The Right Side of History

The President went this morning to meet with members of the Democratic caucus of the verge of a historic vote. Thankfully, he seems to have abandoned his bi-partisan baggage.

From the Huffington Post:

In a final push to get health care reform through the House of Representatives, President Barack Obama warned lawmakers on Saturday that a vote against the legislation would not immunize them from Republican attacks.

The president, according multiple attendees, played the role of political prognosticator during his roughly 30 minute address before Democratic caucus members on Capitol Hill. Addressing, implicitly, those conservative Democrats who are worried about voting for a nearly trillion dollar health care overhaul, he insisted that they would not be safe from partisan attacks even if they opposed the bill.

"He certainly talked about the politics and he said that the Republicans want us to fail and no one should feel if they as a Democrat helped us to fail that they would be [free of their attacks]," said Rep. Henry Waxman, chair of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee.

"None of you can expect the Republicans not to go after you if you vote against this bill," Waxman continued, channeling the president. "They want this bill to go down for their own partisan reasons."

Another high-ranking Democratic Hill staffer briefed on the meeting put it this way: "Obama's main message was that the GOP won't go any easier on you if you vote against the bill. It's a tough vote, yes, but they're going to take heat either way."

While politics took up much of the discussion, policy took up very little. Obama, according to several lawmakers, did not talk about the public option or the controversial amendment to make abortion restrictions much tighter. He discussed, primarily, the momentous nature of the vote and the need for the party to be on history's right side.

"This is the moment," said Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) That this is what we all went into politics for, that this was a historic moment, that seven presidents have tried to pass health care and haven't done it, and that this was a moment like civil rights or Social Security or Medicare."

In particular, Obama singled out Rep. John Dingell -- the longest serving member of the House -- who, on Saturday, presided over chamber for first time since the 1965 House vote to pass Medicare.

"He thanked all the chairs [of the committees involved in developing the health care bill]," said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y). "He thanked all leadership and he mentioned specifically John Dingell."

The day of reckoning is at hand. For sixty years, the GOP has sought to delay this hour. As the President said, we are on the right side of history.



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Re: The Right Side of History (none / 0)

"For sixty years, the GOP has sought to delay this hour."

What hour? I am confused here by the rhetoric on the various blogs. I support this bill because at this point this is the best incremental steps we are going to get, but this is not the first or last move toward health care reform. If we win this, it will be one more step. 7 Presidents have tried, and after today, another one after President Obama will almost certainly have to add to this incremental change given the nature of the bill.

This is not to take away from the bill, but it seems odd to argue that this is definitive "end of the line legislation" when that's simply hyperbole not matched by actual policy.

The policy outcomes in the areas of cost containment (the biggest issues looming for Americans whether they know it or not) remains mostly uncertain even if the House bill becomes the final bill after merger with the Senate bill. I know there is some speculation about how wide the PO will be. But right now, although I like the speculation, it is not certain.


by bruh3 on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 05:40:49 PM EST

Re: The Right Side of History (none / 0)

I find myself agreeing with you...

The language is a little too hyperbolic , I suppose thats in character any way .The stimulus vote was supposed to save world order as we know it too..


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 06:14:06 PM EST
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Re: The Right Side of History (none / 0)

Maybe, but it's still a huge step. Medicare provided HYC to seniors, Medicaid to the poor and destitute.

Now for the first time, the government will be helping the middles class - $44k for individuals and 88K afford health insurance. 96% of Americans will have coverage, the closest it's ever been to universal.

No this is not the end, but it's pretty dam good.


by vecky on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 06:55:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Right Side of History (none / 0)

I would agree with your statement. I am not saying this is a bad bill. It is imperfect, but if it becomes the bill that comes out of Congress (still a question mark given the Senate), then it would move the all forward. I just think for the purposes of eventually selling this to the public, it would be a mistake to sell this as the final step. As I said, the most sweeping element for me is that the PO may be fully inclusive within a decade. That may (key words "may") produce the cost containment that the system needs. Without it, many of the reforms such as bans pre existing condition will become meaningless within that period as well. but, there is still the hurdle Senate.


by bruh3 on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 07:11:14 PM EST
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Re: The Right Side of History (none / 0)

Well it's not like we're going to pack up the government and go home after this bill becomes law (when is that day...). The GOP will no doubt try and repeal it, democrats (had better) try to improve it over the years.

Focusing on the 'historicalness' of the moment is fine IMO. It probably helps to whip a few votes. Anyway it's a bit like the Olympics - you participate in everyone like it's your last, even though there will be another one in 4 years.


by vecky on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 08:11:33 PM EST
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Re: The Right Side of History (none / 0)

I accept that argument. It is really my own taste against hyperbole and if it passes the bill then it does not matter regardless of what I think.


by bruh3 on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 08:20:52 PM EST
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Politically... (2.00 / 1)

Good post over at DailyKos

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/1 1/7/801781/-NEW-POLL:-Dems-Who-Oppose-Pu blic-Option-Bill-Today-Will-Lose-Obama-V oters-in-2010

I think we'll see Dem numbers improve if the bill passes.  As of today, we have nothing to show for our hard work electing Democratic majorities but more of the same policies from 1994 to 2006.


by alamedadem on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 07:16:10 PM EST

Re: The Right Side of History (none / 0)

Uh,hey People's Freepers-
You superhero from Cleveland voted with the majority on the procedural matters.
So either he caved (like the Little OLd Lefites in tennis shoes would admit to that) or it's the best bill possible.

Kucinich vs. Palin--the Gimme a Pony Left or the Flying Monkey Right? You decide.


by spirowasright on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 07:17:44 PM EST

Re: The Right Side of History (none / 0)

That's an insult to Kuinich. While he is a tad crazy he does get by on policy, not winks and sex appeal.


by vecky on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 08:13:39 PM EST
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Re: The Right Side of History (2.00 / 1)

With the passage of the anti-choice amendment I foresee Kucinich being among those who will purity-troll the final bill.  This would of course be ironic because he used to be totally anti-choice before he became the Greatest Liberal Ever.


"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman
by Steve M on Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 10:59:01 PM EST
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