Obama Health Care Speech Reactions

George Stephanopoulos, ABC News

I...think this might have been the most emotional speech I've ever seen President Obama give. He was right on the edge of anger, it seemed, at times, especially when he was rebutting some of the charges made about his plan. And I don't think I've ever seen him get caught up emotionally in the way he did in those final couple of paragraphs, where there was even a catch in his voice -- not even in his inaugural address in January. This is very close to President Obama's heart. (ABC TV)

E.J. Dionne, Washington Post

But for all of the details, the most striking aspect of the address may have been its call to battle: The days of taking incoming fire without any return volleys are over. [...]

It seemed as if a politician who had been channeling the detached and cerebral Adlai Stevenson had discovered a new role model in the fighting Harry Truman. For the cause of health-care reform, it was about time.

Ed Kilgore, The New Republic

Many observers will focus on the style rather than the substance of the speech: the president was obviously passionate as well as wonky, and very emotional in his wind-up tribute to the late Senator Kennedy. Even though I didn't think coming in that he had to move public opinion, he may have actually done that. But if nothing else, he's set the stage for positive action in Congress, laid down the markers he needed to lay down, and in general, regained some serious momentum for health care reform.

Andrew Sullivan, The Atlantic

A masterful speech, somehow a blend of governance and also campaigning. He has Clinton's mastery of policy detail with Bush's under-rated ability to give a great speech. But above all, it is a reprise of the core reason for his candidacy and presidency: to get past the abstractions of ideology and the easy scorn of the cable circus and the cynicism that has thereby infected this country's ability to tackle pressing problems. This was why he was elected, and we should not be swayed by the old Washington and the old ideologies and the old politics. He stands at the center urging a small shift to more government because the times demand it.

Ezra Klein, Washington Post

Thought this was Obama's most effective policy speech by far. This is not a format he's done very well at in the past.

Josh Marshall, Talking Points Memo

Taken together I thought President Obama did a solid job laying out the essential elements of his reform, rebuking the liars and laying out some beginnings of an elevating vision of just what this whole effort is about.

Just what the effect will be, I find it difficult to predict. In part that is because so much of the pushback over August (not withstanding reasonable policy disagreements with the broad outlines we know of Obama's reform) has been a hash of paranoia, organized lying and militant frivolity that I'm not sure it's an easy thing to judge the direction of this in anything approaching rational terms.

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Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

I've been here for a decade and a half, it's the best speech I've ever heard to a Joint Session. It had a sense of history but a focus about moving forward. It was as specific as it needed to be.

Rachel Maddow, MSNBC

The president gave what I think is the only full, basically formal, at length defense of liberalism and defense of the idea of government for the people's good, in ideological terms. It's the most ideological I've ever heard him be and I think liberals will be happy.

Karen Tumulty, Time

The White House promised more detail tonight, and in that sense. the speech delivered--if only to make more explicit many of the things that Obama has only tacitly dealt with before. But it was a move that was badly needed at this moment. Within the House Chamber, he has provided the guidance that lawmakers have been begging for. But the real question is this: Has Obama provided the reassurance it will take to bring back the rest of the country?

John Nichols, The Nation

What Americans who have waited "nearly a century" for reform were left with was the prospect that the "great unfinished business of our society" -- as the late Edward Kennedy described the pursuit of universal health care in a last letter to Obama -- might remain unfinished under a president who means well but does not necessarily fight well.

David Corn, Mother Jones

The speech did put Obama center-stage in the health care show. But the words will dissipate quickly. Politicians and pundits will not be quoting them next week. What matters now is how the president and his aides handle the ongoing deal-making. Obama has demonstrated he can make swell use of the bully pulpit--even if this exhibition came perhaps late. But with this speech, he probably set up the final stretch as best he could. Now Obama has to wrestle with the politicians of Capitol Hill and make good on all those powerful sentiments--to define the character of the country and the character of his presidency.

Paul Begala, CNN

The harder work will come not under the kleig lights, but behind the scenes. Pres. Obama will need to twist lots of congressional arms to pass his plan. But tonight he fired a shot across the bow of some of the self-professed fiscal conservatives. He decried how the Bush tax cuts, the Bush war in Iraq and the Bush prescription drug plan helped explode the deficit, squandering the Clinton surplus and plunging us deep in debt. No one who voted for that unholy trinity -- and a whole lot of Blue Dogs did -- can credibly oppose Obama's health reforms on fiscal grounds. Let's hope he drives that point home even more powerfully when he meets with moderate Democrats in private.

Comments

[WellTickleMeWillie]

Ok, I get it, Obama is an excellent orator - not debatable. Let's go beyond his words to the underlying "plan" as the real meat. Remember "where's-the-beef." Let's disect Obama's message. The for-profit health denier corporations will gain millions of new clientsb/c of mandated insurance. Big gain for them. And they will very much still be in the game only bigger and meaner than ever b/c there is no tough cost control measures to stop them. For every mandated change like no pre-existing conditions, everyone is covered, no one can be dropped, etc, the health denier corporations will just -RAISE- their rates on everyone to keep their profits coming in at the same obscene rates as now. Nothing will stop them from doing this. The weak "public" option does not come into effect for 4 years. During that delay, the health denier corporations will make windfall profits at our expense. Is this reform or just changing the chairs of the deck of the titanic. Efficiency improvements to lower costs is ok but it will not be enough to offset the mandates and higher costs. The health denier corporations win, we lose without a single payer non-profit universal health care system. This is the best solution and it is wrongly being labeled left wing, socialist and not even on the table. So Obama's plan is not something we can believe in. We need a complete overhaul not window dressing.

[treetracker]

And when the rates keep going up and more and more people finally figure out that a single payer program is the only way to solve this mess, the program will be set up and ready to go. In the meantime we have 4 short years to put the right people in place in Congress who will do the right thing.

We need to fight in the primaries to rid the Dems of the Blue Dogs and Conserva/Dems. That work must start NOW.

Now that this first step has been taken (or soon will be), we need to be ready in 4 years to go all the way.

[WHTrout]

Once again, President Obama showed himself to be "the adult in the room" and the Republicans showed themselves to be impudent twits.

[68-lukeburlington]

"My name is Barack Obama, and I AM the President!" --- He may not have said it, but what Liberal didn't

notice the President's "Andrew Shepherd" moment! http://www.suburbanempire.com Time for Liberal/Pr­ogressives to deliver the votes in Congress!

[MeDonut]

Friends -

I was asked to give an example of being "punked" by the President.
I gave the example. Also, spare me the condescending tone.
The President had the power to stop the bonuses.

Our last President couldn't string two words together in a sentence but when he wanted to arrest people off the streets and jet them around the world to be tortured -- he did it. He didn't ask himself if he "had the power."

I'll return to my point from the top of this thread: words are great but words don't pay my mortgage.

Fair and reasonable people support the President.
We like what he says but we NEED results. No excuses!

[britethere]

Surprise....the in-the-tank liberal MSM liked the speech...especially those benefitting from the GE TARP $$$$$$

[Buddy McCue]

If the mainstream media WERE "in-the-tank liberal," then it would look and sound very different than it does.

As it stands, political opinion on the broadcast networks spans the gamut from The New Republic to FreeRepublic. The corporate-friendly Blue Dogs are called the "moderates" by the corporate media. That's hardly what one would expect from an actual liberal media.

[mjtaylor22]

THANK YOU I AM SO TIRED OF REPEATING THAT FACT OVER N OVER AGAIN
if anythign the repugnats said were true from their fake liberal media bias to death camps to the iraqs will greet us as saviors...remember that one
they woudl actually be in power instead of onthe side line whining

[sixyfivepercentwater]

So true. It frightens me when people assert that the media is "liberal." It means they don't know what liberal really is and they don't know who their real enemies are.

[foxfan]

President Obama gave a great speech, but then his speech making ability has never been in question. What is in queston is the value of his message. While Joe Wilson's outburst was inappropriate and embarrassing to say the least, he echos the opinion of some of his fellow politicians and many of America's citizens. Mr. Obama paints a beautiful and simple picture of health care reform and health care for everyone, but do we really believe in the government's ability to get it right. President Bush once made a great speech and was supported by almost everyone only to spend the remainder of his presidency being called a liar by so many. The health care issue has always been controversial. The bill (one of them anyway) is over 1,000 pages and no one seems to be aware of everything that is in it. I'm no saying we shouldn't do anything, but let's make sure we get it right. I would hate to be looking back in a few years and have the ones we now think are idiots being able to say "We told you so".

[Angie Cordeiro - Huffpost Blogger]

"...but do we really believe in the government's ability to get it right..."

Ever hear this line:

"Progress not perfection"

[foxfan]

Nice bumper sticker.

[creolechild]

My apologies if these comments are repeated. So, you question the overall value of the message, which to me, was that how a country cares for its citizens is a moral issue and an indication of character---or lack thereof? No one is foolish enough to believe that health care reform is not a complex issue. If it were, this country wouldn't be having this discussion now because it would have been done years ago.

Perhaps the government doesn't have the ability to get it right. But that's where the citizens of this country come in to actively participate in the process and keep pushing back to make sure that they do. That's a pro-active stance that's worth investing in, rather then complaining about what hasn't been done, what could have been done, and what might be done. Don't you think so?

As to no one being aware of what's in these bills, I'd have to strongly disagree with you on that. Many people are taking the time to read these bills and have become quite familiar with the content. So much so that they're able to debunk quite a bit of misinformation that's been floating around. I think you should also consider that you would hate to look back in a few years and know that we had a chance to help everyone in this country obtain affordable health care---but we didn't. In my opinion, that would be a definite travesty.

Peace.

[foxfan]

Your ending comment is a point well taken. Thank you.

[foxfan]

That didn't come out right. Your whole post is excellent, but your closing remark gave me pause to think further.

[ninthraphael]

the extreme rights have it ;-for lack of sensibility and full of ideological blinds - see no reasons why we should have a health care reform. health care reforms will resolve some of the inequalities in the delivery of health care among the poor but they (right) feel that this is socialism. it is not socialism! it is a moral issue!

[waydownyonder]

I am constantly amazed at how far Republicans will go to defend the indefensible. A guy actually disrespects Kennedy and Lincoln in one breath just to try to defend a ridiculous point. It is futile to even try to reason that Kennedy stood down the communist and averted a nuclear war. Without going to war, he had real nuclear missiles removed from an island 90 miles away. Compare that to President George W. Bush, who took us to war thousands of miles away because of imaginary WMD. Lincoln did a little thing called ending slavery. But that is not enough when a Republican is bent on proving a point. There is no lie they will not tell, no baseless argument they will not make. The bottom line here is that Health Care Reform is not even the issue for them. The issue is that they are sore losers and must debase their "opponent" at all costs. You have shown your true stripes this summer and they are the stripes of malcontents and bullys. I am so sick of hearing the mantra of "personal responsibility". This cute little catch phrase was invented by Rush Limbaugh back in 1989 as the standard answer to everything. Republicans are stuck in 1989. Move forward, my Bully Republican friends, how about having a little bit of societal responsibility? How about civility and rationality? Is that too much to ask of you?

[WellTickleMeWillie]

Progressives should not be fooled again by a centerist president who has given in way too much to the rightwing and the corporations. In the last 2 elections, Dems were overwhelming elected to reverse years of Rethug damage to our country and the world. The people have spoken. Obama pretended to listen but clearly has not. He is the false messiah. We don't need to be nice to ReThugs nor corporations and pretend that the Obama plan outlined last night will succeed. It clearly will not. Only single payer universal health care will work. It's long past the time to put ALL the health deniers insurance corporations OUT_OF_BUSINESS. When the automobile came along, the blacksmith had to go. When electricity came along, the candlemaker had to go. When affordable universal health care ever comes, the health deniers insurance corporation must all go under. Obama's plan will not do it and is a POOR substitute for real change. Time for all good progressives to leave the Dem party and form a progressive Political party for real change we can believe in not political posturing to get elected and continue the same ole same ole corporate crap.

[creolechild]

Well,

That's the problem when we allow ourselves to become so wrapped up in political ideology and our own perspectives. We lose the ability to become objective when viewing all sides of an issue. Many progressives are disappointed that the single-payer option is not on the table but aren't we forgetting the main objective of ensuring those without health care, those who have been denied due to pre-existing conditions, and those who have had their health insurance canceled without legitimate reason(s) obtain medical treatment? Are we going to become so frustrated that we stop advocating for those who are in need?

Sure the President could push his agenda down our throats, holding our noses until we swallow. What would that accomplish other than indicating that he is MORE concerned about his supporters rather than ALL Americans. From what I witnessed last night, efforts will be made to rein in the insurance industry but to assume that the President has sold out because he is trying to compromise with all parties involved shows a general lack of knowledge about the legislative process.

BTW, I don't know of anyone who considers President Obama to be a 'messiah' but a man who is trying to do the right thing for many people who need help. It may come in exactly the form that many people wanted but I'm sure those who are suffering now certainly appreciate his efforts.

[WellTickleMeWillie]

Creole: I think you are confusing the only real solution to the health care crisis with idealogy. Ain't so. There is no idealogy involved here (nor debate) between right and wrong, Law and order. As well as health care reform. It's is morally the right thing to do to remove all profit incentives from the health care system. FOr-profit run halth care does not add any value to health care, only costs. In the case of health care, it is not debatable that a single payer universal system, will lower costs for everyone, insure everyone and not deny anyone b/c it entirely eliminates the middle man. What Obama has left on the table last night is clearly APPEASMENT to the greedy corporate money mongers and health care deniers. It is that clear. And this Obama health care plan WILL surely fail b/c it is fatally flawed. Assuming that corporate America will do the right thing is naive. All we have to do is look att the recent financial debacle on Wall Street and subsequent bailout and see that the banks and Wall Street's behavior is unchanged even though they brought us to the brink of disaster. What more proof do we need before we come to our senses about health care. Progressives please leave the Dem party b/c they are not much different than the corporate Rethug party. Obama wants to stiff us. We should stiff him in return.

[meko]

Mandates without a real public option (available to all, available before the end of this Presidential term and government-run so it's big enough to go up against insurance and pharmaceutical companies) will be expensive to consumers and a boon to the industry. We do not need another corporate bailout that will just result in more multi-million dollar bonuses to corporate executives - especially to an industry that spends 30% of their expenses on advertising and sales commissions and runs 30% profits after that.

What stands in the way of real change are the so-called "fiscally responsible centrist" Democrats who support making consumers captives to industry without supporting any real market pressure to bring their rates down.

[TomZart]

CHARACTER


Some of us are as God planned
Though many are far worse.
Our characters are not of marble
So the devil may work his curse.

Fame is what we steal or take
Character is what we give.
To this truth we must awake
So we might begin to live.

There is some good in all of us
Which may not show at first.
With good character of heart and soul
We prepare ourselves for the worst.

Show me a liar and you have found a thief
Whose character is controlled by hell.
They love what's wrong and hate what's right
And they're lucky they're not all in jail.

By Conservative Poet
Tom Zart
Most Published Poet
On The Web

[LisaLisa1234]

Nice poem. How would you apply it to the article?

[juliasavior]

You had to love all the Republicans Holding Up Blank Plans Pretending to Have A Plan. Time and time again the President has asked for a Plan tim and time again they have punted.

Republicans feel the way back to the White house is to just Keep Saying No and spreading lies about any issue the President tries to tackle.

The over whelming Majority of Americans are with Our President we did not feel the need to take our Families to the Screeming Matches, Gun toting Town Halls where the Minority Let the Wrold Know just How Disgraceful some can be. The entire world watched and no doubt many are saying that America has a long way to go before we can Set an example for any Nation.

The Behavior displayed in the Town hall Meetings was a disgrace to The Country and one that other countries will be talking about for years. Not an example any will follow.

Families went to these meetings until the GUNS showed up and Republicans would not Condem those bringing guns to the meetings, careless dismissing the possibility that our children or any family members could have been injured even if someone's gun went off accidentally.

Republicans by their behavior sent a strong message they want America to Return to the WIld WIld West where everyone carries a gun in the street, to work, across state lines, America do you really want to live like that place your children and loved ones in danger

[mobetta]

It appears the August break WAS a good thing. It brought all the criticism--true and untrue--into the light, which helped Obama articulate responses based on reason rather than ideological rhetoric.
The Joe Wilson outburst, though tactless, will FORCE Obama and the Dems to make sure his (Obama's) words and claims line up behind the truth.
Democracy has been called "an ugly process." It is, however the beauty is that the light of free speech and peer reviewed criticism usually and eventually reveal claims and counterclaims for what they are; Fact or Fiction.

[Tim303]

One pays for National Insurance in the UK. Some progressives on this page appeared to think that Obama has let us down by talking about paying for this--seriously guys please get a clue! Something has to pass to get us out of the mess and horror. I'm not saying walk in lockstep but please don't shoot yourselves in the foot. Or cut off our nose to spite our face.

Fresh from the UK I witnessed the disaster of Clinton's push for single payer in 1993--I just can't live through another wreck.

[Peter Noble 2]

Tim303: you have it in a nutshell.
I am an America born and raised in Britain and I am amazed at how my adopted country will nearly always believe fantasy and lies to the detriment of their own well being. This country has been a great boon to my financial well being but we are facing at least a 20% increase on 24k a year married HMO group. In 4 years our financial adviser has told us HMO costs could be near 45k. Frankly I do not see our investments powering such an increase.
Strangely most Americans do not regard Health Care costs as a tax, like V.A.T. They soon will when buying coverage will no longer be a luxury or a choice. Obama's refusal to put a Single Payer option on the table was typical of his spineless approach to reform. A pretty speech means nothing to those of us who will soon not be able to afford coverage.

[sfcalle]

These pundits always have "So Much" to say. With Obama, they continue to get it wrong. They have spent the past few months doubting him and writing the "Healthcare Bill Death Certificate." Don't they understand him by now. He let Congress and the people fight over this for the past couple of months. I believe it was deliberate. If anything it gave the media and public a chance to document crazy republicans. Their shannanigans is documented and will go down in history. Truly embarassing. Along with Obama's speech last night, their behavior has given the President what he needed to get Americans on his side. He is not stupid. He knows his enemy, which is what every fighter show know before he goes into battle. The republicans' problem is that they rarely sit at the table with the President. First Mistake. Can't win a battle that way. Look at Iraq. Though the Bush family and others in the Oil Industry cut deals in the past with Saddam and other Arab leaders, they did not know the enemy from the inside. That is why Iraq was a MESS for them. If your going to belittle and demonize your enemy, you better know who he is. Throwing stones, like repubicans have during the "Summer of Healthcare" will not win the fight. Sorry Charlie!!!!!

[DanniD]

Andrew Sullivan, The Atlantic said: "Bush's under-rated ability to give a great speech."

***************

I must confess. I did have a tendency to tune Bush out during most of his speeches. So...would anyone care to explain to or show me, what the h3ll Andrew saw that I apparently missed?

[rockyb26]

that line stumped me too

[Nora-Charles]

Ditto here. -- Especially since Clinton was a much better speaker. Was it meant to be a compliment?

[lisaman]

His ability to create new words within his speeches?????

[dnifdoog]

The skill with which Bush gave speeches required great strategery

[Terriac]

Yeah, I didn't get that either.

[lwaxanatroi]

Andrew just swallowed his last drop of Kool Aid.

[hollybork]

I don't have any idea what Sullivan was talking about, Danni. To tell the truth, he must be the only person in the country who remembers one good speech given by our former buffoon in chief.

[Buddy McCue]

Me either, and I always watched his speeches.

[Shookones]

I'm a little confused about that one too Danni. The only thing I recall Bush doing was making up words like "Internets". Bush is lucky he didn't get more shoes thrown at him during his speeches.

[DurangoSteve]

I found the Joe Wilson outburst incredibly IRONIC. Here was behavior generally associated with the British Parliament, from a man who finds the British approach to healthcare to be "socialist." Funny. Sad. Stupid.