Passing health reform could be a nightmare for Obama

The Washington Post ^ | December 21, 2009 | Robert Samuelson

[2ndDivisionVet]

Barack Obama's quest for historic health-care legislation has turned into a parody of leadership. We usually associate presidential leadership with the pursuit of goals that, though initially unpopular, serve America's long-term interests. Obama has reversed this. He's championing increasingly unpopular legislation that threatens the country's long-term interests. "This isn't about me," he likes to say, "I have great health insurance." But of course, it is about him: about the legacy he covets as the president who achieved "universal" health insurance. He'll be disappointed.

Even if Congress passes legislation -- a good bet -- the finished product will fall far short of Obama's extravagant promises. It will not cover everyone. It will not control costs. It will worsen the budget outlook. It will lead to higher taxes. It will disrupt how, or whether, companies provide insurance for their workers. As the real-life (as opposed to rhetorical) consequences unfold, they will rebut Obama's claim that he has "solved" the health-care problem. His reputation will suffer.

It already has. Despite Obama's eloquence and command of the airwaves, public suspicions are rising. In April, 57 percent of Americans approved of his "handling of health care" and 29 percent disapproved, reports the Post-ABC News poll; in the latest survey, 44 percent approved and 53 percent disapproved. About half worried that their care would deteriorate and that health costs would rise.

These fears are well-grounded. The various health-care proposals represent atrocious legislation. To be sure, they would provide insurance to 30 million or more Americans by 2019. People would enjoy more security. But even these gains must be qualified. Some of the newly insured will get healthier, but how many and by how much is unclear.(continued)

[2ndDivisionVet]

Worst.President.Ever.

[Psalm 144]

Yes. The burden is lifted from Smeagol. I mean Carter.

[tophat9000]

Worst.President.Ever.

No he no a President... he our Caligula

[goldi]

And when that SOB Obama’s State of the Union Address comes up in January, not one Republican should be there for it.

[dalight]

Ouch, that had to leave a mark. Anybody in the Senate listening? The Washington Post is crapping on this horror too.. Just who do you think you are pleasing?

[DTogo]

Passing health reform could be a nightmare for Obama

Could be?

[oldteen]

...Could be?...

That was my reaction as well.

[FrankR]

"And when that SOB Obama’s State of the Union Address comes up in January, not one Republican should be there for it. "

I think maybe they should, as to stay home would be construed as cowardly and pouting.

Be there, but don't be polite. Don't applaud these ridiculous "accomplishments" out of courtesy. Just sit there, or issue "boo's" like the democrats do.

I think some more "you lie" comments should come out when warranted (and proveable) with NO later apologies for them.

Then, the follow up Republican comments should be delivered by someone unafriad to rip the kenyan's address to pieces.

The "state of the union" sucks, and the kenyan and his minions are directly responsible for it, and should be recognized as such.

Extreme times call for extreme measures.

"Political Correctness" is NOT a fair trade for our children's future!!!!!!!!!!

[AlanGreenSpam]

NOW THERE’S AN IDEA! — well, actually the opposite of your idea:

Tea Partiers need to disrupt Ogabe’s State of the UNION ADDRESS and drown out the M.F. with bullhorns!!!

He’s been completely disrespectful to conservatives, so we need to return the favor!!

Pass the idea around!

[Boucheau]

I would love it if Conservatives would finally start DOING something like this.

But, as it is, they prefer comity to freedom.

With their noses in the air, and shackles on their feet, they proudly proclaim: “We do not protest. Only hippies protest.”

Then they are marched into a field to receive their bullet.

[BP2]

Yes, you can find them both in the section marked,
"Worst American Presidents."

[flowerplough]

if Congress passes legislation -- a good bet -- the finished product will fall far short of Obama's extravagant promises.

Almost passing the Health Care Reform porkupolooza (and blaming Republicans for the failure) would be better for Bammy and the Dems than actually passing it & having to face the disappointed taxpayers and government health care customers.

[Rummyfan]

Obama has reversed this. He's championing increasingly unpopular legislation that threatens the country's long-term interests. "This isn't about me," he likes to say, "I have great health insurance."

The a**hole has great health insurance, which I pay for. And now he wants to take away mine!

[Rummyfan]

The various health-care proposals represent atrocious legislation.

This from the WaPo......

[Cobra64]

I would love it if Conservatives would finally start DOING something like this.

It's tough when Republicans have this condition...

I just received a Republican Senate Leadership Survey, and I'm including this image with my answers.

And this one:

[rcrngroup]

Good article by Robert Samuelson. I am going to call tomorrow and rail on my bastard socialist demoRAT senators tomorrow.... Klobuchar & dumb ass clown Frankenstein!!!

[SmokingJoe]

“Passing health reform could be a nightmare for Obama”

Correction:
Passing health reform WILL be a nightmare for Obama and the Democrats.

We are going to make sure of that come November 2010.

[pnh102]

We are going to make sure of that come November 2010.

Even if the GOP wins in 2010 it won't mean anything because there won't be the votes to override a repeal of this anyway. But beyond that, when was the last time the GOP rolled back ANY entitlement, ever? It has NEVER HAPPENED.

[leprechaun9]

This is an overthrow of our Republic by the Democrap Party (and the RINOs).

Too much credit for it is given to CZAR B.O. He is merely the Negro spokesman for the Democraps to propose the Democrap initiatives that have been festering in the file cabinet for the past fifty years. They needed a Negro to accuse everyone who opposed this assault as RACISTS!

The Democraps decided that once they achieved the required majorities in both houses (toilets) of the congress and the presidency, then they would shoot the whole ball of wax to complete the overthrow, instead of incrementally making the changes as they have done over the past fifty years!

In 2010, the congress must be totally flushed (house and 1/3 of the senate) just as you would a toilet when its gets loaded with waste - same consistency!

[wewereright]

You are sooo right. I hate republicans - they need to end the “let’s go along to get along” approach. They never fight as hard as the liberals!