White House In Need of a Spine Donor on Health Care?
White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel just said, "The goal is to have a means and a mechanism to keep the private insurers honest. The goal is non-negotiable; the path is [negotiable]."
"Make no mistake about it, the president is for it strongly. There will be a public option in the final bill," Schumer stated.
This comes after President Obama publicly scolded advocacy groups for attacking conservative Democrats who take money from the health industry and who are therefore leaning against the public option. Seems to be a case of broadcasting what you're willing to do without.
Not a very strong negotiating tactic.
After the jump, a short video giving the public the option of making a @#$! call or two to Emanuel...
Why is anyone listening to camera-whore Schumer?
Posted by: shane | Jul 7, 2009 7:36:38 AM
I'm actually not in favor of a public option -- I think there are valid arguments against this. Also, the government is broke -- I don't have any idea how any of this is affordable unless Americans (all Americans, not just the "rich" although the "rich" need to pay much more -- the "rich" in most cases here being the ones who have successfully created businesses and generated wealth and jobs) are willing to pay dramatically higher taxes (which is going to have to happen anyway) -- and we have a Western-European-style system of taxation and government services. I, for one, don't want this.
I wish we had a real Republican party -- not one that was hijacked by the religious right -- that had intelligent, moderate spokespeople that could actually advocate for more conservative positions in this debate. Unfortunately, these people do not exist. There are valid and intelligent arguments to be made against letting the liberal Democrats run roughshod here.
Posted by: Anonymous | Jul 7, 2009 8:02:12 AM
Once again $$ dictates policy for all of America. Those with lots of money against those who have a little. Isn't it wonderful to watch the US government follow California's lead and drive the nation over the cliff to save the wealthy tax dollars they could be spending on plastic surgery or Wii consoles. BTW f- you you 9 fingered ass hat.
Posted by: ggreen | Jul 7, 2009 8:15:37 AM
Rahm Emmanuel will be BO's achillies heel.
Posted by: Disgusted American | Jul 7, 2009 8:46:32 AM
Rahm Emmanuel is poison to all progressive causes. Ugh. Enemy #1 for us and any other progressive interest group.
Posted by: Ryan | Jul 7, 2009 9:55:54 AM
Anon,
The public health reform bill became nearly 500 billion dollars cheaper after the HELP committee in the Senate made the CBO calculate the reform bill *with* the public option. In effect, we cannot afford to have health care reform without a public health option. BTW: The entire health reform bill could be funded by the allowed sunset to a fraction of all the Bush tax cuts to the wealthiest 3%. Seriously.
Posted by: Ryan | Jul 7, 2009 10:00:36 AM
Obama needs a spine? Not just on health care...
Posted by: Rick | Jul 7, 2009 10:04:32 AM
the Public Option MUST be included in REAL healthcare reform. i just left a message on the white house site saying that. i urge you to do the same.
Posted by: Joe in SF | Jul 7, 2009 11:17:30 AM
Truth be told, health care reform that works will have a positive impact on more GLBT people than passing ENDA, Hate Crimes, or repealing DADT - though these issues must be addressed as well. But if it does not offer a public option, the reform package will be a paper tiger.
Posted by: Hank | Jul 7, 2009 12:51:36 PM
Howard Dean needs to lend the White House his massive rocks. Too bad Rahm-bo hates Howie.
http://www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/howard-dean-interview-health-care-070709
Posted by: Wheezy | Jul 8, 2009 12:00:53 AM
You know what's funny, I haven't used my health insurance for five years and then I lost it, but I don't get a penny back.
Meanwhile, my friend keeps popping out kids (3 to date) and she visits the doctor every week -- for herself and the kids -- likely racking up over $100,000 in health insurance costs before she's 30. While she's a great friend, it sucks that she can use all MY paid-in money and I get shit in the end. This is why EVERYONE needs free healthcare (well not free, but everyone can pay 1-3% of their paychecks like Social Security).
WTF is it with these politicians? Just do it already. Give us something!
Posted by: Drew | Jul 8, 2009 1:13:22 AM