Washington (CNN) – White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Sunday that Democrats are within striking distance of passing a health care reform bill notwithstanding Democrats’ loss of their filibuster-proof supermajority in the Senate.
“We’re still inside the five-yard line,” Gibbs said Sunday on State of the Union when asked to assess Democrats’ progress on health care reform, the domestic agenda item that was President Obama’s top priority last year along with getting the struggling economy back on track.
Gibbs was reacting to an earlier assessment on the same subject provided by another top Obama aide before Sen.-elect Scott Brown, R-Massachusetts, pulled off an upset win earlier this month in a special election to replace the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts.
“We’re way deep in the red zone,” White House senior adviser David Axelrod told CNN Chief National Correspondent John King late last year on State of the Union. “We’re right on the one-yard line,” Axelrod added.
Despite the setback in Massachusetts, Gibbs said Sunday that a bill could still be passed.
“We’re one vote in the House of Representatives from making health care reform a reality,” the White House press secretary said, positing a scenario where the House passed the version of the bill already passed by the Senate which President Obama would then sign into law.
Gibbs suggested Sunday that Brown’s upset win was a message from voters in a historically Democratic state that they wanted more bipartisanship in Washington.
“I think, once again, the American people are far ahead of where Washington is,” Gibbs told King. “I think we can get something done for the American people if we sit down and listen to each other, if we share ideas and we work together on the priorities of the American people.”
Gibbs was noncommittal when asked by King whether the president preferred having the House pass the single large bill already passed by the Senate or he was considering several smaller bills on issues where there might be bipartisan agreement.
“I don’t think we know yet the answer on the process of this,” said Gibbs.
From CNN Politics
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I am pleased to see the Democrats continue to push their far left liberal agenda. Their actions against the will of the American people will assure "hope and change" in November.
Dammit! Get it done. Health reform has first down on the one yard line. Congress needs to pass the senate version, and then create three amendments that the senate can pass with 50 votes and VP Biden breaking the tie.
If dems pass health reform, and the alleged republican resurgence in 2010 elections will be over. While the repubs are counting taking over both houses so they can further hurt Americans and help big businesses, they have nothing to run on except telling people to be afraid.
It is time to move away from the loony right, and do what is best for Americans.
What a bunch of crooks. Obama and Pelosi want to pass a bill that most people don't want. There are better bills, but Obama, hypocritically, doesn't want to see any other bills that can fix the problem.
If this bill passes, then the democrats can only hope that the corrupt system that they are trying to put in place (increased government employment and thus, the voting block) works.
While the right wingnuts are looking to November, they really need to look at their message, and realize there is little there. It looks like the arrogant right should follow my grandpa's advise, and not flush the toilet until the train leaves the station.
Obama and Pelosi want to pass a bill that most people don't want. There are better bills, but Obama, hypocritically, doesn't want to see any other bills that can fix the problem. What a bunch of crooks.
If this bill passes, then the democrats can only hope that the corrupt system that they are trying to put in place (increased government employment and thus, the voting block) works.
Why hasn't it occurred ti anyone that passing the Health Care Bill will create more jobs at the same time? I know – I know – it has the disadvantage of being sensible!
"Baghdad Bob" Gibbs speaks!
And the whole world laughs.
Oh great. Football analogies. This is NOT a game. People are dying. Do your jobs and finalize the bill. Get healthcare for those that need it.
They better pass the Senate bill the senate will filibuster anything else.
Go for it...most of these guys who are against it are just limbaugh listeners and his likes. They don't know to tell difference between true and propanganda. People will like it after the fact.
shouldnt you racist republicans be in church? after all you talk as if you're there 24/7
If we put everything in the hands of libertarians, each state would have its own currency, no post offices, no interstate highways, no minimum wages, no airport security, no federal assisted public education, no federal help for police and firemen, no EPA, no assistance to American families suffering from natural disasters, no national parks, and no national government. What else did I miss?
Why would one hold a confrence with your opponent in the name of finding common ground.....and then say you're going ahead with the Health Care Bill.. hypocrisy to the fullest.
Truely, it's best to pass one step at a time..not all at once. Wrath be on the Government otherwise.
If Obamacare is not a "Bolshevik plot" what is it?
Yeah, it's in the five-yard line alright- they fumbled it on the 1 like Ernest Bynor(sorry Cleveland.) Obama and the Democrats botched this from the start. If the Dems had used their leverage and started with single payer to bring Republicans to the bargaining table, we would've had a bill with a public option signed into law in back in October.
Get it done, please! I'm happy that the Democrats are still pushing for what is right for America, before more lose their insurance or lose their lives.
Pass the bill. The vast majority of people FAVOR WHAT'S IN THE BILL. It is obvious now to ALL that the Republicans muddied the waters with their obvious "death panel" lies, for partisan political reasons. Okay, well, now that we ALL know that the Death Panel idea is just another Republican Lie, we should move this bill forward to help the STRUGGLING MIDDLE CLASS. This bill WILL HELP THE MIDDLE CLASS, and everyone IN IT or ASPIRING to be in it. The same Middle Class that would see SIGNIFICANT subsidies on their health insurance premiums if we pass the bill. The Middle Class that would finally finally have total health insurance SECURITY if they move or get fired. The Middle Class small bizs that would have tax breaks and subsidies to help them give their employees health insurance instead of saying, 'tough luck buy it yourself.' We need to get this country moving again and one of the most important ways is to IMPROVE the ECONOMY and the other is FIX THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. Well fixing the health care system actually DOES DO BOTH, while stimulating jobs in health technology, health IT, doctors and nurses. It's a no-brainer. You literally have to be AGAINST helping YOURSELF and your FAMILY to be against this health care reform bill.
DON"T PASS IT!!! I pay for my own healthcare...granted too much, but that is my choice. If you don't have coverage, I hear that your local McDonalds is hiring....just get a job people and stop looking for free government handouts. Face it, we are a capitolistic society. Make something of yourself or shut up....and just put away the stupid race card, it's really getting old.
I simply can not believe that with all that has been said and done the democrats still want to push this sorry piece of legislation. Do they not understand that America does NOT WANT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If the Democrats shove this health care plan down the throats of the American people--when the MAJORITY have said time and time again that they do NOT want it--–the elections in November, 2010 will make history-–as never in the history of our elections/country will we see as many Democrats sent to the unemployment lines.
This isn't about Race...this is plain and simple! Where is a new bill...offering the same or better for all people at a reasonable rate...and how does the College Student working flipping burgers get covered...when they are tragically hit by a car walking to work??? Get off the box, and pass a bill that works for ALL people, no matter their Race, Religion, or Gender....and stop all this foolish acceptance of money for the deaths of Americans!
Look at all of the national polls--the MAJORITY in our country do NOT want this health care bill.
However, Obama and the Democrats do not care what the majority of the people want/don't want--they are going to shove it down your throats anyways.
Only 10 more months--and the power/control will be taken away from Obama, Pelosi, Reid, and the rest of the liberal, Democratic politicians in Washington.
Baghdad......er,.....DC Bob says it so it must be true. Ha!, what a loser.
They don't have the dimocrat votes to pass either version and the Senate is no longer a majority dims anyway. Kill this thing and pursue insurance reform which is all that's really needed anyway. Of course the dims could go the nuclear option and lose their majority in the House too. Then the conservatives could undo the harm done by the nuclearists.
That's some fast spin, Gibbs.
Contrary to the dreams of the liberal commentators (both on this site and in the media, the House is NOT going to pass the Senate Bill.
To build on the metaphor, the election of Scott Brown was a Sack for the President, and now it's more like 4th and 15 to get to the goal line, and the Republican Minority has the best goal-line defense in the league.
The Conservative and Blue-Dog Democrats will not vote for the Senate Bill. They're more afraid of their voters than they are of the President, and the Representatives are not willing to fall on their swords for him. Conservative voters overwhelmingly oppose the health care reform bill, and they will likely be a power block in the next election. Independent voters also disfavor the health care reform bill as currently drafted (approximately 2 to 1 according to the aggregate of most recent polling as of 1/21/09). Only Democrat voters outright support it, and their support is wavering.
The President might be able to kick a field goal and get part of it, but without the entire package, the parts that are passed will be revoked the minute a Republican majority is once again seated in Congress.
Conservatism is on the rise.
These crooks are still drooling over that 1/2 trillion they planned to steal from your grandmother's Medicare. The only reason for you to still support this bill is because you’ve been duped and are one of the dwindling minority who still haven’t figured it out or you’re one of the crooks who will get to keep the stolen money.
Hmmm...who did and where did they conduct this poll...and to what market of people? As it appears to me, that I wasn't included...so was this some back room polling...that has set the pace that the Majority of American's doesn't want it.....
Pass the damn bill, and get it done!!! Universal Healthcare for ALL people! The Middle Class, has supported and carried the weight of America for too long...Its time for change NOW!!! Yes We Can!!!
Many of the anti healthcare reform comments reek of paranoia. DO people actually believe some of the outlandish things they post here? For example: "What a bunch of crooks. Obama and Pelosi want to pass a bill that most people don't want. There are better bills, but Obama, hypocritically, doesn't want to see any other bills that can fix the problem. If this bill passes, then the democrats can only hope that the corrupt system that they are trying to put in place (increased government employment and thus, the voting block) works."
Healthcare reform is not a Bolshevik plot. Our president and the supporters of the bill merely want to make access to healthcare universal. I know, we do live in an extremely consumerist society, but let's try to make the maintenance of good health a right rather than a product to be purchased.
Pass the legislation! Americans need it. For those who like the status quo, I am sorry. I have great health insurance, but I have long waits at the doctors–no fast passes, I still have to fight the insurance company for things that I know I am covered for, if we get insurance like what the congress has, we will be in better shape. All I want is what congress has. Those who see this has some socialist take over are crazy and are the ones drinking from the Limbaugh kool-aid. The republicans only want this to fail to undermine the president to fail NOT because they care for the American public.
Health care reform bill 'inside the 5-yard line,' Gibbs says? ??? gibbs is right 5-yard line of the other side of the field. obama still needs to run the ball for another 95 yards and is 4 and 10 whit 10 seconds left on the board is 4th quater and they are down on the score board by 10 points.
Gibbs-Stop with your Football analogies-Americans don't want this-Go back to the table and work with the "other side" to really pass a bipartisan bill on Healthcare!!!
Time for the Repubs to swallow the bitter pill (health care reform bill) get passed though they do not like it. We Dems did not and still do not like war either, but it is going on and we are accepting it against our wish!
The demon-crats and this so-called president are right on target!
To destroy our great country! That what they set out to do and they are right on target to do it.
Obama seen not able to compete earlier president
But... it's more like.... fourth down and they missed!
Less than three in ten people support passing this bill. If the Democrats force through legislation opposed by 70% of the population using something like reconciliation, it is will be a suicide act for their party and the end of the Obama "agenda." The Democrats will lose (and rightly so) so badly in the fall that Obama will get to spend the last two years of his miserable single term presidency unable to accomplish anything more than complaining.
I appreciate the passion here, but please please stop trying to force your exremist opionions on a nation that has heard, and rejected, what you have to say.
I'm convinced that a true health care bill will not be passed. The money available from the special interest groups to demonize, brain wash, and lie to defeat this bill is overwhelming. The american people will not win the battle against the insurance companies. It's too bad, but our government is "bought and paid for" by the special interests.
Americans have OVERWHELMINGLY and consistently rejected Obamacare (even in Massachusetts!).
Obama may feel like he is on the 5-yard line, but it is HIS OWN 5-yard line and he is either throwing a last second Favre-like interception, or is running backwards out of his end zone. Obama's continued arrogance will lose congress for the Dems in 2010 and the presidency in 2012.
Time for a turnover. DE-FENSE! DE-FENSE! DE-FENSE!
Its time to take it in for a touchdown.If you believe the three or four paid "street teamers" on this blog that use a number of names to make you think they have all the answers,your sadly mistaken.They put out their rightwing lies and hope they are believed.At least one is on here 24/7 spouting their hate for the President.
The usage of sports-politics analogies reached the saturation point ages ago.
Today Health care tomorrow jobs on Tuesday the economy. This administration has proved it can not lead but is good on blaming others for being dysfunctional.
For anyone who fears health care reform will steal Grandma's medicare, I suggest you do a little research and see just how much of Grandma's medicare payments went to keeping medicare solvent during the last administration.
Goal line defense!
I've never seen an administration so far out of touch with the American people. 56% of the people want you to start over and can Obamacare. But, yet you're going to ignore them and try to do it anyway.
Obama said the same thing about the privatization of 6% of social security. He said the people did not so President Bush should back off of it. Bush did. Now, the same thing has happened to Obamacare and what does Obama say? We'll keep going forward with it.
PRESIDENT Obama was elected by a MAJORITY OF ALL AMERICANS, based on what he wanted to do as President.
Since he has BECOME president, his views and intentions have remained the same.
Special Interests have waged a MASSIVE campaign to alter the perception and will of "We The People." When you take each separate section of the bill and survey the citizens, 70% want each part. When you ask about "Obama Care," you get rejection. That only means that the Corporate Machine has been successful in characterizing the contents and merits of the bill.
The "Right Wing Corporatocracy" EXPECTS, that because they have waged a partly successful propaganda campaign that Democrats should give up.
NO! Don't give up... GET IT DONE. At the very least, get it started, give us SOME of the hope and change we voted for.
The less people with healthcare the more cash we can steal.
On Health Care Reform, Massachusetts said:
"I got mine (and it's going to cost me), I don't want to have to help pay for yours."
That seems to be the model, even with some Liberals – I got mine...
It's a SAD State of Affairs.
This is sad really. Can't they understand that the American people have spoken loud and clear and WE DO NOT WANT THIS BILL!!!!
It was on the one-yard line.
"Gibbs suggested Sunday that Brown’s upset win was a message from voters in a historically Democratic state that they wanted more bipartisanship in Washington"
The message to be learned is all about bi-partisanship.
A bit more than 2 million people voted in that election, of that 1.1 went to Brown and 1 went to Coakley.
There was no "referendum" against any agenda or health care. 97% of MA has insurance and Brown voted FOR the measure.
100,000+ voters is not a voice for 125 million voters.
Except to you Reds and CNN when it reduces complex issues to sound bites such as "referendum".
Speak for yourself Alan. Apparently you have no worry about preexisting conditions. Shame on the insurance companies and Republicans that don't give a hoot about the rest of the citizens. Bolshivik plot is rubbish and insensitive. Get a clue, there's a whole lot of citizens without insurance because they were unlucky to have a life threatening illness such as cancer as a child. No insurance will touch them even 50 yrs. later.
The Arab world is building the worlds tallest buildings, Europe and Asia has high speed electric rail systems and every civilized nation has universal health care as the Republican global corporate loyalist obstruct America from moving forward. They have different plans for us as demonstrated by the Republican global corporate loyalist on the Supreme Court who act under color of authority (black robes) aiding foreign corporations to impact American lawmaking and elections with unlimited cash bribery. Obama, and American workers, will not allow these conspirators to win.
Obama was elected by a slim majority of the electorate, but that does not give him carte blanche to do whatever he pleases. On the other hand, a clear majority of Americans do not want this specific bill. What is it about "majority of Americans" do the socialists in our country not understand???
What is it that the President and Corngress cannot seem understand when the majority of the public says "NO HEALTH CARE PLAN?" They acted surprised about thr election results in MA when the people took "their" Senate seat back. Wait until November and there will barely be a healthcard advocate to be seen in congress.
Healthcare will be passed! Repubs are liars. The big lie is they keep on saying it is a Government takeover of healthcare. That is complete and utter BS! Exchanges would work like the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program. Recommend you go to that site (use Google or Bing search). When you are there click on the health insurance choices. What you will see is a number of health insurance plans by companies like Anthem, Wellpoint, Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare and others.
Are those companies Government run? No! The Office of Personnel Management administers the program with a staff of a little over 200 people. If managed by a private entity, it would be a cast of thousands. The OPM negotiates with the individual insurance companies for reasonable plans that have no pre-existing conditions, have no recissions (can't be cancelled), lower deductibles, etc. There are different choices to fit people's budget and most important provides more competition.
Most Americans who love their current insurance, can keep it. That is unless their employer changes carriers, employer's have their employees pay a bigger part of the premiums, or worse yet drop the insurance coverage all together.
But I guess the Repubs and the TeaBaggers would rather continue to pay higher premiums to the Insurance companies while those companies' executives take home outrageous salaries – check out United Healthcare's CEO pay – pay higher deductibles and risk getting cancelled or denied coverage. John Boehner today on MTP said there are common sense solutions to fix Healthcare but I'm still waiting for him to name one.
THe 44,000 Americans who died last year because they lacked health care should haunt those who vote against the bill. Read their names in your sleep!
It was a referendum that the majority in a center-right nation do not want government involvement in one of the most intimate aspects of their lives. 84% of people with health insurance are satisfied with their carrier. The people have spoken, and we want less government, not more. We want less taxes, and not more. And if this means that I can keep more of my money to do with it as I will, then ok. If I put that money I am saving away for an emergency fund, great. If I spend it on a new car, then my fault if something happens to me and i'm broke. The problem is that is already going on, but its with other people's money
This is not about helping the poor, elderly, or children (Medicaid, Medicare, SCHIP does taht). This is about one thing and one thing only. Government control and takeover into people's lives. Libs will spin it how they want to, but time and time again, it has been shown that once you are sucked into an entitlement program, its nearly impossible to wean yourself off, thus giving government more control over people's lives.
"We Dems did not and still do not like war either, but it is going on and we are accepting it against our wish!" Really? You Dems wanted to be attacked every year just like on 9/11? Really, you didn't want to take out the terrorists that killed 3,000 US men, women and children?? Really?? Scared little Dems, THANK THE GOOD LORD, GWB was in the White House when that happened. Say what you will he and his administration kept this country safe.
I believe we as a Nation are facing far GREATER problems than the Health Care issue. Yes, it;s of importance, however, at this time I feel too many greater problems are cropping up because of the time and energy that's being expanded on this ONE issue. It would be better for our nation as a whole to focus on the current larger issues at hand: ie; the economy, jobs, inflation, homelessness, budgets and security. We also have a large segment of our own population needing healthcare. We are " ? fighting TWO (2) ? WARS. These are not of our making nor will they benefit us, really. PRIORITY that's the key. We need to get our "house" in order before we focus on ISSUES that need to be resolved. We also need to be honest, sincere and up front with the VOTERS who elect the politicians.
I think that we, as Americans, need to listen to our own hearts. We need to learn to read and get an understanding. We should not allow fear, hate, and greed to determine the future of our Country. I agree. I should not have to pay for anyones else's insurance. However, if I can get my coverage at a lower cost, I am all for it!! I think the greedy individuals of this Country are afraid that they will have less in their coffers but it is at the sake of those who are less fortunate. There needs to be some common ground! The polls indicate that we all want reform; we all know reform needs to happen. I am not a liberal or a conservative. I am right there in the middle. I do want change. I believe the President Obama can lead us in this change if we would all take a breath and really focus on how health care reform will help all of us not just now but 20 years from now. I wake up everyday and go to work; my employer paid insurance provides some since of security but it is costly. Our current system is broken. We need to fix it!!! Pundits, far left and far right, should not dictate the actions of our elected officials. Elected leaders, lead please!!
Where does "Bagdad Bob" comes into this discussion? Are you saying Gibbs was a part of the Iraq invasion?
There's something wrong with many Americans who call themselves Republicans; you people are sick and should be in a mental hospital.
Take a close look at the Teas party people, they are all old and on Medicare; that's a government run social program. They proclaim "Don't touch my Medicare" they are against social programs; yet they fight for the same programs.
I don't care about universal healthcare as I pay monthly for mine; but, what about those who became unemployed?
There are a few certain ideas on the Republican agenda. Greed, money for less then 1% of their friends, selfishness and more greed.
For all those who hate government run programs, you should stand up for your rights and by doing so; be sure all social programs are eliminated. No more Welfare,Medicaid, Medicare, VA hospitals, food stamps; all those and more. No more pig billies to be brought to home states. Anyone who takes or receives any from of government run program should shut up and say nothing what so ever because you are one of the main causes why this country is broke. Get a job and pay taxes.
The Arab world is building the worlds tallest buildings, Europe and Asia have high speed electric rail systems and every civilized nation has universal health care but the Republican global corporate loyalist obstruct America from moving forward. They have different plans for us as demonstrated by the Republican global corporate loyalist on the Supreme Court who have acted under color of authority (black robes) aiding foreign corporations to impact our lawmaking and elections with unlimited cash bribery.
Republicans want America to continue down the old deregulated (i.e., lawless) Reagan Trail of 1890’s “Horse-and-sparrow economics” promising if we feed a horse enough oats some are bound to pass through to the high-end and trickle-down onto the trail for the sparrows, as they ignore how it all got lost in the Bushes; the George Bushes. We just traveled down that wilderness path and look were it got us. Bushwhacked, and yet Republican global corporate loyalist still argue that if we remove the remaining laws regulating banks and corporations they will use all that money they take and create jobs with it. What they don’t tell you is that the jobs the global corporations offer are building rail systems and tall buildings everyplace in the world but here and that those workers have universal health care.
I like how the RNC tried to pass a 'purity' pledge. Anybody running as a republican HAD to 'swear' to their values to get any money from the RNC(meeting in Hawaii-wish I had money to go to Hawaii{probably money from the Ins. companies})!!
Didn't Hitler want his 'Hitler youth' to swear a 'purity pledge'???
I guess that's why Hitler was considered a Conservative!!!
For all the anti American Radical Fringe Party Members (used to be the democratic party before it was infiltrated) who want this bill forced through, I say do it. As a matter of fact I hope you use reconciliation. Please Please do. I mean its obvious that the majority of Americans dont want it, so if u ram it through it will help Republicans not only take back the house (which will happen regardless) but also the Senate which is still up in the air as of now. As far as our one and done Vote Present and Chief, he will be sent to the unemployment line soon enough. Word to liberals: YOU ARE FINISHED IN THIS COUNTRY. I heard that Iran is very accpting of radicals, maybe you guys should go live there. Hope and Change!!!! LOL
I watch CNN all the time and what gets me is when I hear Republicans talk about what the people want,and the responses CNN get from people.Talk to people who are both Republicans and Democratics that are out of a job and dont have health care for themselves or there family.Talk is always about people that already have healthcare.When you are unemployed you get temporary free health care.I am fortunate to be a VA Vet to get free health care which is a government health plan,and I wish everybody was able to get it.People that are working and have a job don't worry about health care until they have lost there job.With free health care,have of the worries is gone,the other have is to get a job.So ask the question and why dont we just do it. Thank You.
I've got a great idea for those of you want health care. Go out and buy it, just like the rest of us have to. Tighten your belt and you can do it. I would love to have someone else pay for or subsidize my health care costs, but I'm not whining about it. Free health care is not a right. If you want that, just move to a country that gives it to you. Then see how much money you have left on your paycheck after the government takes their share. And be prepared for a 6 month wait for an elective MRI and second class health care. It's as simple as that.
To Alan....
You're right!!!!!
MOST PEOPLE WANTED A PUBLIC OPTION!!!!!!
You liberals or progressives make me laugh! The way you talk about this bill shows that you haven't read it. If this bill and the overall way its been conducted is so noble why has the Democratic party had to buy votes from representatives in their own party from the great states of Nebraska and Louisiana? If the Democrats are so righteous why are SCIU members excluded from the Cadillac tax to help pay for the reform??? I'd rather have health care the way it is then have my daughter live in a third world country because the liberal/progressives spent us into oblivion.
Gibbs is so far of base it is beyond belief. Even if the vote in Mass. was for more bipartisanship, the House and Senate are both partisan bills written by just Democrats. All the polls that show a majority of voters oppose the current health care bills do not want the current versions passed. They want congress to start over in a more bipartisan process. Brown ran on the message that he would be the 41st vote to kill the current health care reform, no one would vote for him if they wanted the current bill passed. The Obama administration along with Pelosi is so out of touch with America that it is hard to believe. I know they are smarter than that, so I have to conclude they are just flipping off the American people. We get the last word in the 2010 and 2012 elections.
and if this incredibly flawed bill passes, our economy and healthcare system will be squarely facing 'sudden death" in the not too distant future......have a nice day.....
sensible Cape coral FL ...... Are you that dense? Sure passing the bill will create more jobs. No-one disputes that. But they will all be government jobs. That isn't growing the economy. You obviously want th government to provide for your every need.
It's amazing how easily the people of this country are fooled. There are people who believe that this health care bill is some evil scheme to take over the private sector and rule the country. Hardly. Do some research. And you know what, in terms of health care, maybe we should dissolve the private sector. Insurance companies aren't concerned about providing health care, they're concerned about making a profit! They're just like any business, they want to make a profit! The only difference is, some businesses make profits through electronics, groceries, and other consumer goods, and health insurance companies make a profit via our own well-being. So if you like to keep thinking that your health is a consumer product, by all means, oppose it.
end game for Obama if this fiasco is passed
you liberals really make me laugh, you talk about all those poor poor souls without healthcare, they are dying in the streets! you can't even go to starbucks to grab a quick latte without tripping over the dying lol lets hurry up and pass this bill for these poor poor souls so we can extend coverage and stop the dying!!! in 2014 that is, that's right 2014 , which is right in line with the liberal stimulus bill you know the one we had to hurry hurry hurry we are all doomed pass it pass it hurry, and then we sit on the majority of the money, its all pathetic liberal policies.
Healthcare reform was never on the five yard line. The Democratic party has cowardly refused to support progressive health reform form the start, instead opting for measures that would limit damage to the private, profit based insurance industry (which without a doubt is the cause of the US' healthcare problem. I supported single payer in the beginning, and I still support single payer. It's time for the United States to join the rest of the industrialized world. Democrats: its time to scrap that corporate handout you call health reform, and start over with single payer. If you cannot fight for progressive issues, you will lose the progressive vote (I guarantee you will lose mine).
The democrats, I mean the Vikings had the ball within the 5 yard line twice; and fumbled it....guess they've been watching the liberals...
“I think we can get something done for the American people if we sit down and listen to each other, if we share ideas and we work together on the priorities of the American people.”
_______________________________________________________
This would be a first for the Obama-Pelosi-Reid political trio. Thank you again, Massachusetts voters for helping them understand this concept. Don't lock Republicans and the American public out of this process. Republicans absolutely will be your best allies for creating responsible health care reform, something Americans will also welcome.
The plain truth is that a great majority distrust this bill with 2000 pages of unread, backroom- pork filled deals, and more of the unwashed are beginning to distrust the president (I will hold my told you so), It is amazing the only response (defense) to the fact that our Gov is lying to us, is name calling and more lies. Keep it up with every attack you dig a deeper hole. The Dems are going to pay big time in 10 and 12.
What sort of knucklehead would be against affordable insurance for health care. C'mon you right wing nut jobs! Grow a pair! Quit being lap dogs & tools for institutions that don't have your backs!
I keep hearing people say pass the bill. People want what's in it. We need this bill. Most Americans are for it. Before you say people want this bill, I wonder how many people know what is actually in this bill.
"(CNN) – Senator-elect Scott Brown, R-Massachusetts, has turned to political veteran Gail Gitcho to oversee his communications operation."
Of course, Mr. Brown didn't hire a real veteran, he hired a professional political hack.
@George Guadiane: "I got mine...I don't want to have to help pay for yours."
No, I earned mine, and I expect you to earn yours. And I have no interest in being forced, by an arrogant, intrusive, government, to pay for yours.
we sure could get health care reform done if Harry Reid would get off his duff and muscle it through. He's my senator and i like him but sometimes i wonder what he has been doing all this time in the senate that he hasnt learned how to play hardball. FORGET BIPARTISANSHIP!! GO NUCLEAR!!!!
Dems are going to have a hard summer ahead if they dont get their act straight. voters see a large Democrat majority and no action. meanwhile congressional democrats have failed to adequately pin the stalling tactics and filibuster attempts on the Repubs, so the gridlock on Capito Hill is going to end up being democrats' fault. I cant believe Reid and Pelosi dont see that.
Dems dont get that while they do nothing (or seem to be doing nothing) Republicans are out there scaring the bejeezus out of people telling them that Dems are up to no good. since nothing good is coming out of congress, they are very likely to believe it and vote them out.
C'mon Harry, grow a spine and get to work!!
So the corrution goes on? The Louisiana Purchase, the Cornhusker Kickback, the $60 billion union payoff? That all goes ahead. The voters of MA can just take their message and jump off a cliff? This is how Obama responds? With total arrogance, corruption, and contempt for the voters?
P.S.
The Republicans know that Democratic leadership in congress dont have the stomach to twist arms and make hard choices. that is why they are successful at stalling– becausse they know there are no consequences for doing so.
Reid and Pelosi need to open up a can of Congressional Whoop-Arse and show the Repubs they mean business. that kind of gut check will snap the repbubs back in line and bring the Independent public to the dem side because the last thing Americans like is a sniveling, ineffective do-nothing leader. And right or wrong, that is unfortunately what the Republicans have painted congressional democrats to be.
The failure to seat Scott Brown and allow an unelected senator with no
mandate to vote stinks. Brown should be seated immediately and no
more phony delays to "certify" him. How long will Harry Reid subject
this country to his will? How long will the voters of Massachusetts
continue to be disenfranchised? End this outrage now! Ted Kennedy
was sworn in the day after he won the vote...what a disgrace!
The last balanced budget was under a REPUBLICAN Congress. You can try to give credit to Clinton, but Congress passes the appropriation bills. Of note is that the last 3 years of record deficits have been with a Democratic Congress. We need to crush the health care fiasco and turn our attention to the real problem, the economy.
Maybe this bill isnt great.How many have really read everything in it.All these nay sayers are looking out for them selves and nobody else.I pay 552 .00 per month for my own medcal coverage.Just a few short yrs ago it was 135.00 per month.Where do these increases end?Some of you on here just dont get it.The greedy ins company really love you nay sayers for reform.To bad it doesnt benefit your pockets.Wise up people and see the big picture.Status qua is about to end.The days of republicain (just deregulate ) are coming to a fast end .Brought on by there own greed.
First of all, will you writers with limited vocabulary please stop using the VERY tired phrase "ramming it down our throats"!{ wish i could tell you what i'd like to ram, every time one of you says that}.. Regardless of what the Repubs want, there are millions of men,women and CHILDREN without any medical coverage that need help now. These are people who have taken care of themselves for years until the last eight when the bottom fell out of the economy. I f you don't want it , it's because you are already covered, so shut up. Don't any of you naysayers realize, this is also your country that is hurting? You could be next to need help and there won't be anyone who can help. There are people in high places now who are finding out that what you do can come back and smack you right in the face ..
Gibbs is a very strange man.
Brown ran openly as the 41st vote to kill the health care reform bill. He ran saying, as a majority of voters are saying, to stop and start over.
So if Gibbs thinks the Brown's victory is a message for more bipartisanship, it would follow that he is agreeing with the people that congress should start over on health care reform and make it a more bipartisan process. But instead he is pushing to pass the bill as is anyway. What Gibbs means by bipartisanship is Democrats write liberal progressive bills with no Republicans input and Republicans vote with Democrats to pass them. What a joke. The people don't want the Democrats health care reform and the Republicans are on the same side as the people on this issue. The Republicans should hold their ground in opposition and let Democrats be 100% owners of a massive bill that voters do not want.
While they argue over the one yard yard line or the five yard line, unemployment has risen from 6.8 to 10 percent. Let's face it the President has spent a year focusing on the wrong problem. Under the President's plan those without insurance would have the opportunity to buy it or face a fine starting now. Your insurance will kick in, in a few years. What do you do until then without a job? The stimulus plan that was to create jobs, created them overseas.
Nugent- you think everyone is looking for hand outs. You haven't read any of the bills. I've worked for the same company for 20 years, you want me to work for Mickey D's? Half my check is going to health care dumbo. We need regulation. As stated, passing this bill helps YOU. You say you pay for your own? What happens when you get sick, and you will? Your premiums will either rise or they dump you all together. Being against this reform only helps the insurance companies. How hard is it to read these facts and use common sense? Sure, tell me how you got your facts from FOX.
All polls show a large majority of voters do not want the present Democrat version of health care reform passed. This is true all across the nation, not just in Mass. If the Dems pass this bill despite all the evidence that the people do not want it, it will make an already angry public even more angry. Every time Obama and the Dems ignore the obvious and clear voice of the people and flip them off, the people will get more angry and the Tea Party movement will gain more recruits and power. The voters do want more bipartisanship but that does not mean they want Republicans to vote yes for a version of health care reform they do not want.