Democrats prepare to push health care without GOP
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In this Aug. 15, 2009, President Barack Obama talks about health care during a town hall meeting in Grand Junction, Colo. Obama's weekend concession on a health care "government option" drew complaints from liberals and scarce interest from Republicans and other critics on Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, a fresh sign of the challenge the administration confronts in finding middle ground in an increasingly partisan political struggle.
WASHINGTON — Publicly, President Barack Obama is still calling for a bipartisan bill to overhaul the nation's health care system. Privately, Democrats are preparing a one-party push, which they feel is all but inevitable.
Obama urged religious leaders Wednesday to back his proposals, and he prepared for a pep talk to a much larger audience of liberal activists, whose enthusiasm is in question. Polls continued to show slippage in support for the president's approach, although Americans expressed even less confidence in Republicans' handling of health care.
The administration said it still hopes for a bipartisan breakthrough on its goals of expanding health coverage, controlling costs and increasing competition among insurers. In private, however, top Democrats said a bipartisan accord seems less likely than ever when Congress reconvenes next month.
Obama was to promote his plans Thursday in a conference call and online address to supporters that could draw huge numbers of listeners. He also was to speak with Philadelphia-based radio talk show host Michael Smerconish, who will broadcast from the White House. Smerconish is generally seen as a conservative, although he endorsed Obama last year and supports abortion rights.
Vice President Joe Biden was meeting with health care professionals in Chicago on Thursday to push the administration's plans. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was to join him.
Some Democrats said Democratic researchers have concluded lately that a strong-arm tactic on Senate health care legislation that would negate the need for any GOP votes might be more effective than previously thought.
The strategy, called "reconciliation," allows senators to get around a bill-killing filibuster without mustering the 60 votes usually needed. Democrats control 60 of the Senate's 100 seats, but two of their members — Robert Byrd of West Virginia and Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts — are seriously ill and often absent. And some moderate Senate Democrats have expressed reservations about the Democratic-backed health care overhaul plan.
While always contentious, reconciliation lets the Senate pass some measures with a simple majority vote. Non-budget-related items can be challenged, however, and some lawmakers say reconciliation would knock so many provisions from Obama's health care plan that the result would be "Swiss cheese."
Democratic aides say they increasingly believe those warnings are overblown.
On Wednesday, Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., warned Republicans that reconciliation is a real option. The White House and Senate Democratic leaders still prefer a bipartisan bill, he said, but "patience is not unlimited and we are determined to get something done this year by any legislative means necessary."
In a conference call with liberal religious leaders Wednesday, Obama called health coverage for Americans a "core ethical and moral obligation." He disputed claims that Democratic bills would create government "death panels" for the elderly, offer health care for illegal immigrants or fund abortions.
"I know that there's been a lot of misinformation in this debate and there are a some folks out there who are, frankly, bearing false witness," Obama said. "I need you to spread the facts and speak the truth."
Administration officials and congressional Democrats were deeply discouraged this week when key Republican lawmakers seemed more critical than ever about various Democratic-drafted health care bills pending in the House and Senate. They said they still hope Senate Finance Committee efforts to craft a bipartisan compromise can succeed, although private remarks were more pessimistic.
"The president believes strongly in working with Republicans and Democrats, independents, any that seek to reform health care," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said. "The president strongly believes that we're making progress."
Many Republicans believe that millions of Americans, and especially the GOP's conservative base, ardently oppose Obama's health care plans, which they consider too costly and intrusive.
Obama's approval ratings "continue to inch downward," a Pew Research Center poll concluded Wednesday. Favorable ratings for the Democratic Party also have fallen sharply, although they still exceed those of the Republican Party.
Nearly all sides agree that conservatives showed more energy than liberals this month at often-raucous town halls and other forums on health care. Valerie Jarrett, a top Obama adviser, warned liberal bloggers recently that the health care push is "an uphill battle, and it won't happen unless we energize our base."
Many conservatives think they see the first big chink in Obama's political armor, and Web sites and radio talk shows have encouraged the attacks against his proposals.
Democratic officials, meanwhile, say the often complex and slow-moving health care debate has not captivated millions of liberal activists who campaigned tirelessly for Obama last year.
Organizing for America, the president's political organization based at the Democratic National Committee, is trying to rally its members. Last week about 60,000 volunteers sent messages to lawmakers, urging them to support Obama's health care agenda.
Republicans are keeping up their criticisms, and a prominent GOP Senate negotiator warned Democrats not to shut them out.
"If the Democrats choose to go it alone, their health care plan will fail because the American people will have no confidence in it," Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming said Wednesday.
Enzi is one of three GOP senators who have met regularly with Finance Committee members to seek a bipartisan bill.
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Associated Press writer Philip Elliott contributed to this report.
Aug 21, 2009 at 10:40 p.m.
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Whythink, I have two questions for you.
1. Publicly traded health insurance companies are regulated by each state the operate in and at the federal level in addition to the SEC; with all these levels of government watching them, and you say they are dishonest, how does one more level make it better?
2. How will a government backed and funded option compete fairly with a non-government entity? The government does not pay sales tax on items purchased for its use. The government does not pay property tax on buildings used to manage a program. The government can supply its own backing at a reduced rate (investment). The government can operate at a loss, forever, and still remain in business.
Aug 21, 2009 at 9:48 p.m.
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I want to clarify something because a lot of people are making assumptions (my fault) about where I stand on this.
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I want a government option. I do not want a government take-over of the health insurance industry.
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I do not believe health insurance companies are doing a good job of helping Americans afford and maintain the best quality health care available through insurance. I believe these private companies are screwing many Americans and will continue to do so until something scares them into being honest.
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If congress and President Obama (I just love saying/typing that) can put together a true government OPTION that fairly competes with the private companies...that is what I want.
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Currently, I believe there are too many lies on both sides to support or against "a bill." I believe there is a ton of work to be done before the merits of a particular bill on President Obama's desk will work or not.
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I listened to a townhall meeting (the former Republican turn D, can't think of his name) and he said he wouldn't support many of the items in bill everyone is yapping about. I agreed with the majority of what he said and many of the items being rightly ripped apart he said he wouldn't vote for a bill with them.
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So when I say get something done, I mean this. Give me, and all Americans, a good public option that will force private health insurance companies to compete and worry more about working for me than their profit margins and bonuses.
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Sorry about the run-on sentences, it is late, I am tired, and now, I am babbling.
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Hope that clears things up...a little.
Aug 21, 2009 at 10:46 a.m.
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I'm worried. Still not any insurance advocates to tell me all about the "value" that their "product" adds to the health of the American people. C'mon humor me! I promise I won't laugh!
Aug 21, 2009 at 10:29 a.m.
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Whythink, your largest error is the failed assumption only one side of this fiasco is not telling the truth.
Aug 21, 2009 at 10:02 a.m.
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whythink; so you want to just accept it & deal with the consequences later? (atleast now we know how you got your name)
15 years in the making? so was the Iraq war! remember, we were there in 91' & he HAD WMD's then (used on his own people). Clarification: WMS'd were not FOUND - doesnt mean they didnt exist. Remember Capt. Speicher - Navy pilot - he was shot down & the next morning we looked for his crash site & couldnt find. It took 18 yrs to find a plane & you complain about canisters. Do you understand how the sand blows - I do, I was there the 1st time. Wait, how long did it take to find King Tut's tomb? History will show if Bush "lied" along with Kennedy, Clinton, Powell etc. - they ALL said it.
Aug 21, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
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"Plus, if this bill is so great what is the big rush?"
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yeah, why rush, this reform has only been needed for what, 15 YEARS?!?!
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Get it done ASAP.
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Justguy,
I have done plenty of thinking and I believe this plan will make the lives of many Americans better. That is my opinion, you can disagree if you want, but don't question my thinking.
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Yes, Bush screwed us very bad. He is likely being blamed for too much as are most presidents after they leave. Remember the righties, blaming Clinton for 9/11 and then claiming Bush "kept us safe" for 7 years.
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Big problem, the attack happened on his watch. I think that is why so many want to blame Bush because those that defended him did it without logic.
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My anger/blame with Bush comes from the fact that I voted for the man twice and he lied to me and went against many of the priciples (the constitution for example) I thought he stood for.
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The reason I say get it done then deal with the consequences is because this is 15 years in the making. No matter what President Obama says or does the Republicans are going to lie about it, misrepresent it and not support it. So, why wait for them?
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The consequences are unknown because nobody can predict the future. We can all site our experts that will predict doom or great things from this reform. Nobody really knows.
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So, President Obama, pass a bill you are confident in and can live with because you are the one in charge. You will be held responsible for this. Just like I hold GW responsible for not keeping us safe 8 years ago and leading us into a war because of WMD's when none existed.
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It is time something gets done.
Aug 20, 2009 at 11:05 p.m.
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Panama, great post. Items 1, 2, and 3 are so true to most government run entities; Congress, Senate, CIA, FBI, NSA, Federal departments, state government, county government, many local city governments, state universities, county colleges, most public school districts.
It is just a shame that insurance companies have the audacity to look like something only the government, with our tax dollars, is allowed to do.
Aug 20, 2009 at 10:24 p.m.
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Are you saying the public has to read and understand every piece of legislation before their representative can vote? Do you read every piece of legislation that comes up for a vote? Didn't think so. We elect representatives for a reason. Don't worry, you'll have a chance to elect your "people" in 2010. Legislation is written mostly by lawyers, so of course some people won't understand what it means. That's what legislators and their staff are for. Give them a call. Once something is passed, the language will be dumbed down for you.
Aug 20, 2009 at 9:26 p.m.
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Before any bill is passed, the people need to be able to read it and most of all understand the full consequences of what it will bring about. Doing anything less will be an insult to the public they serve.
Plus, if this bill is so great what is the big rush?
Aug 20, 2009 at 7:40 p.m.
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panamared:
"Reform THIS (you can't see me but I'm making a gesture) Sensenbrenner, Feingold, Ryan and Kohl!" Yeah that will make them want to talk ... Maybe they know obama's plan sucks so they won't vote on it? He's already way too deep into my pockets, i'd like to keep some of my money thank you.
Aug 20, 2009 at 7:34 p.m.
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whything: I think you need to start thinking "Get this done and live with the consequences...good or bad. It is about time!" That sounds about as stupid as obama's plan does, if he has a plan written up. You are why dems scare me, none of you think before you do something, just push it by the people and hope it works, if it doesn't tell em bush did it.
Aug 20, 2009 at 7:13 p.m.
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Such idiocy. The dems are hoping people get tired of all the haggling and confusing terminology and give up. Just watch. Be informed. See how Obama and his chicago cronies plead for "bi-partisanship". If the dems manage to shove this healthcare monstrocity down america's throat do be watching the most lopsided election next year. It will be the most overwhelming republican majority in the senate and house.
Aug 20, 2009 at 4:36 p.m.
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PanamaRed: I thought you were describing our government there for a moment.
Aug 20, 2009 at 3:16 p.m.
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panama; I think you are correct in a few of your points but a little narrowminded. Have you seen the golf course the UAW owns? see some of the labor temples in this coutry? Where is it you think the union pensions are invested in - I'll give you a clue: its a street that starts with a W.
Have you ever read Paul Ryan's plan? It is comprehesive and full of ideas. NONE of which Pelosi & Co. would even discuss or consider. Havent you been paying attention? look at who wrote the whole thing, they (republicans) were shut out of the process because again, Pelosi & co have this "mandate" mentality.
Aug 20, 2009 at 2:39 p.m.
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Panama, I am forever in your debt. Hope others are listening. You know, if we ever DO get it together and get rid of the gigantic pyramid scheme(ponzi?) known now as health insurance, our health care costs will be less and we will be a HELL OF ALOT HEALTHIER!!!!!! All of us. Gauranteeeeeeeeeeeed!!! You heard it here first! Carve it in stone if you'd like.
Aug 20, 2009 at 2:22 p.m.
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Here is how insurance companies add value Andrew. (Mind you they don't add value to health care but only to the general economy.)
1). Most insurance companies have excessively large and lavishly adorned headquarters, which add beauty to the surrounding cityscape (most companies base themselves in large metropolitan areas).
2). A large staff is required for cleaning and general maintenance of the headquarters which prevent many from sitting around drawing welfare. (according to many conservatives, most people in society don't really want to work but want others to provide for them)
3). High wages earned by management trickles down the economic chain providing a boost to the overall economy. ("trickle down" is an economic theory espoused by conservatives and viewed as the antithesis of socialism). Generally luxury car dealers, custom home and yacht builders tend to benefit most.
4). Their stock provides a valuable investment instrument for our equity markets. By collecting premiums then denying treatment profits soar which provides great value to shareholders.
Hope this helps Andrew.
Too bad Republicans haven't figured out it would be much more productive (especially for us) to sit down with Democrats and focus their energy on making changes to specific items contained in the whole Health Care bill they find most offensive. Instead they find fault with the whole bill and do nothing to help generate needed reforms. MOST Americans agree some reform is necessary. If that's the case Republicans should help shape that reform. Instead they make lame attempts at reform that even their own members won't support. Doing nothing is not an alternative but that's what the Republicans propose. Nothing! Democrats have been guilty of the same strategy in the past. Meanwhile, "we the people" put up with the same promises of reform year after year.
Reform THIS (you can't see me but I'm making a gesture) Sensenbrenner, Feingold, Ryan and Kohl!
Aug 20, 2009 at 11:58 a.m.
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Maybe I'm a little "slow" but I would like someone to explain to me the "value" that is added by insurance companies. Facts, not opinions.
Aug 20, 2009 at 11:43 a.m.
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FINALLY!
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Why continue to attempt to negotiate with people who have no desire or intent to support anything the President would sign?
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I hope Obama and the Dems. get something done soon. They have been attempting to play nice for way to long.
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The lies and misinformation presented by people you are attempting to work with has just delayed this reform from happening.
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I didn't vote for President Obama because I thought he would get Republican approval before getting something done. I voted for him because the Republican approval has led this country into our current mess.,
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Get this done and live with the consequences...good or bad. It is about time!
Aug 20, 2009 at 11:06 a.m.
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janesvilledean; nice spin! He was elected "with a mandate" on a general idea of health care reform - NOT Socialized medicine. When the finer details of this came out is when even democrats questioned it. I have not seen one post saying the current system is 100% adequate or acceptable - nobody is saying Not to touch it - We need more regulation & reform but not a complete revamping & takeover by the Fed Gov't. Single payer system will be the outcome & we all know how that works - it doesn't. Do you like being "told" if you want cable you HAVE to use Charter? Remember ol' ma bell?
One more thing - all of you that keep saying "bush stole the election", "was not the winner" etc. - IF they attempt reconciliation with this bill, THAT will be the Obama legacy - destroying & stealing health care in America !!
Aug 20, 2009 at 10:12 a.m.
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lol
Aug 20, 2009 at 10:10 a.m.
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It's been no secret for weeks that the Republicans were negotiating in bad faith. Once Grassley admitted that even a bill he wrote he wouldn't vote for, their game was up. Good riddance for an obstructionist party that has used lies and propaganda to interfere with what a President and Congress were elected with a mandate to enact.
Aug 20, 2009 at 10:05 a.m.
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The way the current bill is written all the Dems in congress will not vote for it.
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