President Obama opened up the bipartisan health care reform summit with “brief” remarks that lasted more than 20 minutes.  He told the attendees that his proposal posted Monday was a blend of the House and Senate bills.  He referenced a list of previous Republican proposals (which was a strange admission from a man who has repeatedly said Republicans have suggested NOTHING) and in typical Obama fashion, he threw in the obligatory “I read letters every night telling me we need health care reform” reminder.  I am yet to figure out how this president thinks he’s the first Chief Executive to receive and/or read letters from the American people, but I digress.

Live Stream Via NYTIMES Blog

As to the set up of the room.  Delegates (if you want to call them that) are arranged around what amounts to a square with the President at the center of one side with Kathleen Sebelius and Joe Biden on his flanks.

25 MINUTES IN…

Lamar Alexander offered up the first Republican remarks saying that “this thing” is like the Detroit auto show where you invited us out there to see the new models and help sell them to the American people.  But when we saw the models, they were just like last year.  The Tennessee Senator quickly moved away from the witty rhetoric, which is anything but his strong suit, and told the President a story about his own relationship with a Democratic Governor in his home state.  He said he understood that he had to work with that Democrat to further the interests of his state.  He said he has taken a similar approach to the Obama presidency.  Amidst a bit of rambling and a few anecdotal references of his own, he also reminded the President that he has broken ranks with Republicans in the past when he thought the President “was right” implying that he would on health care as well if the situation presents itself.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was next on the ledger.  She began by telling the President that the jobs bill that passed the Senate was not the only display of bipartisanship that occurred this week.  She boastfully stated that, there was a ”blaze of bipartisanship” in the House yesterday with the lifting of the antitrust exemption for insurance companies.  She referenced Ted Kennedy and a few “inspiring stories” from her trips to small town America – as if she even knows what that is…

Slime dog millionaire Harry Reid followed Pelosi and quickly told Lamar Alexander that he was “entitled to his opinion but not his own facts.”  He then went on to remind the crowd that reconciliation isn’t “some thing that’s never been done before.”  He said that it has been used “mostly by Republicans” for major things like the Contract with America, Medicare reform, and tax cuts for “Rich People.”

Now that we have heard from three people.  Alexander and Pelosi/Reid (splitting time), it appears that the Presidential moderator will offer a rebuttal and/or response to every single speaker.  This dude loves to hear himself talk.

First Major Point of Contention… President Obama in his random remarks took a shot at Lamar Alexander’s remarks and stated that his facts were correct and Lamar’s were wrong.  When Alexander tried to get a word in to respond to the criticism, Obama just kept talking and told the Senator that he has went through the numbers with the CBO and HE is the one in the right.  Alexander tried four times to respond – all of which Obama just kept talking.

When Alexander finally got a word in.  He said with all respect you are wrong.  Insurance premiums in the private sector will go up, but rather than arguing with you in public I will submit them to you.  He then said, “Why not let other members of Congress have an opportunity to talk.”

Obama’s response – I’d like to get this issue settled about whether insurance premiums will increase today – “because I am pretty sure that I am not wrong.”

There is NO way this thing stays on schedule.

65 MINUTES IN…

Tom Coburn (R-OK) -M.D. – addressed “cost containment”

Doctors are risk-averse(d) – “tests are ordered for doctors – not for patients”

“What would happen tomorrow if the cost of insurance went down by 15% tomorrow?”  The Market would increase the ranks of those insured…

“We don’t incentivize prevention”

“We need undercover patients to expose fraud in Medicare”

71 MINUTES IN….

Harry Reid breaks in saying… “I’m not an expert on much but I am an expert on filibusters” – implying that Coburn had run over his time.  President Obama remedied the situation by offering up two minutes in unsolicited comments.

75 MINUTES IN….

Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer – began his remarks with two stories of “real world folks” impacted by the shortcomings of health care…

Could we have stipulated at the beginning of this thing that everyone has met someone who feels screwed in the current system????

“Wellness is our focus.  Not sickness.”  We want to go after fraud, waste, and abuse..

Many in my caucus thought a “public option” would open up competition.”

81 MINUTES IN….

President Obama agrees that “undercover patients” is a good idea.  As to prevention… The First Lady is all over that working with fat kids…. (awesome)

He says he would be interested in hearing from Republican colleagues… a response to their cost containment provision that would allow small business owners or individuals to be able to buy into a larger group to improve their purchasing power

House Minority Leader John Boehner deferred to Congressman John Kline (R-MN) – we would prefer to handle these issues of cost containment “step by step”

We want small business to be able to band together in associations – the same way large companies do so they get all the advantages that a bigger group will.

Obama offered no response to this one…. Maybe because to do so would be admitting that he likes the idea but only if it was the federal government running the things…

87 MINUTES IN….

Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) – took the “stage” – has he always done this pause/studder/break thing when he talks?  I thought the cable was going out for a minute or there was something wrong with the video feed.

We suggest the “Shop Act” in our bill to allow small businesses to create “exchanges” to increase their buying power.

“We basically agree.  There’s not a lot of difference here.”

92 MINUTES IN….

Dave Camp (R-MI) – Senate bill will bend the cost curve in the wrong direction by $222 billion

Responsible lawsuit reform is missing from the bill.  ”This common sense reform would reduce the federal deficit by more than $50 billion (on just the government side).  Price Waterhouse Coopers said this could reduce total cost (including private sector) by $239 billion if adopted.

98 MINUTES IN….

Representative Rob Andrew (D-NJ) – Associational health plans would allow insurance companies kick a pregnant woman out of a hospital days after having a C-section.  We need federal regulations to prevent 50 separate standards in 50 states.

We don’t agree that an insurance company should be able to decide when a lady goes home from the hospital.

Mitch Mcconnell reminds the President that Republicans have used 24  and Democrats have used 52 minutes

102 MINUTES IN…

Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) – burst out of the gates saying that we don’t need federal mandates and regulation and was quickly cut off by Representative Andrew – AND – then President Obama.

Clearly an attempt to steal his thunder because they know he knows this stuff inside and out.  - First big victory of the day for Dems  Can you say coup?

106 MINUTES IN…

President Obama is still rambling and he’s tell a story about car insurance – I’m lost…

110 MINUTES IN…

Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) -

Loves “undercover patients” idea suggested by Coburn – get ready to hear that as the bipartisan agreement reached today.

113 MINUTES IN…

Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) – we fundamentally disagree over who should be in charge – who do we trust?  We have a very difficult time putting control in the hands of Washington.

He strikes back to the Alexander / Obama debate over cost containment on private premiums – cites CBO – costs will go up because of expenses of underlying legislation – “that’s why we as Republicans want to address these issues step by step to eliminate all that extra expense.”

117 MINUTES IN…

President Obama – we are talking about criticisms of the existing bill rather than places where we can agree – so I will address some of your criticisms – because they forced him to – of course…

He just cited that friggin car insurance thing again – still lost

A lot of states already use these “large pools” – reminder to the President… they are states.

He just said interstate sale of insurance plans is desirable…. BUT …. there has to be a minimum “baseline” so that Nevada (Reid’s gotta love that choice) who doesn’t have regulations in place doesn’t raise premiums and decrease care – we need a baseline – ie. federal regulation “to make sure people get a better deal.

123 MINUTES IN….

James Clyburn (D-SC) – more anecdotal crap –  why why why?  We get it. You know real people.   Lets move on… Do these idiots really think anyone’s buying this crap?

We need a safety net for those uncovered and those who may have $2000 deductibles.

We need to expand community health care centers.

Back to real life stories – this time in reference to CSPAN call-in show…

130 MINUTES IN…

President Obama points out that Jon Kyl “shook his head” when he referenced choosing to keep your health care plan – he just wanted to point out that everyone could keep their previous insurance because it will be “grandfathered in.”

Jon Kyl - employers will drop you because its cheaper to pay the fine than it is to keep you.

Does Washington know best?

President Obama – thats a great talking point… Hold on let me tell you about a family I met in Colorado….

Here are the points we agree on… according to Obama

On banning rescissions.  - dropping coverage from a paying customer

Idea of extending dependant coverage to a certain age (25 or 26)

No annual or lifetime limits

That we want to end prohibitions because of pre-existing conditions – just don’t agree on how

135 MINUTES IN….

Representative Charles Boustany – (R-LA) – the guy who gave that terrible Republican Rebuttal last year… btw – he’s a doctor

The American people have rejected the bills because they see that premiums will increase.. They want a common sense step by step approach.

We have a duty to reform health care but we have an obligation to get it right…

140 MINUTES IN…

Obama – we have to remain disciplined if we are going to stay on schedule – funny how he only brings that up after Republicans talk

Boehner – Mr President – “I’m not sure any of us were told what the time limits are”

Representative George Miller (D-CA) – preventative care should not carry a co-pay with it.

146 MINUTES IN…

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) – both of us campaigned on the promise of bringing change to Washington

You promised this debate would be conducted in front of CSPAN cameras.  I’m glad more than a year later they are here.

$100 million for a hospital in Connecticut?  People don’t understand that.

We promised them change in Washington.

Obama tried to interrupt McCain…. McCain was the first person willing to stand up to him.  Not bad for Tweedle Dee Dumb…

“Geography should not dictate what kind of health care people receive.”

151 MINUTES IN….

Obama – we are not campaigning anymore – the election is over….

My hope would be that we focus on how we get a bill done rather than arguing back and forth.  Again – only he can argue -everyone else is wrong when they do it….

Jabbing back and forth between McCain and Obama – McCain is visibly pissed.

152 MINUTES IN…

Kathleen Sebelius – Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS)

President Obama reminds us she is a former governor too….

She is offering up a summary and a few of the President’s “high points” – not much here.

158 MINUTES IN….

Representative Eric Cantor (R-VA) - sitting with Senate bill covering his table

President Obama says “let me guess… that’s the 2000 page bill.”

Yep…and “the 11 page proposal you posted”

“There is a reason why we all voted no.”

President Obama is chatting and talking to his staff.  He is doing anything BUT listening to Cantor.

164 MINUTES IN….

Health care reform is very complicated….

He’s upset about “props” like this

Here comes another strange analogy…

“We could set up a system where food was probably cheaper than it is right now if we eliminated meat inspectors and eliminated any regulations in terms of how it is distributed and stored. .. We make some decisions to protect consumes in every aspect of our lives.”

Oh yeah, and we could lower drug costs by lifting regulations too, but the drugs would kill us….

Joe Biden – (asked for 10 seconds) we don’t have a philosophical difference if you agree with these things.  Either you’re in or you’re out.

173 MINUTES IN…

Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) - I am pretty succinct and pretty “timely”

In the 13-15 years since the Clinton debate over health care reform, we have done nothing.

We have seen hospitals abandon to the streets critically ill elderly – mentally ill persons

Now I understand that there’s a proposal to shut down Medicare and turn it into a voucher systems – NOW WHO IS THE ONE PLAYING WITH SCARE TACTICS????

178 MINUTES IN…

They are going to break so the House can take a vote that they had to schedule for now.

They will reconvene by 1:45

RECAP OF THE FIRST HALF…

To call this a fair exchange or an “open dialog” at this point would be a stretch.  The President serving as moderator has made that objective an impossibility if it was in fact ever an objective in the first place.  Lamar Alexander did a fine job for someone who lacks even an ounce of talent at events like this.  I think the Democrats won a HUGE victory with their orchestrated attack on Representative Paul Ryan.  Keeping him quiet was a clever move that needs to be remedied by Republican leadership in the afternoon.

Democrats are stating and restating that “we agree on a large part of this.”  I can’t help but think that theme is intended to drive home the fact that both sides are close on this issue so that they can either – move to a bipartisan bill or drive on toward reconciliation under cover…

President Obama is a pompous ass.  Its not that I am shocked by this in any way, but seeing it on display for such a long period of time began to make me laugh.

He dismissed the Republican idea that the debate centers on whether “Washington can do it best” as a talking point, and I think in doing so, he demonstrated the very philosophical differences he was trying to downplay.  This is an issue that is if nothing else about the Rights of individuals and the Rights of states versus those of the federal government.  This President and his regime of progressive ideologues are so far removed from reality that they cannot even begin to grasp the concept that Republicans may in fact believe in the 10th Amendment. The President seems to believe thats its been predetermined that the federal government can do as it pleases with the only question being – how much will it do – rather than should it be doing anything in the first place….  I fail to see how any amount of “debating” / discussing this nonsense will ever bridge that gap.

BIPARTISAN HEALTH CARE REFORM SUMMIT:  PART TWO

President Obama opened the second half of this historically boring meeting by telling the delegates that this thing will wrap by 4:15 – I’m not buying it but we’ll see.

[PROGRAMING NOTE:  Welcome and happy Health Reform Summit Day to all the folks who made their way over here from That's Right - glad to have you on board for this.  A mild disclaimer in case its your first time here.  I bitch and moan about crap like this, but I secretly love it - well I kinda like it - ok I like most of it except for anything related to Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, or Harry Reid - okay throw in Obama and Biden too] – here we go…

5 MINUTES IN…

Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) -

This exchange would have been helpful if we had it nine months ago – with more detail over more days….

8 MINUTES IN….

Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) – began with another friggin letter from a constituent.  People move on.  We know there’s a million stories just like that.  That’s why you’re here today – because stuff is screwed up…

This guy in the letters says that the best option for him is for Congress to pass comprehensive health care reform.  Well there you go folks… let’s go home!!

Of the ten key elements in the House (Republican) bill, we have nine of them in our (Senate) bill.  The only one not there is the health savings account provision.  Again. more of the we are really close rhetoric.

American people – like the dude in his letter – will drown if we don’t throw them a line….

He concluded with this little piece of brilliance….”We don’t allow segregation in America because of race…. but we allow it in America on the basis of health.”  ”When I hear the word ‘pool’ I think of segregation.”

16 MINUTES IN…

Representative Dave Camp (R- MI) – Reiterates the step by step message.  Reminds the delegates that after 2014 when the bill comes fully into play… it links pre-existing conditions with the Individual mandate – (that nobody wants)  - he then reminds the delegates that state legislatures are already acting to combat this.

President Obama rebuts – the Boehner plan sets up a high risk pool – reminds Camp that its indisputable that a high risk pool without healthy young people means high premiums – and drops the s-word once again – SEGREGATION – I’m seeing a theme developing here.

Camp reminds the President that where the bills differ is that the Dem version gives control over rates to the Secretary of HHS – who is sitting next to the President trying not to drop the death stare on Camp…

23 MINUTES IN…

Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) - health insurance companies are looking for a reason to knock people out of coverage.  For those of you who say maybe states can do it better… that’s the system we have now and it allows these things.

So by all means Mr. Senator – let that lead you to the conclusion that you should take the whole thing over….

He says “I like the public option, but it seems like that is gone.”

Oh and here it is – he just offered up his own “real life” point of reference… glad he squeezed that in.

He then said he has a son that didn’t have health insurance and was old enough to have it – so he told him to get it.

Does that equate to you wanting the government to fine that son of yours if he chooses not to?

He closed by saying that insurance companies should be required BY LAW to spend between 80 and 85% of revenue on patient care.  Wow – goodbye capitalism…

31 MINUTES IN…

Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) - began by addressing the portability of insurance plans across state lines.

“If you want to empower patients – give them the power to shop for coverage.”

Obama Rebuttal… “I support the idea of purchasing insurance across state lines.”

Two things to understand – 1) problem in CA was not that there were a bunch of out of state insurance companies trying to get it – the problem has to do with the fact that people who have lost their jobs – who are healthy – who can’t afford the market – are just going to go without insurance – what that leaves are people with healthcare needs or pre-existing conditions – the pool gets older and sicker – THAT IS WHY WE HAVE INCLUDED THE MANDATE – to broaden the pool.

He says that a national exchange is a way to bridge this gap – missed the second problem – don’t think he dropped it – guess he forgot.

As to the MANDATE – I was dragged kicking and screaming to the conclusion” that we need a mandate.  He says its an inevitability because of “cost shifting” – he says each family is picking up $1000 to $1100 of cost because of services given to people without health insurance.

He says “we’re already putting the money in…. its just in an inefficient way.”

Marsha Blackburn – I would suggest that we’re looking at it the wrong way.  Your talking about letting companies into California.  I’m talking about letting individuals out.”  She then chanted “Free it up.  Free it up.”  Let’em Out.”  She’s going Tea Party in the middle of the summit.

To be honest…. I can’t stand Marsha Blackburn BUT … I think she just won me over…. FINALLY someone with some cojones around there….

42 MINUTES IN….

Vice President Joe Biden – I will try to be brief BUT there’s a lot to talk about.  Hold on folks…this ride’s gonna take a while…

“Its the same philosophical debate that took place back in the 30′s over Social Security.”

In an effort to stand firm to his pledge to be brief, he decided to recap what “everyone agrees on.”

VP Biden – aka Sir Talks Alot – just admitted that Boehner’s bill would cut cost by more than $200 billion.  I didn’t think Republicans proposed any bills Mr. Vice President?  (These guys are all killing me.  For weeks all we have heard is that Republicans weren’t suggesting anything, and now they all have these brilliant plans – that just aren’t quite as brilliant as those suggested from the Left.)

Now he’s on a rant about Medicare Advantage – apparently he’s an expert since he was around when it was put into place – so says he…

Grassley and Enzi look like they’re either falling asleep or slipping out of consciousness listening to this crap. Biden just turned to President Obama only to see that even he wasn’t paying attention (he was taking notes and probably preparing his next remarks)

51 MINUTES IN….

Representative Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) is back on – and he’s come out swinging.

Since the CBO can’t score your bill, we will track it through the similar Senate bill.

It doesn’t cut deficits, it adds entitlements.

The CBO’s job is to score what is placed in front of them.  What has been placed in front of them is full of tricks and gimmicks.

What is the true cost of this bill?  Ten years $2.3 trillion.

He’s hammering the Dems on the numbers.  As the camera pans the room, the rest of these guys are squirming.  Ryan may be a one trick pony as some love to characterize him, but he’s a damn fine one if the race is health care reform because he’s destroying these folks.  If you listen to one part of this summit.  This is what you need to come back to.

The “Doc Fix” - You pulled this out to hide it.  It is running as a standalone provision to hide the costs.

Kudos to McConnell and Boehner for getting this guy more time.

In FIVE minutes, he has said more than has been stated throughout the entire summit.

“I will disagree with the Vice President on what we are qualified to say on the American People’s behalf.”

“We should start over in a step by step fashion on a clean sheet of paper”

President Obama – doesn’t want to get bogged down disagreeing over the numbers …. so instead he chose to ramble about Medicare advantage and closing the “donut hole” – the difference between initial coverage and catastrophic coverage.

He’s trying to get Ryan to say that Republicans think Medicare Advantage is broken as well.

John McCain – “Why in the world would we carve out 800,000 people in Florida”

President Obama – I think you make a very good point.

John McCain – just shat himself…

Tom Coburn – We should be saying We’re broke, lets not add any new benefits anywhere until we can sure up those we already have…

President Obama – Medicare Advantage is not “means tested” – its pretty random and a lot of it is going to insurance companies to help pay premiums.  The prescription drug plan didn’t come under my watch.  ”John was one of the few who stuck to his convictions and didn’t vote for it.”  (mutterings of a few “I didn’t vote for it(s)).

65 MINUTES IN…

Representative Xavier Becerra (D-CA) - ”You (Paul Ryan) called into question the CBO.  You have relied upon it for years.”

Ryan – I am not questioning them, I am questioning the reality of their score.

Xavier – “The referee on the field said these bills will reduce the deficit.”

“One of the unsung secrets that we learned from doctors is that we can do a better job of coordinating care to patients.” – Really dude???  We?  Who the hell is we?  You mean the federal government.  I don’t want them “coordinating” squat.

70 MINUTES IN….

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)- “I consider CBO God around here… because it takes 60 votes to overrule them.”

He’s says “you can’t count a dollar twice” – referring to the double counting in the CBO scoring of the Dem bill

“Both bills hit small businesses by taxing them.  Small business is the machine that brings new employment.  70% of new jobs come from small businesses.”

. says we can take care of them through associational health plans.

“The bulk of this bill comes from an UNCONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE” – finally somebody said it…

“I’ve had 32 town hall meetings this year… I have a good understanding of whats going on in the grass roots.”

BY THE WAY FOLKS – THE TOPIC RIGHT NOW IS “DEFICIT REDUCTION”

“Isn’t it intellectually dishonest to promise people coverage when doctors won’t treat them?”

President Obama – if we can’t make some hard decisions about entitlements, we’re in some big trouble”

“I hope we have the courage to make some of these changes”

80 MINUTES IN…

Senator Kent Conrad (D – ND) – Chairman of the Budget Committee

“The biggest unfunded liability in the US is Medicare”

The idea that we don’t have to do anything about Medicare is outside reality.

“We are wasting massive amounts of money” – uhhhh ya think?  And you want to waste more of it??? Brilliant.

He’s on a rant about prescription drug coordination shortcomings – a very real problem that may even be “chaos” as he . it, but I fail to see how the federal government getting involved eliminates that.  I only see these morons making it worse.

85 MINUTES IN…

Representative John Boehner (R-OH) – I didn’t agree with a word you said in the opening about why we are here.

“The American people want us to scrap this bill.  They said it loud.  They said it clear..”

“Here we are discussing a new entitlement program that will bankrupt our country.”

“I think this is a dangerous experiment.”

“Having a government takeover of health care is a dangerous experiment.”

“The last thing we need to be doing is raising taxes on the American people.

“If we are going to find savings in Medicare, why don’t we use that savings to extend the life of Medicare rather than creating a new entitlement?”

“I too believe the MANDATE IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL’

“For 35 years we have had a law that prohibited tax payer funding from going to paying for abortions… it was upheld in the House.”  Your bill Mr. President includes this funding….

LET’S SCRAP THE BILL…

“Why can’t we agree on the insurance reforms we have agreed upon?  Why can’t we begin with focusing on allowing insurance to be purchased across state lines.  Why can’t we focus on correcting preventative medicine?

President Obama – We were trying to focus on deficit issue… (he doesn’t want to get bogged down in “talking points) – right now we are focused on entitlement reforms and seeing if we can make some necessary changes..

92 MINUTES IN…

Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN)- “we’re all here, we’re dressed up and we’re in good behavior, but I think folks back home are concerned with how we behave when the cameras are off.”

Its easy to talk tough on this, but its hard to deliver.  ”Tom Coburn is right, Paul Ryan is right.  John McCain was right.” – In case you’re wondering who the hell this guy is.  He’s a “Bluedog” from Tennessee who knows his career is riding on today… He more than anyone else in the room has to be a friend to EVERYONE.

“We have to acknowledge the real problems.  If you can’t measure it.  You can’t manage it.”

“If you don’t think this bill reduces the deficit enough?  Vote for it and vote for more changes to it”

98 MINUTES IN….

John McCain is back on the stump.  He’s reminding the President of his promises and his previous statements.  When will he realize that no one cares when Obama lies, backtracks, and outright ignores what he’s already said on record.  Hello – you said earlier… this CSPAN meeting is a year late.

Now he’s moved to Tort Reform.  He’s citing Texas and California as shining examples of how it works.

He just tried a joke that failed – he said ” We Arizonans hate Californians because they stole our water.”  Chirp Chirp

“I understand the frustration a majority feels when they can’t get their agenda through.”

He just jabbed Obama on his tough stance on Judicial nominations when he was Senator Obama.

President Obama – “I think the American People aren’t all that interested in the procedures that go on in the Senate. – because you are so in tune with the American People?  Just come out with it – you think The American People is an uneducated ill-informed mass.

“I think most Americans think a majority vote makes sense…” – ha – you pompous ass. Way to duck your hardass approach to reconciliation when you were a Senator on the other side of it…

105 MINUTES IN…

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) – not a fan of Tort Reform – he’s citing anecdotal evidence to prove it…

“The law in its majestic equality keeps both rich and poor from sleeping under bridges.”

“If you think its a socialist plot… drop out of Federal employee benefits program.”

Why do we continue to discriminate?

110 MINUTES IN…

PRESIDENT OBAMA – just pushed the meeting to 4:30 and wants to get to “COVERAGE”

“Can America – the wealthiest nation in the world – do what every other advanced nation does?  That’s makes sure that every person here can get adequate health insurance coverage?” – THATS’ A BIG STATEMENT FOLKS – HE JUST SAID “EVERY PERSON HERE.”  YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.  HE DIDN’T SAY EVERY AMERICAN.  Come on Illegals.  Get your health care.

You can say I’m over-analyzing language, but he just scrutinized Paul Ryan for using “poll-tested” language when he referenced a “federal takeover”.  He is going there, so I’m assuming he’s saying what he means…. Don’t forget.  This is a fine legal mind here folks.  He knows what he says and he means it.  HANDS DOWN THE MOST DANGEROUS STATEMENT OF THE DAY/WEEK/MONTH/YEAR….

115 MINUTES IN…

John Barrasso (R-WY) - sometimes people with only catastrophic plans are the best consumers of health care the way its supposed to work.  ”The cost should be the first question.  They are the ones that shop around.”

I have great concern that the people around this table are not listening to the American people – that’s why so many are saying its time to start over.

President Obama – “would you be satisfied if every member of Congress only had catastrophic coverage?”

Barrasso – “I would.  Because we’d have ‘skin in the game” as you say”

President Obama – “would you feel that way if you made 40K?  These are not sultans flying in to Mayo….”

“The vast majority of these 27 30 million can’t get coverage.”

“We can debate how to help them, but we can’t debate whether they need help.  I get too many letters saying otherwise.”

“Members of Congress are in the top income bracket in the country. The people that use health savings accounts are higher earners.”

123 MINUTES IN…

Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) – he’s citing Ryan’s “voucher” proposal for Medicare recipients… Bring on the scare tactics… “The way to save the government money is to shift it to the seniors… Hold on to your pocketbook grandma.  The Republicans are coming for it….

“Under the Republican proposal healthy people are the ones who gets breaks.”

“How many people are going to come forward to say I don’t need this or that…. and then they get sick.”  - in other words… Americans are too stupid to make decisions for themselves, so we have to make these decisions for them.  We have to protect them from their own ignorance and stupidity…

“Our bill closes the donut hole so that seniors dont have to pay for their prescription coverage on their own.”

“If we don’t get this bill passed, those on Medicare are going to get squeezed like crazy.”

Now he too is on board for the “secret shopper” plan from earlier.  I’m so glad that is the one point everyone agrees on from today…

“I have doubts that Republicans will be willing to work with you on this..”

President Obama – “This is an area where we do have some philosophical differences.  The question I have for my friends on the other side – are there areas for coverage where we can agree?”  There may not be….”

131 MINUTES IN…

Representative Peter Roskam (R-IL) began with a story about Obama in the Illinois state senate where he worked with Republicans.  He juxtaposed that with today which he says is “what is it going to take for you Republicans to vote for OUR bill?”

FUNNIEST MOMENT OF THE DAY – OTHER THAN MCCAIN SHITTING HIMSELF- He references a statement made earlier by Pelosi where she said “Healthcare reform is entitlement reform” Pelosi chimes in…. – “No no”  ”Yes ” – guess she was napping.

137 MINUTES IN…

President Obama – I asked if Republicans had any other ideas to coverage and I didn’t get an answer.” – Prepare Talking Point walking out of this thing… Here it is folks…

“most people would like to be in an exchange.”  - WHATTT?

“The group that is being left out is…. the group just above the very poor because they earn too much to take part in Medicare.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D- CT) – recipient of a $100 million hospital in his state for Lieberman’s vote….

Everyone has a right to a lawyer – but you don’t have a right to a doctor….

There is a false assumption that the people who show up to an emergency room need to take care of themselves better, get a job, etc.  - the false assumption is that it is their fault.

It is a hidden tax that the rest of us pay for that support.

Every day we discuss this 14,000 Americans will lose their health care.

“These are not segmented issues.”  This issue defies incremental approaches” – so its all or nothing guys – we have to take it all if we wan to fix any of it…

“You have to broaden coverage if you want to address any of these issues.”

144 MINUTES IN…

Representative Joe Barton (R-TX ) – We believe we should us free markets to empower people and give them choices - – BINGO BANGO – THANK YOU JOE BARTON – we will ignore that you just said you’d like the President to moderate if the bill every gets to conference committee.

Health care costs will go down if you allow insurance companies to compete across state lines.

“Your proposal pays lip service to Medical Malpractice reform but they don’t do it.”

Texas has gained 18,000 doctors since it was put in place in Texas….

You could save $150 billion a year.

Lets start over in the sense that we change the vision and work together to do the things we agree upon but don’t destroy the things that have made this system the greatest in the world.

President Obama – You’re right.  Boehner’s bill doesn’t radically change the system – that’s why only 3 million of th 3o million will be covered.

150 MINUTES IN…

Senator Ron Wyden (R-OR) – “evidence shows that incremental reform not only does less – it costs more”

“We’ve been doing incremental reform since the 90′s when the Clinton plan blew up.”

“everyone should have the right to fire their insurance company.”  Even after we require them to buy it….

155 MINUTES IN…

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell – we haven’t been listening to them very carefully – we know how they feel about this 2700 page bill.

He also brought up reconciliation…citing a Gallop poll that showed that 52 % of Americans oppose its use with only 39% supporting it…

“Health care is a uniquely personal issue.”

“They have rendered a judgment about what we have attempted to do so far.”

The solution is to put that on a shelf and start over.

President Obama – I hear from constituents in every one of you districts.

“When you poll people for the individual elements they are for them….”

Hellooo – thats the point Mr. President.  They want you to start over.  They want incremental change…

160 MINUTES IN… (3 more speakers)

Representative Patty Murray (D-Washington) – began with a heartwarming story – shocker….

exchanges, community health centers, expanding coverage, blah blah blah.  I’m spent…  These old bastards have to be dying… I hope none of them has a “GOING PROBLEM” – is that prescription covered under their insurance plan??? – maybe that’s why I keep hearing scratching chairs…

Senator Tom Coburn – “we ought to have another talk like this” – Dear God no.  Come on man….

Representative Charlie Rangel (D-NY)- “I appreciate that you saved the best for last.”

“One of the big problems Americans have is why it takes 60 to get a majority.”

“We can’t get back those times.  This is the last year for a lot of people in the House”

Sick people are not Democrats or Republicans – they’re Americans”

“People are concerned with what we’re going to produce – not what we debate”

“Lets leave here at least talking about what we agree on.”

“I don’t think someone sick in the emergency room is concerned with how big this bill is.”

170 MINUTES IN…

Representative John Dingell (D- Michigan) - His father proposed the first major health reform bill generations ago and he begins every session with introducing one – I’d say that makes him a believer – but I’d also say that makes him the LAST PERSON that needs to be talking about how to get something passed.  His success rate in that endeavor is not exactly stellar…

“Here we have a chance to serve the people”

“I don’t know why 50 votes cant pass this legislation in the People’s House and the Senate…”

This guy is a testament to our nation’s health care system… How he is still alive is beyond me.  He looks like a corpse – That’s “corpse” MR. President – not corps….

175 MINUTES IN…

Nancy Pelosi – “As one who abided by the 3 minutes, I’m going to take a few more in closing…”

“We’ve come a long way to agreeing upon a Republican idea – EXCHANGES – Wait… Republicans had ideas all along?  WTF???

“I want the record to show… the law of the land is that there is no public funding of abortion and there is no public funding of abortion in these bills…” These bills do not cut benefits for seniors.”

“Yes its hard to do this.  This will take courage to do..”

Apparently Pelosi decided to turn this into a fight right before the summit came to a close….

180 MINUTES IN…

President Obama – I’m gonna take about ten minutes to see where we agree and summarize where we disagree.

We agree that…

1.  We need insurance market reforms

“Overwhelmingly the PEOPLE say that the insurance market should be REGULATED”

2.  Allowing small businesses and individuals trapped in the current market should be allowed to take part in a larger group.

“Exchanges are not a government takeover”

Details differ on buying insurance across state lines – Republicans say lets open it up – “The philosophical concern I have for that is the ‘race for the bottom’” – another analogy – this time credit cards… credit card companies began relocating to a state that had the fewest restrictions on credit card companies.  I get what he was angling for but everyone in the room was scratching their heads – and rightfully so.  He brought it back around with the “Food” and “Drug” analogy too – just to make sure we didn’t forget his brilliance on that one… They were both so ridiculous I spent more time trying to figure out if he was trying to make a metaphor or an analogy – or just talking out of his ass…  Brilliant…

3.  Medical Malpractice ???- when we had a Republican President and Republican control of the House – it didn’t happen.

I think what he was saying here, is we can work on that if you can come on board…. – then he said he’s not sure that “we can bridge that gap.”

Here we go again… He’s going to support everything and stand on nothing.  He and Pelosi sure have managed to screw this whole day in the last few minutes….

“I did not propose something complicated just for the sake of being complicated… It turns out that Baby Steps don’t get you to the place people need to go..”

Here come the Taxes…

“In order to help the 30 million… thats gonna cost some money.”  ”those who get all of their income in capital gains dont pay a dime in Medicare tax.”  ”If you make over $250000 and your income comes from those sources, you should have to pay into this.”

“If you’re not in the top 4% of businesses and you’re not providing insurance – you have to pony up – or we have to pick up the tab  BUT – “Its not an employer mandate.”

“Most employers get huge subsidies for becoming part of the exchange.”

His list has been thrown out at this point.  We’re just rolling into the agreements and disagreements at this point….

“I will end by saying this… (UMM) I suspect that if the Democrats and the administration were willing to start over and then to adopt John Boehner’s bill – we’d get a lot of Republican votes.”  I don’t know how many Democrats bills we’d get.”

What Id like to propose – I’ve put things on the table that I didn’t come in here saying I was in support of.

I’d like Republicans to do some soul-searching to see if you can come to terms here.”

I don’t know if we can close that gap.  If we can’t Reid and McConnell will have some debates over procedures in Congress…   If you guys can’t come on board… we’re using reconciliation..,.,.

“There may not be any reason for Republicans to do anything.  It may be very hard for you politically to do this.”

This is me trying to make you guys seem like you’re playing politics while we are just trying to do what is right for the American people…

“I don’t think we will have another one of these.”   Thank God

“If we saw movement – significant movement – we wouldn’t need to start over.”

“Is there enough serious effort that in ….time, we could actually resolve something.  Then we have to make some decisions.  And that’s what elections are for…

Either come on board for our plan or we’re going to use reconciliation.  Pretty shrewd of the President to put members of Congress on the line at election time when he has three years to recover….

HERE’S MY BRIEF TAKE…

Apparently all of these folks talk to too many people, different people, or just the wrong people because they all referenced “The People” so many times I began to wonder why I didn’t get a phone call…

Paul Ryan nailed it.  Marsha Blackburn has big balls.  She may be a red meat Palin drone, but for today at least I liked her.  McConnell was far too quiet and way too timid.  Pelosi is a windbag and gave away the real deal in her closing remarks.  This was a sideshow.  They are going ahead with reconciliation and if Republicans cave even an inch they are dumber than the Left.

The President is willing to risk his party’s majority in both Houses – frankly, because he’s not in them.  He intends to go forward as well and watch for his administration to spin everything that was said today into Republicans standing in the way of this plan because they do not support a ban on prohibition due to preexisting conditions – a false claim, but one he hinted at all day today by masking the debate as one which centers on “coverage.”

Was today a success?  I call it a draw for all involved.  I don’t see that the lines have moved even an inch.

Tags: bipartisan summit, blair house, health care reform, lamar alexander, mcconnell, paul ryan, Pelosi, President Obama, Reid

This entry was posted on February 25, 2010 at 9:51 am and is filed under DOMESTIC ISSUES, ECONOMY-BUSINESS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.