Fox News reports: President Obama on Wednesday urged liberal Democrats to consider alternatives to a government-run health insurance plan, even as he re-stated his support for the idea.
The president addressed what is arguably the most controversial element of health care reform during a major address to a joint session of Congress. But he tried to downplay the so-called “public option” and prevent the furor over it from sidetracking the debate.
He defended the plan, while at the same time saying it’s not the only solution.
“It’s worth noting that a strong majority of Americans still favor a public insurance option of the sort I’ve proposed tonight. But its impact shouldn’t be exaggerated — by the left, the right, or the media. It is only one part of my plan, and shouldn’t be used as a handy excuse for the usual Washington ideological battles,” Obama said. “To my progressive friends, I would remind you that for decades, the driving idea behind reform has been to end insurance company abuses and make coverage available for those without it. The public option is only a means to that end — and we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal.”
“And to my Republican friends, I say that rather than making wild claims about a government takeover of health care, we should work together to address any legitimate concerns you may have,” Obama said.
The president spoke a day after lawmakers returned from a rocky summer recess during which constituents flooded town hall meetings to voice their concerns about the bills on the table.
In the face of public discontent, sagging poll numbers and stiff Republican opposition, Obama was trying to invigorate the push for reform — even as he feels resistance from some members of his own party.
As he laid out details of his plan, Obama backed a health insurance mandate, saying Americans should be required to get health insurance just as they are required to get auto insurance — it was an idea he opposed during the presidential campaign.
“Improving our health care system only works if everybody does their part,” the president said.
Obama also urged Congress to stop “bickering” over health care reform and get to work fixing a system that is at its “breaking point.”
“The time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action,” Obama said. “Now is when we must bring the best ideas of both parties together … Now is the time to deliver on health care.”
Obama was stressing his resolve to bring lawmakers together and clear away hurdles to passing an overhaul package.
“I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last,” Obama said.
But striking a combative tone, Obama took a firm stance against those he claims are stonewalling the process for political reasons.
“We’ve seen Washington at its best and at its worst. We have seen many in this chamber work tirelessly for the better part of this year to offer thoughtful ideas about how to achieve reform,” Obama said. “But what we have also seen in these last months is the same partisan spectacle that only hardens the disdain many Americans have toward their own government. Instead of honest debate, we’ve seen scare tactics. Some have dug into unyielding ideological camps that offer no hope of compromise.”
(Source: Fox News)
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9 Responses
“Vesha-fal Ah-nashim Ya’kum A’le’cha.” Moshiach really must be around the corner!
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) said it best: “You lie!”
” the usual Washington ideological battles”
this is the abed’s typical tactic – present his side as something fresh and non-political and anyone who argues with him as – usual partisan politics. when in fact his position is just one of the sides of the debate. and a highyl partisan one at that.
Mr. President, why is it that anyone who argues with you is automatically labeled partisan, special interest etc. and your policies are automatically as pure American as motherhood and apple pie.
Big Brother in 1984 Stalin etc. all operated the same way.
The American people are seeing thorugh you though.
GO jump in a lake.
Mr. President,
Perhaps that big ego of your hasnt noticed that well over 80% of the population is happy with their health insurance plan and they dont want the govt involved in messing that up for them. Granted there would be some things that would be nice but 80 plus percent is 80++%!
Of course you dont see it that way for as judging from the people you surround yourself with we see that you are more interested in perhaps is giving the minorities including blacks money from us non-blacks. I guess you have a problem with white people which would make you a racist. Add to that, that it really isnt a surprise because you did hang out with people like Rev Wrong etc who HATED white people!
Your “public option” along with all the rest of the Barbra Streisand that goes along with that means that the govt only becomes bigger while the private sector becomes smaller. You are taking something with overall minor problems and starting from scratch when it doesnt need it! That would be like fixing a small leak in your kitchen sing by ripping down the ENTIRE house! Does that make sense to you??? It doesnt to the American people.
Mr. President the Republicans are talking about a govt takeover of healthcare because that’s EXACTLY what will happen.
Insurance is just that… insurance. If someone doesnt want to get it or cant afford to get it, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO FORCE THEM TO GET IT!!
“I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last,” Obama said.” Well we certainly hope no other president brings up such cockamamie ideas either. We cannot afford it. We will NEVER afford it. IT NEVER WORKS THE WAY IT SHOULD!!
There are a number of REAL reform ideas submitted by the Republicans which MAKE SENSE! We should be able to have a bigger choice of insurance carriers. There should be no reason that companies cannot compete it EVERY state. The cost of private insurance as well as co-pays etc., should be FULLY deductible on our taxes. We should know how much procedures cost regardless of how it is being paid.
Those are some of the ideas which seem RIGHT for America.
BTW, you dont need the republicans to get this thru ether house so stop blaming the right for your ineptness!
The Republicans have to come up with a solution that eliminates discrimination against large families (like most of present company), as well as one the prohibts denying health insurance based on “pre-existing conditions”. Rudeness and mockery accompish nothing (perhaps some of the self-proclaimed Republicans should think back to the days of people like Ronald Reagan or Barry Goldwater who were well known for “derech erets” even when dealing with political enemies).
One solution might be for allowing anyone who can’t get insurance to buy into Medicaid, i.e., convert the existing public option from a welfare program to a sliding scale program. As long as the public option continues to be mediocre (as Medicaid is),it doesn’t pose a threat to the private insurance that 80% of the country has.
Another option might be to have the government give vouchers to all parents of minor children, and to expectant mothers to cover medical costs, which would eliminate the most common reason that insurance companies don’t like people such as us.
The alternative is an eventual move to a centralized state-run system such as the UK or Canada has, which isn’t a disaster as long as the person in charge is our friend, which might not always be the case.
In five years you’ll look back and see that, yes, Obama and the Democrats were the ones who really cleaned out your pockets.
And gave all your money to their friends on Wall Street and big business.
We have to pray for geulah!! The world is heading in a dangerous and socialist direction!!
Impeach Obama! He has not qualifications at all. He is a one-trick pony (speeches) and we are tired of them.