In this space last week, I doubted that an address trying to sell policy prescriptions for high insurance premiums and pre-existing conditions could really be the catalyst that fundamentally reconnects Obama with the American people — particularly following the bitter town hall protests of the last month.
I think President Obama's Wednesday night health care speech proves me wrong. But in the end, last night's televised appeal probably will be remembered as the moment Obama reclaimed his presidency. That's because while the substance of his remarks dealt with health care reform, the president used his oratory to transcend that single issue. The speech was really about how Obama will relate to loud, angry, and even misleading opposition whether the issue is health care today, or climate change or immigration reform tomorrow.
In short, Obama once again took charge, and in doing so reminded all who watched why we elected him in the first place. It was a welcome departure from his much more tepid performances in his own town hall meetings the last few weeks, in which he seemed captive to all of the minutiae of reform and ceding all of the passion to his opponents.
Last night, though, Obama showed that he gets it. He even began the speech by not even talking about health care. He started by talking about the ongoing recession and high unemployment. That's a tacit acknowledgement that the anger and anxiety that animated all of August's outraged health care reform protests don't really come from the health care issue, per se.
Rather, it comes from a widespread, free-floating angst as people worry the economy isn't improving. Health care reform opponents were simply clever in tapping into that worry and aiming it at health care reform as a target. Last night, though, Obama took on trying to calm that apprehension right at the outset by acknowledging things aren't all better but also reassuring us his eye is still very much on that ball.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Val MacEwan
Wilson's outburst was just one in a long line of crass reactions -- I agree. And I felt invigorated by the speech... HOPE is my four letter word too.
2 - El Bicho
Are you sure we shouldn't wait another week to see if you change your mind? But kudos for admitting a mistake.
"Wilson's outburst is just the latest in what really has been a long line of boorish, crass and really lowbred things"
I notice you didn't write that he was wrong. Have you seen legislation that deals with enforcement to keep illegal aliens from partaking because I have heard there isn't any? If there is, please link to it.
3 - Scott Nance
Here is a quote from today's WaPo: "Despite many claims to the contrary by opponents of the universal health care proposals, fact-checkers have repeatedly established that the bills' universal coverage provisions would not extend to illegal immigrants. In Section 246 on page 143, the House's bill states that "undocumented aliens" will not be eligible for credits to help them buy health insurance -- and these credits are the provision that lies at the heart of expanding coverage to the uninsured. And Medicaid already is limited to those who can prove legal residency. For that matter, even the universal health care program in Massachusetts -- one of the most liberal states in the country -- does not cover illegal immigrants."
Link is here.
4 - El Bicho
Yes, but that doesn't deal with enforcement. Let's be honest, some people will try and cheat the system, find loopholes and what not. Is there a section of the bill, and I know there are a few, that deals with oversight? If not, then it's like having a stop sign at a corner, but the police never ticket anyone who run it. We need more than the honor system.
And Obama is talking about his plan, which is slightly misleading. He's not a legislator. So many people are going to have their hands on the bill as it passes through multiple committees, he might not even recognize it when it's done.
5 - Baritone
Just what kind of enforcement would you propose? It is illegal for emergency facilities across the country to refuse emergency care to anyone.
How is a medical facility to know who is or is not an illegal alien? Would you recommend national ID cards? Hmmm. That's something that right wingers don't exactly cotton to, or did I miss something? Oh hey, how about a number tatooed on the arm?
You know, there are cheaters at about everything. Why do you suppose our economy went into the shit heap last year? Where was the "enforcement" on Wall Street?
So what if some illegals manage to get a flu shot, or an infant gets some medicine for the croup? Would you rather they didn't? Are you afraid that if an expectant mother, an illegal, obtained some prenatal care on the sly, that you might have to opt for the 48" flat screen TV rather than the 54"? That would suck, wouldn't it?
A very good argument can be made in favor of illegals being able to obtain health care under the reform bill. All things considered it could actually be cheaper to provide them care than not. Never mind humanitarian considerations. But, of course, there are just too many people who hate all immigrants out there for that to fly. Gotta cut those wet backs off at the knees, by god! After all, they're taking away all the shit jobs no citizens of this country will do. Can't have that. I'd love to see Eric Cantor and John Boehner on a ladder picking apples. God, they might wind up with a hair out of place. The horror!
The right has trademarked "Stupid." All those Republicans in Congress last nite, sitting on their hands, texting on their cell phones, waving signs, yelling "you lie," and walking out in mid-speech are ideologically bankrupt, boorish and, yes, stupid. Knuckle dragging stupid. They have cornered the market. They staunchly support a world order which is dissolving before their eyes, unaware that a new paradigm is in the offing - one that no longer features bullying, boorishness and stupidity. Hie thee gone all you anal retentive Reps. Your time is quickly passing. You are disappearing as I write. (Blue dog Dems should also wake up, as they, too, could find themselves a dwindling commodity.) This has nothing to do with totalitarianism. It's simply the shifting of the voting public. Stupid is out. Smart is in.
B
6 - jacksmith
Why A Strong Public Option Is Essential - By jacksmith -- Working Class
Robert Reich explains the pubic option:
It's not just because more than two thirds of the American people want a single payer health care system. And if they cant have a single payer system 77% of all Americans want a strong government-run public option on day one (86% of democrats, 75% of independents, and 72% republicans). Basically everyone.
It's not just because according to a new AARP POLL: 86 percent of seniors want universal healthcare security for All, including 93% of Democrats, 87% of Independents, and 78% of Republicans. With 79% of seniors supporting creating a new strong Government-run public option plan, available immediately. Including 89% of Democrats, 80% of Independents, and 61% of Republicans, STUNNING!!
It's not just because it will lower cost. Because a strong public option will dramatically lower cost for everyone. And dramatically improved the quality of care everyone receives in America and around the World. Rich, middle class, and poor a like.
It's not just because it will save trillions of dollars and prevent the needless deaths of millions more of YOU, caused by a rush to profit by the DISGRACEFUL, GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX!
It's not just because every expert in every field, including economist, and Nobel laureates all agree that free market based healthcare systems don't work. Never have and never will. The US has the only truly free market based healthcare system in the World. And as you all know now, IT IS A DISASTER!
It's not just because providing or denying medically necessary care for profit motivations is wrong. Because it is WRONG! It's professionally, ethically, and morally REPUGNANT!, Animalistic, VILE and EVIL.
THE REASON THE PUBLIC OPTION IS ESSENTIAL:
The public option is ESSENTIAL because over 200 million of you are trapped in the forest of the wolves. Which is the forest of the DISGRACEFUL, GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX! With no way out except through needless inhumane suffering, and DEATH. While the wolves tear at your flesh, and rip you limb from lib. Then feast on your lifeless bodies like a dead carcase for transplant parts.
At the most vulnerable times of your lives (when you were sick and hurting), millions of you have had to fight and loose cruel, but heroic battles. Fighting against the big guns of the DISGRACEFUL, GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX! in the forest of the wolves. All because you have no place else to go. You have no other CHOICE!
But the PUBLIC OPTION will give you someplace safe to go. And it will give us someplace safe to take you. The public option will be your refugium (your refuge). Where the wolves cannot get at you when your down, hurting, and vulnerable. Where everyone who needs it can find rest, security, comfort and the care they need. Protected by the BIG GUNS of We The People Of The United States. THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE AND COUNTRY ON EARTH.
This is why it is so critical that we do not lead another 50 million vulnerable, uninsured Americans into the forest of the wolves, without the protections of a Strong Government-run public option. We The People Of The United States MUST NOT LET THAT HAPPEN to any more of our fellow Americans. If healthcare reform does not contain a strong public option on day one. YOU MUST! KILL IT. Or you will do far more harm than good. And millions more will die needlessly. Rich, middle class, and poor a like.
To those who would continue to obstruct good and true healthcare reform for the American people, and who seek to trap millions more vulnerable Americans in the forest of the wolves. We will continue to fight you. We are prepared to wage all out war against you, and will eagerly DESTROY! you. Time...is...UP! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! No Co-op's! No Triggers!
Healthcare reform can be the GREATEST! Accomplishment of our time and century. A time when future generations may say of us, that we were all, AMERICAS GREATEST GENERATIONS.
BUT WE MUST ACT!
I therefore call on all my fellow Americans and the peoples of the World. To join us in this fight so that we may finish becoming the better America that we aspire to be for everyone.
SPREAD THE WORD!
I have been privileged to be witness as many of you fought, and struggled to take your first breath, and your last breath on this earth. Rich, middle class, and poor a like. Life is precious.
Whatever the cost. WE! MUST SUCCEED.
God Bless You My Fellow Human Beings
jacksmith -- Working Class
Senator Bernie Sanders on healthcare
7 - Baritone
Okay,I hear you man! (As I slowly, almost imperceptibly back toward the door.)
B
8 - Arch Conservative
You moonbats have been laying on the administration's lies and propaganda hot and heavy for the last six weeks to no avail.
Now your messiah gives another rehashed, teleprompted speech on prime time TV, invoking Senator Swimmer and somehow this changes the dynamic of the debate? Get real.
Due to their overeaching the Dems are already on their way to paying a hefty price next November and now that people are onto Acorn's penchant for voter fraud it's going to be even more difficult for the Peoples Party of Amerika to subvert the democratic process.
Save your breath Jackoff. Real Americans aren't going to let you and your unhinged leftist whackdoo buddies have your way with this nation. It just aint happening.
9 - Jordan Richardson
Arch, do you have any original thoughts or are they all far-right talking points peppered with requisite "vitriol?"
10 - Arch Conservative
How's that hope and change working out for ya Jordan?
11 - Jordan Richardson
You could have just said "no, I don't have any original thoughts" and saved the trouble of asking a completely irrelevant question. Either way.
12 - Baritone
"Real Americans" are a bunch of idiot loons who are in fact loosing the battle. I suppose it's just a matter of time until armed bands of those loons start roaming the country side on search and destroy missions against evil liberals. Arch, no doubt will be leading the vanguard. Go get em Arch!
B
13 - Silas Kain
Now your messiah gives another rehashed, teleprompted speech on prime time TV, invoking Senator Swimmer and somehow this changes the dynamic of the debate? Get real.
Real? You know what's real? The Ultra Right is dying and I for one want to hasten their demise. Arch, you are a classic example of what is wrong with this country. You would rather polarize than compromise. You're so blinded by ideology and anger which as far as I can estimate is rooted in a deep hatred for anyone who is not Caucasian or Christian. Say what you will but the bottom line to me is that if you can't find your way to compromise then you are, in fact, one of those that goes against the very fundamentals of His teachings. So, when you say "moonbat" remember that you get 300 extra days in Purgatory.
I hope that the President sticks to his guns and calls every ultra right wing liar out on every opportunity. I know that I am completely committed to doing the same. This is war, Arch, and I play to win not be stifled by the likes of you and your merry band of dogma driven insanity.
14 - roger nowosielski
You're right, Silas. It does indeed begin to look like a war. And in this, ideological war, here are the rules of engagement: Take no prisoners!
15 - Silas Kain
That's right, Roger. Because those on the Far Right would love the "bondage" aspect of being prisoners.
16 - roger nowosielski
Tell that to Archie. I'll bet you one thing, though. Once you convince him that bondage is the right idea - that he's a masochist at heart - you'll have won him over.
So perhaps you're on the wrong tack.
17 - Baronius
Jordan, you could always step up and provide some substance yourself (unless you think that you're one comment away from turning Arch around).
18 - Silas Kain
Joe Wilson has received over $200,000 in political contributions since he acted out during the President's speech. Several things come to mind. First, I want to see the donor list. I'll guarantee that 75% of those donors are racist pigs who should have their butts placed under Attorney General Holder's microscope. Second, if any money came from corporate PACs or executives from high profile corporations they should be called out.
Forgive me, South Carolina, but this war began when SC Republicans went after John McCain in 2000 in favor of the worst President to ever sit in the Oval Office. Joe Wilson is a disgrace to his faith, his constituents, his state, the House and to this country. He's no hero. He's a cowardly maniac who puts his own agenda above what's best for the nation. For every dollar he raises we must identify the money source and we must make those donors accountable.
To those Republicans who remain uneasy about President Obama and the Far Right control of the party should take heart. Barring the unknown, I see Barack Obama as a one term President. The GOP has an opportunity to make gains next year and has an even greater opportunity to take back the White House. The only way this will happen, however, is if the moderate and liberal wings of the GOP join forces to destroy the ultra right. There are members of the GOP today who would make great Presidential candidates and NONE of them are on the far right. People like Pawlenty, Palin and Jindall are not the future of the Party. They are cancerous sores on the body politic. Strong words? You ain't seen nothin' yet! Every far right closet residing skeleton is going to be exposed. And when it's over it will make Larry Craig's foray into an airport men's room an insignificant footnote in the new Republican Manifesto.
19 - roger nowosielski
Turning Archie around only Jesus Christ can do. As to Jordan's argument, I find it neither substantively nor morally defective. The trouble is, it falls deaf on some ears.
20 - Silas Kain
Roger, Jesus called last night. He said that since Teddy moved into Heaven there's no room at the inn for conservatives. They're being diverted to the Hades Ramada Inn.
21 - Jeanne Browne
Great article, Scott, and wonderful comments, Baritone. I was heartened, moved, and taught a valuable lesson by the president's speech Wednesday night. It's totally beyond me that anyone could hear anything in what he said but genuine concern for people, clear understanding of the economics of the issue, and a dedicated willingness to discuss disparate views and reach a final compromise plan. I do wish he'd said "forget about that 1,000 page mess of a bill; we're going to clean it up and streamline it so that everybody's clear about what this plan is and isn't," because the Republicans are clinging to that verbose, poorly-written bill rather than discussing the basics of reform. And while Joe Wilson was rude and stupid, the media gets an F-minus for spending more time on his remark than the president's hour-long message of straight talk about health care AND who and what we are and want to be as a nation - our character. For weeks, I've wanted Obama to play Liberal hardball, tell the Republicans to fuck off and tell the Democrats to shape up and get in line. Fortunately for the nation, I'm not the president, and the man who is has a natural gift for combining eloquence, simplicity, entreaty for compromise, and asserting his authority in a polite way. He reminded me why I voted for him, and why I still have hope that common sense and common decency will prevail.
22 - Baritone
I think it's amazing that people - even those who voted for him - have become so quickly convinced that Obama will be gone in 2012. I don't discount the possibility, but a lot of water is yet to go under the bridge and over the dam. (to grandmother's house we go.)
Consider the state of this country that Obama has inherited last January. I'm not sure any president in recent memory walked into such a fucked up mess. That things aren't all hunky-dory now is hardly unexpected.
I understand that the voting public is nothing if not fickle. The right has made a lot of noise during the past month which leads some to believe that Obama is on the skids. Certainly his poll numbers have taken a hit recently. But look at what happened to W. Immediately after 9/11 his approval numbers hit above 80% - virtually unprecedented. Then, look at his numbers when he left office - well under 30%. By November of last year, Bush couldn't have been elected dog catcher in Podunk.
I'm aware that it has been a rough ride so far for Obama. He and his people have made some mistakes. What administration hasn't? Health care reform is probably the thorniest issue he will face whether he serves 1 or 2 terms. It has gotten the best of every president at least since Truman.
But, if a reasonably decent health care bill does emerge from Congress and Obama signs it into law, unless it's so watered down as to be insignificant (always a danger,) it will be a triumph for him.
Despite all the crap coming from the right, the economy IS showing signs of recovery. No one who understood how fucked up things were would believe that a turn around could happen any faster than it is.
This is frustrating and hardly provides any solace to the unemployed or grossly under-employed, but most economists will say that jobs are most often the last thing that makes a comeback.
Our involvement in Iraq is slowly winding down. Afghanistan is certainly more problematic, and may prove to be Obama's undoing, even if the economy recovers and a decent health care bill passes. I personally wish we'd just walk away, but that ain't gonna happen.
I feel sooooooooo bad for all those right wingers who claim to be "sick and tired" of being bullied by "Adolf/Joseph" Obama. Just how has Obama bullied anyone? How has anyone's life been changed for good or ill by anything Obama or his administration has said or done? All of these supposed evils coming out of the Obama administration are ghosts, phantoms, purpetrated by the right wing nut jobs and picked up by Congressional Reps in the (hopefully vain) hope that they will help catapult them into another term. All these poor beleagured people have been forced to suffer - well, what exactly? Nothing. It's all hot air.
This country was forced to suffer the inane and inneffective GWB for eight (count em - 8!) bloody years - and I do mean bloody. Yet the loyal opposition has been supposedly put upon now for about 7 months. Talk about a bunch of whiners. You just still can't believe that the lord let all you god fearin' patriots down. Well, suck it up. It's gonna be awhile before another Rep sits his butt down in the Oval Office.
B
23 - Silas Kain
...and asserting his authority in a polite way. He reminded me why I voted for him, and why I still have hope that common sense and common decency will prevail.
Jeanne, I'm with you. Unfortunately Joe Wilson's campaign coffers are swelling with racist, bigoted, zealot money. I've just read his campaign finance disclosures and as of today I am boycotting Kentucky Fried Chicken, United Parcel Service and Verizon.
I called my local KFC and found out where their district office was located. I then called the district office and l;et them know that I will no longer partake of the Colonel's recipe and why. I'm also in contact with neighborhood activists in Dorchester near the JFK Library to let them know that they need to get the word out that KFC franchise owners are contributing to Wilson. I then canceled my Verizon phone service and am switching to another provider. I will no longer use UPS as my shipper of choice. As inconvenient as it may be, I will use the US Postal Service.
It's time for Americans to fight back. It's time to look at where the money is coming from and go after those corporations. What we fail to realize is that the terrorists knew that crashing into the World Trade Center would cripple our economy. Bush and his merry band of douche bags told us to go shopping 8 years ago today. They knew what the ramification were. They knew the motivations behind the attacks and they have insulted the American people. It took time but the terrorists did initially win. They did, in fact, cripple our economy by proxy. So it's time for us, the American people, to cripple the financial mechanization of our political system.
24 - Jeanne Browne
Silas -- You're correct, and you're very funny! ("Merry band of douche bags": perfect!) I congratulate you on your sift boycott action. I had previously dumped Verizon and was never much of a KFC-er; now I'll shun them entirely. And while I can't help that many of my parcels arrive via UPS, I sure won't use them outgoing. BTW, I've heard that Wilson's Democratic opponent raised a half-million overnight; all is not lost.
25 - Silas Kain
ActBlue announced they've raised over $750,000 for Joe Wilson's opponent! Yes, there is a Jesus! Hal-lay-loo-yer! Citizens of South Carolina Congressional District 2, NOW is the time to see those dollars put into action in your community!
In these last few weeks I've come to a lot of conclusions. And the one that seems to be most clear is that there is an issue no one is talking about which must be addressed -- campaign finance reform & lobbying.