Here's what House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) says Republicans are looking for from President Obama's speech to the House and Senate tonight. From the press conference after the House GOP's conference meeting today:
His task is going to be to convince the American people that the proposal of a government option doesn't mean a government replacement of the healthcare system as we know it. Secondly, the test will include his being able to convince members, as well as the public, that an expanded government role will save the taxpayers money. Because I think intuitively that most Americans believe that more government in health care means more rationing and more forced discrimination on the basis of gender and age.
What it really is, I think for us as Republicans in the House, is an opportunity for us to see our president willing to start focus on areas we agree on and not just focus the areas that divide us. We all understand, we can rally around solutions having to do with preexisting conditions. We can do things about making sure that if somebody loses their job they don't necessarily lose their health care, instead of trying to insist that government competition is all we should be about. We are also hoping that a premium is put on getting it right, not just getting it done now, I think that does reflect where the American people are as well.Obama will most likely hit on those commonplaces tonight; he's also sure to press for things that Cantor and House Republicans vehemently oppose, not to mention making a case that a government-run health insurance plan will not do the things Cantor says that people think it would do. We'll see what kind of a nod that common ground gets from Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) in his post-speech GOP rebuttal.
Because I think intuitively that most Americans believe that more government in health care means more rationing and more forced discrimination on the basis of gender and age.
MEDICARE. Is it an absolute requirement that Republicans pretend Americans are as stupid as possible? Is that why this is framed in terms of "think...intuitively...believe" rather than "have seen demonstrated...know"?
We are also hoping that a premium is put on getting it right, not just getting it done now, I think that does reflect where the American people are as well.
No. I've wanted to see health care reform since at least Clinton's first term. The idea that people definitely are thinking we might want to put together a small committee to study the situation for a decade is shockingly out of touch. The GOP had control of all 3 branches and utterly failed to "get it done now;" they are not allowed to moan that finally inching toward action is a terrible rush out of step with the nation's concerns.
What if the Public Option is the biggest sacrificial lamb ever? It seems to be the thing that freaks out Repubs. the most, what if the Pres just gives it up? What will they argue then? This is happening "Too fast"?
Cantor's comments insult our intelligence. This debate needs some reality, some facts and some civility. Some great humor in this health reform ad by TV Scrubs Stars. Hilarious.
http://axisofreason.com/2009/09/09/health-reform-worries/
Republicans have two favorite phrases; save the taxpayer dollars and spending the taxpayer dollars. Am I the only one that thinks a lower monthly insurance premium will save me money? Seems to me like they're really gung ho to save somebody money but I don't think it's those of us that have to pay outrageous premiums. 77% of my gross salary for insurance is not right.