CNN

No disrespect...but Maddies daddie probably grosses between 200k and 1mil annualy...and can afford to pay for botique insurance with his christmas bonus. Tyrones daddy makes minimum wage...and cant get any options...and makes too much to get free hc for his family. Which family has been pushed further below the established poverty lines? Let me guess...MADDIEs?

Isn't it just sweet when politicians use infants to really drive home their agenda! Watch, that baby will probably grow up to become a progressive, leftist homosexual that loves her public option health care!

He's lying on behalf of a child and putting false words into her mouth. No low they won't sink to. That's disgusting.

Yea, Yea – Goo, Goo – Gaa, Gaa... OMG – She has insurance – there are other babies who DON'T... That is a dumb way of trying to get their point across!!!

The Party of NO has gone INSANE!!! Oh I wish I were there with my grandchild – I would get up there and pretend he/she is talking too and say......... HEALTH REFORM WITH PUBLIC OPTION!!!! LOL

Jeez – the mad, mad world of REPUBLI-CAN'Ts!!!!

I am quiet sure his Chief of Staff can afford to give Maddie health insurance.

He could've easily gone to any poor neighborhood and picked up a toddler whose parents can't afford to provide the same

Typical republican.

This is one of the most disgraceful, exploitative, cynical political stunts I've ever seen. And made all the worse because every word that Representative John Shadegg spoke "on behalf" of Maddie was a lie. And all this from the so called "family values" party. So now we know, the Republicans will go to any lengths to spread their campaign of lies and disinformation, including exploiting an innocent 7-month old baby. These people have no shame, no moral compass, and no ethics. What a bunch of hypocrits. No wonder they're in the minority and fading fast. (By the way, I can only imagine the righteous indignation from these hypocrits if a Democrat had pulled a similar stunt to suport health care reform.)

cute and GOP dumb

Oh please. I wonder if Maddie minds big corp. insurance companies jacking up her rates, and denying her care when the well paid CEO of that insurance company feels Maddie has passed the cost of coverage. Maybe Rep. Shadegg can give up HIS lifetime, no questions, full family government funded health care that HE enjoys. Maybe Maddie can have that health care? No? I mean Maddie's mom is already paying for that right now. What a joke these debates are.. 'look at the baby, and vote my way" No thanks Mr. Shadegg, when you pay for your family insurance out of your own pocket like the rest of us then maybe we'll listen to your arguments.

What about other little babies, "Maddie"? Ones that develop cancer or leukemia and the insurance company decides that treatment is too "experimental" or that mommy and daddy's premiums need to go up to the point they can't afford it anymore? Its nice that your mommy has a job where health care is provided, but what about Baby Devon or Baby Michael's mommy that can only find part-time work in this economy right now? Their mommies' pay checks go to taking care of their babies' daycare, and what little is left over goes to food and rent. Who's going to take care of them when they develop pneumonia? What about health care for 19 Jeff who just started his first job out of high school and it doesn't offer help with health care?

I'm glad you care for yourself, little Maddie. Republicans do a very good job of caring only for themselves and nobody else but their own families. But I think that all babies and mommies and daddies and even those who aren't mommies and daddies deserve to have affordable health care so if they get sick, they aren't forced into bankruptcy and lose their house and their dreams. I think that everyone deserves a choice in their health care, and that choice should include a public option. I think that health care companies shouldn't be able to force people out of their insurance, or that mommies and daddies shouldn't be forced to stay in the same old job for the rest of their lives because they got sick at some point. Seems like that kills the idea of American know-how and go-to when we stifle American workers like that. Seems anti-American to keep people from going into running their own businesses because they won't be able to take care of their families health. I hope you don't get sick as a grown up, little Maddie, and find yourself in that situation.

Hopefully, when you grow up little Maddie, you'll be able to think for yourself, and not have some creepy old rich man's hand up the back of your shirt, putting words in your mouth.

She's a cutie! What a shame she is so ill informed.

If health care reform passes, it won't take away anyone's existing medical coverage; instead, millions more of our citizens will actually have quality medical coverage–and access to quality medical care–for the first time.

Maggie may not grow up to be a repug. There may not even be repug when she becomes at age. How can her grandfather know what she want?

Really? Using babies now? that's really low..

No shame on his part.

I found that disturbing.

If the Republicans had THEIR way, the only people who would have a "choice" concerning their healthcare, would be those individuals and families who are well enough off financially to actually be able to afford it.

The rest of us would be SCREWED!!

If we're talking about what our kids want, my 1 year old would like for all people to be covered, so when they suffer a health crisis like she did last November, they won't be financially ruined by the 250k hospital bill (not counting follow up care) OR be terrified of going one day without coverage because they'd never get it due to "pre-existing conditions".

Speaking as myself...my daughter's story

At 7 days of age my daughter was sent to the ER by our pediatrician as she was showing signs of septicemia (a blood infection). She was admitted via the ER into a hospital here in Boston in the early stages of organ failure...if we had waited even hours more it would have meant her death. Two days after admittance, she had a stroke. She stayed in intensive care for 10 days. She stayed on the regular 0-5 floor for another 10, and was released after almost 3 weeks in the hospital. She was released with persistent hypertension that had to be monitored by a home nurse 3 times a week at first, eventually falling to once weekly about 4 months later. She needed follow up care from cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, neurology and the pediatric stroke team.

Our hospital separates out the doctor and hospital fees...the hospital fees alone were 250k. I have no idea how much more the cost of the doctors was, not to mention the round the clock nurse she required for her first 7 days in the Pediatric ICU when she was on a ventilator.

We, luckily, had very good health insurance and paid $250 for this. However, if we had not had insurance, we would have been bankrupted by this sort of health crisis.

Beyond that, we need to explain to our 1 year old when she is older that she will be forced to take jobs that offer health insurance as in any state other than Massachusetts (where there is mandatory healthy insurance and she can not be denied coverage) she would be denied private health insurance. She can not go without coverage for more than 64 days or her health issues will be considered pre-existing and the yearly kidney checks she will need for the REST OF HER LIFE (as the septicemia damaged one of her kidneys beyond repair and she now has a single functioning kidney) would not be covered, nor would any sort of dialysis or transplant should she ever need them.

Hey Shadegg–My daughter wants you to hear that she's more than willing for her generation and her children's children to take on the cost of health care for ALL. Ridiculous wars started without just cause? That, she isn't interested in paying for.

I'm surprised he didn't bring in a dog and pony too.

that was a terrible thing to do to a child in the name of your rich-boy bigotry, and i hope she grows up to be ashamed of being unable to prevent you for using her that way. Shame on her parents – they don't deserve that child.

Child exploitation anyone??

Many if not most physicians do NOT support the Democrat House bill despite CNN's and the White House's reporting that the AMA endorses it. Physicians that were affiliated with the AMA are no longer supporting the AMA (not joining or rejoining). Most physicians are now no longer members of the AMA. The latest endorsement by the AMA (actually trustees/ president) have been denounced by even AMA members including AMA delegates. The AMA Delegates are now pushing for a vote to revoke the AMA's endorsement. I'm surprised that CNN hasn't reported on the latter, only that the AMA endorses this bill.

Shadegg should consider a career in advertising breakfast cereals. It does not say much for his negotiating skills when he has to resort to "quoting" a child.

Disgusting. Don't put words in a child's mouth.

It is sick to use an infant in this way to prevent the passage of a bill to help give health care to people in need. This is a new low.

And an intelligent and wise Maddie does not want her family in financial ruin if her mother or father develop a disease that requires intense treatment. Or should they lose jobs or become disabled or own their own small business. Also she is not proud of the fact that America lags behind other advanced Nations on health care and longevity of its own citizens! We have American children, women and men dying every day because they cannot afford health care! This is NOT Maddie's vision of her beloved country! Her vision is of Health care for ALL Americans!

Seems Waxman may have been suggesting that the infant was the ventriloquist.

looks like Maddie wants to speak for herself.

Is this guy serious? lol! I am tired of seeing a bunch of old rich white elite men trying to convince the 98% of us that aren't part of that group, that they have our interests at heart. lol! Our system currently works to benefit that 2% and they don't want to lose it. Like he really cares about our children. If he did he would be fighting to ensure that ALL American children have access to quality and affordable healthcare. Instead he is rallying against it. This guy is a joke.

Here is what needs to be addressed regarding healthcare reform.

1. What is affordable? When will we get specifics on what people will pay.

2. In this economy people are switching and losing jobs. How will this healthcare bill deal with job changes and income levels? What if a person loses a job; will their rates go down? What if a person gets a great job; will rates go up? We really need to hear specifics in this area. How will red tape be kept to a minimum if someone takes on various jobs throughout the year? I think CNN should do a two hour show on such questions and really break it down. "Specifics"

What an idiot. Pass this bill with the public option and no abortion amendment or be voted out of office.

And just when you think the republicans can't get any more rediculous.

Okay "tea partiers" I have a question- actually 2 questions,
1st Question I get why the insurance companies are against this (after all if UPS or Fed Express could get rid of the Post Office and charge whatever the hell they want for sending packages I could understand them wanting to do so). I also get why the GOP leadership is against this bill as well (one need only lokk at how long they were out of power after being against Social Security) But why oh why are regular people against this?

2nd Question. If it really is about te money wher the hell were you guys when George W Bush decided we should spend 12 million dollars an hour on a war against a counrty that never attacked us? It has been a while but when W took office we were looking forward to surplusses as far as the eye could see. But that didn't seem to bother you did it?

What Maddie wants is competition in the health care market to bring costs down, along with a robust public option so if she or any family member gets sick or laid off, they won't lose their insurance.

She also knows that the Congressional Budget Office and other non-partisan groups have shown that the health care reform proposal supported by the Democrats will save money.

Typical Republican to lie and try to manipulate voters by using a child. All to line the pockets of the health care insurance company's pockets.

Pathetic!

Poor Maddie- She doesn't know yet the guy holding her is a schill for the insurance companies. What a phoney.

We need the pope and the church on are side on this bill so, the Dems can pass a over all Health Care bill and we need 218 votes.

huh? America, ignore the GOP until they get real pragmatists to elect. Chris Whitman, maybe Cris Christie, these people today in the house are an embarrassment to our country. We can disagree and respect one another. Please

Isn't it just like a Republican to think he can put words in a child's mouth?

What a boatload of nonsense.

what a disgusting display by the GOP!!!!

That Performance Deserves A Oscar...The Grouch Award! It Also Deserves A Best Supporting Actress Award For The Baby.

Rep Shadegg shame on you for using a baby to spew your lies.
If you had taken the time to read the bill and formed a informed decision (which you clearly did not ). you instead used my tax dollars to that is used to pay your salary to have a YOU LIE MOMENT.
I at least took the time to read and be informed.

Oh by the way I have the public option that you also enjoy along with the other federal employees. It seems you need to give yours up
along with all the nay sayers and I am sure this will bring down the cost since you along with the others truly want nothing to do with the public option. SO THE NEXT TIME YOU SIR TAKE THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE PLEASE LEAVE MADDIE WITH HER PARENTS, AND BRING YOUR PUBLIC OPTION MEDICAL CARD AND TURN IT IN
AND TELL YOUR FELLOW NAY SAYERS TO HAND THEIRS IN.
THIS WILL TRULEY BE CHANGE.

Really? Did Maddie channel her thoughts to this representative from Arizona? Just shows that child-like minds think alike. What's the point?

How sad that Shadegg needs to use a clueless child (who by the way has great health coverage not currently available to 46 million + Americans) as a prop why he makes greatly inaccurate and inflamitory statements about the health care bill. He doesn't care about the other children who aren't lucky enough to have health coverage like his staffers and their families do that is paid for by taxpayers. Where was his outrage when Bush turned a surplus into a run away deficit.

Gross. Grow up, Republicans. Every time I consider becoming an Independent, you remind me why I'm still a Democrat.

Shadegg is an idiot! I wish he wasn't from my state.

So do I, SSSSOOOO do I... my premiums just went up by 13%...

The Kid is correct....
We can NOT afford this healthcare bill.

Unemployment is 10.2 %.

Barack uses every excuse in the book to work on everything that does not matter.
He is taking advantage of the crisis and of stupid people that voted for him.
He is driving us deeper and deeper into debt.
Stop making excuses Barack. Get umemployment fixed.
We need jobs... Not health care for illegals.

Only in America can something like this happen!!!!

My sister-in-law developed grand mal seizures 30 years ago after the birth of their daughter. She has been on a variety of different medications over the years, some have been effective in controlling the seizures but only for a limited time. A few years ago she started a new kind of medicine that had been very successful. Two months ago my brother's company changed insurance plans to save money. The new insurance would not pay for the medicine she needs. Her doctor wrote a letter explaining her situation and my brother pleaded with the insurance company. The insurance company agreed she could have the medicine with a co-pay of $480 for a 30-day supply. The prior insurance had a $25 co-pay. My dad didn't know the full cost for the drug. Thursday evening she was rushed via an ambulance to the ER because her seizures were uncontrollable. They gave her the medicine she needed and her seizures stopped so she was sent home. At this point in time my brother has no clue what the insurance company is going to do about making her medicine affordable or what they will charge for the ER trip. One would think it would be a lot less expensive to provide the medicine what works instead of having go to the ER. How many Americans can afford $480 a month for any kind of drug!!

Baby Maddie will be thanking us later for fixing healthcare now instead of leaving it up to her generation to fix.

The republicans will throw anybody under the bus. He threw his chief of staff child under the bus just to refuse healthcare to people in need.

That's horrible and just plain stupid.

What an irresponsible idiot, and true Republican – using an actual baby, who has absolutely now say in this matter, as a political prop. This is truly despicable, but Replicans keep moving further into crazyland.

HOW IRONIC . . .
. . . the same Republican supporters that shout "Kill the Bill" would rather replace the current Congressional Healthcare Reform bill supported by AARP & AMA, with their own GOP sanction "Don't Get Sick and Die Quickly" bill, which happens to be overly generous to a Health Insurance Industry that is sucking middle-class America dry.

Just whose side is the Tea Party Republicans on?

Oh wow using a baby to state their case. Boy the Republicans have really hit bottom. Have they no shame!!

Republicans are such an insult to themselves

Fortunately intelligent Americans see through their childish antics

Get a life Mr Shadegg

Oh come on. What a cheap shot! You know you've truly got nothing useful to say when you feel you need to parade a baby around just to make a point. It always disgusts me when politicians and protestors feel the need to parade kids around to make a point. It's not like that kid has any opinion about healthcare.

A Republican politician quotes an infant?

Takes one to know one!

At last, now we know why GOP arguments are all whiny and sound like gibberish!

Okay, it's official – Republicans are indeed morons...

And, someone had the IDEAL . . . TO ELECT this man!

wow. The GOP has sunk low when they use a little baby as a puppet for their tired message. Maddie needs this bill so that when she grows up she won't go bankrupt if she has an uninsurable preexisting condition.

Just enjoying beautiful Saturday at home in FL watching the house debate the health bill. I keep hearing over and over about Canada and England health care system. My question to all is, how many of the people talking about Canada and England health care system really know anything about the systems in both countries. I have been fortunate enough to live in both countries for some years and have some knowledge of the systems. I know the health systems in both countries are not as it is being portray on TV right now. Here we are in America, debating on a major issue (future of our country) and I'm listening to our reps. using these systems that are actually working very well to make their case against the bill. Are you kidding me? Are we that naive in this country? How many of us have been to England or Canada? Did you see people dropping dead in the streets of these countries? Did you get the sense that the people in these countries feel that their government was between them and their health care providers? Did you get the sense that the people in these countries were worry sick about getting treatment for major health issues? Actually, it is the other way around. For every system including the one we have in this country, you can always find a case or two to use to make a point to scare people. This is the country of the brave and we have to start behaving that way again. Why have we become a country of cowards? Where did our can do attitude go? I read on the blog stuff like "why should my money be used to pay for someone else health care". What do you think would have happen if our founding father had the "me mindset" we have today in this country? When did we get to the point where America is second to individual interest? To be that passionate about low lifes' that might take advantage of whatever system we have in place is a waste of passion. The only obstacle is ourselves. We will be stop only when we allow it. We are better than that!!! Wake up people...take a hard look in the mirror and be truthful to yourself and let get this country back on track.

These Republican SOB's are so low down to try to think a baby should sway someones' opinion on healthcare reform.....we know too well they are low down dirty dogs. How about the number of children who don't have health care or whose parents have lost their jobs/homes due to high medical bills while they are in beds with the insurance companies and drug companies. Wake up America and don't fall for their theatrical bull s*** this time!!!!!

That's not only ridiculous but it's offensive that he would use an infant for political purposes like that. He also apparently missed the part where the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the bill would not only be revenue neutral but also reduce the deficit over the coming decades.

What a whacko!

Despicable to use a child in this manner. She doesn't know what she wants, but if she really did want choice, she would support the pulbic option. Duh.

Representative Shadegg made Jon Stewart's job much easier for him this coming week.

did they catch that on tape? i wonder how she'd react to the scene when she is 18... how dare he speak for someone who ....... is a friggin baby. ridiculous!!

Republicans just cannot resist lying, can they?

Well, Shadegg's chief of staff has the same insurance that Shadegg has.

What a sad example of biased indoctrination into children...and the child can't even speak yet!

Wow, what a truly inspired way to provide an argument. "Look at this beautiful child. She will inherit the debt we are creating. But we won't show you her when we discuss the debt the Republican party will create with our non-existent reform that according to the CBO will provide less deficit relief in 10 years, and cost individuals more". They keep things to themselves then...

Wow_This guy is a real idiot. It is amayzing who the American people elect and send to Congress. Hopefully when Maddie grows up she will be a Republician.

Listening to this guy it kinds of reminds me of a vaudvulle act with that talking doll.

lol.b the gop is a big joke.

I like how the Republicans have no ideas of their own, so they use infants to speak for them. At least they found a group with similar powers of intellect

To bring an infant to repeat something you've told that infant to say, this is not a debate, this is a side show. Give me information and facts, not flash and glitter.

Way to go con, use an infant your your own gain, what a guy, what a POS.

That's what I've always thought republican arguments were, the blathering of small children.

To "use" a child for your own means is not acceptable.

You could have also said that the child was saying that: if you don't pass health care that the America of today the child has been born into will not exist. The healthcare industry will cripple the American economy.

But maybe it might be wise to let the child grow up and speak for herself instead of putting words into her mouth?!?

Let the rightwing nuts protest, we are tired of being mistreated by the Insurance Companies, bring on Healthcare REFORM.

Dumbest headline ever. He didn't "quote" the infant. He put words in its underdeveloped mouth.

wow – why didn't he bring in a baby who currently has no healthcare??? what would that baby say? oh and news for you Mr. – premiums already went up to where families can't afford insurance! so looks like Maddie doesn't have to wait long for that to happen. what a ridiculous spectacle

i hope that one day you will all realize that a story about someone getting convinced to lose 70 lbs is not a story but the us military getting killed for other countries than ours is. these men and women are risking there lives for the good and wellbeing of others and you and your affiliate news corporations just ignore it and mention from time to time how many of them died. why not join the movement and voice your opinion in getting our marines sailor airmen and soldiers out of harms way to stop wasting our taxpayers money for the good of others and get our children home. this war has been going on since 60 AD to think that somehow we are going to stop it now is just absolutely insane. wake up america your children and future leaders of the world are dying for another country and no one cares anymore you all just catch the blurb on the news for 2 minutes feel bad for a second and change the channel on your HDTV. americans put little stickers or a flag on there car and dont know what it means what happenned to patriotism. 2 days out f the year americans are patriots the day before the fourth of july and the 4th thats it! this country is murdering our children not giving them the proper training before going into combat in different countries with different terrains leaving us fully unprepared. our president and everyone in charge of this fiasco has no idea what it is going to take to stop a war that can never be won. having a war on terrorism is like having a war on jealousy we are NOT going to wake up one day and say " YEP! got em all, everyone loves us again!".

Yes. Lets have the insurance companies get between me and the doctor because clearly they do not have an ulterior motive like making money by denying me treatment and reimbursement for claims. Anyone who has ever dealt with any sort of insurance company in the US knows that they are a bunch of scoundrels - good at taking everyone's money in premiums but very lousy at paying on any type of claim.

Tell Maddie that she and her mama had better pray they stay healthy. There will be no such thing as "patient choice" when it comes to health insurance if you end up with a pre-existing condition. When you grow up, Maddie, you'll understand for yourself. And Rep. Shadegg will say you just happened to not be one of the lucky ones. Tough luck!

So – the leader of the Republicans in Congress is 7 months old.

How interesting.

you are all idiots.

so maddies moms paying the 730 billion ??
sweet!

Welcome to the 21st century republicans... Humph... Who cares because after all, the republican party is dead...

Highly inappropriate. Hey Republicans, WE WANT THE PUBLIC OPTION. Get used to it.

Oh stop it.

Wow! Now a 7 month old baby is leading the Republican Party. What a long, strange trip it's been!

Pam in Oregon

Dear Maddie: since you are supporting the GOP plan, don't get sick and if you do, die quickly.

Sounds like someone is putting their words in her mouth.

Republican = infantile

Absolutely shameful. To use a baby as a prop to spew lies and spread nonsense about a government takeover of healthcare is a new low. What don't they understand about OPTION!? It is truly amazing how these people get elected to serve the public when all they're concerned with is protecting the profits of corporations.

that has got to be the most underhanded and disgusting thing that the republicans have pulled so far. This man should be ashamed of himself. I thought lying to congress was illegal. Shadegg, you should resign right now!

We all knew republicans were kookoo and childest this proves it. They are still a bunch of sore loosers.

Approving all that money for bush means they don't give a darn about spending the money. And the don't give a darn about the people who voted for them. All they care about is sinking the Obama administration and thinking they will get back in office.

The more they pull this crap the lower they will sink in the polls.

And when Maddie becomes a senior citizen hopefully she will enjoy the comfort of social security and Medicare- government run programs. But, if it is up to these wackos, that will be something she'll miss out on.

Maddie's mom is making too much money if her taxes are going to go up $780Billion. What BS. Just more fear/hate/obstructionism by the Republicans.

What the Democrats need to do is pass single payer non-profit universal health care now and let the republicans/"blue dogs" and Profit health insurance companies go play with themselves.

excuse me, but nothing that is seven months old has any clue what things cost. I say "shame on john shadegg" for using such an obvious ploy.

i am disgusted

Seriously? Palin used her kids to inflate her image, so why not go back to the well. Some people will swallow anything.

I wish Democrats and Republicans would leave the kids out of it!!!

What a gimmick, a cheap shot...and using a baby.

Either he is a mind reader or a liar. Maybe Rep Shadegg can read my mind about now while he denies millions the choice for a public option that they can also turn down if it is as bad as Republicans say. Rep Shadegg voted for a 6.5 trillion dollar defense plan but won't vote for a 730 billion dollar bill to give us health care? (since we want to talk about the numbers in 10 year projections, let's talk about all budget issues in 10 year projections so that we can be comparing apples to apples)

1) I am disgusted that a congressman would use a freaking baby as a prop.

2) The babytalk explains a lot.

3) Maddie wants a clean diaper and a meal. Maddie doesn't give a rat's behind about healthcare reform, any more than my cat does.

This whole thing has turned into such a farce.

How typically Republican..............Hiding behind the children. Every last republican in congress is a coward.

I can't wait for that child to grow and be able to speak for herself... "I wish I could afford healthcare – too bad we fought over politics and speaking points for months until we killed our chance at low-cost healthcare for all!"

wow GOP is full oh sh** now they are using their babies to stop health care bill.... bunch on nut heads

That's reality folks. The people for this bill are people that want handouts at the expense of those that work and the future generations of those that work.

That has to be one of the most shameful things I've seen in a long, long time.

The GOP has always been a bunch of cowards when it come to what is best for average americans. It took Mr Obama to come in and attempt to what we all know is the right thing to do.

Enough of the greedy, selfish, cowardly, "fake" christian GOP chicken hawks.

Pass this legislation now.

Hmmm, given that the CBO has repeatedly stated that the Dems health care bill was self sustained and insures 36 million currently uninsured people, I'd say it is clear that the lies just keep coming from the Republican'ts. Truth yet again has a liberal bias.

What else would you expect coming from a republican, after all it was he that cause Maddie;s country to be in the mess it is in. To use a child like this is really low. Health Care Reform For Everyone. Obama/Biden 2010 God Bless America.

Ha ha. I thought from the title of this ticker that he was talking about Pelosi. Because she's a big crybaby!

This is, perhaps, the lowest act of any member of Congress I have viewed in more than 50 years of paying attention to their many despicable acts. Rep. Shadegg should be censured, to be sure. However, his staff member's allowance of the use of his infant daughter to foist their right-wing beliefs is too despicable to describe. My personal belief is that using a child in this way, when her ignorance of the true reason why she was being exploited by her father and the Congressman is beyond her years, is abusive and beyond the pale. However, given the extremist views of virtually every member of the Arizona congressional delegation, I should not have been surprised at this latest act.

More blatant lies by the republicans. If you already have health care it won't go away. You won't be forced to use government health care. If you are satisifed with your current health care, you can keep it if you so elect.

And....how sad that they used a baby. They evidently have to use props because what they are saying is not true but false information. Maybe they should read the proposed bill so they really know what's in it instead of just listening to talking points.

Folks will do anything out of desperation. But great comeback by Waxman.

God, will it never end. Not only do they speak for a God who does not speak, but now they speak for a 7month baby who does not speak.

When do they bring out the dog and pony? This show is getting ridiculous.

Too bad several years ago, the republican from Arizona didn't dandle a bomb on his knee ... warning that it Americans bought and used too many of these in Iraq ,,, our children and grandchildren would be saddled with the debt ....billions for war – nothing for improving the lives of Americans ... so sad.

Shadegg could have some credibility if he had said, "When you want an unjust war ... pay for it yourself. Don't borrow from the Chinese to fund it. Don't ask taxpayers who oppose it to pay for it." I don't remember Bush and Cheney giving anyone the option of opting out. The military is the largest socialist organiztion in the world.

This baby who doesn't want to pay any taxes, better hope she doesn't have a pre-existing condition when she has to buy her own health care. Love big business or love your neighbor. You Choose.

What Rep. John Shadegg did was truly a disgusting display of what Republicans stand for. Shadegg and his Chief of Staff should be brought up on child endangerment charges. It wouldn't surprise me if that kid doesn't have some PTSD issues as an adult from this abuse.

GOP: Evolve or die.

The liberal redefinition of lie means that when Obama said not a single dollar will go towards paying for abortion, it's not a lie.

Change you can believe in.

Dumbest thing I've ever heard. Worse than Palin running around with Trig for the cameras.

When MJ held his baby over a rail everyone went crazy. So now we have a Repuke, using a baby to get his point across, Yeah, I am sure the baby told him what to say!

Some of our congressmen are just trash. It's amazing who can get elected sometimes.

What about when Maddie is 16 and gets herself into a little "trouble". Will grandpa Shadegg stand up at that podium and fight for her health care FREEDOM and CHOICE to carry or terminate a pregnancy? Or is this really all about what grandpa Shadegg and his cohorts desire? It's obvious that his motives have nothing to do with Maddie's or her mother's freedom and choices.

Mark my words, those voting YES supporting Government's takeover of Healthcare are putting a nail in the coffin of there political careers. This vote will be the bellweather for Liberals and will lead to their implosion and ultimate demise. Rise up America! Progressive beurocrats are destroying our country! A true ObamaNation!

I think it is wrong to use your kids in Politics.

I'm very conservative, and an opponent of the proposed health care reform proposal. However, to exploit an infant for political purposes is low. Maddie doesn't know what she wants. Maddie knows what she is told to say. Maddie should know she won't be used for political purposes.

All Maddie is thinking about is getting that microphone into her mouth.

What if Maddy and her parents could not afford paying the exhorbitant insurance fees? What if she or they get sick and are told they have pre-existing conditions (like breathing) that cannot be covered?

Disgusting. It's never ok to use innocent children to move your agenda, no matter what side or cause you're for.

Maddie may be "cute" BUT she can't vote for 18 more years. I want a public option NOW. I have health insurance thru my employer. This month I am required to prove that I am married to my spouse of 28 years to provide health care coverage to him that he does not get thru his employer. I can provide health care to my "domestic partner" BUT not my children, who will have no coverage at all (for the first time in their lives) because they are over the age of 23 (still in college). It makes no sense to me that I have to prove I am married but can waltz into human resources and claim someone not related to me by marrige or blood. I WANT A PUBLIC OPTION! I am sick of the retoric, I am sick of the stalling.

Apparently the Representative must have the same intelligence level of a 7 month old baby to be able to under that she said all of that.

OMG. They've gone waaaaaaay beyond the pale this time.

Maybe the Rep. would like "Maddie" to be in the same position that millions of other babies are right now with NO health insurance at all. I'm sure she is well provided for ,so her father can play "fast and loose "with our Presidents attempts to get medical care to these other babies who are loved just as much as Maddie is .Every generation helps pay for the one before and the one after. It has been ever thus..Stop trying to make us feel guilty,we're not stupid".You say, if you want health care, pay for it yourself"May I ask, who payed for your care when you were little.? You didn't... Who paid for your parents care?Get real. You're too old to be so short-sighted.

Wait, now, what images does this conjure up?

Oh, yeah, dictators cuddling babies to increase their appeal with the unthinking masses...

Desparation or cunning use of propaganda?

If Maddie's mom makes enough money to owe 730 billion in taxes, she very well SHOULD just pay for healthcare for America herself. And so many other things so that her little Maddie REALLY won't have to worry about anything, including her faux grandpa's loony ideas. lol, for real

come on, i lean to the left and i have to say that, that was funny...people have to lighten up

Maddie is being used by them rethugs. They'll do anything to to stop what's good for Americans.

Sat. Nov. 7, 2009 6:15pm central time. The news announcer you had on at this time period interviewing Michael Steele was the most naive man of his age that I have heard on a news program. He of all people should be very aware of what is transpiring regarding the Healthcare proposal. He not only sounded stupid but looked stupid. It was obvious that even Michael Steele couldn't believe the naive resposes coming from this young man. What kind of people are you hiring and where are they getting their education? I again realize why I get my news from other sources and not CNN. Wake up.
Won't be listening to CNN anymore!!

John Shadegg owes the American people an apology for totally unacceptable behavior - a disgrace!

Funny how you Republicans get fiscal reponsibilty once you were out of power.
You Republicans did not mind passing on the cost of a two front war to future generations.
Of course your little daughter wants the health care she got, its the government health care.

I am a 60 yr old retired from Real Estate in Ca, registred Republican and in need of medical insurance, I voted for Obama becouse the Republicans have not been able to put a workable plan, now i am so disapointed with them since they are blocking the only real chance we have to start a program that will benefit millions. I really hope that my congress rep. will listen to people, or at voting time ask me who I voted for.

You rock Maddie.

Waxman is a disgusting piece of crap.

Can this guy be any dumber? Do they check people for brain to be come elected official? I think not, look ate GW Bush, just another loud mouth thief.

I understand he's trying to make a point...but seriously? You hold a spot in one of the highest offices in our country...get serious it's not a joke.

Too bad that Maddie did not throw up on Shadegg and stop his baloney. What a moron, but then Shadegg is a republidiot.

His other hand was in the baby's pocket, checking for contributions.

I can hardly wait to read the loony Liberals response!

hey Maddie, daddy's exploiting you to push his party's warped agenda...

Shadegg used Maddie to illustrate how he said the Democrats’ proposal would pass debt on to her generation.

Funny that Bush spent 3 trillion in 4 years for Iraq and the wacky GOP were fine with that but Obama spending 900 billion over 10 years is bad. This is why we need more educated people in politics.

He better hope that cute little baby never is diagnosed with a life threatening illness, such as childhood leukemia or diabetes. It may thrive and reach adulthood, but under the insurance company controlled coverage we have today, this child will end up with Medicaid, or other welfare program.

I want a choice too, but one of the choices must be the government option! That's the ONLY way to keep the Health Insurance Monopoly honest!

Great example congresman. Next time you vote to send our troops to unjust wars, bring an infant and declare that we are going to war for his/her future. What a joke Repugs are? Playing with the fears and ignorance that is the only card left for you. l hope you become super minority in 2010. As an independent, l will make sure of it.

Maddie is baby. What is the rest of the Congress's excuse for their childishness?

Let that child decide for herself when she can think for herself. Hopefully she will grow up to have more smarts than y'all do. The health care reform would lower insurance cost by spreading the cost for everybody to everybody. Now those with inusurance are paying for those that do not have insurance and use the emergency rooms. AND would give a good kick in the pants to the insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies and their lobbyists that are feeding you.

been watching debate over 6 hours. Bottom line? Republicans are passionate about money. Democrats are passionate about people. This is not a rich/poor fight. This is a life-or-money -first brawl. It may not be fair to get money from the rich, but they are the only ones who have any. No hoarding, please. The money is not yours, it belongs to the economy. You get to use it to get great houses and stuff and then you must recycle to the bottom to keep capitalism going. Duh!

Shameless.

Interesting and creative use of a child as a shield for Republican lies.

now CNN is talking to M Steele the tocan for the republican war machine backing the insurance industry what a dung ball idiot
he needs to crawl back under the cheney rove rush cow paddy
what a jerk lies lies lies .. and the democrates will get the votes for america

Regardless of whether you are pro-reform or anti-reform, isn't a little low to exploit children for your cause?

And Maddie is 7-months old. I doubt she has a really concrete opinion on the health care debate.

Look what George W and his Republican thugs gave our children and our children's children. They have mucked everything up and God help whoever tries to straighten it out for them.

The democratic party is an embarrassment to this country. THEY think they know better than all Americans. THEY think they need to tell us what we need. This bill is garbage and they know it. Pelosi is so far left it is disgusting.

The last hope we working Americans have is that the Senate filibusters this path way to socialism into oblivion. I am half hoping this trash passes so the next two elections are so one sided, that not only can we repeal this mess, but the Dems will never have control again. Its no wonder they only are given control 2 out of every 20 years.

And if it doesn't happen, I am willing to STOP paying my taxes, since I know MUCH better than these looney libs, what MY MONEY should be going to.

It is quite obvious that we have someone as president that was a HUGE mistake. Can't make up his mind on sending troops to protect our brave military, but is more than willing to rush into wasting trilions of dollars his golden road to socialism. VOTE THE LOSERS OUT IN 2010 and 2012 AND TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!!!!

I'm sooooooooooo sick of Republicans and all their antics. What a bunch of crappers.

Groege W. Bush gave us and future generations plenty of debt when he entered us into two wars. DUH!!!!!!!!

Just another Republican attempt to screw things up.

I suppose the intelligence level is the same for the Congressman as for the infant. Funny, that is how most of us wanting real health care reform see the whole group of the folks that supposedly represent us acting as: infants. The child is being used as a tool. Shame, Shame, Shame.

What a mess the Republican Party has become....sure ain't the Party Mom and Pop once supported.

Now Republicans are trying the "cutesy" approach....anything to stop the forward progress.

What Maddie doesn't get is that Maddie and Maddie's children will be saddled with an even more monumental debt for the rest of their lives! Thanks for the Change Demowits!

An absolutely ridiculous display.

The U.S. House is working weekends! What did hell go out of business?

John Ca.

Dragging any child without the communication skills to honestly express their desires or fears into the national spotlight is dreadful. How can he consider himself to be a caring individual respecting the rights of an individual if he can neither respect the rights of this child or care for the more immediate needs. Shame on the parent as well – for using your child, flesh and blood, as a PROP!

We have just witnessed a new low in politics. The Republicans will do any means necessary to kill reform for millions of americans without health insurance and give millions more a choice in regards to coverage. The party of no just went beyond the line.

pretty sick to use a child on behalf of the insurance industry
when will america wake up and beleive that the health care options need to pass and become a choice not a insurance mandate...
republicans and some democrates have no morals ..sold to the highest bidder ( insurance companies ).. sick sick sick !!!!!

gary davis
harbor oregon
proud american in support of health care for everyone
and take back america from the insurance industry..:)

Maddie really says:

"I know that there are thousands of other innocent babies out there who can't get health care, because their parents can't afford insurance or their bosses don't offer it, and it's not fair that I'm here, healthy and well, and others who have done nothing wrong are suffering and dying.

"I don't want my mommy and me to have no health care if she loses her job, or if her employer stops offering insurance. I'm also afraid that when I'm older, if I'm a student if I can't get a good enough job, I won't be able to afford private health insurance either.

"It's not fair that some people die when they could easily be saved, just because they can't pay. People who have plenty of money, like my mommy and me, should give them a little help, because we could end up in the same situation. Plus, we're already paying extra for their medical care because when someone has an emergency and can't pay, it raises costs for everyone. So Shadegg, stop putting words in my mouth, stop letting the big companies buy your vote, and do what you know is right."

Since this bill will be primarily funded with tax increases anything that lowers health care costs will mean less of a tax increase. Pelosi's bill has a provision in it that financially punishes states that enact tort reforms that would negatively affect fees the greedy ambulance chasing trial lawyers get. Some estimates say tort reform that helped to eliminate defensive medicine could save 100 billion a year. So we will be taxed 100 billion extra for the benefit of he trial lawyers. Is this reform is this change you can beleve in. No its BS.

This is low, even for Republicans. Using a baby for a prop, have they no shame at all? I am sure Maddie and her family are well insured, most likely under the wonderful FREE coverage given to politicans. Now, it is time for ALL AMERICANS to have health care.

Hey Rep John Shadegg, the current insurance health care system does not provide choices at all. It dictates which Doctor and what type of treatment you should have and anything beyond what the insurance company want to pay is yes...paid from your pocket. Insurance companies ration everything right from cheap policy to cadillac. I am republican but honestly our leadership is wrong in protecting status quo by opposing what Democrats are proposing. My advise is be inclusive! Discuss issues and NOT boycott your Congressional responsibilities only gamble on political scores. Either way,I envision my party losing grounds again next year mainly because of obstructive attitude. It is bad politics to oppose without workerable alternative. Deeds lost Virginia for being negative than offer solutions. You guys are doing the same in Congress and if you don't change you lose. Remember our right wing voters are fewer than Democrates.

Pooy Maddie, she doesnt now what it means to be in a den a crooks and theives who only think about their political career. I hope she was able to get out of there before the Dems ate her up, for their leader witch Pelosi.

Rep. vs Dem vs Ind.

Babies should not be making our national policy decisions. That's why we elected the democrats in the first place.

Children, I swear. I think Maddie has more intelligence than this representative. I'm sure if Maddie could talk, she would scold him for lying and fear mongering. Children know better, legislators do not.

What a stupid gimmick. Try debating the issue honestly and like an adult. People are dying every day because they cannot afford health insurance. That, Congressman, is something that is not cute.

I think heath care bill will pass by the end of the year of 2009

John Ca.

Thank you Representative Shadegg. Hopefully the voting Representatives were paying attention to this message. This Health Care Bill is ATTROCIOUS!!! Terrible. Tell the Government to stay in their own yard and leave Health Care alone. . . . they have destroyed everything they have touched . . .

I just read an article on yahoo that the public option in the health care exchange would cost MORE than private insurance according to the CBO.

Funnt how we havn't heard anything about that on CNN

“Maddie wants patient choice. Maddie doesn’t want her mom’s premiums to go. She doesn’t want her mom’s taxes to go up by $730 billion dollars, do you Maddie? That’s too much money.”

Maddie's mom's taxes will go up by $730 billion? Holy crap, how much money does Maddie's mom make!

In other news, if you are out of ideas, just bring a baby to the debate, real class act that GOP. Maddie should have hurled on his suit, I would have.

Well, my 11 week old fetus wants health care reform to insure that if he/she is born with an illness that they will be covered by the increasing cost of healthcare and so his/her parents will not have to go bankrupt to keep him/her alive. Let's stop funding war and fund healthcare to insure all Americans will not be denied quality healthcare.

Our four year old feels the same way.

And then he gave Maddie a gun and a helmet and sent her off to Afghanistan

Great. The Republican solution is to allow an infant to set establish very important health care policy. Note that her ignorance of what the bill actually says is infantile.

I think I've seen it all. This man is laughable....

I'm sure the child is adorable, but this STUNT was both childish and stupid. This is the U.S. House of Representatives, NOT preschool.!The congressman should know better. You DON"T treat or talk to adults that way.

And the part about her mom's taxes going up by 730 billion dollars?
ANYONE who would even take that line of intellectually dishonest B.S. seriously shouldn't be serving in Congress.

Shadegg is, of course, a liar.

"...she wants to be able to keep her plan.”
No one in America will lose their health coverage. That is the point.

"... If you want health care, pay for it yourselves. Because it’s not fair to pass your health care bill on to me and my grandchildren. ..."
Shadegg and the child of his chief of staff are not paying for their own medical care. American tax payers are borrowing money from China to pay for his health care and that of the child – and his chief of staff, and his wife and his chief of staff's wife. Shadegg obviously takes for granted those things that we tax payers provide for him and his staff and all their families. It must feel good to know that you will not get sick, suffer, or die unnecessarily. A Harvard study says that 45,000 Americans die annually due to lack of insurance.

O my goodness. That speech by Rep Shadegg was so disgusting and absurd it was comedy. How dare he use an innocent baby as a prop in his untruthful, babbling presentation? Where was that child's mother? Why did she give her baby to that lunatic? There was not one nugget of factual information uttered from his mouth that entire time. I mean come ON! Maddie is unable to believe in ANY political thing yet, so how can he proclaim that she shares his twisted views?

What a prop you GOP clowns. Shadegg with the child of a chosen few! I missed it. Probably would have puked. Good to convince the "Christian" rednecks though.

We DON'T NEED A PUBLIC OPTION. We ONLY NEED TRUE HEALTH CARE REFORM. True health care reform is not being honestly considered by the Democrats in the House and Senate because it will severely reduce their ability to make money as most of them are trial liars (lawyers). Before introducing a public option that will be too over burdening to the tax payers, we need to address the real problem with the current system by implementing significant measures in tort reform (amongst other measure). Let's make our current system better by tweaking it. Those who think you can socialize one industry (public health option) in our economic engine without systematically socializing the rest are foolish and naive. Socialism breeds mediocrity. I want to continue to live under a system that rewards individual creativity and risk. Also, the fact that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are running out of money and will be defunct should be a real concern in allowing the same government bureaucracy to run health care. They have proven they cannot balance a budget or effectively run a business. Public health insurance seems to me to be a way to fix social security, medicare, and medicaid by helping people live shorter lives (pay in and get no pay out) – control the health, control the wealth! I don't trust the government. We have never been given any reason to. None of us should.

I'm pretty sure Maddie's only concerns right now involve eating, sleeping, and pooping...Give that child some mashed up bananas and a clean diaper and she'll be set!

"Maddie believes in patient choice". Well, if that is the case, she would want the public option. That would give her the choice not to pay huge compensation to insurance company execs. It is so funny how the Republicans can turn things around and try to make things look the opposite of what is really true. Give Maddie and all future generations real choice. Give them affordable health care and regulate the industry so that they don't get cheated like we are today. The Republicans are always talking about how much it costs. Well, it costs more to send that money down the bottomless pit of insurance executive's compensation. Give Maddie the choice not to pay the expensive middle man. And guarantee she won't lose her coverage when she gets sick. That is what Maddie really wants. So quit lying to us. The CEO of United Health Care received $750 million in compensation since 2007, and that is just one of many CEO stealing from us. Is that really what the republicans want?

Its official: The GOP is completely nuts.

Actually, Maddie would probably prefer to have her father's boss tell the truth rather than demagoguing this issue. If serious health care reform doesn't pass, an adult Maddie may not be able to find/afford
medical care. Consider what has happened to health care in this country over the past 15 years with Republicans and the health
insurance industry in charge . . . then consider whether or not we need and deserve real change.

This representative should be ashamed of himself.

The Obstructionists know no shame.

I'm sure this child doesn't know there are millions of American children and children around the World that don't have healthcare as she does. Is this a continuation of raising our children not care about making a better World for all children, or is this the ignorance that will continue for generations to come, I hope not.

What a silly thing to do. ... Baffling.

Good thing Maddie's mom works for the government and has good insurance, right? Other babies, the ones whose parents are uninsured, don't deserve health care.

Maddie believes in patient choice, just so the only choice is the private insurance monopolies. And she believes that if the health reform bill passes her mother will no longer receive health care, which is what passes for a sound argument among the Republicans, even the Gopers over the age of one. The irony is this is the same BS that was thrown around by the same people when they were sure Medicare would be the end of civilization as we know it, and precisely why they are so desperate. Medicare is hugely popular and would be impossible to kill now. A robust public option would be just as popular, and just as hard to get rid of.

Tell the rep that this bill will pass with or with them and everyone not getting what they want so try and have some balance like John Adams.

Republicans and conservatives had me at: "We need to cut the cost of spending and we can't pass debt to the next generation"........ REALLY!!!! so where was the concern for the last 8 years of waste and fraud at the hands of these (we care about the people) hypocrites. Everything is in the eye of the beholder, cause if you ask me what is wasteful spending, I would more likely than not say F.......WARS (billions and billions),TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH, billions for a bad medicare program, contracts with shady Halliburton (chenny's BFF!!!) As a good christian woman I would rather have my tax money invested in my on country's NEEDS, than mindless wars...... now that's wasteful spending, mind you. But from the bunch that thinks even Jesus is too Liberal, and want to change passages of the Bible, I take everything with a grain of salt. JESUS WAS THE FIRST SOCIALIST!!!!!!!

Maddie may wish for a government run health care when she gets as old as I am. I love med care even if I have to pay for it because you see I have pre conditions which make getting insurance impossible. Can we vote Mr. Shadegg’s Government Health Care and his salary for the rest of his life out? Mr. Shadegg’s did you tell Maddie that she will have to take care of you and your wife if you have one for the rest of your life. Mr. Shadegg how come you are not asking some one to take your insurance away from you? Why don’t you pay for your own insurance that along will save the American People lots of money? I can thank of a lot of thing you can give up and save us money but it would take to much space.

the repubs will try it all, before this is over I expect them to pull of a landing of a UFO sporting a sign that says STOP THE GOV FROM TAKING OVER HEALTH CARE ! What Jerks

John Shadegg is despicable, using a baby to lie about Health Care Reform...

Give me a freaking break! I'm thinking 7 month old Maddie is really thinking "when is my next feeding," and "I have to go poop in my Pampers!"

How silly can Capitol Hill Floor speeches get? Are these the supposedly adult Representatives we vote in to look after our welfare and interests?

Please get serious about the issues that need resolving and stop with the juvenile drama...that's not why I pay you $174,000 per year.

Oh dear! Are there limits to this GOP lunacy? That little innocent kid has health insurance thanks to the American tax payer. The same applies to the congressman who enjoys the best health care coverage from the United States tax payers.

If that toddler was born to an American who just lost his or her job or one who works part time she would be out cold with no health insurance whatsoever. Is that what Maddie and Rep. John Shadegg want for millions of American children?

We may never know what Maddie, being used as a toy, by the congressman wants but we sure know the congressman is hoping for American children. "Don't get sick and if you do.........".

I can't wait for the GOP filibuster in the Senate. Someone please take care of the kids. Let them bring their cats and dogs instead. What a bunch of hopeless losers. This bill will pass. And that is only the beginning.

Need an answer to the WHY of Ft. Hood? Read the Koran. Their focus is on Mecca not America and on Allah and not God.---Hazel

If health care reform does not pass because of the Republicans and a handful of blue dog Democrats, they will go down in history as being the spoilers of something so important to millions of Americans. Shame on them. If that happens, the voters should remember that in the elections in 2010 and 2012. They are going to be on the wrong side of history.

A 7 month old child has about the same political maturity as the GOP now days, so sounds about right.

If health care reform does not pass down because of the Republicans and a handful of blue dog Democrats, they will go down in history as being the spoilers of something so important to millions of Americans. Shame on them. If that happens, the voters should remember that in the elections in 2010 and 2012. They are going to be on the wrong side of history.

Can the Republicans get any lower???????????????????????????? Maddie is a BABY, all she wants right now is Food, Love and a dry diaper.It is amazing how Shadegg can quote a BABY. GROW UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd love to be the guest next time. "Here's a young man who can't afford health care in our broken system." Something needs to be done, and a cheap (albeit adorable) trick won't help.

Since Maddie already has health care is this the best your party of not has to offer.
You bottom feeders should hit the dust.
When people voted for these idiots did they realize what a bunch or lame brains they were putting in office?

wonder what she will say in 30 if she is like many who can't afford insurance. By that time the cost today will look great.

I am glad that Maddie wants to keep her healthcare – this bill is NOT A GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER – it's a bill to make sure those who do not have health care can be offered good care at an affordable cost as well as getting rid of the waste. Some are not as lucky as Maddie as Shadegg should know if he paid attention to what is going on is Arizona!

As long as her Dad has that great government run congressional plan for life -what does she care, meanwhile the other 300 million Americans are paying more than they can afford, or can't get any insurance at all.