Obama campaign to opponents: Move past health care fight
Washington (CNN) - Team Obama attempted to frame the political debate following the Supreme Court's ruling on health care Thursday, positioning the ruling as the final word on reform and urging Republicans not to resurrect earlier political fights.
"All three branches of government have now agreed that President Obama's health care law is the right thing to do," read a memo from Democratic campaign officials. "It's time to move past the same political battles and fully implement the law."
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The president himself made a similar case Thursday, urging the political class to pivot to the law's implementation and the economy, instead of playing politics.
"Whatever the politics, today's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it," Obama said from the East Room.
The memo, sent to campaign surrogates after the ruling, said Mitt Romney's pledge to repeal Obamacare on his first day in the Oval Office would resurrect old political fights and deny millions of Americans affordable health care in the process.
Obama's re-election campaign stressed what they see as positive elements of the bill that would fall by the wayside should Romney become president and repeal the law, as he has promised to do. Among the policies they pointed to were the ability of those under 26 years of age to remain on their parent's health care, discounts in prescription drugs, coverage for those with pre-existing conditions and tax credits to make health care more affordable.
Romney, the preemptive GOP presidential candidate, has vowed to repeal Obamacare on "Day 1" of his presidency, saying the law hurts job creation and raises taxes on the American people, in the form of an individual mandate.
But the re-election campaign called out Romney's mandate criticism, given that he passed a state version while governor of Massachusetts, a point that has been and will likely continue to be made until Election Day.
"Massachusetts' penalties are administered through the tax code, labeled "tax penalties" and are about the same as Obamacare's fines on free riders," the memo read.
Romney has defended the Massachusetts law as the correct course for his state but not intended for nation-wide use. He then pivots the conversation to job creation.
Despite the court's Thursday ruling, Congressional Republicans vowed to call a vote on a repeal of the legislation, scheduled for July.
But a letter to surrogates from the White House characterized Congressional repeal efforts as misdirected.
"The last thing Congress should do is refight old political battles and start over on health care by repealing basic protections that provide security for the middle class," read the proposed talking points. "Right now, Congress needs to work together to focus on the economy and creating jobs."
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the repos will now waste tax payer time and money trying to repeal this instead of creating jobs. Vote all repos out time to move forward. Arent you getting tired of their lies and crazy investigations to look for ways to discredit this president. Shouldnt milk toast and the gang be looking at the bill for college student loans and jobs creation. FORWARD 2012 vote all repos out. No more obstruction
You are the fool. 2010 was based on false rhetoric from the TEA PARTY. by the way how is that 9% approval rating Republican-led congress is working for you????
why are they voting on a repeal in July, can the republican in the house do something, other than political stunts?
Sniffit
""Massachusetts' penalties are administered through the tax code, labeled "tax penalties" and are about the same as Obamacare's fines on free riders," the memo read. "
But but but but but but....IOKIYAR!!!!
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You definitely are a happy practicing attorney over this Tax Law. I can only imagine how happy your fellow attorneys are with this new tax. Congratulations.
We Americans can take a sigh of relief now that a peoples health care law has been passed by the supreme court. I take my hats off for justice Roberts to look at the law and decide what was good for the American people. This is not breaking ranks. This is all about this country and what it needs. The political squabbles should stop, accusing the president should stop and it is time to give the president respect and hats off to him for doing what he did because he loves this country like everyone. Equality is morality and everyone deserves quality care and the congress should wake up and smell the roses what is good for you should be granted to others. This president has been questioned about his birth place, blamed for the economic debacles that he inherited from the previous adminstarion, called names and it is about time we smell the roses and give credit were credit is due. Hats off to the supreme court judges which ever way they voted to take their time and evaluated everything and came up with what will be good for the American people. The American people will be the deciders in November but the high court of our country has spoken and for those who are still a thorn on the presidents back will realize it is all for the better. This is a victory for the people and lets remember we have things to do and lets look for the future. God Bless.
@maninthemiddle: "It's a shame that extremist rhetoric has poisoned the atmosphere so much that we can't have an intelligent conversation about an important issue."
Thank you for your thoughtful post! I sincerely believe that the extremist rhetoric on the right is the last-gasp desperation of a party that cannot accept that so many of their policies are proven failures. They've never bought into the idea of "liberty and justice for all." They don't understand the freedom that comes from living in a tolerant society. And they certainly don't get the fact that we are an exceptional nation because we promote and support opportunity for EVERYONE, not just those lucky enough to be born into wealth.
*Sigh* It's too bad we'll have to spend precious time, energy and money combating the ignorance of the right. But we do and we will – and our country will be better for it.
I love you simpletons celebrating this law! All you hear is "free healthcare coverage for all" and it's that simple of a concept for you.LOL you people need to wake up quick and learn the damage that this is going to cause.This will add to the national deficit, Higher taxes, less job creation, poor medical treatment, government in charge of your health, hurt research and development and hindering medical advancements. Bottom line, you're putting more people into a system but not more money into that system- wonder how that will turn out! OBAMA MUST GO! This election comes down to: do you support free enterprise OR socialism.
@Joseph: "Didnt Democrats lose miserably at the polls in 2010 because of ACA? Good luck defending a $1.5 trillion tax hike in the fall. Fools."
No, the Dems lost in 2010 because of typical low mid-term voter turnout. And do yourself a favor: turn off Fox and start getting some FACTUAL information. There's no $1.5 trillion tax hike; just a healthier, more productive populace.
cnn, You lost again. your bias approach lost. S.C. make Romney president of USA> I know you will cancel my massage.
Crybaby repubs! You lost! Get over it! Go home and cry to Mommy.
Mr. Romney and the GOP can not repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act. It is law. You 2/3rd majority of the Senate and House. That will not happen. So please donot believe Romney when he says he repeal the law on day one. It is law!
Nope, the GOP will continue it's rightward and downward) spiral. They've actively take on as policy offending and minimizing women, the middle class, the poor, minorities, and generally and willfully have obstructed the business of our great nation. Their 8 years of Mr. Bush were likely the worst this great land ever saw- and all they want to do is go back to that disaster and re-live it. They are as doomed as the dinosaures, unless they realize that ruling for the rich (and only the rich) is not a winning strategy.
Democrats, you guys don't get it that it is a day in history that Democrats are cheering to get a Tax passed. Never did I think that Democrats would be cheering to have the IRS handle Healthcare, but here we are with the IRS now in charge of it. Wow, this is a historical day. IRS=Healthcare!!!! who knew? Congrats on your winning!!!!! Let's get ready for the IRS.
Think Again,
If you have insurance, you will not be taxed!!! Only those who do not have insurance and fail to get it! Know the law and stop listening to FOX NEWS!!!!
Joe,
You need to know the law and what it will provide for you and your family.....stop listening to FOX NEWS!!!!
Thanks for your sanctimony and pretense "think again." I thought you libs were all for tolerance. Thus, conservatives must be allowed our views and our right to express them
Another give away by the left like Medicare medicaid social security once again we get stuck with the bill Forward to bankrupting this country you leftist call the right obstructionist well that makes you destructionist
I love how someone who calls others simpletons makes so many claims without a shred of evidence to support them. Ignorance is not sophistication
Joe- if free enterprise means living in poverty; having no rights as a working man; not having affordable health care; retirement, or any of the other benefits of a civilized society; having to partake in endless and stupid wars (while the Chickehawks stay home)- I'll certainly take Socialism. The truth is the GOP has so perverted "free enterprise" to the point that no one but the top 1% can afford to live in it. Look up "sustainabilty", and then examine the world Republicans want. Their is the path to destruction and a seriously challenged quality of life for the vast majority of American.
mcskadittle
why are they voting on a repeal in July, can the republican in the house do something, other than political stunts?
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They are the only ones that have passed a budget and provided a fiscal plan forward to begin reducing the federal debt. The Senate has not even started. The Administration has done nothing towards this. Medicare funding runs dry in 12 years. The only plan to address that came from the Republican House. Don't you think Harry Reid and Barack Obama owe the American people more than just arrogance?
Myview is-
I guess you guys don't understand that we get the government we pay for. Nothing comes free (well except maybe for the rich). I pay my taxes with pride because I like that my money helps build schools, pave our roads, educate our children, keep police on the street, and keep our armies strong. Only the GOP sees taxes and the IRS as evil.
Look, wake up- and do a little research the ACA does not give your health care or mine to the IRS. That is patent foolishness- I have seen your posts- you know better. Our health care is still in the hands of our doctors and our health insurance providers- just now more Americans will be able to afford it. That isn't your problem is it? Stop repeating the FOX nonsense.
Rethugs keep trying 2 stack deck n their favor. Voter suppression etc. Try 2 distract holder from their shanagans. I'm sure closed doors consisted of 'don't look at little man behind the curtain and we wont hold u n contempt'. Issa needs 2 b investigated-bet he has ties 2 drug cartel.
Four and The Door
Too bad the CBO doesn't agree. The Ryan plan builds the debt and deficit faster than the current budget. Even better, it ives more to the rich, and takes more from the middle class. Just more Republican trash talk.
Yes you are allowed 2 yr own option but yr not allowed 2 yr own facts and truths.
Yes you are allowed 2 yr own set of options but yr not allowed 2 yr own set of facts and truths.