I'm not sure which is worse. Senator Jim Bunning or Senator-elect Rand Paul. One thing is sure, however. They're both swaggering jerks. One ties up women; the other threatens patriots.
The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the Affordable Care Act yesterday for the benefit of repealers and anti-repealers alike. Along with the usual posturing, there was this remarkable exchange between Dr. Berwick and Senator Bunning. Clearly piqued by Berwick's recess appointment, Bunning berates him for accepting it without the proper hearings. Never mind Bunning's silence when George W. Bush appointed all of these folks as recess appointments, including the evil, odious neocon John Bolton to the UN Security Council. No, no, that doesn't matter to Bunning at all.
Dr. Berwick was really quite engaging despite the browbeating attempt. When scolded for daring to accept President Obama's appointment, he quite humbly answers that his President asked, and he accepted because he, too, wants to serve his country.
The entire hearing is here. It's quite interesting, particularly when Berwick is actually allowed to respond to questions. He's a terrific person to have as head of the CMS, particularly right now.
