McCain: Health Care Will Pass With No GOP Input Or Support

Senator John McCain predicted on Thursday that health care reform legislation would pass Congress without GOP input or support, insisting that the partisan warfare erupting over the issue would benefit neither Republicans nor Democrats and could end up moving the country to "a new political era."

The Arizona Republican and 2008 presidential candidate said that Democrats would simply forge a consensus amongst themselves while in conference committee before unilaterally sending a bill to the White House.

But in an appearance at The Atlantic's First Draft of History conference in Washington D.C., the senator's biggest lament was saved for the squalor in the current political dialogue.

"There's something going on out there," McCain said. "I've been back in Arizona and 2000 people come to a town hall meeting. Many of them had never been before. The tea parties. But they're growing in America. And it's great dissatisfaction. It hasn't been channeled yet. It hasn't helped Republicans in the opinion polls. And it certainly hasn't helped the President. I think Americans are concerned about the debt and the deficit... I think this could transfer into a new political era."

Later in his session, which was moderated by Meet the Press's David Gregory, McCain was pressed about the forthcoming book by his vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.

"The part I'm looking to most is the part where it energized our campaign and put us ahead in the polls," he said. "The part I'm looking to least [are] some of the disagreements that took place within the campaign."

Comments

[carpdd]

Once again you have marginalized yourself Senator. Why don't you head back to one of your many homes and plant some flowers ? There was a time that I found you to be a credible candidate but have long since found you to be nothing but a tottering old fool with a very bad temper. What you are hearing out there is the sound of people who are either so ill informed by the Fox network and GOP members who's soul purpose is to whip folks into a frenzy that they have no idea the monster they have created. OR DO THEY? Elections have consequences and the Democrats have two months to get this Healthcare bill done and voted on. It must include a public option that addresses the rising costs, this bill unlike the many others that feed into the overwhelming lobbyist pools of money deals with peoples' lives in a very personal way. GET IT DONE DEMOCRATS !

[annie g]

We don't care, Senator McCain, if their is a no bi-partisanship bill. Our health insurance is the number one priorty and it means more to the American people than the petty bickering that you and others on the Right have pursed by continuing to say No to everything that is brought up. Since you and others on the Right do not deem health insurance for all important enough to pass, why don't you give up your insurance. Then see if you can get insurance through another company with "existing health issues" that you may have.

[citizen of the universe]

He should have more input into the Healthcare debate, since his State will need healthcare the most since implementing the Gun in Bars law.

[bygollymissmolly]

The only "input" the right chose to give were l i e s and scare tactics. We are done with them. We don't need them. And at the rate they are going (only 18% of Americans still call themselves Republics) they won't be around in 2010 for us to worry about.

[lvdragonlady]

There you have it America, a sure sign that the GOP does not care about Americans, ONLY about winning elections and destroying America.

[ApolloniaCreed]

Here it is: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/09/obama-health-care-speech_n_281265.html

Now, for those individuals and small businesses who still can't afford the lower-priced insurance available in the exchange, we'll provide tax credits, the size of which will be based on your need. And all insurance companies that want access to this new marketplace will have to abide by the consumer protections I already mentioned. This exchange will take effect in four years, which will give us time to do it right. In the meantime, for those Americans who can't get insurance today because they have preexisting medical conditions, we will immediately offer low-cost coverage that will protect you against financial ruin if you become seriously ill. (Applause.) This was a good idea when Senator John McCain proposed it in the campaign, it's a good idea now, and we should all embrace it. (Applause.)

[ApolloniaCreed]

Didn't the President say he was open to some one of McCain's campaign ideas in his healthcare reform speech? I'm pretty sure he did.

[ApolloniaCreed]

From the speech:
Now, for those individuals and small businesses who still can't afford the lower-priced insurance available in the exchange, we'll provide tax credits, the size of which will be based on your need. And all insurance companies that want access to this new marketplace will have to abide by the consumer protections I already mentioned. This exchange will take effect in four years, which will give us time to do it right. In the meantime, for those Americans who can't get insurance today because they have preexisting medical conditions, we will immediately offer low-cost coverage that will protect you against financial ruin if you become seriously ill. (Applause.) This was a good idea when Senator John McCain proposed it in the campaign, it's a good idea now, and we should all embrace it. (Applause.)

[sunnybunny]

Why?

[zanngra]

Old Man River....

[Itsmyland2]

Maverick my a$$

[rlkinny]

No Republican input? And why would that be? There's certainly been lots of opportunity over the past few months (if not the past few years). All they had to do was come up with an idea or two.The Party of No is now blaming others because all they could think of was "No". They're mentally bankrupt.

[HLL]

"Mentally bankrupt" is right on. And while they were at it, they bankrupted the country.

Route 'em out in 2010 & 2012. No more GOP - no more party of "no and party of "no ideas."

[gjohntheterrible]

Mr. McCain - the GOP didn't want to give input. That is not the same as the GOP not being asked to participate.

[Johnniedog]

As usual, McCain is nothing more than a liar. He knows perfectly well that the Republicans were not only involved, they changed or added 120 ammendments to the current Bills being voted on in the Congress. They also had a hand in having about thirty things removed from the current Bills.

If the Republicans could get away from telling so many lies, they might have a chance of getting back into the race. When do you think the Christians are going to catch on to the fact that Republicans don't really support, or practice, the teachings of Jesus Christ?

[JXJASON]

What GOP input? I have not read one story about one good idea from the GOP.

The best idea is US.Congressman Dennis Kucinich's proposal, HR676. Dennis calls it MEDICARE FOR ALL.

I like the system that they have in Canada too. I lived in Canada for five years. Health care was ( is ) free.

[scyntar]

It is a shame that a man such of McCain's wealth of experience and knowledge falls into line. Party line. What confronts us is not defined as "party." Seems we have abandoned neighborhood and collective well-being to wax politic ... ridiculous. Would you still stop to assist someone on a back road to change a tire without first demanding their political stance? I would. You should. Have we become so separated, isolated, fearful, that the fabric of our blinders has become more important and interesting than our effort to step forward with a helping, friendly hand? Deplorable. And to consider ourselves "great" ... what a canard. No wonder the world scoffs.

[Mark Kraft]

"Health Care Will Pass With No GOP Input Or Support"

This is a good thing.

If the GOP wants serious input, they'd also be serious about voting for it.

Otherwise, we should just laugh at them and call them the "dead party walking".

If the Democrats start getting their act together and passing legislation with a minimum of compromise, then the Republicans will be completely bloody irrelevant, with no chance of regaining power anytime soon.

[respectingothers]

i agree!