Obama confident on health care reform despite raucous August
WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Barack Obama is rejecting any notion that he has lost ground in the debate over reforming the nation's health care system - despite an August congressional recess dominated by often angry town hall meetings, and a recent march on Washington organized by conservatives opposed to his administration's policies.
In an interview that airs Sunday on CNN's State of the Union, CNN Chief National Correspondent John King pointed out that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, recently told a conservative group Republicans were "'winning the health care debate.'"
The president's response to McConnell was simple but pointed.
"Well, you know... they were saying they were winning during the election, too," Obama told King.
Obama continued to push back against GOP charges illegal immigrants would be able to obtain insurance coverage under his health care plan, saying again he didn't think people in the country illegally should be eligible for coverage.
"Let me be clear - I don't think that illegal immigrants should be covered under this health care plan," the president told King. "There should be a verification mechanism in place. We do that for a whole range of existing social programs. And I think that's a pretty straightforward principle that will be met."
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I am sorry denna if you have such a weak stomach that someone exercizing their 1st ammendment rights makes you sick.... but what can we expect from someone who uses such lady like language..guess we have went from "loud mouths" to "foul mouths"...what a way to have a "sensible" debate. Mom must be real proud of her daughter.
Had dinner last night with a few old friends, none of whom voted for Obama, some because he's black. Interestingly, they are self-employed (contractors) who own a small but rather succesful business. They are all in favor of this health care reform because as they see it, it will allow them to buy low cost insurance for themselves and their families.I have a fairly good health plan as a retired state employee, and I guess my plan might be taxed, but you know what? It 's o.k. if it helps my friends get the medical care they deserve.
McCarthy was wrong. The divisiveness and hatred he brought us 50 years ago should be condemned, instead of being encouraged by Fox entertainment. Peace and Love, and may the Lord be with you, Debra R.
@ Sam sixpack-Please stop posting that grave untruth about Medicare. The $500 billion is from over-compensation that the govt is currently paying private insurers for Medicare. If we cut that waste, that is how the money is saved. No changes to Medicare. I also find it funny that people with Medicare are often protesting that the rest of us should not get in on a system similar to their own. I propose that everyone take a stand now, and once health care passes, if you were against, it you should not get the opportunity to participate.
Victim: It is obvious that rather than being a victim, you want to benifit from free government handouts on the backs of taxpaying Americans! You're words of hate toward those opposing Washington's leadership are amusing to say the least! Go take your Prozac and daily nap! Leave the rest to us little man!
victim: still waiting for that proof that McCarthy was wrong...venona and pumpkin papers prove he was RIGHT
In August, President Obama let the fear-mongers show themselves for what they are – I'm talking about you Grassley, Enzi, Pawlenty, and other so-called leaders who currently reign over the confused Republican Party.
In September, President Obama's has come out strong when it counts to get us real health care reform!
And what has been the Republican response to the President?
To turn their follower's FEAR (created by them, the wannabe leadership of the Republican Party) into HATE for President Obama.
Classic politics of personal destruction.
These Republicans simpy have nothing else to offer.
Obama needs to stop spending money this country doesn"t have..
He is trying to turn the USA into a welfare state so he can be President for life..You are stupid people if you do not get his agenda..Just look up his CZARS and what they stand for..It is all there, just look it up...He is against our constitution, as he says so in his 2 fluff books..Read them people and help stop this radical from ruining our country>> My ancestor signed the Declaration of Independence and fought as a top General in the rev war!