Not dead yet! by a long shot…And Obama’s speech proves it!
Johnathan Cohn, the exceedingly well-informed health care analyst at the New Republic:
“Somehow, though, health reform is not dead. Despite all of the setbacks and all of the missed opportunities–despite this train wreck of a month–the situation remains remarkably similar to what it was before the recess. Significant health care legislation is likely to pass, particularly if Obama manages to give a good speech on Wednesday night. And while the possibilities for what that legislation might accomplish have certainly diminished, mostly for worse, it’s not clear how much they have diminished–and to what extent progressives may yet have the power to change that fact.”
Read the whole thing: http://www.tnr.com/blog/the-treatment/why-reform-survived-august
The speech was excellent. I’m curious to see whether people really listened to it, or whether the usual ideological camps will simply dig in their heels further.
It’s maybe worth reflecting upon Obama’s continued efforts to reach out to Republicans. He has said that he is committed to it, and though 9 months may not constitute a long time in the scheme of things, I think most liberals have been calling for an end to those efforts almost since day one. Yet Obama has not backed down. I, for one, think that’s admirable.
Did I miss something? What “continued efforts to reach out to Republicans” are you talking about? The president and his supporters in congress haven’t budged an inch on a single issue, and haven’t even included any Republicans in their planning.
The most glaring example of this is tort reform. Why is it off the table? Virtually everyone who has looked at the problem has concluded that it could save significant amounts. Al the much vaunted European examples have liability limitations. Yet the president and congressional liberals who rail against corporate influence are so in the bag for trial lawyers they won’t touch this almost guaranteed money saver.
Obama’s pointing to Oren Hatch and John McCain as co-sponsors with Ted Kennedy of previous bipartisan health bills was a good political move. Maybe he’ll bring them along with Olympia Snow.
The Republicans have got to be worried that their resistance is going to come back and effect their election prospects. The votes of a few “moderates” might put them in a better position. John Boehner’s evident distain and Eric Cantor’s twittering (or whatever) was ugly and distressing. Obama is the president!
SH: The president explicitly mentioned reforming malpractice policies. Got applause from both sides of the aisle.
Obama has also refused to ram through legislation without some Republican support. My impression from the media is that Republicans (by and large) aren’t interested in giving him any leeway, since there seems to be a tacit assumption that he can get a bill through without them. Obama’s public overtures – “my door is always open” – seems like a pretty good example of “reaching out.” And according to the NYTimes last night, the White House has been cuddling with Sen Snowe.
Obama could very easily ignore Republicans, but he’s not, and my impression is that it truly is ideological, not political. I may be wrong, but all the signs are there.
Obama has refused to “ram through” legislation not out of respect for the opposition, but because he can’t – mostly because of his own party. If his door is open, why won’t he meet with GOP legislators who have asked to? And cuddling Olympia Snow is hardly working closely with the GOP.
This president is very good at mentioning, signalling, and “reaching out” rhetorically, but he never actually does so.
SH: As Barnie Frank asked some weeks ago: “What Planet Do you Live on?” Or perhaps better, what network do you watch? Fox?
The idea that the entrenched resisters of anything Barack HUSSEIN Obama proposes will actually work with him is laughable.
Last night was the beginning of the President’s long delayed descent of his cojones. He needs to keep the gloves off and take no prisoners — or be satisfied as a one-term President. It really is his call.
BO: fish or cut bait, ole buddy.