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Democrats’ Sickly Approach to Health Care

Posted by ROBERT STEIN in Politics, Society.
Apr 24th, 2008 | Comments

Even as their presidential candidates debate differences between plans for universal coverage, Congressional Democrats are waving white flags in the coming battle to get anything done.

Leaders of the party that should gain decisive control in November, according to The Hill, are busy explaining the expected defeat of health care reform.

“We all know there is not enough money to do all this stuff,” says Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a Finance Committee member and an Obama backer. “What they are doing is … laying out their ambitions.”

New York’s Chuck Schumer, who is for Hillary Clinton, agrees, saying he is “not sure we have the big plan on healthcare…not sure that we’re ready for a major national healthcare plan.”

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runasim

There were always the political realities to consider.
I think the money issue could be overcome, if put in a broad perspective, but the fierce opposition from 'across the aisle' is predictable.

I think Clinton's plan is superior by far, becasue it starts from a strong beginning point, so when it gets negotiated down, there would still be a lot of meat left on the bone.
That would mean a fierce battle, however.

Obama's plan is more timid, so I don't know how much of it would be left after the political process in Congress.
On the other hand, it would be less threatening to the opposition, and Congress might be less oontentious over it.

Either way, the money issue (legitimate, but manageable ) will be used as a weapon. This will really be a contest between different philosopical and political visions, with lobbyists everywhere.

lurxst

Schumer is a health insurance industry shill and should be ashamed of himself. If he is admitting that he is so politically impotent he should just quit and let someone who cares about 48 million uninsured Americans take his place.

7 months ahead of the election, what a cop out and a pathetic attempt to lower expectations from voters. I hope the voters of New York are paying attention.

DLS

Waah, waah, bawl the kiddies. Gimme-gimme-gimme!

Please grow up and realize you can't federalize everything in health care immediately.

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