Posted on 09/10/2009 6:49:24 PM PDT by Kaslin
President Obama declared Wednesday night that it's time for "action" on health care. On Thursday, he and other top Democrats sought common ground.
But it's an open question whether the spirit of party unity will last — and translate into tangible legislation on the president's desk.
Obama met Thursday with Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson and other key moderate Democrats. Wednesday night, Nelson said the speech was "a bit of a game-changer."
On Thursday spokesman Jake Thompson clarified the remarks. "It was a game changer not so much for Congress but for the public."
Meanwhile, Jason Altmire, D-Pa., said, "The president did everything he needed to do. The problem now is it gets kicked back to Congress. I think some of the things Obama said are inconsistent with the current House bill."
He said he thought Obama took an income tax surcharge — which is in the House bill — off the table.
Democrats' biggest split has been over a public health option. Liberal lawmakers have insisted on it, while moderate and politically vulnerable Democrats argue it would undermine private insurers.
Hours before the speech, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., stated, "It's my belief that the public option cannot pass (the Senate)."
(Excerpt) Read more at ibdeditorials.com ...
Everyone in NE should be calling Nelson’s office and letting him have it! Tell him he will be booted out of office at the next election if he goes along with Obamacare.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find only things evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelogus
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