Harry Can't Find 60: Lieberman resists Medicare buy-in plan

Associated Press ^ | December 14, 2009 | Calvin Woodward

[Senator Goldwater]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Risking the wrath of Democrats, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., threatened Sunday to join Republicans in opposing health care legislation if it permits uninsured individuals as young to 55 to purchase Medicare coverage.

Lieberman, whose vote is critical to the bill's prospects, expressed his opposition twice during the day: first in an interview with CBS, and more strongly later, according to Democratic officials, in a private meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Reid, who is hoping to pass the legislation by Christmas, needs 60 votes to overcome Republican objections, and has been counting on Lieberman to provide one.

But appearing on CBS, Lieberman said of the Medicare proposal, "Though I don't know exactly what's in it, from what I hear, I certainly would have a hard time voting for it because it has some of the same infirmities that the public option did.

"It will add taxpayer costs. It will add to the deficit. It's unnecessary," he added of a provision that Reid last week hailed as part of a breakthrough between liberals and moderates.

Democratic aides, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Lieberman later told Reid he would support a Republican-led filibuster against the bill if it contained the Medicare provision or permitted the government to sell insurance in competition with private companies.

[Senator Goldwater]

Tick tock, Harry.

It's Christmastime in the city.

[Red Badger]

[American Quilter]

How the Democrats must loathe Lieberman!

[Overtaxed Patriot]

[Red Badger]

[Gaffer]

Looks just like that bastard preacher who showed up on the Poltergeist movie series.........

[tflabo]

I guess we’ll find out if Lieberman is truly the Independent or caves in to the dungeon dwellers.

[Sarah-bot]

I always thought he looked like Pappy in Popeye.

[AngelesCrestHighway]

Harry can’t find 60?.....

Pretty soon....Harry can’t find a job!

[nikos1121]

I can’t believe that he is the only Democrat against this bill.

[Man50D]

Being from Connecticut I have always viewed anything LIEberman says with a jaundiced eye. I have contacted his office several times to ask how he or the Senate defines government run health care given its vague definition. I didn't get a straight answer. I also asked will he oppose or support the trigger option compromise. I was told he supports a compromise but his office wouldn't outright claim he supports the trigger option.

The vague definition will give him an out to vote for government run health care with the pretense that by his own definition he isn't voting for government run health care. LIEberman is a snake in the grass.

[Gaffer]

Nope, there’s a certain manifestation of evil represented in his visage. I stand by my characterization.

[Squantos]

Jimmney Cricket !!

[Cobra64]

[SparkyBass]

Lieberman!

[my right]

I agree with you, anybody that would suck up to Al Gore can not be trusted.