John Edwards Threatens Congress's Health Care To Give Everyone Universal Health Care
By Nicole Belle Monday Nov 12, 2007 4:17pm
Wow. That's a statement I can get behind.
So we're back to arguing about John Edwards' plan to strip members of Congress of their health care if they don't pass comprehensive reform. I'm always astonished at how bizarrely literally pundits act when they approach this idea. It's true that, in the strong form, its; unconstitutional. Edwards cannot, with his pen, deprive anyone of their health care. The Edwards Campaign, by contrast, says that it will take the form of a bill sent to Congress, which seems constitutional, though everyone says it would be impossible to pass.
But would it be? That's the part I don't understand. Why wouldn't the Democratic leadership want to use this legislation to hammer away at Republicans? To force them to go on the record about the importance of their own health care? The idea behind this bill is that it will ratchet up political pressure for change, creating a situation in which Congressmen come to the table because they fear losing their seats if they don't. It's a strategy based on the application of political pressure, not legislative finesse. And while not a surefire winner, it's certainly a plausible theory of reform.
Meanwhile, I find the liberal outrage and bewilderment over this bit of populist symbolism to be very unsettling. At base, Edwards is doing something very simple: Dramatizing the inequities in our health care system. Most liberals would have you believe that dramatizing, and fixing, the inequities in our health care system is their primary political goal. But not like this, I guess.
What Edwards' stunt does is dramatize how much Congressmen like the health care they currently receive. How far they'll go to defend it. And how hollow the inevitable protestations of dangerous, socialized medicine really are. If Congress wants to block this bill, the follow-up point, which can be made in a speech to the nation, is "if your health care is so good, why shouldn't every American be allowed to have it?" What Edwards wants to do isn't take away the health care of Congress, but expand it to the country.
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Frist! Bold Statement.
Whether he could carry it out or not, I think Edwards has put a sharp point on this issue. It might sink into the minds of a lot of people when they realize their tax money is buying insurance and health care for the people in the Senate even though they can't afford it for themselves or their family.
Cut the bull and pass HR 676. This is exactly why Edwards et al are the same bull shit and Kucinich represents the people and progressive change.
Elected members of representational government should receive no more income, annually, than the average person within their region of representation. If they want more, then they should do more for the people they represent.
"It might sink into the minds of a lot of people when they realize their tax money is buying insurance and health care for the people in the Senate even though they can’t afford it for themselves or their family."
You think they don't know this already?
I might vote for a candidate that promises to bring universal health care to us all. The next president and congress will have that power.
Will they use it?
I've been saying this for years now.......Wanna' bet that the Democrats somehow fuck this up instead of showing the hypocrisy of Republicans (as well as alot of moronic Dems) when it comes to their free health care?
It's simple really, not for socialized single payer health care for all Americans? Then get rid of yours and go buy some of that awesome private insurance you tout. No way? That's what I thought.
Edwards has my vote. Well so far he does.
I know that You support Hillary or Edwards. That is always clear. You ignored last weekends JJ dinner, Completely !! This Edwards ad is unconstitutional and desperate ! Take a look at Edwards' senate record. Which is the real Edwards , The one in 1998, 2004 or now ? And just once put up something about Barack ! No , I don't count your rant (great !!) against False rumors from Fox, etc. Because I am just about ready to dive up my visits to this page.
John Edwards would do well in highlighting his populist agenda by repeating this and his other stands on middle class issues whenever and wherever he speaks. This one in particular resonates well with the base...
AMEN EDWARDS! Stick it to those damn hypocrites.
I'd rather pay for another half of a war than be able to have everyone go to the doctor when they need to. Why should we save poor kids from dying from dental maladies when we can blow up furriners?
"You think they don’t know this already?"
I'm betting a lot of people don't know it already. Seems if they did they would be raising a lot more hell than they are.
This is a good issue for Edwards to hammer on. I hope he gets traction.
I just can't figure out how this guy is getting his ass kicked by Clinton.
I'm less concerned about access to expensive disease care, when my options for providing my body with nutrition is at risk from Pharma-whores. You might think you get nutrition from a balanced diet, but many of us are genetically disposed to lucrative health problems unless we supplement our diet.
All these guys will have enough money to access nutritional supplements when they become prescription "drugs," while my access is choked of by pharma-whores, elected ones in government and non-elected ones in the FDA working in WHO CODEX meetings to undermine US law, the expressed grass-roots will of the people, DSHEA.
Obama's speech at the JJ dinner last weekend was outstanding. Just a little note to MsCiara, Paris. I watched a rerun of it yesterday on c-span. He's such a good speaker.
MsCiara, Paris @ 9:
We are not endorsing any candidate. Period. Full stop. It cannot be made any more plain.
No matter what we put up, we have people complain that we're not showing enough of their favorite candidate.
Here's the deal. I am on the mailing list of every Democratic candidate and a couple of the Republican ones as well. I have made contact with the internet liaison of each Democratic candidate so that they know what site I represent. IF I get something post-worthy from the candidate, I put it up.
I have no idea what the "JJ dinner" is, and if it is something Barack Obama attended, he did not see fit to send any info on it to us.
And for the record, Edwards proposal is NOT unconstitutional. Thanks for playing.
The problem is no matter what kind of sense this guy or anybody else makes, Clinton has been anointed and we have no say. Thanks to the press and the DLC. This is the most depressing election ever.
Too bad. I'd like to vote for Edwards.
"Meanwhile, I find the liberal outrage and bewilderment over this bit of populist symbolism to be very unsettling."
what "liberal outrage" over this is he speaking of? i read this site and kos daily, and this is first i have heard of this, and it seems rather well received here.
me, I all for it
Jeff @ 15:
Hillary is a political insider Representing the interests of New York City that's how.
Sen. Kerry's proposal to get every American the same Health Care package that Senators get fell like a rock. He kept repeating it.
Tell ya what Johny boy, next time you want one of them there fancy haircuts, come over to my aunt's place. She cut hair for 42 years. Pay half the price of one of your fancy do's and she can then afford her medicine for a month.
I applaud John Edwards for highlighting such hypocrisy....
I do know that Ron Paul does not partake in the healthcare that Congress offers, and refuses to receive it. It is high time that these blistering fools be exposed for their hypocrisy....Then again, the United States government is in decline as a major hegemonic power, and has all but forgotten its domestic concerns.
Would being a closet pedophile be considered a pre-existing condition when applying for a new health insurance policy?
Give them hell John Edwards!
Show them what a great haircut can do for a Liberal!
John Edwards keeps getting my vote.
I've been thinking an Edwards/Kucinich ticket just might work.
Nicole,
I don't know what your possision with C&L's is, but JJ Dinner is the Jefferson Jackson dinner in Iowa that was featured on EVERY national and international press ! Even here in Paris ! Six of the democratic candidates spoke , surely you heard about it. I am not asking for endorsement. I am asking for acknowledgment...... that is fair. I have heard from several news reports that the proposal by Edwards to take away medical insurance from congress in not constitutional . And I think it is fair to look in the back grounds of ALL who are running. We should NOT just do it to the republican (I LOVE IT WHEN C&L HOLDS THE REBS FEET TO THE FIRE !) But it should be done to all people in power ! I am a staunch liberal democrat, but I don't believe the there are no C&L among democrats. Please !
Jeff @ 15:
Its all about Iowa...Keep your fingers crossed.
CD @ 21:
Nice. "...interests of New York City...".
Anti-semitic code words.
Troll.
MsCiara, Paris @ 9:
I would be interested in hearing about how the Constitution covers ads. Perhaps you can dazzle us with a few more examples of ads which are not Constitutional.
Blue Lensman @ 24:
Nope. You're in the clear.
Blue Lensman @ 24:
You should really contact your provider for questions such as this.
Edwards is great on health care and trade. Kudos to him
ot but god hit mich mcconell in the face with an ugly stupid face stick!
In case anyone, I won't call out names on this thread 'cause there's enough of that going on already, wants the facts on what Americans think on this issue check this out:
The American people know something is rotten....and they have for fifteen years.
For extra bonus points, worth absolutely nothing, which 'Democratic' Senator received the most cash from Big Pharma last cycle?
I'll take my answer in the comments.
MsCiara, Paris @ 27:
Someone is very desperate for attention.
Edwards for President.
Johnny2Bad @ 28:
If never see you here before troll.
And since when is calling saying a Senator who represents New York a Represenative of all the powers that be in that city Anti-semitic?
That's what I thought STFU and go back to ready Chomsky.
Johnny2Bad @ 28:
I believe Mark Twain spoke most eloquently to this when he said:
.
If never see you here before troll.
And since when is calling saying a Senator who represents New York a Represenative of all the powers that be in that city Anti-semitic?
That's what I thought STFU and go back to ready Chomsky.
A semi-literate troll, no less.
Johnny2Bad @ 30:
I was expressing concern for many in congress that might soon be looking for individual policies.
I do have several existing conditions of my own, fortunately I'm already covered.
ashton @ 39:
If never see you here before troll.
And since when is calling saying a Senator who represents New York a Represenative of all the powers that be in that city Anti-semitic?
That's what I thought STFU and go back to ready Chomsky.
A semi-literate troll, no less.
I've never seen you here either troll.
I often wonder what the suits would do if they didn't have all that tax payer money to pay their bills and buy their food their health care and their hookers. It's like having a bunch of unruly trust fund brats living on your dime and you don't have the freaking AUTHORITY to tell them it's OVER.
To Mr. John Edwards,
I don't want "Universal" Health Care. I want Single Payer Not-for-Profit Healthcare. We need Kucinich/Conyer's HR 676. Its that simple.
Doesn't the Congress get taxpayer ("socialized") funded healthcare? If you're saying, Mr. Edwards, that the people deserve the Healthcare Congress receives then we should have "socialized" healthcare too.
Mr. Edwards, if you want to close the gap between you and Hillary you can start by not insulting us with semantic games. We know the difference between corporate welfare insurance company healthcare and healthcare for the public benefit.
Just a suggestion,
don't hate me
Carter--peanut farmer---$5.00 for a jar of peanut butter
Bush/Chenny/Rise oiltankers--gas in Califonia--$5.00/gallon ++++
Edwards--Ambulance chaser---Like in canada---can't find a docter to accept new patients
Hillary-Rothchild stoogie--A military Draft in the works
No-one man can clean out the rot.
While the debate over the health care crisis in America remains focused on the expansion of S-CHIP and the competing proposals of the 2008 presidential candidates, a new study revealed the continuing and steady decline of employer-based health coverage in the United States. Once the lynchpin of the U.S. health care system, workplace health insurance now covers only 59.7% of Americans, down from 64.2% in 2000. And making matters worse, surging health care costs, insurance premiums and employees' own contributions continue to exceed inflation and the growth in wages.
For the details, see:
"Employer-Provided Health Coverage Continues to Decline."
cristalyn @ 26:
Yes.
I know I've said it before... but Edwards is the real deal (his wife is pretty damn sharp as well).
Didn't he try to do something like this when he was in the Senate, and the Dems treated him like a pariah from then on out? I don't blame him a bit for getting out of the corrupt system to change it from the outside.
don't hate me @ 43:
Mr. Edwards stepped down from the Senate. In fact, he's the only serious Dem that ISN'T gaming the system by running while a Seanator... so your comments would be better directed to Hillary, Obama, Dodd, Biden, and Kucinich.
Personally, ANY start at revising healthcare is a good one in my book. We won't get EVERYTHING we want all at once -- life just isn't like that. It will take many years, and many iterations of getting closer and closer to the goal to achieve such a big change in our society.
hadenuf @ 45:
Note the order... kind of necessary if one is to beat Hillary. I sure wish Gore would endorse him already, but it looks like he won't endorse anyone before the nomination.
Btw, the govt. is cutting back its share towards psychiatric care.
Because what we ALL want at this point in time is untreated mental patients.
What could possibly go wrong?
Why not strip the Congress(both houses)of their medical benefits?Works for me.What is called for is a dose of reality.....It's obvious to me they couldn't care less...as long as they have theirs.I'm glad Edwards is taking this course.....lets see what happens.
hadenuf @ 49:
I know of a small town that had a mentally unsable man go on a shooting rampage as the result of cutbacks.
hadenuf @ 45:
works very well for me...I could do that.
Well.. As ideas goes.. I like it.. Cudos to Edwards on it. Yes, make the bastards on both sides of the ailes either step up and defend their caddilac deal or give the American public an equally fair shake on health care... I'm sick of hearing about how 'oh my it socialism'... Fuck that!!!... They, every last one of them in both houses and at both ends Pennsylvania ave need to explain themselves on this.. And I do mean them, not their phony ass mouthpieces and lobbyist buddies on K frikkin street...
If it ain't socialism for the pols to have a deal like that.. It sure as hell ain't socialism to extend it to regular folks....And IF it does represent socialism, then what the fuck is up with that and even more to the point, if they are happy enough to accept socialized healthcare for themselves, then whats so bad about socialism after all???? Don't like that question? Would rather talk about the money end of it... FINE! Then do that...
Don't know how to pay for it offhand?? Well then FIGURE IT OUT ASSHOLES.. That's why your all in D.C. pretending to be statesmen.. You were elected to go there, represent the AMERICAN PEOPLE (not your goddamned favorite lobbyist or corporation) and figure out the hard shit dammit!!! Fix this healthcare trainwreck before it alone bankrupts everyone all by itself.....JD
MsCiara, Paris @ 9:
Some people e-volve over time based on changing realities. You should try it.
hi testing from iphone!
hope @ 54:
I'm guessing MsCiara.....leans towards Ron Paul.......just guessin.Hey how did this repug admin work out for you.........
I just left a comment from my new Iphone...I can't get the telephone service working and ATT sucks with tech support and everything else, but I need a small device to check emails and C&L when I leave the house...
john amato @ 55:
earth to john amato...we are receiving you loud and clear.
John Amato @ 57:
ATT sucks at...anything!? Nah....
swarmofkillermonkeys @ 47:
I was pointing out the inconsistency of Edward's proposal. He says we deserve the same health care as those in Congress. But then he offers us something completely different? What gives?
I have made similiar comments about O'bama and Clinton. Kucinich? Kucinich is proposing single-payer not-for-profit healthcare for all. So why would you suggest I direct my comment at him?
Lastly, I view insurance company mandated universal healthcare as the corporations getting EVERYTHING THEY WANT all at once.
We're discussing the best, most efficient way to bring healthcare to every American. Kucinich/Conyer's HR676 is that method. What Edwards, Clinton and O'bama are proposing is wasteful and ultimately will fail. I predict that if a Edwards/Clinton/Obama healthcare plan is enacted it will collapse under its own inefficiences. It may take 5, 10 or 20 years. And then they will enact HR676. And the people will wonder why we didn't go the correct route all those years ago.
Where does taking responsibility for what you stick in your mouth come in? Junk food, smokes, genitals, drugs?
don't hate me @ 60:
MsCiara, Paris @ 9:
I think you protest too much on this issue.
Let's see, Amato, Nicole, Logan, Silent Patriot, Bluegal, nonny mouse and, as an occasional guest, Steve Benen all blog here(sorry if I left anyone out). The only litmus test seems to be whether or not the bloggers are progressives(I'd say they are all that). So we've got 7 bloggers and, what, 8 Democratic candidates? Some candidate's bound to get left in the lurch- more, when ya gotta figure that some of the bloggers might support the same candidates.
---------------------------------------------
Ezra's right. Edwards would overstep the boundaries of the Executive branch were he, as POTUS, unilaterally act to dump Congress' health benrfits.
There's a word fer this type of politics. I believe it is demagogy. I expect better of one of ours.
Never happen. That fine line between the Dems and Repubs dissolves in an instant when they vote for their health care or increase in pay and retirement benefits.
John Amato @ 57:
Ooooo- aren't you kewl?
Just what the fuck is wrong with demagoguery?
It seems to work wonderfully for the fucking Republicans.
Barbara @ 19:
The problem is no matter what kind of sense this guy or anybody else makes, Clinton has been anointed and we have no say. Thanks to the press and the DLC. This is the most depressing election ever.
Too bad. I'd like to vote for Edwards.
Then vote for him. Hillary may have been annointed, but she hasn't been crowned yet. Don't listen to all the bs. Vote for who you believe in, not who the mainstream media and backroom politicians want. WE DO HAVE A SAY. Let's take our country back.
CD @ 41:
A semi-literate troll, no less.
I've never seen you here either troll.
Do I have to put the station wagon in park, reach over the seat and knock yer heads together? Huh?!?!
Neither one of you is a troll. Ya've both been here a long time. So knock it off and listen to each other, huh.
That goes fer you, too, Johnny2Bad. And, btw, what makes "Hillary is a political insider Representing the interests of New York City that’s how..." anti-semitic? Yeah, lots of Jews in NYC. Lots of Irish and Italians, too. But what I think what CD's gettin' at is that NYC is also home of the NYSE and a ton of corporations.
Think, and ask fer clarification if need be, before ya start callin' folks trolls.
angryspittle @ 65:
So when Republicans start tappin' their toes under the divider does that mean we gotta do it too?
Andy K @ 67:
I've never seen you here either troll.
Do I have to put the station wagon in park, reach over the seat and knock yer heads together? Huh?!?!
Neither one of you is a troll. Ya've both been here a long time. So knock it off and listen to each other, huh.
That goes fer you, too, Johnny2Bad. And, btw, what makes "Hillary is a political insider Representing the interests of New York City that’s how..." anti-semitic? Yeah, lots of Jews in NYC. Lots of Irish and Italians, too. But what I think what CD's gettin' at is that NYC is also home of the NYSE and a ton of corporations.
Think, and ask fer clarification if need be, before ya start callin' folks trolls.
Nice peacemakin' there Andy.
CD @ 37:
Then you're not paying attention.
You didn't say that. You said she's leading the race because she "a political insider who represents the interests of New York City..."
Ok, then enlighten us.
What are these "New York City interests" you say are keeping her in the lead?
(This oughta be good)
Andy K @ 67:
I've never seen you here either troll.
Do I have to put the station wagon in park, reach over the seat and knock yer heads together? Huh?!?!
Neither one of you is a troll. Ya've both been here a long time. So knock it off and listen to each other, huh.
That goes fer you, too, Johnny2Bad. And, btw, what makes "Hillary is a political insider Representing the interests of New York City that’s how..." anti-semitic? Yeah, lots of Jews in NYC. Lots of Irish and Italians, too. But what I think what CD's gettin' at is that NYC is also home of the NYSE and a ton of corporations.
Think, and ask fer clarification if need be, before ya start callin' folks trolls.
Ok...Sorry. Not a "troll". Remains to be seen if he's not an anti-semite. Corporations? Uhh, not buying it. Those are corporate interests.
But let him dig himself out.
Barbara @ 19:
Then vote for him.
mudshark @ 52:
Works for me...(since a Gore/Digby ticket seems highly unlikely)
No disrespect to Edwards because god knows I love him but....
Where the hell are the clips from Obama's speach at the JJ dinner? What's a guy gotta do to get some respect on this blog?
Did you see Tweety comparing Barack to Bobby Kennedy? I swear I think Matthews is sporting wood for Obama. Who wouldn't after that speach!!
I believe the quote was "He was like Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King all rolled up into one candidate."
Don @ 73:
Dude, dude, dude...
Tweety could get hard lookin' at a fire hydrant. Or a cloud. Definitely a mirror. Probably an oil filter. Electrical sockets. Winnie the Pooh. A bucket of wax....
Looks like Goofus broke out his veto crayon again today... "Those democrats are like a bunch of teenagers with a new credit card". Wow, what a child he is.
Single payer, not for profit healthcare is the ONLY answer. Until we as a country shake the boogyman of "socialized medicine" and expose the health insurance industry as a complete and total waste of money, we are doomed to trail the industrialized world.
john amato @ 55:
Seems to be working.
Don @ 73:
Really? Obama is eloquent. True. But I really cannot see where Obama should be compared to Robert Kennedy or Martin Luther King. Obama has ducked out on too many votes. Not exactly a sign of an heroic leader. And if Matthews is "sporting wood" for anybody...count me out. Ugh.
john amato @ 56:
I hope you got one that some whiz kid diddled, so you aren't paying AT&T, mister!
:P
Johnny2Bad @ 71:
Sorry folks I didn't read all the comment before adding my $.02. But now that I have I would just like to say hang in there MsCiara, Paris because they're all going to jump on board with us in a couple of weeks and we need to stick together.
BTW - was anyone else inspired by the JJ dinner speeches?
oh and also...stuff your iphone
EMPY @ 81:
A little street named WALL may have something to do with it. No? The fact that New York is the business/banking center of this country. No?
Oops. Dropped this in the wrong spot. Sorry
Johnny2Bad @ 71:
Do I have to put the station wagon in park, reach over the seat and knock yer heads together? Huh?!?!
Neither one of you is a troll. Ya've both been here a long time. So knock it off and listen to each other, huh.
That goes fer you, too, Johnny2Bad. And, btw, what makes "Hillary is a political insider Representing the interests of New York City that’s how..." anti-semitic? Yeah, lots of Jews in NYC. Lots of Irish and Italians, too. But what I think what CD's gettin' at is that NYC is also home of the NYSE and a ton of corporations.
Think, and ask fer clarification if need be, before ya start callin' folks trolls.
Ok...Sorry. Not a "troll". Remains to be seen if he's not an anti-semite. Corporations? Uhh, not buying it. Those are corporate interests.
But let him dig himself out.
I've been arguin' with CD fer a long time. Sometimes he(?) wins the argument, sometimes I do. You could accuse him of a lot of things, but not bein' an anti-semite. It just ain't there.
It's a tricky part of the on-line community, ain't it, when we're not face to face with those with whom we're tryin' to communicate? It's too easy to expect the least from them. Not that I'm innocent- there's barely a Paul supporter I won't accuse of trollship. But like I said, ya should ask fer clarification- before pointin' that finger. If ya ask and point in the same comment, yer settin' yerself up fer a confrontation that could have been avoided by stoppin' at askin'.
Don @ 82:
Dream on. In spite of the past 7 years, some of us still have more brain power left than that.
hope @ 55:
Well, I think Edwards IS running a different campaign this year. Different from everybody else, different from his own in 2004 (where he was stuck with Kerry, who he did NOT like).
So why is that bad? You have a politician that gets it now... who cares whether it was suddenly facing the death of his wife, becoming disillusioned with the other Dems in congress, the stunning incompetence of Bush and the Dems rolling along with it. Does it matter?
We have a good opportunity as voters, I think we should take it.
Andy K @ 76:
Thanks Andy K, now I have to go see if we have any bleach left.
BTW. someone in the CD/Johnny2Bad/ashton clash didn't close their blockquotes.
Makes the replies a bitch to read, no?
Barack hasn't missed as many votes as McCain. Just what is you affiliation hope?
Jeannie See @ 87:
Clorox? 'Cause I bet Matthews would wanna hit a gallon of Clorox, too.
Andy K @ 90:
:lol: I'm hoping it's Publix brand now.
I wish Edwards had not spoken at the AIPAC conference.
Why would anyone want the Federal government making their life and death choices? Because
you may assume that the cost is less when it comes out of your paycheck.? It will be the most
expensive, because the money will be squandered by the Congress, most inefficient, it will be
run by appointees changing every four or eight years and with little or no money appropiated
for research, it will slide to a third world capability. Social security is running out of money,
Medicare will not be able to care for the baby boomers over their life time and now universal
health care has become popular because the general public will not take financial responsibility
for their own needs. One less new car every four years would problably cover your health care.
Once we go there, we can not turn back.
Don @ 75:
big problem: they were both shot to death in 1968.
Don @ 89:
My "affiliation" was always "Democrat". I'm no longer comfortable with that affiliation because they no longer seem to "represent" anyone. I'm also not impressed with the fact that Obama has not "missed as many votes as McCain". I would never in a vote for McCain. I might (still) vote for Obama if he was the nominee BUT he needs to take a stance and vote where his very eloquent mouth is. I could listen to him all day but if he's not going to follow up on what he's saying then, I AM NOT IMPRESSED and, until he does, I will not vote for him in the primaries.
Bill @ 93:
Are you a Libertarian?
swarmofkillermonkeys @ 86:
What's bad about Edwards campaign isn't so much his platform. That's good. But he seems uninspired(probably due to his wife's cancer) and his financin' is horrible.
Saw Kos chattin' with Josh at TPM a few weeks back...Seems that because Edwards has takin' Federal fundin' early, he can't get more Federal funds until after the conventions. And he's runnin' woefully short of cash right now.
So should Edwards pull the rabbit outta his hat and roll up the early primaries, collect the votes to win the nomination early, he'll have months between the primaries and conventions when he can't make or buy time fer advertisin'. That would allow a lot of time fer Swift-boaters to attack him, and Edwards wouldn't be able to answer with much of a voice.
Andy K @ 97:
I never would have put "Edwards" and "uninspired" in the same sentence. Examples, please.
hope @ 55:
Ha! Good comment, hope.
Edwards is a good man (as is Kucinich and a couple others). He is the candidate that American corporations do not want. They will do everything in their power to defeat him, beginning with the media they own ("Edwards who?").
Andy K @ 97:
Yes, of course, the irony is we all bitch that we wish a politician would take public financing...
...and then we try to crucify them for doing so. The only question is do you want the candidate hired with the most lobbyist money, or do you want one that took public financing instead?
This is clear: there will NEVER be a better time to run as a Democrat for election reform. Edwards could beat any of the Republicans this time around with $2 and cardboard sign blindfolded. This is a rare opportunity (maybe the LAST) to elect someone based on merit, rather than wealth.
I sure hope we don't throw our last chance away.
Nicole Belle @ 18:
Nicole, I'm not making a comment on anything here, kay? But you should have an e-mail from Baracks wife about his speech at the dinner now. I got one from her this evening. It might make a good post to have a clip of it. Especially for those of us that don't watch TV so don't get to see the canidates speak in person that often.
As to Edwards ad I think anything that threatens the Congess-critters elitest comfort is a great thing. I'm pretty well fed up with our third rate employees acting like king shit and expecting US to pay for it!
Bill @ 93:
The government needs real oversight and to be held accountable by the people. Have you ever heard of "by the people, for the people?"
Secondly, whatever small amount of streamlining that is done by private corporations is done for the purpose of profit. It does not benefit you. It goes to their disgustingly high paid CEO's.
hope @ 98-
Every debate I've seen he's frownin'. Seems more like he's angry and anti-, rather than bein' upbeat about his programs.
This ad is the first time in a while where I've seen him with any energy. But I don't much trust ads. How many takes was that, to come across as energetic? And rather than sellin' his healthcare program on its own merits, he's runnin' against Congress.
Andy K @ 84:
Point taken. Still I've heard that "New York City interests" line over and over again. From Nixon (N.Y. Jews control the media) to Jesse Jackson (Hymie Town)
Its just plainly Right wing/anti-semite speak for Jew. You know there is no shortage of anti-semitism on the left. In his "The Resurgence of Anti-Semitism: Jews, Israel and Liberal Opinion", Bernard Harrison writes about "political anti-semitism" and that "one can say things that fall under the rubric of anti-Semitism without truly hating Jews." In that context it was crying out for confrontation.
But hey, you're right I overreacted. If he misspoke then great. My bad.
New Yok city is such a hodge podge of every kind of person on the planet...I would think that -that comment was reffering to Wall Street.....but hey what do I know.....I'm in Calif.
Love Edward's idea. It would be fitting since they're so reluctant to provide affordable, efficient and top-of-the-line health care for every other American citizen. However, this just in from FACTCHECK.ORG:
"Edwards' Empty Threat
November 13, 2007
He vows to take away congressional health insurance, but presidents can't do that.
Summary
John Edwards' new ad says that when he's in the Oval Office, he'll tell Congress to act within six months to make sure all Americans have health insurance or "I'm going to use my power as president to take your health care away from you."
First he's going to have to throw out the Constitution, though. No president has the power to strip lawmakers and Cabinet members of their health coverage. Health insurance is a benefit granted to federal employees (including members of Congress) by law, not by executive fiat, as we've said before.
...Presidents can't just negate federal laws at will, and it's under law that members of Congress, cabinet members, and other government employees get health insurance. They're all covered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, which is a good menu of plans, but not the gold-plated health coverage that some may believe Congress gets. As former Rep. Martin Frost, recently explained, "During the 26 years I served in Congress, I always signed up for one of the Blue Cross plans that had both deductibles and co-pays."
... All Edwards could do as president is to push Congress to legislate away its own health-care coverage. And in fact, that's as far as he goes when stating his position on his Web site. According to a campaign press release from earlier this fall:
Edwards press release: Edwards said on the first day of his administration he would submit legislation that ends health care coverage for the president, all members of Congress, and all senior political appointees in both branches of government on July 20th, 2009 - unless universal health care legislation that meets four specific, non-negotiable principles has been passed by that date.
That doesn't sound like much of a threat, does it? Congress would have to pass a law in order to exempt itself, or the president, or the Cabinet, or any other federal employee, from health care coverage. Readers can judge for themselves how far such a bill would get.
It may make a tougher-sounding political ad for Edwards to threaten Congress outright "to take your health care away from you." But it's a threat that is misleading and empty. Edwards, who's a lawyer, should know better. -by Viveca Novak"
Damn. I sure sounded like a just idea....
Andy K @ 103:
I agree that he should, occasionally, come across as less intense but, for the most part, I think his intensity is warranted and, as for running against Congress...? I'm not sure that's such a bad thing because I cannot stomach what Congress is (not) doing anymore.
Che's Lounge @ 5:
I doubt they do.
swarmofkillermonkeys @ 100:
Well, Dewey had it sewn up over Truman early in '48 and lost. Carter, after the '76 conventions was, iirc. about 30 points up on Ford and still nearly lost the election. And those races were nearly equally funded.
Ya let the opposition control the message yer gonna lose some votes even when yer able to respond. I'm afraid that, with no war chest, Edwards would be behind come convention time next summer. And that says little about Edwards the man or campaigner, but it says tons about the average, easily swayed voter.
All I know is that these Congresscritters make more money and have better benefits than I do. I find something deeply wrong with that.
Great point, John E.!
Now if we can just stop sucking the Neocon's big toe you can get my vote.
...
Eliz @ 106-
That's almost exactly what this, in the OP, said, if ya followed the link :
"...though everyone says it would be impossible to pass."
Lollimom @ 99:
I agree. Even a lot of the liberal blogs pick up the idiotic talking points against Edwards, Kucinich, etc. The right wing oftentimes doesn't even have to repeat a lot of what they've instigated (98% of which has nothing to do with issues) because some of the liberal talking heads all too gleefully repeat these non-issues and, in effect, do the neocons' jobs for them.
Johnny2Bad @ 104:
Yes. This is the correct response. Now can we move on? Way too much "troll calling" around here lately.
Andy K @ 109:
I guess I have still have more faith in them so far. And I don't think that funding is anywhere NEAR as dire as you paint it -- the Republicans have raised hardly any money at all! Again, NOW is the time that a candidate on public financing would work.
That aside, there are still plenty of other ways in which to promote the candidate and rebut attacks... financing outside of Edwards campaign itself. The "swift boat" ads themselves should show you that.
Eliz @ 106:
Except that, unfortunately, he could these days.
Why not just issue a "signing statement" to the budget? Although, I think that this is a bizarrely too literal interpretation... presidents DO introduce legislation all the time. Someone always sponsors it too.
Dick Cheney has made the presidential powers VERY vast. Edwards could accomplish this in many different ways. I have confidence that Edwards, as a former Senator, is not confused that the President is actually a Senator. Duh!
Ever have a conversation that afterwards you say, "I can't believe I HAD to have that conversation!"?
Andy K @ 68:
Good God ... are you serious? Your suggestion would leave some commentors without any argument to make at all.
Great idea, but it won't work, because there are too many "Democrats" who are every bit as neocon and elitist as the GOPers. Usually, they label themselves as "centrists". Right. They will side with the GOP.
But, it would be good to do so that these folks can be identified as needing to be replaced.
Bob Roberts @ 116:
HUH?????..........LOL.......gn folks be well.
If your ass wants healthcare than get some skills, get a good job and buy your own, its in incentive for qualified people, they have higher education, etc. Stop whining, your ass does not rate healthcare!
Eliz @ 106:
This is what excites Edwards supporters.
He gets it.
More people lack health care every day
while their tax dollars pay for a bogus war.
How safe are our families with the Bush/GOP excuses for war?
For our medical care?
Johnny2Bad @ 104:
I should have picked my words better.
Sorry about the confusion Johnny2Bad.
chris @ 119:
chris, you are a heartless bastard!! What about the millions of people who are unable to work; the chronically ill, children, wounded veterans?? Dont they deserve healthcare as much as you???
You had better pray that you dont develop a chronic illness, lose your fabulous job and your fabulous health insurance. (I know youre not a wounded veteran since you are a chickenshit chickenhawk!!) By your standards, that means that YOU dont deserve healthcare!!
Why dont you stop talking out of your ass, cretin, and try to consider the welfare of someone else for a change???
Eliz @ 106:
Ever heard of the "Bully pulpit?" Edwards could put some serious hurt on em if they didn't play along.
I'd love to see the formal bill drawn up and introduced. It will be great fun to see who gets on board and who produces the most convoluted excuses. It occured to me long ago that the best way of caring for plain folks is to make sure that Congressmen get no better, whether it's in regard to health care, pensions, legal representation and even wages.
Wouldn't it be interesting if Congressmen got no more in pay and benefits than the median compensation of their constituents? Do you think CEOs would get away with pay rates several hundred times greater than their workers if Congressmens' pay was tied to the welfare of the common man versus the expectations of the upper class?
Levelers! Communists! Socialists! Liberals! : the most vile names we would be called for advocating fairness, decency, and christian love.
What would the US look like under such a framework? -- probably a little like Norway: just about the safest, most prosperous, healthiest place on earth.
Socialized medicine: If it's good enough for Congress, then why isn't it good enough for the rest of America?
chris @ 119:
That will be difficult, IDIOT, because only 60% of jobs offer insurance these days. Small businesses are often priced out of the market. Not coincidentally, during most economic recoveries it is small businesses who provide most of the new jobs. So that statistic is going to get worse.
Another point to make: the only countries who utilize your "system" are third-world shitholes. Every other major industrialized nation, I mean EVERY SINGLE ONE, has universal healthcare, and has had it for years, or decades.
Another point to make: who will protect YOU from the untreated diseases as they race through our communities. I guess your ass doesn't rate it since you're a motherfucking sociopath.
There is no real 'liberal outrage' over this ad. There is outrage from conservative democrats, limousine liberals, and Clinton supporters. None of them are 'liberals'.
chris @ 119:
Come back when you lose yours ok.Oh that's right......your on daddy's policy.Wow...People here don't rate health care?.....LOL,your an idiot.
The MSM has been ignoring Edwards for the last six months. I can't stand how the MSMers continue to try to make our decision for us. Chris Matthews will barely ever mention Edwards name even after he ask his Sunday panel who won the debate Clinton or Obama and three out of the four say "Edwards". Matthews just ignores what they say and brings it back to Obama and Clinton. Sure makes one wonder what the MSM has against Edwards?
During the last debate Edwards challenged Clinton on her Kyl/Lieberman vote and how this could give the Bush administration what they want a permission form to pre-emptively strike Iran. He also said the "n" neoncon word on a National stage and was willing to place the responsibility of the false intelligence where it belongs.
Edwards was on George Stephanpolous several weeks ago and was willing to say that our government is "broke and corrupt". This interview is a must watch.
http://abcnews.go.com/search?searchtext=Jon%20Edwards%20oct%202007&from=0&to=9&type=video
go click
Edwards: Clinton Operates in Corrupt System
Nov. 4, 2007
Edwards is speaking truth to power and the MSM basically ignores him.
Hello Chris Matthews give us verified information about the candidates and where they stand on issues. Quit trying to tell us how to vote.
chris @ 119:
Who the f*ck are YOU to be making judgments of people? You talk about higher education when it's obvious YOU haven't got it -- learn how to spell, jackass.
old hack @ 123:
Hey, old hack!! How much are the rethugs paying you to badmouth John Edwards?? rethugs are shitting their pants and hoping that Mr. Edwards doesnt get elected because that would be the end of their reign of corruption!!
BTW, I can tell youre a rethug because you cant spell for shit!!! You must be one of those children who got left behind!! Bwaahaahaa
This is right on and it is the winning issue. My health care costs me over a thousand a month. It's killing my future.
Edwards might as well promise that he'll use his presidential powers to put a man on Mars in 6 months. He can propose the bill, but you're crazy if you think the Dems will vote away their own health insurance any more than the 'Publicans would.
I'm hugely in favor of health care reform, but this is nothing but a political stunt, and the disdain for voters' intelligence is distastefully reminiscent of Bush.
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