Obama Brings Dennis Kucinich On Air Force One For Health Care Speech

Traveling to the Cleveland area to make yet another major speech for passing health care reform into law, President Barack Obama chose as a travel companion one very skeptical lawmaker.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) is from the area where Obama is speaking. That would normally make his appearance on Air Force One Monday morning a non-event. But the Ohio Democrat also happens to be one of, if not the only progressive holdout in the House, on health care legislation. And he has hinted strongly that his vote, which could be the deciding margin, is firmly in the "no" camp.

The White House pool reporter on the trip did not get an immediate readout of any conversation between Kucinich and Obama. Though accompanying the two on the trip was Phil Schiliro, the president's liaison to Congress.

A White House aide said that this trip would be the last one outside of D.C. that the president will make before heading overseas on March 21. All other lobbying efforts will be conducted inside the beltway via "member meetings and phone calls" such as the one that already took place between Obama and Rep. Scott Murphy (D-N.Y.)

The aide did seem somewhat buoyed by recent news that a group of anti-abortion lawmakers seemed to have lessened their opposition to the bill. And there was, likewise, a bit of optimism that the concerns expressed by Hispanic and conservative Democratic lawmakers would dissipate as the House vote approached.

"We've seen some helpful remarks from these folks in recent days," the aide said

UPDATE: Appearing onstage for his health care speech, the President took time to introduce Kucinich, lauding the congressman's "tireless" work "on behalf of working people." At which point someone in the audience yelled "Vote Yes" -- with the obvious reference being the health care bill. Obama, not missing a beat, asked the audience member to repeat himself. After which he chimed in: "Hear that, Dennis?"

(Here is video of the exchange, with the relevant audio starting around the 1:15 mark
)

Towards the end of the speech Obama came back to Kucinich once again, saying that he had told the congressman that it had been "such a long time since we've made got on the side of ordinary working folks, where we did something for them, that relieves some of their struggles..."

The print pooler attending the event caught up with Kucinich before the speech and reported the following:

He only smiled when asked if he had spoken to the president about health care on the way here. Asked if he was reconsidering his vote, he said, "I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say." He said he was not commenting on his current position on the bill.

Comments

[research]

09:08 PM on 03/17/2010

Really? Kucinich fights for US, and we attack him???? I sent him money, he raised 17,000$ over this. He should have raised more than MoveOn, which I have supported till now.

This bill could kill the democratic party:

50 year olds are the largest voting block.

Let's Charge old people 36,000$.

This bills allow raising premiums based on age.

Double, 26,000$ based on age
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/09/nation/na-health-age9

The numbers running around for average premiums is about 13k per year

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/2009-09-15-insurance-costs_N.htm

"Allows insurance companies to charge people who are older 300% more than others."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jane-hamsher/top-10-reasons-to-kill-th_b_399245.html

[NaturesGodDisciple]

06:40 AM on 03/17/2010

Dennis Kucinich and his fellow Democratic brothers and sisters, in Congress, have the opportunity to be the Thomas Paines of these modern times.

Paine motivated the American Colonists to win the American Revolution with his pamphlet "Common Sense".

Within those pages, in black and white, is a recommendation for the newly formed government to provide universal, taxpayer funded health care.

Yo, Dennis! Get out your copy of Common Sense. Read paragraphs 2 AND 3. then hold your nose, be patient, and do the right thing. Vote 'Yes", just like the American Colonists, Paine, and the other Founding Fathers would vote.

You won't get another shot like this in your lifetime.

[wdw505]

06:53 AM on 03/17/2010

more votes are turning into no votes as we post

laughing

[NaturesGodDisciple]

07:00 AM on 03/17/2010

I'm guessing that you were laughing right before the 2008 Presidential election too.

[GravitonX]

11:50 AM on 03/17/2010

Those of us who support DK throughout this process will never be a tool for the enemy. If our actions happen to coincide with something you wish to happen, it's purely coincidence....nothing more.

[NCarolinaObserver]

10:14 PM on 03/16/2010

kucinich is solid enough in his convictions that I really believe he'd vote no even if it mean't the bill would fail...

[wdw505]

11:05 PM on 03/16/2010

good glad to hear that.....i hope it is true

[mcartri]

12:46 AM on 03/17/2010

According to Howard Fineman of Newsweek Magazine, Dennis will announce he is voting yes now. Kucinich is holding a press conference Wednesday, March 17. If he does, it must mean Dennis got some private promises from Obama to pursue the public option later.

[gawd]

01:32 AM on 03/17/2010

If that is true, it is a sad sad day.

[jspkim]

01:42 AM on 03/17/2010

Sounds like some deal was cooking btw Kucinich and the WH.

I do not think Kucinich would have caved in on the Senate bill.

A PO might have been offered to Kucinich.

[jspkim]

09:35 PM on 03/16/2010

Kucinich: 'A firm no'
Posted: Monday, March 15, 2010 11:25 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Congress, Democrats

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
With President Obama today campaigning for health reform in Dennis Kucinich's congressional district, Kucinich's office reiterated to First Read that "he is a firm no," according to spokesman Nathan White.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/03/15/2228258.aspx

[GravitonX]

11:52 AM on 03/17/2010

No, as it stood. After talking to PBO and getting concession, it's only natural that he change to Yes.

[research]

07:27 PM on 03/16/2010

If only we would listen to Kucinich more often. no wars, no torture, medicare for all, regulated wall street, and citizens bank tor replace the bankers FED.

[GravitonX]

11:55 AM on 03/17/2010

Kucinich never said that about the FR. He merely said that it's no more federal then Federal Express.

[research]

02:49 PM on 03/17/2010

Kucinich has said a lot more about the FED.

[Seattlelite]

01:48 PM on 03/17/2010

Dennis Kucinich has the luxury to be as far left as he pleases as he's not governing the entire country. Why would President Obama take advice from someone the American people rejected?

[research]

02:49 PM on 03/17/2010

The American people voted for Kucinich overwhelmingly on the issues,and the FDA values poll.

The DLC conservative Dems and the MSM Conspired to keep Kucinich out of the national debate.

Admit it, Kucinich has been right on all the big issues.

[MyNameIsJames]

06:56 PM on 03/16/2010

If I were Dennis I would tell the President the following"

"Mr. President, I really appreciate all the extra attention-- so I will make a deal with you. If you can get another Blue Dog Democrat OR one Republican to vote for this Bill THEN I will gladly vote for it myself."

[Bruce vain]

06:54 PM on 03/16/2010

Stand firm for what give it a rest vote for it dennis or you will get voted out...PERIOD

[- bill]

06:59 PM on 03/16/2010

Perhaps. But I'll instead be trying to vote out Democrats if they PASS this travesty of reform, since this will be the final and incontrovertible proof that they've sold their base down the river and are partying hearty at their success in doing so.

And since there'll be plenty of Republicans and disgusted independents trying to do the same next November (though often for very different reasons), I suspect I'll be happier with the results than you will.

[StillweRise]

07:14 PM on 03/16/2010

yeah Bill... VOTE REPUBLICAN... "THAT'LL" show'em... right? Surely the republicans will have your best interests at heart over big old bad business...

that exact rationale is exactly why there is a certain level of disingenuousness in your 'logic' and your posts.

[Crossman]

05:08 PM on 03/16/2010

If they're so worried about it all coming down to Dennis' vote then the Dems have much bigger problems than Dennis' vote.

Stand firm Dennis!

[chuck prebys]

05:20 PM on 03/16/2010

+1

[stevebol]

04:47 PM on 03/16/2010

These politicians just have to face reality, and it's this;

The more people learn about Single Payer, Universal, two tier systems and even the public option- the more they will favor these systems. They have to do the will of the people eventually.

How can republicans be so stu(p)id as to think that dis-information would work at this point ?

[Zonie]

07:54 PM on 03/16/2010

Hmmmm....now wait a minute...
Can you clarify that last statement before I respond? Specifically....what disinfo....and you are aware....both parties are guilty of it...

[super]

08:23 PM on 03/16/2010

Who cares what the public wants? They will want what the spin doctors tell them they should want! How can ANYONE be so stupid as to think that the insurance companies are simply going to roll over, play dead and let the people learn the truth about Single Payer, Universal health care, etc.

[batguano]

04:07 PM on 03/16/2010

In case any of you have not seen this -- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/miles-mogulescu/ny-times-reporter-confirm_b_500999.html -- piece on apparent confirmation that Obama did indeed make a deal with the hospital industry that there would not be a Public Option in any final HCR bill to make it to a vote. The piece is not being given coverage or exposure even here on Huffpo and all energy is going to "getting it passed"; that is a travesty, and it is only a few principled representatives and others, like Dennis Kucinich, that are still fighting for a PO (after Obama took Single-Payer HR 676 off the table without ANY discussion on the merits) and real reform of our for-profit rip-off of Americans. We need to flood the switchboards with not a "git er done" call, but a strong demand that a PO MUST be included in the legislation! Nancy better get with it or she will pay the price along with all the other quisling sell-outs!

If Dems pass a bill that turns out to be another give-away, there will be hell to pay in November -- and it will be of Dems own making.

This administration has betrayed the 60% (by poll results) of Americans who support a PO. "Change we can believe in"? -- I haven't seen much I can believe in yet!

[stevebol]

04:18 PM on 03/16/2010

So what if he made a deal with them. Maybe he changed his mind.

[- bill]

06:07 PM on 03/16/2010

It's one thing to change you mind and make a public statement to that effect. It's quite another to 'change your mind' (if that's the right description for what happened) about something you argued passionately for during your campaign and still allegedly supported thereafter, work behind the scenes to sabotage it, and try to make it appear that nothing changed at all ("Gee, it was all THEIR fault").

[exmate]

02:14 PM on 03/16/2010

FAR FROM ADDING VALUE TO HEALTH CARE, PRIVATE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE COMPANIES SUBTRACT VALUE....... Please permit me explain the economic rationale for making health care insurance companies either not for profit or to nationalize them. 1. Demand for health care is INELASTIC meaning you will pay any price to get it particularly when your life is at stake, therefore the law of supply and demand CANNOT work. That is why pricing is regulated in civilized countries and profiting from basic care is outlawed.” 2. Competition apparently does not work for private health care insurance companies in the same way that it does for others marketing other goods and services. Health care spending is mostly non-discretional and therefore the law of supply and demand in the marketplace really does not function. 3. If the insurance is paid for by the employer but used by the employee, that also changes things. 4. Finally the insurance company has financial incentive of denying claims thus marketing an inferior product. 5. If the rule is that private enterprise results in the marketing of better goods and services for the public than the government could provide, private health care companies are the exception that proves the rule.”””

[wdw505]

02:27 PM on 03/16/2010

great.........nationalizing business........good plan..........where will your lack of logic stop.......

[bongstradamus]

03:50 PM on 03/16/2010

You make it sound as if we couldn't have a system with both nationalized health care and privatized health care. Fact is, we can have our cake and eat it too without letting a bunch of innocent people die or go bankrupt in the process. There are millions of people without access to healthcare and mandating them to buy insurance does nothing to provide the services they actually require.

The US ranks 37th in the world for healthcare despite the propaganda trumpeting our system as the best in the world. France gets the honor of being 1st, followed by Italy. Sadly countries like Costa Rica and Morocco rank above the US.

We need to provide real health care to our citizens. As the richest nation in the world its a travesty that we cannot come up with a way to make a national and private health care system to coexist.

[Firbolg]

03:59 PM on 03/16/2010

Probably logic will be restored at the door of the VA and Medicare.

[wdw505]

06:30 AM on 03/17/2010

the only way any bill of value will pass is if they do line item by line item on the things most can agree on.

address the following one by one.

Insurance companies may not use preexisting conditions when pricing within a 2 year period of your 18th birthday or 2 years from the start of this law or if you have insurance paid wishing to change companies.

Insurance companies may not drop you if you get sick as long as the premium is paid

No insurance caps

pricing should be done by group but not age, race or gender

A company or individual may purchase from any insurance company in any state from any state.

[GiveUsFree]

01:36 PM on 03/16/2010

Kucinich is playing his part in the never ending game all setup to divide us. Most Americans want many of the same things, but we let the media and politicians build the faux walls wedged between us. Kucinich is a gatekeeper just like the TV pundits, Republicans, Democrats and any other political organization. We have 59 “Democrats” in the Senate, a 75 seat margin in the House, and a politician in the White House with remarkable communication skills and tons of charisma and this is the best possible bill they could come up with? No one believes that this bill is optimal, but this is the result at the end of this battle. Truth be told, the Tea Partiers assisted by corporate media, insurance industry, and the USCC out maneuvered us. Too many of us were complacent and didn't fight hard enough. Pass this bill and maybe one day the middle class will wake up and march or revolt or whatever it takes to realize the change we want. Hopefully, we can learn from our mistakes. The rest of you can continue being pawns in this game and go on serving the few families that actually run America by letting a Dennis Kucinich or a Jim Demint fool you into thinking they represent your interests.

[wdw505]

02:33 PM on 03/16/2010

what you do not see is that most do not need or want anything from the government on an individual level nor want to pay for others in that manner.........just because i like what that idiot dennis is doing on this bill does not mean i support him in any other manner

but thanks for playing

[super]

08:25 PM on 03/16/2010

I suppose W represented your vision of brains!

[stevebol]

04:23 PM on 03/16/2010

Kucinich is smarter than you, GiveUsFree. Just get over it and try to work within your limitations.

[GiveUsFree]

06:06 PM on 03/16/2010

I doubt it. Name one thing Dennis Kucinich has accomplished for the middle class recently. He didn't stop the IRAQ WAR. He didn't stop the Afghan War as he is against all wars. The WTO still exists. NAFTA and CAFTA still exist. We still use Nuclear, Coal and so forth. I can't remember one thing that Kucinich has changed.

[Seattlelite]

01:19 PM on 03/16/2010

How many more posturing pea-cocking Democrats do we have to watch before this bill gets passed?

[stevebol]

04:27 PM on 03/16/2010

All of them apparently. This has been like a bad 3 1/2 hour movie.

[Coinyer101]

12:27 PM on 03/16/2010

Kucinich got more goneerds than the entire administration combined....., Tell the President ta put it in his ears, Dennis! You Rock!!!




Kucinich/Warren 2012......,

[PunxatawnyPhil]

12:40 PM on 03/16/2010

Agree.

[stevebol]

03:17 PM on 03/16/2010

At this point I would rather see Kucinich and Obama work together to push a bill that will honor both they're constituents. Obama is finally talking to the right person so things just might work out.
In that case Kucinich would not oppose Obama in 2012.
I'm trying to stay positive.

[batguano]

12:20 PM on 03/16/2010

-- continued -- Informative links.

http://www.healthcare-now.org/the-health-care-industry-vs-health-reform/

http://www.salon.com/news/healthcare_reform/index.html?story=/opinion/greenwald/2009/12/22/health_care

http://pnhp.org/blog/2009/07/20/bait-and-switch-how-the-%E2%80%9Cpublic-option%E2%80%9D-was-sold/