Chris Collins has been an awful representative for New York. Time for him to go. I hope Kathy Hochul runs. She would have a good chance of beating him.
1
Democrats have a real opportunity. Why?
Because this once, Republicans find themselves on the wrong side of an issue -- caring for the sick (either the poor or those with pre-existing conditions) -- that is 1) widely discussed, 2 deeply popular, and 3) deeply emotional. Witness the reaction to the Jimmy Kimmel video: his audience -- and mainstream America -- wholeheartedly agrees that sick people should not die preventable deaths in America. Shouldn't happen. Not here. End of discussion.
The GOP -- representing the far-right ideology of their Libertarian donors and
Rightist blogs like Breitbart -- are deeply out-of-sync with mainstream America on this issue.
Republicans have succeeded for decades by *exploiting* emotional issues -- such as fear of gun control, anti-abortion fervor and anti-gay sentiment (this last one no longer potent) -- to pursue their main mission: the continued and accelerated upward transfer of wealth to the already rich while cutting the safety net that keeps the middle class and poor afloat.
But the pendulum has swung. This is your chance, Democrats. You have the public and the momentum. Don't blow it,
Because this once, Republicans find themselves on the wrong side of an issue -- caring for the sick (either the poor or those with pre-existing conditions) -- that is 1) widely discussed, 2 deeply popular, and 3) deeply emotional. Witness the reaction to the Jimmy Kimmel video: his audience -- and mainstream America -- wholeheartedly agrees that sick people should not die preventable deaths in America. Shouldn't happen. Not here. End of discussion.
The GOP -- representing the far-right ideology of their Libertarian donors and
Rightist blogs like Breitbart -- are deeply out-of-sync with mainstream America on this issue.
Republicans have succeeded for decades by *exploiting* emotional issues -- such as fear of gun control, anti-abortion fervor and anti-gay sentiment (this last one no longer potent) -- to pursue their main mission: the continued and accelerated upward transfer of wealth to the already rich while cutting the safety net that keeps the middle class and poor afloat.
But the pendulum has swung. This is your chance, Democrats. You have the public and the momentum. Don't blow it,
“…Representative Chris Collins, who rallied fellow Republicans to vote for the health measure, then conceded in a national television interview that he had not read the bill…”
___
“We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it,” is what Pelosi said March 9, 2010 to the National Assoc of Counties.
Tuesday, Pelosi wrote: “Members must not be asked to vote on this legislation before the CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation have answered the following questions about your legislation in 2018 and 2019, over the 10-year budget window, and in the decade after: How will this bill measure up to the Affordable Care Act and current Medicaid law on coverage, quality, and cost? And how will it impact Medicare solvency?”
“The American people and Members have a right to know the full impact of this legislation before any vote in Committee or by the whole House,” she wrote. “These are critical questions and I hope that Republicans will honor their responsibility to the American people both before the Committees vote and before the final bill goes to the House floor.”
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/10/nancy-pelosi-we-have-...
It’s amazing whether there’s a ‘D’ or an ‘R’ between the ( ) makes an elected official a hypocrite…
___
“We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it,” is what Pelosi said March 9, 2010 to the National Assoc of Counties.
Tuesday, Pelosi wrote: “Members must not be asked to vote on this legislation before the CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation have answered the following questions about your legislation in 2018 and 2019, over the 10-year budget window, and in the decade after: How will this bill measure up to the Affordable Care Act and current Medicaid law on coverage, quality, and cost? And how will it impact Medicare solvency?”
“The American people and Members have a right to know the full impact of this legislation before any vote in Committee or by the whole House,” she wrote. “These are critical questions and I hope that Republicans will honor their responsibility to the American people both before the Committees vote and before the final bill goes to the House floor.”
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/10/nancy-pelosi-we-have-...
It’s amazing whether there’s a ‘D’ or an ‘R’ between the ( ) makes an elected official a hypocrite…
I'd like to think this is true, but I remember hearing people say things like "Georgia is in play" before the 2016 election. The Democrats seem to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Democrats should be working to defeat or improve the absurd House passed health legislation because it's the right thing to do - not because it's a path to defeat republicans and take control of the House.
The problem, of course, with running on this issue is the short memory of the electorate. May '17 to the 2018 primaries is a long time. Moreover, as everyone is aware, the DNC's primary supervision is a farce. Move on — Nothing to trust here.
1
Wish we could put single payer in play.
1
What would it actually take for the US have a single payer health care system - what's the real barrier against it? Is it that people don't want to be forced to contribute to it all their working lives or is it just plain bloody mindedness and fear of government meddling? I realize insurance agencies might have objections but they'd soon start concentrating their efforts elsewhere, wouldn't they?
It would be a seismic event and the US is coming very late to the party but it would be really worth while for everybody. The poor would be taken care of and the rich can continue paying extra for fancy hospital rooms and food. I realize it's not terribly comfortable under single payer systems because doctors feel they have to maximize their time and hospitals want you out as soon after an operation as possible but you do get fantastic care. It's worth the discomfort.
It would be a seismic event and the US is coming very late to the party but it would be really worth while for everybody. The poor would be taken care of and the rich can continue paying extra for fancy hospital rooms and food. I realize it's not terribly comfortable under single payer systems because doctors feel they have to maximize their time and hospitals want you out as soon after an operation as possible but you do get fantastic care. It's worth the discomfort.
2
We have a govt run system...the VA. Long waiting times with patients dying while waiting, records changed to protect the govt employees. And doctors don't want to work in that system (of course a few do). Whistleblowers who point out bad care.are punished in the VA just like HCA-Columbia and Adventist health hospital systems here.
As for Canada's single payer...long lines. Americans don't like that situation. To quote an Ontario judge's written opinion, 2006, I believe re. a patient who was told he had to wait 2 years for a hip replacement: The Canadian system does not guarantee care. It only guarantees a place in line. BTW, you live in a city which has a coulpe of hospitals which are equal to the best hospitals in America.
As for Canada's single payer...long lines. Americans don't like that situation. To quote an Ontario judge's written opinion, 2006, I believe re. a patient who was told he had to wait 2 years for a hip replacement: The Canadian system does not guarantee care. It only guarantees a place in line. BTW, you live in a city which has a coulpe of hospitals which are equal to the best hospitals in America.
The Canadiens by and large like their system. They also recognize it is not perf Ct but it does pull through when life or death is at stake for a citizen and with no $ limits. I am very tired of the hip replacement example being trotted out as an example of all that is bad with the Canadian (and British, Australian) system. Hip replacements ARE NOT LIFE AND DEATH procedures but rather are undertaken to improve quality of life of the recipients. Of course it takes time to allocate finite resources for such a procedure. Canadiens recognize this and many purchase additional insurance if they do not care to wait in line. The VA is THE LARGEST HEALTHCARE system in the US. Again, as with such large systems, it is not without problems (and some poor hospitals) but the large majority of vets are very positive about the quality and timeliness of care they receive from the VA system. As a veteran, please stop using these examples of why the US should not proceed to a single payer system. They just don't wash!
5
The Canadian system does guarantee care. Each citizen has a family doctor or clinic, an access to the emergency hospital system and can definitely get immediate care for important things. (When I had a cancer scare the system pulled out all the stops and what surprised me was the kindness that I was shown. (Turned out wasn't cancer.))Yes, we do have good hospitals here but people are helicoptered in from other cities - there was a woman from Thunder Bay on my floor in St Michael's Hospital. We met as we both took our mandatory stroll around the department.
If you NEED a new hip, you get one. My spouse just got his. However, you can't just say you want a new hip - the doctor has to recommend it.
All in all it's good.
If you NEED a new hip, you get one. My spouse just got his. However, you can't just say you want a new hip - the doctor has to recommend it.
All in all it's good.
6
Dream on Democrats. The new health care bill still has to go through the Senate, so no telling what it will do or say. How stupid to opine on the results of the House bill when it means nothing except an opportunity for Democrat blather. And the President is NOT unpopular, contrary to what the Democrats and the press would have us think.
60 million of you, including women, Latina and blacks voted for Trump, you chose this leader, you decided that he was the better choice over the most qualified person ever to run for president, live with it...
2
It is so difficult to understand why a group of Republicans in Congress think it is better to "fulfill a campaign promise" than it is to do work that is actually beneficial to the people they represent. Even harder to understand why their constituents continue to vote these same people into office. I agree with the comments of many in this thread: Democrats need to take real stands on important issues, stick to talking points that support their positions and never fail to remind voters of what Congress has actually done in the past 4 years, which is very little.
2
Wow ... this article made my day! I have never been a "political person", but now that Comrade Trump is the President, I'm ready to fight for MY country again! I will do whatever it takes to drain the REAL swamp that has taken over Washington. Instead of just complaining about the current administration, I will volunteer to help those candidates that express my views and the views of the majority of Americans during the 2018 and 2020 elections. I invite all of you to volunteer, please.
4
Time to shift resources from the mother of all bombs to mother of all health insurance. Just like defense, nationalize health insurance. I hope Washington and more important, voters, get dead serious about health insurance and access. Time to cut the cord on corrupt, cheating Boeing, Northrop and so called defense contract. This nation has been milked enough by these perpetual cheaters.
I am a moderate Republican who is appalled by the Trump (and Republican) Administration. At the same time the glee and focus on political gain by the Democrats is appalling as well. Focus on the people regarding the health care program, solve it. THEN do your political calculations based on demonstrated substance.
Will anyone argue that Obama care was a success. Premiums are skyrocketing, insurance carriers are bolting, choice is disappearing, the whole system is imploding.
1
@Steve. The CBO doesn't agree with you. Neither do professional actuaries. Only congressional republicans and the uninformed spout this nonsense about the ACA. Are there problems? Sure. But opponents would rather fight progress than help fix things. What's ironic is that we'll probably have single payer healthcare even sooner due to these malign efforts.
1
"This time around, Democrats say they have a much broader strategy, focusing on more than 90"
A comedy routine line.
This time around the democrats will be competent? Bragging on how majority revulsion at fascist evil will help the personal fortune of DC hack democrats? That is proof of competence? The dream situation for DC democrats is to have Satan publicly take over the Republican Party and congress and the White House and the Supreme Court.
DC democrats would be chortling with uncontrollable glee that they would then be a popular alternative when compared to the satanists. Republicans run the US and threaten it and the world because DC democrats are worthless greedy fools. Don't believe? review the last few thousand state and federal elections. That known liability Hillary STILL won't go away.
A comedy routine line.
This time around the democrats will be competent? Bragging on how majority revulsion at fascist evil will help the personal fortune of DC hack democrats? That is proof of competence? The dream situation for DC democrats is to have Satan publicly take over the Republican Party and congress and the White House and the Supreme Court.
DC democrats would be chortling with uncontrollable glee that they would then be a popular alternative when compared to the satanists. Republicans run the US and threaten it and the world because DC democrats are worthless greedy fools. Don't believe? review the last few thousand state and federal elections. That known liability Hillary STILL won't go away.
Until they get back to JFK instead of AntiFa, it's going to be a long 40 years wandering the desert.
Regardless of the demographics and gerrymandered districts, the strength and depth of the Republican propaganda machine will ensure they hold on to power as long as they can continue to fool people into believing the Democrats are responsible for all their problems. They successfully did that last year. The Fox News Propaganda Ministry has to many people convinced to vote against own best interests. Repeat a lie often enough and people will believe it. Hitler understood that, and so does Trump.
3
The first thing Democrats have to do is fire everyone who, over the past eight years, has claimed to be a "Strategist". These are the people, after all, who lost the last four elections. Unfortunately for the Democrats, and America's democracy, it may already be too late. Case in point - "This time around, Democrats say they have a much broader strategy, focusing on more than 90 districts where Mr. Trump earned less than 55 percent of the vote." Say it isn't so! The Democrats should be focusing, too, on those districts where Trump got the most votes, because those are the districts where the most people are likely to have been harmed by what the Republicans have done, and will be doing, up to the 2018 elections.
4
Rep. Collins is indicative of those we elect to represent our interests, not even taking the time to do what you're paid for, before you cast a vote. If what Rep. Collins says is true that they "rely heavily on staff" that begs the question, did the staff overlook such an important 7 billion dollars. Or do they have their own agenda aside from Rep.Collins, and by depriving him of key facts to get him to vote a certain way, would insure a vote that is really his staffs manipulated vote. Basically, what Rep. Collins is doing is blaming staff, sure he may not have said, my staff never mentioned the loss of any 7 billion dollars to me, prior to the voting, or my vote would have been different.
No Rep. Collins admitted albeit a very stupid admission, that he didn't really care enough about those he represents to even read the bill, takes too much time away from perusing the pharmaceutical stocks to see how else he can cash in. He is no different from any one in either party, they have turned what is supposed to be a noble, serving the public for the greater good, into a cash cow. For themselves and the growing list of special interests led by Trump. It's sad to think that this is doing to somehow energize a base that isn't the moderate Republican who just voted along party lines. Like a lightbulb on a dimmer switch, the bulbs in their heads are slowing going on as hope fades. The hope that Trump, congress will do the right thing by the people even though it doesn't sit well.
No Rep. Collins admitted albeit a very stupid admission, that he didn't really care enough about those he represents to even read the bill, takes too much time away from perusing the pharmaceutical stocks to see how else he can cash in. He is no different from any one in either party, they have turned what is supposed to be a noble, serving the public for the greater good, into a cash cow. For themselves and the growing list of special interests led by Trump. It's sad to think that this is doing to somehow energize a base that isn't the moderate Republican who just voted along party lines. Like a lightbulb on a dimmer switch, the bulbs in their heads are slowing going on as hope fades. The hope that Trump, congress will do the right thing by the people even though it doesn't sit well.
2
The Democratic party needs to quit giving preference to focus groups and "soccer mom" slices of the population and take strong stands on the serious problems we are facing. If they take strong, well defined, and easy to explain positions...rather than coddling demographically selected groups and nuancing wonky explanations...they can regain the mantle of equality and truly show that they are the party for the people.
Look at Bernie Sanders. Free schools and medical coverage for all, not most, is a very popular idea and suddenly, a very believable idea. Unrelenting stands on rebuilding our infrastructure with the help of our brothers and sisters stuck in the economic backwash of the Great Recession is a very hard position oppose.
Attack pollution for what it is...a killer.
Attack the attackers...FDR's "Do-nothing Congress" has nothing on this bunch.
Democrats need to quit being so "touchy/feely" and openly support the issues that will rebuild the middle class and rekindle the war on poverty.
We can afford it and can't afford not to.
Look at Bernie Sanders. Free schools and medical coverage for all, not most, is a very popular idea and suddenly, a very believable idea. Unrelenting stands on rebuilding our infrastructure with the help of our brothers and sisters stuck in the economic backwash of the Great Recession is a very hard position oppose.
Attack pollution for what it is...a killer.
Attack the attackers...FDR's "Do-nothing Congress" has nothing on this bunch.
Democrats need to quit being so "touchy/feely" and openly support the issues that will rebuild the middle class and rekindle the war on poverty.
We can afford it and can't afford not to.
4
As an ex-Dem, I am finding reasons to again work on political campaigns, against Republicans.
Evan Osnos' piece in the 5/8/17 New Yorker and his interview of PRI/PBS of 5/4 made a strong case for the necessity of firing this President that evokes fear from so many of us, drawing heavily on the opinions of prominent mental health professionals' of Trump's multiple public displays of mental instability. Here are the payoffs for flipping the House: it will allow the first step towards impeachment, the Judiciary Committee could begin aggressive investigations of Trump's conflicts of financial interest, demand access to his tax returns, ferret out his Russian connections and establish if Trump has the mental stability to be entrusted with nuclear weapons.
The Republican representatives from Clinton districts who also votes for the Trumped up Care bill are now, newly vulnerable.
I now recognize an imperative to join local groups that are targeting California Republicans in Clinton districts who voted for this bill. There are seven, three of whom were identified in the LA Times as representing districts with many beneficiaries of Medicare benefits extended by the ACA: David Valadao of Fresno, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Stanislaus.
For those of you who just complain, for all of us who've been joining the several really huge Resistance marches, here's direct political action we can take to further safeguard our country. Ultimately, it's up to all of us.
Evan Osnos' piece in the 5/8/17 New Yorker and his interview of PRI/PBS of 5/4 made a strong case for the necessity of firing this President that evokes fear from so many of us, drawing heavily on the opinions of prominent mental health professionals' of Trump's multiple public displays of mental instability. Here are the payoffs for flipping the House: it will allow the first step towards impeachment, the Judiciary Committee could begin aggressive investigations of Trump's conflicts of financial interest, demand access to his tax returns, ferret out his Russian connections and establish if Trump has the mental stability to be entrusted with nuclear weapons.
The Republican representatives from Clinton districts who also votes for the Trumped up Care bill are now, newly vulnerable.
I now recognize an imperative to join local groups that are targeting California Republicans in Clinton districts who voted for this bill. There are seven, three of whom were identified in the LA Times as representing districts with many beneficiaries of Medicare benefits extended by the ACA: David Valadao of Fresno, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Stanislaus.
For those of you who just complain, for all of us who've been joining the several really huge Resistance marches, here's direct political action we can take to further safeguard our country. Ultimately, it's up to all of us.
3
The Democratic party is in disarray. What is their agenda? As a Democrat myself I have no idea. So far all the Party has done is whine and complain about Trump and the Republicans, paying all too much attention to them and forgetting the WE. Where is our platform? Who are our viable candidates? Where are our rallies. So far only Bernie Sanders rallies and he isn't a Democrat and not all Democrats love him!
3
I am not a fan of either party and have been an independent since I registered to vote in 1980. I find government to be at its worst when one party controls the Whitehouse and the congress, so our current situation does not please me at all. The current votes to repeal consumer privacy protections, make medical insurance even worse and plans to gut internet neutrality this summer will most likely earn the Democrats the House and possibly the Senate in 2018. The Republicans will have no one to blame but themselves for overreaching. However, that does not mean I would be happy to see a repeat of 2009-2011 either with the Democrats totally in charge. Both parties left to themselves are too radical and beholden to their special interests for many of us. With split government, neither side can get anything other than moderate legislation through.
1
It's worth remembering that almost all of the Congressmen that are in districts won by Clinton also managed to hold their own seats during the same election cycle. That the voters chose Clinton over Trump, but managed their own victory nonetheless, suggests more about dissatisfaction with Trump than necessarily converting into democratic support.
As long as their liberal progressive secular party base is ignored every District of Democratic Party Delusional Denial is off the gerrymander House table.
The optics of all those rich white guys partying in the Rose Garden celebrating kicking the poor and low earners to the curb is a start to motivating a huge backlash to the GOP. Some credit is due for the brashness and bold statement Trump and his merry band of GOP elite made the other day - celebrating publicly the first step to tax cuts for the super rich, financed by cuts to poorer Americans. They were upfront about it and unashamed.
We all know now who they represent, who they care about.
The 2018 mid-terms will be a referendum on the Trump/Ryan swamp.
We all know now who they represent, who they care about.
The 2018 mid-terms will be a referendum on the Trump/Ryan swamp.
6
The Republican congressional candidates shouldn't let themselves get cowed by the negative press coverage or the Democrats into being defensive about their attempt to repeal the ACA. They are, after all, in control of Congress partially because of their opposition to it. They should go on the offensive about the negative effects the ACA has had on employer-provided insurance plans in the case of soaring deductibles, and remind their constituents about the provisions of the bill which have yet to be implemented, which the press conveniently ignores. They have got to patch up these same problems in their own bill. This should and can be a two-sided political battle, and both parties will come to the fight with everything they've got. There is no reason to surrender prematurely.
You're right, David. Let them stay cocky so as to ensure an even greater defeat by the Democrats by staying unprepared.
1
And what might those "provisions" be. And if it's broken why not fix it. This bill isn't about congress or big business, it's about the health of this nation. Every industrialized country apart from the US, have some sort of single payer system. I work in healthcare, and I can tell you as a fact, more people are forced into bankruptcy as a direct result of healthcare related bills. Our poor die, our seniors who deserve it the most lose coverage. Health savings plans are fine assuming you make enough to save enough, most people cannot save the potentially vast amount or money that would need to be set aside to pay for an illness that may or may not happen. I get sick and tired of hearing unbacked statements like you just made. I made a point of going to look at these costly "provisions' you talk about.
1
You have to start at local level. Get a good if not great ground game. Remember 2020 is just around the corner and that means new congressional districts and who gets to redistrict them.
3
Do you remember that before the election there were many news stories that the Republican Party was finished? I think we should not be so quick to believe that the Democratic Party is dead.
4
Neither party is dead or doomed for very long, the pendulum will swing back. One day, American voters will wake up and realize the radical thinking like from either side aren't comparable with American values. Like this idea that repealing something that people are benefitting from even in the face of their own constituencies unhappiness with that idea, is just not thinking it through. The Republican Party isn't doing this because the ACA is just a bad idea, their agenda is out of spite. That, and big business and the 1%, since those people pay a 3.9% tax. It's as if we're a minor inconvenience
To those we send to represent our interests as a people. It seems we the people are paying more in taxes and getting less in return.
It's time we the people took back congress and vote these people out, we need to level the playing field at least a little. The only way to truly demand better is to make examples out of those who don't even take the time to read a bill that clearly has serious consequences. Which makes me wonder, if they rely so heavily on staff, did the staff not read that part, or did they conveniently forget that key part, because they have their own agenda, apart from Rep Collins.
To those we send to represent our interests as a people. It seems we the people are paying more in taxes and getting less in return.
It's time we the people took back congress and vote these people out, we need to level the playing field at least a little. The only way to truly demand better is to make examples out of those who don't even take the time to read a bill that clearly has serious consequences. Which makes me wonder, if they rely so heavily on staff, did the staff not read that part, or did they conveniently forget that key part, because they have their own agenda, apart from Rep Collins.
1
Democrats shouldn't get too confident, even if they're on the right side of most issues. They have to be both energized and smart as they move forward. Every district is different, and one rigid set of priorities won't necessarily fly everywhere, particularly in rural vs urban districts. Six months is an eternity in politics, and the issues may well change by 2018.
Republicans also have structural advantages with many gerrymandered districts plus state legislatures that are busily crafting voter suppression legislation and 'cleaning up' voter rolls, all without the threat of the Justice Department looking over their shoulders.
Healthcare reform should be a unifying message across the nation. That's fortunate because, unexpectedly, the ACA is more popular than ever. But just fixing it won't remove the gross inefficiencies inherent in running most healthcare through employers and for-profit insurance companies. Some form of single payer is crystallizing as the preferred program, and may get majority support if relentlessly pushed by Democrats.
Republicans are desperate to head this off, but seem to be their own worst enemies. Keep the pressure on and don't give up or bargain for half a loaf.
Democrats shouldn't make this too complicated or play a stupid blame game about what Obama or Clinton should have done. That's ancient history. No one would have predicted a year ago that we'd now be closer to Medicare for all. Or that this would be 3 months into a Trump presidency.
Republicans also have structural advantages with many gerrymandered districts plus state legislatures that are busily crafting voter suppression legislation and 'cleaning up' voter rolls, all without the threat of the Justice Department looking over their shoulders.
Healthcare reform should be a unifying message across the nation. That's fortunate because, unexpectedly, the ACA is more popular than ever. But just fixing it won't remove the gross inefficiencies inherent in running most healthcare through employers and for-profit insurance companies. Some form of single payer is crystallizing as the preferred program, and may get majority support if relentlessly pushed by Democrats.
Republicans are desperate to head this off, but seem to be their own worst enemies. Keep the pressure on and don't give up or bargain for half a loaf.
Democrats shouldn't make this too complicated or play a stupid blame game about what Obama or Clinton should have done. That's ancient history. No one would have predicted a year ago that we'd now be closer to Medicare for all. Or that this would be 3 months into a Trump presidency.
13
"Democrats are seizing the moment to seek out promising challengers, from blood-red Kansas to the blue-tinged suburbs of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and enticing them with the prospect of a political wave."
Unfortunately, this is what the Republican Party has been doing for decades at all levels of government.
BUT, better late than never,. Hopefully, this means the Democratic Party has finally awoken from its complacent slumber and groveling for big donor and corporate dollars, and will get to work in the trenches running attractive, articulate candidates at the local, state, and national levels.
It will take years to hurdle over, around, and through the Republican obstructions of gerrymandering, voter repression, false advertising, a ratings and entertainment-oriented media, and a bad habit of voting Republican and acquiescing to the destruction of democracy and the planet.
But keep in mind that that slow-moving turtle did eventually win that race with that overly confident hare.
Unfortunately, this is what the Republican Party has been doing for decades at all levels of government.
BUT, better late than never,. Hopefully, this means the Democratic Party has finally awoken from its complacent slumber and groveling for big donor and corporate dollars, and will get to work in the trenches running attractive, articulate candidates at the local, state, and national levels.
It will take years to hurdle over, around, and through the Republican obstructions of gerrymandering, voter repression, false advertising, a ratings and entertainment-oriented media, and a bad habit of voting Republican and acquiescing to the destruction of democracy and the planet.
But keep in mind that that slow-moving turtle did eventually win that race with that overly confident hare.
1
The lack of unity in the Democratic Party is ruinous. Much as I admire Bernie Sanders, he is a divisive factor. His outsider role damaged Hillary's campaign and now he seems bent on damaging the 2018 elections too. Since he is too old to run for president and isn't even a Democrat, it is time he moderated his expectations and joined the Party so we can win some elections. As it stands his policies do not appeal to a lot of Democrats and that's bad for the Party and the country.
3
Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin shot himself in the foot on Thursday. And the guy claims to have all kinds of healthcare professionals in his family tree.
Guess he wasn't aware the American Medical Association backs the ACA.
So long, Mike. Back to the Heritage Foundation for ye, and you can move out of state, too, because you're not really even a Wisconsinite, right?
Guess he wasn't aware the American Medical Association backs the ACA.
So long, Mike. Back to the Heritage Foundation for ye, and you can move out of state, too, because you're not really even a Wisconsinite, right?
3
Are you kidding me? You think the Corporate Democrats don't want the same tax cuts for the wealthy that Trump and his Republicans want? You are kidding yourselves. Hillary is already gearing up for more speaking fees from large Corporate donors again. She want to set up her daughter to be the next Clinton Mafia cash cow.
The Corporate Democratic Party is dead. You lost 1000 seats around the country. Democrats hold the smallest number of seats around the country since the 1920's. You are done! We dont trust you anymore. You are corrupt.
If you are not for single payer you will be primaried.
If you are not for Breaking up the Wall Street Banks that BEFORE they send our economy into another recession ,you know they will.
If you want to send our jobs overseas to be performed by slaves for pennies on the dollar by way of TTP or TTIP you will be primaried.
Corporate Democrats Neo Liberal war mongering will not be tolerated anymore. Bombing 8 different countries will not be tolerated anymore.
You WILL work for the American people and not just for the donor class!
The Corporate Democratic Party is dead. You lost 1000 seats around the country. Democrats hold the smallest number of seats around the country since the 1920's. You are done! We dont trust you anymore. You are corrupt.
If you are not for single payer you will be primaried.
If you are not for Breaking up the Wall Street Banks that BEFORE they send our economy into another recession ,you know they will.
If you want to send our jobs overseas to be performed by slaves for pennies on the dollar by way of TTP or TTIP you will be primaried.
Corporate Democrats Neo Liberal war mongering will not be tolerated anymore. Bombing 8 different countries will not be tolerated anymore.
You WILL work for the American people and not just for the donor class!
3
Count me in. You summed it up beautifully.
The Republican Congress is corrupt and infected with fascist punks. The punishing new Healthcare is just the most recent evil they are doling out. Some of the rest are:
1) Thrash the EPA so we breath carcinogens that will kill our kids and Grandkids
2) Destroy Planned Parenthood to make women vassal slaves to religious beliefs most don't believe!
3) Defund PBS so rural people are deprived of nature programs, drama - major educational and entertainment choices. Forget Downton Abbey!
4) Cut down the National Endowment for the Humanities
so that museums, theater and dance and most cultural events finally die.
5) Cut the NIH so life-saving research cannot continue.
6) Pass laws to quash the free press and media so we have only fake government news to watch.
7) Undermine the judiciary to and prevent public disapproval, protests and all civil right.
Is there more? You bet!
1) Thrash the EPA so we breath carcinogens that will kill our kids and Grandkids
2) Destroy Planned Parenthood to make women vassal slaves to religious beliefs most don't believe!
3) Defund PBS so rural people are deprived of nature programs, drama - major educational and entertainment choices. Forget Downton Abbey!
4) Cut down the National Endowment for the Humanities
so that museums, theater and dance and most cultural events finally die.
5) Cut the NIH so life-saving research cannot continue.
6) Pass laws to quash the free press and media so we have only fake government news to watch.
7) Undermine the judiciary to and prevent public disapproval, protests and all civil right.
Is there more? You bet!
5
Here's our argument for healthcare, pure and simple:
https://www.facebook.com/JulieMFAnderson/videos/10209098694160671/
https://www.facebook.com/JulieMFAnderson/videos/10209098694160671/
Obamacare has soaring premiums and deductibles and fewer insurance companies are offering plans - One third of out counties only offer one choice, so there is no choice - Contrary to the NYT spin, Obamacare is not working for most Americans - Not sure this is as toxic an issue as the left believes
2
Calling Pres Trump unpopular is just your bias...............he's the POTUS, isn't he? And, he's plenty popular with those who voted for him and have no buyer's regret...................cut him some slack, your gal lost.
2
It's telling that when anybody points out the disastrous decisions being made by 45, that the answer back is, "you guys lost". Take responsibility for your mistake. You think as a small business owner who offers insurance to people over 60 I am concerned about who won last year? The Act is immoral, unethical and ultimately will kill people and sorry to say cost you significantly more money. The future? Keep my business going, keep my people healthy and oh yeah...
Just donated to flip Jeff Denham seat in Modesto, go Democrat Josh Harder.
Just donated to flip Jeff Denham seat in Modesto, go Democrat Josh Harder.
4
"Democrats are recruiting ... an eclectic group of could-be candidates that includes a Minnesota gelato baron, a former candidate for governor of Kansas and the mayor of Syracuse."
Let's not forget that Tom DeLay started his career as an exterminator, and Hastert was a wrestling coach.
And then there's Ted Cruz, who used to be some kind of… Canadian, I think is the polite term for it.
Let's not forget that Tom DeLay started his career as an exterminator, and Hastert was a wrestling coach.
And then there's Ted Cruz, who used to be some kind of… Canadian, I think is the polite term for it.
It seems unlikely that the Democrats will retake the House in 2018 since they have done next to nothing to publicize themselves out loud on television or media. Nor have they outlined any tangible goals to offer the voters. All they really do is waste time whining and damning the Republicans who already have way too much attention. Where is the Democratic Party? Who are their candidates? Bernie Sanders is too old and shouldn't be president anymore than Trump. We need younger vital candidates to energize the party. We need rallies that unify the party rather than quarrelsome get togetherness that accomplish nothing. We need a candidate more like Bill Maher, someone who is flame-thrower. Where is this person!
1
You really think a woman or even a man, for that matter can beat Peter Roskam? Dream on.
1
For god's sake, Democrats, go for the jugular, NOW! Single-Payer for all. No "For Profit" businesses to be providing healthcare to Americans. If Americans can be protected by the government for our defense (military, law enforcement, judicial system) then we deserve a governmental national defense against threats to our health. Make Medicare for All your Clarion Call. Do it! Show some conviction! Voters are ready!
7
“We need to show them accomplishments.”
Symbolism harboring onerous substance, an accomplishment does not make.
Symbolism harboring onerous substance, an accomplishment does not make.
1
The Democrats would have to show a lot more guts and fortitude than their usual weak- kneed approach to have any chance of winning anything that looks like a remotely competitive race.
The on- going hand ringing and "how could anyone vote for Trump" approach doesn't cut it. The Democratic Party leadership is woeful. The Republicans have run rings around them so there would have to be a major change in strategy and approach --- the past focus on fringe issues like gay rights and transgender toilets no matter what their merits, is obviously not a winning platform! When you lose your base to Trump, you surely must know that you are hopelessly out of touch with mainstream America.
First of all, however, the Democratic Party needs to grow a backbone.
The on- going hand ringing and "how could anyone vote for Trump" approach doesn't cut it. The Democratic Party leadership is woeful. The Republicans have run rings around them so there would have to be a major change in strategy and approach --- the past focus on fringe issues like gay rights and transgender toilets no matter what their merits, is obviously not a winning platform! When you lose your base to Trump, you surely must know that you are hopelessly out of touch with mainstream America.
First of all, however, the Democratic Party needs to grow a backbone.
5
Well said, Peter. I'll add one more litmus item that is too strident for voters in Red States, that have electoral votes for President and congressional votes for US Congress: ABORTION! Move that issue way down on Democrat talking points. Welcome with open arms ProLife Democrats. Stand stalwart on Healthcare for all (Single Payer), College or Tech School for all, and a more progressive Federal Tax plan (fairness) to reduce the unconscionable wealth gap that makes our democracy more like a plutocracy or even worse, a kleptocracy.
"House Republicans...must now contend with an energized, angry Democratic Party."
Republicans have had to contend with an angry Democratic Party since the evening of November 8th 2016.
Republicans have had to contend with an angry Democratic Party since the evening of November 8th 2016.
1
2018 turnout in Illinois will be high due to the very contested Governor's race, and with three Illinois GPO housemembers voting to eliminate Obamacare - could result in very contested elections.
18 months will be ample time for Republican voters to realize they've been lied to, but they might not care.
2
Trump was elected in large part to dismantle Obamacare. He is in process of doing so already, shortly after taking office.
The Left makes it sound like it is a huge mistake while conveniently forgetting that they lost the House and Senate in 2010 as a result of passing the ACA. The actual rollout was postponed again and again for political reasons and it was a disaster when it finally did roll out. There was no "keeping your doctor or keeping your plan, 'period' ". Then premiums and deductibles skyrocketed and small businesses resisted expanding to 50 employees or made full timers into part timers.
The Left couldn't afford to admit the ACA was a huge mistake that wasted billions while Trump rode the ACA debacle all the way to victory.
If the Left uses the ACA as a trumpet call, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for D votes, especially since this spring's municipal elections had only 6%-12% voter turnouts. This after all the protests, vagina costume demonstrations, and violent reactions to conservative speakers on campuses. Threats don't produce votes.
The Left makes it sound like it is a huge mistake while conveniently forgetting that they lost the House and Senate in 2010 as a result of passing the ACA. The actual rollout was postponed again and again for political reasons and it was a disaster when it finally did roll out. There was no "keeping your doctor or keeping your plan, 'period' ". Then premiums and deductibles skyrocketed and small businesses resisted expanding to 50 employees or made full timers into part timers.
The Left couldn't afford to admit the ACA was a huge mistake that wasted billions while Trump rode the ACA debacle all the way to victory.
If the Left uses the ACA as a trumpet call, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for D votes, especially since this spring's municipal elections had only 6%-12% voter turnouts. This after all the protests, vagina costume demonstrations, and violent reactions to conservative speakers on campuses. Threats don't produce votes.
2
You're right. The ACA was a disaster for all the reasons you list. The only thing worse is to pass legislation allowing insurance companies to exclude or selectively escalate premiums for preexisting conditions -- a nonsensically greedy policy that is oxymoronic in an insurance plan. The whole point of insurance is to spread out the costs in a large group of people to mitigate the expense to any individual. The answer is not to punish sick people; it's to craft policy to create the largest possible risk pool, as they do in the rest of the western world. The House Republicans have just passed a bill that is likely to be even less effective than the ACA at keeping health insurance premiums, copayment, and deductibles down.
1
This will only be one of many nails in the Republican coffin.
2018 is payback time.
The fury of the voters, scorned, stomped, lied to, will show the world that Americans repudiate Trump and those who support him.
That is, if he isn't impeached beforehand.
2018 is payback time.
The fury of the voters, scorned, stomped, lied to, will show the world that Americans repudiate Trump and those who support him.
That is, if he isn't impeached beforehand.
4
The Corporate Democrats are corrupt beyond saving.
Obama is getting 400k per speaking fee with Wall Street Banks. It is his payback for 10 million homes Wall Street foreclosed on with fake robo- signed paperwork. He will get wildly rich for not bringing justice to the Banksters that crashed the worlds economy and held us all hostage until they were completely made whole again. Remember when the Banksters went crazy when congress made the mild suggestion to claw back the billions in bonuses they got WHILE committing MILLIONS of cases of fraud?
Corporate Dems did this. They brought Trump a victory by being worse than the Republicans.
Obama is getting 400k per speaking fee with Wall Street Banks. It is his payback for 10 million homes Wall Street foreclosed on with fake robo- signed paperwork. He will get wildly rich for not bringing justice to the Banksters that crashed the worlds economy and held us all hostage until they were completely made whole again. Remember when the Banksters went crazy when congress made the mild suggestion to claw back the billions in bonuses they got WHILE committing MILLIONS of cases of fraud?
Corporate Dems did this. They brought Trump a victory by being worse than the Republicans.
4
Go Dems: every seat is important and: NOTICE: every state is important. We need more Democratic governors and Attys General,
We should not neglect states just be cause they are red or southern. Those folks need Democratic ideals and programs too.
Howard Dean was right: Democrats should be representing all 50 states.
We should not neglect states just be cause they are red or southern. Those folks need Democratic ideals and programs too.
Howard Dean was right: Democrats should be representing all 50 states.
4
House Republicans, already set to play defense in 2018 because of their unpopular president, must now contend with an energized, angry Democratic Party that still will not win anything new.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely...on both sides.
1
When you look at the raw numbers, if the healthcare law passes in current form and 20+ million people lose their insurance, it looks to me based on the analysis in the link below that there could be thousands or even 10s of thousands of extra deaths in the US each year.
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2009/09/new-study-finds-45000-deat...
Now compare that with the handful? 10s? of Americans who die annual due to terrorism, and the huge amount of money spent on the 'war on terror' over the last 15+ years. When you look at what the GOP is doing compared with terrorist threats in America I think its fair to ask who the real terrorists are in this country...
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2009/09/new-study-finds-45000-deat...
Now compare that with the handful? 10s? of Americans who die annual due to terrorism, and the huge amount of money spent on the 'war on terror' over the last 15+ years. When you look at what the GOP is doing compared with terrorist threats in America I think its fair to ask who the real terrorists are in this country...
5
Less than 10 million people use the ACA and 5 million only do so because ObamaCare did not let them keep their doctor or their plan.
Better find angry pro-democrat votes elsehwere
Better find angry pro-democrat votes elsehwere
Insurance was never meant to cover people with pre-existing conditions. It's fantasy. Should a person who wrecked his car last night be able to buy collision insurance for that wreck today for the same rate as the person who has a new car? Of course not. It makes no sense and that is why Obama care failed. Young healthy people were being squeezed for bloated premiums to benefit old and sick people and in many cases the latter were in a better position to pay the higher rates. Look it up.
1
Human lives are may be a little more important than cars?
I thought solidarity with your fellow citizens was part of the definition of what a country is
I thought solidarity with your fellow citizens was part of the definition of what a country is
3
Steve--A human body is not a car, nor is it a piece of property. Diseases cannot be compared to car crashes. Your conclusion, that the two should be treated the same, or can be compared in any way, is faulty. I guess you don't want your tax to spent on any programs that benefit others. What will happen when YOU need the support? My guess is that you don't actually know how insurance works.
3
Too bad we're not cars. Maybe you're right and we should take private insurance out of the health care and mandate universal health coverage cradle to grave for the American people.
1
Be nice if I'm wrong; but, I expect Dems nationwide to behave as they have the last decade here in New Mexico. Opportunity only means it is time for the next ward-heeler, generational donor family, to enjoy "their turn" to run. It took independent progressive caucuses to drag our legislature back from the Republican Confederacy.
I expect Establishment Dems will decide as usual who deserves a taste of their treasury. That requires stodgy obedience not any inclination to fight for more than a Clintonian status quo.
I expect Establishment Dems will decide as usual who deserves a taste of their treasury. That requires stodgy obedience not any inclination to fight for more than a Clintonian status quo.
2
It is a bit early for the Democrats to be counting their chickens.
The Republicans will continue to claim that Obamacare was a disaster and that they were saving both it and billions in tax dollars by half way killing it. Since people have been propagandized for almost 7 years in this direction, many will continue to believe it.
Remember, too, that the Democrats lost the House because of gerrymandered districts and because they were trying to provide wider health insurance coverage for citizens. Historically, every time the Democrats have tried this, they have lost the majority in the next congressional election. It happened under Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. If that isn't enough to convince anyone that this is a losing issue for Democrats, nothing will.
Some of the resentment the Democrats felt derived from the idea that they were interfering with something that didn't need fixing. If the system was working fine for you, if you had insurance through an employer, for example, it was easy to stir resentment against "government interference". Also, many people saw Obamacare as a giveaway to those who don't work full time or who lack ambition or effort in employment. People don't like giveaways that they don't get themselves.
Yes, the Republicans have a big problem in trying to rip the heart from Obamacare. It is probably not, however, a lose everything issue for them, but it could be as Trump's unpopularity and erratic behavior grows.
The Republicans will continue to claim that Obamacare was a disaster and that they were saving both it and billions in tax dollars by half way killing it. Since people have been propagandized for almost 7 years in this direction, many will continue to believe it.
Remember, too, that the Democrats lost the House because of gerrymandered districts and because they were trying to provide wider health insurance coverage for citizens. Historically, every time the Democrats have tried this, they have lost the majority in the next congressional election. It happened under Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. If that isn't enough to convince anyone that this is a losing issue for Democrats, nothing will.
Some of the resentment the Democrats felt derived from the idea that they were interfering with something that didn't need fixing. If the system was working fine for you, if you had insurance through an employer, for example, it was easy to stir resentment against "government interference". Also, many people saw Obamacare as a giveaway to those who don't work full time or who lack ambition or effort in employment. People don't like giveaways that they don't get themselves.
Yes, the Republicans have a big problem in trying to rip the heart from Obamacare. It is probably not, however, a lose everything issue for them, but it could be as Trump's unpopularity and erratic behavior grows.
2
Doug--Don't forget that Republicrooks have the power to FORCE ACA to fail, and they are taking those steps, as we speak.
2
For every voter who has benefited from the ACA, there are 10 who have seen their premiums soar, lost their doctor or have lost the ability to choose among plans that fit their individual needs. The democrats laser like focus on those who have benefited the most, will not get them anywhere.
1
Dan--As opposed to the wealthy, who will benefit most from AHCA, and upon which the Republicrook tax plan depends? These are apples and oranges.
3
Stop it already with the "chose the healthcare plan to fit their needs." That is right-wing nonsense which translates into "taking the expensive stuff out of insurance so the insurers make more money."
A healthcare plan needs to cover everything or it's worthless. You never know what's coming.
A healthcare plan needs to cover everything or it's worthless. You never know what's coming.
2
I hope that voters will hold office holders & candidates accountable - but didn't I hear about what a powerful showing was expected by dems across the board in 2016. If voters are paying attention - maybe - but also - until the absurd drawing of districts is addressed I worry we will have no equal representation. Our government should work under the premise of compromise but it seems to be the majority, no mater how slight - steam rolls their agenda on others.
2
Jimi--In order to fix gerrymandering, LOCAL elections will have to be addressed. Until THAT happens, Republicrooks will be a constant danger to democracy, throughout the country. Your local, and state, candidates will need more support than they have gotten, in the past.
2
You are so right to refer to California Republicans as "politically audacious" for supporting this bill. Under California's top two system, all candidates square off against each other regardless of party. The two highest vote-getters meet in the general election. Moderate Democrats and even Independents can make it through the open primary and represent more formidable challenges in Republican-leaning districts. The Times should carefully watch these California elections in 2018.
1
I'm dubious that the Democrats will ever hold a House majority again. The GOP can rely on solid support from its brainwashed base and its abuse of the redistricting system. These factors have given it a nearly insurmountable advantage.
Will this vote hurt the GOP among its base? Ask this question first: Does the GOP base vote rationally? In 2016, it turned out solidly for Trump, a man whose record is that of a snake oil peddler and flim-flam artist. In 2014, a year after the government shutdown that nearly pushed the US into default on its debt, what happened? Did GOP voters do the rational thing and punish such reckless irresponsibility? No, to the contrary, they rewarded it by electing the party to a larger House majority and giving it control of the Senate, too.
This country is hopelessly riven by the prevalence of hate, which the GOP has adeptly cultivated to win elections. Haters are motivated only to oppose and destroy, and they ignore facts. For decades, poor and working class people in red states have reliably, but irrationally, voted against their economic interests by electing Republicans. Why would this time be any different?
Will this vote hurt the GOP among its base? Ask this question first: Does the GOP base vote rationally? In 2016, it turned out solidly for Trump, a man whose record is that of a snake oil peddler and flim-flam artist. In 2014, a year after the government shutdown that nearly pushed the US into default on its debt, what happened? Did GOP voters do the rational thing and punish such reckless irresponsibility? No, to the contrary, they rewarded it by electing the party to a larger House majority and giving it control of the Senate, too.
This country is hopelessly riven by the prevalence of hate, which the GOP has adeptly cultivated to win elections. Haters are motivated only to oppose and destroy, and they ignore facts. For decades, poor and working class people in red states have reliably, but irrationally, voted against their economic interests by electing Republicans. Why would this time be any different?
3
Claude, your concluding question requires a serious answer. Badmouthing the AHCA isn't it.
1
Also hoping it will motivate Democrats, moderates and independents to get up off their duffs and go to the polls, voters aware of Trumpcare's onerous shortcomings can only hope its lies and hypocrisy will break through the wall of obtuse denial in those voters having shown previously a predisposition to accept fantasies and alternate facts in time for a newly discovered sense of betrayal to exhibit itself in the midterm elections...
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
The Republicans have two huge advantages: they can marshal money, and they can rely on the sluggish, sheepish behavior of the electorate.
I predict Republican losses will be much less than their opposition dreams of.
The Republicans have two huge advantages: they can marshal money, and they can rely on the sluggish, sheepish behavior of the electorate.
I predict Republican losses will be much less than their opposition dreams of.
2
Some day, the USA will join the rest of the developed world and offer single payer health care to it's citizens. When that happens, it will be as transformational as FDR's New Deal.
As of now, both Parties are beholden to the healthcare industry. A twenty year honeymoon with the voters is there for the taking. It would be beyond ironic if it were the GOP that embraced Single payer health care. Crazy? Was it not Richard Nixon who recognized Communist China more than a generation ago?
As of now, both Parties are beholden to the healthcare industry. A twenty year honeymoon with the voters is there for the taking. It would be beyond ironic if it were the GOP that embraced Single payer health care. Crazy? Was it not Richard Nixon who recognized Communist China more than a generation ago?
4
Opponents of the Republican party should plan to send small donations to these challengers, along with stern warnings about corporate affiliation.
Way too early to celebrate. Lots can happen between now and the mid-term elections. Democrats tend to celebrate before the votes come in. Remember last November?
1
Glevine--Did you happen to catch the drunken Republican celebration, thrown in the Rose Garden, last Thursday, after repealing ACA with ONE vote? Premature, do you think?
2
My point is that Democrats celebrated when Trump was selected as the Republican candidate last July. Thought they had it in the bag. Well, that didn't happen. And with the Dems track record of blowing elections( 2010) I wouldn't be crowing a year and a half before the midterm elections.
If the Democrats only see this as a way to take back the House, and not to extend Medicare to each and every American, then they are no better than the GOP. And, they continue to be out of touch with millions of Americans. The so called party of the working person is no more than GOP llite, whose agenda is helping the same 1% that the GOP is doing.
I mean really, here is a chance to get back in power? Is their mantra? They forget that it was the ACA that created a GOP majority in the first place. Because the Obama Administration did the great bait and switch; let the health care industry write the ACA, and dumped Medicare for All. The Democrats gave America Romneycare in all 50 states. A GOP idea that the GOP was never going to implement.
So, if the ACA is repealed and replaced, as law, the US will have a health care law that is actually worse than when there was none at all. And this is shat the Democrats want, so they can take back the House? Make Americans feel so much pain, that they will vote for them? And tell Americans they will fix it, if the vote for them?
If the would have done Medicare for All in the first place, and fought for it like they promised for decades, we would not be in this position.
If this proves that our political system is broken; nothing will.
Proof positive both political parties need a cleaning form top to bottom, and term limits for Congress are sorely needed.
I mean really, here is a chance to get back in power? Is their mantra? They forget that it was the ACA that created a GOP majority in the first place. Because the Obama Administration did the great bait and switch; let the health care industry write the ACA, and dumped Medicare for All. The Democrats gave America Romneycare in all 50 states. A GOP idea that the GOP was never going to implement.
So, if the ACA is repealed and replaced, as law, the US will have a health care law that is actually worse than when there was none at all. And this is shat the Democrats want, so they can take back the House? Make Americans feel so much pain, that they will vote for them? And tell Americans they will fix it, if the vote for them?
If the would have done Medicare for All in the first place, and fought for it like they promised for decades, we would not be in this position.
If this proves that our political system is broken; nothing will.
Proof positive both political parties need a cleaning form top to bottom, and term limits for Congress are sorely needed.
12
Nick--This is why progressives are planning to primary corporate Democrats, like Diane Feinstein. She won't be the only one.
1
The AHCA is only a minor issue. It won't be evident to GOP believers that the AHCA isn't working until late 2020, and they will not believe it ain't workin' until they see family and neighbors dying all around them. The Dems have to back burner this issue and focus on jobs, jobs, with very clear policies and persuasive candidates who are determined to get the corporate hands off Congress!!!
1
I watched & listened to CSPAN in the early AM yesterday and they asked people to tell their Senators & Representatives what they thought about Health Care. Two things became clear. Most thinking articulate people want Medicare for all. Or at least to start expanding it, from maybe age 50. And most people earning $30,000. and up do not like like the ACA, esp small business owners. Personally I think one of the big underlying reasons Clinton lost was her loyalty to Obamacare.
I think the Democrats have to go for it. Medicare for all. Bernie Sanders is making that argument and it is very easy to make. It will be the toughest fight ever, because all the established forces will line up against universal healthcare. The insurance companies, who now run the country. The Medical Est. & industry. Big pharma. Probably the major media who all have stocks in and benefit from the current system. But it has to happen. There is no other answer. It really is insanity to watch this whole thing go round & round like something is going to change. Nothing will. People will be denied, prices will keep going up. And the only people that will get care will be either the rich or those who work in those government running industries & defense.
The insurance co and all vested interests will fight to the death to keep this system in place. Do anything, say anything. Their argument will carry no weight. The only conversation should be how to fund Medicare For All the easiest way.
Orange, NJ
I think the Democrats have to go for it. Medicare for all. Bernie Sanders is making that argument and it is very easy to make. It will be the toughest fight ever, because all the established forces will line up against universal healthcare. The insurance companies, who now run the country. The Medical Est. & industry. Big pharma. Probably the major media who all have stocks in and benefit from the current system. But it has to happen. There is no other answer. It really is insanity to watch this whole thing go round & round like something is going to change. Nothing will. People will be denied, prices will keep going up. And the only people that will get care will be either the rich or those who work in those government running industries & defense.
The insurance co and all vested interests will fight to the death to keep this system in place. Do anything, say anything. Their argument will carry no weight. The only conversation should be how to fund Medicare For All the easiest way.
Orange, NJ
17
Well said but outcome unlikely. My family in your neck of the woods is encouraged to go Canada.
OK. Then the day anyone goes to work for the first time. A 16 year old's first part time job, any first job, mowing lawns. They must pay to the Medicare Trust Fund, every cent a regular person who is getting it now, would pay into it before they turn 65, then triple every pay check forever.
See, it isn't an entitlement, but, a government administered, premium paid, health insurance plan. You work, the premiums are taken out of your pay. Even after you turn 65 & enroll as an active participant. Then they start billing you, in quarterly installments, more. So, they are double grabbing you. Congress has been stealing from this Trust Fund & the SS one, since each started. $3trillion & counting. So, either the rest of you have YOUR taxes raised to cover the amount you have not paid before you become enrollees, I am not paying for you to get a free ride, or go find a rich sponsor to pay for you. Good luck. The Baby Boomers willingly paid for their parents to get Medicare, without paying in what the Boomers have, before they start receiving it. We are not willing to pay for you lazy, stupid, young, twits. If you like Medicare so much (it isn't perfect), then study it, & build your own. To cover all under 65, working or not, will only cost you 95% of your earnings. Guess you better forget that new car (or used one), any house, you will even have to sell anything you inherit from us, if we live you anything. I suggest we do not. Just donate everything to environmental causes.
See, it isn't an entitlement, but, a government administered, premium paid, health insurance plan. You work, the premiums are taken out of your pay. Even after you turn 65 & enroll as an active participant. Then they start billing you, in quarterly installments, more. So, they are double grabbing you. Congress has been stealing from this Trust Fund & the SS one, since each started. $3trillion & counting. So, either the rest of you have YOUR taxes raised to cover the amount you have not paid before you become enrollees, I am not paying for you to get a free ride, or go find a rich sponsor to pay for you. Good luck. The Baby Boomers willingly paid for their parents to get Medicare, without paying in what the Boomers have, before they start receiving it. We are not willing to pay for you lazy, stupid, young, twits. If you like Medicare so much (it isn't perfect), then study it, & build your own. To cover all under 65, working or not, will only cost you 95% of your earnings. Guess you better forget that new car (or used one), any house, you will even have to sell anything you inherit from us, if we live you anything. I suggest we do not. Just donate everything to environmental causes.
Even if the Democrats significantly cut into the GOP majority, the remaining GOP survivors might be spooked enough to seriously question the Trump agenda.
This assumes a rationality the GOP might not possess, but miracles sometimes happen.
This assumes a rationality the GOP might not possess, but miracles sometimes happen.
2
Miracles happen but so do plagues. We are in the midst of a series. Pharaoh rules at this time.
I hope those who lose or abandon their seats have health care insurance back-up. Depending on their state, they might have to pay bigly for mental health coverage.
6
The democrats are ignoring the fact the the vast majority of voters don't qualify for subsidies; like me their Heath care premiums have already gone up bigly
1
Actually many doctors are suggesting to their repug office holder patients that they resign or retire. Their high blood pressure is killing them. Of course that will be a preexisting condition, so they will never get insurance, & all decent folk will do their best to make user they all lose their federal pension, as, unlike regular Federal employees, they having worked for us even one day since elected. Let those like the Kochs give them pensions, every cent of which will be taxed at the highest rate possible. 99.99999999%? All congresspeople current, or now back as regular citizens (LOL), owe us $3Trillion, because they stole it from the SS & Medicare Trust Funds, & are still doing it. It must be repaid, plus interest. Until then any money these people come into, wages, salaries, investments, gifts, interest, inheritances, loans, must be given directly to the government. That includes the estates of all deceased congressmen from the time the Trust Funds first started. Their money will be removed from all who inherited from them. Sorry. Lets see, no pension, no health insurance, for them or family. Everything they could earn, even flipping burgers, will also be used as reimbursements. I suppose we shouldn't tax, at full supermarket prices, the food they get from charity food banks, that would be too mean. But, we can demand payment of any amount used to pay for rent, clothing, personally paid for medical care. They will have had to steal that money from us, as we are owed.
Has anyone considered that those Republican districts that are considered "vulnerable" are still solid Republican districts. They are NOT "vulnerable". Those districts that Hillary won still elected Republican congressmen because they are still Republican districts. Those Republicans only voted for Hillary because they could not stand Trump.
4
Agree. And Trump will still be in power in 2018
Or could it be they are Republicans who actually love their country & vote the person, not the party? Like all decent Americans do? Obviously you aren't one. You walk in on Election Day & click the VOTE ALL REPUGS button, snicker, & leave. Never even noticing when half of them are either in jail or under indictment. Who cares, they are repugs, they are saints!!! Of course the same holds true in some Democrat voting districts. Time to ban all parties, make everyone an 'unenrolled', including all candidates. All national offices (congress, president, VP) voted at large & not as part of any ticket. So, the president & VP might be on opposite sides & fight each other for 4 years. Would keep them honest. All cabinet members would have to be voted on by the PEOPLE. I figure it will take at least 100 years after this takes effect, for the people to trust those in congress, or the current regime, to allow them to vote on anything, that doesn't have to go before the people too, before it goes into effect. What would happen if the DEATH BILL ver. 2.0 had to be voted on by every voter (pull less than 99% of voters to vote, any bill should be killed), then you must win 85% of those voters for it to become law. Would keep politics honest. Until we can trust them again. Anyone found to be a member of any party will lose their right to vote. Any rights you have, any licenses you have, will be in your national ID & can be killed or suspended as needed.
The gerrymandering is so severe the dems will literally never take the house back. Itvwould take SCOTUS intervention to force enough district redraws and that wont happpen. We lostvtoo mnany states in 2010 and got eaten alive by the simply brilliant republican plan. It was truly brilliant and so effective thatbi really doubt enough states could swing blue by 2020. Just look at the sheer numbers of states tith all republican control. Plus the nixon southern strategy will never run out of steam as racism justvruns too deep in the US. The country will be a right wing country for decades to come.
8
Right. And that's why emigration is the only viable option for my children and grandchildren.
1
So we march. Arrest. Try (easy most of the Treason was on National TV), & hang. Both the regime & congress. Then we ban all political parties. Setting up new rules for them. First, that all citizens' who wish the vote must take a 2 day civics class, then ace the closed book exam. After that it will be given to seniors in high school only. Ace it, get your adult National ID which will give you the right to vote anywhere in any election. But, only once. So, if you are in Idaho on business, North Carolina is having an election, you go to the permanent polling place in the town or city hall where you are, swipe your ID, pick your state, & vote. All of congress will be voted at large (nationally). Gerrymandering will be a thing of the past. Cause if you drop out of school, flunk the one time test, you can NEVER vote. Not even if you get a GED. Since the trash hate edukashun, most will never vote, not from year 1. Members of political parties will have to sign a document that the country comes before party, state, county, college, High School, family, & self. Everyone who can hold a job will be registered with the draft at 18. Even the disabled. Then before college, trade school or job, you will go to basic training, to learn to be a patriotic American. The disabled won't need the physical training, as they will, in time of war, take the sedentary jobs the able bodied used to fight for, to keep out of battle. Both here & overseas. If you have a job, the military can use you.
Don't count on it. I want to live my life without having a panic attack every time I read a newspaper, because my elected officials are openly conspiring against my welfare. I think a lot of democrats harbour that fantasy, but the truth is that people who can string together a coherent thought in the US are a voting minority, and will be for the rest of your life.
All of my headaches still come from the US, even while living in another country.
All of my headaches still come from the US, even while living in another country.
14
Pnut--I haven't slept, decently, since November 9, 2016. I sure know what you mean. Thank goodness for comics like Stephen Colbert.
1
If the Democrats take the House in '18, the Liberal base will spend two years screaming "Impeach!".
6
No, they won't. There will be no move to impeach Trump unless sufficient grounds are developed, which is a real possibility. His refusal to full remove himself from his business ties is a serious issue, but, in itself, is probably not enough. Other issues remain not fully explored, including aspects of his personal life and behavior before the presidency. The Democrats, I hope and believe, are not stupid enough to try to impeach a president as long as the Republicans hold a majority in the Senate. They will not do what the Republicans did to Bill Clinton in the 1990s, which was to send an impeachment to the Senate that they knew would not vote to convict. This was an empty political exercise then that took attention away from very important issues, including the developing terrorist attack of 9-11, 2001, that killed thousands.
1
Screaming might be unnecessary once a vigorous inquiry is authorized. In the meantime Trump will veto whatever he can.
1
If that were to happen, it would be well deserved! Lot more so than when the Repubs vowed to make Obama a one-term President using non-stop obstruction, just for winning (that with no Russian meddling)
In addition to reminding voters who voted for this repulsive health care bill, Democrats need to remind voters who voted to eliminate the Independent Ethics Office on day one, who voted to ram through Secretaries completely unqualified and directly opposed to the departments they now hold. Voters need to know that they are more than pieces on a chess board or a member of a jury selected to provide the desired outcome.
30
Well, for most all this is, once you come right down to it, is POLITICS AS USUAL. Does any politician really care about any real American? Someone who works 5 or 6 days a week? 40 hour weeks are you kidding? Health insurance? Ya right. OT, again a joke. Only when one party sees these things as a way to get power (& all of you better learn fast that in the end WE HAVE THE POWER, if we aren't too cowardly to use it).
The Founding Fathers knew that eventually a man or a regime would come along & try to steal everything. Preferring to rule us, than govern us. It's called a dictator, one man or a committee. They know better. So, the FF put in the unchangeable Declaration of Independence an Obligation that WE the PEOPLE MUST follow. That is to REVOLT against this illegal, immoral government. If it was in the Constitution, it would have been thrown out by now. The Constitution can be changed, has been changed, sometimes needs to be changed in one area or another. It's hard long tedious work, often fails, but, it can be done. Not so with the DofI. What must we do? FIGHT. REVOLT. Form the Citizens' Army, arm ourselves (the real use of the 2nd Amendment), & go remove all these Traitors. Every day they break their oaths, turn their backs on us, the PEOPLE. They are supposed to protect this country & ALL her people, not just the wealthy, not always excluding the poor, ALL OF US. Not to do so is TREASON.
The Founding Fathers knew that eventually a man or a regime would come along & try to steal everything. Preferring to rule us, than govern us. It's called a dictator, one man or a committee. They know better. So, the FF put in the unchangeable Declaration of Independence an Obligation that WE the PEOPLE MUST follow. That is to REVOLT against this illegal, immoral government. If it was in the Constitution, it would have been thrown out by now. The Constitution can be changed, has been changed, sometimes needs to be changed in one area or another. It's hard long tedious work, often fails, but, it can be done. Not so with the DofI. What must we do? FIGHT. REVOLT. Form the Citizens' Army, arm ourselves (the real use of the 2nd Amendment), & go remove all these Traitors. Every day they break their oaths, turn their backs on us, the PEOPLE. They are supposed to protect this country & ALL her people, not just the wealthy, not always excluding the poor, ALL OF US. Not to do so is TREASON.
The Republican House just passed a bill that would, for all intents and purposes, do away with overtime pay. Yes, yes, overtime pay still legally exists but now employees have the "flexibility" to get comp time instead. But there are huge problems with such "flexibility" and it will be workers who pay and employers who benefit, as usual. Consider this:
Nothing in the bill gives the employee control over when the comp time is taken, instead the employer has control. So much for "flexibility." Then, if I understand this correctly, if your employer never lets you take your comp time they have to pay you for your OT at the end of the year. Thus, you have given your employer an interest-free loan.
Sure, there's language in the bill allegedly prohibiting employer coercion but does anyone believe that has any teeth? Of course not, or the Republicans would never have voted for it, much less introduced it.
My point? I have heard only a very quiet peep or two from the Dems regarding this bill, predictably from Elizabeth Warren. This would be really, really easy to use to hammer on the Repubs; where is the outrage from the Dem leadership? This is the kind of thing they need to scream about loudly, often, and in the national media. Where are they?
They've learned nothing from the popularity of either Warren or Sanders, apparently.
Nothing in the bill gives the employee control over when the comp time is taken, instead the employer has control. So much for "flexibility." Then, if I understand this correctly, if your employer never lets you take your comp time they have to pay you for your OT at the end of the year. Thus, you have given your employer an interest-free loan.
Sure, there's language in the bill allegedly prohibiting employer coercion but does anyone believe that has any teeth? Of course not, or the Republicans would never have voted for it, much less introduced it.
My point? I have heard only a very quiet peep or two from the Dems regarding this bill, predictably from Elizabeth Warren. This would be really, really easy to use to hammer on the Repubs; where is the outrage from the Dem leadership? This is the kind of thing they need to scream about loudly, often, and in the national media. Where are they?
They've learned nothing from the popularity of either Warren or Sanders, apparently.
32
Corporations rule. They control the Democrat party as well. Hillary and Obama are Wall Street toadies. Huge speaking fees says it all.
1
Democrats need to remember that half the nation did not support the A.C.A., and that they need to do more than just attack, or they will lose again. They need a better plan than the Republican's have put forth. That may look easy, but just saying "We have the answer!" will not sell in the 2018 election. They need to propose a real healthcare solution, that is really possible to pass through and become law. Without that, flailing against this healthcare garbage the House just passed will not win any elections.
We may look stupid, but we've wised up over the past eight years. We need to see a real fix for healthcare, not just words on paper. Come up with a plan. Sell it.
We may look stupid, but we've wised up over the past eight years. We need to see a real fix for healthcare, not just words on paper. Come up with a plan. Sell it.
32
Nice sentiment, but with all due respect, people running for office use negative advertising, attack ads if you will, because they work. Studies show that even when people say they are disgusted by the negativity and would never vote for someone who uses attack ads, show them an attack ad and they vote accordingly. Just show pictures of children and women dying of cancer because they lost their health insurance and there was no money for screening and then pan to a picture of the sitting GOP Congressman with the announcer saying: "And our Congressman (fill in name) voted for this. On November 6, YOU can hold him accountable. Vote for (fill in name) and tell (fill in GOP opponent's name with diminutive of his first name) he can't throw your children under the bus to line the pockets of the 1%. Rinse, repeat.
The resistance to the ACA isn't about getting affordable health care. It's about having to pay so much to support the insurance industry - and being required to participate in a program that is designed to make sure the insurance industry thrives, instead of the individuals who need health care.
At the same time, only 17% of Americans today reject the program. So, in other words, what we have now is better than what we used to have and if we want to improve the ACA, let's focus on what doesn't work - supporting the middle man. If we as a nation are so comfortable with cutting costs where ever we can, what on earth is motivating our Representatives to continue to support the Insurance industry through this bill? Don't fall for the old con that government is not as efficient at administering - because it isn't true - the administrative costs of current public health care programs are a small fraction of what the insurance industry is charging. What concerns me, too, is that our legislative branch will "deregulate" the insurance industry - did you know we have an insurance commissioner who oversees the industry and keeps their profit ratio in check? When that disappears, then what?
At the same time, only 17% of Americans today reject the program. So, in other words, what we have now is better than what we used to have and if we want to improve the ACA, let's focus on what doesn't work - supporting the middle man. If we as a nation are so comfortable with cutting costs where ever we can, what on earth is motivating our Representatives to continue to support the Insurance industry through this bill? Don't fall for the old con that government is not as efficient at administering - because it isn't true - the administrative costs of current public health care programs are a small fraction of what the insurance industry is charging. What concerns me, too, is that our legislative branch will "deregulate" the insurance industry - did you know we have an insurance commissioner who oversees the industry and keeps their profit ratio in check? When that disappears, then what?
Obviously just saying we have the answer did work for the Repubs! Heck, just bad mouthing and repeatedly voting to repeal worked for the Repubs. But I will have to agree that Americans won't give a second look if Dems don't jump through a burning hoop twice for every one jump that Repubs do, if that! Afterall they elected a totally unqualified 'evil' over a highly qualified 'evil'!
1
"Democrats say they have a much broader strategy, focusing on more than 90 districts where Mr. Trump earned less than 55 percent of the vote."
If this strategy includes LISTENING to the people living in those districts, rather than TALKING AT them with slick, expensive advertisements, then the Democrats might have a shot at it.
If this strategy includes LISTENING to the people living in those districts, rather than TALKING AT them with slick, expensive advertisements, then the Democrats might have a shot at it.
27
J Jencks, a GOP partisan, interprets for us.
The GOP never uses "slick" ads, and would always listen to the people, as evidenced by their latest health care vote. The people told them to take away their health insurance, and the GOP happily obliged.
Mission accomplished.
The GOP never uses "slick" ads, and would always listen to the people, as evidenced by their latest health care vote. The people told them to take away their health insurance, and the GOP happily obliged.
Mission accomplished.
7
Agreed - listening is important. Yet somehow I seriously doubt that those on the fence voters would be impressed with Trumpcare: No repeal of ACA but make it better for billionaires and worse for everyone else. It will be less coverage and more expensive for the poor, the working poor, working class Americans as well as worse for children, the disabled, sick and elderly. The "savings" by gutting healthcare will go directly into the pockets of corporations and billionaires in the subsequent "tax reform". That is why they have to gut heathcare first, or they wont be able to ram their version of tax reform through.
If Democrats can listent to people's concerns, then address each one and connect these dots for them, then yes, I"d say Democrats have a good shot at retaking Congress. Congress right now is a reflection of Trump: It is extreme malignant narcissism that includes total self absorption, greed, maybe even an element of sadism, and self serving myopic behavior, combined with utter indifference to the suffering of most Americans.
If Democrats can listent to people's concerns, then address each one and connect these dots for them, then yes, I"d say Democrats have a good shot at retaking Congress. Congress right now is a reflection of Trump: It is extreme malignant narcissism that includes total self absorption, greed, maybe even an element of sadism, and self serving myopic behavior, combined with utter indifference to the suffering of most Americans.
8
Next they will take away all medical centers in areas without large numbers of rich. Like maybe the Southern Ohio Medical Center? No rich people there, so no medical center needed. Let the less than rich die. They are so worthless. They just do all the real work, be it physical, or office. When we all die, what will the rich do when they need anything, be it food, clothing, a new home? The rest of the world will either charge them into poverty, then stop selling, or just ignore them, then walk in & take everything they want. The rich will then die too, as they wouldn't actually fight to life, just try to con, pay off, or get others to do the fighting. As the rich have always done. Being lazy, cowards, stupid (kill us off, you kill off your brains who invent for you), attention spans of gnats. Want the best of everything, but, have no idea on how to grow, make, ship, cook, stay healthy, fix, be useful.
For Liberals to take back anything, the following steps are required.
1) A populist '' of the people and for the people '' coherent and easy message
2) Progressive candidates in all districts. Every single one.
3) Well funded and organized to combat lies and voter suppression
4) Start now ~ not months before where the message cannot get through
5) Boots on the ground volunteers going door to door for registration
Lastly , the Democrats that are in Congress now to not treat this administration in any way, shape or form as '' normal '' . They were elected in by 77,000 votes in the electoral college over 3 states and lost by a decisive 3 million votes. They do NOT have a mandate to roll back things from the 1930's and privatize everything in America.
Furthermore, do not be cute or deferential with your words on camera. If someone lies ( especially the President ) then call him\them on it and call it a lie ( on camera ) Do it over and over and over again to show the people that you have some semblance of a backbone.
Then you might earn our votes.
1) A populist '' of the people and for the people '' coherent and easy message
2) Progressive candidates in all districts. Every single one.
3) Well funded and organized to combat lies and voter suppression
4) Start now ~ not months before where the message cannot get through
5) Boots on the ground volunteers going door to door for registration
Lastly , the Democrats that are in Congress now to not treat this administration in any way, shape or form as '' normal '' . They were elected in by 77,000 votes in the electoral college over 3 states and lost by a decisive 3 million votes. They do NOT have a mandate to roll back things from the 1930's and privatize everything in America.
Furthermore, do not be cute or deferential with your words on camera. If someone lies ( especially the President ) then call him\them on it and call it a lie ( on camera ) Do it over and over and over again to show the people that you have some semblance of a backbone.
Then you might earn our votes.
45
Democrats need to come together to join a coherent message of optimism and position that heath care is a right in a nation such as ours. We CAN do this. THis is the message of HOPE that Barack ran on. Elections are never won on negativity.
It's not enough to merely disparage the Trump/Ryan talking points - they must be countered each time all the time wiht a positive message of hope that affrdable care is possible and THAT is hw the ACA needed to be framed. NOT by gutting it for all but the wealthy.
It's not enough to merely disparage the Trump/Ryan talking points - they must be countered each time all the time wiht a positive message of hope that affrdable care is possible and THAT is hw the ACA needed to be framed. NOT by gutting it for all but the wealthy.
"While Republicans believe that fulfilling a seven-year promise on health care will energize their base next year..."
That may change if a substantial number of individuals in that base can no longer afford health insurance. The energy will be there, but not in a direction Republicans would hope for.
It is probably an easy prediction to make that, should AHCA make it through the Senate more or less intact, it will not go into force until after November 2018.
That may change if a substantial number of individuals in that base can no longer afford health insurance. The energy will be there, but not in a direction Republicans would hope for.
It is probably an easy prediction to make that, should AHCA make it through the Senate more or less intact, it will not go into force until after November 2018.
6
The AHCA will not go prime time until 2020 and lies will "trump" reality. The Dems won't be able to make much inroad using the healthcare fiasco. They have to focus on jobs, government for the people, not corporations, and be convincing.
1
Of course not. The DEATH BILL 2.0 is a truth the repugs want to have us die by, but, not one they want to stand by until after that election. Then they hope enough of us die, that *45 will declare a state of emergency, suspend the Constitution, & declare himself sole ruler (until he dies of supposed old age & Ryan takes over). Pence will be declared a religious subversive (he is), & unfit, even by the repugs to rule. Ryan will go to work to kill all who make him remember his mooching childhood. He will raise insurance prices, interest rates, taxes on the poor, working class, & working lower middle class. Then kill SS & Medicare, declaring all those over 65 to be drains on the economy & deny them all rights. Open asylums where we will all starve while doing enforced piece work 18 hours a day for 1 meal (if we make no mistakes that day, if one person does, all will not eat). While he walks through Asylums smirking, asking if anyone has pretty granddaughters for another enterprise he has. I'll let you figure out what that is. He will never frequent it, but, if his wife crabs she will be put in it. Congress will be visitors often. Oh women running for office will become illegal. Women working at other than piece work or in bordellos, laundries, or as maids for the rich (pretty ones will have extra duties), will be forbidden. The basics have been in force before, without government's help, or hindrance. It will be written down this time. Making all culpable.
This sounds like unprofessional sports game. Public suffers while politicians plot their game on how to grab power. If Washington does not build policies and laws based on consensus across the aisle then this nation cannot be happy with either party winning a cyclical circus. The richest, the most powerful, the most sophisticated nation and government on earth cannot deliver basic services to its people is a clear sign of...
8
Obamacare was not built by consensus. Exactly the opposite.
Take Colorado, which strongly did not wan ACA...both Senators, Udall and Bennet, Democrats, voted for the bill, rather than what their constituents, who had put them in office, wanted.
Take Colorado, which strongly did not wan ACA...both Senators, Udall and Bennet, Democrats, voted for the bill, rather than what their constituents, who had put them in office, wanted.
3
Sign of decay. We are dying.
And now a majority of Coloradans want to keep and improve Obamacare, not repeal it. Consensus, apparently.
The Democratic path to victory is always the same: turnout. You can blame the party for lackluster candidates or a bad message, but the drop-off in turn-out from presidential elections to the off-year is precipitous. Compare 2000 to 2002, 2008 to 2010, 2012 to 2014. The only exceptions were 1998 when the Republicans impeached Bill, and 2006 when the wars, Cheney unbound, and Katrina caught up to W. Once again the Republicans have overreached and Democrats must seize this opportunity.
Democratic voters need to show up more than once every 4 years. It would also help if the people on Medicaid actually voted with the party that cares about them.
Democratic voters need to show up more than once every 4 years. It would also help if the people on Medicaid actually voted with the party that cares about them.
14
Katrina seen as Bush's fault was the lie originated and promoted by the left wing press. On Friday, as the hurricane approached, Pres Bush asked the governor of LA if she wanted help. She said no. The mayor (Nagin) of New Orleans failed to evacuate the citizens...which (of course this is Monday morning quarterbacking) could have been done with one busload from NO to Baton Rouge, return, second load, leave buses in Baton Rouge. Then, after the seawall was violated Sunday, finally on Monday govt help was sought. Pres loves to blame Bush for any and everything.
4
Bush appointed as head of FEMA a donor who was a race horse breeder. (No experience, no competence)
Bush took 3 days before he decided to mobilize the army. And when they got there, they had their rifles pointed at American citizens in desperate need of help. Bush had the US army stopped American citizens leaving a disaster zone from crossing a bridge into the white part of town because they were black and poor.
Bush held a press conference in New Orleans where he brought in generators to light up part of the city behind him to show progress that wasn't happening. Then left hours later and took the generators with him!
You are simply choosing to believe a version of events you are more comfortable with. Instead of leading, he placed blame on the governor.
This all played out on live TV. Believe what you want, but don't call the truth "a lie". At least not to intelligent people.
Bush took 3 days before he decided to mobilize the army. And when they got there, they had their rifles pointed at American citizens in desperate need of help. Bush had the US army stopped American citizens leaving a disaster zone from crossing a bridge into the white part of town because they were black and poor.
Bush held a press conference in New Orleans where he brought in generators to light up part of the city behind him to show progress that wasn't happening. Then left hours later and took the generators with him!
You are simply choosing to believe a version of events you are more comfortable with. Instead of leading, he placed blame on the governor.
This all played out on live TV. Believe what you want, but don't call the truth "a lie". At least not to intelligent people.
1
Democrats, you need to stop your establishment charade of "defending Obamacare". Time to aggressively champion single payer and use public option as the fallback. The reason you don't is because many of you are working for big donors, not your constituents. The Democrats need a lot more of Sanders and Warren and whole lot less of Tom Perez.
17
Democrats would do well to to just shut up about "re-taking the House" this early on. They're going to get on people's nerves with the mantra, and once again miss a golden opportunity.
10
It has been said that the Republican House vote to repeal the PPACA (Obamacare) was the first vote toward Single Payer, Universal Not for Profit Healthcare for every American. Such a Bill exists in Congress already and committing to it should be a litmus test for every Democratic Candidate for Congress in the 2018 cycle.
HR 676- introduced by Representative John Conyers (Michigan 13) with over 100 co-sponsors- should be used to nationalize this election and galvanize the American electorate. Medicare for All.
Read it, read who is for it and who is against it here:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/676
Just like the group Brand New Congress, I will not lift a finger for any candidate of whatever party that will not support Medicare for All. It is non-negotiable.
The Cook Political Report is already adjusting projections for the next House elections based upon the horrible and heartless Republican tax cut for the wealthy masquerading as a health care bill.
I will make a deal with Democrats: act like the party that gave America Social Security, Medicare and other great legislation that made our country better for all citizens and I will give you my money, my effort and my vote. Inversely, the Clintons and their Republican Lite Third Way types need to step aside and let the next generation take the lead. Your time has come and passed.
HR 676- introduced by Representative John Conyers (Michigan 13) with over 100 co-sponsors- should be used to nationalize this election and galvanize the American electorate. Medicare for All.
Read it, read who is for it and who is against it here:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/676
Just like the group Brand New Congress, I will not lift a finger for any candidate of whatever party that will not support Medicare for All. It is non-negotiable.
The Cook Political Report is already adjusting projections for the next House elections based upon the horrible and heartless Republican tax cut for the wealthy masquerading as a health care bill.
I will make a deal with Democrats: act like the party that gave America Social Security, Medicare and other great legislation that made our country better for all citizens and I will give you my money, my effort and my vote. Inversely, the Clintons and their Republican Lite Third Way types need to step aside and let the next generation take the lead. Your time has come and passed.
20
We do already have Medicare for all. You just do what I did...pay into the pot for 40 years with zero insurance coverage, then get Medicare, which pays doctors so little that 30% of them won't even see a Medicare patient, requires not only your monthly premium payment but a secondary policy, does not cover dental, hearing or vision except for cataracts, retinal detachment, and glaucoma, has the highest rate of rejected claims sent by drs offices of any insurer, blocks some treatments as the doctor must play Mother May I with the functionary at Medicare, and uses some outdated or generic drugs.
You want all of these benefits without paying into the pot. And Medicare is still projected to go broke.
You want all of these benefits without paying into the pot. And Medicare is still projected to go broke.
1
Some appear to be under the impression that Medicare is free. Maybe that's why they think "Medicare for All" would be so wonderful.
Medicare premiums are fairly substantial. I pay an income-adjusted Part B monthly rate of $243, plus $32 for Part D. For Supplemental, another $126 and $29. Total = about $430 monthly.
There are many things that neither Medicare not Supplemental cover that must be paid out of pocket, and of course, many physicians who do not accept Medicare. Overall, it's still a good system but it's not the inexpensive complete coverage that some people seem to think.
People should really stop expecting something for nothing. We will all pay one way or the other. We just need a system that makes sense.
Medicare premiums are fairly substantial. I pay an income-adjusted Part B monthly rate of $243, plus $32 for Part D. For Supplemental, another $126 and $29. Total = about $430 monthly.
There are many things that neither Medicare not Supplemental cover that must be paid out of pocket, and of course, many physicians who do not accept Medicare. Overall, it's still a good system but it's not the inexpensive complete coverage that some people seem to think.
People should really stop expecting something for nothing. We will all pay one way or the other. We just need a system that makes sense.
Medicare can be improved and it's finances are only in trouble if Congress lets it happen. The routine control of Social Security and Medicare financing should be reformed and taken out of the hands of craven politicians.
One of the bigger problems with Medicare is the Medicare Advantage program which is nothing other than buying private insurance with Medicare funds.
And, as to Doctors refusing to take it. Fine. If everyone is covered and they opt out, they can have a nice career doing something else. I do not get to set my pay, nor do most people.
For most Americans Medicare works very well and usually pays faster than private insurance.
One of the bigger problems with Medicare is the Medicare Advantage program which is nothing other than buying private insurance with Medicare funds.
And, as to Doctors refusing to take it. Fine. If everyone is covered and they opt out, they can have a nice career doing something else. I do not get to set my pay, nor do most people.
For most Americans Medicare works very well and usually pays faster than private insurance.
Most Republican Congressmen in districts that Clinton carried were given a "pass" and voted against the "repeal and replace" of ACA. A few will get picked off but most will probably be back.
More importantly, and unlike the tax vote at the beginning of Bill Clinton's first term, present day gerrymandered Republican districts guarantee the GOP will have little to lose in 2018.
As a Democrat in a Republican state, I believe it's foolish to put on your party hat just yet when it comes to the House. Oddly enough, Democrats probably still have a better chance of retaking the Senate in 2018 than believing that Pelosi will become Speaker again.
More importantly, and unlike the tax vote at the beginning of Bill Clinton's first term, present day gerrymandered Republican districts guarantee the GOP will have little to lose in 2018.
As a Democrat in a Republican state, I believe it's foolish to put on your party hat just yet when it comes to the House. Oddly enough, Democrats probably still have a better chance of retaking the Senate in 2018 than believing that Pelosi will become Speaker again.
5
I am always amazed by the practice to let the other party (or faction in primaries) run unopposed. Even where there is zero chance of flipping the seat, give the voters a chance to be heard, and you may have surprises.
It's really come down to the haves vs the have nots--that is, the people who have pre-existing conditions versus the ones who do not (yet).
Most people who do not have a pre-existing condition will not understand why we need single-payer, health care for all, rich or poor. I almost pity those who are still healthy. It will be a huge shock once they end up sick, disabled and/or old and find out the realities of the health care system, unless they are super wealthy. Sooner or later, pre-existing conditions happen to everyone.
Most people who do not have a pre-existing condition will not understand why we need single-payer, health care for all, rich or poor. I almost pity those who are still healthy. It will be a huge shock once they end up sick, disabled and/or old and find out the realities of the health care system, unless they are super wealthy. Sooner or later, pre-existing conditions happen to everyone.
12
Trump will win again and the House will remain in GOP hands. Why and how? Trump is a polished liar and presents total falsehoods in a forceful, convincing way. Americans have delegated the details supporting their vote as citizens to the talking heads of the various networks ; and when the GOP lies, voters don't know enough actual facts to notice the lies being told.
If the GOP health bill passes late this year or early next year, voters who have lost coverage will not be aware of their loss by election time in 2018. Claim denials by insurance companies will show up for voters AFTER they have cast their 2018 ballot.
In the meantime Democrats have STILL not explained OBAMACARE coverages to voters. The Dems plan to insult opponents just like Hillary did when competing against Trump; and voters were so disgusted with that approach, Trump was elected. Trump and GOP leaders are lying about their Health Care bill and the Dems are not doing enough work to inform voters and win the 2018 vote. This is a slow moving tragedy unfolding before our eyes.
If the GOP health bill passes late this year or early next year, voters who have lost coverage will not be aware of their loss by election time in 2018. Claim denials by insurance companies will show up for voters AFTER they have cast their 2018 ballot.
In the meantime Democrats have STILL not explained OBAMACARE coverages to voters. The Dems plan to insult opponents just like Hillary did when competing against Trump; and voters were so disgusted with that approach, Trump was elected. Trump and GOP leaders are lying about their Health Care bill and the Dems are not doing enough work to inform voters and win the 2018 vote. This is a slow moving tragedy unfolding before our eyes.
7
Not a bad idea to run for congress on the slim chance of winning the best healthcare insurance in America.
4
No. Too few will follow the argument: TMI. And reality about the AHCA won't set in until too late even for 2020, nevermind 2018.
1
Then next time, corrupt democrats should pay attention and not play favorites while the system is losing it's wheels on rollout. You cannot say let's pass a law and see what is in it. The unAffordable Care Act was a crime. Its abolition was well deserved. Obama, Pelosi and Gruber should be in jail for foisting such a scam on Americans.
Bear in mind there's more to Republicans going after Medicaid. They intend to go after Medicare and Social Security as well. In the Republican playbook, anything that benefits middle class and working class people is an undeserved entitlement that picks the pockets of the mega-rich.
The only weapons middle class and working class people have are jamming telephone lines with emails and calls to legislators' offices, town hall meetings filled with angry, determined constituents, and finally mass voting in every election. Answer Donald Trump's braying and bug-eyed Mitch McConnell with Bronx cheers, and wipe the Cheshire cat smirk off Paul Ryan's face.
The only weapons middle class and working class people have are jamming telephone lines with emails and calls to legislators' offices, town hall meetings filled with angry, determined constituents, and finally mass voting in every election. Answer Donald Trump's braying and bug-eyed Mitch McConnell with Bronx cheers, and wipe the Cheshire cat smirk off Paul Ryan's face.
18
During the campaign, Trump promised voters that he would eliminate Obamacare and replace it with something much, much better. "You're gonna love it," he said. But now, after the Trump backed measure to sabotage Obamacare by the House, even the naifs who supported Trump will realize that his promises were all bait and switch. It has already hurt the Republican brand - and in the long run, it will expose Trump for the faker that he is. Expect to see pitchforks and torches at those town-hall meetings, so to speak.
7
The Republican Party - Grand Ole Party: not so grand for Americans but it sure is a party for the 1-2% wealthiest. Sadly, to this independent, the Dems aren't a whole lot better. They're into special interest and money too. We need more Bernies and Elizabeth Warrens. People who did not grow up with a silver spoon and haven't forgotten where they came from.
7
If you want to turn this tide of destruction around, vote for anyone with a (D) next to their name.
Don't be a knucklehead and demand perfection, like Jill Stein voters (thanks knuckleheads). Don't worry if they are not progressive enough for you. Stop fantasizing about a 3rd party.
The (D)'s are far from perfect, but at least they are not insane. They will not destroy your health insurance. They will not treat climate change as a hoax. They will not make you jump through hoops simply to vote. They will not restrict the reproductive rights of women. They will not kill the poor and middle class in order to further cut taxes on the wealthy.
Don't be a knucklehead and demand perfection, like Jill Stein voters (thanks knuckleheads). Don't worry if they are not progressive enough for you. Stop fantasizing about a 3rd party.
The (D)'s are far from perfect, but at least they are not insane. They will not destroy your health insurance. They will not treat climate change as a hoax. They will not make you jump through hoops simply to vote. They will not restrict the reproductive rights of women. They will not kill the poor and middle class in order to further cut taxes on the wealthy.
18
...and they will not hand another 15% to the greatest military of all time, claiming that it's "depleted"--and then wonder where to get more billions for another tax cut for their supporters.
3
For some reason, many mainstream democrats are under the assumption that, as the 2018 mid-terms approach and as a distinctive alternative to the draconian Republican bill, the democratic party will automatically pursue a single-payer system, I m afraid the voters are in for quite a rude awakening. Although the numbers are gradually increasing, a single-payer option put forth by progressives in both houses, John Conyers, Bernie Sanders, etc., presently, almost two-thirds of house democrats and the vast majority of senators will NOT commit to supporting the bill. The best they will commit to is an "Obamacare redux".
It is also rather interesting and predictable to note especially the senior members such as, Feinstein, Pelosi and many others who remain non-commital, over the terms of their careers, they have received hundreds of thousands and more of campaign donations from several large healthcare entities.
When it has been stated countless times that unless this kind of money is removed from politics, politicians of either party will continue to serve the interests of their corporate donors, NOT, their constituents and failure to deal constructively with this vitaly important issue is just another example of the corruption.
It is also rather interesting and predictable to note especially the senior members such as, Feinstein, Pelosi and many others who remain non-commital, over the terms of their careers, they have received hundreds of thousands and more of campaign donations from several large healthcare entities.
When it has been stated countless times that unless this kind of money is removed from politics, politicians of either party will continue to serve the interests of their corporate donors, NOT, their constituents and failure to deal constructively with this vitaly important issue is just another example of the corruption.
5
This sounds encouraging, but Democrats need to make sure they thwart every effort by Republicans to redistrict voting sectors to favor them by November, 2018. Additionally, Democrats need to canvas every district by pounding the pavements and knocking on doors, and having the candidate speak to all concerns raised by constituents (social and economic). Lastly, the Democrats need to spend money, right now on ads attacking this House health care bill – even if it does not pass the Senate.
Talk means nothing if it does not translate into political capital. There is an opportunity to blunt Trump. The Democrats need to seize on this opening and take nothing for granted.
Talk means nothing if it does not translate into political capital. There is an opportunity to blunt Trump. The Democrats need to seize on this opening and take nothing for granted.
4
Republicans will simply lie about their health care bill. Dem candidates will say AHCA did this or that horrible thing, and the GOP will simply say "no, it doesn't." And the GOP will keep the House. Better try another tactic, Democrats!
1
I didn't have healthcare under the Democrats, I didn't have it under the Republicans, then the Democrats won and I didn't get it, then they lost and I didn't get it. While I'm very happy for those who get Obamacare, it wasn't a universal system based on humanitarian ethics and science like civilized nations have. It was a for-profit system designed to make people rich by buying insurance and pharmaceutical stocks. It's less immoral in the sense that it turns away fewer people than the Republican plan, but it shut out tens of millions of americans, and they kind of noticed that. If the Democrats want to run on healthcare they need to just go back to Hillary's idea from 1992 — copy Canada — and then maybe I'll get healthcare and maybe the whole nation can finally have some self respect.
77
Why don't you have health insurance? People on obamacare pay a premium each month, some are subsidized. You're apparently choosing not to buy a plan. We do need a national health system-bottom line.
1
Indeed “No district is off the table” for Democratic political prospects. Will Perez (no one credibly believes his beloved "deputy" wields any actual power) and the DNC ensure likewise for the candidates' *financial* prospects?
The GOP show repeatedly we have the "best" government money can buy. The DNC must buy that government back, and must earn people's donations to do so by setting a clear policy to:
*sweep out the billionaires in control (of both government and DNC affairs),
*funding the best candidates unencumbered by banksters in the primaries, and
*funding ALL of the primary winners throughout the US in the generals, because even the least cashable clunker of a Dem trumps (as it were) the best of the GOP, and every county of every state counts.
The GOP show repeatedly we have the "best" government money can buy. The DNC must buy that government back, and must earn people's donations to do so by setting a clear policy to:
*sweep out the billionaires in control (of both government and DNC affairs),
*funding the best candidates unencumbered by banksters in the primaries, and
*funding ALL of the primary winners throughout the US in the generals, because even the least cashable clunker of a Dem trumps (as it were) the best of the GOP, and every county of every state counts.
3
Is it Republican voters these GOP members of the House feared, or Republican funders? Given that many provisions of the ACA the ACHA negates are popular with all Americans, I suspect it's the latter. The ACHA richly rewards the Kochs, Mercers, and so on with generous tax cuts. I'm sure they will return the favor in the form of contributions to PACs, campaign committees, and dark money "social interest organizations" .
6
"Democrats ... failed to field a candidate"
That sentence says it all. Republicans have fought hard to build a base from the ground up, while Democrats failed to pay attention to much besides the presidency.
Progressives can win from the bottom up, and Trump's administration is handing them a gift. Dems can take the House in 2018, & the Senate in 2020. But we have to put in the effort.
Let's get together and do this thing.
That sentence says it all. Republicans have fought hard to build a base from the ground up, while Democrats failed to pay attention to much besides the presidency.
Progressives can win from the bottom up, and Trump's administration is handing them a gift. Dems can take the House in 2018, & the Senate in 2020. But we have to put in the effort.
Let's get together and do this thing.
6
It's easy to mock and condemn the ACA and the Trump alternative. When will either party stand up for all Americans and provide single-payer health care? The same coverage in Australia that President Trump praised following forced passage of the healthcare bill through Congress. As long as everyone is on the take, nothing will change. When will the media address that situation?
6
Sadly i dont think the US will ever go single payer. The idea that someone else is benefitting from their taxes drives people here insane. Since Reagans imaginary welfare queen this idea has become part of our DNA. ITs sad but i dont think repairable. I had hoped the great recession would have pulled us together when even the top earners were hurt but it didnt. We are not in the together at all. The US lacks a social identity.
2
Today I was a delegate for my local precinct City Council race. I'm not sure if my experience is typical because I am a new delegate, but the process is AWFUL. No wonder people don't want to participate. Delays, counting errors, poor communication. Will Rogers had it right. I was fairly sanguine because what else can we do? My wife did not have my outlook. She'll never do this again.
We have crazy people in the WH. My only point is that it is difficult to gain support for a system that is ridiculously frustrating. Democrats should focus on making it easier to be involved.
We have crazy people in the WH. My only point is that it is difficult to gain support for a system that is ridiculously frustrating. Democrats should focus on making it easier to be involved.
5
Democrats need to learn the biggest lesson from Trump's victory: An outsider with ZERO experience in government can get elected to the highest office in the land. Find some individuals with some real-life experience, the ability to connect with all kinds of ordinary people, speak their language and express their fears, anger, hopes and dreams and give those individuals plenty of money to run a face-to-face campaign.
5
The veil has been pierced, and the real wizard has been unmasked. Donald Trump has demonstrated that he is in this only for the money--Yours and Mine! He has also amassed a team of lemmings who are following his lead, while each thinks that it is using the other for his/her own benefit. But, in the long run, Donald has shown that he cannot get any meaningful, think honest, legislation through Congress!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
1
It is easy to criticize the bill while not willing to pay more taxes. Affordable Care, which took care of the low-income group, was a burden for the middle class and of course the rich. If we truly want EVERYONE to be happy - then we all must be willing to pay high taxes without seeing them as burden, just as in Europe. But I think we are still far away from that point now.
4
After watching the town hall meetings of Republican Congressmen with their very angry constituents, I think there is a good chance the Democrats can take back the majority.
The midterms can't come soon enough!
The midterms can't come soon enough!
1
It's not just their healthcare plan but the Republican values it reveals that Democrats can run on. First, they didn't trust and respect the American people enough to show us their bill and explain it BEFORE they voted on it. If any major bill was ever kept under wraps and then "rammed down our throats," it was this one. Secondly, it revealed their hard, hard hearts. They don't see sick, suffering and worried-sick people. They see how much tax "relief" they can give to high-income and super-rich people and what they can do to promote business interests and their "market" ideology. Healthcare policy reveals the "real" Republican Party. It is greedy and uncaring. It serves the interest of business and the wealthy. Most us knew that before, but now millions more will.
6
The Democrats are being too smug here, and this self-assuredness frightens me. This is the same bumbling group of politicians who welcomed the nomination of Donald Trump, who paved the way to the nomination for Hillary, and were gleefully planning a legislative agenda for their inevitable Senate takeover.
So much for all that.
Now, they've got another too-clever-by-half plan, to let the Republicans pass a truly dangerous health care overhaul in the hopes that voters will be appalled and come running back in 2018.
I feel like I've seen this episode before, and it didn't end well.
So much for all that.
Now, they've got another too-clever-by-half plan, to let the Republicans pass a truly dangerous health care overhaul in the hopes that voters will be appalled and come running back in 2018.
I feel like I've seen this episode before, and it didn't end well.
2
I agree a thousand percent. The Dems have no agenda that can help the middle class for two reasons. The only two things that can help are 1) massive defense spending cuts and 2) massive tax INCREASES on the top earners. When that money is turned to infrastructure spending and R&D investment then the middle class will start earning again. Oh yeah. Throw in a real min wage level too. There is not a single dem willing to run on that or even bait and switch it in once elected. They are all corporate shills.
3
At this point, ANYTHING that's not GOP!
4
Apparently, the Democrats are happy to campaign on the saving Obamacare which was on track to bankrupt the country and of which Bill Clinton said: 'It’s the craziest thing in the world'
2
Affordable Care Act needs tweaking. It's not going to bankrupt the Country. That's the Republican cool aid your drinking. The only bigger liars then this party is the liar in chief in the White House..what's truly crazy is we have not found the will to have single payer health care for all. The president did not drain the swamp. He filled it with alligators and has more people in government working against half the population. WOMEN!! Are you so filled with self hatred that you support those cretins? Look at those pictures in the Rose Garden again. Those gleeful men defunding Planned Parenthood and removing maternity care from basic benefits because of course men can't get pregnant. They just help create the situation..
5
Was the ACA bad? For some people, yes in terms of money, for others it saved their life, so it was good for them.
I'm sure places like Canada, Australia, England, etc. with good health care and no one going bankrupt from medical debt would disagree that health care for all is a "crazy" idea.
Btw, allowing people to die because they have pre-existing conditions is a totally looney, not to mention immoral, thing.
I'm sure places like Canada, Australia, England, etc. with good health care and no one going bankrupt from medical debt would disagree that health care for all is a "crazy" idea.
Btw, allowing people to die because they have pre-existing conditions is a totally looney, not to mention immoral, thing.
6
What studies do you have to back up your claims?
Democrats have to move fast and be loud in their offensive to crush the stupid Republicans that voted for this bill. Tom Perez should be organizing busloads of Democratic Congressman to flood the districts of those white, old, male, fat Republicans to host town halls that will explain to the constituents of those stupid Republicans just what the bill does.
These dullards just voted to cut Medicaid funding that pays for the nursing home care of millions of elderly. This will result in more bed sores and broken hips with an increased death rate for all those Grandmas in the nursing homes. This will save dollars that will then be used to give tax cuts to the Republicans paymasters, the rich.
Great optics, kill grandma to be able to give the rich tax breaks.
Is Tom Perez astute enough to do this? Probably not, all he seems to be able to do is send out emails asking for more money.
These dullards just voted to cut Medicaid funding that pays for the nursing home care of millions of elderly. This will result in more bed sores and broken hips with an increased death rate for all those Grandmas in the nursing homes. This will save dollars that will then be used to give tax cuts to the Republicans paymasters, the rich.
Great optics, kill grandma to be able to give the rich tax breaks.
Is Tom Perez astute enough to do this? Probably not, all he seems to be able to do is send out emails asking for more money.
18
Roskam has been an absentee Rep in IL-06 for far too long. We will build around Kelly!
2
I swear, as G-d is my witness, I still can't believe this is real. I keep hoping I'll wake up and Auntie Em will be putting a cold compress on my forehead and telling me it was all a bad dream. That 216 elected officials could vote to take health care from millions of their fellow citizens and be gleeful is more than I can bear. I don't know how we got to this place. I don't know how we ever recover from this. I don't know what will happen to my children and millions of other people's children who will be cut loose, out of no fault of their own, by soulless, heartless sociopaths who make up the republican party. With their complete disregard for our children's health and the health of our planet, they have actually made me hope that my children don't have children. Shame on you all. You are beneath contempt.
D
D
63
Seriously, what value is there in voting for GOPers who clearly cannot keep their campaign promises (e.g., repeal and replace) and who give us prog-lite policies and prog-heavy budgets? It's time to go all in for progs, in my view. I have cast my last vote for a GOPer as long as I live.
11
Here's some likely unintended consequences of Trumpcare:
. You don't have a pre-existing condition if it's undiagnosed. Consequently people will deliberately forgo regular checkups and tests. High blood pressure, HPV infection? Not if you've never been diagnosed.
. Predatory health insurance. Without mandated benefit standards expect the same market forces (the invisible hand) that gave us sub prime real estate loans to start offering low cost (no benefits) health insurance.
. A disillusioned work force with low expectations. "Sorry our company's health insurance doesn't cover, x, y, z." It doesn't take many years of lower benefits to establish a generation's expectations. Expect in 10 year's time a disillusioned work force that expects less and delivers the equivalent.
. You don't have a pre-existing condition if it's undiagnosed. Consequently people will deliberately forgo regular checkups and tests. High blood pressure, HPV infection? Not if you've never been diagnosed.
. Predatory health insurance. Without mandated benefit standards expect the same market forces (the invisible hand) that gave us sub prime real estate loans to start offering low cost (no benefits) health insurance.
. A disillusioned work force with low expectations. "Sorry our company's health insurance doesn't cover, x, y, z." It doesn't take many years of lower benefits to establish a generation's expectations. Expect in 10 year's time a disillusioned work force that expects less and delivers the equivalent.
15
Once more, blue states will have to pick up the tab, as red states will be hurt the most by the bill as it now stands, and eill have to rely on the blue states to bail them out.
Simultaneously, and unfairly, the red states will still have a larger voice in government. Must be nice to be a beggar AND a chooser.
So much for all that Republican blather about the ills of socialism.
Simultaneously, and unfairly, the red states will still have a larger voice in government. Must be nice to be a beggar AND a chooser.
So much for all that Republican blather about the ills of socialism.
20
But the question is can the democrats learn to govern for the interests of our citizens rather than themselves - probably not.
6
Passing the ACA was in the interests of our citizens, in my opinion, perhaps you prefer the Republicans' bill, believing that somehow depriving 20 million people of health insurance is in the interest of our citizens.
Many Democrats lost their seat because they voted for the ACA -- so what the hey are you talking about?
Many Democrats lost their seat because they voted for the ACA -- so what the hey are you talking about?
4
Erik Paulsen-next week, I will be knocking on doors to inform voters in your district that you voted on a bill that will harm so many Minnesotans.
Can't wait.
Can't wait.
18
Lost cause in his district.
Talking to Democrats won't help -- they already oppose Trump. Only 17% of Republicans in Minnesota support the ACA. Those are the folks you need to find. And that will take same homework.
2
This constituent of Paulsen's will work with you to get him out of office in 2018. Good riddance to him too! An extreme right Republican who never calls a town hall meeting and doesn't listen to his constituents overwhelming consent to keep the ACA.
2
It is too soon to write the obituary of Republican House majority. 2018 election cycle is eons away in political time scale. In the meantime trust Democratic leadership to commit harakiri to lose the momentum that is generated right now. For example, Mr. Obama going to Wall Street for $400,000 speaking fee is not good optics and it will be naive to think that Republicans will not try to exploit it. Democratic party's history is full of missed opportunities in the last two decades. Gore lost 2000 election because neither Clinton, nor Gore could carry their home states: Bush won both AR and TN. Was Lewinsky scandal to blame? Was private server a factor in HRC's loss in 2016?
You bet.
You bet.
7
So the election is cycle is short ...unless you are a Clinton. In that case, even made up scandals (see private email server) stay around forever.
Bill Clinton won Arkansas in both 1992 and 1996. Gore lost Tennessee though! What a heart wrencher. Not sure if I'd ever step foot in the state again if I were him.
Enough already with Obama taking the $400,000. I am not sure if the outrage over this point is constructive and is important to what we face with this White House. I have full confidence that Mr. Obama will take the money he earns and use it in a philanthopic manner. I also have full confidence that the tax breaks that Trump provides for himself and others as wealthy, off of our backs will not be used to support those who are less fortunate and in need. Look at the character of both Trump and Obama and ask yourself, where should your greatest concern lie. We have a serious fight on our hands, our basic American rights are being jeopardized by greed and our elected officials are not listening. That is the fight that should be our focus.
2
Medicare for all.
Such a cure all.
How about the people who have had their checks garnished for 40 years paying in for Medicare.
Everyone can just barge in.
Such a cure all.
How about the people who have had their checks garnished for 40 years paying in for Medicare.
Everyone can just barge in.
4
That's not true. You will have to pay for single payer with a tax increase. But you will pay less for the same services under single payer than under private for-profit health insurance. And the poor, disabled, and unemployed will also be insured. That's what a civilized country manages for its citizens.
3
This is the beginning of the end for the Republican domination of the House and, hopefully, the Senate. The bill that the House Republicans, voted and passed, would stick to them like a Scarlet Letter, seared on their foreheads. The Republican members of the House, failed the American people so egregiously, no one, took a minute and did some soul searching whether the bill truly serves the well being and health of the American people.
Rich Americans, YES.
But our fellow citizens who get up in the morning and do an honest day of hard work, are ignored and cast aside as suckers.
Millions of Americans would lose their health insurance if this insane bill becomes a law.
Millions of lives would be in turmoil.
Good Job, Trump.
You, indeed, make America Great again.
Could not wait for you to get impeached and removed from office.
Rich Americans, YES.
But our fellow citizens who get up in the morning and do an honest day of hard work, are ignored and cast aside as suckers.
Millions of Americans would lose their health insurance if this insane bill becomes a law.
Millions of lives would be in turmoil.
Good Job, Trump.
You, indeed, make America Great again.
Could not wait for you to get impeached and removed from office.
20
Obamacare is the craziest system on earth....... former President Bill Clinton. There is no denying that Obamacare which resulted in the shellacking of the democratic party was not a perfect and sustainable health plan and so its repeal and replacement made sense. The question whether the Republican health plan which has yet to be passed by the senate is a better plan and if it turns to be better and is better executed then Democrats can forget about regaining the house. Democrats better have other issues to fight on and stop making elections about personalities but about substance for a better America. Trump a teetotaler and a non smoker worked very hard to become president of the USA (often working with less sleep and tweeting at 3.00am) and has been trying hard to keep his promises. Are democrats going to do the same. It will take a lot more than just protesting anything Trump tries to do. They have to work hard to regain the confidence of the working class and of Americans living outside the urban areas of the country.
7
Republicans have had nothing to run on but "Obamacare is a disaster! Repeal!" and "Everything Obama does is BAD!" and it seemed to work just fine for them. For a while, they cried "The sky is falling!" about the deficit and tried to shut down the government, but now they don't mind spending billions on the military and don't even care what their healthcare plan will cost. I don't know. Being "against" everything seems to be electoral magic.
14
And what type of health insurance do YOU currently have? Looks to me like Democrats have to work hard to help non-urbanites see how they consistently vote to hurt themselves and their families.
2
Trump: Enact Medicare For All, and all will be forgiven.
6
Edit: I did not fully explain my post why the GOP wins with this.
Say the Senate does nothing, and insurance companies continue to sour on issuing ACA policies.
By 2018, if "doing nothing" works and ObamaCare is on the ropes b/c fewer and fewer companies will offer plans (again, because nothing is being done)...
Republicans can run ads saying they tried to save the ACA but Democrats in the Senate refused to help.
Sounds crazy? No crazier than Nov. 8, 2016.
Say the Senate does nothing, and insurance companies continue to sour on issuing ACA policies.
By 2018, if "doing nothing" works and ObamaCare is on the ropes b/c fewer and fewer companies will offer plans (again, because nothing is being done)...
Republicans can run ads saying they tried to save the ACA but Democrats in the Senate refused to help.
Sounds crazy? No crazier than Nov. 8, 2016.
7
"...rallied fellow Republicans to vote for the health measure, then conceded in a national television interview that he had not read the bill."
This is a new tactic influenced by Donald Trump, who signs orders without reading them (which is how Bannon snookered his way into the NSC). Is a spin on "plausible deniability" but I don't expect constituents to buy it. PLEASE vote these slackers out during 2018 midterms.
This is a new tactic influenced by Donald Trump, who signs orders without reading them (which is how Bannon snookered his way into the NSC). Is a spin on "plausible deniability" but I don't expect constituents to buy it. PLEASE vote these slackers out during 2018 midterms.
17
the damage trump can wreak until 2018 is unimaginable and will be largely irreparable
17
I share the outrage and disgust expressed by so many of the other commenters. But if the focus of the Democratic response is, or is seen to be, on the political advantage that might be gained in the next election as opposed to the fight to right this wrong, the high ground will be lost and the partisan argument will fall on hardened ears.
The Democrats seem to be rudderless and disorganized. I fear for how far this may go.
The Democrats seem to be rudderless and disorganized. I fear for how far this may go.
68
Sadly, a side that takes the high ground does not win elections these days. On the contrary. Else how do you explain the victory for a man who bragged about grabbing private parts of women?
11
The only way demonstrates can fight to right this wrong is by winning elections
Yes Merlie, the Democratic response is about them, not the people, almost a mirror image of the Republican party. The real fight is for and has been by those who value afforable healthcare equally, obtained and used by the citizens, which equates to Medicare for all. The system should be and will be Medicare for all paid for by the Medicare Tax.
The na na na crap, the taunts by our representaives is pathetic. And they are being paid for engaging their dark side. which is not representive of the masses. We want what they have, rock solid health insurance, but not through an insurance company. We want our healthcare plans to be funded through taxes, equal taxation under the law.
My advice to the Democratic Party, take a nice long walk through the streets that surround your place of work, Washington DC. Long means minimum of five hours, do the same in the districts of which you represent, ask the people what THEY want, and take notes. It does not match currently what you want, quite different in fact. Quit creating a worse situation, things are bad enough.
The na na na crap, the taunts by our representaives is pathetic. And they are being paid for engaging their dark side. which is not representive of the masses. We want what they have, rock solid health insurance, but not through an insurance company. We want our healthcare plans to be funded through taxes, equal taxation under the law.
My advice to the Democratic Party, take a nice long walk through the streets that surround your place of work, Washington DC. Long means minimum of five hours, do the same in the districts of which you represent, ask the people what THEY want, and take notes. It does not match currently what you want, quite different in fact. Quit creating a worse situation, things are bad enough.
Go for it Mr. Phillips.
The Republicans demonstrated that lowering taxes on the wealthy - who now control a huge percentage of this countries wealth - is more important than assisting hard working Americans who through no fault of their own cannot afford health care.
What an ugly, ugly, ugly bill this is. They should be ashamed.
The Republicans demonstrated that lowering taxes on the wealthy - who now control a huge percentage of this countries wealth - is more important than assisting hard working Americans who through no fault of their own cannot afford health care.
What an ugly, ugly, ugly bill this is. They should be ashamed.
61
They're the GOP - "shame" is not in their dictionary.
11
Well said. Thank you.
1
When I was born my doctor slapped my bottom to get me to breathe. Since I couldn't breathe on my own right away I guess I was born with pre- existing condition.
Under the Republican list of pre-existing conditions I believe we were all born with this condition, thus making everyone in America have a pre-existing condition. Therefore under Republican health care rules no one in America should have access to healthcare, or pay very high rates for care if you can get it.
By letter of the bill of the Trump "I-don't-care" health plan no one in America insurable. Isn't it time for a single payer health plan?
Under the Republican list of pre-existing conditions I believe we were all born with this condition, thus making everyone in America have a pre-existing condition. Therefore under Republican health care rules no one in America should have access to healthcare, or pay very high rates for care if you can get it.
By letter of the bill of the Trump "I-don't-care" health plan no one in America insurable. Isn't it time for a single payer health plan?
21
Republican have known that anger drives voter turn-out more than any other factor.
It's why they've created their own media outlets and cast democrats (and fact-based media) as the enemy. Listen to a Republican. They HATE Obama, Clinton, Pelosi, Reed. It's been effective for them.
But with Trump, they already went too far and flipped the equation. They've turned rational people boiling mad. (Note: Democratic anger isn't from invented issues and oft-repeated lies. I view this authentic anger as exponentially more potent).
Then they compound that with this health care travesty. Taxes. (And done forget all that Suprem Court stealing anger, since Clinton didn't win like expected. Turns out it mattered)
They are definitely losing the house in 2018.
In 2020, the senate map already looks good for democrats. By then, Trump will have worked us into a fevered pitch and we'll win back all 3. I just hope the Democratic Party is smart enough to put good candidates and effort into the state houses so we can gerrymander a 10 year lock on the house in 2020 when the next census gets conducted.
(Then, of course, this stupid cycle will start all over again)
It's why they've created their own media outlets and cast democrats (and fact-based media) as the enemy. Listen to a Republican. They HATE Obama, Clinton, Pelosi, Reed. It's been effective for them.
But with Trump, they already went too far and flipped the equation. They've turned rational people boiling mad. (Note: Democratic anger isn't from invented issues and oft-repeated lies. I view this authentic anger as exponentially more potent).
Then they compound that with this health care travesty. Taxes. (And done forget all that Suprem Court stealing anger, since Clinton didn't win like expected. Turns out it mattered)
They are definitely losing the house in 2018.
In 2020, the senate map already looks good for democrats. By then, Trump will have worked us into a fevered pitch and we'll win back all 3. I just hope the Democratic Party is smart enough to put good candidates and effort into the state houses so we can gerrymander a 10 year lock on the house in 2020 when the next census gets conducted.
(Then, of course, this stupid cycle will start all over again)
14
I am pretty sure neither you nor the NYT can tell us which seats are competitive enough. or not, in sufficient numbers. to flip either the House or the Senate.
Which of the 535 seats might turn red, stay red, or turn blue, or stay blue to make that happen?
# # #
@Bill casey
"They are definitely losing the house in 2018"
Which of the 535 seats might turn red, stay red, or turn blue, or stay blue to make that happen?
# # #
@Bill casey
"They are definitely losing the house in 2018"
2
You've overlooked dark money flowing into PACs under Citizens United, gerrymandering, voter suppression and disenfranchisement, for a start.
Anger is not going to overcome any of these obstacles, only unified action to unseat the chief exec and organize politically at the local level will.
Anger is not going to overcome any of these obstacles, only unified action to unseat the chief exec and organize politically at the local level will.
8
Pass laws to limit the amount paid to political parties .
Mercer, the Kochs and others OWN your country.
Libertarians are ruining your democracy.
And Trump owes billions and billions to the Russian mafia.
Get his taxes released.
Mercer, the Kochs and others OWN your country.
Libertarians are ruining your democracy.
And Trump owes billions and billions to the Russian mafia.
Get his taxes released.
2
Those aren't Republicans, they are con men. The difference between a Republic and a Democracy: A Republic is when the best of us serve the rest of us, a democracy is by the people for the people. These toads don't fit into either category - they are self interested in lining their pockets by selling their vote. They do not value the constitution or humanity. Our government is overrun with the worst kind of people - frauds.
52
Once again: MEDICARE FOR ALL -2018. Time to start NOW. We can't wait until 2020. This is the one and only winning issue. Please, let's stop the squabbling and foot dragging. Or, just continue to lose, and many people DIE. Seriously.
38
The mean image of House Republicans celebrating the a virtual death sentence for many American will linger and fester. What is wrong with the soul of the House Republican Party? Why are these old white men so filled with resentment, anger, and deceit?
It was sickening to see the nasty gathering of old white men at the White House. They laughed and joked about stripping away health insurance for the working poor and chronically ill. Where was the punch line?
The participation of Donald Trump is par for the course in his case. He lost his soul before birth and survived to make us pay. But the gathering of old white male Republicans was their own decisions. Whose bright idea was it to celebrate the mean theft of health insurance for the poor to provide tax cuts for the rich? The image of these angry old men was telling, unforgettable -- and ultimately unforgivable.
It was sickening to see the nasty gathering of old white men at the White House. They laughed and joked about stripping away health insurance for the working poor and chronically ill. Where was the punch line?
The participation of Donald Trump is par for the course in his case. He lost his soul before birth and survived to make us pay. But the gathering of old white male Republicans was their own decisions. Whose bright idea was it to celebrate the mean theft of health insurance for the poor to provide tax cuts for the rich? The image of these angry old men was telling, unforgettable -- and ultimately unforgivable.
58
Everyone should be concerned that health care providers-health care professionals in the trenches-are all against the current health care bill. In a reasonable country you expect lawmakers to get feedback from those who actually provide the care and for lawmakers to incorporate that feedback in their process.
This is not the way it works in America where legislators-many of whom haven't even read the entire bill-vote on something which affects the lives and well-being of millions. The legislators are only concerned about fulfilling some political campaign pledge-whether that pledge makes sense or does not.
America would do well to look at how most western countries manage health care-all of which are better than American health policies. Even Trump admits Australian system is better than American.
This is not the way it works in America where legislators-many of whom haven't even read the entire bill-vote on something which affects the lives and well-being of millions. The legislators are only concerned about fulfilling some political campaign pledge-whether that pledge makes sense or does not.
America would do well to look at how most western countries manage health care-all of which are better than American health policies. Even Trump admits Australian system is better than American.
23
Dear Pushkin ,
More than half of the US population agrees with you . But quite frankly , it's obnoxious for you Canadians to demean us in the States .
We are well aware of our country's shortcomings . We don't need you or anyone else from Canada to rub it in .,
Some of these comments from Canadians come off as supercilious and condescending . It's as if some of you have been dying to criticize your Southern neighbor , so when we Americans are sounding the alarm , you want to kick us while we're down .
I'm no Trump fan . I can't stand him . But quite frankly , I'm offended by your brash demeaning statements .
Sincerely ,
Karen from New Jersey ( who didn't vote for Chris Christie either )
More than half of the US population agrees with you . But quite frankly , it's obnoxious for you Canadians to demean us in the States .
We are well aware of our country's shortcomings . We don't need you or anyone else from Canada to rub it in .,
Some of these comments from Canadians come off as supercilious and condescending . It's as if some of you have been dying to criticize your Southern neighbor , so when we Americans are sounding the alarm , you want to kick us while we're down .
I'm no Trump fan . I can't stand him . But quite frankly , I'm offended by your brash demeaning statements .
Sincerely ,
Karen from New Jersey ( who didn't vote for Chris Christie either )
3
Excuse me, Pushkin--have you been reading the comments here--most of them agree the U.S. needs universal health care. I agree with Karen M. -- please MYOB. We don't need your input--you do not have a horse in this race. It takes a special kind of chutzpah to criticize a country in which you do not live.
You do not have a horse in this race, so goodbye and good luck in your own country--I'm sure you have plenty of your own problems to solve.
You do not have a horse in this race, so goodbye and good luck in your own country--I'm sure you have plenty of your own problems to solve.
1
Question is: is his comment true? Very much indeed. I'm not reading the snarkiness quite like you are. We Americans will just have to get used to being talked down to like we've done to so many third world countries for decades now. Seriously, we have a reality tv show clown as president and instead of investing in infrastructure and education the Keystone Congress just voted to strip away health care from just about anyone who's ever coughed before. That is textbook third world country.
3
Nobody could predict Trump's actions in his first 100 days, so predicting votes next year or for his second-term election is a fool's job. With America in ruins, why choose to vote at all? People will march and protest, but voting is too much work for half the population. In my country voting is compulsory, and it works well.
9
In your country voting is compulsory? That's just not true.
3
Majority of those who voted for Clinton (whether they liked Clinton or disliked Trump) did so because they knew what to expect from Trump -- and we obviously are being proven right every day (though as it turns out we were unnecessarilycautious in our estimates of his lack of... well every skill and characteristic a President needs).
6
july 2016
parliamentary committee on electoral reform has floated the idea that if Canadians are too lazy to vote, then they should be compelled to do so or else face a fine.
Mandatory or compulsory voting is shaping up to be the one electoral reform on which our parties might agree--
so far it hasnt been made law
perhaps hes thinking of australia
but theres only a $ 26 fine
The Republicans have already won.
They can pass this bill in the Senate, or not.
ObamaCare is dying a slow death, soon many states will no longer have companies willing to offer ACA policies - eventually it will be a large majority of states.
"They voted to do away with ObamaCare" say the headlines most people read.
By the 2018 elections, if nothing is done, ObamaCare will be dead or it will be very clear it will be soon.
Like I said, either way...
They can pass this bill in the Senate, or not.
ObamaCare is dying a slow death, soon many states will no longer have companies willing to offer ACA policies - eventually it will be a large majority of states.
"They voted to do away with ObamaCare" say the headlines most people read.
By the 2018 elections, if nothing is done, ObamaCare will be dead or it will be very clear it will be soon.
Like I said, either way...
2
I remember reading an article this week that if Democrats want to win,it would be better to be the party of inclusion instead of having a resolute party alienating people who prefer the Democratic Party,but have a single issue that they diverge on,i.e. right to life, fiscal policy , or labor/trade issues. One simple issue that separates key Trump voters from Trump is the social evolutionary stance of the last nominee for Army Secretary that believed Obamacare replaced God for government,creating an inclusive America without the demand that they be Christian,or Trumps call to bring politics into the pulpit. This alienates American Christians who vote. No one wants a tax break for the rich at the cost of family & friends dying. Trump subsidizing emergency room visits for the poor in Florida ,encouraging them only increases every Americans costs of healthcare & their taxes. If the AHCA is anything bell weather for tax reform,we are doomed with current leadership. I will be working hard in Texas & California to change our leadership in the House of Representatives in 2018. Let's "Save America from the Greedy" in 2018.
2
"alienating people who prefer the Democratic Party,but have a single issue that they diverge on,i.e. right to life, fiscal policy , or labor/trade issues."
You forgot to mention gun control, one of the more important single issues for voters in "fly over" country>
You forgot to mention gun control, one of the more important single issues for voters in "fly over" country>
2
Gun control is a non-issue - it will never occur if an event like Newtown did not result in meaningful national efforts at reform. This is the price the majority of ameicans seem to be willing to pay to make gun-fetishists happy. Not safe, happy.
1
Health care has become the new slavery. The time has come for Universal Health care for all American citizens. The Dems need to harness the fury stemming from the optic of the republicans taking money from medicaid to funnel it to the rich. The Dems need to become the party of the working people again. We need to run the Republicans out of Washington, in power the republicans have shown their true colors, their meanness, their prejudice, this misanthropy and misogyny, and now their disdain for senior citizens, especially the ones who depend on medicaid . At no time while he was running for president did Donald Trump ever mention the idea of slashing funding for medicaid-that's what we call a May surprise. But senior citizens vote, and they vote their interests. Staying alive is a pretty good self interest.
It's time for America to join the rest of the World, and stop the insane stupidity of being the only western democracy to not offer free health care to their citizens as a basic civil right.
Let this be the rallying call of the "new' democratic party, the party of the people. The good guys.
It's time for America to join the rest of the World, and stop the insane stupidity of being the only western democracy to not offer free health care to their citizens as a basic civil right.
Let this be the rallying call of the "new' democratic party, the party of the people. The good guys.
20
It would indeed be great to see the Dems man up and run on a platform based on single-payer, and in so doing take on the insurance and pharma interests, as well as the medical and legal establishments - but who would be left to finance their campaigns?
2
PLEASE Democrats take back the House. The whole idea that Republicans could be so callous towards those in need makes me sick to my stomach. It is one thing to have a "so-called" president who cares not a whit for the folks who voted for him, but simply sees the presidency as an opportunity to gain more wealth and status for his name, but quite another to have over 200 Congressmen vote for a healthcare bill that offers little care for people's health and a tax cut to themselves to boot! Don't think for a moment that you can rationalize this one away Republican Congressmen. You will be held accountable and justice will be served, if not here than in the hereafter. There will be a day of reckoning and I wouldn't want to be in your shoes. You will reap what you sow. Grace is needed while we wait on those who can to do right and turn us from this selfish, mean spirited path political leadership has put us on.
12
If Democrats win House in Year 2018, who knows President Trump may run as Democratic or Independent candidate, he has no loyalty to Republican Party. He is a goofy guy, will do anything to stay in power.
1
I just read Raul Labrador's home paper in Idaho and based on the comments from his constituents, to say they're not happy with him would be a gross understatement. Idaho!! Freedom Caucus member!! Not one of these yahoos is safe.
11
"No District Is Off the Table’: Health Vote Could Put House in Play"
It can't come soon enough.
I can't wait for the next election to finally see my Democratic vote mean something!
It can't come soon enough.
I can't wait for the next election to finally see my Democratic vote mean something!
15
Nancy Pelosi's time is past. She must go, along with Dems old guard . Their time is past and we MUST find the new Democrat party leaders.
16
Reagarding this issue? She's certainly annoying and I'd like someone else at the lectern, but she is effective. The Dems don't realize that a new, more energized voting electorate is, now, engaged. Nancy Pelosi is not that person to go there, but for now she will have to do.
2
The Obamacare supporters vote Democrat one hundred present.
The Republicans weren't counting on their votes.
A lot of people were hurt by Obamacare.
They may not like the new bill but they are not voting to bring back Obamacare.
The Republicans weren't counting on their votes.
A lot of people were hurt by Obamacare.
They may not like the new bill but they are not voting to bring back Obamacare.
2
Right after the vote, I wrote to the Arizona Democratic party saying I hoped they had candidates lined up to run against David Schweikert (Scottsdale). Yesterday, I got a reply saying they had several candidates to announce in the near future. One of them will be getting my vote in 2018.
7
Good luck with that Dems. Stop believing the biased liberal media and propaganda and come up with a practical attractive agenda that focuses on all Americans not just immigrants, minorities and other generalized groups. You see where that kind of politics got you and Clinton.
4
I agree with Mr. Slater. Hillary and democrats lost big time because they didn't concentrate on issues we can all agree on and that affects each and every one of us-- the biggest one, imo, affordable health care for every single American.
I don't care if you're black, white, gay, straight, young, old, male, female, or whatever. All of us will need affordable quality health care either now or in the future. No exceptions to that rule. It's called life. Any human being can become ill/disabled. Sickness does not discriminate. It affects us all.
All that marching around and protests should have focused first on health care. It's the one universal common ground. Because it was ignored until now, we're in a big mess with no real practical agenda, just a bunch of people chasing their own tail.
I don't care if you're black, white, gay, straight, young, old, male, female, or whatever. All of us will need affordable quality health care either now or in the future. No exceptions to that rule. It's called life. Any human being can become ill/disabled. Sickness does not discriminate. It affects us all.
All that marching around and protests should have focused first on health care. It's the one universal common ground. Because it was ignored until now, we're in a big mess with no real practical agenda, just a bunch of people chasing their own tail.
Just stop asking me to pay other people's healthcare premiums and I don't really care what else you do. Repeal the medicare surtax. Repeal the dividend/capital gain Obamacare tax. Stop penalizing me just because I bothered to go to school. You leave me alone and I'll leave you alone.
4
I'm fine with repealing your "dividend/capital gain Obamacare tax." Just as long as we replace that Obamacare tax by taxing your dividends and capital gains at the same rate as if it was money that you'd actually earned. You know, by working for it.
Some of the rest of us who aren't quite so greedy/selfish as this comment makes you appear to be went to school too, you know. We're literate enough to read your comment and understand the motivation for it. And we're able to look around the world and see what goes right elsewhere and wonder why we can't have it too -- like universal health care.
Some of the rest of us who aren't quite so greedy/selfish as this comment makes you appear to be went to school too, you know. We're literate enough to read your comment and understand the motivation for it. And we're able to look around the world and see what goes right elsewhere and wonder why we can't have it too -- like universal health care.
2
Democrats need to explain, in reality TV sound bites, Trump style, why the GOP are taking away their healthcare; their ability to earn overtime; their kids school funding; oh and destroying their planet for good measure.
18
Ignore this comment. Television addicts babies for life. Television makes money off dead people and those who can't defend themselves. Television serves the cops and governments. Think about it.
I thought advertising in comments was prohibited.
@ABC in NJ. I agree. We have been terrible at messaging.
The K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) method is essential. And, as Einstein said... if you can't explain something in a way that even your grandma can understand - you probably don't understand it very well yourself.
We have to answer our critics and change the narrative if we ever hope to turn things in a more positive direction.
The K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) method is essential. And, as Einstein said... if you can't explain something in a way that even your grandma can understand - you probably don't understand it very well yourself.
We have to answer our critics and change the narrative if we ever hope to turn things in a more positive direction.
1
Unfortunately, most of the American electorate has a collective memory of approximately one weekend. Too many will vote reflexively for the Republican candidate regardless of whether their own health and/or personal finances are affected by how their congressman votes because, after all, they'll get to keep their guns. The rest will vote in accordance with what happened during the few days just prior to the election.
6
Then, if they win back the House and Senate they'd better have a plan! Actually, they need a plan before they win it back. I don't want to see them floundering around the way they have before. I'm tired of alternate presidents making a mess of things only to have the other party clean it up and see the cycle repeated again. They need to lay out, in detail, what they want to do and what the GOP's message and how the Democratic message differs. Then they need to point out specifically what the GOP has done to America and Americans versus what they said they'd do. The GOP gets away with what they do because they are never called to account. Use the campaigns in 2018 to put the GOP on the defensive: they are running the show right now with Trump at the wheel.
12
Just remember that Republican voters don't vote on policy, but on feelings. Republican voters are irresponsible people who refuse to take ownership of their own problems. If their kid can't get into college it's affirmative action to blame, if they lost their job then it must have been an immigrant who stole it from them. If they don't feel manly enough it must have been a nasty woman who didn't know her place.
The 2018 election will not be about health care as Democrats want. It will be about who stole the voters' cheese. Sometime in 2018 there will be a Kapernick episode, and that is what the GOP will run on. They could care less about policies and House votes.
Can we fight passion with logic?
The 2018 election will not be about health care as Democrats want. It will be about who stole the voters' cheese. Sometime in 2018 there will be a Kapernick episode, and that is what the GOP will run on. They could care less about policies and House votes.
Can we fight passion with logic?
44
The ACA has added about 20 million to the ranks of the insured. Most are poor and voted Democrat in 2016. Their votes are not going to change in 2018. The decisive difference has to do with pre-existing conditions, which substantially benefit Republicans as well as Democrats.
House Republicans claim that their health care plan fully benefits those with pre-existing conditions. The Democrats claim that that is a ruse:. The resoution of this dispute will affect millions of Americans, young and old, Democrat and Republican. And so the 2018 election could well turn on this vital and highly emotional issue.
It should be noted that the principal purpose of the ACA was to increase the number of the insured. The pre-existing condition provision was something of an afterthought. Ironically, this afterthought may determine the results of the 2018 election. That should cause us all to consider whether our health care priorities are to benefit the poor or to benefit ourselves.
House Republicans claim that their health care plan fully benefits those with pre-existing conditions. The Democrats claim that that is a ruse:. The resoution of this dispute will affect millions of Americans, young and old, Democrat and Republican. And so the 2018 election could well turn on this vital and highly emotional issue.
It should be noted that the principal purpose of the ACA was to increase the number of the insured. The pre-existing condition provision was something of an afterthought. Ironically, this afterthought may determine the results of the 2018 election. That should cause us all to consider whether our health care priorities are to benefit the poor or to benefit ourselves.
5
@ Michjas
That's a false choice. Whether we're poor or not-so-poor, we're all going to need healthcare at some point in our lives. It's just that some can't imagine themselves 'becoming poor' because of some unexpected and uncontrollable circumstance that can move them from one category into another due to healthcare policies that pretend we're not all in (and using) this healthcare enterprise together. Instead of looking to eke out the last pennies at our neighbor's expense (and misfortune), we should go 'there, but for the grace of God, go I' and see ourselves as all Americans contributing according to our means into the same healthcare pot. Instead, some wish to divide us in order to maximize profits, and call it 'savings'.
That's a false choice. Whether we're poor or not-so-poor, we're all going to need healthcare at some point in our lives. It's just that some can't imagine themselves 'becoming poor' because of some unexpected and uncontrollable circumstance that can move them from one category into another due to healthcare policies that pretend we're not all in (and using) this healthcare enterprise together. Instead of looking to eke out the last pennies at our neighbor's expense (and misfortune), we should go 'there, but for the grace of God, go I' and see ourselves as all Americans contributing according to our means into the same healthcare pot. Instead, some wish to divide us in order to maximize profits, and call it 'savings'.
4
Michjas--anyone, and I mean absolutely anyone (unless you are either super wealthy of a member of Congress) is only one medical crisis away from becoming poor. It's the inconvenient truth that most (healthy) people don't want to face--but it's out there, lurking. All your fantastic personal savings won't matter one whit if you come down with a chronic disabling condition or be unlucky enough to have an expensive accident.
People with pre-existing conditions are not "after-thoughts". We are your fellow Americans, whether you like it or not. Count your lucky stars if you happen to be healthy--for now. However, don't count on your luck holding out forever. Someday you, also, may join the ranks of the poor due to an unavoidable illness or serious accident.
People with pre-existing conditions are not "after-thoughts". We are your fellow Americans, whether you like it or not. Count your lucky stars if you happen to be healthy--for now. However, don't count on your luck holding out forever. Someday you, also, may join the ranks of the poor due to an unavoidable illness or serious accident.
1
This is just the beginning. The tax planned outlined by a he 2014 House Ways and Means Committee kills the professional working class. They take every deduction and give it to the 2 percent. Everything except the home mortgage deduction and charitable contributions. They are even going to go after our 401k and force us all into a Roth. The 2% do not need any help in my town. They are buying 10 - 20 year old homes on small canals for 1 -2 mill for cash only to tear them down. Homes are off the market in just a few days. We're do us little people put our money because they wealthy are cashing in.
10
there can be no political solution to health care without taming the rampant profiteering of big pharma and insurance companies. Unfortunately Americans are too afraid of the term socialism attached to universal health care to move on and join the rest of the free world. Dems should suggest a bipartisan investigation of both insurers and pharma manufacturers.
10
People are too busy resisting Trump to consider to your insightful comment.
2
Agree with you, except - most American people want universal health insurance coverage. Period. They don't think very much about "socialism." They are past it. The word just isn't that current any more, even in Europe.
1
Universal health care is the only option, i'm Canadian, no one here goes bankrupt because of medical fees. I wish i could agree with your statement about Americans being afraid of the "threat" of socialism.
I sincerely wish the Democrats would wake up and rally the troops around something. The Trumpcare issue? Obamacare had many benefits for all Americans, but the people that rescission will hurt most, the poor and working poor, are spread out over many Congressional districts and that demographic is also not very good at turning out to vote. The Republican-controlled states that refused to expand Medicaid coverage to the working poor didn't seem to suffer any backlash during the subsequent election. Medicare for all Americans? Well, that would at least be a vision. I guess focusing on Trump's and the Republican's callous indifference to basic norms of human decency is a non-starter in this post-2016 "New America."
11
"Callous indifference to basic norms of human decency" is the most accurate description of the current political leadership I've yet seen.
14
Do you Democrats really want to win?
Run on a platform of extending Medicare to all citizens. It's very cost effective and cost conscious and provides for preventative care to avoid costly trouble later on.
Rid health care of the scourge of for-profit insurance companies putting prices on our lives with their "Death Panels".
Ask the CBO to do the math and see if it would save money and lives.
Don't let the Republicans bring us back to "Death Panels".
Run for office on the promise of Medicare for all with payroll tax deductions.
If the Republicans tried to repeal Medicare like the ACA, they would never succeed. It's a win-win.
Run on a platform of extending Medicare to all citizens. It's very cost effective and cost conscious and provides for preventative care to avoid costly trouble later on.
Rid health care of the scourge of for-profit insurance companies putting prices on our lives with their "Death Panels".
Ask the CBO to do the math and see if it would save money and lives.
Don't let the Republicans bring us back to "Death Panels".
Run for office on the promise of Medicare for all with payroll tax deductions.
If the Republicans tried to repeal Medicare like the ACA, they would never succeed. It's a win-win.
15
I am quite impressed with a number of the comments on here. Democrats cannot substitute flash-in-the-pan voter anger for the long, hard grunt work necessary to become a powerful, viable, winning party - especially not as long as far-right, dark money can buy elections at every level in every part of the country.
10
Without a positive and CONCRETE message (not a passel of slogans) coupled with a serious get out the vote strategy, Democrats are bound to be disappointed again in 2018. Please, Dems, Get serious!
12
Rep. Chris Collins can afford to admit that he has not read the AHCA bill, (that his staff did and explained it to him) because he still continues to refuse to hold any town meetings with his constituents.
Months and months of protests outside of his office, a billboard on the highway saying "Where's Chris Collins? dressed like Where's Waldo, and ignoring people waiting outside of a diner where he met with "supporters" have not changed his mind.
A couple of weeks ago while accepting a Chamber of Commerce Award, he told the press there that town halls are "political protests" -and- "I have held elected office for nine years and this is the first time that anyone has ever said you need to go to a particular place to meet a particular group of folks. Because you see what it is, these are protesters, it's Democrat, political, witch hunt, nothing more. My supporters know I am there for them. I talk to them, answer their letters, meet with them in my office. I am very comfortable that I am tuned into what going on in my district."
http://www.mpnnow.com/news/20170424/collins-accepts-us-chamber-award-in-...
Months and months of protests outside of his office, a billboard on the highway saying "Where's Chris Collins? dressed like Where's Waldo, and ignoring people waiting outside of a diner where he met with "supporters" have not changed his mind.
A couple of weeks ago while accepting a Chamber of Commerce Award, he told the press there that town halls are "political protests" -and- "I have held elected office for nine years and this is the first time that anyone has ever said you need to go to a particular place to meet a particular group of folks. Because you see what it is, these are protesters, it's Democrat, political, witch hunt, nothing more. My supporters know I am there for them. I talk to them, answer their letters, meet with them in my office. I am very comfortable that I am tuned into what going on in my district."
http://www.mpnnow.com/news/20170424/collins-accepts-us-chamber-award-in-...
6
Unfortunately for the Democrats but fortunately for the country, the Democrats can't see the forest for the trees. The Democrats immature and inane response to the bills passage may even help the Republicans gain seats in 2018.
Keep wearing the kitty cat hats and singing Steam songs cause that will really help your cause. Grow up democrats and then maybe you will be able to win some elections.
Keep wearing the kitty cat hats and singing Steam songs cause that will really help your cause. Grow up democrats and then maybe you will be able to win some elections.
7
Ho Larry where's your sense of humor. The pussy hats and a silly refrain can keep the top of my head from exploding when confronted by this insane president and his enablers in Congress. The entire world is scratching their heads over this three ring circus in Washington.
1
Democrats, use this as an opportunity to push for universal, single-payer healthcare. Obamacare did nothing to reign in the unmanageable costs of healthcare for many Americans.
9
@Andy
Sure it did. It slowed down the rate of increase of costs, demonstrably, even though the GOP tried to sabotage the ACA by advocating non-participation by states, reducing the overall risk pool. You might say it didn't slow the rise in costs enough...but that's not 'nothing'.
Sure it did. It slowed down the rate of increase of costs, demonstrably, even though the GOP tried to sabotage the ACA by advocating non-participation by states, reducing the overall risk pool. You might say it didn't slow the rise in costs enough...but that's not 'nothing'.
2
One word: Gerrymandering. (AKA "The Republican Coup." Best of luck.)
10
What percentage of Representatives who voted actually read the bill before they voted?
How many pages long was the bill?
And do they know how to read?
How many pages long was the bill?
And do they know how to read?
7
What percentage of critics to the new health care bill actually read it?
2
Actually, I'm going to read it this afternoon. I didn't have to vote on it, but am planning on voting in 2018 for sure!!!
@Raul Campos
I don't need to see what I can smell just fine. Oh, and 'critics' aren't collecting a taxpayer salary to RTFL(egislation), something we KNOW most of them didn't/couldn't do since it was passed with no debate! The GOP is no longer a party, they're a mafia.
I don't need to see what I can smell just fine. Oh, and 'critics' aren't collecting a taxpayer salary to RTFL(egislation), something we KNOW most of them didn't/couldn't do since it was passed with no debate! The GOP is no longer a party, they're a mafia.
Wishful fantasy! Obamacare is not going to be missed. Dreams like this one will ensure that Democrats remain the sore loser party.
3
If the Dems can refrain themselves to only talk about Healthcare and higher wages- they can take back their seats in 2018. As soon as they start piling on transgender car dealerships, free college for undocumented immigrants and new homes for Syrian refugees- they'll lose it all over again.
11
An article in New Yorker magazine reported John Kerry being the only member of Congress to read all bills. Unlike Chris Collins who relies on his staff for knowledge of bills, Kerry inoculated himself from having someone pull the wool over his eyes. Voting for a bill without reading it is the penultimate height of unfathomable laziness and ineptitude.
11
Then at least those who lose their insurance won't have died in vain.
2
Perhaps they are correct. After all they have the pollsters and the strategists to guide them to another victory - but they had those tools for years and frittered away their dominant position by playing it safe, by taking votes for granted, by procrastinating. Wouldn't it be easier to promote a more comprehensive vision of a more equal and desirable society, one where privilege was less important than merit, one where there was a single country instead of red and blue or losers and winners, one where all people deserved respect, one with the confidence to stop waging elections based on fear, one where party leaders listened to the voters and encouraged their more generous feelings? Grasping for the tiny tactical advantage doesn't seem to me like a high confidence strategy.
45
The Democrats will continue to lose until they stand for something again. That they don't embrace single-payer insurance shows where their values lie. Progressives need to frame their arguments to express their moral values instead of letting Republicans control the dialogue.
121
No chance the Democrats take the house. Until the Democrats start pounding their fist at the lecturn and fight fire with fire, they will continue to be the pathetic minority of the House. It's time to get rid of the failed leadership led by Nancy Pelosi (yes, my congress woman) and her circle of enablers. After the past 6 years of pathetic Republican control of the House, the Democrats should have muscled back control of the House. Republican control of the House is here to stay. I hope I'm wrong.
65
Excuse us, but in recent budget negotiations, Nancy Pelosi SUCCESSFULLY fought to keep Planned Parenthood funded. That you are not willing to give her credit for that says more about you than about her abilities.
8
Planned Parenthood? Just how many voters does that effect really or how many care? Therein lies the Dem problem.
3
Planned Parenthood impacts (helps) more women (and some men) than you must realize. Many of us care deeply.
4
If the Democrats could wake up from their Wall Street induced trance and become the people's party again they would have a fighting chance.
Step one would be to ask the Clintons to quietly retire. The idea of Hillary 'joining the resistance' is absurd. She will undermine the cause and drag it down with her baggage.
She will once again, whether consciously or not, repeat one of her worst mistakes, the "I'm With Her" meme (What an utterly CLUELESS slogan for a political campaign in 2016 when so many were crying out for answers as to why they are suffering in the face of so much happy talk about the economy -- which Bernie spoke so eloquently to).
This meme, along with the "Ladders of Opportunity" horse dung -- which was read on the ground as a dog whistle "More special treatment for my identity politics friends" was a killer amongst my blue collar family.
AS Bernie has been saying, if the Dems want to win, they have to radically reinvent the party as a Social Democratic Party closer to Roosevelt than to the Clintons-- the party that the Clintons 'radically reinvented' as a slightly-less Republican 'me too' in the 1980s through the Democratic Leadership Council- a conservative group lead by Bill Clinton himself to push the party to the right.
There is hope, but only if todays energy results in a new wave of young leadership who fight for the vision.
Trump proved the American people are ready for real change. The Dems can actually give then that if they try.
Step one would be to ask the Clintons to quietly retire. The idea of Hillary 'joining the resistance' is absurd. She will undermine the cause and drag it down with her baggage.
She will once again, whether consciously or not, repeat one of her worst mistakes, the "I'm With Her" meme (What an utterly CLUELESS slogan for a political campaign in 2016 when so many were crying out for answers as to why they are suffering in the face of so much happy talk about the economy -- which Bernie spoke so eloquently to).
This meme, along with the "Ladders of Opportunity" horse dung -- which was read on the ground as a dog whistle "More special treatment for my identity politics friends" was a killer amongst my blue collar family.
AS Bernie has been saying, if the Dems want to win, they have to radically reinvent the party as a Social Democratic Party closer to Roosevelt than to the Clintons-- the party that the Clintons 'radically reinvented' as a slightly-less Republican 'me too' in the 1980s through the Democratic Leadership Council- a conservative group lead by Bill Clinton himself to push the party to the right.
There is hope, but only if todays energy results in a new wave of young leadership who fight for the vision.
Trump proved the American people are ready for real change. The Dems can actually give then that if they try.
150
Brilliant comment. Many thanks.
2
Great comment!
2
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I think in the end the ones who will have to "lock her up" are the Democrats. At least if they have any wish to become the party of the comjmon man ever again.
3
Just add public option to ACA and problem solved. It's that simple. It really isn't complex though we all assume so. Obama sold out to insurance industry. Now will begin to reap rewards of a corporatist with 400,000 dollar speech. Who would have guessed.
17
We Democrats can't take electoral victory for granted. Just because the GOP passed a bad healthcare bill doesn't mean that we can take advantage of the situation.
I get a little worried when we Democrats get too complacent. The new challenge is that we think that protests are enough. We have to start going door to door to expand our base. We have to listen to the people who might like Trump or think he's not so bad. Let's not get too cocky.
I get a little worried when we Democrats get too complacent. The new challenge is that we think that protests are enough. We have to start going door to door to expand our base. We have to listen to the people who might like Trump or think he's not so bad. Let's not get too cocky.
9
What this article really points out is the fact that these Republican politicians are more concerned with trying to get re-elected rather than trying to do what is best for the people of this country. It seems the only real calculation they put into this health care vote is how it will affect their election prospects. -- It's remarkable that such hollow people are chosen to lead this country.
16
And so starts a Democrat party narrative for 2018 which is solely based on "We are not the GOP." I don't think the Democrats will take the house on that narrative. Until and unless the Democrats truly reform: jettison Clintonian nonsense policies and politics (and Clintonistas), the Obama centrism, and the timid approach to truly progressive politics, they. Will. Not. Win.
37
Good article. It's good to see Dems recruiting a younger group. Now some of the elders in the party must step away and serve as guides on the side, while letting younger members lead. Keep recruiting mayors and state reps, keep widening your battlegrounds, and focus more on a narrative people understand. Poll after poll show that a majority agrees with you on issues (gun control, healthcare, environment, economic fairness, election reform, immigration...). Tell a simple story which illustrates that America. Give those who sit out elections a reason to vote.
16
We are so arrogant. We're not going to win an election by bragging about the rising cost of health insurance. We're not going to win an election by raising taxes. It didn't work last year. It won't work next year.
I don't belong to any organized political party. I'm a Democrat.
1
Democrats probably need to win the congressional national vote margin by 55-45 to tie in the house. Changes to the health care system take a long time for the public to understand and to take effect. The house is too gerrymandered now for a complex change to change the generic vote enough.
6
Who wouldn't want the House Republicans who voted for the monstrosity health bill last week to poll in the single digits? Who doesn't want to see these overpaid, arrogant men lose their seats in devastating landslides?
.
Obamacare's failures were in its execution. It was plagued by exchange websites that didn't work; bad forecasts of costs that led to unfairly high premiums; and most of all a failure to sufficiently expand Medicare to fill the gaps of what private insurers wouldn't cover. But under all that mess, Obamacare was a program with the right intentions. It was done to make life better for Americans. Or really just to sustain life for sick Americans who couldn't necessarily afford to pay for costly medicines.
.
Trumpcare - or perhaps we should call the monstrosity that passed the House "RyanCare" - is a piece of legislation written with cruel intent, whose sole purpose is to limit costs for the Government so it can give big tax breaks to billionaires. Even if it were free of the problems that plagued Obamacare - that wouldn't matter because the underlying principal is bad. "Rolling Back an entitlement" is all it's authors were after, and that's not what the American Public wants.
.
Obamacare's failures were in its execution. It was plagued by exchange websites that didn't work; bad forecasts of costs that led to unfairly high premiums; and most of all a failure to sufficiently expand Medicare to fill the gaps of what private insurers wouldn't cover. But under all that mess, Obamacare was a program with the right intentions. It was done to make life better for Americans. Or really just to sustain life for sick Americans who couldn't necessarily afford to pay for costly medicines.
.
Trumpcare - or perhaps we should call the monstrosity that passed the House "RyanCare" - is a piece of legislation written with cruel intent, whose sole purpose is to limit costs for the Government so it can give big tax breaks to billionaires. Even if it were free of the problems that plagued Obamacare - that wouldn't matter because the underlying principal is bad. "Rolling Back an entitlement" is all it's authors were after, and that's not what the American Public wants.
23
Don't hold your breath. Remember how we were witnessing the demise of the Republican Party last November.
14
But wouldn't it be a delight to see the effect of the Republican plan in the red states. The Trump voter will be hoisted by his own petard. Awesome!! No opting out in New England.
6
In 1994 after the Clinton health plan went down in flames, the Dems lost control of the House to Newt Gingrich and the Republican Revolution In 2010 after the ACA passed, Republicans took over the House. Political scientists note that big political changes happen when the Nation debates or passes reform that favors health care as a market commodity, rather than as a public good.
Republicans should be quaking a lot. They walked the plank to prove how much they hated Obama and unwittingly gave their opponents a health reform plan that is so bad, no one who has ever been sick could rationally vote for them.
Republicans should be quaking a lot. They walked the plank to prove how much they hated Obama and unwittingly gave their opponents a health reform plan that is so bad, no one who has ever been sick could rationally vote for them.
87
Or anyone who has a family member or friend or neighbor. Isn't it incredible that all the first world countries cover all at half the cost and with equal or better results. Cutting out the middleman HMOs is like cutting out cancer.
8
Posters of every single GOP representative and senator up for re-election cheering and celebrating their "victory" against American's health care benefits better be plastered everywhere their voters are. Remind them their elected officials voted without one single woman on their own committee to decide healthcare for women and children. Remind them their elected officials voted to allow increase cost to ALL senior citizens, including them. The voters will forget by 2018, the GOP won't enact anything before 2020 elections - so Democrats better smarten up and stop talking talking talking - say it with pictures. Stop trying to educate voters, it hasn't worked - point out what their elected officials are already taking from them.
76
Unless the Democrats start offering fresh ideas along with new candidates, they are going nowhere. Bring on a third party.
14
Right on point. The majority of GOP voters and supporters are incredulous to the plight and faith of women, minorities, the poor, the sick, those with disabilities and many other factors. The Democrats need to back off all the finger pointing, name calling, blaming the ultra right wing for all that's wrong in America and begin to put forth a vision for America that is in the interest and common good for everyone. Yes, easier said than done but a dramatic paradigm shift is needed if the Democrat's have any hope of getting the country back to some form of normalcy.
Since the Civil War, third parties in the United States have an uninterrupted history of glorious failure, except for one thing:
They have often handed the election to the party of the duopoly more loathed by people screaming for a third party.
They have often handed the election to the party of the duopoly more loathed by people screaming for a third party.
8
Yeah, that worked so well last November.
7
Living in AZ I have come to the conclusion that while all this makes perfect sense for the Democrat's to do all these things, I still doubt the ability of the Democrats coming even close to controlling the House or Senate.
Remember the historical polls of Congress put their approval rating, I believe below 20%, but the re-election rate is phenomenally higher. In fact, it takes a lot to get a member out of office.
I can look to my home state when guessing who will win, especially in Maricopa county. I have met and admittedly know people who will never vote for any Democrat for one and one reason only, everybody knows "the Democrat's will take your guns". PERIOD, end of discussion.
And most of the people I know like this are "normal" people who don't appear to be addicted but they are. They would honestly rather die with their guns in their hands than have to turn their guns into the government.
You add those people together across this country and then add the right to keep you pregnant people, followed by the people who hate other people because of the color of their skin and on and on ad nauseam. It really doesn't take long to build these together and come up with about 25% of our population, appropriately the present of number of people who vote.
It is a heavy lift with any election but a midterm even more so. Our Democrat announced she is running for reelection but sounded like a conciliatory Democrat rather than a person running against trumpcare.
Good Luck!!
Remember the historical polls of Congress put their approval rating, I believe below 20%, but the re-election rate is phenomenally higher. In fact, it takes a lot to get a member out of office.
I can look to my home state when guessing who will win, especially in Maricopa county. I have met and admittedly know people who will never vote for any Democrat for one and one reason only, everybody knows "the Democrat's will take your guns". PERIOD, end of discussion.
And most of the people I know like this are "normal" people who don't appear to be addicted but they are. They would honestly rather die with their guns in their hands than have to turn their guns into the government.
You add those people together across this country and then add the right to keep you pregnant people, followed by the people who hate other people because of the color of their skin and on and on ad nauseam. It really doesn't take long to build these together and come up with about 25% of our population, appropriately the present of number of people who vote.
It is a heavy lift with any election but a midterm even more so. Our Democrat announced she is running for reelection but sounded like a conciliatory Democrat rather than a person running against trumpcare.
Good Luck!!
25
The Republican's manifesto "Pledge to America" states:
" We will ensure that bills are debated and discussed in the public square by
publishing the text online for at least three days before coming up for a vote in the
House of Representatives. No more hiding legislative language from the minority
party, opponents, and the public.Legislation should be understood by all
interested parties before it is voted on." (pg.33)
We must expose them as the galling liars they are on every piece of legislation they put forward and every conversation about their vision for America.
" We will ensure that bills are debated and discussed in the public square by
publishing the text online for at least three days before coming up for a vote in the
House of Representatives. No more hiding legislative language from the minority
party, opponents, and the public.Legislation should be understood by all
interested parties before it is voted on." (pg.33)
We must expose them as the galling liars they are on every piece of legislation they put forward and every conversation about their vision for America.
62
Who does not know anyone who has been ill? If you have not known any ill person, you will. We will all fall ill. We will all need medical care. We can live in denial, but it will happen unless we die very suddenly, a rare event.
The Republicans in the House have voted for a bill that increases the risk to all Americans that one day we will find ourselves a) without insurance and b) with a chronic illness, a "pre-existing condition." This is a terrible, embarrassing, and tragic combination of circumstances that I have seen many times, helpless as my patients suffer indignity. With the rapid emergence of genetic testing during our century of the most rapid scientific progress in all of history, this may become a universal albatross that will be very hard to escape.
In 2018, please vote and remember that this bill that was passed was bad medicine for you, for your family, for your community, and for the country. Let's have a Congress that actually cares about the human consequences of their actions, not just a partisan "win."
The Republicans in the House have voted for a bill that increases the risk to all Americans that one day we will find ourselves a) without insurance and b) with a chronic illness, a "pre-existing condition." This is a terrible, embarrassing, and tragic combination of circumstances that I have seen many times, helpless as my patients suffer indignity. With the rapid emergence of genetic testing during our century of the most rapid scientific progress in all of history, this may become a universal albatross that will be very hard to escape.
In 2018, please vote and remember that this bill that was passed was bad medicine for you, for your family, for your community, and for the country. Let's have a Congress that actually cares about the human consequences of their actions, not just a partisan "win."
69
After this debacle, it is a little hard to see why the Democrats won't make big inroads on the Republican majorities if not actually taking over. Republicans in the House spent the last 7 years creating bills that they didn't need to think through because they knew they wouldn't make it into law. Now that's still all they seem to be able to do
Having made themselves look foolish, the House Republicans will look even worse as the Senate makes massive revisions to the bill (predicted). It'll be clear that in "appealing to their base" they have yet again failed to create a bill that they could get through Congress. Not only will they appear incompetent, but they will be seen as appealing only to a relatively small fraction of the electorate. Republicans are decidedly less than 50% of the population AND some of them really do need the financial support of health care.
Having made themselves look foolish, the House Republicans will look even worse as the Senate makes massive revisions to the bill (predicted). It'll be clear that in "appealing to their base" they have yet again failed to create a bill that they could get through Congress. Not only will they appear incompetent, but they will be seen as appealing only to a relatively small fraction of the electorate. Republicans are decidedly less than 50% of the population AND some of them really do need the financial support of health care.
11
The prayer that Democrats can win the House in 2018 is absurd and just as unrealistic as believing that the Affordable Care Act would survive Republican control of the government. The ACA dispute was never only the policy outcome but also the abuse of the process. Note that the vote to repeal the ACA was the polar opposite of the vote to approve: both party line votes. The mistake and hubris of the Democrats was the belief that they could ram the ACA vote down the throat of 50% of people they gave no voice in writing the legislation. For policy so essential, repeal was and is the only expected outcome of such an authoritarian approach, no matter the good intentions.The best outcome going forward is a complete repeal of the ACA and a rediscussion of health care. The only solution that will survive the test of time is a bipartisan one.
4
Admit it.
You just want a tax cut! tax cut! tax cut!
You just want a tax cut! tax cut! tax cut!
Just utter nonsense. The ACA took 18 months to pass, was robustly debated, relentlessly scrutinized, based on a bipartisan plan, subjected to analysis by the CBO and in actual practice has saved lives and been proven to have a positive impact overall. In contrast this bill has something to hurt everyone, was rammed through in a very short time frame, was not even read by half the people who voted for it, has not been subjected to scoring by the CBO and was voted in by imbeciles who say things like "nobody dies in this country from lack of access to healthcare. ". That is a demonstrable lie.
10
Alternate history.
Obamacare passed the Senate with sixty votes.
Democrats spent a year getting input from Republicans, the public and the healthcare industry.
Even after adjusting the bill for Republican concerns, zero Republicans voted for it.
Obamacare passed the Senate with sixty votes.
Democrats spent a year getting input from Republicans, the public and the healthcare industry.
Even after adjusting the bill for Republican concerns, zero Republicans voted for it.
7
Seems a bit premature to claim that the new health care plan is worse than the ACA, which was really bad when it comes to containing costs.
The electorate, as usual, is ill informed as to the reality of how things work. You can't have more at a lower cost with out limiting those costs some how, some where in a for profit model. But politicians of all stripes keep on lying and the electorate believes them.
The electorate, as usual, is ill informed as to the reality of how things work. You can't have more at a lower cost with out limiting those costs some how, some where in a for profit model. But politicians of all stripes keep on lying and the electorate believes them.
3
There is little difference between obamacare and trump's plan and both do nothing to lower the costs of healthcare which are currently about 205 of the economy. None of the comments deal with the high cost of healthcare and how to lower them . Do people think that only the rich are paying the bills?
the more money given to subsidize healthcare the more the prices are raised by drug companies , hospitals , labs , medical equipment providers .Preexisting conditions are a rare problem because most people get their healthcare from their employment or medicaid or medicare . Only a very small percentage get individual plans and almost all of these people can get insured even if they have health problems .
For those of you who want single payer, do you want the government to also provide everyone with housing food transportation and do you think it will be better and cost less?
We do have single payer because we have over seventy million on medicaid and the cost of treating them is much higher than treating people of similar age in other countries.We need more competition to lower costs and fewer monopolies created by our government as they have done by giving large sums to crony hospitals..We also need to pay out of pocket for most things because the costs of bureaucracy are immense and and passed on to us . ...
the more money given to subsidize healthcare the more the prices are raised by drug companies , hospitals , labs , medical equipment providers .Preexisting conditions are a rare problem because most people get their healthcare from their employment or medicaid or medicare . Only a very small percentage get individual plans and almost all of these people can get insured even if they have health problems .
For those of you who want single payer, do you want the government to also provide everyone with housing food transportation and do you think it will be better and cost less?
We do have single payer because we have over seventy million on medicaid and the cost of treating them is much higher than treating people of similar age in other countries.We need more competition to lower costs and fewer monopolies created by our government as they have done by giving large sums to crony hospitals..We also need to pay out of pocket for most things because the costs of bureaucracy are immense and and passed on to us . ...
1
Single payer as well as similar health care systems that are combination public/private exist in every civilized country on this planet. It costs half per person of what it costs here. If they can do it, with our "great American exceptionalism," don't you think we can do it also?
Health care is expensive, everywhere, period. None of the commenters think it's free. We've done our homework. Civilized countries just provide health care as a benefit for their people. They don't make excuses about why it can't be done. And no, they don't provide everyone with housing, food, and transportation. Only those who need it. Everybody, whether rich or poor, needs health care, sooner or later.
And TrumpCare being little different from ObamaCare? No clue what you're talking about.
Health care is expensive, everywhere, period. None of the commenters think it's free. We've done our homework. Civilized countries just provide health care as a benefit for their people. They don't make excuses about why it can't be done. And no, they don't provide everyone with housing, food, and transportation. Only those who need it. Everybody, whether rich or poor, needs health care, sooner or later.
And TrumpCare being little different from ObamaCare? No clue what you're talking about.
19
Jill,
Are you serious, there is a heck of a lot of difference between ACA & AHCA. Trumpcare III according to the neutral OMB will take away health coverage of 24 million over the next ten years. I don't need to see the final version to know what they will report. The latest version is even worse. Before ACA we were already paying for the lack of care. We did almost nothing in the way of prevention for the poor and uninsured. ACA has needed a lot of changes, but Republicans are never going to do anything that would be considered positive toward ACA. I, personally, feel that the only solution now is a single payer system. Then we can really attack the cost issues. Insurers add at least 20% to the cost structure without providing an appreciable benefit. Duplication of services, pharmacy over charging should be at the top of the cost reduction list.
Are you serious, there is a heck of a lot of difference between ACA & AHCA. Trumpcare III according to the neutral OMB will take away health coverage of 24 million over the next ten years. I don't need to see the final version to know what they will report. The latest version is even worse. Before ACA we were already paying for the lack of care. We did almost nothing in the way of prevention for the poor and uninsured. ACA has needed a lot of changes, but Republicans are never going to do anything that would be considered positive toward ACA. I, personally, feel that the only solution now is a single payer system. Then we can really attack the cost issues. Insurers add at least 20% to the cost structure without providing an appreciable benefit. Duplication of services, pharmacy over charging should be at the top of the cost reduction list.
16
Baloney. There is a $100 billion dollar a year difference.
Which is being transferred from insurance for the lower income to tax cuts for billionaires.
Which is being transferred from insurance for the lower income to tax cuts for billionaires.
15
No surprise with democractic philosophy. They will always spend more money to buy every vote. Liberal politicians are like personal injury lawyers that say "You don't pay me unless you win." The problem is that anyone that owns a car pays high insurance rates so the lawyers get fat.
Americans need to get back to the formula that made this country great. If you can't afford an iphone you can't have one.
Americans need to get back to the formula that made this country great. If you can't afford an iphone you can't have one.
4
Equating health care with an iPhone is like trying to put lipstick on a pig. Oh wait. Hasn't someone said that before?
7
And if you can't afford health insurance, you can't live.
What kind of philosophy is this? iPhones are consumer items. Ridiculous equivalence. Babies with heart defects, children with cancer, elderly people in nursing homes -- Sure, if you can't afford it, die already.
What kind of philosophy is this? iPhones are consumer items. Ridiculous equivalence. Babies with heart defects, children with cancer, elderly people in nursing homes -- Sure, if you can't afford it, die already.
Jimmy, if you can't afford luxury goods, then you're right. You can't have them. But health insurance is not a luxury good. Unlike an iPhone, It is a human necessity. It is something everyone from poorest to richest must have. We are the richest nation on Earth and can afford to provide this all citizens.
19
Trump is just as despicable as the GOP health care plan. And look at all the votes he got. Just being against something or someone will not cut it if you want to win a race in Trump's America.
Yes, the horrendous bill will help win arguments only so long as people have actually felt the denial of health care and/or coverage. If not, they will imagine that it really isn't so bad and the Democrats are once again just crying wolf.
The Democratic party needs to be ruthless and organize state by state, district by district. And they need to offer their vision backed up by policy ideas on how to achieve that vision for America. Broad strokes like Trumpster repeated endlessly work. Take the method from the master, put the Blue in and go for it.
Yes, the horrendous bill will help win arguments only so long as people have actually felt the denial of health care and/or coverage. If not, they will imagine that it really isn't so bad and the Democrats are once again just crying wolf.
The Democratic party needs to be ruthless and organize state by state, district by district. And they need to offer their vision backed up by policy ideas on how to achieve that vision for America. Broad strokes like Trumpster repeated endlessly work. Take the method from the master, put the Blue in and go for it.
16
Don't resist any Trump Republican program. The effect will be startling and dreadful. Only then will the people awaken. It took the Great Depression to bring on Roosevelt and Truman. It will take another unmitigated travesty to restore sanity to our critically ill nation.
For now let the Republicans prevail. Much wisdom can eminate from what appears to be meaningless suffering.
For now let the Republicans prevail. Much wisdom can eminate from what appears to be meaningless suffering.
1
Couldn't agree more.
A plan for real healthcare based on principles well-proven in Scandinavian countries, Australia and New Zealand would be a great foundation for a Democratic victory.
But in addition, the Democrats must also articulate a strategy for economic development that will deliver good quality job opportunities. This will necessarily have to address profound issues such as the burden of excessive military spending and misadventures, the diminishing support for scientific research, strategies for retaining and growing manufacturing within the US, climate change response and taxation.
They must also find ways to neutralise Trump's key dog whistle political "policies" relating to border security and immigration. This can be achieved simply by asking rational questions about the economic utility, skills and potential of each potential migrant and the ability of immigration and security services to reliably assess their background and character.
But in addition, the Democrats must also articulate a strategy for economic development that will deliver good quality job opportunities. This will necessarily have to address profound issues such as the burden of excessive military spending and misadventures, the diminishing support for scientific research, strategies for retaining and growing manufacturing within the US, climate change response and taxation.
They must also find ways to neutralise Trump's key dog whistle political "policies" relating to border security and immigration. This can be achieved simply by asking rational questions about the economic utility, skills and potential of each potential migrant and the ability of immigration and security services to reliably assess their background and character.
9
Retake the House? Only if the Senate fails to change this bill considerably and if the Democratic Party can actually focus on the type of bread and butter issues that it failed to do in 2016. It does seem that the GOP is committing political suicide at the moment but nothing is finalized. If the final version upholds issues such as preexisting conditions I'm not sure the backlash will be as strong. This should be a wake up call for the Democratic Party however, to start really dealing with issues that effect all Americans on the most important level. Better yet people start to see the reality that a single payer national healthcare system is the only way out of this mess.
9
I have several questions of those congressmen and women who voted yes. Did you read the bill?
Answer: No. Why did you vote for a bill that is literally life or death if you didn't read it?
Answer: Yes. Please explain in detail your reasoning, provision by provision, for thinking the solutions you offer will improve the lives and prevent the deaths of the people who will loose their health coverage if this bill is enacted?
I'll take your answers in writing. Be prepared to defend them at your town hall meetings.
Answer: No. Why did you vote for a bill that is literally life or death if you didn't read it?
Answer: Yes. Please explain in detail your reasoning, provision by provision, for thinking the solutions you offer will improve the lives and prevent the deaths of the people who will loose their health coverage if this bill is enacted?
I'll take your answers in writing. Be prepared to defend them at your town hall meetings.
23
Have the critics read the full bill?
1
The Republican Party is a threat to republican democracy, or what's left of republican democracy, in the U.S.
It takes real guts to threaten to strip health benefits from kids, the poor, some of the middle class, and the disabled. Real patriots, those Republicans!
It takes real guts to threaten to strip health benefits from kids, the poor, some of the middle class, and the disabled. Real patriots, those Republicans!
152
The government is making health care far more expensive than it would be if the government wasn't so involved and this results in more people becoming poor because the 20% of the economy that goes to healthcare is unavailable for other things. Because of governent subsidies hospitals , drugs , tests and everything involved with healthcare are more expensive and the middle class and poor end up harmed while drug companies laugh alll the way toi the bank
2
Jill, are you aware that in other countries where the government is fully involved, costs drop by 50%. It is the lack of full throated government involvement that let's drug companies charge whatever they want (in the US, at least).
5
Unless Trump takes something like Canadian healthcare and passes it as his own, there is no way for the Republicans to win this battle.
The pre-existing condition has set the bottom line on healthcare. Republicans know they cannot pass any bill that does not have this condition. They also know they cannot pass a bill short of single payer system, that will make this condition work.
Hey Mr. Trump and republicans, why not save yourselves the embarrassment and pass single payer already ?
The pre-existing condition has set the bottom line on healthcare. Republicans know they cannot pass any bill that does not have this condition. They also know they cannot pass a bill short of single payer system, that will make this condition work.
Hey Mr. Trump and republicans, why not save yourselves the embarrassment and pass single payer already ?
105
The free market doesn't work in health care. What makes the free
market work is the law of supply and demand. There isn't enough
elasticity of demand in health care for a free market. If you are sick,
to choose less health care because it costs too much can often mean
choosing to become even sicker or even to die. The elasticity of supply
is also limited except in the very long term. It takes the better part
of a decade to train a new doctor. The middle men between supply and
demand (the insurance companies) are rent seekers who have too much
power versus consumers and health care providers. They extract an
outrageous amount of money from the system for what little value they
provide.
Every other advanced country on earth has figured this
out, and designed their health care system accordingly. We pay roughly
twice as much per capita than other advanced nations and have measurably
worse outcomes. Until we have a government option for all, and allow
the government to negotiate with health care providers and
pharmaceutical companies on behalf of the public, we will continue to
have the worst health care system in the advanced world.
market work is the law of supply and demand. There isn't enough
elasticity of demand in health care for a free market. If you are sick,
to choose less health care because it costs too much can often mean
choosing to become even sicker or even to die. The elasticity of supply
is also limited except in the very long term. It takes the better part
of a decade to train a new doctor. The middle men between supply and
demand (the insurance companies) are rent seekers who have too much
power versus consumers and health care providers. They extract an
outrageous amount of money from the system for what little value they
provide.
Every other advanced country on earth has figured this
out, and designed their health care system accordingly. We pay roughly
twice as much per capita than other advanced nations and have measurably
worse outcomes. Until we have a government option for all, and allow
the government to negotiate with health care providers and
pharmaceutical companies on behalf of the public, we will continue to
have the worst health care system in the advanced world.
17
Should you be able to buy car insurance after you have an accident? Should you be able to homeowners insurance after your house is destroyed in an earthquake?
Preexisting conditions are rarely a problem since almost everyone gets care through medicaid, employment , medicare. One way to discourage people from going uninsured is to treat people even if they aren't insured and then collect payment from them later so that anyone with any money or anything of value will get insurance.If people had free choice as to what they had in their plans and more companies were allowed to sell insurance at rates they choose almost nobody would be uninsured because the rates would be low .Trump's plan does not do away with mandates and does not increase competition. It used to be that if you were 21 you could get a plan for $75 a month with a high deductible but not now. Government distortion of the market and government suppression of competition raises costs and helps big corporations not the poor .If single payer is so good then why is the cost of medicaid , which covers mainly young adults and children so high? The government wants everyone dependent so they raise costs and the subsidies they provide just make big pharma richer . We need to lower costs .
Preexisting conditions are rarely a problem since almost everyone gets care through medicaid, employment , medicare. One way to discourage people from going uninsured is to treat people even if they aren't insured and then collect payment from them later so that anyone with any money or anything of value will get insurance.If people had free choice as to what they had in their plans and more companies were allowed to sell insurance at rates they choose almost nobody would be uninsured because the rates would be low .Trump's plan does not do away with mandates and does not increase competition. It used to be that if you were 21 you could get a plan for $75 a month with a high deductible but not now. Government distortion of the market and government suppression of competition raises costs and helps big corporations not the poor .If single payer is so good then why is the cost of medicaid , which covers mainly young adults and children so high? The government wants everyone dependent so they raise costs and the subsidies they provide just make big pharma richer . We need to lower costs .
3
Democrats are jumping the gun here. This bill needs to go through the Senate and McConnell is not stupid or about to risk losing seats in either House over this. It will be tinkered with and if pre-existing conditions are covered and seniors will not be charged outrageous amounts for coverage then I think the GOP will hold the majority. I don't think the slashing of funding for Medicaid will make much difference.
9
I think that last sentence says it all. Poor lives don't matter. Even if they did vote for him. Welcome to TrumpAmerica.
30
If government healthcare is so good then why is healthcare costing about 20% of every dollar ? We already have government healthcare and the only ones benefiting are the drug companies hospitals and the rest of the medical industrial complex.The more money you make available the more prices will go up and the more we will be subjected to unecessary treatment to raise profits.
2
Unfortunately, the poor are the least among us to cast votes.
1
Appealing to the pragmatic, less ideological voters, yes? That side of the Democrats has been shouted down to insignificance by the progressives, whose relentless pursuit of identity politics, deepened racial divisions and growing the regulatory state continues to scare off moderate voters. I'm a Dem and would love to see my party return to its results-driven, welcoming and inclusive agenda. But I'm not optimistic.
27
Please just do whatever it takes! I'm ashamed of this mean-spirited and vengeful Republican government, which it a threat to all of us and every aspect of our environment.
134
What about the mean spirited democrats who make healthcare more and more expensive and then use taxpayer money to make the drug companies and hospitals even more profitable while acting as if they are helping the poor and middle income people. The more money made available the more we will be subjected to dangerous drugs ( most are eventually found ineffective and often lethal) and the more tests and operations we will be given whether they help or hurt us
3
Minnesota Democratic Representative Tim Walz announced he is running for governor. Democrat Mark Dayton, the current governor, is retiring. That leaves Walz's red district open for Republicans to reclaim as their own. Years of Republican gerrymandering, and the tendency of Democrats to gerrymander themselves by moving together into dense urban enclaves, leaves very few districts competitive. It will take a seismic shift of moderate Republicans to the Democratic Party to retake the House, Senate, state legislatures, and governorships. Seismic shifts have happened, like when the Dixiecrats bolted to the Republican Party. Another one is possible in 2018, but the odds are long.
71
when only half a district's eligible voters turn-out, a gerrymandered seat is safe. However, if people would only realize that the Republicans are regressive in their policies and only represent the wealthy, then a wave election is quite possible. I think the activism we;ve witnessed is a good indicator for next year
1
Dixicrats never bolted to the Republican Party. That's an urban legend designed to disassociate the Democratic Party from its long history of racism.
Jim
re: Dixiecrats
Strom Thurmond?
Although there may not have been mass defections, almost every Southern Republican's father or grandfather was a Democrat.
re: Dixiecrats
Strom Thurmond?
Although there may not have been mass defections, almost every Southern Republican's father or grandfather was a Democrat.
Wow...angry and energized Democrats. What does that look like in reality. Much huffing and puffing and ineffectual intransigence. The folks who put Trump in office are enjoying something that happens all too infrequently - a winning candidate that actually keeps his promises. They will be energized too. And as we continue to see, the Democrats fight to play; the Republicans fight to win.
9
While I agree partly, in that Democrats are masters of the circular target practice routine, and usually flub their lines (and chances) how has your hero "kept his promises"? When did he promise Goldman Sachs and other Wall Street and real estate tycoons would form his administration as is now the case? As to that wall, you do realize it will never be paid for by Mexico and likely never built in any form close to the promise. DT will simply brag about deportations, and much reduced border crossing numbers and declare victory.
If you think all the coal mines and all those 1960 style factories are coming back, and blue collar America will be in a new Eisenhower era of prosperity go to Michigan or central Pennsylvania. They in their hearts know it is not coming back, but voted for DT in desperation or in reaction to a sense of betrayal by Democrats.
If you think all the coal mines and all those 1960 style factories are coming back, and blue collar America will be in a new Eisenhower era of prosperity go to Michigan or central Pennsylvania. They in their hearts know it is not coming back, but voted for DT in desperation or in reaction to a sense of betrayal by Democrats.
20
If you call tens of millions of people losing their health insurance winning. Trump's promise was to replace Obamacare with something better. He is a liar through and through. Most of his supporters are simply too ignorant to understand this.
33
"The folks who put Trump in office are enjoying something that happens all too infrequently - a winning candidate that actually keeps his promises."
With all due respect, Trump does not keep his promises, no matter what the newly-neutered Fox News might say. Better, cheaper health care for all? Nope. Build the wall? Nope (the budget includes money to repair broken sections of previously existing wall, only). Travel ban Muslims? Nope. The list goes on and on. Anything he's managed to do, like spend the peoples' money taking up residency in the winter and summer White Houses or installing his mannequin son-in-law and daughter as his "assistants", has had nothing to do with promise-keeping and everything to do with his selfish, unapologetic narcissicism.
With all due respect, Trump does not keep his promises, no matter what the newly-neutered Fox News might say. Better, cheaper health care for all? Nope. Build the wall? Nope (the budget includes money to repair broken sections of previously existing wall, only). Travel ban Muslims? Nope. The list goes on and on. Anything he's managed to do, like spend the peoples' money taking up residency in the winter and summer White Houses or installing his mannequin son-in-law and daughter as his "assistants", has had nothing to do with promise-keeping and everything to do with his selfish, unapologetic narcissicism.
18
While the Democrats retaking the House would be great, the senate s more important....If Democrats retake that, they can stop any future Supreme Court nominee and/or other federal court nominees....Which is exactly what the GOP did when they were in charge under Obama from 2015-2017...
Turnabout is fair play.....
Turnabout is fair play.....
91
Are you really sure about that? Considering the Joe Manchins, Heidi Heitkamps and John Testers, I'm not.
Whatever gains Democrats might make in 2018 will not prevent elections from being stolen. That's what happened in 2006 and 2008. Our votes are counted in SECRET by private right wing companies on PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE. That's UNDEMOCRATIC
Since 2002, when electronic voting machines were installed, exit polls have shown:
- vote counts shifting in one direction (to the right), statistically impossible
- exit poll discrepancies appear in competitive races, not in noncompetitive races
- hand counted ballots and computer counts are congruent in noncompetitive elections, not so in competitive elections
- cumulative vote share analysis (making a graph of the vote count in order of precinct size) shows one pattern in competitive elections and different pattern in noncompetitive elections (it's easier to manipulate elections in large precincts)
- there were no exit poll discrepancies in the 2016 Republican primary, lots of discrepancies on the Democratic side favoring Clinton
- Republicans won all 30 close House races in 2010, they should break about even
- progressive ballot measures have passed by wide margins (even in non-blue states), yet the explanation given by the media for Republican “wins” is that voters "simply didn’t vote for Democrats"
Two op-scans were opened after the Brown/Coakley 2010 senate race; there were large discrepancies between the hand and machine counts but the investigation was SHUT DOWN.
#HandCountedBallotsNow!
Since 2002, when electronic voting machines were installed, exit polls have shown:
- vote counts shifting in one direction (to the right), statistically impossible
- exit poll discrepancies appear in competitive races, not in noncompetitive races
- hand counted ballots and computer counts are congruent in noncompetitive elections, not so in competitive elections
- cumulative vote share analysis (making a graph of the vote count in order of precinct size) shows one pattern in competitive elections and different pattern in noncompetitive elections (it's easier to manipulate elections in large precincts)
- there were no exit poll discrepancies in the 2016 Republican primary, lots of discrepancies on the Democratic side favoring Clinton
- Republicans won all 30 close House races in 2010, they should break about even
- progressive ballot measures have passed by wide margins (even in non-blue states), yet the explanation given by the media for Republican “wins” is that voters "simply didn’t vote for Democrats"
Two op-scans were opened after the Brown/Coakley 2010 senate race; there were large discrepancies between the hand and machine counts but the investigation was SHUT DOWN.
#HandCountedBallotsNow!
174
As election integrity activist Jonathan Simon says, the purpose of rigging is not to win every election. The goal of riggers is to maximize their winnings and minimize their losses "within the bounds of acceptable risk."
Simon and others have been capturing exit poll numbers since 2004, which has provided the basis for the mountains of forensics evidence. There are clear patterns. Republican candidates have consistently outperformed pre-election polls and exit polls since 2002, enough to overcome expected Democratic wins in many cases.
When discrepancies occur they should cut both ways, they should not have a bias. But it’s important to note that we should NOT be seeing discrepancies. Our State Department uses exit polls to verify elections in other countries. A discrepancy above 2% raises a red flag and an investigation and recount follow. Elections have been overturned in Ukraine, Serbia, and Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exit Polls
http://electiondefensealliance.org/frequently_asked_questions_about_exit...
I recommend Simon's interviews and his book “Code Red: Computerized Election Theft and the New American Century" (2016 edition). You can download an excerpt of the book and listen to his interviews on his website.
http://codered2014.com/
I also recommend Simon’s Election Defense Alliance website.
http://electiondefensealliance.org/
Take the time to look into the third rail of American politics and share with others.
Simon and others have been capturing exit poll numbers since 2004, which has provided the basis for the mountains of forensics evidence. There are clear patterns. Republican candidates have consistently outperformed pre-election polls and exit polls since 2002, enough to overcome expected Democratic wins in many cases.
When discrepancies occur they should cut both ways, they should not have a bias. But it’s important to note that we should NOT be seeing discrepancies. Our State Department uses exit polls to verify elections in other countries. A discrepancy above 2% raises a red flag and an investigation and recount follow. Elections have been overturned in Ukraine, Serbia, and Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exit Polls
http://electiondefensealliance.org/frequently_asked_questions_about_exit...
I recommend Simon's interviews and his book “Code Red: Computerized Election Theft and the New American Century" (2016 edition). You can download an excerpt of the book and listen to his interviews on his website.
http://codered2014.com/
I also recommend Simon’s Election Defense Alliance website.
http://electiondefensealliance.org/
Take the time to look into the third rail of American politics and share with others.
7
Just so, RLS. Googling owners of voting machine companies is one can of worms after another. Beginning with Senator Chuck Hagel.
Who believes we all can get receipts from gas pumps and ATMs but this cannot happen with voting machines?
Who believes we all can get receipts from gas pumps and ATMs but this cannot happen with voting machines?
I agree however your argument is very specific. Please cite and source.
Every Republican who voted for repeal now OWNS it... So, in SoCal, I think it's appropriate to now call Trumpcare what it really is - RoyceCare, WaltersCare, IssaCare, RohrabacherCare,... These are 4 of the 14 of the Republicans who voted for repeal but whose districts voted for Hillary for President... SoCal will go blue!
209
As a resident of Monterey Bay in Calif., we haven't had a republican represent us for a long time and won't any time soon. I do hope my fellow Californians vote these despicable men out of office.
1
Hear. Hear.
But I think we should call it Trumpdontcare.
But I think we should call it Trumpdontcare.
This is all well and good, but let's also come up with a cohesive Democratic narrative that is more than just "we're not the GOP."
311
Not the GOP?
That 's enough for me.
That 's enough for me.
126
Bernie Sanders offered the Democrats a cohesive, popular narrative:
The elite have taken the wealth and political power, and used it to exploit the rest of us. If we organize together, we can take it back.
That means creating health care that alleviates suffering, rather than health care that makes drug and insurance companies rich.
That means an education system that prepares people for the 21st century, rather than making the schools and the financial industry rich.
That means serving the traditional constituency of the Democratic Party, the blue-collar and middle-class Americans, rather than moving the Party to the "center" in pursuit of upscale conservative voters.
The elite have taken the wealth and political power, and used it to exploit the rest of us. If we organize together, we can take it back.
That means creating health care that alleviates suffering, rather than health care that makes drug and insurance companies rich.
That means an education system that prepares people for the 21st century, rather than making the schools and the financial industry rich.
That means serving the traditional constituency of the Democratic Party, the blue-collar and middle-class Americans, rather than moving the Party to the "center" in pursuit of upscale conservative voters.
11
We did have a cohesive narrative and it came from Bernie Sanders but the DNC and its co-conspirators, including this paper, did their best to smother it.
16
SAD!