Elizabeth Edwards: I'm Already Working With Obama's Team On Health Care

Elizabeth Edwards appeared on this morning's Good Morning America to discuss the Democratic Party's approach to universal health care. While Edwards had previously stated a preference for the health care proposal created by New York Senator Hillary Clinton over that of Senator Barack Obama, she told GMA host (and fellow cancer battler) Robin Roberts that she plans to "partner" with Obama on health care, and is "already working with this team with respect to health care."

[WATCH.]

ROBERTS: Last month when your husband endorsed Senator Obama many noted that you did not. They did not hear from you. And they have a feeling that maybe you did not back him like your husband did. Is that the case? And are you backing Senator Obama now?

EDWARDS: I'm backing Senator Obama. I expect to work as hard as I need to. As I'm called on to do to make certain that he is the next president. I'm already working with this team with respect to health care, trying to make certain that we get the message out about how much difference it will make in individual American's lives if we have a president with the ideas and the vision that Senator Obama has, as opposed to the same old same old, that Senator McCain is suggesting we can live with. I don't think we can.

ROBERTS: Recently, this is what Senator Obama said about McCain's health care plan and the possibility of working with you. This is what he said recently.

OBAMA: We cannot afford that. Not when 47 million Americans already are uninsured. A number that is growing by the day. By the way, I'm going to be partnering up with Elizabeth Edwards - we're going to be figuring all of this out.

ROBERTS: The last time I talked with you, Elizabeth, early April in Boston, you indicated at that time that you considered Senator clinton's health care plan to be a better plan. That had you concerns about Senator Obama's health care plan. Are you going to partner with him and do you still have the same concerns?

EDWARDS: I'm going to partner with him. The idea is, we want to get to universality. We want to make certain that every American is covered. You know, the mechanism for doing that, there's going to be disagreement about what that is. I expect that the final solution be worked out in Congress about how it is we get every American covered. Although I have my particular preferences, it makes -- it makes a huge difference whether or not, it's Senator Obama's plan or Senator McCain's plan. You know, I have cancer, you have cancer. With pre-existing conditions, if you have those kind of conditions, Senator Obama guarantees that you have coverage. Pre-existing conditions are covered. Senator McCain's is a lot more problematic and potentially enormously expensive. His latest suggestion about how it is we cover people with pre-existing conditions can be enormously expensive and, contrary to what Senator McCain says, a huge government-run program.

Comments

[Brillig]

My son, a student who earns 200 a fortnight at the little job he has for covering groceries and internet bills called me the other day "Mom, I have to go to the dentist..I think I broke a tooth"

"OK" says I, " is your insurance ok...?"

"Yes, but it doesn't have a dental rider"

"So, let me know how much you need. We can send it Western Union"

2 days later:

"Mum, they will have to do a root canal, and a crown. Thats 4 visits"

"OK, cut to the chase...what's the cost?"

"$1600 for everything"

Me sarcastically: "Does that include overnight stay in a 4 star hospital with dancing girls?"

Him resignedly: "no Mum, Sorry"

Me: Don't worry, we'll send it...

Later that evening to Dad..." Well there goes what amounts to half of my entire month's take home pay"

Now, suppose there was no DAD in the picture who was earning.? Suppose I had no job? Suppose instead of ONE son in College I had THREE (THIS IS THE LAST ONE)

Where would this money have come from? ONE ROOT CANAL would have probably cost me to miss out on a mortgage payment, and OTHER BILLS.

That is why we need Universal Health Care. What more can a Government do, or SHOULD do for taxpaying citizens than to offer EDUCATION< HEALTH and SHELTER?

BY THE WAY - PLANNING TO GO TO COLLEGE? THINK DENTISTRY!

[lizr]

I thought I had a filling fall out the other day and I almost had a cow.

No extra money rt now for dentists in my house.

[kikaida]

"ditched Hillary for Obama" huh???? are we on the same planet?

Elizabeth Edwards didn't have a choice. Hillary is out of the race. If you liked Hillary's health care plan better, isn't this good news? Obama will be able to put together a better health plan with competent and caring people like Elizabeth Edwards advising him. Also, it's the other way around.

McCain will not seek the advice of Elizabeth Edwards if he wins. Even if he wanted to, the puppet masters on the far right will make sure that does not happen. They want to continue polarizing politics in America based on keeping the people subdued by fear. It's time you joined reality.

Clinton had a good team. Obama has a good team. Let's put the two together and make a super team that will fix America. It's not about left vs right. You vs them. Clinton vs Obama. It's about fixing dirty and self-serving politics and ultimately fixing America.

And how in the world do you get that McCain is a people person and Obama is not? I have the exact opposite gut feeling about the two, having never met either of them. My gut feelings are rarely wrong.

[jetgirl]

I don't think universal health care will ever pass in the US. We are going to have to get a lot of democrats elected for it to work.

[LawSource]

WE WILL FINALLY WIN THE FIGH ON Universal Health Care Once Obama is Elected!!

[lizr]

We are going to have to get a lot of democrats elected for it to work.>>

Right . and we will never have a better opportunity than RIGHT NOW.

[patmancando]

We would have had a better chance had Hillary been nominated and elected. She has had a passion for health care, since the 90s; don't see than passion in Dumbo; Elizabeth is a smart cookie, bet she knows it too.

[orangepetal]

What you ditched Hilary to Obama, at least you noticed her plan was better. Wishing you lots of luck on your endeavors. Remember it ain't gonna work if he does not win, but Mc Cain is a people guy, give him a chance if he wins, I bet he will be interested in hearing you out. Amazing how everybody is so unified, I guess he has a good way of fooling the people who are paid to take care of us. Far left is not what we need now, we need a center person, a people person, in my opinion.

[shelobo]

Elizabeth Edwards is a brave woman and has more courage than ANY of the politicans I have heard speak about health care !I don't see her ditching ANYONE ,she has been firm on her views concerning health care she KNOWS what its like to fight the battle against cancer with out the right weapons .I know as I lost my only sister to cancer ,and she didn't have ANY health insurance and we tried to get it before she even got sick and she was denied because the insurance companies felt she knew she had cancer BEFORE before the cancer was found.I paid out of MY pocket for ALL my sisters care ,and the cancer society helped me with her meds.And this happened in 1975 ,when people did have some type of AFFORDABLE health insurance through their employers .You as so many others are MORE concerned about YOUR candidate winning or looseing ,you are NOT concerned about the REAL ISSUES that are harming this countrys children and their children .

[lizr]

McCain is not center, maybe he was once but no longer.

Now he is HARD RIGHT like Bush. No moderation, no more straight talk.

Obama's the one.

[wedgie]

I'm now paying $1,000 a month to cover myself, my wife and my son.

I know for a fact that a single payer system would give me better coverage at 70 percent of that cost.

**

[XME]

Yup, and just imagine the folks who are flat-out turned down...I guess McCain isn't thinking about them with his "plan".

I was denied insurance by several companies because at ONE point in my life, I took antidepressants. That was the first question every one of them asked...and it was also the last one. Even though I was no longer taking them, they simply wouldn't insure me. Fortunately, I now work for the state and have great coverage, but not before filing for bankruptcy because I had over $40K in JUST medical bills. I made LESS than $20K a year, but too much to qualify for assistance! In this country, it's just so wrong that we allow this to happen to ANYONE.

[shelobo]

I see where you are coming from,my sister's life insurance denied the payoff for her burial that she and I paid for because she had a questionable pap smear but later developed cancer of the cervix which could not be detected with a pap smear !She was denied health insurance because the insurance company said she KNEW she had cancer before it was even found.I had to borrow money to even bury her ,which wasn't a problem as I had a good job ,but it was wrong what was done to her and the same thing is still happening to people.Hard working people who pay and pay and still are denied their rights when they die.I don't agree with ANY thing that is mandated by the goverment ,because then the cost of the service is way to high because they know we HAVE to have it or break the laws!

[rosal]

Elizabeth is an amazing lady. Instead of focusing on her own health, she is willing to work for the benefit of millions of Americans. An example for all the people too involved in their own little world.

[orangepetal]

I agree she is really good for caring about others, people don't always have the time or the resources to help others. Then of course there are always those that just dont care.

[Plowboy]

As a fellow cancer survivor, with a wife who has survived TWO different cancers, I can relate to Elizabeth, but still I prefer a single payer system as the most efficient and economical.
But with her aboard I can believe something good will come out. It is time! America in the ONLY industrialized nation without universal health care.
Elizabeth is a remarkable woman, and I can't help saying that I've found her more impressive than her husband, although he has his qualities too (and I hope he becomes the AG.)

[lizr]

SINGLE PAYER is the only way to go.

[Vinca]

To lizr: I'm not sure what the best plan is for health care, but we DO NEED HEALTHCARE, so many are without it< LIVING I N FEAR OF NEEDIN TO GO TO A HOSPITAL

[luvobama]

It's so refreshing to see our party coming together. If we keep this up, it is going to be a landslide.

[hhkeller]

doubtful
51% prefered another candidate

[smurphette]

hhkeller 100% Deaf,Dumb and Blind!!!

[jkpcguru]

Polls are are not meant to be "evidence" of who will win in november. Polls are helpful in finding a candidates current strengths and weaknesses. I take that percentage as a half a grain of salt!
The only evidence I rely on is the general political environment

Bush has 17% approval rating. The incumbent party doesn't usually win next with that rating
2008 is not a year for republicans. 2008 is a year for democrats
Obama has base problems, McCain has base problems
Obama attracts more independents then McCain
61% of democrats are enthusiastic about this election 35% of Republicans are enthusiastic
Its the Economy...stupid!

[jeplanet]

It's fun making up "facts", hmmm?

[Suthngal]

That number you attribute to BHO ACTUALLY applies to JM. Glad I could help you correct that ;).

Republicans for Obama!

[rosal]

I'll make my own poll: 98% refuse to vote Repug.

[SantaFeStars]

Great news! Elizabeth is a smart, hard working lady who will be a real asset to Obama's team. John was always running his own team with Elizabeth's support. Only a lawyer, you say? Don't you fret, she's very capable!

[roshni]

With Elizabeth and John Edwards on his team, BO can't go wrong. I'm so hoping that JE will be our next vice president. Please, our country needs you and the two of you will be an unbeatable team.

[lizr]

Edwards for AG!

[Vinca]

To lizt: I'm sure Obama will pick John Edwards for some position

[heal57]

This is wonderful to see. Elizabeth Edwards is a strong woman and a wonderful Mom. I am glad she is part of our health care solution. I would like to see John Edwards as Attorney General or VP if Senator Obama chooses him. Let's go, Obama!!

Independents for Obama '08
Women for Obama '08

[ProgressiveBum]

This is what I had been hoping for when JE endorsed O. I liked their plan the best during the primaries.

[jlmealer]

Progressive Candidate John McCain comes through for America with his 3R economic plan.
In the persona of Theodore Roosevelt, McCain’s plan just makes sense.

1. RETHINK: America must rethink the global views on what America is capable of in our current state of technology, engineering and the demands that face the world.

“RE-Think” the basic job goals involve the dwindling retirement, health care and social security plans that are failing Americans. With a strong base and a higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) America has a new bargaining chip in the way we live and the ways we retire.

The framework is already in place through existing laws to make this happen. The Progressive attitude of John McCain to get things done by crossing party lines will resurrect America.

2. REFORM: America must rise to these demands and compete aggressively in a global economy. American people must demand higher quality products and less restricted trade routes for Made in USA components.

The USA will reform its dead manufacturing base to create the most innovative and green-engineered products possible. We will compete in a world market along with other high quality products. Once again, the world needs American success in these new ways of manufacturing.

3. REINVENT: America and Americans must reinvent themselves to reach and maintain these standards and by sheer American ingenuity, control the world’s marketplace in the competitive manner, as we have always been proud to be #1. Can you hear Theodore Roosevelt shouting this?

[treetracker]

Me thinks you and John are living in lala land. John progressive? LOL. His social security and health care plans follow the "personal responsiblity" mantra of the Repugs...if you have enough money you can take care of yourself, if you don't, you can still take care of yourself. Hate to burst your bubble, but the emerging GDP country is China. We will never have the "bargaining chip" over them. We are outnumbered. As for our demanding quality products...who's going to confirm they are quality products? The CPA, the FDA? Yeah, right, not with the Repugs in control. They think business will compete to bring us these products, when in fact, if all any company provides is junk, then that's all we'll have to choose from, while they reap the profits. We are no longer #1, regardless of what the politicians want you to believe. That's patriotic nonsense. We are now a debtor nation and our dollar is worth less than the Candandian Looney. Theodore went up against big business. You'll not find a Repug today to do that. Not ever. Not even JM.

[MyThought]

I always wondered who really was running for president - Elizabeth or John. Sorry folks, something just doesn't feel right about this. Her expertise on health care? She's a lawyer.

Something just feels sleazy here.

[judyc]

Hillary was a lawyer, too. What was her expertise when she worked on healthcare during Bill's first term?

[ProudLiberalDan]

Yes, a strong, independent woman with her own mind who doesn't need to think what her husband thinks just doesn't "feel right" to many people.

Edwards is a dynamite candidate, and his wife just happens to be strong herself.

Our greatest Democratic President, FDR, also had a very strong wife, Eleanor.

[heal57]

Sleazy?? What could you possibly mean by that? Elizabeth Edwards is an educated woman; an attorney. She has every right to be a strong woman. Her expertise on health care; she's got 3 children and unfortunately one deceased. She's had cancer and health issues. That's real experience, being a Mom and a cancer survivor.

Independent for Obama '08

[kellygrrrl]

she has a Law Degree
which she earned quite a few years ago

She has been an informed activist on the Health Care Issues for almost her entire adult life

She is also very informed and active in reforming education in her stance and getting scholarships to bright students who would otherwise not be able to afford college.

What is so sleazy about any of the above?

[roshni]

She's a patient and she knows first hand how inadequate McCain's plan would be. Nothing sleazy at all..

[CTmom13]

She really is a classy lady....I would love for Obama to pick Edwards as VP

[kellygrrrl]

Atty Gen

just the guy to seek criminal indictments against the Traitors

[midknightryder13]

Yeah -- I like Edwards better for AG, too.

[kellygrrrl]

Elizabeth Edwards as Health Care czar

John Edwards for Atty General

what a team!

[lizr]

YES!!!!