Howard Dean: Washington Is More Resistant To Change Than Anything "Except A Few Religious Cults"

In an interview with Esquire magazine, former Vermont Governor Howard Dean (author of a new book, "Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Health Care Reform," explained why there was so much resistance to a public health care option.

ESQ: Speaking of the Obama plan, you're even stronger than he has been lately in support of the public plan. You say that without it, it's not reform.

HD: It's not. It's a waste of time. Don't pretend you're going to do health-insurance reform unless you're really going to change the system. The discussions in the Senate have not been about changing the system.

ESQ: They seem to be worried about preserving the status quo.

HD: Washington is the most conservative town in America. Its culture is the most resistant to change except a few religious cults.

Yesterday, Dean responded to reports that White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel was pushing for a public option that would be triggered by future conditions. "I think that a public plan with triggers is not a real public plan and it is going to be a trillion dollar failure," Dean said. "Anyone who thinks a trigger is going to lead us to a good place five years from now is wrong... It is not a sensible policy compromise."

Read the full interview here.

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Comments

[missouriwatcher]

Bravo, Dr. Dean!! Keep up the noise, please; we need your voice.

[Texas Aggie]

Sure, let's have a trigger. Cantor tells us that four months is soon enough to see whether or not the stimulus works. The insurance companies have had 15 years since the Clinton attempt at health reform. The private insurance companies obviously can react to market conditions faster than the government can. So how about a 7 day trigger. They have one week to get everyone covered with no exemptions for preexisting conditions at a price within the reach of everyone. Otherwise we go to single payer. How about that!!?

[vandegrasse]

I give up. The pigs have stolen the trough!

[vandegrasse]

You see 70 percent of the Americans who are in favor of public health care don't have the kind of money that's ending up in the pockets of our so-called representatives. Dollars of the few trump the will of the many. Sad, irrelevant, avaricious Washington.

[ekoorb]

Health care has been talked about for 60 years and polls in the 70's but they still shakedown the lobbyists.

[DemoGoddes]

I'm glad that at least one Democrat isn't afraid to speak the truth. Keep it up, Dr. Dean!

[tresluv]

I love you, Howard Dean. How sad that speaking the truth, clearly and on the basis of facts, is considered a liability, in our political landscape.

[CherokeeGirl]

Love ya Howie! You talk sense and break it down simple.

I'm glad I watched you today on MSNBC with David and Tamryn.

I needed a reset on the healthcare fight, that it's not left or right, it's people against big biz.

Thanks Howie! :)

[igotthis]

If you want another needed "reset on the healthcare fight," then checkout this cool message I received from BarackObama.com today:

"As we speak, key committees in Congress are weighing options and making final decisions about how to tackle health care reform. This could be one of the last opportunities to shape the legislation before it's written."

"The behind-the-scenes committee negotiations aren't front-page news, but the lobbyists trying to block reform are following every detail, and they won't miss a day. If the final plan is to uphold President Obama's principles of reduced costs, guaranteed choice -- including a robust public insurance option -- and quality care for all, your voice must be heard."

"Please call your representatives right now and ask them to support President Obama's three principles for real health care reform."

[KellyJo]

Howard Dean should be head of HHS , glad to see he's getting some air time thou.

[Coinyer101]

Damn, did he hit that nail on the head. Too bad he wont advocate for a single-payer plan.

[ricmarc]

boy, he nailed THAT on the head!

[cruzking2000]

I totally, 100% agree with the doctor. In fact, why aren't the doctors leading this fight? How come a coalition of nothing but doctors, led by Dean, making a comprehensive and decisive plan to be delivered to Congress and Senate for them to vote on??? Just sayin', it seems to me that only the DOCTORS should be making the policy for America's healthcare. Not the lobbyists from the insurance co.'s and drug manufacturers!! Their job is to follow, not lead, in the healthcare debate.

[Idea1013]

If we leave this decision solely in the hands of doctors, we are in fact turning our health care concerns over to one of the largest lobbying groups in America. Do you think the AMA is going to fight to make sure you keep the most money in your pocket, or put it in theirs?

[unity13]

Unless we have election reform, it will be next to impossible to achieve health care reform.

[plaidsportcoat]

It could work with just gender fortification, though!

[Chip W]

To expand on that: Wouldn't it be nice if all financial ties between elected officials and the private sector were severed. It would eliminate a bunch of conflicts of interest, and make it easier for elected people to look at what's best for the country rather than what's best for themselves. The self-interest in Washington is rather disgusting.

[thromulese]

Well, the doctor knows best.

[novoorganum]

I will like to expand that statement and say: not only religious cults but big money as well.