anything conservative talk radio or the Republicans are doing...

it is because this whole thing stinks like a rotten fish...

Healthcare reform will take from those who work and give to those who don't. I'm so sick of the entitlement attitude. Nobody owes you squat. You owe yourself. How dare anyone demand Bill Gates riches....go out and earn it for yourself.

I have government run healthcare (like the rest of the retired military) and it is great!!! It's better than any of the private coverage I've had through many jobs over the years. I had more trouble with care being rationed or limited through private insurance, but never here. If my doctor says I need something, I get it. And this – I find it ironic that republicans usually want to outsource everything, claiming hte government is incapable of doing anything cheaply and efficiently. But here they are complaining the government would put the private companies out of business because they couldn't compete. How can it be both ways? And if the insurance companies can't do it better, why have them? An unnecessary middleman sucking up healthcare money, that's what they are.

Problem- If the "bad" health insurance companies are making such a profit, then why would the government version lose so much money? It's either going to be a big mess, or the "playing field" will be so off balance that all privates will fold. The C4C program reinforces my feeling that I would not want my health handled by the same people!

There is a lot of misinformation regarding healthcare and medical insurance reform because a small number of people make a lot of money off of the healthcare and insurance industries, and they funnel some of that money to a lot of politicians - some on the left, but a lot more on the right. As a small business owner, healthcare insurance for my family alone eats up a significant amount of my profits - and that's for what is essentially catastrophic insurance. In other words, I am a dream customer for the insurance companies. Unfortunately, that's the type of insurance most Americans can expect to be getting in the next decade or so if we continue on our current path. If you want to fight reform now fine, that's your right. Just don't whine later when you can't afford to go to the doctor anymore.

There really people that watch and believe the "Drudge Report"? I find that the most unbelievable thing of all!

Why are all the naysayers suddenly prophets? "It will ruin our country" "We will have to wait months for surgery" Look, if you want to shoot down someones idea for change, at least have another plan to offer. If you like your current health care, you keep it. If you don't, you can have the public option. It's as simple as that and Obama has said it time and time again.

You can reform health care all you want. Until we get massive lifestyle changes our health care will not improve. Obesity is #1 on that list.

It is so sad that the Right-Wing loonies have to resort to lies and dirty tricks in order to make their opinions known.

The disruption of a town hall meeting by loonies is not going to derail much needed health care reform. Sorry to tell you.

Do we really want government to run our healthcare? Come on now, they can't even run a bath! Goverment is the only one in US that would go into a dollar store with $20 and buy 1 item and still come out the store broke! Biggest wasters of other peoples money in history, and history has proved it. What they say will cost $20million, ends up costing $60million ro more, everytime!

The government has the power to regulate the insurance companies among other things, why not start there. It's better than scrapping a system that is the best in the world for something has been proven not to work and cost too much.

Medicare, Medicaid, Healthcare = US bankrupt!

Obama's health care reform plan doesn't eliminate private insurance, this is something your representatives are telling you because of the "very deep pockets" of the insurance lobby. Americans who can afford to pay for insurance above the federal health care coverage will purchase an additional "supplemental" insurance coverage. Just like Medicare is today. Think for yourselves Americans, don't let your representatives decide for you based on the "cash donations" the insurance lobby has sent to every congressional, and senatorial representative. Don't be stupid, think for yourselves because we're not cockroaches who can thrive on fecal food being fed to Americans by your federal representatives.

Most that complain about the Republicans opposition have NOT even began to read HR 3200. Nothing wrong with public health care as a choice. But thats NOT what HR 3200 is. I'm not against Government health care. I am STRONGLY against HR 3200 that Obama is pushing. READ IT!!!

It astounds me that there are so many gullible Americans willing to accept the lies of the insurance industry and the lies of lawmakers who are effectively on their payrolls. People, we don't have the greatest health care! And, no Canadians don't come here for medical treatment. When was the last time you met a Canadian at the emergency room? Those are lies the insurance industry tells you. Think!!

If the right would like to get information out that is accurate and not misleading, that would be acceptable. But name calling and quote dissection is not acceptable. Winning a debate with slurs, innuendos and lies is not winning. It is brain washing. That puts the American ideal to a test, and leads to a place that I don't think any of us want to go.

Dont fight back with Logic, fight back with stories of how tough it is for the regular folks in America, Most of us cannot afford health care and have horrific stories to share. Share the stories President Obama.

This proves again that Obama and his team thinks people are stupid. Same leader who complained that parts of the clips were taken into misguided information plays two clips. Did she ever address Mr. Obama's statements from 2003? What a shame.liars fall big.

Its frigtening how some media outlets release republican talking Its frightening how some conservative media outlets release republican talking points and during town halls they are regurgitated by the crowd as if they truly have a concern about the issue. And then the repubs say look the people are really concerned about this.

As soon as I get the same coverage at the same price that Congress has, I'll begin to listen. Until then, it's all crap.

Calling the Drudge article misinformation is too polite. Call it what it is-a lie. That's all the crazies on the right, tea baggers, birthers, and bloggers can do is to disrupt town hall meetings with their loud and stupid rantings and post things that are blatantly false. Normal people are not impressed.

Why are so many of you pushing for this reform? Half of you are quoting Mr. Obama directly as if you are in a trance! Wake up! Look at all the other courtiers that have done this! Total failure to provide care! And they don't even have 20+ million illegal immigrants to take care of! Come on people 22 months for a diagnostic MRI in Saskatchewan! Yeah it will save us lots of money, by the time you are seen you will have most likely died from your condition. Therefore eliminating your need for further care.

Let's look at the facts – 76% of Americans are insured and happy with their coverage – of the other 24% there is a significant portion that CHOOSES not to have insurance – not that they can't afford it. In the US you have 4 times GREATER chance of surriving a colon or breast cancer diagnosis than one would in the UK or Canada with socialized healthcare. So why we should we change it? I'm tired of the comparisons to mandatory auto insurance – if I CHOOSE not to drive a car I don't HAVE to have auto insurance – this is nothing but a tax on being alive. I hope everyone running for any Senate or House office in 2010 publishes the voting record of their opponent if they had voted for this absurd legislation – let's see what is more important – their job or this party line politics. What happened to the "change" to a bi-partison approach? Change is all we are going to have left in our pockets when this administration is done in 3 more years.

We have the best healthcare system in the world? Sure, after you discount 37 other countries. And if you consider citizens' satisfaction over what they have, we fall behind UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Scandinavian countries, AND CANADA! They all have public single payer systems, and their costs are half ours. And the best system in the world? The US VA Healthcare system, a government single payer system, which by the way has reduced cost this decade while insurance costs have doubled (and HMO profits have tripled). They use computerized records, a team approach to patients, and focus on long term health of the patient – actually health care versus illness care.

I am glad we are finally going to push back against all these lies about Obama's health care reform. It's about time. I hope they take a very agressive & progressive stand because the other side does not want reform eventho they say everyone wants reform, they have been saying that since the days of Harry Truman. Keith Olbermann exposed the "blue dogs" & we need to continue exposing these elected officials who are working for the ins. companies & not the American people. Especially Olbermann, & also Maddow, & Ed Schultz are working to bring out the truth & expose these lies & that is what we need.

He said it didn't he? I think this administration has lost all credibilty.

The Whitehouse should maintain the same tone Keith Olberman displayed on his special comment last night. Some of these people road into office on Obama coat tails.
These guys are supposed to represent the people not these lobbyist and special interest groups

If this plan is so good, Obama every congress person, union person, government imployee , including the rich and famous, all the stars in hollywood should be on exactly the same plan as every american citizen, if that happens then you know Obama is telling the truth.

Looks as if the Dick Armey's "bused in" town hall protestors want more media coverage than they got during the weekend. I applaud CNN for not covering these idiots over much.

Not sure who these people think they are fooling or who's minds they think they can scare away from health care reform. I am all for Drudge being called out. And all other organizations which use fear and lies to promote the interests of big business rather than the interests of the American people.

Not to worry, though. We will have health care reform before the year is out.

Those rich angry old fogees showing up to bray at the healthcare town meatings are A L L…O N…M E D I C A R E…Which is a GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTHCARE PLAN.

They are just too selfish or partisan to let the rest of the country have affordable healthcare.

Easy for you that are against healthcare reform when you are enjoying your healthcare coverage. I work full time and have a family, but I can't afford to provide health care to my family. I am not some lazy person wanted to take your money. I work hard and pay taxes. I have a masters degree and still do not make enough money to pay for healthcare. I don't pay for cable television, I don't eat out, and I only buy used products. I don't drive a fancy car and I always pay my credit cards when they are due. I am just an American that needs help in providing my family that care that so many of you enjoy and take for granted!

The truth hurts doesn't it.
You can't spin it any other way when the words originated from your own mouth.

Truth, what is that?

When was the last time you thought you heard the truth from Washington or any politician.

i don't believe any of them. The question is which one will damage me the least.

25 years of work with no sick days, don't tell me I am spoiled. I just don't want the fruits of my labor to be stolen from me which I see as a
possibility.

I thought the idea behind HMO's was that I would get an annual physical to help prevent the onset of a serious illness. Somehow, the concept got hijacked (insurance companies & Washington cronies??). They don't want you to come throught the healthcare door.

Lets see and honest presentation of the facts from the government side, the industry side and the consumer advocate side.

OH and by the way all the DEMS that would poinnt fingers at the REP.
BARACK IS GOING TO TAX EVERYONE.
IT WAS NEVER right to tax everyone over 250k but now it is even worse.
He can NOT get enough money out of the over 250K earners.
He is going to HAVE to tax the middle class.
60% of the people in this country pay the taxes.
40% dont pay taxes.
Get your numbers straight.
The goverment is not the answer. Private enterprise and individual workers and thinkers is the answer.

This is a start in the right direction, but a very slow weak start. Also, the strategy of making the insurance companies the villain is OK, but by itself, Not enough.

A detailed, technical, discussion of the insurance reforms by highly knowledgeable people is needed. The democrats are now insulting the intelligence of the American People who want to be educated and need hear the details and the underlying logic, even if not fully understood.

More importantly, leadership, rather then political gaming is now needed to combat the existing impression that the Democrats are incompetent, do not have a plan and are just pie-in-the sky socialist who do not have their feet firmly planted on the ground.

So where us the misinformation in the article? The White House spends a lot of time saying it is wrong, but doesn't list the misinformation? Can it be true? Is the President just trying to cover his rear? I think so.

Change your insurance policy if you don't like it people, and ask your representatives to deter employer insurance programs because they limit competition and choice. I would much rather just get the benefit money and then get a policy on my own then have to stay on the limited choices provided by my employer.

Good to see the White House fight back at any news source that doesn't give it favorable coverage. Who does drudge think they are, the must give the President Obama good coverage and promote his health care agenda like ABC news. There shouldn't be any debate on the health care and we must pass it quickly.

I'm really tired of the lies that come from the right. All to often I get emails filled with mis-truths and outright lies yet they are effective because people blindly believe what they read. Why don't I get emails like this from the left? Maybe it's only the right who lies? In any case, I'm an independent and the lies have pushed me to vote for the left. They are more honest in my experience.

I believe that President Obama truly wishes for health coverage for every American's sake. I believe that the GOP leadership is only concerned about maximizing profits for their corporate base's sake. Unfortunately, a significant influence in this mess is Nancy Pelosi, whose only concern appears to be... Nancy Pelosi.

The "Most Trusted Name in News"?? Read CNN's headlines.. Drudge.. Bush 41.. and the best yet.. Quirky gifts of past Presidents. Where is the mention of all the debate at these town hall meetings? CNN wants to portray the far right as being the ones who mislead it's readers.. but isn't CNN doing the same thing to you far lefties by ignoring obvious news stories as Arlene Spector getting booed off stage for saying.. " We law makers divide up legislation into parts so our staffers can read them and report back to us because we have to make decisions very quick". In other words.. "Me.. Sir Spector.. I don't have time to read a bill I'm elected to read and vote on.. those are for pesants.. I need my morning latte".

Plain and simple. We need reform, but we need to realize.. unless we read, re-read, inform the American People.. write.. read, and re-read again.. reform means nothing. Slow down.. get it right.. and.. pay for it. That simpe!

It's always the same with liberals..... the big bad conglomerate with their "immoral profits" and "lack of ethics" and their "misinformation" to keep you as a slave. Yet they ferociously promote the biggest business of all in America.... the Federal Government. Hypocritical much? Now if there was a CEO of a bank with government subsidized housing in the Bronx, housing and tax issues via the Caribbean, and was spending over a million dollars to prevent an investigation like Charles Rangel currently is, ACORN would be outside their office picketing. But I guess it's only the big business giving us the shaft.

great. I can't wait till my health is in the hands of our oh-so-capable government.

obamabots...analyze your king obama...quit attacking anyone that disagrees. this is a democracy....i know obama thinks he's king...but it's still america. this obama is scary.
Middle and upper class should support the lazy and unwilling.

the southern progressive August 4th, 2009 11:08 am ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
people lie, politicians lie, politicos lie,,,,, makes you wonder who has actually read and applies the ninth commandment.

_____________________________________________________

ahh.. i have realized the answer to my own question.. who doesnt apply the ninth commandment.. are those who covet they neighbors wife, life and money..

greed and organized religion are the root of that is evil and wrong in the world.

This is what happens when the voters put this man in office.Noone checked his background or vetted this man . If he were vetted and the union people did not back this guy we would not be in the position we are in now. What this guy is doing will be the ruination of America.

It looks like it is time to impeach him and get rid of the communistic leader or dictator that everone wanted in this office. Wake up America and see the hand writing on the wall before it gets any worse

Read the latest Time magazine. It has the entire proposed health care bill broken down and explained. Maybe that will help defuse some of the insane rhetoric being put out by the insurance companies and the equally ignorant right wingers that are in the insurance companies' pockets. The bill appears to be a good bill that will benefit many. It puts pressure on the insurance companies to do what they say they do in their respective charters – INSURE! People expect to be covered when they pay their premiums, not be slaughtered when they try to use it.

Based on what Obama says, We do not want his plan.
How many times does he have to be told.
We have the best healthcare system in the world. As the rest of the world agrees.

We the people say no and we are the boss, not congress or Obama.
They work for us.

Some of the comments above already reflect some of the Obama counterattack against the truth. Look at how they attack Republicans. The fact is if the Government gets into the insurance business, it is not a free market effort to make the industry more competetive. We complain at how governemnt subsidized companies and industries from overseas is not a fair practice in that they do not have to earn a profit. A private company cannot compete against a governemnt entity that does not have a profit motive. Our governemnt has proven it is willing to overspend without regard to consequences. This governemnt effort is not about health care, it is about ruining our insurance industry and get more power and control for governemnt. No thanks.

Our health care system is broken. Period. So we have to make changes. Obama's plan may not be better, but we should bring all the facts to the table and debate and come out a plan that everyone can agree with. If GOP keep bringing "socialism", "costly", such crap and misinformation, they will becomre more and more irrelevant.

If this health care plan is so great , why won't the government
give up the one they have now , and take the one they are
forcing on the American people.

I wonder how many of those Town Hall disrupters are on Medicare? A lot of them looked pretty old. I wonder how they would feel about losing their Govt. sponsored healthcare. I venture to guess, there is not one single retired person in the U.S. who would voluntarily give up Medicare. These disrupters are just ignorant folks who are doing what the corporate lobbyists tell them to do. Don't they know they are just tools?

Medicaid is a disaster, Medicare is a disaster, Social Security is a disaster, and some of you want the same government that created these debacles to take over 1/6 of our economy?? You want some bureaucrat making a decision you and your doctor should be making?? Gimme a break.

With the continual lies coming from the white house occupants and staff, it is amazing anyone can even recognize or challenge anyone else's statements as being false or misleading. When you believe bull crap long enough it begins to smell like perfume!

Why do we even need insurance companies? They're just greedy middlemen who get between you and your doctor. Think about how much money they must take in every year. If we got rid of them and paid half of what we're paying them in taxes, we'd have great healthcare for everyone and save money. But that would be socialism, right? Have a nice day!

I find it amazing how the insurance companies are able to constantly place ads on TV. Doesn't cost nearly $3 million to run a TV ad? Insurance companies are making profits as huge as the oil industry, if not bigger. There needs to be a public option to force them to drive down cost.

1. You won't be "buying" public insurance since the government will make it available for everyone, the only cost is to the hard working american tax payer.

2. Out of the "40 million new customers entering the market" over 12 million of them will be illegal aliens who contibute nothing to the system to which they will have access to and we would pay for.

3. By his own admission Obama would see an end to private insurance in 10, 15 or 20 years. What market would there be then? How would it be paid for? You bet health care woukld be rationed!!

All Drudge did was link a video of Obama saying that he would eventually get rid of all the insurance companies and have the whole US under a single payer (Government run) plan. How is this misinformation? Straight from Obama's mouth. More lies from this administration!

" August 4th, 2009 10:55 am ET

The facts are Insurance reform will help almost every American, whether you already have Insurance or not.

Our Senators, Troops, and Seniors have public insurance and like it very much – why cant' we all be given the choice to buy public insurance as well? There will be over 40 million new customers entering the market, its a boom for everyone."

Wow! So why is that politicians will be exempt from this new proposed health care? Of course they like it very much. We the taxpayers fund it!!!

If the health insurance industry are low enough to forge letters from minorities and interest groups to Congress, then anything goes for them. No low is too low.

Free health care for those who can afford it. There. That should make both sides of the aisle happy.

That was a hoax. The only national news network that was there was FOX. And those were not locals. Those were people who were bused in by Big Pharma, Insurance lobbyist and the GOP who are dead set on maintaining the status quo of healthcare that leaves people uninsured, bankrupt and with low quality health care.

I would like to thank you for asking this question so I could answer it.

You have been fooled, tricked, hoodwinked...bamboozled

It's hard to fight back when you are refuting the truth. Misinformation is disseminated by both the white house and "rabid right-wingers" but the interview in question was not "cherry picked" it was an unusually honest answer from a soon to be president .

If there is a legitimate reason not to have a public option for government run heathcare, then why all the lies and deceptions? Why not just tell the truth and let the public decide? Why – it is because special interests know that the truth means people will most likely opt for a government healthcare system when faced with the facts. The last resort to building opposition is fear and disinformation. Whatever happen to America first?

Would national healthcare be that bad? Look at all the people that have a national plan right now, they all love it. The only people public healthcare will hurt are the private insurance companies executives. They make millions and spend millions of our money for their business, not our health. Healthcare is a right for all Americans, not a commodity. If they cared about their patients they would cover preventative care, they would not deny necessary procedures. They are a for profit company, they only care about their bottom line. That works for good and services that are not required for all Americans, but not for healthcare.

Drudge is the equivalent of a good Children's Book...entertaining but not much merrit to it.

We must have health care reform now with a public option, as is available to all senators, congressmen, the president, our armed services, all cabinet members, all government workers. The right wing is spreading lies and disinformation on this matter and it is about time that we put them out to pasture. Any congressman opposed to this plan should have their insurance taken away and made to forge it on their own to obtain the same quality insurance that most Americans have to do now, and it is difficult, not to mention ridiculous.

I hope Drudge keeps it up to counter the disinformation campaign coming from Obama and his team. Obama's quotes are factual evidence of his philosophy and his goals. Too bad for him that those quotes are now inconvenient as he tries to pull the wool over the public's eye.

OK WH lets get the facts–I know the answers I have read the various bills:

-You will get to keep your current health insurance–Not for long
-Seniors will be denied certian procedures and treatments based on age–yes they will–treatment delayed is treatment denied (its functional E for us old folks–AARP is in the tank!)
-Illegal aliens will be covered-they say no, but refuse a screening process and that will allow loophole coverage.
-Will the obvious cost cutting available in tort reform be acted on-no
-Are there additional taxes and fees hidden in the bill-youbetcha
-Will tax paid abortions be included–looks like they will
-Does the OMB see this as deficient nuetral--no way, quite the contrary

So what are we doing this for? It looks like congress wants to ramrod a bill most Americans don't want-legislation without representation-throw this out and lets get something that works–a couple of hundred billion or less fixes all the problems.

Who pays for this healthcare? I believe it is me and you. I hope your pocketbook can handle it.

We worry about the healthcare reform. Perhaps we should be more concerned about the lobbyists and politicians receiving big $ from healthcare related contributors! Do they worry about the middle class who cannot afford insurance or other healthcare related expenses? You bet not!

"I don't think we're going to be able to eliminate employer coverage immediately. There's going to be potentially some transition process. I can envision a decade out, or 15 years out, or 20 years out," Obama says in the bite.

Ya...trust me...................

The facts are Insurance reform will help almost every American, whether you already have Insurance or not.

Our Senators, Troops, and Seniors have public insurance and like it very much – why cant' we all be given the choice to buy public insurance as well? There will be over 40 million new customers entering the market, its a boom for everyone.

CNN,
Did I miss your coverage of the Arlen Specter/Kathleen Sebelius health care town hall meeting in Philadelphia on August 3rd? It seems that the health care plan was not too popular with the locals.

It's about time that the White House started fighting back. If you don't refute the lies of the rabid right-wingers, the lies take root and start to grow.

Eventually enough morons start to believe the lies and you're finished. Look at what happened to John Kerry because of the Swift-boaters.

Can someone please tell me how the Presidents own words can now be labled as misinformation???It seems clear what this administration wants , and theyre trying to ram this thru before more people realize what the effects will be on them . But they are losing the battle .

This is why Drudge is so influential.... most don't read past the headline. Drudge creates his own headline from the stories he links (rarely ever copies the author's headline verbatim) and dumbs down the day's news into a single page of biased headlines.

Obama administration and the Democratic Party have to be very aggressive and adopt the same tone and style as Keith Olberman took yesterday in his Special Comment. They have to denounce lawmakers who are representing insurance companies instead of people who voted for them.
President Obama is making the very same mistake Dwight Howard of Magic-Orlando did during the 2009 all-start dunk contest. The superman Dwight Howard naively let the New-York Knick Nate Robinson to dunk over him. As consequence Nate won over him.
President Obama has been doing just that. He likes to praise people that are hurting him like John McCain and the Republican Party instead of praising people like Madame Pelosi who are fighting for his success.
He has praised conservative journalists like Rush Limbaugh, Joe Scarborough and Mika, Hannity, Pat Buchanan, and others instead of praising journalists who are fighting for him like Ed show, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, and others.
It looks like President Obama loves fight because he really loves to encourage people who fight him.

The level of sheer ignorance-based terror over nationalized/socialized medicine is staggering and frightening. I can't really put it much more nicely than that. The most of the opposition to the reforms are coming from people that don't even know what the status quo is, let alone what the proposed changes actually mean. The rest of the opposition is coming from people who are simply so utterly greedy and consumed with avarice and contempt for their neighbors that they have virtual tantrums over an arguably extremely modest tax increase to give basic primary health care to everybody, particularly children and people who cannot afford private/commercial insurance.

It's almost depressing.

People are beginning to realize that Obama's health care plan will be to costly and lead to a disaster.

Why are Republicans (and some Dems, too) trying to protect the interests of the insurance companies over the interests of the average American citizen? What is wrong with making health insurance coverage more competitive. Why is capitalism ok everywhere else but in health insurance. And why do conservative voters continually shoot themselves in the foot by voting against their best interests, in support of the very greed-driven corporate America?

Example: I have diabetes. My endocrinologist charges me $800!!! 4 times a year for blood work and a visit to go over the results. We need health care reform. We're already having to decide between having a medical problem looked into or dying because we can't afford it. How can this be, right here in America; how!!!???

We again see why the American people have correctly rejected and spit out the Republican party, a once proud party that is now held in a death grip by a fanatical lunatic fringe. We see lies, disinformation, playing on people's fear, bussing squads of thugs to town hall meetings for the sole purpose of disrupting them. We have seen other parties in history that have used these tactics to disrupt and subvert freedom and democracy. We will not allow it happen here however. People of integrity in and out of the media are exposing these falsehoods and tactics. The American people will do the right thing, the moral thing and join the rest of civilized societies by providing universal health coverage – a basic human right.

lying is all these c-street boys can do as health care is so needed and the obama plan is a great beginning. the public option is necessary and must be there for the plan to work for the people. the money boys are busy buying the congress as fast as 1.2 million dollars per day will accomplish. people who think with emotion rather than their brain will be sucked in by this crap the republicans and blue noses dems are blowing out.
be aware people and do not be snuckered-we need the health care plan and we must have the public option!!!

I sure wish that CNN or the White House would have clarified exactly the context in which the quote in the Drudge article was intended. I'm fully willing to disregard the quote if this was indeed taken out of context, but if the quote is real it's hard to envision how this is out of context.

Those who support Health Care Reform, please contact by phone or e mail (unfortunately, many in the house will only accept correspondence from their districts, so have to call) and demand
passage of health care reform.
What is being offered is by no means the final version, but it is
a step to begin the process.
No more political games on something so crucial to all of us.

Hopefully there are only a few people out there who are gullible enough to swallow what Drudge, Limbaugh, Hannity, FOX and the rest of the right wing fear monger's have to say. I would like to think that this country has a higher percentage of intellignet, thoughtful people as opposed to a bunch of tea-bagging lemmings.

Obama and his gang wouldn't know the truth if it jumped up and bit them! Those words came out of HIS mouth and now he's talking out of the other side. I don't believe a word he says! And no, these sound bites are not "cherry picked" to make it sound like he's saying something he didnt' say. THOSE ARE HIS WORDS coming out of his mouth. Plain and simple – he wants government run health care and we should all be terrified of that prospect!!!

I'm glad their will be additional information available so American's will get accurate information about health care versus a health care version from adversaries with a hidden agenda.

So Obama said it but now wants to disavow it? Somehow its wrong that Drudge linked to his own words? Oh brother...

The president always has a camera on him in public, and makes a lot of statements regarding all kinds of policy issues which are recorded and can be gone over with a fine tooth comb later. And yes, there are a lot of people with computers and "free time" on their hands.

For all you Democrats, particularly the liberal Democrats, this should sound really familiar. You can expect to be paid in kind for what you have dished out over the last few years.

Assuming of course that freedom of speech remains a freedom.

Disinformation and ignorance are the cornerstone of the republican's efforts and it works with their constituents because most are either uneducated or simply ignorant of the facts. And they certainly won't get them watching FOX. Why these citizens prefer to have their healthcare managed by profit-hording insurance companies instead of having a public option is a true mystery to me, but it seems that they will buy into any plan that speaks of profits, no matter the cost to the rest of society. The healthcare industries are buying off every politician and media outlet they can get their hands on, yet conservatives continue to support the moneygrubbers and their enablers because Limbaugh and FOX tell them to. Go figure.

Misinformation?! Are kidding me. What do you really take me for?
These were words right from the horse's mouth . . they weren't randomly put together! The only misinformation here is coming straight from the White House. American's are not cattle that you can lead blindly to slaughter, we think, we gather the facts and we make our own decisions.
We are able to handle the truth, but what we don't like are lies. Especially White House Lies.

I don't know why Matt Drodge is so in the tank for private health insurance companies. The most successful health insurance plan in America is Medicare. Elderly like it. It has a robust cost control system. You can't lose it if you get sick. You can pick your own doctor. Coverage policy is grounded on the scientific input of the AMA using the latest science. Lastly, it covers everyone.

Guess who runs it????

It is time we fight the planned misinformation surrounding health care. It infuriates me that Americans are so gullible and will buy anything that is sold.

You would think the older we get the smarter we become but it doesn't seem that way when the Republicans and the Drudge Report can openly misstate truth. Wake up America before you are sold another bridge to nowhere!

Bring it on. Those tactics won't work anymore...people that have a clue have picked up the habit of doing the research. Snopes, wiki, etc.

The only people that buy into commentary on Drudge, or Fox for that matter have already made up their minds and don't do any homework. So let them call names like socialist and muslim all they want.

Same rules apply to children: if someone is calling you names it doesn't make it true.

The video clearly shows Obama talking about private health insurance companies being eliminated and everyone thus on public government health care.

How does Obama's aide think this helps him?

I trust CNN to give me the truth about this story and I've seen with my own eyes the two-sides of Obama on this issue. I'm no Drudge reader, and it doesn't take an enemy of the Obama health policy to give me insight, I've seen what our government has done to Medicare, prescription drug campaigns and "cash-for-clunkers," I hardly have confidence in it's ability to take care of my health. I'm with you on blaming Bush for some of our problems but since Obama and the "old-guard," have taken office they have continued to spend the taxpayer money chasing political favors, just like the administrations before - as a citizen and a voter, we've got to say NO to more spending on failed government programs! Get rid of the old-guard that keeps us in debt!

Here is the party of "values" (Republicans) Lying, lying lying. Their value is to lie often enough and boldly enough, so that enough ignorant or biased people will believe it and pass it along.
Oh my. Truth has a long uphill battle. I sometimes worry about this nation. Hate and ignorance is so powerful.

good move for the White House.

There is a lot of false information out there and we can't wait any longer to reform our health care system. One, we will never get out of debt if we don't., and two, there is no need for so many Americans to not have insurance; it's disgraceful and being treated if you're sick is not a responsibility, it's a right. It should not matter how much money you have.

I feel terrible for the greedy private insurance carriers. They've excluded everyone who needs their coverage, or made customers pay a monthly rate that they couldn't afford.

The counter government program will be a raging success. Everyone will revolt against the arrogant, fat, health insurance carriers, and sign up for the government program.

The private insurance companies will be forced to evolve, or die!

The president's plans are obvious, no matter what high paid communications person is there doing collateral damage. We now know that they want more taxes to pay for it, and who is wealthy and who is middle class will suddenly be redefined by this tax-and-spend administration to suit its purposes.

Mr President, we are not interested in what you or the Congress are selling.

The Drudgereport article regarding Obama's words have NOT been removed AND the government rebuttal is there as well...

The healthcare plan is a pig no matter what kind of dress Obama tries to put on it.

America is waking up...we will be ignored no longer! No socialized healthcare!

No matter how the white spins it Obama still said it ,just like the very telling Gates comments. i see a trend here in this administration ,you can only believe what is said today , tomorrow it may be a lie but today it is fact. I suppose next they will try to blame this on Bush also regardless of the fact democrats have controlled congress since 2006

there's no question in my mind that Obama wants to eliminate the private sector and make the successful and hardworking americans pay for the lazy and unmotivated......

from the cradle to the grave..... the nanny state is coming....

the framers of our constitution did not intend for government to nanny its citizens throughout their life......

Obama is killing the spirit of this great country.....

I congratulate the White House on its efforts to fight the War on Stupidity. I hope Linda, her staff, and others within the administration can keep honesty in their communications and other efforts as well. Think Walter Cronkite. Aspire to his ethic. And not just the White House, but also the Drudge Report and others of their ilk.

It is all too simple. Just say what the bill is and or is not. Generalities which can later be interpreted by lawyers will be the excuse for any changes the administration wishes in the future, Obama stated that there will be no tax on the middle class. Now define the middle class. The hypocrisy is that if the bill is so good, why isn't Congress participating in the "benefits" of the bill and giving up their current coverage. Could it be that the benefits are just not that good? A bulletized chart based upon family income stating the cost payout and listing the coverage without parenthetical exclusions would help us all to make an evaluation of the bill. The trillion dollar cost protection is politcal speak for "who knows the real impact". Let me evaluate based upon my income. That I can understand. And as to comments about misinformation, BOTH sides are guilty and pushing their own selfish agendas. It is difficult to trust anyone. Geithner and Summers are at odds with Obama regarding the future. Well, Geithner doesn't pay is fair share anyway.

Obama is the one who is trying to sell us a bill of goods on health care reform. His plan is neither health, nor care nor reform. It will destroy our first class health care system: ration care, tax us to death, still create huge deficits and stress resources beyond capacity with much more demand for services. He is more than a joker – he is a nightmare. The Obama presidency is nothing short of a national catastrophe! Make no mistake about it. If his health care plan passes, the vast majority of people supporting it who have no understanding of where it will lead, will soon repent in sack cloth and ashes once they are living with it. You simply need to read the bill to understand very quickly that this is neither something we need nor want ... more government intrustion into our personal lives and most private decisions.

Healthcare limerick:

There once was a fellow named Boehner
Who'd do anything for a donor
I'm willing to bet
He's sombody's pet
And the insurance firms are his owner

Have a nice day!

So now we are just calling it Health Insurance reform, not health crae reform. Lets spin it to sound like we are only going after those big nasty Insurance companies. Their draft legislation deals with more than just insurance. Don't be fooled, don't listen to either side in Washington, read up on it for yourself and be informed.

The conservatives know that older people wiill believe their lies. That's why they send out the mass emails about how democrats want to kill old people to keep health care costs down. Can you imagine that people are willing to put common sense aside and be taken in by this. Don't comment on the health care bill until you've read it. There are several versions of the bill, so I suggest reading the energy and commerce House version. There was an email with a list of points out of that bill and lies and mistatements about what the bill said. I have great health insurance for only $1000 a month. But I'd like to have a government option – I would probably keep my private insurance, but I'd like more choices.

I agree the Whitehouse is using a "campign of misstatements and outright falsehood" to further their agenda.

It's a shame that this is even necessary. It's a shame that so many have been persuaded to vote against their own interest. It's a shame that Insurance lobbyists and Big Pharma have more influence with our elected officials than We The People who elected them.
While we breathe we hope and in spite of the naysayer's biquitous chorus of dissonance, I believe that we can win this battle. I believe we outnumber them. But more importantly, I believe in you and me. Let us all work together as constituents and get our elected officials to enact the will of the people.
WE CAN DO THIS!
YES WE CAN!
God Bless you, and God Bless The United States of America

So the white house claims deception and they intend to fire back with more deception?

Scary...but I'd like to hear the whole conversation before forming a real opinion on this....another promotion for UTube.

It seems that in 1993 when Clinton was trying to reform health care, we were paying 9 billion a year, and now it is 1.5 trillion. It's way past time to change that. We all know about those politicians who like the status quo and their special interests perks. We also are seeing how it is not only the Party of NO, it's the Party of Noooooooooooooooooooooo!!

So the federal government is throwing resources at combating the Drudge Report? You'd think that there were important things to do. It's hard to believe that Obama's administration is so sensitive to criticism that they are trying to discredit a blog called the Drudge Report. What's next, an all-out attack on Facebook?

Just to let you guys know, all of our senators and congressmen and women have a government run public option. If they have the same option that some of them are campaining against, why have not they got rid of their insurance. Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, are government run programs, so if you want the government to get out of your lives like you want, reject all of those benifits. Then see how you fare against trying to pay for health care. You can keep your insuarance if you want. President Obama is trying to give you a second choice, which actually more capitalistic in nature. I am 18 years old, and if we do nothing about health care, my children and yours will be paying for health care which will skyrocket to 33 trillion by 2019 do to inflation. Which option do you want?

In general many Americasn are spoiled. We want, what we want, when we want it... We don't like the words "work" or "sacrifice" or "commitment".

Even though many are already aware of the insurance companies lining their pockets with million$ every day, they don't want reform b/c it would require some of the aforementioned words.

This country had better get it together... ALL TOGETHER... or we're doomed. The rest of the world is shaking their heads in disbelief...

I would like to see the entire context, but how can you misinterpret the following.

"I don't think we're going to be able to eliminate employer coverage immediately. There's going to be potentially some transition process. I can envision a decade out, or 15 years out, or 20 years out,"

It is pretty clear to me! And the projected cost of this program is out of site. How can they spend money that we do not have. Oh, I know we can always print more money. It is on the same order as, “I have more checks in the checkbook”, but no money in the bank.

The fact that the clip is no longer on the Drudge Report after the White House retaliated – and Drudge has not reacted to the White House – just shows that Drudge and ilk like him knowingly put out information that is less than accurate. They know that even though their report is tainted it'll stick with a certain number of readers anyway, even if proven wrong. They do a great injustice to the American people. For my money they are not true American's but profiteers with an agenda of their own. Listen to them at your own risk.

It appears we don't want to have a legitimate debate on how to handle health care.

Too many people have too much money involved to let anyone fix it.

We are our own worst enemy.

I didn't know the Drudge Report was still around. It has always been the journalistic equivalent of the basement geek writing half-truths and rumors on bathroom walls.

There is a lot of misinformation about healthcare reform being broadcast across the nation. However, the White House is the one broadcasting it. The WH says its bill protects employer sponsored insurance, which is true...for now. Then after 5 years, employers must provide "qualified" plans, meaning plans designed by a govt committee. How is that different coverage than the govt insurance?

I really question Democrats committment to education. If everyone had a proper education that taught critical thinking, no one would support Democrat policies.

The people paid by the health care and pharmaceutical industry to disrupt, distort and destroy what is best for the citizens are being given millions of dollars. These large corporations have also given millions in donations to the GOP and the blue dogs. It is hard for congress to represent the people when they are up to their neck representing corporations.

Talk about spin, I saw the video and nothing was taken out of context. The WH should just tell the truth about their plans and let the people know what is really coming.

The Drudge Report video hardly appeared to be "taking sentences and phrases out of context." Unless someone actually doctored the videos presented by the Drudge Report, they appear pretty genuine, so I'll put the burden on the White House to disprove its authenticity. Why doesn't Obama and other Democrats just come out state that they want to eliminate the health insurance business? If that's their goal in all of this they need to start selling their program instead of trying to slide it in the backdoor. At least it will generate a healthy debate on the subject.

It is sad and disburbing the extreme measures the opponents of Health Care Reform are resorting to. Their terrible, unethical lies,
total disregard for honor and accepting and spending of funds
from health care enterprises to promote their swiftboating.
The unfornate thing is some people actually believe their
distortions,
Never in my lifetime have I seen a political party stoop to such
gutter tactics. We, who realize the need for health care reform, must
stand up to them and let them know these unAmerican, terrorist
tactics are not acceptable, nor are their actions as a representative
for us.

Drudge has been and always will be a right wing hack – Drudge always distorts the truth when it comes from the left.

The Drudge Report is the internets answer to The National Enquirer.

I wouldn't be surprised if someday soon on The Drudge Report we'll see Obama shaking hands with that little alien fellow that seems pop up every couple of months at a White House function.

The Drudge Report is one of the farthest right publications in existence.

I'm glad Douglass is watching these whack sites. There is a lot of bad information out there and it confuses people.

President Obama's got some of the thinnest skin around. Don't let yourself get knocked off the ball so much, buddy!

Healthcare reform is going to be battled by both democrats and republicans due to the amount of money that would be potentially taken from the insurance companies and lobbies. The lobbyists will spend any amount, and buy any vote to ensure that true reform never see's the light of day. It's the biggest lobby in Wahsington, and it will not go gently into that good night. The average american supports real healthcare reform, but the plan is going to be so bastardized by the time it comes out, it won't be worth having. Thank you insurance companies for bending over the little guy and boning him again in the name of profits.

This is why we should go for government sponsored universal healthcare and weed out these greedy insurance companies who have corrupted our law making process. We will never get favorable laws with money milling congress. Lets expand medicare and medicaid. Lets have government as provinder just like other developed nations.

Why do we call adding a 4th entitlement program we can't afford reform. The claim from the government that runs the post office is that they will make the system more efficient and save money. Reform such as comprehensive medical malpractice reform seems to be off the table. The trial lawyers won't share any pain because they already paid off Obama just like the UAW paid him off. Obama wants national health insurance so when makes the illegal aliens citizens they will have coverage and join the 46% of Americans who pay no income tax and vote for Obama.

The Drudge Report, has in my opinion, long been an instrument of disservice to the American people. It is all well and good to express one's opinion, but the twisting and bending of facts to negatively portray facts, or persons is unacceptable.

Well then, what exactly did 0bama mean when he said that? They claim it's decieving but clarify his remarks. Is he claiming he meant something different then, or has he changed his plan? Where's the flaunted transparency?

The Drudge Report, has in my opinion, long been an instrument of disservice to the American people. It is all well and good to express one's opinion, but th etwisting and bending of facts to negatively portray facts or persons is unacceptable.

We can only hope that the Dems can STOP the GOP appealing to the misinformed and unread opinionated voter. This is absolutely the silliest thing that I have ever heard of !!!! Can you imagine that the average person with a young family would not want to save money on their own programs and make sure that their neighbors and fellow americans have access to health care ????? The price saved for the bill of emergency care for the uninsured will be a savings for the insurance industry as a whole. Who could deny a poor, single mother health care ??? Who would deny a baby the same coverage as a baby from an affluent family ???? This is just plain selfish and lack of concern for our american family. Please dear lLrd guide this nation to a resolve that will be beneficial for ALL Americans.

If we can everyone to understand what the goals are where everyone is coming from, then we might make some headway. Those health insurance companies need not drop people because there is something already there in their medical file. We need something to get all of those that either can't get insurance or have deductables so high that it isn't useable something that will cover them so they can see a doctor before anything becomes a problem.

Has there been any proposal to get more doctors, nurses and other medical professionals trained? We need something to lower the cost of their education.

There are lot of unneeded reports up there...just ignore...work for health care reform...these things are done by these nasty GOP guys...I guess...they are playing with American poor...and needy...not good sign for GOP for reelection...even considering either...ok...work for Health care reform...we need it now...god bless!!!!!!!

And people thought the Bush Administration lied to the American public? Obama may be the only president in American history that sits around disavowing VIDEO statements he's made from past campaigns. Simply put, this man can't be taken at his word on anything.