John Kerry Breaks Out Oppo, Takes On Howard Dean For 'Kill The Bill' Comments

The pushback against Howard Dean for his call to "kill" the Senate health care bill, continued on Friday night, with a prominent Senate Democrat picking out an old quote from the former DNC chair's past to paint him as hypocritical in the debate.

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) who squared off against Dean during the 2004 Democratic primary, issued the following statement on the Senate floor as the week-long debate over health care hit a closing crescendo:

I can promise you, if we follow that kind of advice and give up now, just because the bill is not all we want it to be, we surrender the very reforms that people have spent their lives working for, reforms that the Democratic Party has been proposing for decades, reforms that many of us in the Senate today ran on and promised we would work together to achieve.

What we are trying to do here is not easy. It wasn't easy for Franklin Roosevelt when he tried, it wasn't easy for Harry Truman when he tried, it wasn't easy for Bill Clinton when he tried. But you don't sound the retreat, especially when you are so close to achieving many of your objectives.

Some of our liberal friends have suggested we should kill the health care reform bill because it doesn't have a public option.

This week, for example, Howard Dean wrote in a Washington Post op-ed that real health care reform needed a public option that would '...give all Americans a meaningful choice of coverage.' I was surprised to read that because back in 1993, then-Governor Howard Dean called Medicare '...one of the worst federal programs ever and a living advertisement for why the federal government should never administer a national health care program.'

Well, I am a strong supporter of the public option and I've fought to see it included. But if it cannot be included, I'm not willing to walk away.

The remarks, which were offered under a press release titled "Kerry Rebuts Republicans on Health Care, Urges Democrats to See Bigger Picture," is yet another example of the growing divide between Democrats inside and out of office. The progressive community itself is torn on the politics and policy implications of health care reform. But what stands out is the willingness for Kerry, the White House and other Senators on the Hill to turn their guns on Dean even as they bite their tongues when it comes to conservative Democratic critiques of the legislation.

As one plugged in Democrat in the heat of the negotiations put it succinctly: "[Sen. Joseph] Lieberman (I-Conn.) has a vote in this process. Dean doesn't."

Comments

[wildfireprotest]

02:56 PM on 12/20/2009

Sign the petition on http://healthcare.change.org/actions/view/senate_needs_to_eat_their_own_dog_foodhealth_care_package

The Senate, House, Whitehouse and all government employees need to eat their own dog food. The Senate should give up their comprehensive health care packages that they get to keep even when they leave office. The one that pays for their viagra and their pre-existing conditions (like spinelessness, stupidity, corruption and greed) along with their medical conditions that we all share but don't get the luxury of having covered (as the Senate does), like blood tests, hysterectomies, cancer treatments and yes even abortion (hypocritical Republicans aren't giving up those benefits).

We want real regulation of this disgustingly greedy insurance industry we have today, accountability for their corporate wastefulness at the patients and doctors expense. We suffer from "Death panels" today...everytime our treatments are rejected and our prescriptions aren't paid for. Mr. Obama, Mr. Liberman, all you cowardly Democrats and obstructionist Republicans...you need to eat your own dog food. You need to give up your health care packages and be subject to the same facist Insurance Industry bailout you are making the rest us pay for.

What's good enough for the American people is good enough for you.

You need to go without insurance until this problem is solved.

[onegandolf1]

10:25 AM on 12/20/2009

Should this thing get passed with the mandated insurance language still in place then I think Move-on or some other advocacy group should organize citizens to refuse to buy it.

[macweenie]

01:17 AM on 12/25/2009

An organized revolt is truly necessary against the mandate but on a personal level I refuse - I'm not buying it!

[suzc]

09:49 AM on 12/20/2009

Do you all think Gov. Dean would be willing to run for President for the Independent Party?

[SallyBaughn]

11:57 PM on 12/23/2009

Why not The Progressive Party? It appears the "progressives" are being figuratively kicked out by the Democratic Party.

[macweenie]

01:27 AM on 12/25/2009

.app - the American Progressive Party
PPA - the Progressive Party of America
UPC - the United Coalition of Progressives
iPAC - Independant Progressive American Coalition

We would need a name, a platform, and people familiar with organizing. I think there are plenty of people who are fed up and want an ACTUAL change - they just need to take the first steps.

[gaubladt]

08:56 AM on 12/20/2009

"We’re screwed"
Unless Democrats in Congress do something about "mandates" there will be a Republican landslide in 2010. With mandates, we will all be thrown into the gaping jaws of the insurance company giants.
I don't know how I am going to work my family’s budget with all this money being taken out. It infuriates me that my money is going to enrich CEO cannibals on Wall Street.
Another problem is the fact that, for the most part, it takes 3 years to kick in. Until that time, the Republicans and the insurance companies will be able to spin the truth and twist it any way they want to. When they take power in 2010, they will be able to repeal health care with applauds from the voters.
All Democrats had to do was to create a Medicare opt-in for all. Since it is a budget item, it falls under reconciliation, requiring only 51 votes in the senate for approval. (Ref Chenk Ugher) Keeping it voluntary would have solved the problem for those people who don't want to be bothered with all of this insurance stuff. I hope congress wakes up and fixes this.

[rabiddog6708]

08:34 AM on 12/20/2009

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a Republican l0use.
The amendments were hung by the legislation with care,
In hopes that Senate's bill soon would be there.

The congressmen were nestled all snug in their chairs,
While visions of loopholes danced in the air.
And Nancy in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long filibuster’s nap.

When out on the hill there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the chamber to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the bre.ast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should arrive,
But a Senate delegation, all full of hustle and jive.

With a little old driver, so sneaky and full of greed,
I knew in a moment it must be Harry Reid.
More sli my than snails his cronies they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Nelson! now, Lieberman! now, Boxer and Bigh!
On we go to to confront our base with this l ie!
To the top of the p0rch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

[RnR]

09:04 AM on 12/20/2009

That's wonderful :) Thanks. Too bad it isn't required reading (for those of them that can read) in the Senate.

[splathrop]

08:17 AM on 12/20/2009

I live in Massachusetts, so Senator Kerry represents me, or at least he represents my hope of Senatorial representation.

Years ago an environmental policy issue with local implications came up. Somehow I slipped past "constituent services," and ended up talking to a real aide in Kerry's office--maybe an inexperienced aide.

I identified myself. I mentioned the problem I was calling about. There was a delay. Then a puzzled-sounding reply, "Are you one of our contributors?"

[exmate]

06:44 AM on 12/20/2009

Sanders continues

In recent years, not only have we seen massive fraud by the health care industry, but we also have been paying for a huge increase in health care bureaucrats and bill collectors. Over the last three decades, the number of administrative personnel has grown by 25 times the number of physicians. Doctors and nurses in Vermont have described to me in painful detail the amount of time and money they are forced to waste negotiating with insurance companies about how they can treat their patients.

[exmate]

06:43 AM on 12/20/2009

Quoting Sen. Bernie Sanders
The rampant fraud is another reason why our current health care system, dominated by private insurance companies, is the most costly, wasteful, complicated and bureaucratic in the world. Its function is not to provide quality health care, but to make huge profits for those who own the companies. With 1,300 private insurance companies and thousands of different health benefit programs designed to maximize profits, our country spends an incredible 30 percent of each health care dollar on administration and billing, exorbitant CEO compensation packages, advertising, lobbying and campaign contributions. Public programs like Medicare, Medicaid and the VA are administered for much less.

[dadd]

06:09 AM on 12/20/2009

John "Gomer Pyle" Kerry, the recipient of a fantastic lifestyle courtesy of Republican H. John Heinz III.

Did you even read the bill, Gom?

[lentinelia]

05:44 AM on 12/20/2009

Ah yes.
John Kerry.
Tower of jelly.
Mr. Heinz.

He bought the nomination. Refused to confront Bush. Refused to fight for his own presidency.
Now he's an expert.

[rkm0619]

05:34 AM on 12/20/2009

hahahahaha....the idiots on the left are just as stupid as the idiots on the right. whats wrong with you people?? in politics you get what you can take. im sure you would claim that LBJ should have killed the civil rights act of 1964 because it didnt include voting rights. god forbid LBJ compromise to solve 75% of the problems immediately and wait another year to solve the remaining 25% (as he did with the voting rights act of 1965). thats the goal of the bill now....solve what you can given the political climate, which wont get any better for the dems as time progresses especially if they dont get health care reform passed, and take care of the rest later.

now, you'll say 'but people are dying'...'we have to save them' even if a public passes right this second....nothing happens for 10 years, read CBO reports. delaying a public option vote for 6 months-12 months does nothing to the time frame of getting cheap healthcare out there now. ever heard the saying 'beggars cant be choosers?'......you are choosing when you dont have a leg to stand on.

[dxz]

01:00 PM on 12/21/2009

Thank you rkm0619. You have made my points exactly. I am sure you (as well as me) wants the whole 'enchalada'. Single payer for all. However, this bill is far from that. But, as Senator Harkin said, it's like building a house. This is like a foundation. Years after, you then modify it. If this bill is derailed, we will not have this chance for quite a while and when the chance comes, we have to start from the scratch. Childrens health Insurance program was passed through reconcialition. Public Option can be passed through reconcialition as well. It should not matter how we get there, the focus should be on where we are going.

PS: the original social security act excluded women, minorities, people in agricultural labor, domestic service, government employees, and many teachers, nurses, hospital employees, librarians, and social workers. As you stated correctly, the original civil rights act did not include voting rights. Can you imagine if these have been rejected and we have to start all over again? We are progressives and NOT radicals, this means keep on progressing and don't settle for the status quo, which killing the bill will eventually equate.

[Johnnyfeelgood]

05:24 AM on 12/20/2009

I thought lefties were united and in perfect harmony. We have to sit back and watch the train wreck of your so called party. The Dems aka "Loony Left" have imploded!

[acemcface]

06:45 AM on 12/20/2009

No. We allow differences of opinion and discuss them and try to come to a rational compromise.
That's just the way we are. We don't just follow the party line and vote the way the party bosses tell us. (because we are not mindless Right Wing dumbasses)

[lordmi]

08:41 AM on 12/20/2009

wasn't it YOURs deadly wrong party of Nosense, who screw the country?
Sure it was.
And now it is moving towards Tea Party.
Good luck in that nasty mess.

Who told - our road would be easy?
but we will overcome, while you are screaming.

[lescargot]

04:43 AM on 12/20/2009

Not only are John Kerry's comments irrelevant, John Kerry is himself irrelevant. His voice at this late point in the game is almost laughable. Just what America's uninsured need, another millionaire telling them to "wait."

The Right Wing opposes reform because they say it will mean they (the INSURED) will have to "wait for a doctor or a treatment." Do they mean "wait" like the 30 million will have to, who won't even be covered under "reform" until 2014? Or do they mean "wait" indefinitely like the 15 million will have to, those who have to "wait" for an undetermined time and "the next political opportunity."

The Harvard study indicates that 45,000 Americans die each year for lack of health care.
So extrapolating by current statistics that means 30,000 Americans will DIE each year until 2014 ... while "waiting".

Of course after 2014, the 15 million not covered will then ultimately form a new, permanent, collateral damage estimate of 15,000 Americans who will DIE each year. Going forward.

They will DIE ... waiting for health care coverage that may not come ... for years.

Kerry on the other hand will be windsurfing at his summer home. We are weasels for tolerating this.

[lentinelia]

05:47 AM on 12/20/2009

Kerry can windsurf all he likes.
Maybe he'll get blown out to sea.

But don't call us weasels.
We have nothing to do with his life-style.
Unless, of course, you are advocating overthrowing the government.
Jefferson, as I understand, didn't think that was such a bad idea.

[lescargot]

06:05 AM on 12/20/2009

It's not his lifestyle we are supporting. Most Americans envy it. To be rich, to be removed from it all, above it all. But most of all to be untouched by all the death we tolerate ... in the name of?
The American majority, have allowed themselves to be convinced that they are at great and dangerous risk ... and that the only way we - as a culture - seem to believe that we can reduce that risk, is to kill as many of those we feel threatened by as possible.

That IS our foreign policy after all, as conceived and implemented with our approval!
Otherwise we'd stop it. Right?

I know I sound childish and naive, (like a "dreamer" as the song goes) but it just seems that we, the American Culture and Society, are just so much better at DELIVERING death than we are at PREVENTING it.

Anyhow Happy New Year.

[secondedition]

03:15 AM on 12/21/2009

You post shows how little you really know. First, Senator Kerry has been involved with the health care bill from the beginning. He is a member of the Senate Finance Committee who worked on the bill before it was even bought out to the floor. Also, when he ran for president in 2004, he called for changes in health care and said that he wanted all Americans to have the same coverage as he did. And, he has been an extemely busy man of late- what with chairing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, meeting with Karazi and working on a Climate Change bill, I doubt he has found the time to vacation at all. And, when and if he does- it will be a well deserved vacation- windsurfing or not. I personally don't begrudge anyone a little recreations whether it be golf, tennis or windsurfing.

[MrBurlesk]

03:54 AM on 12/20/2009

SOMEone had to draw a line in the sand. That's what Gov. Dean did. Obama and the Senate gave away far too much in this bill.

[lithium451]

03:32 AM on 12/20/2009

All the usual suspect Democrats are coming out and attacking Dean with ten times the amount of vitriol they are willing to express about Lieberman, Lincolm, Nelson or Landrieu.

Ironic since Dean is the only one of the five who isn't taking money from the insurance lobby, and the only one who seems interested in the final product rather than process.

Sorry it took so long to get this miserable bill hatched, but that's what happens when a very inexperienced president thinks 100 senators are interested in "new politics". It was a funny phrase during the campaign, it's a tragedy now.

[MrBurlesk]

04:06 AM on 12/20/2009

It is VERY telling that Democrats and the White House have so viciously attacked Dean while they haven't been willing to draw a firm line in the sand with the Senate obstructionists. Democrats never had a true 60 seat majority they pretended to have in order to enact any kind of sweeping progressive legislation -- they've deluded the public. Lieberman and the Blue Dogs were never on board. It's easy to see now, in hindsight, that -- at least in the Senate -- Republicans still hold the upper hand. Lashing out at Dean is cowardly because Dean merely puts his foot down in the way Democrats either have been unable to or been unwilling to in the face of obstructions from within their own party. Worst of all are the lies Obama told us during his campaign: "no mandate" and that he was for a public option. We've gotten just the opposite in this Senate bill. And, from what the news reports, Obama is just fine with that, meaning he was for a mandate and against a public option from the get-go, and the American People got played again.

[lordmi]

08:44 AM on 12/20/2009

You sound too ruff - are You a dreamer?
Did You really think everything would be so easy - 60 votes and we are there.

Don't You think, we all should be more active to help Dems?
exactly how teabaggers-screamers.
Where were we , while they were screaming?
Watching TV?

[lentinelia]

05:48 AM on 12/20/2009

Good point.
They are in bed with the compromisers.
They are at war with people with integrity.