Barack Obama Immediately Regrets Asking For Your Help

It was September 2008, and Barack Obama was still the Senator from Illinois. He spoke to a very appreciative audience in New Philadelphia, Ohio. "If we don't take our government back, then none of these changes are going to happen," he said, "I need your help doing it."

Now it seems President Obama only meant he needed help raising money to get into the White House, and all of those suggestions for progressive reform included in monetary support from liberal groups are really superfluous annoyances, and not the kind of "help" President Obama had in mind.

The Washington Post reports that President Obama is complaining about "liberal advocacy groups" that are attacking the Democrats who are seen as being in the pockets of the private healthcare industry. Obama thinks liberals should instead focus on -- I'm not sure -- Michael Jackson or Lindsay Lohan. Something that will keep them out of trouble, probably.

"We shouldn't be focusing resources on each other," Obama said, "We ought to be focused on winning this debate." But winning the healthcare debate for whom? If the American people, including the cursed "liberal advocacy groups" that helped get President Obama elected, demand a public option (72% favor a government-run healthcare program,) why is the public option not a serious goal in the healthcare debate?

Furthermore, why are so-called Democrats like Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Max Baucus (D-MT) not fair targets for angry Progressives, who see the representatives as private healthcare cronies? Ben Nelson has called a public option a "deal-breaker" because such a plan would threaten private insurers, and Max Baucus has raised $2.6 million from the private health care industry and now serves as a prominent figure for policy debates over health care reform. Yet, instead of attacking Nelson or Baucus for putting the interests of corporate donors above the interests of their own constituents, President Obama is attacking groups like MoveOn.org.

Like the rest of a majority of Americans, MoveOn's 5 million members want a public option, according to executive director, Justin Ruben. Unfortunately, in President Obama's vision of democracy, his supporters were expected to remain complacent Yes-men until his inauguration, whereupon they were expected to shut up, sit down, and let corporate cronyism shape their national healthcare plan.

Specifically, this "rage" coming from the left has been aimed at a handful of Democrats, according to the Washington Post, and includes Sens. Ben Nelson, Mary Landrieu (LA), Ron Wyden (OR), Arlen Specter (PA), and Dianne Feinstein (CA.). Mary Landrieu is in that 28% minority, (which appears to contain only members of Congress and the private healthcare industry) that thinks the public option is a bad idea.

"I'm not open to it. I'm not open to a public option," said Landrieu. "However, I will remain open to a compromise, a full compromise. Public option is not something that I support. I don't think it's the right way to go." A compromise, as long as the winner is the private healthcare industry, and 72% of Americans keep their mouths shut.

Landrieu is the co-sponsor of a bipartisan bill from Ron Wyden, which requires the federal government to create a public option in any state that lacks a variety of insurance options (wherever that is.) Many Democrats view this bill as the weakest kind of fall-back plan that will ultimately bury the public option. Meanwhile, Arlen Specter raised (PDF) $7.2 million in health care industry contributions between 2000 and 2008, and Dianne Feinstein finally came out of hiding to state her extremely weak stance on the public option (she supports it, but won't fight for it.)

With this kind of treatment of the public option (ranging from lukewarm to outright hostile,) it's no wonder many Americans feel as though the government isn't representing their interests. Most Americans, including the dreaded "liberal advocacy groups," that helped get President Obama elected, want a public option and yet the president has fallen into the role of private healthcare industry spokesman.

Instead of representing the interests of citizens, President Obama has interpreted democracy to mean taking citizen cash and then telling them to shut up when it comes time to hear their feedback.

Cross-posted from Allison Kilkenny's blog. Also available on Facebook and Twitter.

Follow Allison Kilkenny on Twitter: www.twitter.com/allisonkilkenny

Comments

[itmaybetoolate]

Hey prez, give me what you got! It's that simple. Next crisis please.

[tnkeating]

If the Congress and Obama come up with any plan different than the plan they now have for themselves and at the same cost for us as they pay, then they need to keep thinking. Either that or change there heath care plan to same one we will be forced to accept.. Any thing else is unaccepable.

[Skipskatte]

Allison, for the love of Pete, scale it back, huh?
First of all, Obama didn't "attack" anyone. He stated that he thought that the energies of progressive groups shouldn't be exclusively aimed at moderate dems. He didn't say they were evil, or stupid, or should keep quiet, he just disagreed with the direction, and asked that we adjust course. That's not an "attack", it's a suggestion. Leave the overheated hyperbole to the cable talk shows.
Secondly, let's think strategically for a minute. There are two possible results to Obama's statement.
1) The progressive MoveOn crowd DOES back off at the President's request. This suggests that these progressive groups numbering in the millions are highly responsive to Obama and willing to follow his lead. Which gives Obama a big stick to carry when it comes time to vote for Health Care reform. Advantage, Obama.
2) The progressive MoveOn crowd DOESN'T back off, despite the President's request. This suggests that Obama isn't responsible for this group, and that these progressive groups numbering in the millions are REALLY, REALLY dedicated to good health care reform and won't back off until we get it. Advantage, Health Care Reform.
Either way, WE WIN.
That is strategic thinking. Create a situation that, regardless of the outcome, strengthens our position and makes it that much more likely that we will get what we need. It's not as satisfying as a big showy fight, but it's more likely to produce results.

[ManwithaParachute]

Speak up Speak out and fund primary challengers against any and every candidate who chooses to hook their wagon to the insurance industry!

Every time I see an article or hear commentary about MoveOn.org pressuring Democrats who feed at the insurance industry's bribe trough, I send a financial contribution. Power of the purse. There are prices to be paid for decisions people make and anyone who chooses to ignore the will of the people deserves to be exiled into the private sector.

Obama needs to come to my town for a town hall. We will ask him questions which will pin his ears back. Something needs to force his attention away from making Republican friends.

[JimR]

Thank you, I agree. Let's all focus on the best POSSIBLE reform we can get.

[freshnotbitter]

Obama needs to put plan B into effect: An independent group without political interest that maps out a plan for universal coverage, meaning everybody who wants to keep their present arrangements does so and everybody without coverage is automatically covered affordably meaning they are billed a percentage of their income as premium, through the IRS so we don't have more bureaucracy. A federal medical board, like the medicare advisory board, sets pay out rates. The plan B group could study how to deliver public option health in the most efficient manner, meaning they would be looking at automation, malpractice procedures, etc.

I don't think Congress will do anybody in the public any good when it comes to passing a bill of their own making. It just never happens. The first order of business in congressional bills is always K Street's desires and this present round will be no different.

[Abo]

Now, see, this is what I never do understand--this cognitive dissonance that searches for the excuse that we must give Obama more time--while as time passes, rather than any notion of change, we see a passing of the baton from Bush. The examples indicating change are shifts in the policy towards Cuba--or drastic changes in cigarette advertising--both a pathetic joke.
But the other big one---"we must make him do it" as Cornell West advocated on Bill Moyers recently, was rendered futile when West followed with, "He isn't listening".
Well, it sounds like he is hearing some things he would rather not hear--but when the Republicans complain, he hears them loud and clear and jumps to please with his entreaties to bipartisan unity.

[JimR]

He is president, but he is only one man. To get any kind of health care reform will mean dealing with lobbyists, deep-pocketed insurance companies and the Congressmen they support. Did you think they were all just going to go away? Well, they're not. Obama has to deal with them if he wants any kind of reform. Otherwise, his efforts will be DOA.

[Clavis]

Hey, Republicans and right-wingers -- read the comments here and Ms. Kilkenny's article -- THIS is how you participate in a democracy! You question your leaders when you think they're wrong; you don't just slavishly obey them and do whatever they want you to do! WAKE UP!

[Veeve]

Still, nobody undertsands what is going on here. A lot of these so-called, red state 'centrist dems' supported Obama and are asking him for cover. He loses absolutely nothing by asking for healthcare activists to pull back. HE KNOWS FULL WELL WE WON'T! He see the chessboard 12 steps ahead. If you have read Machiavelli, everything would be crystal clear.
Activists agitating for real healthcare reform are doing Obama's job for him when we pressure recalcitrant 'centrist dems'!!! He doesn't want us to stop! Like a polished salesperson, Obama prefers the soft sell. If he asks us to stop and we don't, the so called 'centrist dems' will understand it has nothing to do with Obama and will have to vote accordingly to save their jobs. Next time, Obama can shrug at them and say, "It's the people; it's bigger than us."
Obama already got $634 billion/10 years set aside for healthcare in the budget we passed earlier this year. The H.E.L.P. bill came in at $611 billion/10 years. Even the earlier appraisal without the public option of the H.E.L.P. bill was by design. It came in at $1.2 trillion without the public option. It was designed to demonstarte that the public option will save us hundreds of billions. Dems chair the committee. They didn't need to let the bill get appraised until it was ready. This has been an elegant, joint Obama/Kennedy venture from the beginning, folks.

[GunnyJ]

Nice.....

[RoloTomassi]

"He see the chessboard 12 steps ahead."

Sorry, I know that's a nice sentiment but it is pure fantasy; delusional notions will not produce healthcare reform.

"This has been an elegant, joint Obama/Kennedy venture from the beginning, folks."

Dream on....

[Veeve]

So I guess you are one of these people that believes that a politician can be successful while being plainspoken?? Come on, man. Who are you to call me delusional? I've worked in politics for years. Have a degree in politics and economics and I'm an amateur presidential historian, but only because I don't get paid for it.
We will pass the H.E.L.P. committee bill (with the robust public option) by 10-31 and when we do, I hope you are gracious enough to take your helping of crow.

[Veeve]

Rolo -- read at the very least, 'The Prince' and 'The Art of War' if you can. No need to disparage folks and call them delusional. It seems Gunny gets it; most military-minded people naturally would. Politics is called 'the great game' for a reason. If you don't like it, you may as well complain about the weather because it is still the best system anybody has and it's not going to change.
The most amusing thing to me is that I know Obama is counting on your anger too. Anger among activists has a large part to play in the upcoming battle.

[KevinLoyalAmerican]

Mr. President,

You promised change, and we gave you votes and money. If there are lawmakers who resist the change, and what 72% of Americans want and need, they are legitimate political targets.

As are you, sir, if you do not keep the most important promises. We are loyal Americans, not loyal campaign contributors. We have spoken - ARE YOU LISTENING?

[Thabit]

I am an Oregonian and voted for Ron Wyden in his election a few years ago, i also voted for Merkel and Obama last november . This morning i wrote both senators to say my future votes would depend entirely on their support of Public healthcare (government plan) . While i cant vote for a republican i sure wont vote For someone that is a democrat in name only . I told them that i would support their primary challengers and if they won primarys they would have do do without my vote just like i was having to live without their votes for me. If Obama doesn't want our preasure maybe he should apply his own preasure to get them in line and if it is ok for him to give up the Public plan he can go without my vote when he looks for re-election too

[Mugzi]

I too want single payer healthcare. In listening to blogs by our European cousins, they didn't get what they have today, in the beginning and we may be the same. Maybe a public option is the best for now, to help those that don't have any healthcare and tweak it - I truly feel we'll get there.

[-0013]

"Instead of representing the interests of citizens, President Obama has interpreted democracy to mean taking citizen cash and then telling them to shut up when it comes time to hear their feedback."

Is this supposed to be a suprise?

Caveat emptor.

[dadw5boys]

Posted like a true Selfish Self Center Egotistical Bigotted Republican.

Republicans belive taking tax dollars to do anything other than FATTEN THE WALLETS OF THE MILITARY INDUSTRAIL COMPLEX is wrong !!!!!!!!

[GardenerNorCal]

I don't think guarranteeing an increased market share for private insurance is any sort of a reform and fining those that don't want to purchase a faulty product is just plain wrong. Free market what sort of free market is it when everyone is forced to purchase something that has proven to be worthless?

If we can't have a single payer plan then address why different scales are used for uninsured consumers even though they pay their bills verses insured consumers. Address why doctors who have to attend recertification conferences every year spend more time at these conferences addressing how they can reap more profit through limiting the time spent with patients, requesting unnecessary tests and modalities than updating their medical skills. Let's address the insurance industry and their restrictions on preexisting conditions.

Why is that government always looks to the average citizen to pay the bills for reforms instead of looking at the huge profit takers to pay their fair share?

[WeMustSpeakOut]

Because the huge profit takers give the politicians billions every year to craft legislature in their favor. We the people cannot compete with that amount of money, and our "representatives" are quite obviously for sale to the highest bidder.

[Francesca1214]

When Obama starts attacking groups, specifically MoveOn.org, he has a real problem with me. I have sat quietly by, waiting for some of the things I was promised. Just this past weekend I wrote a letter to the President detailing what I need to see before I vote for him again. I hope we are wrong, Allison Kilkenny, but I fear you may be right.

[SolomonTheWise]

Jeeezus! You ppl are acting like the President is going around stabbing ppl in the back.

"I have sat quietly by, waiting for some of the things I was promised."

You've been waiting for what, 7 months!? You think you are the only interest group that wants something from the President? The President has Sh-@t load of stuff on his plate to deal with along WITH health care. He has everyone and their mother pulling at him every which way for what they want. You all make it sound like all he has to do is wave his hand and say, I want single payer or a public plan and then poof! It happens. If it really and truly was that easy it would've been done a LONNNG time ago and u wouldn't even need a president to do it. There are HUGE major reasons why he cannot just push aside everyone and simply say, we're gonna do it my way. There is not enough space to note it here. All he is saying is to use your resources wisely. Instead of attacking the senators, who have their own agenda for their own state. Moveon and other groups need to take shots at the insurance and pharmaceutical companies directly. Use their money and influence to continually bombard the media to expose these companies for what they are all about. Attacking the senators, well, you may win the battle, but you may just end up losing the war.

[cminca]

Read the DOMA brief and tell me no one has been stabbed. Call up Lt. Choi and Lt. Col. Fehrenbach and ask them about how they feel.

The rest of the progressive movement is begining to understand what "fierce advocacy" looks like.

[Mugzi]

Totally agree...Ob­ama has workded harder in the 6 months in office and yes I feel our country is going in the right direction - that is important. We were told from the beginning it would get worse, before better - they have not lied to us. It took 8 years to create this mess and it won't be solved overnight.

[ECBA88]

President Obama, we ARE trying to take our government back. If you stand in the way of a movement you yourself helped create, you can only control it for so long. We understand the need for moderation, that's why we're accepting a public option over single payer. Give us what you want and what we want, and let us call out lobbyist influence just like YOU said YOU would do, and haven't.

[bayside]

I purpose we start a public option fund by the citizens of america so we have someone to lobby for us..I start it off with 5.00..I know it will be hard to compete with the millions from corp. bribes, but maybe it would work. If america is for sale , perhaps we can bid..

[toggan]

"We shouldn't be focusing resources on each other," Obama said, "We ought to be focused on winning this debate."

It' sad that in order for us to win this debate, we must focus resources on "each other" Mr. President.
Enough of your doublespeak to cloud the real issue. You and congressional leaders need to give us the Health Care Reform we need, deserve and was promised.

[Edmonsky]

A cry baby will say to his or her father “where is the candy you promised me”? That is not the language used by an adult. Any adult knows that every promise is contingent on many variables. Political promise has due process for fulfiling it. Go figure.

[toggan]

Thank you Edmonsky on your take on the definition of promises. On the contrary, this ADULT understand promises in the context of making a contract. Nevertheless thank you for the mumbo jumbo and gogglelygook.