Posted on 09/02/2009 5:52:57 PM PDT by Lorianne
Conversations with a number of White House officials make it clear that, at this point, even they don't know. The argument was raging as recently as last night, and appears to have hardened into two main camps. Both camps agree that the cost of the bill has to come down. The question is how much, and what can be sacrificed.
The first camp could be called "universal-lite." They're focused on preserving the basic shape of the bill. They think a universal plan is necessary for a number of reasons: For one thing, the insurance market regulations don't work without universality, as you can't really ask insurers to offer standard prices if the healthy and the young don't have to enter the system. For another, it will be easier to change subsidies or improve the benefit package down the road if the initial offerings prove inadequate. New numbers are easier than new features. Creating a robust structure is the most important thing. This camp seems to be largely headed by the policy people.
The second camp is not universal at all. This camp believes the bill needs to be scaled back sharply in order to ensure passage. Covering 20 million people isn't as good as covering 40 million people, but it's a whole lot better than letting the bill fall apart and covering no one at all. It's also a success of some sort, and it gives you something to build on. What that sacrifices in terms of structure it gains in terms of political appeal. This camp is largely headed by members of the political team.
Both camps accept that the administration's proposal will be less generous than what has emerged from either the HELP or House Committees. The question, it seems, is how much less generous.
(Excerpt) Read more at voices.washingtonpost.com ...
Now this is interesting ...
Think...Camel...nose...tent....No way Jose’!
They agree that this thing hinges on Olympia Snowe. NO ONE should have that power!
Amateurs in the White House. I knew it was going to be like this. Instead of one Uncle Adolf, we now have hundreds of little Uncle Adolfs running around Washington.
Lori,
They just don’t realize. There is no halftime in politics. They will not get one Republican on board(not one worth anything) and they will lose their far left if they don’t push for the full enchilada. They don’t understand the true nature of the mess they are in and they have a whole train line of crap like this. Afghanistan is going sour, Health Care, Cap and Trade, and the rest of their agenda is dead on arrival or will face united opposition. I just hope they continue believing they can turn this around.
Lori,
They just don’t realize. There is no halftime in politics. They will not get one Republican on board(not one worth anything) and they will lose their far left if they don’t push for the full enchilada. They don’t understand the true nature of the mess they are in and they have a whole train line of crap like this. Afghanistan is going sour, Health Care, Cap and Trade, and the rest of their agenda is dead on arrival or will face united opposition. I just hope they continue believing they can turn this around.
Wait till all the young healthy Obama voters find out they will be forced to PAY for insurance they do not need. All this fiasco will do is transfer ..redestribute..care from old folks who need it to young ones that do not. Ya can not save money on healthy young people. Only by cutting care on the sick.
Agreed.
They are in a really really bad place politically.
Hopefully the Republicans are smart enough to stay out of the fray.
Don't hold your breath. Bipartisanship is alive and well in Washington despite the Democrat pronouncements.
The PEOPLE should publically announce there will be trials and hangin's once we get this all straightened out.
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